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Baralacha Pass


Baralacha La, also known as Baralacha Pass, stands as a high-altitude mountain pass within the Zanskar range of the Himalayas. It’s nestled in the Lahaul Valley of Himachal Pradesh, along the Manali Leh Highway, at an impressive elevation of 4,890 meters (16,043 feet).

For much of the year, from mid-October to early May, Baralacha La remains snow-covered, with depths reaching up to 50 feet during the peak snowfall months of January and February. The Border Roads Organization (BRO) undertakes the herculean task of clearing the snow, usually commencing their operations in March and finally declaring the pass open in May, after Rohtang Pass becomes accessible.

This pass serves as a crucial link connecting Lahaul in Himachal Pradesh to Ladakh in Jammu and Kashmir. It’s a unique convergence point of three mountain ranges: Pir Panjal, Zanskar, and the Himalayas. Rising over three valleys, Baralacha La commands a height of over 16,000 feet, offering awe-inspiring views of the surrounding landscape.

Notably, the headwaters of the Chenab River, the Chandra, and the Bhaga find their source near the Baralacha Pass. The Bhaga River originates from the Surya Taal lake, located a few kilometers from the pass towards Manali, while the Chandra springs from a glacier in this vicinity. Additionally, the pass acts as a watershed between the Bhaga river and the Yunam river.

Baralacha La holds historical significance as part of an ancient trade route. It sits amidst picturesque landscapes, with the Bhaga River originating to the northwest and the Chandra flowing southeast. Below the pass lies the stunning Suraj Tal, also known as the Sun Lake, serving as the source of the Bhaga River and adding to the natural beauty of the region.

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