Himachal Pradesh is a true paradise for those who like going on hikes since it is home to some of the best hiking routes in the world, making it an ideal location for anyone who enjoy being outdoors and experiencing nature. Because, as the ancient proverb goes, “the riches of nature is best relished when touched and experienced,” one must feel the excitement, take on the challenge, breathe in the fresh air, and take in the breathtaking scenery in order to fully appreciate the splendour of this natural abundance.
If you close your eyes and think of Manali, India, you will be taken to a lovely fairyland. The beauty of the location will leave you unable to speak, and then it will convert you into a storyteller. The stunning high-altitude resort town of Manali in Himachal Pradesh, India, is India’s epic response to the legendary getaways found in Europe. Manali is snuggled in the laps of the Himalayan mountains in India. Skiing, zorbing, parachuting, paragliding, biking, jeep safaris, and river rafting are just a few of the many exciting activities that are available in Manali, which is known for both its idyllic setting and its status as a centre for action-packed excursions. Manali is often recommended as a place to visit for a honeymoon because of its verdant surroundings.
In addition to all of this, the landscape of the area is really breathtaking, which makes Manali a fantastic place to go trekking. Your journey to this wondrous place will be lacking something important if you don’t take advantage of one of the many different Manali trekking packages and get a taste of the excitement that comes with it. The area is often referred to as the “trekker’s paradise,” and with good reason. To be greeted by its gorgeous surroundings that are just so ideal, adventure addicts travel to Manali all throughout the year in order to get their fix of the outdoors. The majority of the most well-known treks in Himachal Pradesh begin in the Manali area, which has contributed greatly to the development of trekking in Manali. Through road, rail, and air travel, it is easily accessible from the majority of the country’s major cities. There are so many different places to go trekking that you may choose one based on the difficulty of the hike that you want to do and where you want to go. These hiking sites provide a mind-blowing experience; on each excursion into the wilderness, you will find that you get much more than you bargained for.
There are certain aspects that are consistent across these many treks in Manali. For example, you will travel through the stunningly varied landscape of the Himalayas, pass through quaint towns, and be exposed to the most unique plants and animals that Himachal Pradesh has to offer. However, each of these hikes has its own unique blend of legend and mythology, as well as particular highlights that can be found nowhere else except on that hike.
MYTHOLOGY REGARDING THE LOCATION OF MANALI, INDIA
Manu was a Santan lawgiver who inspired the naming of Manali. According to one theory, the name Manali comes from the word “Manu-Alaya,” which translates to “the house of Manu.” According to Hindu legend, Manu made a stop in Manali after a massive flood ravaged the world to begin the process of reestablishing human existence on the planet. Beautiful Manali may be found nestled away in the Kullu Valley, sometimes known as the “Valley of the Gods.” Manali is a popular tourist destination. In the town’s original settlement, there is a historical temple that is said to have been built by the guru Manu.
The following are some of Manali’s most notable hiking routes:
1) Beas Kund Trek
An great weekend trek in Manali consists of three days and covers a total distance of 16 kilometres. Along the way, it reaches an elevation of 12,772 feet and leads you to the source of the bubbling Beas river. A journey on foot toward the source of the Beas river, during which one may take in the unrivalled natural splendour of the surrounding area, is the ideal present for someone with an exploratory spirit. If one chooses to explore more of the area, the hike may be prolonged to last between five and six days. The beginning of this hike, which is also known as the Vyasa Kund walk, can be found in the Solang valley, which is situated 13 kilometres away from Manali. During the Beas Kund walk, you will be treated to breathtaking panoramas of mountains such as Deo Tibba, Hanuman Tibba, Dhundhi, Indrasen Peak, and the Pir Panjal range. The trail is dotted with large meadows, little rivulets, coniferous woods, and gorgeous campsites. The walk is very popular not just among experienced hikers but also among novices due to its simple to moderately difficult hiking track. The Beas Kund lake, which can be found at the very top of the trail, is easily the most enjoyable portion of the hike. Sage Vyas is said to have composed the legendary Mahabharata while meditating on the shores of this lake, according to the tradition. The Beas Kund Trek is at its most enjoyable between the middle of May and the middle of October.
2) Bhrigu Lake Trek
The Bhrigu Lake Trip is a fantastic three-day weekend excursion in Himachal Pradesh that takes you to an astounding height of 14,100 feet in such a short period of time. This trek is appealing to both novice and experienced trekkers alike. During the approximately 25 kilometres of hiking, you will pass through stunning Alpine areas, green-carpeted meadows, excellent campsites, and tiny mountain towns, and you will be rewarded with a glimpse of the enormous peaks of Hanuman Tibba and Seven Sisters.
