June-July!
These two months offer the most awaited opportunity for those who want to be nature but with an adrenaline rush. Trekking through the rocky terrain, sipping water from a current flowing nearby… infact isn’t it a dream holiday for all of us?
ChandigarhX has done an extensive research and brought to you 15 incredible places for best camping and trekking in Himachal Pradesh that can make you one with nature.
Camping and Trekking in Himachal Pradesh
1. Near Shimla
- Khara Pathar
At a distance of 77 km from Shimla, 62 km from Kufri and 14 km from Jubbal, Khara Pathar is a small village situated at an altitude of 8,770 ft. This place is known for its scenic beauty and several trekking trails.
- Kufri Ski Resort
At a distance of 16 km from Shimla Railway Station and 5.6 km from Fagu, Kufri is a small hill station in Shimla district, positioned at an elevation of 2,510 m on the National Highway 22. It is one of the best places for skiing in Shimla and also one of the top adventure site and skiing destinations in India.
- Narkanda
At a distance of 62 km from Shimla, 47 km from Kufri and 7 km from Hatu Peak, Narkanda is a well known hill station in Himachal Pradesh and is situated at an attitude of 8100 ft on India – Tibet road (NH – 22). It is one of the popular ski resort in Himachal and also a well known tourist places in Himachal Pradesh.
2. Trekking Sites Around Manali
- Dainkund Peak
The highest mountain peak in the region, Daikund peak offers a mesmerising 360° view of the entire valley. The road enroute the peak is embellished with flowers on both sides that are a treat to the eyes. You can catch a glimpse of the Kailash Mountain on a clear day. The top of the Dainkund Peak is home to the Pholani Devi Temple which houses nothing more than a trident. One can hear the pleasant breeze blowing through the trees creating a musical serenade.
Khajjiar
At a distance of 21 km from Dalhousie and 20 km from Chamba, Khajjiar is a beautiful hill station located in the Chamba District of Himachal Pradesh. Often known as the Switzerland of India, it is situated at an altitude of 1,951 m in the foothills.
3. Trekking Sites in Kangra Valley
- Kareri Lake (Near Dharamshala)
At a distance of 32 km from Dharamshala and 39 km from McLeod Ganj, Kareri Lake, also known as Kumarwah Lake, is a high altitude lake south of the Dhauladhar range in Kangra district of Himachal Pradesh. Trek to Kareri Lake is one of the top things to do in Dharamshala and it’s also one the best short treks near Dharamshala town.
- Illaqa / Lahesh Cave Trek
At a distance of 12 km from McLeod Ganj and 17 km from Dharamshala, Lahesh Cave is a Camping ground which is used by shepherds in the summers when they take their sheep to the high altitude meadows here. It lies at an altitude of 3500 m above sea level.
- Triund Hill (Near Mcleod Ganj)
At a distance of 8 km from McLeod Ganj bus stand and 13 km from Dharamshala, Triund is a crown jewel of Dharamshala, situated in the laps of Dhauladhar mountains. It is one of the most popular trekking sites in Himachal. Trek is fairly easy for the first five kilometers but the last one kilometer may require a bit of toil, the last one kilometer is popularly know as the “22 curves” as it has 22 tiring curves before you finally reach Triund.
4. In Kullu Valley
- Rohtang Pass (Near Manali)
At a distance of 52 km from Manali Bus Stand, 43 km from Solang Valley and 16.5 km from Marhi, The Rohtang Pass is located on Manali – Leh Highway (NH-21) at an altitude of 4111 m (13,400 ft). It is one of the most popular tourist places to visit in Manali and also one of the top Himachal tourist places. It is the best place to experience snow in summer season and famous place for adventure sports in Himachal state.
- Great Himalayan National Park (Near Kullu)
At a distance of 75 km from Kullu, 63 km from Bhuntar, 113 km from Manali and 14 km from Gushaini, The Great Himalayan National Park (GHNP) is spread across Parvati valley, Thirthan valley, Sainj valley & Jiwa Nal valley of Kullu region. In June 2014, the Park was declared as UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is a mesmerising trekking in Himachal.
