You’ve seen the pictures. You’ve read the stories. And now you’re wondering if you have what it takes to be a real adventurer why sitting at home and waiting for something that’s not happening. You’ve got to start somewhere, right? What if we tell you there is no better start than climbing the mountains, we repeat no.
Imagine it’s a beautiful morning in the mountains. The sky is a deep blue, and the sun dances on the dew on the grass and the leaves of the trees. The air is cool and clear, and the sound of the stream babbling its way over the rocks fills the air. You can almost feel the energy and the life in the landscape.
The mountains are a place of incredible beauty. They offer a unique experience, with a host of opportunities for adventure. Not many people get the opportunity to hike through some of the world’s most stunning landscapes. From easy half-day rambles to multi-day expeditions, you can experience the thrill of the high mountains, the silence of the meadows, and the joy of being surrounded by the greatest views on earth.
There are spectacular trekking trails in Himachal Pradesh that attract tourists from all over the world. With its rugged terrains and numerous hiking trails in varying degrees of difficulty, it is slowly becoming popular among adventure junkies. The following trails are the top 5 Treks in Himachal Pradesh, just check them out.
Top 5 Treks in Himachal Pradesh for Trekkers Seeking Challenging Adventure
1. Buran Ghati Trek, Shimla
2. Rani Sui lake Trek, Manali
3. Minkiani Pass Trek, Kangra
4. Kugti Pass Trek, Chamba
5. Pin Bhaba Trek, Kinnaur
1. Buran Ghati Trek, Shimla
Photo By – Sanjana Jarmale
India is a land of wonders – a land of mountains, deserts, forests, and beaches. Each corner of this vast country offers a unique experience, and nowhere is this more true than in the Himalayas. The highest mountain range in the world is home to some of the world’s most beautiful landscapes, but also some of the most challenging trails. One such trail is the Buran Ghati trek in Himachal Pradesh, which offers spectacular views of the Himalayas. It’s one of the most beautiful treks in India, and yet it is seldom visited. The trek offers the opportunity to explore a range of landscapes: from broad, snow-covered valleys to narrow, deep gorges and high passes. One could say that someone just combined all the best parts of our Himalayan treks into one good trek.
Janglik is the start of the trek (a 5-hour drive from Shimla), which is reminiscent of the old, “untouched by civilization” villages you would see on the Har Ki Dun trek. From Janglik, it continues to Barua. As the trails are surrounded by a dense forest of Oak and pine trees, crossing them is an exceedingly rewarding experience.
Even though the Buran Ghati trek is moderate, it is packed with all the highlights of a tough trek, including a thrilling pass crossing. The biggest drawcard of this location is Chander Nahan Lake, which is nestled near Chanshal Peak, and the Dhauladhar range which sweeps up an incredible 12,000ft from the valley floor, creating a beautiful barrier wall! If you’re looking for a summer or autumn trek, Buran Ghati is a sure choice.
The Best Time to Visit is in spring when the landscape is at its greenest.
Buran Ghati Trek Distance: 37 km
Duration: 7 Days and 6 Nights.
2. Rani Sui Lake, Manali
Photo By – Tanuj Thakur
The Rani Sui lake (aka the Saurkundi Lake) is perched above the town of Manali at an altitude of 3790m (12,430ft). It is an easy to moderate trek. The area remains snow-bound for seven months, while shady mountain faces hide snow for eight to nine months. There’s a remarkable stone formation near Rani Sui lake, which resembles the foundation of a bridge, believed to have been built by Pandavas during Mahabharata yuga. It is also a major stopping point for shepherds travelling to the Kangra valley. Interestingly, in December the lake freezes and can be walked on.
The trek starts from Hadimba Mata temple and leads to Rani Sui Lake, an emerald lake surrounded by lush green meadows. Beautiful views of Manalsu glacier, Hanuman Tibba, Deo Tibba, Indrasan, Jagatsukh Peak, Inder Kila, Rohtang Pass, Manali town, Dhauladhar, and Pir Panjal range on your way will make your heart melt. Capture them in your cameras if the battery is still alive, otherwise, just soak in the beauty of this route. That’ll be more interesting, we guess. At the top, you will have a view of the changing colours of the multi-coloured fields below the valley and snow-covered peaks across the valley.
There are several routes to reach Rani Sui lake. From Manali, this is a 3-4 day trek. You may not have much time to spare, but if you want to take a break from your ordinary routine, Rani Sui Lake Trek could be the trail for you. While the trek is relatively easy, it is a fun and enriching experience.
The best time to visit is from Mid-May to November. During summers, the weather is pleasant, with calm winds passing through occasionally.
