Manali Trekking

Manali offers a wide variety of trekking spots from easy to difficult trekking routes. The trekking and camping experience in Manali is just extraordinary. These treks definitely rejuvenate the soul and mind for peace and tranquility. The best time for Manali trekking is from April to July and October to November. During the monsoons, it gets difficult to trek due to windward-side rainfall. And during the winter months, most of the high treks receive snowfall which is again a risk to trek in those slippery tracts and harsh weather conditions. But during the summer months, one can witness the true beauty and gushing of Manali with enchanting waterfalls and an amazing sunrise.

Shiti Dhar peak trek - Also known as the white peak trek, with an elevation of 18000 feet. It is considered to be one of the best trekking summit experiences that has the next step planned to trek on the Great Himalayan trek. The trek starts from Solang valley, which is around 10 km from Manali city, then to dhundy which is another 9 km walk on the flat road beside the river Beas, then to climb through the thick green forest to reach Bakkarthach campsite, in the valley, one can notice the Beas kund lake from the top of the valley. Then from Bakar Thach to lohali basecamp (12000 feet), which has a picturesque green meadow with streams, surrounding the beautiful dhauladar range. The trek doesn’t stop here, it tests both the physical and mental strength of an individual, from the basecamp to advanced base camp to lady leg campsite with an elevation of 14500 feet, and with steep snowy gradient, one must not forget to carry snow gears along with them. After the tiring long steep gradient covered with snow, the summit becomes clear, the summit being surrounded by various peaks like friendship peak, deo tibba peak and many more in the dhauladar and pir panjal range. The 42 km trek to an elevation of 18000 feet will chill your nerves but the summit is worth every step. 

Kheerganga trek - Kheerganga trek is one of the beginner’s trek and unique Himalayan treks. The summit is at an altitude of 10000ft. It is situated in the Parvati valley. The trek route is rocky, steep, and through the dense forest towards the end of the trek. There are some sections of the trek with wooden bridges and slippery sections. There are many waterfalls along the route that are just breathtaking. At the summit there are camps for accommodations and one could also enjoy a bath in the hot spring. From the summit, the view of the entire Parvati valley looks just beautiful, and during the nighttime, stargazing while camping is a bliss experience. The total trek distance is 14km and starts from Barshaini. 

Bhirgu lake trek - Bhirgu lake trek lies in Himachal Pradesh around 20km from Manali. It is believed that the lake has a mythology significance, as it is also believed that at this place the famous saint Maharishi Bhrigu sat in deep meditation. The trek is considered to be one of the most thrilling and adventurous treks in the country. Throughout the trek, one can witness the expense of alpine meadows and grasslands. The average altitude of the trek is around 11000ft above sea level. The trek route is nestled with snow-capped mountains of the Pir Panjal and Dhauladhar range dominating the skyline. The complete trek takes about 4 days to reach the summit. The trek offers views of meadows, glacial lakes, and gigantic mountain views. The lake is situated on the east side of the Rohtang pass close to Gulaba village. 

Beas Kund trek - Beas Kund trek is one of the popular trekking destinations in Himachal Pradesh located near Manali. Beas Kund trek is a moderate-level trek and ideal for beginners. Beas Kund is a holy lake at an altitude of 12772 feet. The Kund is nestled between the snow-capped mountains and is protected by an igloo-like stone structure. The trek starts from Solang valley which is situated at a distance of 13km from Manali. The trek ascends from Solang valley to Dhundi which is 7km from Solang and then to Bakar Thatch which is 5km from Dhundi, and 3km from Dhundi to enter the Beas Kund Glacier. Throughout the trek, one can witness the transition in landscapes from lush green meadows to glaciers to snow-capped mountains. From the kund, one can see the magnificent peak of Hanuman tibba on the west side of the Kund. It takes about 5 days to complete the trek. The best time for the Beas Kund trek is from March to October.   

Deo tibba trek - Deo tibba trek is one of the best trekking destinations in Himachal. This pristine trek passes through grazing pastures of the Gaddi shepherds and the serene blue waters of the Chandertal lake at an altitude of 4480m. The trek takes you to the maximum altitude of 6000m where the summit of the Deo tibba is reached. The trek starts from Jagatsukh which is situated at a distance of 6km from Manali. From Jagatsukh village to Khanol, which is at a distance of 6km passes through a dense alpine forest then to Chikka which is at a distance of 8km from Khanol, then to Sheri (8km from Chikka) and Tenta (2km from Sheri). From Tenta, the last part of the trek to enter the Deo tibba base camp which is at a distance of 5km from Tenta. The trek route from Jagatsukh village till Tenta is through a thick forest of Oak and Deodar, sprawling green meadows and glaciers. The whole trek takes about 5 days to complete. The best time for the Deo tibba trek is from April to October. The richness of the trek can be seen from the beautiful valleys it offers, moraines, meadows, and the gigantic snow-capped mountains engulfing the trek route to Deo Tibba. 

