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Himachal is a large himalayan state that offers trekking through vastly different kinds of areas. The
eastern areas of Kangra, Chamba and Kullu are lush green with tall firs and numerous wild flowers. The
districts of Kinnaur, Spiti and Lahaul are sheltered from the rain bearing Monsoon by mighty
Himalayan ranges and the flora is remarkably different. Most of the longer treks begin in one region,
negotiate a pass and enter a strikingly different region.
The extreme contrast of climatic condition on the scenery of the
mountain cannot be more pronounced any where else than here. On the
south of Pir Panjal, sufficient rainfalls blessed the luxuriant valleys
of Kulu and Manali with flowered meadows, orchards and rich forests.
Beyond the high mountain barriers to the north, Lahaul and Spiti are
totally different worlds - stark, arid yet majestic.
For sheer geographical and cultural diversity, not many places in the World offer as much as the
Himalayan State of Himachal Pradesh. Dharamshala in Kangra is the home in exile of the Dalai Lama of
Tibet.
Best trekking period : May/Jun and Sep/Oct. |
The following are "no-frills" trekking trips of reasonable standard
and prices. For more information, please click on the trips' title or email me.
Prices will be listed later on.
* Difficulty Grading : 1 to 4 grades where 1 is relatively
easy walking,and should not exceed 5 to 6 hours per day, 2 for trips with longer
hours of 6 to 7 hours daily and some hill-walking, 3 for trips that are moderate with
trekking above 4,500 metres and 4 for strenuous trips with daily
walking estimated at 7 to 9 hours and trekking about 5000 metres.
THE HAMPTA PASS TREK
This is a moderate trek of five days that begins from close to Manali in the Kullu Valley and ends in Lahoul and the Chandra Valley. The trek is also possible in the Monsoons
when the wild flowers are in bloom and can be best appreciated.
The inhabitants of Lahoul are Buddhists and follow the Dalai Lama. The language spoken is a dialect of
Tibetan. This beautiful trek can be combined with other treks that finish in Ladakh or Spiti or be
combined with a Rafting trip on the Chandra River.
Maximum Altitude : 4270 mts at the top of the Hampta Pass.
Trekking Period : May to October.
ITINERARY
DAY 01: New Delhi-Manali (14 hrs, 550 kms)
Drive overnight from Delhi to Manali (1850 mts) in the famed Kullu Valley. Check into
hotel in Manali.
DAY 02: Manali-Prini-Sythen (3-4 hrs)
Half and hour drive from Manali to Prini where the trek begins. Camp a few kilometers beyond Sythen
Village (2710 mts) in a narrow valley.
DAY 03: Sythen-Chikha (3-4 hrs)
Trek through lush green high altitude pastures to a beautiful camp site at Chikha (3270 mts). The area is
speckled with wild flowers and there are a few waterfalls just behind the campsite.
DAY 04: Chikha-Bhalu ka Dera (3-4 hrs)
Easy walking till the next camp at Balu ka Dera (3700 mts) at the base of the Hampta Pass. Bhalu ka Dera
is literally translated into Bears Camp and small brown bears use the caves around to hibernate in the
winter.
DAY 05: Bhalu ka Dera-Hampta Pass-Siliguri (6-7 hrs)
The trekking on this day is challenging and the climb to the top of the pass (4270 mts) takes about three
to four hours. The views from the top of the Pass include some high peaks and stunning mountain
scenery.
DAY 06: Siliguri-Chatru-Manali (4+4 hrs)
First views of the Chandra Valley and Lahoul await you on this day. After two river crossings you get
to Chatru which is on the roadhead and is the end of this trek. Pick up Chatru by
motor vehicle and drive back to Manali over the Rohtang Pass.
DAY 07: Manali-New Delhi (14 hrs, 550 kms)
Drive from Manali to Delhi. Alternately one can extend his stay by a day and sight see
around Kullu-Manali.
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MALANA VILLAGE TREK
This is a very popular trek out of Manali in the Kullu Valley. Four days take you through alpine forests,
stunning Himalayan scenery and the ancient lost village of Malana. There is a beautiful pass called the
Chandrakhani Pass on the third day of the trek. This is an ideal trek around Manali for tourists who
have only a few days and prefer shorter hikes to longer treks. Malana Village is surrounded with a lot of
mystery and the inhabitants are said to be descendants of Alexanders Soldiers who settled here
centuries ago.
Maximum Altitude : 3650 mts at the top of the Chandrakhani Pass.
