Trekking in Himachal & Zankar

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Day Treks around Manali

Day treks around Manali are great way to experience the mountain life and enjoy the scenic charm of breathtaking views if you are spending a few days in Manali. These treks are rated as easy to moderate and most of these can be done throughout the year.

Bijli Mahadev (2 to 3 hrs) Drive from from Manali to Kinja. Trek for 4 kms from Kinja to Bijli Mahadev.

Dashaur Lake (2 to 3 hrs) Drive from Manali to Rohtang Pass. Trek for 5 kms to Dashaur Lake.

Lamadugh (4 to 5 hrs) Start from Manali and follow the trail from Hadimba temple to Lamadugh. Enjoy the views of Manali and Kullu valley from Lamadugh and return to Hadimba temple completing a circle of 10 kms.

Magnukot (4 to 5 hrs) Start from old Manali village to a vantage point near Manali, Magnukot, and descend to Bahang and return to Manali completing a circle of 12 kms.

Solang Valley (4 to 5 hrs) Drive from Manali to Solang. Trek along the right bank of Beas River through villages, green fields and orchards with beautiful views of valleys, forests and mountain and return to old Manali village covering 11 kms.

Jogni fall (3 to 4 hrs) Drive from Manali to Vashist village. Trek from Vashist to the waterfall, onward to Gushal village and old Manali village covering 8 kms.

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Bhrigu Lake (2 Days)

Best visited: April to October
Level: Easy
Highest Altitude: 4270 meters

Day 01: Manali - Bahang - Vashist - Bhrigu
Starting early from Manali, passing though the village of Bahang and the sacred site of Vashisht, the trek continues uphill and finally descending to Bhrigu lake. Catch the awe inspiring views of Indrasan and other peak in this region. Camp near the lake.

Day 02: Bhrigu - Bahang - Manali
Return to Manali via Bahang

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BEAS KUND (3 Days)

The trek provides a panoramic view of the mountain range Pir Panjal and Dhauladhar. It also takes you to a small glacier lake named "Beas Kund", the source of river Beas.

Best visited: May to October
Level: Easy to Moderate
Highest Altitude: 4326 m

Day 01: Manali to Solang (12 km by vehicle) followed by a trek to Dhundi (2 to 3 hrs). The trek leads through a cool herbs laden area and bypasses small rivulets on the way to Dhundi, from where you have a nice view of Hanuman Tibba (5930 Mt). Spend the night at Dhundi.

Day 02: Dhundi to Beas Kund (3 to 4hrs)
Uphill trek through meadows and glaciers to Beas Kund, a small glacier lake and origin of river Beas. Camp at Beas Kund.

Day 03: Beas Kund to Dhundi (2 to 3hrs) and return to Manali by Jeep/car (16 kms) Leaving this wonderland the track leads you back to Dhundi and Solang Nala. From Solang Nala return to Manali by jeep.

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Great Himalayan National Park (9 Days)

Day 01: Manali to Neuli (100 kms by vehicle)
A 100 km drive from Manali to Neuli

Day 02: Neuli (1500 m) to Shakti (2100 m) (22 km)
Night at Park accommodation. Moderate ascent.

Day 03: Shakti to Dhel (3737 m) (11 km)
Ascent through dense forest, walnut trees, medicinal herbs, etc.

Day 04 and 05: Rest days at Dehl and day hikes to Jogni (5 km)
Enjoy the fabulous sunrises and sunsets. Early morning hikes with opportunities to observe wildlife (Red Fox, Himalayan Tahrs).

Day 06: Dehl to Gumataro (3500 m) (15 km)
Strenuous. Moving to higher elevations (4120 meters). Difficult trail for more than one hour through very narrow path with sheer drops of 200 meters. Good chance of seeing Himalayan Tahr. A long day on the trail.

Day 07: Rest Day at Gumataro
Early morning opportunities for observing Himalayan Tahr and Musk deer.

