The Baralacha-la pass literally means the pass where many roads meet -a crossroads of Ladakh, Lahual, Spiti and Zanskar regions and was part of an ancient trade route that has been used by travelers for centuries.
The two great rivers of Lahaul are also borne here, the Chandra and the Bhaga arising from snowfields on either side . Just below the summit lies Suraj tal (Sun lake), the source of the Bhaga.
Caroline and I happily at the top!
A spectacular descent down a valley of burnt oranges, burgandy, greens and greys
Before dropping down to the Sarcchu plains the road continues to weave its way through a geologist's chocolate box of amazing rocks and formations (photo: A. van Tonder)