The Bhrigu Lake, which is located at an elevation of 4,400 metres (14,100 feet), is the most noteworthy destination along the route. The lake is said to have deep mythological roots and spends the most of the year frozen over. On the shores of the sacred lake, the Sage Bhrigu is said to have practised meditation. It is also stated that a great number of wise men and divine beings had their baths in the holy lake.
3) Hampta Pass Trek
The hike across the Hampta Pass is often regarded as being of the highest quality among those offered in Manali, Himachal Pradesh. The journey begins in Manali and continues on to Spiti Valley after passing via the Kullu Valley. Because of the trail’s proximity to stunning natural features, it is quite popular with vacationers. The atmosphere is calming, and the mountains and woodlands provide a welcome dose of relaxation. The trail is not difficult, and it is possible to walk from Manali to Manali in in five days. The months of May through October are ideal for doing this hike. This walk will also take you to Chandratal Lake, which is considered to be one of the most magnificent high-altitude lakes in the Himalayas. During the middle portion of the hike, you will go through some verdant meadows and past several magnificent waterfalls. Everyone who has a passion for the outdoors and want to have a better understanding of the Himalayas should consider going on this hike.
4) Pin Parvati Trek
The Pin Parvati trip is the perfect adventure for you if you want to experience pure excitement for a whole week! The impressive height of Pin Parvati Pass, 17,457 feet, offers little room for the use of one’s imagination. The most thrilling aspect of this adventure is making it to the highest point of the hike, which is a pass that connects the Parvati valley of Kulu to the Pin Valley of Spiti. Pin Valley, Shrikhand Mahadev, Kinner Kailash, Bara Shrigiri, Parbati Goat Head peak, Fluted peak, and Kulu Makalu all provide breathtaking panoramas that will leave you speechless. The 110 kilometre trip with a challenging level passes through a changeable landscape of rich prairie grasses on one end of the spectrum and a cold desolate desert of the Spiti area on the other end of the spectrum. The difficult Pin Parvati trip is not for those who are easily discouraged; it has expansive grasslands, Buddhist hamlets, cold glaciers, the Hot Springs of Parvati Kund, and a wide variety of vibrant culture. After Lord Shiva had pondered here for a number of years, the traditions say that Parvati grew overjoyed and started to flow as a result. This hike is a challenging one due to the fact that the mountain is covered in snow and there is a chance of rain at any time. This hike is recommended to be attempted between the months of June, July, and September.
5) Chanderkhani Trek
The Chanderkhani Pass trek is a short but scenic journey that covers a distance of 19 kilometres over the course of three days and delivers you to an elevation of 4,000 metres. The hiking path passes through the enormous Barabangal, Pir Panjal, and Parvati Ranges. Along the way, hikers are treated to a breathtaking panorama of the Hanuman Tibba and Deo Tibba peaks, which are considered to be among the most beautiful summits in the Himalayas. This journey, like the vast majority of others in the Himalayan area, is heavily inspired by mythology. People in Malana believe that the local deity known as Jamlu had a basket full of gods with him and opened it up at the pass. Jamlu is recognised by the moniker Jamlu. They were carried to the surrounding summits by a brisk wind, and they made their homes on these peaks despite the brisk breeze that was blowing. The major Hindu deities who made their homes there inspired the naming of the mountains and their summits. The picturesque mountain towns of Naggar and Rumsu as well as Chandrakhani Pass are the primary draws of this hike, which takes place in an area that is blanketed in snow until the end of May. This hike has a moderate difficulty and is best attempted between the middle of May and the end of September, with the exception of July and August.
6) Bara Bhangal Trek
This difficult walk of 11 days and 80 kilometres, which takes you to a height of 6,000 metres (16,000 feet), is unsuitable for those who are just starting out. It is considered to be one of the most difficult treks in Himachal Pradesh since it takes you through some of the most remote and mountainous areas of the state’s wilderness. One trek via spacious fields, precise river crossings, gorgeous glacial lakes, tough routes, treacherous moraines, and the Kalihani and Thamsar Passes, all while being surrounded by stunning views of Deo Tibba, Mount Indrasen, Hanuman Tibba, and the peaks of the Bara Shigri glacier. Your experience of trekking will be enhanced and elevated to a higher degree as a result of the long duration and challenging paths. The people who live in the hamlet of Bara Bhangal themselves are the ones who hold the belief that they are descended from Alexander the Great. The revelation of their enigmatic heritage is without a doubt going to be one of the journey’s most memorable moments. The glorious views of the Himalayan mammoths that reach far beyond the horizon that can be had from the peak of the mountain are the most gratifying aspect of the hike. The months of May through September provide the most favourable conditions for doing the hike.
