https://www.flickr.com/photos/ajayb/1481849549/in/photostream/

Duration: 12 days

Trek Difficulty: Challenging

Maximum Altitude: 5400 meters

Pin Parvati Pass connects the fertile and lush Parvati valley on the Kullu side with the Pin valley on the Spiti side. It is a popular trekking route though still rarely visited. This trek is the shortest route between the Kullu and Spiti Valleys. Once over the Pin-Parvati pass (5400m), there is a complete change in landscape – the mountain slopes immediately turn barren and rugged. The prevalent culture of the inhabitants also changes from Hinduism to Buddhism. Often referred to as one of the most challenging treks in the Indian Himalaya, it’s more than worth the effort.

2. Beas Kund Trek

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Duration: 3 days

Trek Difficulty: Moderate

Maximum Altitude: 3500 meters

Beas Kund trek is one of the most beautiful and popular treks in Manali region. Beas Kund which is about 17km from Manali is the origin of the Beas river. It is believed that Rishi Vyas used to take his daily bath here, hence the lake is regarded as sacred by Hindus. The route takes you through the Solang valley and offers excellent views of the glaciers and snow-capped mountain peaks. One can camp an overnight at Bakarthach.

3. Bhrigu Lake Trek

https://www.flickr.com/photos/torchmeister/9417892550

Duration: 3 days

Trek Difficulty: Moderate

Maximum Altitude: 4300 meters

Bhirgu Lake is situated at an altitude of 4235 m, east of the Rohtang Pass. The trek gives a panoramic view of Manali valley. It is said that Rishi Bhrigu used to meditate by this lake. The surroundings of the lake are truly serene and one can witness the famous Himalayan peaks – Indrasan, Deo Tibba, Hanuman Tibba, Makerbeh, Shikarbeh, Shitidhar, Friendship Peak, Khan Pari and Ladakhi – from here. This trek has many breathtaking and spectacular views and is perfect for some soul-searching.

4. Hamta Pass Trek

http://trektohamptapass.blogspot.in/

Duration: 4/5 days

Trek Difficulty: Moderate

Maximum Altitude: 4400 meters

Hampta Pass trek is an easy to moderate trek, especially for first timers, with views of lush green valleys, snow-clad mountains and barren hills as one crosses the Hamta pass. With a maximum altitude of 4,400 m, this trek takes you from Manali through forests of walnut and oak to Chhatru in Lahaul valley via Hampta pass.  This trek provides a great opportunity to the photographers with its spectacular vistas.

5. Hamta Circle Trek

Duration: 4 days

Trek Difficulty: Easy to Moderate

Maximum Altitude: 3500 meters

Unlike the Hamta Pass trek, this trek does not cross to Lahaul Valley but marks a circuit around the Hamta Pass. The trek starts from Jagatsukh village close to Manali with a climb through a dense forest. Above the tree line are the lush green meadows which have sparkling water streams running through them accompanied by spectacular views of the entire Kullu valley. One can walk across one of such streams, the water of which feels therapeutic on your legs. The trek ends in Aleo village from where you can drive/ walk back to Manali

6. Khanpari – Lamadug Trek

Duration: 3 days

Trek Difficulty: Easy

Maximum Altitude: 4000 meters

The trek to Lamadug meadows above Manali is a perfect trek for beginners and first timers. Lamadug meadow is around 6 km walk from Manali and Khanpari is another 4 kms from Lamadug. During the trek, one can witness the snow-covered Himalayan peaks -Dhauladar and Pir Panjal Mountain range and also the Kullu valley in their full splendor and pass through the mixed forest of Cedar, Walnut, Chestnut and Maple.

7. Chandrataal Trek

Duration: 5/6 days

Trek Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging

Maximum Altitude: 4300 meters

The trek to Chandrataal lake is one of the most scenic treks in Himachal Pradesh. One gets to experience a kaleidoscope of landscapes with the green Kullu valley, snow-clad passes, barren terrains after Batal and crystal clear waters of Chandrataal. The trip involves a drive across Rohtang Pass to Batal, from where the trek starts. The trek ends at Baralacha La, from where one can drive down to Manali. The barren landscape in the upper regions makes it an awe-inspiring trek and a must for every adventure enthusiast.

8. Chanderkhani Pass Trek

https://www.flickr.com/photos/125410675@N05/14313041467

Duration: 5 days

Trek Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging (depending on season and snowfall)

Maximum Altitude: 3600 meters

The Chanderkhani Pass trek begins at Naggar which is a short drive from Manali on the bank of River Beas. After crossing the Chanderkhani Pass (3600m), one reaches Malana village which is a small community of tribal people,famous for its distinct & reserved social culture.

Fun Fact: Malana has its own democratic government and does not acknowledge the central or state government! All non-Malani people are considered to be inferior and consequently untouchable. Prescribed purification rituals are followed in case of any contact. 

From Malana, one can descent to Jari from where one can drive back to Manali.

9. Deo Tibba Base Camp Trek

Duration: 5 days

Trek Diffilculty: Easy to Moderate

Maximum Altitude: 4400 meters

The trek to Deo Tibba Base Camp passes through lush green forests and the flower laded grazing meadows with various streams running across. Deo Tibba is situated south-east of Manali on the Pir Panjal Range. It is a comfortable trek with a route full of panoramic views along thick forest and alpine plateau with magnificent views of Deo Tibba peak. One can also attempt to scale the 6000 m high Deo Tibba peak which requires specialized equipment.

10. Sar Pass Trek

https://www.flickr.com/photos/shankhasd/7260461568

Duration: 5 days

Trek Difficulty: Moderate

Maximum Altitude: 4300 meters

Sar Pass is a moderately challenging trek in the Parvati Valley of Himachal Pradesh. Reaching an altitude of about 4300 m, it can be considered as an introduction to high altitude trekking. Sar means lake and the trek is named so because of a small frozen lake one passes by. This trek is quite popular with the enthusiasts. Starting at Kasol, which is about 70 km from Manali, the trek route goes to Sar Pass and then back to Kasol.

11. Great Himalayan National Park Trek

https://www.flickr.com/photos/tourcompanies/6819663066

Duration: 7 days

Trek Difficulty: Moderate

Maximum Altitude: 3800 meters

This trek through the Great Himalayan National Park takes you from Tirthan Valley to Sainj Valley. The park provides a wide range of habitats that support one of the Himalaya’s largest and varied ecosystems. The Sainj and Tirthan valleys are home to a variety of fauna – wild mountain goats, brown bear and predators like the leopard and the elusive snow leopard. The park is also home to over 180 species of birds, making it a paradise for bird watchers and wildlife photographers.  The trek starts from Sai Ropa in Tirthan Valley, crosses Sainj Valley and ends at Neuli in Kullu Valley.

Which one are you taking up next? Or already completed some of them?

Do share your experiences below!

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Also read:

12 Extreme Sports That Are a Nightmare for the Parents

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