Kullu
Manali trailheads, alpine glaciers, and iconic high-altitude pass crossings
All Places
Beas Kund Trek
Beas Kund is the glacial lake believed to be the origin of the River Beas, one of the five rivers of Punjab. Nestled at the foot of the Beas Kund glacier beneath the towering Friendship Peak and Shitidhar, this trek offers a perfect introduction to Himalayan trekking with minimal duration and maximum scenic payoff.
Lamadugh Meadow
Lamadugh is a serene meadow nestled in the dense deodar and oak forests above Manali. The trail offers a gentle ascent through shaded woodland paths, opening up to a vast alpine clearing at around 3,300 meters.
Patalsu Peak Day Hike
Patalsu Peak stands at approximately 4,220 meters and offers one of the most accessible high-altitude day hike experiences near Manali. The summit delivers a 360-degree panorama spanning the Pir Panjal range, Rohtang Pass, and the Kullu Valley below.
Hampta Pass Trek
Hampta Pass is one of the most dramatic crossovers in the Indian Himalayas — a route that transforms from lush green Kullu Valley on one side to the stark, lunar landscape of the Lahaul Valley on the other. The contrast in terrain and vegetation over just 26 km is staggering, making this one of the most visually rewarding moderate treks in Himachal Pradesh.
Bhrigu Lake Trek
Bhrigu Lake is a stunning high-altitude lake at 4,300 meters on the edge of the Rohtang plateau. Named after the sage Bhrigu, the lake remains frozen for much of the year and is surrounded by vast rolling meadows that explode with wildflowers in early summer. It is considered one of the most accessible high-altitude alpine lakes near Manali.
Chandrakhani Pass Trek
Chandrakhani Pass is a high-altitude crossing connecting the Kullu Valley to the secluded Malana village — home to one of the most unique and ancient tribal communities in the world. The route traverses stunning oak and rhododendron forests, high alpine meadows, and the dramatic pass itself at 3,660m, before descending to the legendary Malana village perched above the Malana gorge.
Friendship Peak
Friendship Peak at 5289 meters is one of the most accessible high-altitude peaks in the Himachal Himalayas, making it a popular choice for mountaineers looking to gain experience above 5000 meters. Located in the Pir Panjal range near Manali, the peak offers a perfect blend of glacier travel, snow climbing, and ridge walking without requiring advanced technical skills. The expedition typically spans 6-7 days from Manali, passing through the lush meadows of Solang Valley before ascending into the alpine zone above the treeline. The route traverses the Lady Leg glacier and involves moderate snow slopes of 35-45 degrees near the summit pyramid. On a clear summit day, climbers are rewarded with panoramic views of Hanuman Tibba, Deo Tibba, Indrasan, and the vast Pir Panjal and Greater Himalayan ranges stretching across the horizon.
Hanuman Tibba
Hanuman Tibba at 5982 meters is the highest peak in the Dhauladhar range and a coveted objective for experienced mountaineers in the Indian Himalayas. Rising dramatically above the Solang Valley near Manali, its distinctive triangular summit is visible from much of the Kullu Valley and serves as a landmark for the entire region. The peak presents a serious mountaineering challenge with steep ice walls, exposed ridges, and unpredictable weather patterns. The standard route involves technical ice climbing sections up to 60 degrees, mixed rock and ice terrain, and requires solid rope management skills. It is classified as a difficult peak by the Indian Mountaineering Foundation. Historically significant in Indian mountaineering, Hanuman Tibba has been a training ground for expeditions to higher Himalayan peaks. The mountain demands respect — its combination of altitude, technical terrain, and rapid weather changes makes it a true test of mountaineering ability.
Deo Tibba
Deo Tibba at 6001 meters is a striking pyramidal peak that dominates the skyline south of Manali. As one of the few 6000-meter peaks accessible from the Kullu Valley, it holds a special place in Indian mountaineering as a stepping stone between intermediate and high-altitude expeditions. The peak's elegant symmetry and challenging climbing routes have attracted mountaineers since the first ascent in 1952. The standard route from the Jagatsukh Valley offers a comprehensive mountaineering experience encompassing glacier navigation, steep snow and ice climbing, and exposed ridge traversals. The peak sits at the junction of the Pir Panjal and Great Himalayan ranges, offering unobstructed views in all directions from the summit. Deo Tibba is known for its rapidly changing weather conditions, with the summit often enveloped in clouds by midday. The combination of altitude, technical difficulty, and unpredictable weather makes it a respected objective that demands thorough preparation and strong mountaineering fundamentals.
Indrasan
Indrasan at 6221 meters is one of the most formidable peaks in the Kullu-Manali region and a serious objective for experienced mountaineers. Its steep, fluted ice walls and challenging approach make it one of the harder peaks to climb in the Indian Himalayas relative to its altitude. The mountain rises sharply above the Malana Valley, presenting an imposing profile visible from multiple vantage points around Manali. First climbed in 1962 by a joint Indo-British expedition, Indrasan has maintained its reputation as a peak that demands technical excellence and strong alpine fitness. The mountain features multiple routes of varying difficulty, with the standard south ridge being the most frequently attempted. Even this route involves sustained ice climbing at high altitude and requires absolute commitment once above the midway point. The peak is flanked by its sister summit Deo Tibba to the southeast and the Duhangan Col connecting to the peaks of the Greater Himalayan range. The expedition provides an immersive high-mountain experience in one of Himachal Pradesh's most dramatic glacial landscapes.
Solang Valley
Solang Valley lies 14 km northwest of Manali and serves as the gateway to the Beas Kund glacier and Patalsu Peak trails. It features skiing slopes in winter and paragliding in summer.
Sethan Village & Valley
A secluded Buddhist village perched on the Hampta ridge above Manali, Sethan offers panoramic views of the Dhauladhar range and serves as the starting base for Hampta Pass.
Tirthan Valley & GHNP
Pristine buffer zone of the UNESCO Great Himalayan National Park, famous for crystal trout streams, dense deodar forests, and peaceful trails to Jalori Pass and Serolsar Lake.