Day 08: Gumataro to Shilt (3100 m) (16 km)
Moderate up and down. Lush bamboo forests, streams and waterfalls. Shilt campsite offers opportunities for evening wildlife.

Day 09: Shilt to Gushaini to Manali
A steep descent through dense forests, exiting GHNP into Gushaini and drive back to Manali (115 kms)

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Malana via Chandrakhaini Pass (4 Days)

This trek is surrounded with beautiful mountain ranges full of Deodar forest and snow covered peaks. It covers one of the most beautiful flower bedecked passes as well as the village Malana a very old democratic habitation.

Best visited: May to October
Level: Easy to moderate trek
Highest Altitude: 4450 m

Day 01: Manali to Naggar and trek to Base of Chandrakhani (6-7 hrs)
A 21 km drive takes you to Naggar, the starting point of the trek and old capital of Kullu Valley.

Day 02: Chandrakhani base to Malana via Chandrakhaini Pass (6-7 hrs)
Steep climb takes you to Chandrakhani pass, at the top of the flower valley. Then the way descends gradually to Malana, a unique habitation which has maintained its own democratic system of government for many centuries.

Day 03: Malana to Rashol village after crossing Rashol Pass (7-8 hrs)
Catch the spectacular views of Pin Valley from Rashol Pass

Day 04: Rashol village to Manikaran (5-6 hrs) and return to Manali via Kasol (85 kms by vehicle)

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Deo Tibba Base (6 days)

Day 01: Manali to Jagatsukh (6 kms drive); trek to Khanol (2-3 hrs)
A short drive to the village of Jagatsukh and thereafter the trail winds upwards alongside the Bahangan Nullah from Khanol which is the first days camp. The valley of Manali appears far below and to the east lies the mighty mountain - Deo Tibba. Along, the way to Khanol green forests with an amazing variety of vegetation dot the way.

Day 02: Khanol to Chikka (4-5 hrs)
The six kilometer long trail goes along an alpine plateau and is almost a gradual incline. All around the trail lie excellent rock climbing hills. Camp at Chhika.

Day 03: Chikka to Seri (4-5 hrs)
The trail continues uphill for 5 km and the sudden appearance of Deo Tibba is breathtaking. Seri was once a glaciated lake, but is now a meadow carpeted with a variety of herbs and alpine flowers. Camp in this fairyland beneath a clear blue sky twinkling with a million stars.

Day 04: Trek to Deo Tibba Base and back to Seri (5-6hrs)
You have two options, both worth the short climbs, involved. The flora enthusiast will have a wonderful time trying to identify the hundreds of flowers growing everywhere, and the tiny lake provides some excellent views of Deo Tibba and others peaks of Manali and Spiti ranges. Camp at either place.

Day 05: Seri to Khanol and back to Manali
Please mention distance and duration of journey

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Khiriganga via Rashol Pass (8 days)

Best visited: June to October
Level: Moderate trek
Highest Altitude: 3500 meters

Day 01: Manali to Naggar (20 kms) and trek to Rumsu (2-3 hrs)
A 20 km drive takes you to Naggar, the starting point of the trek. Trek to village of Rumsu.

Day 02: Rumsu to Malana via Chandrakhaini Pass (7-8 hrs)
The trek leads through a carpet of high altitude flowers to Chanderkhani pass (3660m), a heaven for nature lovers. Until the end of June the top of Chanderkhani pass is useally covered with snow. The pass provides you great views of the peaks of Dhauladhar and Peer Panjal. From here you descend to Malana, a unique habitation which has maintained its own democratic system of government for many centuries.

Day 03: Malana to Rashol village via Rashol Pass (7-8 hrs)
Head to Rashol village after a steep ascent to Rashol Pass.

Day 04: Rashol to Manikaran (4-5 hrs)
Walk from Rashol to Kasol and travel to Manikaran by vehicle (about a 40 minutes drive). Stay in a hotel at Manikaran and enjoy the famous natural hot springs.

