Manali Day Hikes

Day hikes in Manali. Manali day hikes are for those who want to enjoy a brilliant walk on the outskirts of Manali town. Starting from 2000 m the day treks go up to 3600 m or in strenuous hike one can reach up to 4000 m. All-day hikes start early morning. After the end of the trek, some require transportation to get back to Manali, and some start at Manali and end at Manali. The day hiking tour allows its participants to enjoy the beautiful green forests, cascading waterfalls, Alpine meadows above the tree line, and a spectacular view of the Pir-Panjal and Great Himalayan range.

HAMTA VALLEY DAY HIKE ( JOBRI TO CHIKKA )
Hike Grade: Easy, Duration of hike: 5 to 6 Hrs.
Max Altitude: 3100 m, Best season: Mid March to November end
Departure Time: 8:00 AM
Hamta valley day hike also known as Jobri to Chikka hike starts from Manali. Leaving early from Manali you drive to Prini, Sethan (2700m) and continue to Jobri (2800 m). Jobri is a distance of 17 km and it takes an hour drive. Jobri is the starting point of two treks. First, to Hamta pass along the Hamta river and second to Deo Tibba North base camp at Piang Neru. Beginning a hike from Jobri you first cross the ford on Jobri stream originating from Deo Tibba massif and followed by the trail goes through Deodar, Oak, Walnut, and Birch tree which is short and less than an hour. Soon after crossing the tree, you will be welcomed by an open valley and vast meadows of Chikka. The trail runs along the Hamta River. Lunch at Chikka and after exploring the area retrace back to Jobri. Arriving at Jobri you will have an option to continue to hike to Manali via Chichoga heights means  JOBRI – CHIKKA – JOBRI – CHICHOGA. The trail from Jobri to Chichoga starts with a short descend along the stream and a narrow trail on the face of the rock wall to Rahni Thach where you will find a number of Monal birds. Arrive at the ridge from where you will have a clear view of Manali and trail descend to a Beas bridge near Manali town. You will have a picturesque view of Manali and its surroundings once leaving the forest and walking through apple orchards.

BEAS KUND DAY HIKE
Hike Grade: Moderate, Duration of hike: 8 to 9 Hrs.
Max Altitude: 3,690 m/12,139 ft, Best season: April to November end
Departure Time: 6:30 AM
West of Rohtang La, there is a tiny lake called Beas Kund. This tiny lake of Beas Kund is situated at the higher and upper valley of Solang. Which is the heart of winter and summer games in Manali.
The ancient Indians called the Beas River Vipas or Arjiki while the ancient Greeks called it Hyphasis. The current name Beas is regarded as formed from Vyas who is the author of Mahabharata, the great Indian epic, however, some scholars in Himachal Pradesh call this river Vipasha.
Beas Kund – Beas so named after Rishi (Sage) Beas and Kund is the Hindi word for a tiny pond.
It’s an ideal base camp for climbing nearby peaks Shitidhar, friendship, and Ladakhi peak. The Westside of Beas Kund is a magnificent peak of Hanuman Tibba 5990m, which access through a tiny pass above this lake.

BHRIGU LAKE
Hike Grade: Strenuous, Duration of hike: 9 to 10 Hrs. plus 1:45 hrs by car (1:30+15) up-down
Max Altitude: 4000 m, Best season: May End to Mid October
Departure Time: 5:00 AM
This is a strenuous day hike to Bhrigu Lake. Leaving early from Manali you drive to Gulaba 1 hr from where the hike begins.  At first steep climb through alpine meadows to Rauli Kholi further trail goes through boulders and loose rocks to a tiny lake known to locals as Bhrigu Lake. Situated at a height of 4160m. With a panoramic view of Pir Panjal, Dhauladhar, Great Himalayan range. Spending an hour at the lake it’s a long descent back to Gulaba and drive to Manali.

LAMADUGH DAY HIKE
Hike Grade: Moderate, Duration of hike: 7 to 8 Hrs.
Max Altitude: 3200 m, Best season: March to December end
Departure Time: 8:00 AM
We take a 10 minutes drive early in the morning to Dhungri near Hadimba Temple located 2 km west of Manali. Beginning to hike from here you climb gently through a thick forest of Cedar and Oak. Climbing up through the Manalsu River valley the gentle slopes and lush green meadows of Lamadugh appears. Hiking beneath the Khanpari Tibba you descend to Nasogi village, from where a well-defined trail through apple orchards and Deodar forest to Kanyal where our hike ends. The trail presents a spectacular view of the Beas River valley. Your car will be waiting here and the road descends to Simsa and continues to Manali.

