Saans lo toh weekend Khatam ho jata hai! That’s what everyone says but what’s interesting is, it is actually true.
Some people like to use the weekend to go on adventures or do things that require a lot of planning (which are absolutely worth the effort), while others prefer to take it easy and do nothing in particular.
Let’s make a weekend plan (just in case you don’t want to sleep and relax) that might ease off your pain. Here’s to the PERFECT PLAN!
Hike through scenic forests, get close personal with nature, and sleep under the stars in tents. It is always therapeutic to travel into nature; seeing new landscapes fosters mindfulness.
Himachal Pradesh, a slice of heaven on earth, has a long list of adventurous treks like Buran Ghati Trek, Kugti Pass, and Pin Bhabha Valley Trek. It is not recommended to do these treks on weekends, but they can be adapted as long as you want to. As we’ve only got the weekends, there are short summer treks in Himachal Pradesh which are just as rewarding as the long ones.
Experiencing a variety of landscapes and cultures on weekend treks in the mountains, spending time in small communities, and meeting the people who call these places home are all part of what makes exploring a place exciting.
If we think long and hard, there will be a never-ending list of summer treks in Himachal Pradesh. This blog, on the other hand, offers you the Top 5 Trekking Destinations to enjoy in the summer season. You can choose to go on one of these treks on your own, with your friends, or even with your family.
NOTE- For some of these treks you may need to adjust your schedule accordingly. Make sure you take one or two extra days off near the weekend! It is always helpful when you decide to go on a trek. BUT if you don’t get any, good luck with your boss buddy!
Top 5 Summer Treks to do in Himachal Pradesh
1. Bhrigu Lake Trek
2. Kareri Lake Trek
3. Prashar Lake trek
4. Kheerganga Trek
5. Churdhar Peak Trek
1. Bhrigu Lake
How about walking over an endless grassy carpet? One that isn’t artificial, though you have placed it on your balcony. Have you?
The Bhrigu Lake Trek attracts hikers due to the mythological nature of the lake. This trek lies in Himachal Pradesh, about 20-25 kilometres North of Manali, and can be accessed from Gulaba. It is the place where the Great Maharishi Bhrigu sat in deep meditation. And as the name suggests, you’ll meet a lake at the end of the trek. Even though the lake is beautiful, the trek has more to offer than just the lake. Its grasslands are worth the hike as well. It appears as if the grasslands are in an endless array of green dunes; perhaps even beyond.
Imagine having such meadows right at your fingertips. It is no wonder that we go cuckoo bananas over places like Kashmir, Switzerland, which are full of landscapes like these.
There is a magnificent view of the Dhauladhar and Pir Panjal mountains ranges from these grassy knolls.
The best time to do this trek is between July to September when the meadows are at their lushest green. It’s like you’re on cloud 9 that too having a garden. All and all Bhrigu Lake Trek is one of the best summer treks in Himachal Pradesh. Located just a few miles from Manali, it is a great trek for families and beginners alike.
Duration– 4 Days and 3 Nights.
2. Kareri Lake Trek
Kareri Lake is one of the best treks in Himachal Pradesh for a good reason. It has two entirely different landscapes and that is enough to take your breath away. The trek starts from Nolli bridge near Kareri Village which is around 10 km from Dharamshala. A few minutes of the trek you’ll find yourself in the dense forest dotted with pines and shrubs.
The Kareri Lake Trek is an excellent weekend adventure for those looking to steer clear of the more well-travelled trails of Himachal Pradesh. If you’re a newbie and want to trek, this definitely will be a great choice for you. Obviously not alone; groups will do best.
In the latter half, there’s another bridge made to cross the Nyund Nallah. It can be easily spotted as there’s a small shack that sells magic, bread omelette, and tea. In short, a good place to catch your breath before starting. As you continue the trek, the forests take a break and it’s the rocky grasslands along the banks of Nallah you’ll witness. A keen eye will recognize Himalayan Griffon Vultures hovering above.
