It is in Lahaul valley, 73 kms from Keylong. The name Baralacha means ‘Pass with cross roads on summit’ (Roads from Ladakh, Spiti and Lahaul join on the top of it). There is no road yet from Spiti, only a path exists. This pass is also an origin of Chandra, Bhaga and Yamuna rivers. They flow to three different directions, through the Chandra, Bhaga and Lingti valleys.
About Baralacha Pass :
Baralacha Pass lies on the long road of Manali – Leh road and the pass provides a route across the Baralacha mountain range. The Baralacha Pass is an exceptional pass and it is situated at an unusual height of 16,400 ft above the sea level. The Barlacha pass is 8 km long, and in this pass you will see a number roads that meet. This is actually a meeting point of several narrow valleys.
At this pass, routes from the regions Ladakh , Zanskar, and Lahaul meet. These routes have historical significance as they were used for centuries by ancient travelers and these routes cross themselves in all directions. The two famous are rivers of Lahaul, the Bhaga and Chandra that arise from the huge snowfields located on opposite side of the Barlacha pass.
Legend :
Folklore states that there were two lovers, Chandra being the daughter of the Moon and Bhaga the son of the Sun god. To perform their eternal marriage, they decided to climb to the Bara-lacha-la and from there they ran in opposite directions. Chandra being active and smart easily, found her way and reached Tandi after covering the distance of 115 km (71 mi). Soon Bhaga was found coming with great struggle through the narrow gorges to Tandi, where consequently both met and the celestial marriage was performed. Bhaga covered about 60 km (37 mi) distance, which was very difficult.
Baralachala means summit with cross roads from Spiti, Ladakh, Zanskar and Lahaul meet here and in ancient times it was part of a trade route. On the North West lies the Bhaga River while the Chandra flows South East. Near below the Baralacha-la is having a beautiful emerald lake the Suraj tal (Sun lake), the source of the river Bhaga.
Climate :
You should take special care regarding your clothing if you want to visit this place. The stern weather conditions at the pass require thick woolen clothes in winter. In summer you can preferably go for cotton garments.
Location : From Spiti to Ladakh
Major Passes : 16,400 ft
Significance : Counted Among the Best Trekking Passes.