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Escape to the Mountains: A Guide to the Best Treks and Trails in Kullu Valley, Himachal Pradesh

Updated: Mar 18, 2023


Are you tired of the mundane city life and want to escape to the mountains for some fresh air and breath taking views? Then pack your bags and head over to Himachal Pradesh, a paradise for trekkers and adventure enthusiasts.


Trekking in Himachal Pradesh:


Himachal Pradesh is home to some of the most beautiful and challenging treks in India. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced trekker, there's something for everyone here. Here are some of the best treks and trails you should definitely check out during your stay at Hogwartz Hostel.



1. KHEERGANGA TREK, PARVATI VALLEY


The Kheerganga trek is a popular and moderate trek that takes you to the natural hot springs of Kheerganga, which is situated at an altitude of around 2960 meters above sea level. The trek starts from the village of Barshaini, which is around 13 km from Kasol. You can reach Kasol by taking a bus from Delhi, which takes around 12 hours. From Kasol, you can take a taxi or a local bus to Barshaini, which takes around 30 minutes.


The Kheerganga trek takes around 2-3 days to complete, and the base village is Barshaini. The trail passes through beautiful forests, waterfalls, and stunning views of the surrounding mountains. The trek is relatively easy, and the trail is well marked, making it accessible to trekkers of all fitness levels.


On the first day of the trek, you will start your ascent from Barshaini, and after trekking for around 5-6 hours, you will reach the beautiful village of Rudra Nag. You can stay overnight in Rudra Nag and continue your trek the next day. On the second day, you will trek for around 4-5 hours to reach the natural hot springs of Kheerganga, where you can relax and rejuvenate your tired muscles.


In conclusion, the Kheerganga trek is an excellent option for those looking for a moderate trek that offers stunning views and a chance to soak in natural hot springs. The trek can be completed in 2-3 days, and the base village is Barshaini, which is accessible from Kasol.

Hot water spring at kheerganga top
Kheerganga Top: Hot water spring


2. HAMPTA PASS TREK


The Hampta Pass Trek is a popular trekking destination situated in the Kullu district of Himachal Pradesh, India. This trek is named after the Hampta Pass, which is located at an altitude of 4,270 meters above sea level. It offers stunning views of the Himalayan mountains, glacial valleys, and rivers. The Hampta Pass Trek is a moderate trek that can be completed in five to six days, making it an ideal choice for first-time trekkers and adventure enthusiasts.


The Hampta Pass Trek starts from the picturesque town of Manali, located in the Kullu valley. The trek route passes through the dense forests of oak and pine trees, alongside the River Rani Nallah. As you trek deeper into the valley, the landscape changes to a more rugged terrain with boulders and rocky patches. You'll also come across scenic meadows, which are ideal for camping and admiring the surrounding natural beauty.


The highlight of the Hampta Pass Trek is the crossing of the Hampta Pass itself. It is a challenging climb, but the panoramic views of the Himalayan mountains from the top are worth the effort. From the pass, you can see the towering peaks of Indrasan, Deo Tibba, and Hanuman Tibba. The descent from the pass is equally challenging, as you'll trek down a steep slope through a glacial valley before reaching the Lahaul valley.


The trek concludes in the Lahaul valley, a region that is starkly different from the lush greenery of the Kullu valley. The Lahaul valley is a high-altitude desert that is home to several small villages and Buddhist monasteries. The final leg of the trek involves a drive from the Lahaul valley to the town of Manali.


The best time to undertake the Hampta Pass Trek is from June to September, which is the summer season in India. During this time, the weather is pleasant, and the skies are clear, providing unobstructed views of the mountains. The trek is closed during the winter months, as heavy snowfall makes it inaccessible.


The Hampta Pass Trek is a perfect blend of adventure and natural beauty. It is a must-do for anyone who loves trekking and wants to experience the stunning Himalayan landscape up close. With its moderate difficulty level, the Hampta Pass Trek is accessible to all trekkers who are physically fit and have a spirit of adventure.

people on Hampta pass trek
A view during the Hampta Pass Trek

3. PIN-PARVATI TREK


The Pin Parvati Trek is one of the most challenging and exhilarating treks in India. The trek takes you through the heart of the Parvati Valley in Himachal Pradesh, crossing the Pin Parvati Pass, which is located at an altitude of 17,500 feet. The trek covers a distance of approximately 110 km, and takes around 10-12 days to complete.


The Pin Parvati Trek starts from the town of Kaza in Spiti Valley, and takes you through some of the most beautiful and remote regions of the Himalayas. You will be trekking through high-altitude alpine meadows, snow-capped mountains, glacial streams, and rugged landscapes.

The trek is not for the faint-hearted, and requires a high level of physical fitness and endurance. You will be trekking for several hours a day, often on steep and rocky terrain. You will also be required to cross icy streams and climb steep slopes, which can be quite challenging.


The Pin Parvati Trek is known for its stunning natural beauty, and you will be treated to breathtaking views of the Himalayas throughout the trek. You will be able to see towering peaks such as Kullu Eiger, Indrasan, and Hanuman Tibba, as well as the glaciers of the Pin Parvati range.


