Region: Meadows and Alpine area around Manali
Trek Duration: 5Nights & 6Days
Trek Grade: Moderate
Manali is the launching point of this trek. One goes through lush green forests of Pine, Fir, Oak and Cedar. Crosses meadows laden with wild flowers often crossing brilliant streams. This trek also provides the opportunity to catch glimpses of magnificent old Himalayan villages, its people and their way of life. Trek provides dazzling landscapes and one can have splendid panoramic view of many snow capped high mountains, such as Indrasan (6220 Mts.), Inderkilla (6000 Mts.), Deo-Tibba (6001Mts.). Towards Hamta pass (a mountain pass dividing the boundaries of Kullu and Spiti, one can get commanding view as these Ranges of mountains stretch in the front. Trek provides an ample opportunity to explore the glacier and moraine in this part of the Himalaya.
The Hampta Pass (4270m), is on the true right side of the valley. However, there is an excellent vantage point for viewing the Lahaul Range, which can be reached by diverting from the main trail through the moraine towards the center of the valley. From here, the peaks of Deo Tibba (6001m) and Indrasan (622 1 m) can also be appreciated. The history of climbing these peaks dates back to 1912 when CG Bruce led a British team on the first ascent of Hanuman Tibba. The next ascent, however, was not until 1966. In between, the first ascent Of Deo Tibba was made in 1952 after many attempts, while Indrasan was first climbed in 1962.
The start of the trek involves a steep ascent as you trek through apple orchards and forest of blue pine, cedar, oak, fir and chestnut.At the start of the Trek there is an old temple of a local diety, further up along the trail there is another historic cave (ARJUN GUFA) where the pandavas are believed to have taken refuge during there exile At Tilgan one can have tremendous view of the Manali valley, town and surrounding. Over Night Camp
We trek along the tree line and later crossing a stream we further climb up towards Jogi Dug. Jogi Dugh occupies a very famous place in the Hindu mythology, especially for the local habitants of the Valley. Said to be a very holy place of Thakshag nag (serpent god) and all eighteen Nag Gods, believed to have been residing here. It is also said that during a draught, the villagers of Manali go up to Jogidugh to pray for the rain and it works. Jogidugh is a holy place where all eighteen Nag Gods meditated in the olden time. Over Night Camp
Trek gets little steeper in the beginning and after that we walk over the high altitude meadows of Roadikhodi (4,000 Mts.) through the open meadows initially providing awesome view of the mountain scape On the way, one can have a good scenic beauty of a small mountain tarn in the meadow, where local Shepherds of Kullu Valley graze their herds of sheep. Over Night Camp
First we walk over the meadows of Roadikhodi and later descent through the rhododendron bushes and birch trees with splendid view of Mount Deo Tibba (6001 Mts.), to the base of the mountain (Piyang niru). An absolute Alpine area with massive glacier and moraine. The sight of the Deo Tibba Mountain from Piyangniru, fascinate all the trekkers. Over Night Camp
From the beautiful meadows of Marhi, further decent to the other side of the Valley and enter into the narrow valley. From here the walk is through the river banks, sloping down from the high cliffs all around, pave the trial. There are some side streams to cross before descending back to the main valley floor. Camping and Camp fire Over Night Camp
What to bring for the trek
Good Warm internal clothing (woolen and fleece, thermals), water proof and wind proof clothing, Comfortable hiking boots with good resistance against the snow and water with a good grip, haversack, sandals, walking sticks, gaiters, woolen/tennis socks (quite a few pairs) and stocking, gloves, cap, sunglasses (very important), Sunscreen lotion, day sack, camera and binocular (OPTIONAL), water bottle, torch and batteries, though the water is very clean and pure and we do provide boiled water once you are in trek still in order to be extra careful you can get few chlorine pills as mountain water is supposed to be hard.
What we provide during the trek
Accommodation in two men tent (high altitude alpine tents of good quality), heavy foam pad mattresses, sleeping bags, Breakfast/tea, all meals (good quality food), services of experienced guide, cook, all the camping equipment, utensils and crockery, kitchen cum dining tent, toilet tent, oxygen cylinder and adequate medical kit.
Climate
Day temperature in the sun is pleasant but windy but nights are cold. The temp at night and in rain and snow (especially in Sep and Oct) can really go down; sometimes below zero so you have to be well prepared.
Travel insurance
That has to be done individually itself.
Note
It is also possible that a route change may become necessary due to weather, inaccessibility through the mountain passes due to heavy snow, condition of the trail and physical fitness of the clients.