VASHISHT TO PANDUROPA DAY HIKE
Hike Grade: Moderate, Duration of hike: 7 to 8 Hrs.
Max Altitude: 3500 m, Best season: Mid March to November end
Departure Time: 8:00 AM
This day hike starts from Vashisht and ends at Vashisht or Kulang. Leaving early from your hotel in Manali, you will drive to Vashisht. Setting off from Vashisht a steep ascent through Apple orchards soon after you will approach the dense and fragrant Pine forest. Breathtaking view of Beas River valley below and passing through small pastures where you will meet Shepherds with flocks of sheep. It will take 3 hrs to reach where the tree line ends and you will be welcomed with wide Alpine meadows and the whole view opens up. The entire area is called Panduropa. Keep ascending for an hour to reach the Panduropa ridgeline. From where to the South-East you will have a clear view of Indrasan, Deo Tibba peak, Hamta pass, and Hamta valley beneath. To the North Hanuman Tibba, Maker Beh, Shikhar Beh, Friendship peak, and Solang valley. To the West Kalihani pass and to the South Beas River valley carpeted with Apple orchards. During summer the entire meadows are filled with wildflowers. Exploring the area, you will have two options to descent the valley floor. Either you take the same route and descend to Vashisht or take a trail that goes to Kulang.

VASHISHT TO JOGINI FALL COMBINED WITH BURUA TO SOLANG VALLEY
Hike Grade: Easy, Duration of hike: 6 to 7 Hrs.
Max Altitude: 2400 m, Best season: All year round
Departure Time: 8:00 AM
Vashisht is located at a distance of 3 km from Manali & famous for its sulfurous hot springs and is one of the famous tourist attractions in Manali. The hot springs that emerge from the granite rocks that cover the entire area are believed to have medicinal value. Thus both locals & tourist find their way to dip in the pool. Situated elegantly above the Beas River, the best view of Manali and the long winter sun attracts many Foreigners to live in this village.

Beginning to hike from Vashisht and explore the local life, the trail goes through the village to Joginifall. An easy trail at first along with the apple orchards for a few minutes and arrive at Deodar forest. Soon after the temple, a zigzag ascends to the fall. In less than an hour, you will be at waterfalls. Enjoy the stunning view of cascading falls. There are two trails from Jogini falls, one straight descend to Bahang and the other near Nehru Kund. We take the trail that goes to Nehru Kund. Arriving near Bahang Govt. school, we drive 2 – 3 km to Burua village. And from here take a trail that goes to Solang. Burua to Solang trail along the stream, through apple orchards with magnificent views all around. Finally arrive at Solang. After resting for few minutes, we drive back to Manali.

SETHAN DOME (4,160 m) 
Hike Grade: Moderate, Duration of hike: 7 to 8 Hrs.
Max Altitude: 4000 m, Best season: April to November end
Departure Time: 8:00 AM
High above Sethan village 2700 m there are vast meadows above treeline which finishes at 3200m, this area is famous for winter heli-skiing in Manali. From this point, you will have a close view of Indrasan and Deo Tibba peak northwest face. To the west, you view the Beas river valley. During summer the entire area is carpeted with wildflowers and herbs. It takes 30 minutes by vehicle to Sethan village from where this day hike starts. 

DEO TIBBA (Piang Neru – North Base Camp day hike)
Hike Grade: Strenuous, Duration of hike: 9 to 10 Hrs. plus 2 Hrs (1+1) by car up-down.
Max Altitude: 3900 m, Best season: Mid June to October end
Departure Time: 4:30 AM
This is another strenuous day hike to Piang Neru where only a few find their way here. Leaving early from Manali you drive to Jobri and steep ascent to Marhi, from where the first view of Deo Tibba appears. The gradual trail to Piangneru and crossing the Jobri stream ascent to Sethan dome provides a magnificent view of Beas River valley. Finally long descent to Sethan village where the trip ends and drive to Manali. 

SISSU FALLS DAY HIKE
Hike Grade: Moderate, Duration of hike: 5 to 6 Hrs. plus 2 hrs (1+1 up-down) by car.
Max Altitude: 3220 m, Best season: All year round
Departure Time: 8:00 AM
Sissu Falls is located in Lahaul at Sissu. Situated close to Chandra River. The source of water is the glaciers of Shikhar Beh and Mukar Beh peaks. The fall has a drop of almost 50 meters and is considered one of the best waterfalls in Himachal Pradesh. The hike begins from Sissu nursery and goes along the left banks of Chandra River, later a gradual ascend through the fields of peas, potatoes, barley, and finally through meadows to falls. The trail presents a spectacular view of Chandra valley and Gepang Goh peak which dominates the valley.