Day 05: Manikaran to Pulga ( 4-5 hrs)
Walk uphill on a motorable road through cliffs and old villages besides river Parvati. Camp near village Pulga.

Day 06: Pulga to Khiriganga (6-7 hrs)
The trek leads through hilly terrain along dry rocks of Parvati river. Camp at Khirganga on open meadows.

Day 07: Khiriganga to Manikaran (4 hrs trek and 15km drive)
On return to Manikaran, one can either enjoy a dip in the hot springs or can return to Manali the same day.

Day 08: Return from Manikaran to Manali (85 kms)
An 85 km drive takes you back to Manali.

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Spiti Valley Trek (7 Days)

Best visited: July to October
Level: Moderate trek
Highest Altitude: 4600 meters

Day 01:
Manali to Chichling (222 Kms by vehicle)

Day 02:
Chichling to Lalung via Dhankar

Day 03:
Lalung to Damol

Day 04:
Damol to Comic

Day 05:
Comic to Langza

Day 06:
Langza to Kaza

Day 07:
Retrurn from Kaza to Manali (200 kms by vehicle)
Chichling - Dhankar -Lalung - Damol - Comic - Langza - Kaza - Manali (by bus) Overnight stops at Lalung, Damol, Comic, Langza & Kaza. This trek can also be extended to Kibber, with two additional days.

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Spiti via Pin Parvati Pass (5319m) (11 days)

Pin Valley is most beautiful and adventurous, because of the 4810 Mt high Pin Parvati Pass which separates the Pin from the Parvati valley. The trek starts at Manikaran in Parvati valley and takes you over to Pin valley. On the way you find a rich fauna and flora with flowers and spices as well as fossil rich rocks. Be prepared to enter the land of the ibex and snow leopard.

Best visited: July to September
Level: Strenuous trek
Highest Altitude: 5319 m

Day 01: Manali to Pulga via Manikaran by vehicle (100 kms)
Drive from Manali to Manikaran and start the trek uphill on a motorable road through cliffs and old villages besides river Parvati. Camp near village Pulga.

Day 02: Pulga to Khiriganga (5-6 hrs)
The trek leads through hilly terrain along dry rocks of Parvati river. Camp at Khirganga on open meadows.

Day 03: Khiriganga to Tunda Bhuj ( 4-5 hrs)
The trail crosses several delightful pastures with a variety of wild flowers in summer. Camp at Tunda Bhuj.

Day 04: Tunda Bhuj to Thakur Kuan (4-5hrs)
Start the day with crossing rocks and dense vegetation and after a few tiring kilometers, the trail descends to the riverbank. The next section up the valley gets difficulties with the trail frequently skirts rockfaces. Camp at Thakur Kuan above the cliff section of the valley.

Day 05: Thakur Kuan to Pandu Bridge (3-4 hrs)
The trail passes a side river by a natural rock bridge. Just above this crossing is the Pandu bridge, another natural rock bridge over the Parvati river.

Day 06: Pandu Bridge to Mantalai Lake (3-4 hrs)
Then the trail ascends gradually through a series of flower meadows. Camp at a grassy campsite near Mantalai lake.

Day 07: Mantalai Lake to Base of Pin-Parvati Pass (4550 m)
Trekking past the boulders of the Pin Parvati glacier, you get panoramic view of Parvati valley and its surrounding peaks. Camp at a sandy ground near the base of Pin-Parvati Pass.

Day 08: Base of Pin-Parvati Pass to Pin-Parvati Pass (4810 m) to Pin Valley Camp
The trek leads up to Pin-Parvati Pass over several snowfields. The pass provides a magnificent view of snow capped mountain ranges. The descent from the pass is gradual, leads over snow fields and gets steep at some places. Camp at a grassy spot of land.