Trekking Period : March to December.
ITINERARY
DAY 01: Delhi-Manali (14 hrs, 550 kms)
Drive from New Delhi to Manali in the Kullu Valley. Check into the hotel in Manali.
DAY 03: Nagar-Rumsu (3 hrs)
Drive from Manali to Nagar after an early breakfast. Trek through the pine forest to a little beyond the
village at Rumsu (2060 Mts.). Camp in a lush green meadow.
DAY 04: Rumsu-Chandrakhani Pass Base (5-6 hrs)
The trek to the base of the Chandrakhani Pass (3650 Mts.) passes through thick forests and green
meadows.
DAY 05: Base Camp-Chandrakhani Pass-Malana (7-8 hrs)
Trek over the Chandrakhani Pass. Enjoy the panorama and trek down to Malana Village.
DAY 06: Malana-Rashol Pass-Kasol (7-8 hrs)
From Malana ascend steeply to the top of the Rashol Pass (3260 Mts.) and then down to Rashol Village
and Kasol. Overnight at hotel in Kasol. Accommodation in Kasol is quite basic but clean.
DAY 07-08: Kasol-Bhuntar-New Delhi
Drive from Kasol to Bhuntar after lunch. Take an overnight coach from Bhuntar to New Delhi.
Alternately, one can fly out from Bhuntar which has an airport and operates regular flights to New
Delhi.
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SPITI TREK
This route has been a popular route with trekkers since a long long time. It is a long trek and
extensively explores most of Spiti. Spiti means "In Between", it lies between India and Tibet.
Maximum Altitude:
4892 Mts at the top of the Baralaccha La Pass.
Trekking Period:
End June to October.
PERMITS:
Permits are required for foreigners to visit Spiti. Permits will be arranged.
ITINERARY
DAY 01 : Delhi-Shimla
Breakfast in hotel. Departure from Delhi by surface to Shimla (380 kms/10-11 hrs). Check into hotel upon arrival. Lunch en-route. Dinner and overnight in hotel.
DAY 02 : Shimla-Sarahan
After breakfast drive to Sarahan (176 kms/06 hrs). Packed lunch will be provided en-route. Dinner and
overnight in tents.
DAY 03 : Sarahan-Kaphnu
After breakfast sightseeing tour of Mahabhima Kali temple. Later drive from Sarahan to Kaphnu with
packed lunch. En-route cross a lake (by steamer/barge) formed in October’97 due to flooding of river
Sutlej. Dinner and overnight in tents.
DAY 04 : Kaphnu-Mulling
Begin trek after breakfast in camp. Trek to Muling. Packed lunch en-route. Dinner and overnight in
tents.
DAY 05 : Mulling-Phyustrang
After breakfast trek to Phyustrang (3500m) via South Base Namish Khango. Packed lunch en-route.
Dinner and overnight in tents.
DAY 06 : Phyustrang
Day at leisure. Meals and overnight in tents.
DAY 07 : Phyustrang-Baldar
After breakfast trek to Baldar. Packed lunch en-route. Dinner and overnight in tents.
DAY 08 : Baldar-Farka
After breakfast trek to Farka. Packed lunch en-route. Dinner and overnight in tents.
DAY 09 : Farka-Guling
Afetr breakfast trek to Guling via Khar. Packed lunch en-route. Dinner and overnight in tents.
DAY 10 : Guling-Kaza
Breakfast in camp. Trek from Guling to Pin Gompa, crossing Pin river. Transfer by surface to Kaza.
Packed lunch en-route. Dinner and overnight in tents.
DAY 11 : Kaza-Ki-Kibber-Losar
After breakfast visit the Ki and Kibber monasteries. Later drive to Losar (56kms). Packed lunch
en-route. Dinner and overnight in tents.
DAY 12 : .Losar-Chandratal
After breakfast trek to Chandratal via Kunzum La and Balarmo La. Chandratal, meaning ‘Moon Lake’ is
one of exquisite beauty set on a large meadow of edelweiss between a lower ridge and the main
Kunzum range with an outlet into the Chandra river. A beautiful view of the Samudra Tapoo glacier and
of Mulkila range is obtainable. Packed lunch en-route. Dinner and overnight in tents.
DAY 13 : Chandratal-Tokpo Gongma
Breakfast in tents. Trek from Chandratal to Tokpo Gongma (4320m / 12kms). Packed lunch
en-route. Dinner and overnight in tents.