Rani Sui Lake Trek Distance: 22 km.
Duration: 3 Nights and 4 days.
3. Minkiani Pass Trek, Kangra
Located in Himachal Pradesh’s Kangra district, the Minkiani Pass Trek is one of the most famous treks in Himachal Pradesh. It is located at an altitude of 4343 meters. We’re sure you might’ve heard of Kareri lake, a quite famous trek in Dharamshala. A seven-kilometre trek from the lake will lead you to Minkiani. Though it is a lesser-known trek in Himachal Pradesh however the views it has to offer are to die for! You’ll get to see the Pir Panjal and Zanskar ranges. Also, it’s a paradise for bird watchers. You’ll find various species of Himalayan birds and wild animals like Himalayan fox and Snow Leopard etc. The Minkiani pass trek is an ideal weekend adventure for those looking for an adrenaline rush. And because this trek involves a steep ascent, you will have to be in good shape to complete it.
The Best Time to Visit this trek is from December to April.
Minkiani distance: 20 km.
Duration: 4 nights and 5 days.
4. Kugti Pass Trek, Chamba
Photo By – Abhishek
Located at a height of 5,050 m, Kugti Pass in the Chamba district of Himachal falls under the Pir Panjal range. It’s a great destination for trekkers to explore Himachal Pradesh’s natural beauty. From this pass, one can climb up to the Duggi plain, an ideal place for camping that offers magnificent mountain views. During the journey to the summit, you will witness the majestic ManiMahesh Kailash Peak, the magnificent Dhauladhar Ranges, and a distant view of snow-capped mountains beyond the Lahaul Valley.
There are no roads leading to Kugti pass, so it is a rare and remote trek. The lower trails wind through apple orchards, pine forests, and miles of lush meadows. A waterfall awaits you at every turn. And at the base of the pass, you can explore Leah cave.
The trek to Kugti Pass begins from Bharmour. From there, the path continues to Hadsar, and then on to Kugti village via an ascending and descending path. And then from Kugti to Duggi, you’ll witness Kartik and Goddess Murkula Devi temples. According to the Gaddis, the presiding deities of these temples are the savour of their flocks and cattle.
The moment you reach Duggi, a rocky grassland, you’re bound to be captivated. It is situated at the confluence of the Budhil and Duggi rivers. Further, as you approach your destination, you will be welcomed by gorgeous meadows, sparkling rivulets, and wide expanses of snowfields on your way to the Kugti Pass which houses a small shrine filled with prayer flags, bells, and Trishul. As you look out from the pass, you see the arid and barren mountains of the Lahaul valley, the Manimahesh Kailash peak, and the Grechu Pass. In case you are obsessed with high altitudes, nature’s masterpiece, and adrenaline-pumping thrills, the Kugti Pass trek is for you.
The Best Time to visit this trek is from mid-June to mid-October.
Kugti Trek distance: 60 km.
Duration: 11 nights and 12 days.
5. Pin Bhaba Trek, Kinnaur
There are extensive woods of pine, oak, and silver birch along with this mountain range. After a brief walk through a deep forest near the gurgling Bhabha River, the journey begins. From the pristine pastures and flowing meadows of Kinnaur to the quiet serenity of Pin Valley in Spiti, there is something truly spectacular about the trek. This trek joins Kinnaur’s emerald-green Bhaba Valley with Spiti’s barren, frigid, and parched Pin Valley. You’ll get to witness both worlds at the same time. And that’s exactly why Pin Bhaba Pass continues to be one of the most favorite treks in Himachal Pradesh!
It starts in the picturesque Himalayan town of Kafnu (2,400 m), which rises to 4,915 m in Kinnaur Valley. It is a rare experience to walk along this path from Kinnaur through lush forests and shepherds’ paths to the wide, dry expanses of Spiti.
You will experience some of the most pristine forests and alpine meadows in the area and will get the opportunity to spot Himalayan Ibex and Markhor along the way. The trek is quite strenuous, with most people choosing to do a more relaxing version.
The Best Time to Visit is between June and September when the valley is at its most picturesque.
Pin Bhaba Distance: 51 km.
Duration: 7 nights and 8 days
Winding-up: Treks are like theme parks for your feet. They’re adventure playgrounds of dirt and elevation, built to be challenging and rewarding no matter your fitness level. In Himachal, the best treks have something for everyone, whether you’re a hardcore hiking enthusiast or just starting. On top of that, you’ll see the pristine beauty of the mountains, the epic backcountry vistas, and you have the epic photo ops, who would even miss that?
Feature Photo By – Manav | Outdoor Educator
Happy Trekking!
