Let’s discover the best treks in Manali for an enchanting vacation

Manali, the most picturesque town located in the Kullu Valley, is known for its stunning mountain views. Trekking enthusiasts will love exploring the area’s natural beauty through a variety of trails. The town has many options for multi-day treks, shorter hikes, and challenging routes, catering to all types of trekkers. And if you are keen to experience some of the best treks in Manali, what’s the wait for? Plan a trip with himachal pradesh tour packages for some lifetime trailing experiences. As you trek, you’ll see diverse landscapes, breathtaking alpine ranges, and exotic wildlife, which will surely be a treat to your eyes. With its diverse range of treks, Manali is considered one of the best trekking destinations in the country. And let’s see why it is so!

Best Treks In Manali 

1. Hampta Pass Trek

• Altitude – 14,100 feet 
• Best Time To Visit – July to October
• Difficulty Level – Easy to Moderate
• Duration – 5 Days
• Base Camp: Jobra

If you’re in Manali, you must try the Hampta Pass Trek, as it is considered one of the best treks in Manali. Being a summer trek in Manali, the trail takes you through dense pine forests, pristine glacial valleys, vast meadows, and panoramic landscapes. You will journey through two valleys in the same journey – Manali and Spiti, and encounter woodlands, rocky inclines, and fast-flowing rivers. Although the trek is challenging, the reward is worth every step, especially when you reach an altitude of 14,010 feet and see the majestic Himalayas. Undoubtedly, Hampta Pass is one of the most amazing places in Manali. The highlight of the trek is Chandratal Lake, which is the cherry on the cake because of its pristine blue lake nestled amidst towering peaks.

2. Beas Kund Trek

• Altitude – 12,772 feet
• Best Time To Visit – May to October
• Difficulty Level – Easy to Moderate
• Duration – 3 Days
• Base Camp – Solang & Dhundi

The Beas Kund trek is an excellent choice for beginners or anyone who wants to try trekking for the first time. This 3 day trek in Manali is one of the popular summer treks in Manali, covering 27 km round trip. The trek begins at Solang Valley and Dhundha, both famous for the best activities in Manali like paragliding and zorbing. During the trek, you’ll pass through meadows, forests, and rocky terrain, with stunning views of Hanuman Tibba and Friendship Peak. The highlight of the trip is the glacial lake Beas Kund, nestled amongst towering mountains. The mesmerizing views make it one of the best treks in Manali. If the temperature and weather allow, you can also take a dip in the freezing cold Beas River, a refreshing reward for your hard work.

3. Bhrigu Lake Trek

• Altitude – 14,000 feet
• Best Time To Visit – July to September
• Difficulty Level – Easy
• Duration – 4 Days
• Base Camp – Gulaba

The Bhrigu Lake trek, one of the easy treks in Manali, is an excellent adventure for those who love scenic beauty. This 4 day trek In Manali begins at Gulaba, one of the top places to visit in Manali in one day which is located on the Rohtang Pass highway. It takes you through vast meadows, charming villages, and dense forests. Finally, you’ll reach Bhrigu Lake, which is located at an altitude of 14,000 feet, and you will be awed by the crystal-clear blue waters of the lake surrounded by snow-capped mountains. The lake is considered sacred by locals because Maharishi Bhrigu meditated here.

4. Lamadugh Trek

• Altitude – 9,900 feet
• Best Time To Visit – March to December (The temperatures in December drop all the way down to -8°C)
• Difficulty Level – Easy to moderate
• Duration – 2 days
• Base Camp – Manu Temple, Manali

Lamadugh Trek is a popular 2 day trek in Manali. It is a 12 km loop route that is perfect for backpacking, camping, and birdwatching. This trekking in Manali offers stunning views of pine and deodar forests, lush green valleys, and the crystal blue Beas River. The trek is also home to famous peaks like Deo Tibba,  and Indrasan. The Bara Shigri glacier adds to the beauty of the trek. The trek ends with a horizontal movement in the ridge while entering Lamadugh. If you’re looking for a small trek in Manali, then Lamadugh Trek is one of the best treks in Manali. 