DAY 14 : Tokpo Gongma-Tokpo Yongma
After breakfast trek to Tokpo Yongma (4640m / 11kms). Packed lunch en-route. Dinner and overnight in
tents.
DAY 15 : Tokpo Yongma-Baralaccha La
After breakfast trek to Baralacha La (4892m / 15kms). Packed lunch en-route. Dinner and overnight in
tents.
DAY 16 :.Baralaccha La-Manali
After breakfast drive to Manali (2050m / 190kms / 09-10hrs). Check into hotel. Packed lunch en-route. Dinner and overnight in hotel.
DAY 17 : Manali-Delhi
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CHANDRA TAL TREK
The Moon Lake.
This is a moderate four day trek in the Lahoul-Spiti district of Himachal Pradesh leading to the large
high altitude Chandra Tal Lake (Lake of the Moon in the local dialect). The trek ends at the Baralachha
Pass on the Manali-Leh road. It is a very popular trek out of Manali and can be
extended with another trek or a Jeep Safari to Ladakh .
Maximum Altitude:
4950 Mts at the top of the Baralachha La.
Trekking Period:
May to October.
ITINERARY
DAY 01: New Delhi-Manali (14 hrs, 550 kms)
Drive overnight from Delhi to Manali in the Kullu Valley. Check into the Banon Resort, Manali.
DAY 02: Manali-Batal (8 hrs,100 kms)
Drive from Manali to Batal over the Rohtang Pass (3950 mts) into the Chandra Valley and onto Batal . Batal is at the base of the Kunzum La Pass. Spend the night in camp at Batal.
DAY 03: Batal-Chandra Tal (5-6 hrs)
The trek from Batal to Chandra Tal is a comfortable trek along a motorable track. The views down the valley include the BaraShigri Glacier and several peaks above 6000 mts. Camp at Chandra Tal which has faboulous views of Mulkilla, TaraPahar and Tala Giri (all above 6000 mts). There is the option of spending an extra day at Chandra Tal and acclamatise.
DAY 04: Chandra Tal-Tokpo Yongma (6-7 hrs)
Hard trekking from Chandra Tal to the bank of the Tokpo Yongma (4350 mts). The track rises and falls over scree slopes till the camp site. It is usually quite cold here and good warm clothing is required.
DAY 05: Tokpo Yongma-Tokpo Gongma (6-7 hrs)
Trek along a lesser used trail to Tokpo Gongma (4650 mts). These trails are maintained by the
shepherds who bring their flocks to graze in this area during the summer months. These sheperds are from a tribe
called the Gaddi and travel all the way from their homes in Western Himachal to these grazing grounds
every summer. They are invaluable to trekkers, especially early in the season. Without them
trekking in the area would be impossible.
DAY 06: Tokpo Gongma-Baralaccha La-Manali (4-5 hrs+5 hrs)
Leave after an early breakfast. Follow a clear trail to the top of the Pass through lush green high altitude pasteurs. The Pass is motorable and you will be picked up by jeeps and driven to Manali or alternately you can continue on a Trek or a Jeep Safari to Leh in Ladakh. Check into
hotel at Manali.
DAY 07: Manali-New Delhi (14 hrs, 550 kms)
Drive from Manali to Delhi.
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KINNAUR KAILASH CIRCIUT
This wonderful trek in Kinnaur circuits The revered Kinnaur Kailash mountain. Kinnaur was forbidden
to trekkers till a few years ago consequently these trails have been less used and over explored last
about two centuries ago.
The Kinnaur Kailash Range borders the Disctrict of Kinnaur in the south and is dominated by the
Kinnaur Kailash (6349 Mts) and Jonkarden (6473 Mts) peaks. The only pass on this trek is the Charang
La at an awesome altitude of 5300 Mts above sea level .The trek is challenging
and also rewarding for experienced trekkers.
Maximum Altitude: 5300 Mts on the top of the Charang La.
Trekking Period: End June to October.
PERMITS:
Needed for foreigners in Kinnaur and issued for a minimum of 4 tourists travelling together.
ITINERARY
DAY 01: New Delhi-Shimla (340 Kms, 8-9 Hrs)
Leave early in the morning, have lunch and enroute and check into hotel in Shimla.
DAY 02 : Shimla-Sangla (9-10 Hrs)
Long days drive to Sangla Village in the Baspa Valley. Overnight in the Tourist Rest House or a hotel.
DAY 03: Sangla-Thangi (5-6 Hrs)
Drive along the Sutlej Valley to Thangi (2760 Mts) via the district headquarters at Recong Peo.
