Best Short & Long Treks in Manali for All Adventure Levels

Trekking in Manali: Best Short & Long Treks for All Levels (2025 Guide)

Manali, nestled in Himachal Pradesh’s Kullu Valley, is a paradise for trekking enthusiasts, offering trails for beginners, families, and seasoned adventurers alike. From the peaceful Jogini Falls hike to the demanding Hampta Pass, every route reveals the Himalayas’ rich tapestry—verdant meadows, glacial lakes, waterfalls, and dramatic high-altitude passes. The Beas Kund, Hampta Pass, Bhrigu Lake, and Jogini Falls hikes remain top favorites, blending natural beauty, accessibility, and cultural charm. With their unique mix of challenge and scenery, these treks in Manali are perfect for anyone seeking adventure and soul-stirring landscapes. Plan your visit in May–June or September–October for the best conditions, or embrace the winter snow for a different experience. Whether you crave mountain vistas or a spiritual escape by sacred lakes, treks in Manali promise memories that last a lifetime.

Exploring Manali’s Trekking Trails

1. Beas Kund Trek

• • Location: Solang Valley, starting from Dhundi, 20 km from Manali (32.3172° N, 77.1587° E).
  • Why Visit: This trek leads to Beas Kund, the sacred source of the Beas River, a glacial lake at 3,700 meters, surrounded by towering peaks like Hanuman Tibba and Friendship Peak.
  • Route Overview: The 3–4-day trek begins with a 20 km drive from Manali to Dhundi, followed by a 5–6 km hike to Bakarthach campsite through pine forests and meadows. Day two involves a 6 km trek to Beas Kund, passing streams and moraines, with a return to Bakarthach. The final day retraces to Dhundi and back to Manali.
  • Difficulty: Easy to moderate; suitable for beginners and families (ages 8+), with a gradual ascent but some rocky sections.
  • Duration: 3–4 days, covering 16–18 km round trip.
  • Best Time: May–June and September–November for clear skies and pleasant weather (10°C–20°C); avoid monsoon (July–August) due to slippery trails and landslide risks.
  • Key Highlights: Stunning views of Pir Panjal and Dhauladhar ranges, camping at Bakarthach, sacred lake tied to Rishi Vyas, and glacier sightings.
  • How to Reach: Drive or taxi from Manali to Dhundi (₹500–₹800, 40 minutes). Manali is accessible via Bhuntar Airport (50 km) or buses from Delhi (540 km, 12 hours, ₹800–₹1,500).
  • Tips: Hire a guide (₹500–₹1,000/day) for safety, especially for families. Pack warm clothing for cold nights (0°C–5°C), sturdy shoes, and 2–3 liters of water. Book through Thrillophilia or IndiaHikes. Combine with Solang Valley activities like paragliding.
  • Fun Fact: Locals believe Rishi Vyas, author of the Mahabharata, meditated at Beas Kund, adding spiritual allure. Himalayan Hikers

2. Jogini Falls Hike

• • Location: Near Vashisht Village, 3 km from Vashisht Temple, 7.5 km from Manali (32.2581° N, 77.1887° E).
  • Why Visit: A short, scenic hike to a 150-foot waterfall, ideal for beginners, families, and those seeking a quick nature escape with cultural significance.
  • Route Overview: The 3–4-hour round-trip hike starts at Vashisht Temple, winding 3 km through pine forests, apple orchards, and small streams. The trail leads to Jogini Falls, a sacred site named after Goddess Jogini, with a small pool at the base and the Jogini Mata Temple nearby.
  • Difficulty: Easy; suitable for kids (5+) and elders with basic fitness, though the trail can be slippery in monsoon.
  • Duration: 1 day, covering 6 km round trip.
  • Best Time: March–June and September–November for pleasant weather (15°C–25°C) and clear views; avoid monsoon due to slippery paths and strong currents.
  • Key Highlights: Stunning waterfall, serene forest trails, views of Beas River and Rohtang peaks, and proximity to Vashisht Temple’s hot springs.
  • How to Reach: Taxi or auto-rickshaw from Manali to Vashisht Temple (5 km, ₹100–₹200), then trek 3 km. Manali is reachable via Bhuntar Airport or buses from Delhi/Chandigarh.
  • Tips: Wear sturdy shoes, avoid swimming in monsoon, and carry water and snacks. Visit early (7:00 AM–10:00 AM) to avoid crowds. Combine with Vashisht Temple for a cultural day. No guide needed for this self-guided trek, but check Trawell for updates.
  • Fun Fact: Jogini Falls is considered a Shakti Peeth, a sacred site of female divine power, drawing devotees for rituals. Tripoto