Suggested Read: A Comprehensive Guide to Homestays in Manali For 2024 

5. Chandratal Lake Trek

• Altitude – 13,800 feet
• Best Time To Visit – Mid-June to mid-October
• Difficulty Level – Moderate
• Duration – 7 Hours
• Base Camp – Batal Village

Chandra Tal is a beautiful lake in Himachal Pradesh, India, known for its crescent shape and stunning views. To get there, you’ll need to trek for about 30km, climbing mountains covered in wildflowers and crossing sparkling waters. This is one of the best treks in Manali and takes you through passes that connect the Lahaul, Spiti, and Kullu Valleys. At the end of your journey, you’ll be rewarded with a breathtaking view of the Bara-Sigri Glacier, the second-largest glacier in the world. If you want a 1 day trek in Manali, then you must consider this.

6. Deo Tibba Base Camp Trek

• Altitude – 18,000 feet
• Best Time To Visit – May to October
• Difficulty Level – Moderate
• Duration – 6 Days
• Base Camp – Deo Tibba Base

If you’re an intermediate trekker looking for a new challenge, the Deo Tibba Base Camp Trek is perfect for you. This six-day trek takes you through the lush green forests of Chika, the grazing fields of Seri, and the base camp at Tainta. On day four, you’ll climb up to 14,698 feet and witness the magnificent Deo Tibba mountain, and will definitely fall in love with its beauty! You’ll also have breathtaking views of other mountains such as Jagatsukh Peak. Spend some time around these places and it will be a feast for your eyes and soul.

7. Chandrakhani Pass Trek

• Altitude – 12,000 feet
• Best Time To Visit – May to October
• Difficulty Level – Easy to moderate
• Duration – 4 Days
• Base Camp – Haripur

The Chandrakhani Pass Trek is a 4 day trek in Manali at an altitude of 12,180 ft. It’s a moderate-level trek suitable for beginners and those who have done at least one trek. This being one of the best treks in Manali offers a wonderful experience due to the forest on both sides of the trail. As you walk through the forest, you can smell oaks, deodars, and maple trees. The Chandrakhani Pass has a lot of hidden cultures, history, and stories. The trail starts from Naggar, where their prehistoric stories are connected, and ends in the village of Malana, where you will find a unique living style.

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8. Kheerganga Trek

• Altitude – 12,007 feet
• Best Time To Visit – April to November
• Difficulty Level – Easy to moderate
• Duration – 2 Days
• Base Camp – Kasol

If you’re looking for an easy and short trek in Parvati Valley, the Kheerganga trek, a 2 day trek in Manali is highly recommended. The kheerganga trek starts from Kasol. The distance between Kasol and Kheerganga is about 22 km which takes about an hour to reach. This trek is perfect for beginners since it requires no prior trekking experience. Must go through a travel guide to Kasol to get a better view of the place. The picturesque trail takes you through some stunning scenery, and you’ll pass a few wooden bridges and some slippery sections along the way. You’ll also come across many beautiful waterfalls, so keep your cameras ready to capture the moments in one of the best treks in Manali. This trek is best done between April and November when the weather is pleasant, and the skies are clear. However, it’s important to be prepared for sudden weather changes, so bring appropriate gear. When you come back, don’t forget to try some of the delicious local food of Manali like Thukpa, Siddu, and Momos. They’re a real treat for your taste buds! 

9. Bijli Mahadev Trek

• Altitude – 8000 feet
• Best Time To Visit – April to November
• Difficulty Level – Moderate
• Duration – 1 Day
• Base Camp – Jana Village

This 1 day trek in Manali is an easy trek in Manali. It is known for the exciting experience that trekkers enjoy at the Bijli Mahadev Temple, which is located in the Kullu Valley on top of the Mathan Hills. Along with that, travelers will get a chance to experience the rich culture and heritage of the region. You will also come across a typical example of hill architecture in the temple. The Bijli Mahadev trek covers a varied landscape, including apple orchards, paddy fields, forests, and much more. The scenic beauty of the place has always been impressing travelers over the years making it one of the best treks in Manali.

