Manali is one of the most popular trekking destinations in the Himalayas, and it’s easy to see why. The stunning scenery, Adventure camps, exhilarating mountain biking, and jeep safaris make it a mecca for outdoor enthusiasts.
But with so many incredible treks to choose from, it can be hard to know where to start. That’s why we’ve put together this list of the best treks in Manali. There’s something for everyone, from easy day hikes to challenging multi-day treks.
Here are some of the best treks in Manali:
The Hampta pass trek is among one of the best treks in Manali, Himachal Pradesh. The trek starts from Manali and goes through the Kullu Valley to Spiti Valley. The trek is popular among tourists because of its beautiful scenery. The mountains and forests are refreshing, and the experience is peaceful. The trek is easy and can be completed in 5 days from Manali to Manali.
The best time to do this trek is from May to October. This trek also takes you to one of the most beautiful high-altitude Himalayas, Chandratal Lake. You’ll also pass through lush green meadows and towering waterfalls in the middle of the trek. It is a recommended trek for all those who love nature and want to explore the beauty of the Himalayas.
The Beas Kund trek is a moderate, 3-day trek from Manali to Solang Valley. The highlight of the trek is the beautiful Beas Kund Lake, located at an altitude of 12,073 feet (3680 meters). The trek also offers stunning views of mountains such as Indrasan, Hanuman Tibba, and Seven Sisters. The best time to do this trek is from May to October.
Along the way, you’ll pass through beautiful meadows and forests. This trek is perfect for those looking for a short and scenic trek in the Himalayas. You can also combine this trek with a trip to the Solang Valley, famous for its ski slopes and adventure sports.
Located at 14,100 feet (4300 meters), the Bhrigu Lake trek offers breathtaking views of snow-capped mountains and glaciers. The trek starts from Manali and takes about three days to complete. It is an easy trek that passes through meadows, forests, and streams. The best time to do this trek is from May to October. The trek also takes you through the famous Rola Kholi, where you can camp for the night. The trail offers stunning views of the lake, which locals consider holy.
According to legend, Saint Bhirgu meditated by the lake for a long time, and many valley gods are said to have bathed in its waters. The picturesque landscape makes the Bhirgu Lake Trek a must-do for any traveler. This trek is perfect for those looking for a shorter but challenging trek in the Himalayas.
For those who love a challenge and are fascinated by the stunning snow-capped mountains, the Deo Tibba Base Camp Trek is a perfect choice. The six-day trek starts in Jagatsukh and leads you through various landscapes, including alpine woods, meadows, and high-altitude lakes.
The highlight of the trek is Chota Chandratal, which offers views of Mount Deo Tibba, Mount Indarsan, and other majestic peaks. Along the way, you’ll also find campsites like Chikka, Sehri, and Tainta, each of which provides its unique perspective of the surrounding area. With its variety of scenery and challenging terrain, the Deo Tibba Base Camp Trek is an unforgettable experience for any avid trekker.
The Chandrakhani Pass Trek is an incredible experience for anyone who loves the outdoors. Trekking at an altitude of 12,030 ft, you’ll be able to see the Pir Panjal and Dhauladhar ranges in all their glory. Not to mention, the trekking route meanders through thick forests of firs and oaks, providing plenty of opportunities to take in the breathtaking views.
And if that wasn’t enough, the pass also provides access to the Parvati valley and Dhauladhar ranges. Needless to say, the Chandrakhani Pass Trek offers a truly unique trekking experience. It’s best to do this trek from May to November, and it takes about five days to complete from Manali to Manali.
Kheergana is one of the most famous treks in India, and for a good reason. The trek takes you through beautiful dense forests and water streams while offering stunning views of the Pir Panjal range. You’ll also pass through ethnic villages like Barshaini, which are known for hospitality toward travelers. At the end of the trek lies Kheerganga, a natural hot spring renowned for its healing properties.
There are also many camping options along the way, providing a perfect opportunity to truly immerse yourself in nature’s beauty. The best time to do this trek is from March to October, and it takes about two days to complete from Barshaini or Manali.