One of the highlights of the trek is crossing the Pin Parvati Pass, which is one of the highest passes in the Himalayas. The pass is covered with snow and ice throughout the year, and crossing it requires a high level of skill and experience. However, the view from the top of the pass is truly breathtaking, and makes all the effort worthwhile.


The Pin Parvati Trek is also an opportunity to experience the local culture and way of life. You will be trekking through remote villages and meeting the friendly locals who live in these areas. You will also be able to taste the local cuisine and learn about the customs and traditions of the people who call these mountains their home.


Overall, the Pin Parvati Trek is an unforgettable adventure that offers some of the most stunning scenery in the world. It is a trek that requires a high level of fitness and endurance, but the rewards are well worth the effort. If you are looking for an adventure that will challenge you both physically and mentally, then the Pin Parvati Trek is definitely worth considering.



Pin Parvati
Pin Parvati

4. BEAS KUND TREK


Beas Kund Trek is a popular trekking destination in the Indian state of Himachal Pradesh. The trek takes you to the source of River Beas, which is a glacial lake situated at an altitude of 3,700 meters. The trek offers stunning views of the Himalayan ranges and is a paradise for nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts.


The Beas Kund Trek starts from Solang Valley, which is located about 14 km from Manali. The trek is a moderate level trek and can be completed in 3-4 days. The trek offers a perfect blend of adventure and natural beauty. The trail passes through lush green forests, meadows, and streams.


The trek starts from Solang Valley and takes you through picturesque landscapes. The trail passes through dense forests of pine, oak, and deodar. You will also come across several waterfalls and streams. The trek offers breathtaking views of the surrounding peaks like Hanuman Tibba, Friendship Peak, and Shitidhar Peak.


The first campsite on the Beas Kund Trek is Dhundi, which is located at an altitude of 2,800 meters. Dhundi is a beautiful meadow surrounded by snow-capped mountains. The next campsite is Bakarthach, which is located at an altitude of 3,300 meters. Bakarthach is a high-altitude meadow and offers stunning views of the surrounding peaks.


The final destination of the Beas Kund Trek is the glacial lake of Beas Kund. The lake is located at an altitude of 3,700 meters and is surrounded by towering peaks. The lake is the source of River Beas and is considered a sacred place by the locals. The view of the lake surrounded by snow-capped peaks is a sight to behold.


The best time to go for the Beas Kund Trek is from May to October. During this time, the weather is pleasant, and the trekking conditions are ideal. However, it is advisable to check the weather forecast before embarking on the trek. The trek requires a good level of fitness and stamina, and it is recommended to do some physical training before going for the trek.


In conclusion, the Beas Kund Trek is a must-do for adventure enthusiasts and nature lovers. The trek takes you through some of the most beautiful landscapes in the Himalayas and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding peaks. The trek is a perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of city life and offers a chance to reconnect with nature.


Beas Kund Tents
Beas Kund Tents


5. BHRIGU LAKE TREK


The Himalayas, the highest mountain range in the world, have always been a dream destination for adventure enthusiasts. The Bhrigu Lake trek, located in the Kullu district of Himachal Pradesh, India, is a perfect choice for those who want to explore the beauty of the Himalayas. This trek is named after the famous Sage Bhrigu who is said to have meditated near this lake.


The trek starts from the base camp in Gulaba, which is around 22 kilometers from the town of Manali. The initial part of the trek is through dense forests of oak, deodar, and pine trees, and the trail gradually opens up to reveal breathtaking views of the Himalayan ranges.


As you climb higher, the landscape changes to alpine meadows and rocky terrain. The trail is well marked and offers a mix of moderate to steep ascents, making it a challenging yet enjoyable trek. The trek route is around 14 kilometers and takes around 2-3 days to complete.


The highlight of the trek is the Bhrigu Lake, which is situated at an altitude of around 4,300 meters. The lake is surrounded by snow-capped peaks and offers stunning panoramic views of the Himalayan ranges. The lake is also considered sacred by the locals, and many believe that taking a dip in the lake's holy waters will cleanse one's sins.


Camping near the Bhrigu Lake is an unforgettable experience. The peaceful surroundings and the starry sky at night make it a perfect spot for nature lovers. The temperature drops significantly at night, so make sure you carry enough warm clothes.


The best time to go for the Bhrigu Lake trek is from May to October when the weather is pleasant, and the trail is free from snow. However, the monsoon season from July to September can make the trail slippery and challenging.


The Bhrigu Lake trek is a perfect combination of adventure and scenic beauty. It is an ideal trek for both beginners and experienced trekkers who want to explore the beauty of the Himalayas. The trek route is well marked, and the stunning views of the Himalayan ranges make it a must-do trek for every adventure enthusiast.


In conclusion, the Bhrigu Lake trek is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that offers an opportunity to witness the breathtaking beauty of the Himalayas. It is a perfect getaway from the hustle and bustle of city life, and the memories of this trek will stay with you forever.



Bhrigu Lake
View from Bhrigu Lake

So, what are you waiting for? Book your stay at Hogwartz Hostel in Kasol and get ready for an adventure of a lifetime! Whether you're a beginner or an experienced trekker, Himachal Pradesh has something for everyone.

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