7) Deo Tibba Base Camp Trek
The Deo Tibba Base Camp Trek is an ideal option for adventure-seekers who like a good test of their mettle and are captivated by the beauty of snow-covered peaks. The hiking trip lasts for a total of six days and begins in Jagatsukh. Along the way, you will pass through a variety of environments, such as high-altitude lakes, meadows, and forests. The view from Chota Chandratal, which includes Mount Deo Tibba, Mount Indarsan, and a number of other magnificent peaks, is the most memorable part of the hike. Along the route, you will also come across campsites such as Chikka, Sehri, and Tainta, each of which offers a view of the surrounding region that is distinct from the others. The Deo Tibba Base Camp Trek is an adventure that any passionate hiker will never forget due to the wide range of landscapes they will pass through and the difficult terrain they will encounter.
8) Prashar Lake Trek
The Prashar Lake walk is rated as easy to moderate difficulty and covers a distance of 16 kilometres over the course of two days, bringing you to an elevation of 8,956 feet. This unspoiled splendour of Himachal Pradesh takes you on a trip through dense woods and snow-covered mountains to finally reveal the Himalayan jewel that has been concealed from view. The incredibly breathtaking Prashar Lake, also known as Parashar Lake, which is encircled by the enormous Dhauladhar range serves as the focal point of the walk. The pagoda-style temple with three levels that is dedicated to Sage Parashar may be seen on the shores of Prashar Lake and is the second primary attraction of the Prashar Lake walk. The hike around Prashar Lake is at its most enjoyable in the months of February, April, May, and September. If you don’t mind the cold and the snow, you may even do the hike during the winter months of December through February.
9) Sar Pass Trek
This hike, which ranges from easy to challenging, takes place over the course of six days and spans a total distance of 48 kilometres to reach an astounding height of 4,400 metres. Even though it might be challenging for novice hikers at times, the terrain here is perfect for trekkers of all expertise levels. The Sar Pass Trek is an all-inclusive package that provides a multitude of meadows, glossy forests, winding forest trails that pass through pretty villages, challenging ascents, glacial lakes, bubbling mountain rivers, silver waterfalls, Parvati valley, a skyline of snow-capped mountains, glaciers, and an incredible slide. It is almost everything a hiker could hope for in a trek. The little frozen lake known as the Sar Lake is the centrepiece of the walk. Trekkers get to see it when they are travelling through the different stages of the trek. The most exciting aspect of the Sar Pass journey is the thrilling descent, which cannot be reached by hiking due to the high gradient. This makes it one of the most special parts of the walk. The most enjoyable portion of the descent is the slope from the pass, which is about a kilometre long and leads to the more gradual descent of the valley. The months of May through October are ideal for doing the hike.
10) Kheerganga Trek
Kheerganga may be found tucked away at the very end of Parvati Valley at a height of 4,000 metres (13,000 feet). On the hiking path that leaves Pin Valley and goes across Pin-Parvati Pass, this town is the last one that is inhabited. This walk, which lasts for two days and covers a total distance of 12 kilometres, is considered an easy level trek. Due to the fact that the trail is quite easy, it is suitable for visitors of all skill levels. The hiking trail passes through a number of breathtaking waterfalls, apple orchards, expansive stretches of verdant landscape, hot water springs, and a Shiva Temple, and it provides the ideal opportunity to learn more about the stunning Parvati Valley and its many mysteries. The profundity of the enchanted landscape is gradually revealed throughout the hike path. Kheerganga is steeped deep in legend. Both Sikhs and Hindus attach a great deal of significance to this location. Many people think that Kartikeya, son of Lord Shiva and Parvati, meditated in Kheerganga. This is a commonly held belief. Because the local hot springs were used by the goddess Parvati to prepare Kheer, also known as rice pudding, the area was given the name Kheerganga. Another version of the story is that Guru Nanakji, while paying a visit to one of his disciples who lived in this area, lifted a massive stone, which led to the formation of the hot springs. There is little question that the Kasol Kheerganga trek’s most well-known attraction is this series of springs. The most incredible experience you’ll have on this hike will be when you take a dip in one of the steaming hot springs despite the fact that it’s surrounded by a pristine white landscape. The months of May through June, as well as September through October, are ideal for hiking the Kheerganga trail.