Overnight and meet the trek team at camp.
DAY 04: Thangi-Lambar (4-5 Hrs)
Trek through some beautiful alpine scenery to Lambar (2890 Mts). Parts of the trail pass through a
grand gorge.
DAY 05: Lambar-Charang (6-7 Hrs)
We gain almost a lot of height this day and camp at the substantially large village at Charang (3500
Mts) which is named after the pass of the same name.
DAY 06: Charang-Lalanti (4-5 Hrs)
The pasteurs around Lalanti (4420 Mts) are visited by shepherds in the summer months same as other
high altitude meadows in the Himalayas.
DAY 07: REST AND ACCLAMATISE
This rest day is needed keeping in view the hard and long trekking on the next day. The Charang La is a
very high pass and acclamatisation is a must.
DAY 08: Lalanti-Charang La-Chitkul (8-9 Hrs)
Pack camp after an early breakfast and start the ascent towards the Charang La (5260 Mts). The trail
trail is demanding but spectacular views from the top of the Pass are almost assured. The descend from
the top is quite steep but warm beds in Chitkul await.
DAY 09: Chitkul-Rakcham (3-4 Hrs)
Trek along the Baspa River to Rakcham. The Valley is scenic and the culture of this lost valley can be
appreciated. Overnight in camp or guest house.
DAY 10: Rakcham-Shimla (9-10 Hrs)e to Shimla and check into a hotel at night.
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Pin Parvati Valley Trek
This is considered one of the most exhilirating treks in Himachal Pradesh. The trek begins at Manikaran
and winds along the raging Parvati River till the glaciated Pin-Parbati Pass (4810m).
After crossing the pass the trail winds along the Pin river which is a tributary of the Spiti river. There is
a dramatic variation in the scenery and also culture on crossing into Spiti. The trek begins in the green,
alpine, Hindu-dominated, Kullu Valley and passes into the dry and arid Buddhist land of Spiti. The word Spiti literally means "in between" and geographically Spiti lies in between Tibet and the Rest
of the Subcontinent.
Maximum Altitude: 4810 Mts. at the Pin Parvati Pass.
Trekking Period : End June to October.
PERMITS :
Inner line permit from the Government of India required to return to Delhi via the Sutlej Valley and
Kinnaur.
ITINERARY
DAY 01: New Delhi-Manali (550 kms, 14 hrs)
Drive from New Delhi to Kullu-Manali. Spend the night at a good hotel in Kullu.
DAY 02: Manikaran-Kalga (5-6 hrs) Leave early in the morning and drive to Manikaran (1700 Mts.) to
begin the trek. Trek to Kalga Village through the misty and heavily wooded virgin forests of the Parvati
Valley. Kalga (2200 Mts.) is a small clearing in the thick pine forest.
DAY 03: Kalga-Khir Ganga (4 hrs)
The trek through the forest to Khir Ganga (2850 Mts.) is a pleasant walk except for one short steep
climb in between. Khir Ganga is a Holy place with a hot water spring, small temple of Lord Shiva and a
bathing tank. This is the last chance to take a hot water bath on the trek.
DAY 04: Khir Ganga-TundaBhoj (4-5 hrs)
The trail is still within the limit of pine trees and is heavily wooded on this section also. TundaBhoj
(3200 Mts.) is the upper limit for the pine forests and now on there is an abundance of Bhoj (Birch)
trees. Camp in a green meadow.
DAY 05: TundaBhoj-Thakur Kuan (4-5 hrs)
This is the first challenging day on the trek. The trail is steep and hard in some sections close to Thakur
Kuan (3400 Mts.). This area falls within the Kanawer Wildlife Sanctuary and one may encounter small
Himalayan Brown Bears at lower elevations and Wild Sheep or the Snow Leopard at higher altitudes.
DAY 06: Thakur Kuan-Mantalai Lake (6-7 hrs)
Trek through flower speckled meadows to mysterious Mantalai Lake. There are some very unusual rock
bridges on the way to Mantalai and there is an abundance of quartz and semi precious gems around
here. Taking rock souvenirs from here is strongly discouraged.
DAY 07 : Mantalai Lake-Base Camp (6-7 hrs)
The trekking is challenging, over a glacier and loose scree slopes. There is a beautiful grassy camp
(4500 Mts. approx.) at the base of the Pass.
DAY 08: RESERVE/REST
Rest at the base of the Pin Parvati Pass if the weather permits.
