Several riveting moderate treks in Himachal pose a challenge good enough that can be a fun adventure for novice trekkers and people of all ages. The land of divine and diverse landscapes, Himachal Pradesh, set amidst the lesser Himalayas has serpentine trails that run along with mountain villages, deep gorges, valleys, lush meadows and forest, lakes and many others.
And with every changing season, these vistas and terrains display a new and different side of them, be it the vibrancy of spring and summer, the gushing flow of the streams and rivers in monsoons, the turning and falling leaves during autumn, or the serene snowed-up winters
Plus, most of the moderate treks in Himachal can be taken all year long, including the short trudges that have a duration of anywhere between 3 to 4 days and the longer journeys with 5 or more days. So, if you are only starting in the world of recreational walks, you can explore the Bhrigu Lake Trek or Malana to Kasol Trek to get comfortable with the experience and also be wooed by the natural beauty of the hills. Or opt for a more exclusive trip with the all women’s tour to Hampta Pass Trek, that you can enjoy with your girl-gang.
Himachal Pradesh Top Attractions
Places To Visit In Himachal Pradesh
Rohtang Pass is quite famous among Ladakh travelers but the unpredictable avalanche and severe climatic conditions make it scary some times. Nonetheless, it had made adventure seekers’ tour of Ladakh mind-blowing. A high mountain pass at an elevation of 3978 meters above the sea level, Rohtang is just 51 km from Manali. It is a part of the proud Pir Panjal Range of the mighty Himalayas and it is one of the Kullu famous places.It acts as the connecting link between Kullu Valley and Lahaul and Spiti Valley. Being an ancient trade route, it was well maintained by the natives. The generic name of the pass suggests that either the pass was the oldest and the most used pass. With the increase of visitors every year, the fragile mountain ecology will be in threat, environmentalists worry.But the exciting beauty of the mountain terrains seen from the top of the pass is indescribable and flamboyant. The Indian Government started building a tunnel which is 8.5 km long to bypass Rohtang pass in order to reduce the travel time and distance to Keylong, Lahaul and Spiti and Leh. The tunnel promises to reduce the distance by 50 km and the time by five hours between the south and north faces of Rohtang pass. Currently, the time taken to ascend and descend the pass itself is 5-6 hours.Height: Rohtang Pass is located at an altitude of 3978 meters above the sea level in the Pir Panjal Range of the Himalayas.Location: The pass is located about 51 kms away from Manali and you can reach the pass if you take Leh- Manali Highway.Best time to visit: The pass will be open from the months of May to October as the snow starts melting and the paths will be cleared.
Apart from Khardung La or Baralacha La, Ladakh has numerous other passes at great heights which stand as Ladakh’s pride for centuries now. The glitters of other passes may be diminished by Khardung La mainly but all the other passes are equally important. Lachulung La is a single example. The elevation of this pass is 5059 meters above sea level which is considered to be a dangerously exciting height for any pass after Khardung La. Lachulung La is on the border of Himachal Pradesh and Jammu and Kashmir. Also, it separates the valleys of Tsarap Chu and Tozay. If you take Leh-Manali highway, you will be able to cross this pass that has other names such as Lachalung La, Lungalacha La etc. A fact that to be remembered before you head to visit this pass is, it is open only for four and a half months during summer. Any traveler should be prepared not to fall sick during the conquering of Lachulung La because its geographic status, the height, the rugged pathways and the remote villages it goes through may cause dramatic influence on your body. Being one of the most adventurous passes in Ladakh, Lachulung is a favorite stop avid adventure lovers. Also, the surroundings are quite fictional as the towering Himalayan passes and the nature lying in correspondence to them are creating soothing visuals. Trekkers should be very careful while climbing the altitude up as altitude sickness is assured at the top and keep hydrated to maintain your body conditions with respect to the climate. But the descent is smooth and easy so that you will feel overjoyed till the end.Height: 5059 metersBest time to visit: May to OctoberHow to reach: Take Leh-Manali highway, from Sarchu 54 KM and from Pang, 24 Km
As important as the other major passes in Jammu and Kashmir, Nakee La situated at an elevation of 4769 meters above the sea level is a potent competition to Khardung La and similar ones in terms of adventure. On the Leh-Manali Highway, from Manali to Taglang La is Nakee La and it is the third pass among the five passes that to be crossed during the travel from Manali to Leh. The previous travelers shared the experience of driving down the pass was quite dramatic; the expert drivers also find it challenging to steer past the uneven, rugged and off-road paths. But the traversing time would be filled with excitement and thrill if you really love adventure at its level best.The frequent sections of ice are another impediment during the journey as well as an avalanche, heavy snowfalls etc can be expected anytime making the process of crossing the pass difficult. The climate is very dry over here and the harsh cold conditions make the pass a challenge to overcome for many. 21 Gata loops is a repeatedly heard word during the tour of Leh and the ascent to Nakee La is known in the special name. One have to overcome the 23 km ascent that starts from 4250 meters to 4980 meters conquering the 21 tricky hairpin bends. There is also a rumor you can hear about the pass is that the pass is haunted by a ghost of a tourist who was buried here.Height: Nakee La is located at an elevation of 4769 meters above the sea level.Location: Nakee La is located on the famous Leh-Manali National Highway. While you travel from Manali to Leh, you would come across Nakee La.Best time to go: The summer is the best time to visit Nakee La since during winter there would be heavy snowfall and landslide.
Popular Moderate treks Destinations
Himachal Pradesh Travel Guides
People Also Ask About Moderate treks in Himachal Pradesh
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Which are the best Moderate Treks in Himachal?
