Malana Trek
14 Days | Trekking 07 Days
Suitable for families with young children
Chanderkhani Pass (3660 m)
Highest point/ Max altitude
Fitness Grade
Moderate
5-7 hours activity per day with steep uphill and downhill sections or high passes. Some days at high altitudes, good level of physical fitness recommended.
This is one of the most enchanting treks in the picturesque Kullu valley. We’ll walk through forests of pine, deodar and rhododendron, lush green valleys, remote villages and meadows overlooked by the mighty Malana glacier – it all adds up to a very beautiful trek. Away from the trail we’ll explore the lively resort town of Manali, visit the architecturally distinctive city of Chandigarh and enjoy some sightseeing in Delhi.
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Tour Highlights
- Panoramic vistas of the snowcapped Himalayas from Chanderkhani pass (3,660 metres).
- Malana village, with its distinctive culture and customs.
- The hot springs at the pilgrimage town of Manikaran
- Trek through stunning forests and across Alpine meadows with fabulous views
- The enjoyable resort town of Manali
- Amazing sculptures and interesting architecture at Chandigarh
- Flexible tailor-made booking options
Best Season
- May
- Jun
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
Tour Details
We head north from Delhi to the green Kullu valley, first stopping in the charming market town of Mandi and then through to the heart of the valley at Manali. Well known as a hippie hangout back in the 1970s, these days Manali is a major centre for all kinds of outdoor activity adventures, from trekking and skiing to paragliding and whitewater rafting. The town itself is interesting, too, with the 16th-century Hadimba temple and some lovely old houses along its winding streets.
Before hitting the trail, we’ll also visit Naggar castle, a stunning old fort, and an art gallery dedicated to the work of Russian Avant garde artist Nikolai Roerich, who lived here in the 1930s and 40s. His cottage marks the start of the trek. It’s a moderate ascent up to Rumsu village with its lovely old wooden houses, and on through beautiful forests and then meadows to reach Chanderkhani base.
Chanderkhani pass at 3660m the highest point of the trek, offers spectacular views of the snowcapped Himalayas and the Malana glacier. The trail then descends to the ancient village of Malana. Starkly distinct from surrounding villages in culture and customs, the people here are believed to be the descendants of Alexander’s lost armies. Malana has its own representative administration, considered to be the oldest continuity of a democratic system in the world.
After another picturesque pass (Rasol) with more great views, and a lovely descent through lush forests, the trek comes to an end in the pilgrim town of Manikaran, popular for its therapeutic sulphur springs.
For something completely different, our next stop is Chandigarh, the city on the Punjabi plains famous for its modernist Le Corbusier architecture and the extraordinary sculptures at Nek Chand’s Rock Garden. From here it’s back to Delhi for some enjoyable sightseeing.
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Flexibility Guaranteed
Please note: You can use this itinerary as a guide to fully customise this tour as per your budget and requirements. Flexible options include travel dates and duration, places, activities and experiences, hotel category (star/rating) and any specific requirements that you may have.
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DAY 01 - Delhi
Arrive Delhi and transfer to hotel for check-in, Afternoon and evening free
Arrive at the international airport of Delhi. After a traditional 'Swagat' (Welcome) our KVT’s representative would assist you at the airport and transfer you to the hotel for check-in. Rest of the day is free to relax at the hotel or can explore the nearby area.
Overnight Hotel
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DAY 02 - Mandi
Drive from Delhi to Mandi
This morning after breakfast we board the vehicle for a long drive journey towards Mandi. Mandi is a major town situated on the banks of Beas River in the Indian state of Himachal Pradesh. Mandi has so many temples and closest attractions are Rewalsar and Prashar Lake. The road journey to Mandi is full of fun after covering the plains the road enters the mountains and the view becomes amazing. Late evening we reach Mandi and check-in to the hotel. (1044m | Distance: 475km)
Overnight Hotel
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DAY 03 - Manali
Drive from Mandi towards Manali
Today we continue our drive towards the east for a while until we join the mighty Beas River and the beautiful Kullu Valley. At Kullu we head north and follow the river all the way to Manali. As we ascend the valley we are surrounded by lush fir and pine forests and the scenery becomes more beautiful. Manali, at the northern end of the Kullu Valley in Himachal Pradesh, is a hill station situated at a height of 2050m in the Himalayas. It is a popular tourist spot for Indians in summer and a magical, snow-covered place in winter. Manali is also on the road to Ladakh via the valley of Lahaul and Rohtang La (3979m) which is the main attraction near Manali. Reach there and check-in to the hotel; afternoon we have free time to explore the beautiful town. (2050m | distance: 120km approx.)
Overnight Hotel
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DAY 04 - Manali
Explore Manali
This day we do the sightseeing of Manali, visiting the interesting places of Manali. We visit Hidimba Temple; it is an ancient cave temple which is surrounded by a beautiful cedar forest. It is a famous temple in Manali and visited by many tourists every year. Later we can explore Old Manali, loaded with shops and restaurants; then we have free time to explore the surrounding area or can relax at the hotel.
Overnight Hotel
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DAY 05 - Rumsu
Drive to Naggar and then trek to Rumsu (Trek begins)
Morning we drive to Naggar (Distance: 21 km) on the left bank of Beas River (Distance: 21 km), the former capital of Kullu Valley. At Naggar we visit Nicolas Roerich (Russian) art gallery. The famous art gallery derived its name from the well-known painter from Russia. The house has now been converted in an art gallery which houses numbers of rare paintings. We start our trek from Roerich's cottage to the quaint village of Rumsu. Although there is a rough road to Rumsu so we will follow the footpath to reach the village, Rumsu village has traditional wooden houses which make it a picturesque village and it is worth to visit this village. (2060m | 3-4hrs trek) (Trek begins).