- Kheer Ganga / Khir Ganga (Near Kullu)
At a distance of 64 km from Kullu, 56 km from Bhuntar, 22 km from Manikaran and 102 km from Manali, Khir Ganga is a small village situated in Parvati Valley situated at an altitude of 3050 m. It has to be reached from Barsheni by 11 km trek and usually a 2 day trip from Kullu / Barsheni. Khir Ganga is one of the best trekking sites in Himachal Pradesh.
- Kasol (Near Kullu)
At a distance of 38 km from Kullu, 30 km from Bhuntar, 4 km from Manikaran and 76 km from Manali, Kasol is a small village in Parvati Valley of Kullu district and is situated at an altitude of 1640 m above the sea level. The view of Parvati Valley is worth all your enduring trek.
- Raison – River Rafting (Near Kullu)
At a distance of 13.5 km from Kullu, 14 km from Naggar and 27 km from Manali, Raison is a small cluster of villages on the banks of Beas River which has vast camping grounds maintained by Himachal Pradesh Tourism. It is one of the top adventure destination in Himachal and also a top rafting destination in the state of Himachal Pradesh. Rafting in Raison is one of the top things to do in Kullu.
- Tirthan Valley (Near Kullu)
At a distance of 70 km from Kullu, 75 km from Mandi and 105 km from Manali, Tirthan Valley is one of the most beautiful places in Himachal Pradesh. The valley is located inside the Great Himalayan National Park and it has to be reached from Gushaini by trek.
- Beas Kund Trek (Near Manali)
At a distance of 28 km from Manali Bus Stand and 15 km from Solang Valley, Beas Kund is a holy lake where Rishi Vyas took his daily bath. River Beas originates from here. The trek to Beas Kund is one of the best destinations for trekking in Manali and also among the best trekking places to visit in Himachal state.
- Bhrigu Lake Trek (Near Manali)
At a distance of 36 kms from Manali Bus Stand, Bhrigu Lake also known as ‘Pool of the Gods’ is a picturesque lake situated at an altitude of about 4240 m. The Bhrigu Lake is lying east of the Rohtang Pass. Bhrigu Lake Trek is one of the best Manali trekking destinations and also a popular Himachal trekking site.
- Jogini Waterfalls (Near Manali)
At a distance of 4 Km from Vashisht Temple and 7.5 Km from Manali Bus Stand, Jogini or Jogni Falls is a beautiful waterfall situated near Vashisht Village in Himachal Pradesh. The fall is formed by a stream which is merged in to Beas River in the downstream. The waterfall can be reached by trekking from Vashisht Temple.
- Solang Valley
At a distance of 12 km from Manali Bus Stand, 2.5 km from Solang Village and 8 km from Burwa, Solang Valley locally known as Solang is one of the most famous tourist places in Manali and it is a well known Tourist places in Himachal for skiing, mountaineering and trekking activities.
- Hampta Pass
At a height of 14,100 Ft., the trek for Hampta pass starts from Manali. The variation in the trails is enormous; scenic landscapes, open green pastures and meadows, glacial valleys, easy access and an exceptional, adventurous and hair raising crossing of the pass makes this trekking expedition to Hampta pass an exciting one.
- Deo Tibba Trek (Near Manali)
At a distance of 35 km from Manali Bus Stand and 29 km from Jagatsukh Village, The elegant Deo Tibba at an altitude of 6000 m is situated south east of Manali town and above Jagatsukh village on the Pir Panjal range of Himalayas. The trek to Deo Tibba Kund is among the best trekking sites in Manali and also one of the well known.
Bring your buddies together and head to these beautiful places.
Do share in comments which one’s your favorite or any other that you think is worth going!
Image Credits: Google Images