10. Pin Parvati Pass Trek

• Altitude – 17,457 feet
• Best Time To Visit – June to July
• Difficulty Level – Difficult
• Duration – 9 Days
• Base Camp – Mount Parvati

The Pin Parvati Pass Trek is located in Himachal Pradesh, and it stands at an altitude of 17,500 feet. This is a challenging trek and requires prior experience. This trek is one of the most exciting things to do in kasol. It is suitable for people who want adventure and excitement in the western Himalayas’ snowy peaks. The trek takes a long time to complete, and it is one of the seasonal treks in the Manali region. The Pin Parvati Pass connects the Parvati Valley of Kullu to Pin Valley in Spiti. This trek offers breathtaking landscapes, lush greenery, dense alpine forests, and colorful wildflowers. You will discover spectacular landscapes like cold, dry, deserted mountains, villages, cliffs, and high waterfalls. The trek falls in the Great Himalayan National Park and Pin Valley National Park, where you may observe snow leopards and rare Himalayan birds.

11. Sar Pass Trek

• Altitude – 13,800 feet
• Best Time To Visit – April to June, September to November
• Difficulty Level – Moderate
• Duration – 5 Days
• Base Camp – kasol

Sar Pass is a stunning Himalayan trek that begins in the charming village of Kasol in Himachal Pradesh. The trek is graded as easy to moderate and covers a distance of 50 km. It takes you through beautiful pine forests, meadows, snow-capped mountains, and a variety of captivating landscapes. The best time to do the Sar Pass trek is between May to October when the skies are clear, and you can enjoy panoramic views of the area. The place is also home to a diverse range of flora and fauna. The altitude variations of the place allow you to spot many different plant species, including Pine, Deodar, Spruce, Fir, and medicinal plants like Brahma Kamal and Hatha Panja. You may also be able to spot wildlife species such as Himalayan Tahr, Brown Bears, and bird species like Monal pheasant and Western Tragopan.

12. Jogini Waterfall Trek

• Altitude – 6,700 feet
• Best Time To Visit – April to November
• Difficulty Level – Easy
• Duration – 1 Day
• Base Camp – Manali

The Jogini Waterfall is one of the popular offbeat places in Manali, and the trek to this place is one of the easy treks in Manali. It takes about four hours to complete. Along the way, you’ll see beautiful gorges, lush vegetation, and a stunning waterfall dropping from a height of 160 feet. The path will take you through apple plantations, pine trees, and across small rivulets. You’ll find guest houses and places to eat along the way. It takes an hour to reach the base of the fall and a little more time to get to the top. It will take about three more hours to get to the Vashisth Temple.

Best Time to Trek in Manali 

The best time to trek in Manali is during the late summer and pre-monsoon time. May to June, and September to October are the best time for trekking as the weather is pleasant and it offers you picturesque views of blooming flowers, rich forests, and alpine peaks. During the winter season, trekking becomes very challenging because of heavy snowfall in the region.

Manali Trekking Tips

When you’re going on a trek, we suggest you carry essentials that will keep you well-equipped to face anything that comes your way. Note the following travel tips for manali, before packing your trekking bags:

1. High-ankle trekking shoes with very good grip
2. A layer of woolen clothes including jackets, gloves, woolen socks
3. Sunglasses’
4. Medicines for altitude sickness or any other difficulty
5. Enough water to keep you hydrated
6. Some food items, snacks, and dry fruits

Conclusion

Trekking in Manali offers different options to suit every explorer’s preference. There are multi-day treks, short hikes, and challenging treks, all with stunning views of the alpine ranges, exotic wildlife, and quaint villages. Additionally, trekking in Manali is an excellent way to experience the rich culture and traditions of Himachal Pradesh. The locals are friendly and welcoming, making it feel like a home away from home in the mountains. The treks also test your physical and mental strength, providing a great opportunity to push your limits.