Trek to Malana Village

This 4-day trek to Malana Village takes you to a Himachali village shrouded in mystery and myth, and famous for being the world’s oldest democracy. It has become famous (or infamous) internationally for cannabis, but there’s more to Malana than just drugs. This is also one of the most fascinating treks in the Kullu Valley. In the first place, you'll camp on the outskirts of Malana village, giving you time to visit a village that seems stuck in time. Here, they have their own rules and way of life. The villagers themselves, with their light skin and eyes, speaking in their very own dialect, make you very aware of the fact that you're an outsider here.

You'll trek to Malana Village alongside ancient shrines, rocky outcrops, tribal villages with traditional wooden homes, deep forests, snow-capped mountain peaks and bubbling mountain streams. You will also visit Chandrakhani Pass on the way.

IMPORTANT: This is a private trip and requires a minimum of 8 people to make a booking.

Destination

Your trek to Malana Village begins in Manali, from where you'll be driven to Naggar to start the trek. At night, you'll camp out in tents, amidst terraced green fields and picturesque meadows. En route to Malana, you'll trek up to Chandrakhani Pass which lies at 12,000 feet. The highlight of this Malana Village trek however, is Malana, which is considered the world’s oldest democracy as the residents only recently allowed outsiders into their village. It still has some beautifully carved wooden houses and an old world charm in the air. Legend has it that the exotic looking people of this village are descendants of Alexander The Great.

Destination highlights

Trek through lush green valleys and conifer forests of the Himalayas. | Witness a unique life in Malana village, with its own customs and traditions. | Photograph breathtaking views of the Pir Panjal and other mountain ranges. | Conquer 12,000 feet at Chandrakhani Pass.

10000

12000

6200

17 kms

20 hrs

6 kms

Manali

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Manali

Private transport

Naggar

Get Direction >

08:00

16:00

Today you'll begin the drive from Manali to Naggar. The drive takes you through winding mountain roads on an hour-long drive to Naggar, from where you begin your Malana trek. The trek to Malana Village weaves along a trail, past charming villages to your campsite in Rumsu. Overnight in tents at the campsite.

Sleep overnight in tents on triple sharing basis

Food

Lunch | Dinner

Veg

Day 1 Milestone

Manali

Rumsu

07:00 AM

From Rumsu, the Malana trek to the base camp takes about 5 hours. You'll be ascending steadily through coniferous forest. You'll stop at viewpoints to enjoy glorious mountain views and hike through trails dotted with wildflowers. You will stay in tents overnight.

Sleep overnight in tents on triple sharing basis

Food

Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner

Veg

Day 2 Milestone

Rumsu

Chandrakhani Basecamp

07:00 AM

It's a big day today. After a hearty breakfast, you'll head for Chandrakhani Pass. You'll have plenty of time to explore the Pass and take pictures, before proceeding towards Malana village. Explore the village and meet its exotic residents, but you are requested to respect the rules here and visit special areas with permission. You'll stay overnight in tents on the outskirts of the village, in adherence to local customs.

Sleep overnight in tents on triple sharing basis

Food

Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner

Veg

Day 3 Milestone

Chandrakhani Basecamp

Malana village

07:00 AM

Today you'll eat breakfast in Malana, and then board vehicles to be driven back to Manali. It's a pleasant 3-4 hour drive. You'll reach Manali by late afternoon. Trip ends here.

Trip ends before nightfall

Food

Breakfast

Veg

Day 4 Milestone

Malana

Manali

07:00 AM

Includes / Excludes

Includes

  • All veg meals from Day 1 lunch to Day 4 breakfast
  • Tented accommodation on triple share basis
  • All necessary fees and permits
  • Transportation from Manali to Manali
  • Qualified and experienced trek guide and support staff
  • All camping gears complying with international standards
  • First aid qualified instructor

Excludes

  • Any meal during transit
  • Any expenses of personal nature
  • Insurance of any kind
  • Porter/mule charges to carry your personal bag (can be arranged with prior notice)
  • Anything not mentioned explicitly in the inclusions

What to Wear

What to Wear

  • Shirts/t-shirts – 2-3
  • Trekking pants – 2
  • Windproof jacket of decent quality
  • Warm and thick fleece/full sleeve woollen sweater
  • Thermal inner wear (Upper and lower)
  • Woollen cap
  • Woollen gloves
  • Woollen socks and regular socks (3-4 pairs)
  • Scarf/muffler (optional)
  • Comfortable trekking/hiking shoes (Shoes with a thick sole are recommended)
  • Not to wear - Expensive watches, jewellery and electronic items
  • Suitcases, trolleys or any other hard luggage

What not to Wear

  • Loose clothing that will tangle around you while swimming
  • Restrictive clothing
  • Flip-flops

Equipment / Gear

We Provide

  • Technical equipment if required
  • All camping equipment during the trip, including tents, sleeping bags and mats
  • First-aid kit

You need to get

  • Duffel bag, soft shoulder bag or a rucksack
  • Day pack/small bag which you carry on your back everyday with your essentials
  • Raincoat/Poncho
  • Small, lightweight towel
  • Water bottle (sturdy ones)
  • Cap/hat to keep the strong sun away from your face
  • Sunglasses
  • Walking stick/Trekking pole
  • Sunscreen lotion
  • Lip balm
  • Torch/Flashlight (with extra batteries)
  • Personal toiletries
  • Rain cover for bags
  • Waterproof bags to pack belongings in case of heavy rains
  • Camera
  • Lightweight floaters or sandals

Medical Kit

  • Please carry specific personal or prescribed medication, personal first-aid kit.

Cancellation policy

For cancellations made 30 days or more before the departure of the Malana Village trek: 90% of trek cost will be refunded, minus any transaction charges.

For cancellations made 21-30 days prior to departure of the Malana Village trek: 60% of trek cost will be refunded, minus any transaction charges.

For cancellations made 20-11 days prior to departure of the Malana Village trek: 30% of trek cost will be refunded, minus any transaction charges.

For cancellations made 0-10 days prior to departure of the Malana Village trek: No refund.

No show and trek changes/cancellation due to bad weather or natural calamity will be non-refundable.

Rules on trip

On the Malana Village trek, travellers will have to be very careful in the village of Malana. You cannot touch the homes of the villagers, or even make any contact with the villagers themselves, whether by accident or intentionally. You will be asked to pay fines if you touch either, and will not be able to negotiate the amounts.

Travellers must ask for permission before taking photographs of the villagers on this trek to Malana Village.

Permission has to be sought from village elders before visiting certain locations, so travellers cannot explore the village on their own.

Additional instructions, booking policies, terms and conditions

Any additional costs due to weather/unforeseen situations on the Malana Village trek, will have to be borne by the traveller.

The team reserves the right to change the plan in case there is danger involved for the group or whenever the trek leader deem it necessary.

Any changes/cancellation in the itinerary of the trek to Malana Village due to bad weather or natural calamity will be non-refundable.

It is recommended that you avoid planning any onward journeys on the same day as your return.