10 Splendid Trekking Trails In And Around Manali

Manali has been known as a popular holiday destination with travelers and enthusiasts flocking to the region that grants them with a cool weather, a getaway from the dusty city life and adventurous activities that make the heart go – Thump. Thump. Thump. Lesser known is that Manali abounds with routes that tread rocky terrains, dense forests and alpine meadows offering ecstatic views of the Kullu Valley and the Himalayan foothills. This makes Manali the perfect launch pad for treks and attracts trekking enthusiasts from all over the world. Gypsy Shack brings you 10 such trekking trails in and around Manali that would spark a trekker’s fire in your heart!

#1 Malana Village Trek

Image Source: Flickr

With an origin story that dates back to Alexander the Great’s men and an alternate one to Akbar, Malana has its fair share of legends and history, albeit hidden and tucked away at an altitude of 2652 metres in the Kullu Valley. A trekking bliss that begins 21 kms from Manali, passing through Naggar and carrying a bit of Himachal’s history with Roerich art Gallery, Nicholas Roerich Art Museum, this moderate trek takes you to the picturesque Rumsu (2300 m) accompanied by forests of oak and pines, trailing through meadows of wild flowers to Nauya Tapru, below the Chanderkhani Pass(3600m). Once over the Chanderkhani Pass  – it’s a slow show of captivation with the snow-capped Dhaula Dhar ranges and the Hanuman Tibba before you begin your descent to the reclusive village, the social structure, the strict customs and religious beliefs of Malana.

Duration: 3-4 Days

Maximum Elevation: 3660 m

Preferred Season: May to November

 

#2 Bara Banghal and Bir Trek

 

Image Source: Flickr

Witness nature’s bare beauty and indulge in thrills as you take on the journey from Kullu valley to Dharamshala. Nestled amidst the lush green backcountry of the Western Himalayas, this trekking trail is for those looking for an offbeat yet challenging trek experience. The eleven-day trek journey takes you over the Kalihani and Thamsar passes, offering splendid views of the Pir Panjal, Bara Bhangal and Dhaula Dhar ranges. The trek culminates in Kangra Valley; from thereon you can get a ride to Bir or even paraglide, if you are still craving more thrills.

Duration: 11 Days

Maximum Elevation: 4878 m

Preferred Season: June to September

 

#3 Hamya Herbal Trek

Image Source: Flickr

Manali Hamya Herbal Trek (4268 m) is a moderate level trek that unleashes an 8 day magic spell and is suitable for anyone who wishes to try on a different trial that offers something more than scenic views of the surrounding mountain ranges. The breathtaking landscape spreading from Pandu Ropa all leading the way down to Chikka (3000 m) and Balugera (3800 m) is inundated with exotic varieties of herbs or herbal plants (some medicinal and some magical) along with the flourishing fauna that will leave you in awe, especially if you are a nature enthusiast. So, pack your bags and get ready to venture outside the city limits to experience what nature has to offer.

Duration: 8 Days

Maximum Elevation: 4268 m

Preferred Season: June to September

 

#4 Hampta Pass Trek

Image Credit: Gypsy Shack

The Hampta Pass trek takes you from one camp site to another from a walk through the village culture of Banhara to the beautiful meadows and tantalizing ambience of Lama Dugh to paradise in the shadows of the Deo Tibba Mountain at its very base – this trek is a Camper’s paradise. The narrow valleys of the Hampta Pass (4297m) when adorned with the hues of snow are sure to give you that Artic region feel along with close up views of the Himalayan foothills, the Indrasan peaks. You’d also be lead to the plain sand grounds of Balu ka Ghera (3627m) and the cold sheaths of Shea Goru in this 8 day moderate level blizzard of awe and amazement.

Duration: 7-8 Days

Maximum Elevation: 4297 m

Preferred Season: June to September

 

#5 Jogini Waterfalls Trek

 

Image Source: Flickr

One of the most memorable day hikes from Manali – the Jogini Waterfalls trek begins from Hadimba Temple and its stretches onto the quaint edges of the Vashisht Village. The waterfall marks the village boundary and is regarded as a sacred place with attached beliefs and the sweet sound of solitude gushing from the falls. The trek route is a pleasant uphill walk towards the Vashisht Village, its temple and revitalizing hot water springs leads you to Jogini that greets with its cascading song of sacred waters and a pool formed below to take a dip and feel like heaven.