Day 09: Pin Valley Camp to Tial (3900 m)
Day starts with walking on loose scree and then crossing a few rivulets. The camp is again situated on a grassy spot of land.

Day 10: Tail to Mud (3600 m)
The village of Mud can be seen beneath a huge cliff face from above. The campsite of Mud lies just outside the village.

Day 11: Mud to Sangam (3500 m) to Kaza (3600 m)
Head to Kaza from Sangam by bus where you stay in a hotel.

Day 12: Kaza - Manali
Drive from Kaza to Manali in about 10 hours.

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Barabangal Trek (14 Days)

Best visited: July to October
Level: Moderate to strenuous trek
Highest Altitude: 4697 m

A two-three day acclimatization is recommended at an altitude of 2000 m.

Day 01:
Manali to Lamadugh (6 hrs)

Day 02:
Lamadugh to Dohra Nallah (7 hrs)

Day 03:
Dohra Nallah to Kaliheyni Base I (6 hrs)

Day 04:
Kaliheyni Base I to Kaliheyni Base II (6 hrs)

Day 05:
Kaliheyni Base II to Gaddi Thach (6 hrs)

Day 06:
Gaddi Thach to Lambapaharh (4 hrs)

Day 07:
Lambapaharh to Camp I (7 hrs)

Day 08:
Camp I to Upper Barabhangal (6 hrs)

Day 09:
Upper Barabhangal to Barbhangal (4 hrs)

Day 10:
Barabhangal to Camp II (6 hrs)

Day 11:
Camp II to Marrhi (4 hrs)

Day 12:
Marrhi to Plachak (6 hrs)

Day 13:
Plachak to Billing (6 hrs)

Day 14:
Billing to Bir (4 hrs) - Dharamshala

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Hamta-Chandratal-Darcha (14 days)

One of the most popular treks of the region takes you over the Hamta Pass above 4200m to crystal clear lake Chandratal.

Best time: Mid June to October
Level: Moderate to strenuous trek
Highest Altitude: 4800 m

A two-three day acclimatization is recommended at an altitude of 2000 m

Day 01: Manali to Sethan (5-6 hrs)
The trek starts at 2.5km from Manali at Prini with an uphill walk to Sethan village.

Day 02: Sethan to Juara (4-5 hrs)
Enjoy the magnificient views of snow covered mountains and camp at Juara, the base of Hamta Pass.

Day 03: Juara to Shiagouru (6-7 hrs)
A strenuous trek climbs uphill to Hamta Pass with great views once you get to the Pass. Descend to the camp at Shiagouru.

Day 04: Shaigouru to Chatru (3-4 hrs)
Descend to Chatru Camp where the road leads to Spiti valley.

Day 05: Chatru to Chotadara (3-4 hrs)
A 16km road walk along the river Chandra through barren mountains to Chotadara.

Day 06: Chotadara to Batal (4-5 hrs)
Another 16km walk along river Chandra with views of glaciers of Chota Sigri and Bara Sigri.

Day 07: Batal to Chandratal (4-5 hrs)
A pleasant walk along river Chandra brings you to lake Chandratal. Enjoy the breathtaking scenery and camp at green meadows around the lake.

Day 08: Explore Chandratal lake
Spend a day savouring the beauty and revitalize for further trek.

Day 09: Chandratal to Topko Yomga (6-7 hrs)
A walk through magnificient scenery crossing rivers.

Day 10: Topko Yogma to Topko Yongma (5-6 hrs)
A 10km walk that leads from one rivulet to another.

Day 11: Topko Yongma to Baralacha La (4-5 hrs)
Trek to Baralacha la. One can drive to Leh tom here.

Day 12: Baralacha La to Patseo (4-5 hrs)

Day 13: Patseo to Darcha (3-4 hrs)

Day 14: Return to Manali (150 kms by vehicle)

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Manali-Lamayuru (24 days) via Padum

Best visited: July to early October
Level: Strenuous trek
Highest Altitude: 5100 m

A three-day acclimatization is recommended at an altitude of 2000 m

Day 01: Manali to Darcha by vehicle (150 kms)
Drive from Manali crossing Rohtang Pass and arrive at Darcha in Lahaul.