DAY 09: Base Camp-Pin Parvati Pass-Camp (5-6 hrs)
The approach to the Pass is over a crevassed snowfield and all precaution is necessary on this section.
Everybody is roped up as the crevasses may not be easily visible. After the pass descend over a steep
scree slope to reach the first camp site in the Pin Valley (4500 Mts.)
DAY 10: Camp-Mud (7-8 hrs)
A long downhill walk this day gets us you to the first village in Spiti. Mud (3600 Mts.) is the first village
of its kind that you have seen till now. It is set below a cliff and inhabited by simple folk of Tibetan
Stock. This is also the last night on the trek.
DAY 11: Mud-Sangam-Kaza (5+2 hrs)
Trek from Mud to Sangam, the largest village in the Pin Valley. From Sangam you will be picked up by
motor transport and driven to Kaza. Spend the night at a hotel in Kaza.
DAY 12: Kaza-Manali Drive from Kaza to Manali over the Kunzum La (4550 Mts.).
One can spend another day in Kaza and visit some of the famous Monasteries/Gompas around.
Check into hotel in Manali.
DAY 13: Manali-New Delhi (14 hrs)
Drive from Manali to New Delhi by luxury coach.
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THE SHEPHERDS TRAIL, KUGTI PASS
This lovely trek starts from Dharamshala which is the residence of The Dalai Lama of
Tibet and finishes in the Buddhist district of Lahoul. These trails have been used over centuries by the
famous sheperd tribe of Himachal called the Gaddi.
Maximum Altitude: 5040 Mts at the top of the Kugti Pass
Trekking Period : May-End June, August-October
ITINERARY
DAY 01: New Delhi-Dharamshala (14-15 Hrs)
Drive overnight to Dharamshala and check into a good hotel in Dharamshala.
DAY 02: DHARAMSHALA
Explore Dharamshala (1280 Mts) and Mc Leod Ganj which is now home to a large Tibetan community in
exile.
DAY 03: Dharamshala-Triund (1+4 Hrs)
Drive to the beginning of the trek just a little beyond Mc Leod Ganj (1860 Mts) takes less than an hour.
Camp at Triund (2975 Mts) for the night.
DAY 04: Triund-Lahesh Cave (4-5 Hrs)
Trek through impressive alpine terrain and camp in the beautiful meadows around Lahesh Cave (3600
Mts).
DAY 05: Lahesh Cave-Indrahar Pass-Chatru (6-7 Hrs)
The trek upto the top of the pass (4350 Mts) is challenging. The views from the top of the pass are
among the best in the Himalayas.
DAY 06: Chatru-Kuarsi (5-6 Hrs)
Trek along narrow trails to Kuarsi (2730 Mts). The Gaddi tribes from these areas are simple folk who still
foolow tradition and are nomadic sheperds.
DAY 07: Kuarsi-Machetar (5-6 Hrs)
Trek mostly downhill to Machetar (1800 Mts) in the Ravi Valley.
DAY 08: Machetar-Hardsar (3 Hrs)
Drive to Hardsar (2280 Mts) by jeep. Overnight and much needed rest in Camp.
DAY 09: Hardsar-Kugti Village (5 Hrs)
Trek through coniferous forests to Kugti Village (2640 Mts)after which the pass is named.
DAY 10: Kugti-Duggi Cave (4-5 Hrs)
Beautiful trek via the ancient temple of Kailnag. Camp close to Duggi cave (3200 Mts).
DAY 11: Duggi Cave-Alyas (4 Hrs)
Pass through meadows famed for their wild flowers in the Monsoon months and camp at the base of
the Kugti Pass at Alyas (4000 Mts).
DAY 12: Alyas-Kugti Pass-Camp (5-6 Hrs)
Chalenging trekking over glaciers to the top of the Kugti Pass (5040 Mts). This pass has been used by
migrating shepherds and there flocks since centuries.
DAY 13: Camp-Raip (4-5 Hrs)
Now you are in the arid valleys of Lahaul and the change in scenery confirms the lack of monsoon rains
in this area. Though the meadows are lush green in spring.
DAY 14: Raip-Manali (8-9 Hrs)
Drive to Manali in the Kullu Valley over the Rohtang Pass. Overnight in hotel.
DAY 15: Manali
The day is reserved to explore this famous tourist destination and also rest before the long journey
back to Delhi. Board a bus to return to Delhi the next morning.
DAY 16: Drive overnight Manali-Delhi ( 14 Hrs)
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