We all love a quick weekend run to the mountains to escape from our day to day routine and indulge ourselves in the quiet and bliss of nature. Why not take it a level up and add some adventure to such weekends? Manali being an easy and accessible drive from Delhi and Chandigarh, it makes for a great weekend getaway. And what’s better? It is home to a number of short treks that can be completed over a weekend, transporting you into an entirely different world without too much hassle.
Here is a list of such fabulous treks that can be completed in a short period of time!
1. Lamadugh Trek
This short one-day trek from Old Manali takes you through a thick forest of alpine trees before opening up into the vast meadow of Lamadugh. Located at 3635M, the meadow offers staggering views of Dhauladhar and Pir Panjal ranges. The trek can be completed in 1-2 days and is an easy to moderate trek.
2. Jogini Waterfall Trek
Starting from Vashisht, the Jogini Waterfall trek is an easy and beautiful one. The 3 kilometre trek is a gentle walk through forests with views of Beas and Rohtang by your side. The waterfall itself is beautiful and one of a kind offering something unique and different from what you would otherwise see in Manali. The trek can be completed in one day.
3. Pandu Ropa Trek
This one is an overnight trek to the meadows of Pandu Ropa that offer birds eye views of Kullu and Solang valley. The trek takes you through a dense pine forest before you leave the treeline behind and venture into the meadows of Pandu Ropa. Spend some time at the meadows and soak in the views of the valley before you make your way down. This is an easy trek which can be completed in one day.
4. Bijli Mahadev Trek
This exciting one day trek takes you to the Bijli Mahadev temple located at the top of Mathan Hills in Kullu Valley. The trail meanders through thick forests, paddy fields and apple orchards, offering a tranquil experience to the trekkers. The views from the top will leave you spellbound and the temple itself has an aura of mysticism. Be sure to notice the architecture and the finer details that the temple has to offer! It is an easy trail which can be completed in one day.
5. Patalsu Peak Trek
One of the most scenic treks around Manali, the Patalsu Peak trek offers some of the best views of snow-capped Dhauladhar ranges. This trek starts from Solang Valley and takes you to a maximum altitude of 4220M. The entire route is decorated with lush green meadows and snow mountains in the background, making it very picturesque especially for a day trek! This is a moderate trek and not the easiest out of the list.
6. Prashar Lake Trek
One of Kullu Valley’s best kept secrets, the trek to Prashar lake starts and ends at Panarsa. This deep blue lake is surrounded by Dhauladhar mountains and the trail to the lake is a diverse and fun-filled one. It takes you through forests, meadows and even small villages, giving you a taste of local culture. The trek gives adventure enthusiasts 180 degree views of Dhauladhar and Kinnaur mountain ranges. The temple of Prashar Rishi also rests next to the lake, making it another point of attraction to anyone interested. The trek takes 1-2 days and is a moderate level trek.
7. Beas Kund Trek
Spanning over 3 days, this moderate level trek takes you to the source of Beas River. Snow-clad mountains and hanging glaciers are a highlight on this trail and the entire route offers panoramic views of the Himalayas. The trail starts near Old Manali and ends in Solang Valley. This trek is perfect for a long weekend and can be attempted by beginners as well.
8. Bhrigu Lake
This trek is not for the faint-hearted! It is a steady climb to an elevation of 4300M, making it a tad bit more challenging than the treks listed above. The meadows and grasslands dominate this trek with a lush green colour that adds the perfect contrast to the deep blue sky. The Dhauladhar and Pir Panjal ranges stand majestically in the distance giving a touch of grandiosity to the landscape. Bhrigu Lake trek can be completed in 3 days and can be attempted by beginners without prior trekking experience.
These are a few of our favourite weekend treks from Manali. Now that you have a list to choose from, pack your bags and make your way to Manali for the next weekend getaway!