Duration:  1.5 - 3 hours

Maximum Elevation: 3980 m

Preferred Season: April to November

 

#6 Deo Tibba Base Camp Trek

Image Source: Gypsy Shack Files

The Deo Tibba Base Camp is a 5 day moderate level trek leads you into a blitz of scenic views of villages, settlements, grazing pastures, and the vast mountain ranges from the Bara Bangal ranges to the Dhauladhar Ranges to Deo Tibba mountain and Hanuman Tibba Peak. Beginning with a drive from Manali to the picturesque Jagatsukh, the Deo Tibba Base Camp Trek graces you with its pristine trails through tall pine trees and shady oak forests and leaves you stunned with its grazing pastures, hanging glaciers, glistening blue waters and of course – the cool shadows of the Deo Tibba Peak.

Duration: 5 Days

Maximum Elevation: 3475 m

Preferred Season: June to October

 

#7 Beas Kund Trek

Image Source: Flickr

Beas Kund (3690 m) is where the sacred river Beas originates. This trek encompasses all that you’d look out for a easy-normal trekking experience – suitable for all age-groups, camping by the river, trekking through meadows and forests, panoramic views of the mountain ranges such as the Pir Pangal range, the Dhauladhar range and trails following the banks of the river Beas. This trek begins with a drive from Manali to the skiing slopes and adventurous spirits of the Solang Valley to the alpine meadows of the scenic Dhundi, through birch trees at Bhoj Patra only to feel lost like a crazy heart in the divine embraces of the Beas Kund.

Duration: 4-5 Days

Maximum Elevation: 3690 m

Preferred Season:  April to October

 

#8 Brighu Lake Trek

 

Image Source: vicdicara.wordpress.com

This short and moderate trek from Gulaba, near Manali to the immaculate surroundings of the Bhrigu Lake is adorned with beauty that of a paradise. It begins with a drive from Manali to the bustling tunes of Gulaba and thereon a walk to the solitary confines in camps at the serene Bhrigu Lake (4270m) bestowing a panoramic view of the Kullu valley. On your way down, visit the temples, hot water springs, the old-world architecture of Vashisht Village and don’t forget to capture all those moments on film!

Duration: 3-4 Days

Maximum Elevation: 4270 m

Preferred Season: June to October

 

#9 Lama Dugh Trek

Image Source: raobharata.wordpress.com

Off through the oak, fir and deodar, we blaze our trekking trails through dense forests and move on an uphill climb to Lama Dugh – a popular grazing pasture. But for us – it’s the scenic views of the Indrasan, Deo Tibba, Hanuman Tibba amidst the meadows of wild flowers that entices. A pleasant 5 hr trek that begins from the Hadimba Temple and steadily guides you into the tall pine tree forests and the sinister wild cherry trees to the meadows of Lama Dugh (3170m) and back.

Duration: 3-4 hours

Maximum Elevation: 3170 m

Preferred Season: April to November

 

#10 Chandrakhani Pass Trek

Image Source: Flickr

A relatively easy trek with a moderate climb, Chandrakhani Pass (3660m) is another gem in the majestic crown of the Kullu Valley. Beginning at Naggar, it leads you deep into the pine, chestnut and deodar trees guarded trails of Rumsu to the alpine meadows to Nayu Tapru (below Chandrakhani). The scenic onslaughts of alpine forests and meadows is a treat for any nature lover and with the spectacular views over the Chadrakhani Pass of the Pir Panjal and Parbati mountain ranges, this trek is sure to be etched in one’s memory and photographs forever. From the Pass, there’s a descent to the secluded Malana Village before you head for Jari that will lead you back to the heartbreak kid – Manali.

Duration: 5-6 Days

Maximum Elevation: 3660 m

Preferred Season: April to October

 

Author: Jerome Gonsalves

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