Overnight Camp
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DAY 06 - Chanderkhani Base
Trek to Chanderkhani Base from Rumsu
This morning we start trekking to Chiklani Chanderkhani base our next campsite for the night. The path is through dense forest of pine, deodar, and chestnut trees. On the path one can enjoy the scenic view of the Pir Panjal range and snowcapped peaks. The open meadows en-route to the pass is carpeted with wildflowers in the summer months. Later we reach Chanderkhani base camp and camp here for the night. (3450m | 4-5hrs trek)
Overnight Camp
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DAY 07 - Nagruni
Trek to Nagruni en-route crossing Chanderkhani Pass (3660m)
In the morning, we climb to the pass and blessed with the magnificent views of the upper Malana Valley, the Ghalpo peaks in Lahaul as well as the snowcapped peaks rising above the Parvati Valley. The Malana Glacier and the major peaks of Dhauladhar range including Deo Tibba are the surrounding scenery that can take our breath away. The Chandrakhani Pass (3660m) extends north for about 1 km along the ridge before winding along the east face of the ridge. We take the higher trail to Nagruni continuing just below the crest of the ridge for a further 2km. Then we descend into the meadow of Nagruni which is known for its wild pheasants. (5-6hrs trek)
Overnight Camp
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DAY 08 - Malana
Trek from Nagruni to Malana
After breakfast we continue our trek to Malana. One hours Descend to the river bed, trail passes along the river side with beautiful views and finally ascends gradually to Malana Village. The trail continues on the west side of the valley on a long gradual ascent to Malana village. Malana (2652m) is an isolated village community with about 50 families. It has its own language, customs and laws and is governed by the village elders. Sporadic sight of solitary houses on the hill sides as we are near to Malana. Fair skin light eyes, entirely different dialect, religious and socially practices of the people of the Malana. This typical village has its own constitution, custom and culture. The village is set out from the rest of the Kullu valley. (2652m | 4-5hrs trek)
Overnight Camp
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DAY 09 - Rasol
Trek towards Rasol base
Today we explore the village life and its rich culture, customs. Later we continue our trek to Rasol Base. The trail climbs up through agricultural land with great village views. Reach Rasol base where we camp for the night. (2598m | 4-5hrs trek)
Overnight Camp
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DAY 10 - Kasol
Trek from Rasol to Kasol en-route crossing Kasol Pass (3260m)
In the morning our trek starts with a gradual ascend followed by a steep ascent towards Kasol Pass (3260m). This section of trek is a bit harder and needs good physical condition to cross. However there are other alternatives for the client who wants to avoid this section of the trek. From the pass the view of the valley is great and then we descend to Kasol where we camp by the river. (1585m | 4-5hrs trek)
Overnight Camp
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DAY 11 - Manikaran
Trek down to Manikaran and then drive to Kullu
It is an easy walk today down to the Parvati Valley and to the hot springs at Manikaran (Trek ends) (1220m | 2-3hrs trek). Manikaran is a busy place of pilgrimage for both Hindus and Sikhs. The Sri Ramachandra temple and the Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji Gurudwara are both interesting but the hot springs are the most interesting aspect of Manikaran. Located under the Gurudwara and known for their healing properties the water is hot enough to boil rice in. After a look around the temples we rejoin our bus for the drive to Kullu (Distance: 45km). Kullu is now a busy bustling town spread on both sides of the River Beas. Famous for its local handicrafts we won't be able to miss the distinctive Kullu shawls woven in traditional designs. Upon arrival, check-in to the hotel. Evening is free to explore the local Bazaar (market).
Overnight Hotel
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DAY 12 - Chandigarh
Drive to Chandigarh from Kullu
Today morning we drive to Chandigarh, the union territory of Chandigarh serves as the capital city of the twin states of Punjab and Haryana. The credit for the awesome designing of the city goes to a French architect named Le Corbusier. Reach Chandigarh and check-in to the hotel and get refresh. In the evening, we visit the Sukhna Lake, The Rock Garden and the famous Sector – 17 Market. (Distance: 255km approx.)
Overnight Hotel
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DAY 13 - Delhi
Drive to Delhi from Chandigarh
After breakfast in the morning we leave Chandigarh and drive towards Delhi. Later arrive in Delhi and check-in to the hotel. Evening is free to explore the surrounding area or can relax at the hotel. (Distance: 250km approx.)
Overnight Hotel
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DAY 14 - Delhi
Sightseeing of Delhi and evening departure to the international airport
Today we do the sightseeing tour of Delhi; we start with Jama Masjid, is the largest mosque of Old Delhi and it was built between 1644 - 1658 by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan who built the Taj Mahal and Red Fort. Then visit Red Fort (Closed on every Monday) which was the residence of Mughal Emperors; it was built between 1639 - 1648 as Shah Jahan shifted his capital from Agra to Delhi in 1638 and founded the 7th city of Delhi, Shahjahanabad which is now known as ‘Old Delhi’. Afterwards we drive pass through Colonial buildings such as the President's House, the official residence of the President of India, built in the year 1931. In the evening you will be transferred to Indira Gandhi International Airport, Delhi to catch the flight for back home.
Tour Map (Only key areas marked)
Send an enquiry
Flexibility Guaranteed! Using the above itinerary as a guide you can fully customise this tour as per your budget and requirements. Flexible options include travel dates and duration, places, activities and experiences, hotel category (star/rating) and any specific requirements that you may have. On receiving your enquiry we will respond with prices and work with you to create a truly personalised holiday experience that is in your budget and personal style.