Indrahar Trek: Known to be the best moderate treks in Himachal Pradesh, Indrahar Trek starts from McLeodganj to Triund. You need to climb a 4342 meters high pass located on Chamba and Kangra's boundary to reach this trek. This beautiful trail takes you through sparkling streams, tranquil lakes, deep gorges, and deodar forest throughout the journey.
Beas Kund Trek: This is one of the most stunning treks located in the Kullu Valley that is enveloped by grasslands and snow-covered peaks of the Pir Panjal range. It is situated at an altitude of 12,140 ft. above sea level and has steep climbs making it one of the best moderate treks in Himachal. The trek starts from Solang Nallah, and it ends at Vashisht, offering you a base-to-summit view of Manali's giant mountains like Shitidhar, Ladakhi, Friendship Peak, and Hanuman Tibba.
Patalsu Peak Trek: Nestled at the heart of the Kullu valley in Himachal Pradesh, Patalsu Peak Trek is one of the best moderate treks in Himachal that takes you through meadows, alpine forests, and lush green valleys. This trek will take you to the maximum height of 13,990 feet on the summit of Mount Patalsu. This five days trek pushes you through some steep inclines, moraines, and narrow ridges to test the daredevil spirit within you.
Churdhar Trek: Located at 11,965ft in the Sirmaur district of Himachal Pradesh, this hiking destination is an absolute delight for the hikers as a 56 square km forest sanctuary surrounds it. This is a steep hike located inside a dense Deodar forest, Gujjar pasture lands, and terraced fields and is considered to be one of the best moderate treks in Himachal Pradesh. It is most easily accessible from Nohradhar plains and offers you striking views of the Badrinath and Kedarnath peaks.
Chanderkhani Pass: The six-day trek is an absolute delight for the nature lovers as you get a chance to tread through meadows, snow-capped mountains, beautiful landscapes, and some snow slides. The trek begins at Naggar and is considered to be one of the most beautiful passes in Kullu Valley. -
What are the easy treks in Himachal?
Prashar Lake Trek: Nestled in the valley of the Dhauladhar range Prashar Lake Trek is an easy trek ideal for beginners with basic fitness levels. It has well-marked paths with very few steep descends or ascends, and it takes you through lush green valleys, thick forests, and snow-capped mountains. The starting point of this two-day trek is Baggi Village.
Triund Trek: This is one of the easiest treks for the beginners as it has leveled paths, and it rewards you with the stunning views of Indrahar Pass. The trek's starting point is Mcleodganj, and if you undertake this trek in the spring season, your path will be dotted with the oak trees and rhododendrons. This is a small nine-kilometer trek that you can complete in 4-5 hours.
Bhrigu Lake Trek: This is a not so known trek for beginners with well-marked paths and easy terrain. The major highlight of this trek is that you get to climb the height of 14,000 ft in three days, which people usually achieve in five to six days in Himalayan Treks.
Deo Tibba Trek: This is one of the most beautiful treks in Himachal Pradesh, having highly varied trails and diverse flora and fauna. It takes you through alpine forests, waterfalls, moraines, meadows, and a high altitude lake. This twelve-day trek is ideal for beginners as well as seasoned hiking enthusiasts. -
Which are the moderate treks in Manali?
Baralacha Chandratal Lake Trek: This is one of the best moderate Treks in Himachal that starts from the Chandra River and ends at Suraj Tal at Baralacha La. It is located at 4950 meters above the sea level and takes you through giant peaks, lush green forests, and beautiful meadows.
Bijli Mahadev Trek: This is the most picturesque trekking destination in Manali with steep climbs and high acclimatization not suitable for the faint-hearted. It is a one-day trek with varying landscapes ranging from apple orchards to paddy fields and verdant forests to breathtaking valleys.
Chanderkhani Trek: This is one of the relatively short treks in Manali, located at an altitude of 11,970 feet suitable for experienced hikers. The trail passes through forests of alpine meadows, deodar, and chestnut and offers a breathtaking view of the Pir Panjal and Parvati Mountain ranges. This is a five days trek with moderate slopes and steep summits, making it one of the best moderate treks in Himachal. -
Which are the most challenging treks in Himachal Pradesh?
Bara-Bhangal Trek: This is an alpine trek suitable only for the experienced hiking enthusiasts as it has a gradual and steep climb and rugged paths. The trek starts at Bharmour and ends in Baijnath, located at around sixty-three kilometers from Dharamshala. It takes you over two of the high passes, the Thamsar and Kalihani, limited to trekkers experienced with long walking hours.
Friendship Peak: This is an extremely challenging trek suitable for seasoned hikers as it has steep climbs and extremely uneven terrains. The trail of this magnetizing trek passes through alpine meadows, dense forests, and numerous streams. It stands at an altitude of 17,348 ft, and the summit of the peak offers panoramic views of the Dhauladhar and Pir Panjal ranges.
Hampta Pass Trek: This is one of the most difficult treks in Himachal Pradesh that has a high elevation, making it suitable only for experienced mountaineers. This is a five to six days trek that offers sheer diversity in views as you'll tread through lush green pastures, impressive waterfalls, and glacial valleys. The starting point of the trek is Manali, and the total trek distance is around thirty-five kilometers. -
What is the best time for trekking in Himachal?
February to June that are the Summer Spring seasons making for the best time for trekking in Himachal.
Spring Season (March- April): If you wish to escape the crowd and enjoy the pleasure of trekking, then Spring Season is considered to be the best time for trekking in the Himalayas. The temperature is cool and pleasant and makes for the most stunning experience here.
Summer Season (May – June): During this time, many high altitudes and challenging treks like Hampta Pass, Bhrigu Lake, and Beas Kund become accessible in the Indian Himalayas.
Winter Season (January, February & December): Almost all the trekking trails like Bhrigu Lake and Kareri Lake are enveloped in snow during this time, making them even more adventurous and challenging.