For many, the challenge of the Pin Parvati Pass Trek is a major draw. At 5319 meters above sea level, it is one of Himachal Pradesh’s most challenging treks. The 110-kilometer trek takes ten to twelve days to complete and features tremendous adventure, beauty, and a sense of accomplishment. The ideal months to visit are July and August. The Pin Parvati Paas Trek begins in the Kullu village of Pulga and ends in Mud in Spiti.
In addition to the stunning views, travelers will also have the opportunity to pass through the hot springs of Kheerganga, high-altitude Mantalai Lake, and ancient villages along the way. This trek is not for the faint of heart, but worth it.
The smell of the fresh morning dew awakens your senses as you unzip your tent and step outside. Taking a deep breath of the crisp mountain air, you cannot help but feel invigorated as you start your day. You stretch your muscles and prepare for the day’s trek ahead, eager to explore all this beautiful place offers. Soon, you find yourself immersed in a sea of green, surrounded by exotic plants and flowers.
The longer you trek, the more mesmerizing the landscape becomes until you finally reach your destination: a pristine waterfall cascading down a towering cliff face. As you sit and admire the view, you can’t help but feel grateful for this once-in-a-lifetime experience. This is what Hamya Herbal Trek is about: an adventure that will stay with you long after you return home.
For the experienced trekker, the Kalihani Pass is a must-do at least once in a lifetime. The trail is relatively untouched, making it the perfect place to get away from the hustle and bustle of city life and enjoy some peace in nature. The pass is located in the Dhauladhar range of Himachal Pradesh, renowned for its stunning scenery.
The views from the top of the pass are simply breathtaking, and the sense of accomplishment you feel after reaching the summit is unmatched. If you’re looking for an adventure-packed trek with some of the most stunning views in India, then the Kalihani Pass is definitely for you. The best time to do this trek is from May to October.
The Friendship Peak trek is more than just a pretty view from the top. Standing tall at 5289 M, it falls in one of the most extensive ranges of the Himalayas – the Pir Panjal. Not only does it modestly stand among the 6000ers, but it also provides an excellent view of both Manali town and the Lahaul ranges.
Friendship Peak is the perfect stepping stone for hardcore mountaineers, with a panoramic view of some of the tallest mountains in both the Pir Panjal and Dhauladhar ranges. This place must be on your bucket list if you’re a trekker. In addition to the breathtaking scenery, you’ll also have the opportunity to interact with the locals, creating a truly unique cultural experience.
For any trekker looking to summit their first peak, Patalsu is the perfect answer. Situated at an altitude of 4200m, it promises breathtaking views of the entire Kullu valley, Hanuman Tibba, Friendship Peak, and Manali Peak. The trail to the top starts from Solang village, and what awaits you are pristine meadows, deodar, and oak forests that are home to a rich array of fauna, including Monals and Pheasants.
The campsites offer panoramic views that will take your breath away. From the summit, you can see a sea of snow-capped mountains towering over the Kullu valley – a sight that will stay with you long after you return home. So make your way to Patalsu Peak for an experience that is genuinely a trekker’s paradise.
Last but not least on the list of the best treks in Manali is the Sar Pass Trek. A classic trek in the Kullu region, Sar Pass is a favorite among trekkers. It offers some of the most stunning landscapes in India by taking you through thick pine forests, alpine meadows, quaint villages, and snow-covered mountains. Being 48 km long and with a maximum height of 14,000 ft., this trek is perfect for thrill-seekers looking for their next adventure.
One of the highlights of the trek is passing by a small frozen lake, from which the trek gets its name. In addition to the beautiful scenery, you’ll also experience the local culture as you pass through villages. Whether you’re a seasoned trekker or just starting, Sar Pass is an unforgettable adventure that should not be missed.
Trekking in Manali is an experience like no other. With towering mountains and pristine forests, the landscape is simply breathtaking. If you’re looking for an adventure-packed trek with some of the most stunning views in India, then be sure to check out one of these 12 best treks in Manali.
Have you trekked in Manali before? Which one was your favorite? Let us know in the comments!