Day 02: Darcha to Palano (4-5 hrs)
This is start of the challenging trek that takes you through varied terrains and majestic mountain views. Starting at Darcha with an easy walk into the valley, visit the monasteries at Chika and Rarik. Camp at Palano

Day 03: Palano to Zamska Sumdo (4-5hrs)
Staring early, cross the river by a hanging pulley. Camp overnight at Zanskar Sumdo

Day 04: Zamska Sumdo to Chumik Nakpo (4-5 hrs)
Early morning trek from Zanskar Sumdo to Chumik Nakpo. The route leaves the valley and heads towards the Shingo La pass with steep ascent.

Day 05: Chumik Nakpo to Shingo La to Lakong (6-7 hrs)
Starting early with ascent to the top of Shingo La pass where you get the with fascinating views of the glaciers around. An easy traverse of a glacier takes us to the valley and to the Lakham yak pastures. Camp at the pastures.

Day 06: Lakong to Kargyak (4-5 hrs)
A gradual descent along the Kargyak river, lined with Mani walls. One get to see Doksas, homes for the yaks during summer.

Day 07: Kargyak to Zamthang (5-6 hrs)

Day 08: Zamthang to Phuktal to Zamthang (3-4 hrs)

Day 09: Zamthang to Bipul (3-4 hrs)

Day 10: Bipul to Raruk (3-4 hrs)

Day 11: Raruk to Padum (4-5hrs)

Day 12: Padum to Karsha (3-4hrs)
About 3 to 4 hours trek to Karsha village and it’s a fifteenth century Gelupa Monastery. Camp at Karsha.

Day 13: Karsha to Pishu (4-5 hrs)
Pass along an impressive hanging bridge over Zanskar river and camp near village Pishu.

Day 14: Pishu to Hanumil (4-5hrs)
Easy walk leads along the river and crosses the morainic plateau. Camp at Hanumil.

Day 15: Hanumil to Snertse (6-7 hrs)
Cross Parfi La and reach the Oma Chu River, where you have great views. Camp at Snertse.

Day 16: Snertse to Lingshed (6-7hrs)
A long and gradual ascebnnt towards Hanuma La and camp near monastery Lingshed.

Day 17: Lingshed to Sengge La Pass High Camp (6-7 hrs)
Cross Murgum La (4100m), great views of wonderful landscape of Nierag Valley on the other bank of Zanskar followed by a steep climb to Kiupa La. Finally, an easy walk to the camp.

Day 18: Sengge La Pass High Camp to Photoksar (6-7 hrs)
A long climb an descent take you over Snegge La (5000m) and Bumiktse La (4200m) to a splendid village at the base of huge mountain walls. Camp at Photoksar.

Day 19: Photoksar to Hanupatta (5-6 hrs)
Ascent to Sirsit La and descent to the village of Hanupatta.

Day 20: Hanupatta to Wanla (4-5 hrs)
Trek through gorges, easy and difficult stretches to reach the beautiful monastery of Wanla. Camp at Wanla.

Day 21: Wanla to Lamayuru Monastery (3-4 hrs)
A 3 to 4 hour trek takes you to the famous monastery of Lamayuru. Enjoy the serenity and take pictures. Camp near the monastery.

Day 22: Lamayuru to Leh (50 kms)
Head to Leh.

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Darcha-Padum via Baralacha-La and Phirtse-La (12 days)

Best visited: July to early October
Level: Strenuous trek
Highest Altitude: 5250 m

A three-day acclimatization is recommended at an altitude of 2000 m

Day 1: Darcha (3350 m) to Patseo (3811 m) (4-5 hrs)
Trek along Manali-Leh highway. Camp near the Bhaga stream.

