The 10 Best Treks in Himachal Pradesh

So, you’ve been working inside your cubicle in some glass and concrete skyscraper, or you’ve been studying for months on end for that research or exam, and your bheja (brain) is fried! You want to escape this mundane routine, do something that makes you feel alive again, experience something that is at the same time exhilarating and relieving.

But What?

The correct answer is: "Trekking!"

Why Trekking?

Because it disconnects you from the mundaneness of urban life and connects you to the most majestic and magnificent part of nature: Mountains! Treks offer you a unique blend of adventure, adrenaline rush, awe-inspiring natural beauty, and peaceful serenity that you can’t get anywhere else. Sweet, isn't it? The cherry on top? You can go on treks alone, with friends, and even with family.

But Where?

Where else but the ‘Land of the Snow-Clad Mountains’ or, as we endearingly call it,Himachal Pradesh. Cradled amongst the Western Himalayan range, Himachal has treks in all shapes and sizes that you can choose from. From treks lasting between a day to a week, from easy treks to expert-level ones, snow-capped mountains to lush green grasslands, pine forests to slithering rivers, hostile mountains to friendly villages - you name it, treks in Himachal have it!

But how?

Best Treks in Himachal Pradesh

There are nearly 50 different treks in Himachal Pradesh. Having too many choices is great, but also confusing, isn’t it? We feel you. As we said, Himachal has treks for everyone. But do you know which trek is the best for you? ‘The Trail Makers’ can help you with it. To make things easier, we’ve compiled a list of the 10 Best Treks in Himachal Pradesh (with a few honorary mentions). See whether you can find the one that matches your requirements and catches your heart here.

The Famous Five: Most Popular Treks

If your urge for trekking started after watching a viral trekking reel on Instagram, and you want to walk down one of those “Himachal treks that you can’t miss”, these five are for you. The Famous Five are the most popular treks in the Himachal region and attract the most footfall. If you love socialising or have a chronic case of FOMO, these are the ones to go for.

1. BEAS KUND

• Duration: 4 Days
• Difficulty Level: Easy
• Highest Altitude: Approx 12,500 feet (3,800 metres)
• Distance: 18 km
• Best Time to Visit: May to October
• Starting Point: Manali

One of the best summer treks for beginners near Manali, Beas Kund offers the perfect blend of nature and adventure, with a slight tinge of mythology. Starting in the backyard of our “Pahadi Manzil”, you’ll cross numerous glacial streams, walk under the covers of Pine and Walnut, and camp in mesmerising meadows during this four-day trek. This 18-kilometre trek will take you to Beas Kund, the pristine blue alpine lake, which is the source of the River Beas. As per the legends, the lake is named after Rishi Vyas, who had composed the epic Mahabharata. It is said that the sage meditated and bathed in this very lake in ancient times. That’s not all, though, as the Beas Kund Trek offers the majestic views of snow-covered Himalayan peaks like the Pin Pranjal Range, Dhauladhar Range, Friendship Peak, Deo Tibba, Hanuman Tibba, and Ladakhi Peak, amongst others.

2. HAMPTA PASS TREK

• Duration: 6 Days
• Difficulty Level: Easy-Moderate
• Highest Altitude: Approx 14,100 feet (4,300 metres)
• Distance: 29 km
• Best Time to Visit: June to September
• Starting Point: Manali

If you’re someone who wants to experience the perfect blend of everything that Himachal treks have to offer, the Hampta Pass Trek has to be your go-to choice. This 25-kilometre trek starts from “Pahadi Manzil” and ascends to over 14,000 feet in a matter of days. Often considered the best beginner-friendly crossover trek in the Himalayas, Hampta Pass offers a journey through the lush meadows of Kullu Valley and the barren beauty of Lahaul. All-engulfing forests, panoramic views of snow-clad mountains, and rocky trails, this trek offers it all. Then there are the scenic campsites under the star-studded night sky and the thrill of a lifetime as you cross not one but two glacial streams. While the view from the Pass is a memory worth cherishing in itself, the beauty of the crescent-shaped Chandratal Lake cannot be described in words, only experienced by being there. Although physically challenging, believe us when we say, “Every drop of sweat is worth it!”.

3. BHRIGU LAKE TREK

• Duration: 4 Days
• Difficulty Level: Easy
• Highest Altitude: Approx 14,100 feet (4,300 metres)
• Distance: 20 km
• Best Time to Visit: May to October
• Starting Point: Manali

Another popular choice for many trekkers with limited time on hand and a desire to ascend to high altitudes of the Himalayas is the Bhrigu Lake trek. Get yourself ready at our beloved home and starting point, “Pahadi Manzil” , before embarking on your quest for the sacred glacial Bhrigu Lake, which sits in the middle of snow-capped peaks. Legends say that the lake got its name from one of the Saptarshis, Maharishi Bhrigu, who used to meditate next to it. However, the trek is not all about the destination but also about the journey. Most of the 20 kilometres of this trek pass through alpine meadows with the Dhauladhar and Pir Panjal amongst others in the backdrop. With increasing altitude, the lush greenery transforms into snowy terrain, allowing you to experience it all. Camping in these meadows and the occasional meeting with wild horses and sheep are additional bonuses of going on this beautiful trek.