Once you’re at the top you’ll see a Temple Dedicated to Lord Shiva on one side of the lake and on the contrary there are the almighty Dhauladhars Covered in Snow. Absorb the beauty of the lake and click pictures from your mind if not cameras!
The Best Time to do this Trek is from May to September.
Duration– 2 Days and 1 Night.
3. Prashar Lake Trek
The pristine blue Prashar lake, located in the Mandi District of Himachal Pradesh, is one of the most iconic Trekking Destinations in Himachal Pradesh. The lake is considered sacred to Prasher Rishi who meditated here years ago. And then in the 13th century, Raja Bansen built a Pagoda Style Temple to honour the sage. Hence it is Named Prashar Lake.
In the bowl-shaped valley of the Dhauladhar range, the Prashar Lake Trek takes you through dense forests and offers snow-capped mountain views, making it a surreal place in Himachal Pradesh. Additionally, Prashar Lake has a small circular island floating on its surface. As per the locals, there is no particular pattern to the movement – it could be in the same place for months, or it could move several times in one month.
The trek to Prashar lake offers the best of both worlds: a short but exciting adventure as well as a closer connection with nature. The best part is yet to come. This trek can be done all year round, isn’t that good news? On top of that, it fits in perfectly with your long weekend plans & wanderlust fix as it is a short trip.
Duration- 2 Days and One Night.
4. Kheerganga Trek
This is one of the most beautiful weekend treks in Himachal Pradesh. Kheerganga is a site of spirituality, at its core, and the trail leading up to it is surrounded by immense natural beauty. A bus or a cab can take you to Barshaini, the basecamp of the Kheerganga trek, from Kasol or Manikaran or direct from Bhuntar Airport – whichever is most convenient. From there, it is a short 11-12 km hike uphill. The trail can be completed in 5-6 hours easily, even if you stop for a meal or a break in the middle at one of the local cafes along the way.
While on your way, you will pass a Shiva shrine at Rudranag Temple and the Small Village of Nakthan. Along the way, you’ll also see sprawling green pastures over rugged cliffs lined by Hot Springs. And once you’re up there, you can rejuvenate yourself by taking a dip in a natural hot pool called Parvati Kund. At night, marvel at the stars while you stay overnight in a tent.
The best time to do this trek is between May and November.
Duration- 2 Days and One Night.
5. Churdhar Trek
With an elevation of 12,000 feet, Churdhar Peak, the highest point of the Outer Himalayan Range, is located in the Sirmour District of Himachal. This region is also called Churi Chandni, meaning
“mountains in bangles of snow”. One gets to see endless peaks and snow-capped ranges of Badrinath and Kedarnath. Churdhar trek is one of the fascinating summer treks in Himachal Pradesh. When the skies are clear, one gets to witness the peaks of Kedarnath, Badrinath, Shimla, Chail, Kufri, Kasauli, and even the Sutlej River Basin. Imagine what it would be like on the top? ‘Surreal’ is exactly not what we want to say. It’s indescribable.
At its top is a giant sculpture of Lord Shiva enshrined in Shirgul Devta Temple, which holds great religious significance for the people (takes you back to the ancient times of Ramayana and Mahabharata), but it also has considerable geographic significance.
George Everest, the Surveyor-General of British India who is the inspiration behind the name Mount Everest, used Churdhar Peak during his tenure for sightings and astronomical measurements of many Himalayan mountains.
Those who wish to trek to Churdhar Peak may do so from Nohradhar via Solan or Sarahan in Chaupal in the Shimla district. During the last hour of the trek, you will have to cross a steep moraine. However, the impressive view from the top is worth the effort.
The best time to do this trek is between April and November.
Duration– Two Days and One Night.
If trekking through these top summer trekking routes in Himachal is so wonderful, why wouldn’t you want to behold the winsome mountains, lush meadows, and sparkling rivers, which will certainly blow you away? There is no way you can disagree that Himachal Pradesh is the most sought-after destination not only in North India but in your heart as well. And we hope that this entire blog eased off your pain of where to plan your next trip in Himachal Pradesh.
Wishing you a Happy journey. TOODLES!