3. Hampta Pass Trek

• • Location: Starts at Jobra (15 km from Manali) and ends at Chatru, Lahaul Valley (32.2432° N, 77.1892° E to 32.3646° N, 77.2461° E).
  • Why Visit: A thrilling 5-day crossover trek from the lush Kullu Valley to the arid Lahaul Valley, offering dramatic landscape changes and high-altitude adventure.
  • Route Overview: The trek begins with a drive from Manali to Jobra, followed by a 2–3-hour trek to Chika campsite. Day two leads to Balu Ka Ghera (6–7 km), day three crosses Hampta Pass (14,065 ft, 9–10 km), and day four descends to Shea Goru. The final day treks to Chatru, with an optional drive to Chandra Tal Lake before returning to Manali.
  • Difficulty: Moderate; suitable for beginners with some trekking experience and good fitness due to steep ascents and altitude.
  • Duration: 5 days, covering 35 km round trip.
  • Best Time: June–October for wildflowers and clear weather (10°C–15°C); July–September is peak season for vibrant scenery.
  • Key Highlights: Crossing Hampta Pass, views of Deo Tibba and Indrasan, glacier crossings, and camping at scenic sites like Balu Ka Ghera.
  • How to Reach: Drive or taxi from Manali to Jobra (₹500–₹800, 30 minutes). Return from Chatru to Manali via taxi (₹2,000–₹3,000).
  • Tips: Acclimatize in Manali for 1–2 days to avoid altitude sickness. Pack warm layers for cold nights (0°C–5°C) and rain gear. Book guided treks via TrekTheHimalayas. Combine with Chandra Tal Lake for added adventure.
  • Fun Fact: Hampta Pass is nicknamed the “Valley of Flowers” for its vibrant meadows in July–August. Himalayan Hikers

4. Bhrigu Lake Trek

• • Location: Starts at Gulaba, 22 km from Manali (32.3050° N, 77.1833° E).
  • Why Visit: A 3–4-day trek to a sacred high-altitude glacial lake at 14,100 feet, known for its changing colors and mythological ties to Maharishi Bhrigu.
  • Route Overview: The trek starts with a drive from Manali to Gulaba, followed by a 4–5-hour trek to Rola Kholi campsite (12,500 ft). Day two ascends 5 km to Bhrigu Lake, returning to Rola Kholi. Day three descends to Kulang village or Pandu Ropa, then drives back to Manali.
  • Difficulty: Easy to moderate; suitable for beginners with basic fitness, though altitude requires acclimatization.
  • Duration: 3–4 days, covering 22–25 km round trip.
  • Best Time: June–September for snow and wildflowers; June is ideal for vibrant scenery (10°C–20°C).
  • Key Highlights: Bhrigu Lake’s emerald and blue hues, views of Hanuman Tibba and Deo Tibba, lush meadows, and camping under starry skies.
  • How to Reach: Drive or taxi from Manali to Gulaba (₹800–₹1,200, 45 minutes). Manali is accessible via Bhuntar Airport or buses from Delhi/Chandigarh.
  • Tips: Acclimatize for 1–2 days to handle the 14,100 ft altitude. Pack warm clothing, rain gear, and a camera for scenic shots. Book through Bikat Adventures. Combine with Vashisht hot springs for relaxation.
  • Fun Fact: Bhrigu Lake never freezes, even in winter, fueling local beliefs in its divine power. Himalaya Shelter

Comparison Table of Trekking Trails Around Manali

Trek Name	Location	Difficulty	Duration	Best Time	Key Features	Suitable For
Beas Kund Trek	Solang Valley (Dhundi)	Easy–Moderate	3–4 days	May–Jun, Sep–Nov	Glacial lake, Pir Panjal views, sacred site	Beginners, families
Jogini Falls Hike	Vashisht Village	Easy	1 day	Mar–Jun, Sep–Nov	Waterfall, forest trails, Shakti Peeth	Beginners, families
Hampta Pass Trek	Jobra to Chatru	Moderate	5 days	Jun–Oct	Valley crossover, glaciers, wildflowers	Experienced beginners
Bhrigu Lake Trek	Gulaba to Bhrigu Lake	Easy–Moderate	3–4 days	Jun–Sep	High-altitude lake, meadows, mythological site	Beginners, families

Practical Tips

• Getting There:
  • By Air: Bhuntar Airport (50 km, taxi ₹1,000–₹1,500, 1 hour).
  • By Train: Joginder Nagar (120 km, taxi ₹2,000–₹3,000, 3 hours).
  • By Road: Buses or taxis from Delhi (540 km, 12 hours, ₹800–₹1,500) or Chandigarh (310 km, 8 hours, ₹500–₹1,000).
• Accommodation: Budget guesthouses in Manali (₹500–₹1,500/night), mid-range hotels (₹2,000–₹4,000), or resorts like Club Mahindra (₹3,000–₹8,000). Book via BidYourStay.
• Local Cuisine: Savor Himachali Dham, Siddu, or momos (₹100–₹300) at dhabas or cafes like Café 1947 in Old Manali.
• Safety: Acclimatize for high-altitude treks (Hampta Pass, Bhrigu Lake) to avoid altitude sickness. Use licensed guides (check Thrillophilia or IndiaHikes). Avoid monsoon treks during heavy rain due to landslide risks.
• Preparation: Build stamina with cardio exercises (running, stair climbing) 2–3 weeks prior. Pack trekking poles, 2–3 liters of water, and energy snacks. Check weather at www.imd.gov.in.
• Combine Treks: Pair Jogini Falls with Vashisht Temple, or Beas Kund with Solang Valley activities for a varied itinerary.

Wrapping Up Your Trekking Journey

Whether you’re a beginner looking for a scenic day hike or an experienced adventurer chasing high-altitude trails, treks in Manali have something for everyone. From lush valleys and forest paths to snow-kissed peaks, these routes let you soak in the raw beauty of the Himalayas while challenging your spirit. If you’re traveling with kids or elders, you can also explore some family-friendly places to visit in Manali to balance adventure with leisure.

No matter which path you take, the charm of treks in Manali will leave you with memories worth a lifetime. Ready to plan your trip? Head over to BidYourStay for curated homestays and stays near Manali’s best trekking routes — so your adventure begins right from your doorstep.