4. SAR PASS TREK

• Duration: 6 Days
• Difficulty Level: Moderate
• Highest Altitude: Approx 13,800 feet (4,200 metres)
• Distance: 45 km
• Best Time to Visit: April to July
• Starting Point: Kasol

Another popular choice for many trekkers with limited time on hand and a desire to ascend to high altitudes of the Himalayas is the Bhrigu Lake trek. Get yourself ready at our beloved home and starting point, “Pahadi Manzil” , before embarking on your quest for the sacred glacial Bhrigu Lake, which sits in the middle of snow-capped peaks. Legends say that the lake got its name from one of the Saptarshis, Maharishi Bhrigu, who used to meditate next to it. However, the trek is not all about the destination but also about the journey. Most of the 20 kilometres of this trek pass through alpine meadows with the Dhauladhar and Pir Panjal amongst others in the backdrop. With increasing altitude, the lush greenery transforms into snowy terrain, allowing you to experience it all. Camping in these meadows and the occasional meeting with wild horses and sheep are additional bonuses of going on this beautiful trek.

5. BURAN GHANTI TREK

• Duration: 8 Days
• Difficulty Level: Moderate
• Highest Altitude: Approx 15,000 feet (4,500 metres)
• Distance: 30km
• Best Time to Visit: May to September
• Starting Point: Shimla

With more than 30 kilometres to trek over 8 days and reaching the altitude of nearly 15,000 feet, the Buran Ghanti trek is definitely the most challenging amongst the Famous Five. But with great challenges come great rewards, and Buran Ghati rewards you with an adventure for life. If you want meadows, it will give you Dayara; if you want villages, this trail will give you Barua and Janglik; if you want mountains, it offers the Dhauladhar Range; if you want lakes, it will give you the Chandranahan Lake. If you seek forests, the trail will lead you through pine, oak, maple, and birch. To receive these rewards, though, you have to cross the Buran Ghati Pass, which will need some skilled manoeuvring and several streams and rivers. Nothing to be worried about, though, with our experts from “The Trail Makers” guiding you through these challenging bits. For those seeking an extra thrill, embark on this trek before June to experience rappelling down an ice wall.

The One Day Wonder: Day Trek

You may have made up your mind about going on your first trek, but the moment you see their duration, your smile turned into a frown. There’s no way you’re getting a 10-day break from your corporate job or convincing your college friends to go trekking in the Himachal for a week. What then? No trek? Absolutely not. The Trail Makers have something to offer that perfectly fits your needs: the Kheerganga trek. Or as we like to call it, the One Day Wonder.

6. KHEERGANGA TREK

• Duration: 1 Day
• Difficulty Level: Easy
• Highest Altitude: Approx 9,700 feet (3,000 metres)
• Distance: 12km
• Best Time to Visit: March to October
• Starting Point: Kasol

Kheerganga Trek is amongst the shortest, easiest, and most popular treks of Himachal. With less than 12 kilometres to cover and rejuvenating hot springs awaiting you at the end, this trek might feel like a breeze. Passing through the Parvati Valley, the Kheerganga trek might not last too long, but it sure does offer a compact but complete package. Snow-covered Himalayan ranges in the backdrop, passing through dense forests and glancing at majestic waterfalls, every hour of this trek will be a treat. The trail also passes through several apple orchards and montane villages, making the experience even more diverse and enjoyable. For anyone who is interested in trekking but has doubts about whether or not it is for them, the Kheerganga trek is the go-to choice for testing the waters, be it solo or in groups.

The Quiet Quartet: Underrated Offbeat Treks

Not everyone likes the popular places, especially because of the crowd. Some (including us) prefer to walk down the “road less travelled by”, like Robert Frost, because it makes “all the difference”. We, at “ The Trail Makers”, have also identified a quartet of quiet treks that are underrated, but in no way are inferior to their more popular counterparts. So, if you’re looking to avoid the crowd and go on a little offbeat adventure, these are the ones for you.

7. MIYAR VALLEY TREK

• Duration: 9 Days
• Difficulty Level: Easy-Moderate
• Highest Altitude: Approx 13,200 feet (4,000 metres)
• Distance: 50km
• Best Time to Visit: June to September
• Starting Point: Manali

We bet that the Miyar Valley, or Miyar Nala, as it is locally referred to, is a place you may have never heard of before, even if you’re fairly familiar with Himachal Treks. This little-known trail through the S-shaped valley is located in Lahaul, between Chamba and Zanskar, nearly 50 kilometres long and lasts for nine days. Starting from the Khanjar village and passing through the Chhudong Meadows, the trek goes through the Miyar Valley, which is often referred to as the “Valley of Flowers” of Lahaul due to the vast diversity of wildflowers and medicinal plants that bloom here, particularly during July and August, making it the best time to visit Miyar. Flowers like blue poppies, orchids, gentians, and primulas are famous in Miyar Nala. While traversing the valley, you may come across nomadic tribes like the Gaddi Shepherds and their flocks grazing in the meadows or visit the Buddhist stupas at Gompa to breathe in the local culture. But the best awaits you at the snout of the Miyar Glacier, the second longest in Himachal: the ‘seven sacred lakes’ or as the locals call it – “Kesar Yon Chhap”.

