Imagine walking on soft green grass while snow-covered mountains watch you from all sides — that’s what trekking in Manali feels like.
Manali, a small town in Himachal Pradesh, is like a magical gateway to the Himalayas. It has many walking trails (called treks) where you can explore nature, spot wildflowers, and see snowy peaks up close. Some treks are easy like a long park walk, and some are tough like climbing a giant staircase — but all are beautiful.
What Makes Trekking in Manali Special
Think of Manali like a giant nature adventure park. It has forests, meadows, rivers, and towering mountains all packed together.
You can find short one-day trails for beginners or week-long adventures for thrill-seekers. Local guides, small homestays, and tea stalls along the way make it friendly and safe.
Best Treks in Manali
These are inside or very close to Manali town — perfect for short, scenic adventures.
Bhrigu Lake Trek
How to Reach: Drive 20 km from Manali to Gulaba. The trek starts from Gulaba village.
Distance & Duration: 25 km round trip | 3–4 days
Difficulty: Moderate — requires good stamina and basic fitness.
Altitude: ~14,000 ft — thin air can cause slight breathlessness.
Facilities: No permanent hotels on the trail. Campsites are set up by trekking groups at Rola Kholi and Bhrigu Lake.
Stay Options: Hotels/hostels in Manali before starting; tents required on the trail.
Family-Friendly? Teens (13+) can join with proper fitness. Not suitable for very young children.
Tips: Carry warm layers, energy snacks, water bottles, and a small oxygen can if prone to altitude sickness. No shops on the trail, so pack meals and dry food.
Beas Kund Trek
How to Reach: Start from Solang Valley, 13 km from Manali by taxi.
Distance & Duration: 30 km round trip | 3 days
Difficulty: Easy to moderate — good for beginners.
Altitude: ~12,700 ft — mild oxygen drop possible at the end.
Facilities: Temporary campsites near Dhundi and Beas Kund; no hotels.
Stay Options: Stay in Solang or Manali before/after; carry tents or join a trek group.
Family-Friendly? Suitable for fit families and older children (10+).
Tips: Wear trekking shoes with grip. Carry warm jackets, rainwear, and personal medicines as no medical shops are on the trail.
Lama Dugh Trek
How to Reach: Starts directly from Old Manali village (walkable from Manali town).
Distance & Duration: 17 km round trip | 1 day
Difficulty: Easy — short climb through forests and meadows.
Altitude: ~9,900 ft — no oxygen issues.
Facilities: No shops or stay on top; only day hike.
Stay Options: Hotels/hostels widely available in Old Manali.
Family-Friendly? Yes — great for beginners, families, and children (7+).
Tips: Pack water, snacks, and a light jacket. Start early morning and return by evening.
Best Treks Near Manali
These are multi-day treks a bit outside Manali. They need planning, fitness, and supplies.
Hampta Pass Trek
How to Reach: Start from Jobra village, 18 km from Manali by taxi.
Distance & Duration: 35 km | 5 days
Difficulty: Moderate — needs stamina and prior trekking experience.
Altitude: ~14,000 ft — oxygen gets thin, especially on summit day.
Facilities: Campsites at Chika, Balu Ka Ghera, Shea Goru. No shops or hotels on route.
Stay Options: Tents needed. Stay in Manali or Sethan before starting.
Family-Friendly? Great for solo or friends groups; not recommended for kids under 14.
Tips: Carry dry food, power banks, extra woolens, and basic first aid. No phone network beyond Jobra.
Chandrakhani Pass Trek
How to Reach: Start from Naggar (22 km from Manali by taxi).
Distance & Duration: 22 km | 3–4 days
Difficulty: Easy to moderate — gradual climb through forests.
Altitude: ~12,000 ft — oxygen normal, no major risk.
Facilities: Forest clearings for camping; no hotels on the trail.
Stay Options: Hotels/hostels in Naggar; carry tents for camping.
Family-Friendly? Yes — suitable for families with kids (10+) who enjoy nature walks.
Tips: Carry snacks, water filters, and warm clothing. Be ready for chilly nights even in summer.
Deo Tibba Base Camp Trek
How to Reach: Start from Jagatsukh village, 12 km from Manali.
Distance & Duration: 37 km | 6–7 days
Difficulty: Difficult — long days, rocky terrain, and steep climbs.
Altitude: ~14,700 ft — low oxygen, risk of altitude sickness.
Facilities: Only campsites; no shops, hotels, or phone network after day 1.
Stay Options: Stay in Jagatsukh/Manali before starting; tents are mandatory on the trail.
Family-Friendly? No — for experienced trekkers (16+), not for kids or beginners.
Tips: Train your stamina for 2–3 weeks before. Carry high-calorie food, water purifiers, woolens, sleeping bag, trekking pole, and a personal oxygen can.
Packing & Supplies Checklist
Must Carry:
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Warm layers, waterproof jacket, gloves, woolen cap
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Sturdy trekking shoes and spare socks
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Energy bars, nuts, dry fruits
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Water bottle + purification tablets
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Personal medicines, first aid kit, sunscreen
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Torch/headlamp, power bank, rain cover
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Tents and sleeping bags (if no stay options)
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ID card and permits (if needed)
Not Available on Trails: Shops, electricity, mobile network (on most high treks), and medical stores — so pack all essentials from Manali before leaving.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
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Skipping rest days and rushing — your body needs time to adjust.
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Carrying too much — keep your backpack light.
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Forgetting warm clothes or rain gear.
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Ignoring weather updates and safety instructions.
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Littering — always leave the mountains clean for others.
Conclusion
Trekking in and around Manali is like opening a secret door to nature. Every step shows you something new — from green meadows to snowy peaks.
Choose a trek that suits you, plan smart, pack light, and enjoy every moment. Whether with friends, family, or solo — the Himalayas will leave you with unforgettable memories.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the best trek in Manali for beginners?
Answer: Bhrigu Lake and Lama Dugh are best. They’re short, scenic, and have no extreme climbs.
What are the best treks near Manali for adventure lovers?
Answer: Hampta Pass and Deo Tibba Base Camp are perfect for thrill-seekers who want high-altitude challenges.
Can I bring children on these treks?
Answer: Yes, on Lama Dugh, Beas Kund, and Chandrakhani (ages 7–10+). Avoid high-altitude treks like Deo Tibba for kids.
What is the best time for trekking in Manali?
Answer: May–June and September–October when the weather is clear and trails are safe.
