Weekend treks around Manali

Not many people know about these short weekend treks around Manali, but they’re a fabulous way to get away from the tourists and the crowds and see the real mountains. They’re also short enough to squeeze into your holiday or to plan a quick weekend getaway. Book one of these top weekend treks around Manali, and you’ll soon be enjoying a misty morning from your tent.

1. Bhrigu Lake trek

At the heart of Kullu Valley, Bhrigu Lake is one of the top weekend treks near Manali because it takes you high up into the cool mountains and lets you camp along the banks of a lake, in just two days. The trek begins from Manali and winds through quaint mountain villages, forests of oak and pine, with impressive views of snow-capped Himalayan peaks and Hampta valley at every turn. You’ll be camping beside Bhrigu Lake, watching the colours changing as the sky changes. This top weekend trek in Manali also offers a chance to visit the famous hot water springs in the Vashisht village.

2. Kheerganga trek

The Kheerganga trek is one of the most iconic top weekend treks around Manali. You’ll be exploring the green paradise that is Parvati valley and heading up to Barshaini, and then Kheerganga. You’ll pass charming Himachali villages, walk through pine-scented trails, cross rickety wooden bridges and trek along clear streams. You’ll also get a chance to visit the hot springs nearby for a soothing dip in the therapeutic water. This trek makes for a perfect quick getaway and is one of the top weekend treks around Manali.

3. Malana and Chanderkhani Pass trek

The Malana-Chanderkhani Pass trek is one of the top weekend treks in Manali, because it takes you through evergreen meadows, cool pine and oak forests, and picture-perfect valleys, and can be done in 2-3 days. You’ll have a chance to see the legendary village of Malana, with its unique lifestyle and ancient architecture. En route, you’ll see the snow-covered peaks of Pir-Panjal and the Parvati mountain range. The Chanderkhani Pass Trek takes you high up to a pass at about 12,000 feet, long the top of a ridge. This route also involves negotiating some tricky descents, crossing a gorge, and walking beside the gushing Beas river. With a host of experiences and pleasant weather, the Malana-Chanderkhani Pass trek finds itself on a list of the top weekend treks around Manali.

4. Beas Kund trek

This is a top weekend trek around Manali because it is easy, and starts from close to the main centre of Manali. You trek past glaciers, up lushly forested slopes, passing the tree line, seeing mountain streams dot the landscape, and up into meadows where shepherds bring their flock to graze on the sweet grass. The emerald-green Beaskund lake is the highlight of this trek, and it is great for taking postcard-perfect photographs. All this is accompanied by views of surrounding peaks such as Shitidhar and Friendship Peak in the Kullu region. It is one of the top weekend treks around Manali for the gorgeous views and cool weather.

5. Khar Myundari trek

This weekend trek near Manali begins at Setan and takes you up to an idyllic campsite next to a lake, from where you can see the Kullu Valley. You’ll trek along a path through deodar and pine forests, and besides a flowing stream. You will camp under starlit skies and wake up to panoramic views of the Kullu Valley, which is why this is one of the prettiest weekend treks around Manali.

6. Kasol trek

Located in the paradise that is Parvati Valley, the Kasol trek is one of the top weekend treks in Manali for its location and many attractions. You’ll find yourself in some of the prettiest campsites, with views of pine forests and oak stretching out all around. There are clear rivers to sit by, rocky patches to scramble over, and therapeutic hot springs to take dips in. Kasol attracts backpackers from around the world, and you’ll find delicious food and plenty to see and do here, making this one of the best loved weekend treks near Manali.

7. Grahan

This top weekend trek in Manali takes you to Grahan, about 10 kms away from Kasol, and about ten times more secluded than these crowded destinations. It’s an easy trek, except for one or two steep patches, and is suitable for beginners and those looking to escape the crowds. This weekend trek near Manali offers you a chance to walk through fragrant pine forests, pass through quaint villages, and listen to the sound of the Parvati river that flows by alongside.

8. Rasol

This weekend trek in Manali usually begins at Kasol, and lets you get away from the crowds and into the peace of the mountains. It can be a steep climb, but you’ll cross green fields, orchards filled with fruit trees, and the blue Parvati river nearby. At the top, you’ll be able to see Malana village, Chandrakhani Pass, and some of the famous snow-tipped peaks in the distance. It’s one of the top weekend treks in Manali because it takes you through cool, pine-scented mountain forests and into nature in one short climb.

9. Bijli Mahadev

The Bijli Mahadev route is one of the top weekend treks near Manali, and because it takes you along an easy route to a temple that looks down over all of Kullu. The temple has a 60-foot iron staff that conducts lightning during storms and is worshipped by locals from around the region. Weekend treks in Manali to Bijli Mahadev take you through pine and cedar forests to the Matikochar ridge and onward to the temple. From the top, you can see paddy fields, fruit orchards, and peaks in the distance.