8. KALIHANI PASS TREK

• Duration: 7 Days
• Difficulty Level: Moderate-Difficult
• Highest Altitude: Approx 15,700 feet (4,800 metres)
• Distance: 50km
• Best Time to Visit: June to October
• Starting Point: Manali

The Kalihani Pass trek is one of the more daunting challenges that requires experience as well as physical prowess. The path to Kalahani Pass follows the famous “Bara Bhangal Trail”, which is just a stone’s throw away from “Pahadi Manzil”, from where you’ll start. This unique trek passes through snow patches, dense green meadows, and a steep trail that will make blood gush through your veins and jaws drop in awe. You can come across rare Himalayan fauna, including the musk deer, black bear, and snow leopards, apart from the colourful wildflowers. The trail passes through several small villages, including the remote Bara Bangal, and offers unmatched views of the Pir Panjal range, including Mount Indrasan and Mount. Deo Tibba. On your way to the Kalihani Pass, you’ll get to reach the Khanpari Tibba, which is located at an altitude of 4000 metres and offers a panoramic view of the Dhauladhar Range, and feast your eyes on the Rani Sui Lake located at a height of 3400 metres. Challenging it may be, but Kalihani Pass is a trek worth exploring.

9. GHEPAN LAKE TREK

• Duration: 5 Days
• Difficulty Level: Moderate-Difficult
• Highest Altitude: 13,600 feet (4,100 metres)
• Distance: 28km
• Best Time to Visit: May to October
• Starting Point: Manali

Similar to Miyar Valley, Ghepan Lake or Ghepan Ghat is another one of Lahaul’s secrets that has only been explored in the last decade or so. This glacial lake is particularly famous for its striking blue colour that will linger on in your memories long after you’ve returned home. The trail had been followed by shepherds for ages, but has only caught the eyes of trekkers in recent times. But anyone who sets eyes upon the blue lake is mesmerised by it, and bound to return again. The floating icebergs and the hanging glacier feeding it make the view even more memorable. To reach this lake, however, you’ll have to undertake a challenging climb that includes steep descents, high ascents, and extremely rugged trails with loose rocks. Having not been explored extensively, the trail is narrow and requires precision and focus to traverse safely.

10. DEO TIBBA BASECAMP TREK

• Duration: 7 Days
• Difficulty Level: Moderate
• Highest Altitude: 14,700 feet (4,500 metres)
• Distance: 28km
• Best Time to Visit: May to October
• Starting Point: Manali

The last but not the least amongst the quiet offbeat treks of Himachal is the one to Deo Tibba Basecamp. Also referred to as the Chota Chandratal trek, it boasts a trail that is home to a vivid variety of flora and fauna. With Mount Deo Tibba constantly on the horizon throughout the week, you can never lose sight of the goal. At the same time, prominent peaks like Indrasan and Hanuman Tibba and the glaciers of Deo Tibba and Jagatsukh also grace the horizon throughout the trail. Starting from “Pahadi Manzil”, the trek not only traverses dense forests but also crosses glacial streams and meadows. Reaching Basecamp is no easy task, though, with several steep descents and ascents through snowy and rocky terrains. The natural beauty of the panoramic Himalayas is bound to leave you speechless, and if you’re lucky, you might catch a glimpse of musk deer or the Himalayan tahr, or maybe even the snow leopard.

The Daunting : Most Challenging Treks

It was a daunting task to choose the top ten treks in Himachal, and it involved several tough choices being made. However, this list can’t be completed without the honourable mentions by “The Trail Makers”. The Daunting ones of the most exhilarating and demanding treks in Himachal Pradesh that you can only go on if you have prior experience and expertise in Difficult trekking.

11. PIN PARVATI TREK

• Duration: 11 Days
• Difficulty Level: Expert
• Highest Altitude: 17,500 feet (5,300 metres)
• Distance: 110km
• Best Time to Visit: June to September
• Starting Point: Kasol

This 110-kilometre-long trans-Himalayan trek through the Pin Parvati Pass is often called a passage between two contrasting worlds. On one hand, there is the lush and alive Parvati valley fed by the confluence of Beas and Parvati rivers, while on the other hand is the Pin valley amidst the cold desert of Spiti. Standing atop the highest point of over 5000 metres at the Pin Parvati Pass, you get to see the stark contrast between the two worlds simultaneously. Standing on white snow and glancing at green valleys on one side and brown on the other, nature is bound to leave you in awe here. Starting at Bhuntar and concluding at Manali, this 11-day trek offers heavenly landscapes with an abundance of picture-worthy frames. Alpine forests and coloured flower blossoms also grace the route. Pin Parvati Trek is dangerous not just because of the high altitude but also because of the frozen snow mountains and unpredictable rainfall that make the slopes extra slippery. Pin Parvati embodies the High Risk-High Reward principle.