Trekking in Manali
Himachal Pradesh is a paradise for adventurous souls and nature lovers, offering unbeatable trekking trails that are truly out of this world! It’s said that you can best appreciate the richness of nature when you touch and feel it for yourself. So, if you’re ready to experience the thrill, embrace the challenge, breathe in the fresh air, and soak in the stunning views, Himachal Pradesh is the perfect destination for you!
Close your eyes and imagine Manali, India, and you’ll be transported to a dreamy fairyland. The breathtaking beauty of this high-altitude resort town nestled in the lap of the Himalayan mountains of Himachal Pradesh will leave you speechless and turn you into a storyteller! Manali is India’s answer to the iconic European retreats, offering sylvan surroundings that make it the perfect honeymoon destination as well as a hub for thrilling adventures.
If you’re looking for some adrenaline-pumping activities, Manali has got you covered with skiing, zorbing, parachuting, paragliding, biking, jeep safari, and river rafting. But the real gem of this place lies in its trekking opportunities. Manali is often referred to as the trekker’s paradise, and for good reason! Adventure junkies from all over the world pack their backpacks and head to Manali all year round to experience its exquisite environs.
Trekking in Manali has come a long way, with most of the popular treks of Himachal Pradesh originating from this region. It’s well-connected to major cities in the country via road, train, and flight, making it easily accessible to all. With a multitude of trekking locales available, you can choose the one that best suits your preferences and trek level. These trekking destinations offer an overwhelming experience – with every step you take, you’ll receive more than you seek!
While each trek in Manali is unique, they all have some common elements, such as traversing through diverse Himalayan terrain, small idyllic villages, and experiencing the most exotic flora and fauna of Himachal Pradesh. Additionally, each trek is steeped in mythology and folklore, with certain highlights that are exclusive to that trek alone.
According to Hindu mythology, Manali was named after Manu, a Santan lawgiver, who is said to have halted at Manali to rebuild human life after a great flood swamped the earth. Manali is a beautiful city tucked away in the Kullu Valley, which is known as the “Valley of the Gods.” A historic temple attributed to the guru Manu may be seen in the town’s native village.
Without further ado, let’s take a quick look at the 06 most popular destinations for trekking in Manali.
Beas Kund Trek
If you’re up for an adventurous 3-day weekend trek, then the Beas Kund trek in Manali is the perfect choice for you! The trek spans across a total distance of 16 kms and takes you to the origin of the magnificent Beas river, with an altitude of 12,772 feet. The trek offers breathtaking views of the region’s beauty at its finest and is an ideal way to satiate the soul of an adventure lover.
If you have more time to spare, the trek can be extended to 5-6 days for further exploration. The trek, also known as the Vyasa Kund trek, begins at the Solang valley, which is located 13 kms away from Manali. As you traverse through vast grasslands, small rivulets, coniferous forests, and scenic campsites, you’ll be treated to panoramic views of Deo Tibba, Hanuman Tibba, Dhundhi, Indrasen Peak, and Pir Panjal range. The trail is easy to moderate, making it a hit among both amateurs and professionals.
The highlight of the trek is the Beas Kund lake, situated at the summit. According to legend, sage Vyas meditated on the banks of this lake and wrote the epic Mahabharata.
The best time to undertake the Beas Kund Trek is from mid-May to mid-October, so plan your trip accordingly to make the most out of this exhilarating experience.
Hampta Pass Trek
Hampta Pass, situated in the Pir Panjal Range of the Himalayas, is a trekker’s dream come true. The trek covers a distance of 35 km and takes five days to complete, reaching an impressive altitude of 14,039 feet.
The trek offers a range of diverse landscapes that will leave you awestruck. From towering rock walls to lush green grasslands, sparkling streams, glistening waterfalls, and hanging glaciers, to picturesque campsites and the barren and chilly deserts of Lahaul and Spiti, this trek has it all. The highlight of the trek is the crossover from the lush green grasslands of the Kullu Valley to the stunningly bare Chandra Valley in Lahaul Spiti.
As a bonus, the trek also leads to the breathtaking Chandra Taal lake, adding to the trek’s already impressive beauty. According to Hindu mythology, this trek route was taken by the Pandavas on their journey to heaven.
The best time to undertake this trek is between mid-June and mid-October.
Prashar Lake Trek
Prashar Lake trek is a delightful 2-day trek covering a distance of 16 km, taking you to an altitude of 8,956 feet. This hidden gem of Himachal Pradesh leads you through thick forests and snow-capped mountains, showcasing the untouched beauty of the region.
The highlight of the trek is the absolutely stunning Prashar Lake, also known as Parashar Lake, surrounded by the majestic Dhauladhar range. Another must-see attraction is the 3-story pagoda-shaped temple dedicated to Sage Parashar, located on the banks of the lake.
The best months to go on the Prashar Lake trek are February, April, May, and September. However, if you are a snow enthusiast, you can also do this trek during the winter months of December to February.
Kheerganga Trek
Kheerganga, situated at an elevation of 13,000 feet, is the last inhabited village on the trekking route from Pin Valley via Pin-Parvati Pass, nestled at the extreme end of Parvati Valley. This 2-day trek, covering a short distance of 12 km, is easy and suitable for almost everyone.
The trekking route is dotted with stunning waterfalls, apple orchards, lush greenery, hot water springs, and a Shiva Temple, offering an ideal opportunity to explore the beauty of Parvati Valley and discover its many secrets. The trek route gradually reveals the depth of this magical terrain.
Kheerganga has a rich mythology attached to it and is an important destination for both Hindus and Sikhs. It is believed that Kartikeya, son of Lord Shiva and Parvati, meditated at Kheerganga, while Goddess Parvati would cook Kheer (rice pudding) in the hot water springs of the region, giving it its name.
Another legend states that Guru Nanakji, while visiting his disciple in this region, removed a giant stone, and the hot springs appeared. The hot springs are the most popular attraction of the Kasol Kheerganga trek. The highlight of the trek is taking a dip in the hot water springs surrounded by the frosty, snow-covered surroundings.
The best time to undertake the Kheerganga trek is from May to June and September to October.