Put on your trekking shoes and rejoice in the beauty of these offbeat treks of Himachal Pradesh.
Cradled in the lap of the mighty Himalayas, Himachal Pradesh is a trekkers’ paradise.
Its green, cloud-filled valleys surrounded by snow-clad mountains offer a myriad of scenic trails.
Quintessential streams running by the apple orchards charm the trekker. Blue skies stretch over towering high deodar trees, traditional Himachali villages and fluffy white clouds nestle in valleys and mountain tops … what a paradise to trek through and what a memorable experience you can take away with you.
For years now, Himachal has been attracting trekkers from all around the world. With that said, there are still numerous trails that sit in solitude yet to be explored.
If you are someone who has a taste for untouched natural trails, away from the crowd, these trails are just for you.
Grahan Village Trek
This 12kms trek from Kasol to Grahan Village, which is located at a height of 2,347 m in Parvati Valley, is a trek straight out of a fairy tale book.
It is an easy forest trail that moves alongside the Grahan Nallah (stream), which is a beautiful sight on its own. It takes around 5 hours to reach the village.
And only towards the end of the trail comes the difficult uphill part, which is rewarded by the spectacular vista of mountains as you enter the village. Grahan is mystical and is closely related to Malana and its legend.
Unlike Kasol, Graham remains untouched, tucked away in nature. The village has got no cellular network which gives the feeling of going back in time. There are around 50 houses in total with some being 200 years old. So, if you are someone looking for solitude, away from the crowd, this could be your special place to unwind.
Rasol Village Trek
Located high up in the mountain top of Parvati Valley is this small hamlet village of Rasol. It is located at a height of 3,048 m and the trail is mostly uphill. The trek starts from the nearby village of Chalal and takes you up a steep mountain covered by red and pink rhododendron trees.
It is a moderate trek and takes about 5-6 hours to reach the top. On reaching the top, one can see the majestic view of Sar Pass and Khali Pass.
Dev Roopa Trek
One of the most off-beat treks of Himachal is the trek to the mystical meadows of Dev Roopa. Visited by a few and described as a heaven on Earth, Dev Roopa gives you an unearthly feeling.
It is a vast grassland with meandering streams running through the meadow. This trail would even make you camp out with shepherds. The trek begins from the famous Malana Village, known to be the descendants of the famous warrior, Alexander the Great. It then leads to the Rhododendron laid trail of Waichin Valley, and finally after 3 to 4 days of trekking, one can witness the magic of Dev Roopa.
Located at a height of 4,100 m, at the foot of the Tiger Hills, Dev Roopa will leave you speechless.
Patalsu Peak trek
Located at a height of 4,220 meters in Kullu Valley, Patalsu Peak is a perfect summit trek for a novice trekker. It is an easy-moderate trek and ideal for trekkers preparing for summit climbs.
The trail starts from Solang Valley and takes you through the alpine forests and lush green meadows of the valley. From the summit, one can get a panoramic view of the beautiful Kullu valley and majestic peaks like Hanuman Tibba, Friendship Peak, etc. The accessibility, ease of climb, and breathtaking views from the top make it the perfect beginners’ summit trek.
Kareri Lake Trek
Kareri Lake Trek is located at a height of roughly 2,950 m in Himachal Pradesh’s Kangra region. The Lake here is a result of the flowing water bodies from the Minkiani peak and is surrounded by mountains and alpine forests.
The journey to Kareri Lake is one of Himachal Pradesh’s most stunning alpine hikes, passing through verdant meadows and multiple rushing streams.
The Lord Shiva temple, which is worth a visit, is another attraction of the trek. Towards the latter half of the trail, the forest gives way to stony grasslands, which run beside the lake-fed Nyund Nallah, which acts as both a guide and a pleasant companion.
Thachi Valley Trek
Thachi Valley is one of Himachal Pradesh’s most secluded and scenic places. It is located in the Mandi district, at an altitude of 3,000 m. The location is surrounded by vast forests of deodar, pine, and tosh trees, displaying pristine natural splendour.
This spot is a dream come true for hikers looking for a wide-angle vista of the Pir Panjal and Dhauladhar Ranges.
Another attraction is Guchi or yellow morel mushrooms, endemic to the region. A magnificent and unspoiled valley, nestled amid the peaks that overlook the Great Himalayan National park, this is the ideal setting for a getaway in the lap of nature.
Pabbar Valley Trek
This is one of the most unexplored valleys in Himachal and a perfect for first-time hikers. The valley is located near Shimla and has numerous trails running through the valley.
Most of these trails start from the little town of Rohru. The journey connects Shimla district to the Kinnaur valley, passing through lush woods, high meadows, and snow-capped mountains before arriving in the Sangia valley’s apple orchards.
If you want to learn about local food and culture while climbing up to the mountains, this is the walk for you.
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