Chandrakhani pass trek - Chandrakhani pass trek is one of the serene treks at an altitude of 3660m. The trek offers a beautiful view of the Deo tibba crest, Pir Panjal ranges, and Parvati valley. The trekking area is also known as the valley of gods. It takes around 3 days to complete 21km of the trek. Chandrakhani has a religious significance and it is soaked in mythology. It is believed that the local deity of Malana, Jamlu carried a basket full of Gods and opened it near the pass. It is one of the spots for Manali trekking in December and a moderate-level trek ideal for beginners.

Trekking in Manali is surely a great way to explore nature amidst the lush green forests and gigantic snow-capped mountains but camping while on the trek is another bliss to just be there at the moment and watch the transition of the skyline and to realize what nature has to offer. Manali is one of the most considered camping spots for tourists, it offers serenity and adventure at the same time. It offers a calm climate, wildlife sanctuaries, and tranquil nature with the backdrop of snow-capped mountains. Some of the best places to camp are :
-snow camping in Hampta valley - experience the camping site while on your trek to Hampta Valley. The valley offers a mesmerizing view of the Kullu valley and a view of various mountains ranges like the Pir Panjal and Dhauladar range. The campsite surrounded by snow-capped mountains is a must-try while trekking in Manali.  

-apple orchard camping in Manali - Manali is also known for its apple farms, which also offer tourists to have the experience to stay among the apple orchards. 
 
-camping in sethan - camping in sethan is one of the best experiences, as Sethan receives heavy snowfall during the winter months. Camping in the winter months is a must-try amidst the serene ice blanket and tranquil nature. One could have the option to stay in igloos. 
 
-camping with rafting and paragliding - Manali offers various spots for river rafting and paragliding. Experience your stay on the banks of the Manali river and enjoy the adventurous thrill of river rafting and paragliding.

-camping in Solang valley - Solang valley is about 20km from Manali. The valley is breezy and snow can be found. It hosts various winter sports for tourists. One can have the experience of camp in Solang valley amidst the snow-covered mountains and rocky terrains.

Jogini waterfalls - It is one of the short treks in Manali. The overall trek distance is around 4km which takes around 4-5 hours to complete. The trek route is amidst the pine forest guarded by broken mountains. The trek leads to the beautiful cascading Jogini waterfalls in Vashisht. 

Patalsu peak trek - In comparison with the other treks around Manali, this trek seems a modest trek and yet accessible to most beginners who are trying their first steps towards trekking.  For any beginner or for any trekker in any trek, the summit feels so overwhelming with the beauty of mountains and cushions of clouds surrounding you. The starting point – Solang Nallah, along the way, the endeavor is full of meadows and alpine forests, and one can also experience bird watching while on the trek. With a steep gradient towards the summit, it takes the trekkers 2 days, to an elevation of 13,850 feet above sea level. From the summit, one can see the snow-covered mountains over Kullu valley and Lahaul-Spiti. 

Parashar lake trek - Parashar lake trek is one of the best trekking places around Manali in December. The lake is situated amidst the mighty Dhauladhar ranges. The lake has a floating island on it which changes its position on its own, the depth of the lake is still unknown. The trek distance is around 10km from panarsa which is near Mandi. At the top of there is an ancient-style Pagoda temple dedicated to Prashar Rishi. From the top one can view the Pir Panjal and Kinnaur mountain ranges. 

Tosh valley trek - Tosh valley is known for its luscious green valley with beautiful wild flora and fauna, waterfalls with the backdrop of snow-capped mountains. The trek is located at the edge of the Parvati valley at an altitude of 7874ft. The total trek distance is 6km.

Bijli Mahadev trek - Bijli Mahadev trek is one of the easy treks to do near Manali in December. The total trek distance is around 4km and the trek starts from Kinja village. The trek route amidst the tall trees and beautiful landscapes will lead you to an altitude of 2460m. From the top, the view of the Kullu valley is just mesmerizing.

Lama Dugh trek -  It is one of the relaxing treks into the thick alpine surrounding the city. Even though the starting point of the trek from Dhungri might be a steep inclination but the rest of the trek seems a pleasant walk to the maximum elevation of 9,900 feet, it takes around 5-6 hours of trek to reach the top. Throughout the trek, it gives a panoramic view of the Manali city and the mountains surrounding it, and it does surely take away the breath with the mountain and the climbing. 

Hamya Herbal trek - It is one of the moderate level treks around the city offering exotic medicinal herbs in the Kullu valley and herbal plants of the Himalayan mountains. The trek starts from Pandu ropa which is around 10 km from Manali city and it takes 4-5 days to complete the trek, with a maximum elevation of 14000 feet. The trek showcases a panoramic view of the snow-bound mountains. From Pandu ropa, the trek begins to chikka or to balugera (base of hampta valley) which is situated at a height of 12500 feet. At this point, one can witness a variety of minor forest produce. One can also have the view of peaks of central Lahaul and Deo tibba (19000feet). Some of the famous herbs found are – Gentian kurroo, Discorea, Podophyllum Haxandrum, etc. 

Khar Myundari trek - It is one easiest trek showcasing the prettiest of plains, thick deodar, and pine forest beside a stream and beautiful view of the Kullu valley. The trek starts from Sethan, which is around an hour’s drive from Manali. The maximum elevation, it offers is 11000 feet, almost a 12 km trek which can be completed within 4-5 hours if not planning for camping alongside the river.