Day 2: Patseo (3811 m) to Zingzingbar (4200 m) (4-5 hrs)
One may follow the road or take short cuts. The scenery resembles moonscape.

Day 3: Zingzingbar (4150 m) to Keylong Sarai (4600 m) (5- 6 hrs)
Follow the highway past Suraj Taal (or the sun lake) to cross Baralacha La, which is one of the most famous passes in the Himalayas and it is a double pass, at the convergence of Tsarap valley in the north, Chandra valley to the south and the Bhaga valley to the west. The sprawling scenery is highlighted with peaks rising well above 6000 m. Keylong Sarai offers a good campsite.

Day 4: Keylong Sarai (4500 m) to Camp I (4400 m) (5-6 hrs)
At Keylong Sarai, leave the bridge on the right and continue along the right bank of Lingti Chhu. The route continues over the plains into the valley and gradually climbs uphill towards the Phirtse La. The valley is sandy. After fording a few side streams and up and down walking you reach campsite depending on the availability of water.

Day 5: Camp I (4400 m) to Chhumik Marpo (4880 m) (6-7 hrs)
Cross four canyons and ford the river. After the plateau the valley narrows and the track is along mountainside. Chumik Marpo is an ideal campsite when crossing the pass from this side. The area is grazing ground for Yak herds from the village of Kargyak during the summer months. It is the only settlement on this route between Tanze and Darcha.

Day 6: Chhumik Marpo (4880 m) to Western slope camp (4800 m) (6-7 hrs)
It is difficult to find the trail. Once in the grassy patch, will locate it without mistake. Fine walk over Phirtse-La at 5250 m is followed by a steep descent. At the end of the slope, continue on the path that leads to the river. Go over to the left bank and camp in the wide open area some 50 m above the river.

Day 7: Western slope camp (4800 m) to Tanze (3850 m) (4-5 hrs)
The path leads away from the river. The gorges along the path make going difficult for animals. Another minor pass is crossed to reach the first inhabited village in the Zanskar valley since Darcha.

Day 8: Tanze (3850 m) to Purne (3700 m) (5-6 hrs)
Cross the bridge and then the trail ascends from the riverbank towards the village of Karu (39990 m). The track is lined by substantial stonewalls to protect the barley fields from straying pack animals. From Karu the trail towards the village of Tetha (3950 m) is marked by a series of well maintained chortens. Continue 4-5 kilometers to the village of Purne.

Day 9: Purne (3700 m) to Phuktal – Purne (Half a day Excursion)
From Purne, the trail to Phuktal follows the true left bank for several Kilometers before it reaches a makeshift bridge over the Tsarap river. From the bridge it is 2 to 3 kilometers on to the impressive monastery of Phuktal (3850 m). The main assembley hall is carved out of a huge cave, with the monks quarters scattered down the hillside. Inside the monastery, there is an inscription to Coso de Korso, one of the first Europeans to visit the Zanskar region and the first to translate the Buddhist texts from Ladakhi into English.

Day 10: Purne (3700 m) to Ichar (3650 m) (4 hrs)
Easy walking along the river Tsarap and camp close to the village of Ichar.

Day 11: Ichar (3650 m) to Mune (3900 m) (4 hrs)
The trail ascends gradually from the main valley and then a short descend before crossing the main tributary to reach the village of Reru (3850 m). From Reru the tmain trail cuts across the Mune plateau. Camp overnight at Mune village.

Day 12: Mune (3900 m) to Padum (3650 m) (6 hrs)
From the monastery, climb down a steep incline to the main track. Two hours trek brings you to Bardan Monasery, a Kagyud-pa Monastery, famous for its 180 cm high main prayer wheel. From this place a dusty motorable road leads to Padum (3650 m) Bardan gompa was founded by Shabdru, who also founded Hemis monastery in Ladakh and later went to Bhutan. Padum is the administrative headquarters of Zanskar.

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