MANGANKOT DAY HIKE
Hike Grade: Moderate, Duration of hike: 7 to 8 Hrs.
Max Altitude: 3600 m, Best season: Mid April to October end
Departure Time: 8:00 AM
Mangankot is located on the North-West of Manali and at the end of the ridgeline above old Manali. In a clear sky, one can have a spectacular view of snow-capped mountains. To the Southeast Indrasan & Deo Tibba, to the east Bhrigu lake & Vashisht ridgeline, to the North Hanuman Tibba, Friendship peak, Makar Beh, Shikar Beh, and Rohtang la.
Setting off from Old Manali near Manu temple, the trail passes through a pine forest. It’s a long ascent to the top but the reward is magnificent. The Mangankot mountain with its heads in the clouds especially during August, when its prime time of monsoon in Manali. As you are ascending on a ridgeline, so you will have a view on both sides. Snowcapped mountains to the North and Beas River valley to the south.  En route lookout for forest wildlife, including Monal, Chukar partridge, mountain weasel, pika, fox, etc, and occasionally a Brown bear. After a good rest and exploring, slow descent from Mangankot to Aliyas spring near Majach village and drive back to Manali or straight descent from Mangankot to Manu temple at Old Manali.

OLD MANALI TO SOLANG VALLEY DAY HIKE
Hike Grade: Moderate, Duration of hike: 8 to 9 Hrs. plus 40 Minutes by car.
Max Altitude: 2560 m, Best season: All year round
Departure Time: 7:00 AM

NAGGAR – RUMSU – PULAG – HALAN DAY HIKE
Hike Grade: Moderate, Duration of hike: 5 to 6 Hrs. plus 2 hrs (1+1 up-down ) by car.
Max Altitude: 2500 m, Best season: All year round
Departure Time: 7:00 AM

REVIEWS

“We are a group of 4 couples planning to trek and camp in Manali area. We found Potala Adventurers online and booked trek and camping with them. Mr. Prem was very helpful in guiding us to the right trek. Mr. Tenzin also helped us a lot and made arrangements to handle our other luggage as well. The guides organized by them were very helpful. The entire trekking and camping were wonderful and memorable. All arrangements were hassle-free. Thanks a ton to Potala Adventures and Prem and Tenzin for their support. Best wishes”
Mr. Vivekanand K. – Pollachi – Tamilnadu – 6th May

Dear Prem, Thank you so much for having me as a guest in your home and showing me so much of the natural beauty of Manali and Kullu valley. You have been such a wonderful host & it was truly an amazing experience getting to know you and your family. I hope I will be able to come back in a few years to do some of the 7 day plus treks with Potala again. For now this is certainly an experience I will never forget. If you are ever in the U.S., please let me know so we can meet & maybe hike in the Rocky Mountains ! Wishing you all the best. 
Miss Meghan Mercedes, Boulder – Colorado – USA.

“Ich hatte einen wunderbaren und aussergewoehnlichen Aufenthalt in Manali und einen grossartigen Trek. Prem organisierte zwei tolle Treks fuer mich und beruecksichtigte dabei alle meine Extrawuensche. In der Zwischenzeit konnte ich bei seiner Familie wohnen, welche meinen Aufenthalt noch besser machte. Mein erster Trek war super organisiert mit einem tollen Guide, sehr gutem Essen und einer wunderschoenen Tour. Mein zweiter Trek hat leider nicht geklappt, da ich krank wurde, aber Prems Familie hat sich toll um mich gekuemmert. Nachdem ich wieder fit war, hat Prem mich dafuer auf einige wunderbare Tagesausfluege mitgenommen. Ich habe meine Zeit hier sehr genossen und hoffe für neue Trekkingtouren zurueckzukommen.  Vielen Dank fuer alles!
Miss Sabine – Munich – Germany – 22 April

 “I had an extraordinary marvellous stay in Manali and a wonderful trek. Prem arranged two great treks for me considering all my extra wishes and in the meantime, I could stay with his family who made my stay even better. My first trek was super organized with a great guide, very good food and a beautiful tour. Prem took me on some awesome day trips. I really enjoyed my time here and hope to come back for some more trekking. Thank you very much for everything.
Miss Sabine Rodel – Munich – GERMANY – 22 April