A visit to northern India isn't complete without some mountain time — luckily for you, we've outlined our favorite weekend treks to take in the famous Himalayas.
I volunteered with ILP and lived in northern India for 3 months, so I obviously couldn’t wait to get familiar with the endless hiking trails that surrounded me. These are a handful of different hikes and overnight treks that either I personally got to explore, or fellow ILP volunteers explored for themselves. You can't miss out on these pristine mountain lakes, elusive monastaries, and stunning views!
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First, A Bit About The Himalayas
Though these mountains crisscross several countries, we're focusing on the Indian side of things. These Himalayans may not be home to the tallest peaks in the world but are home to towering peaks that are hiding snowy caps, thundering waterfalls, alpine lakes, and mountain meadows that create a blanket of wildflowers in the summertime. It's incredibly picturesque, and helps just a little with the nickname of this part of the country: the "Switzerland of India". Are you totally swooning yet?
Spending time in the nearby mountain towns like Manali, Shimla, Kullu, and others means making the easy journey over to the park's entrance for the chance to get a little bit closer to these impressive peaks.
Thanks to the unbeatable views, they're some of the best weekend adventures around.
- Rani Sui Lake
- Bijli Mahadev
- Prashar Lake
- Jogni Waterfall
- Jalori Pass
- Kaisdhar Trail
- A Few Insider Tips To Know
Rani Sui Lake
Find yourself surrounded by glacier peaks and mountain meadows on this trekking excursion. Start at the Lamadugh Trek and begin hiking uphill ... but don't worry, you're likely to be distracted by the mesmerizing views of the Indrasan and Deo Tibba Mountains as well as the Bara Shigri Glacier. Camp one night in a high altitude meadow, set up a campfire, and sleep in a tent nestled between these incredible Himalayan peaks.
The next day is about reaching the Rani Sui Lake (spot the Pir Panjal and Dhauladhar Ranges at the top) before passing through these forests and reaching the meadow where you'll camp for the night after a full day of hiking. It's a moderate hike full of alpine fields, and mountain lakes tucked away in rolling hills while you hike from viewpoint to viewpoint.
Bijli Mahadev
Bijli Mahadev was my absolute favorite hike that I did while I was living in India. From the misty forests that felt like I was in a Twilight movie to the wild dogs seeming to stand guard leading up to the temple, it was all unlike any other hike I've done before.
The Bijli Mahadev Temple, dedicated to Shiva, can only be reached after a steep 2-mile hike to the very top. Here, you'll not only see the temple, but also the views below. It's one of the most beautiful places to soak in the view of the curling Beas River below you. Depending on the time of year you visit, you may run into wild cows grazing beside you or maybe even an ancient tree that is completely covered in pale pink blossoms, which all just add to the stunning scenery.
Prashar Lake
Hiking to the pristine alpine lake is one of the most popular treks in the area, which has hikers staring in Kantlu before you slip into a wilderness that some describe as a rhododendron jungle. The hike is peppered with peaceful clearings (where you can spy the Dhauadhar mountain range), oak forests, and meadows before you reach your camping spot for the night — your guide can help you identify the peaks you're surrounded with (Triund, Dhauladhar Matterhorn, Kap Chuli, Man Hill, Hanuman Tibba, Sikar Beh, Mukar Beh, Manali peak, Friendship peak, Mukila, Ali Ratni Tibba and several smaller ones all surround this valley).
Jogni Waterfall
The Jogni waterfull is a must-see while you visit our favorite city for souvenir shopping - Manali! After exploring through old-manali, your tour guide will lead you through some backroads in Vashisht to the beautiful trails that has views ranging from tall forest trees, to open viewpoints.
After an hour of hiking through these Himalayan valleys, and passing by a couple ancient temples to take a moment to look at, you will reach the wondrous Jogni waterfall. This waterfall is 150 tall and truly is a sight to behold. If you're feeling dauntless, your guides will even let you get close to the falls and let the splash soak you to your bones. Don't worry, it will dry off during the hike back.
Jalori Pass
Not only does this hike boast incredibly picturesque views (and a very pretty lake at the end), but the Jalori pass has a bit of historical significance as well. This pass was built by the British to gain access to Kullu (it connects Kullu and Shimla) and is studded with various temples, forts, small hamlets, and lore about goddesses saving lives and looking out for farmers by planting rice in the valley. Today, it's one of the most popular hikes in the area, especially because you can break up the hike to do smaller sections.
The entire Jalori Pass trek is some 80+ kilometers and is a main attraction for serious hikers in Himachal Pradesh. As you can guess, it's a multi-day hiking adventure with guides required, stopping along the various little towns and sites to see along the way. In the past, ILP volunteers have done segments of this hike in the spring and summer months (sections are snowy in winter). You can talk to the India travel team about which route would best fit a 2-3 day itinerary (or longer, if you're up to the challenge).
It's a common side adventure from the Jalori Pass trek to hike to the Serolsar Lake. It's a moderately easy hike, mostly straight through the oak tree forest until you reach the lake and the small temple dedicated to Mata Budhi Naagin. Plan on about 2-ish hours to cover the 5-kilometer distance.
Kaisdhar Trail
Alright... maybe this hike was my favorite. It’s too hard to choose a favorite because they all are so beautiful. I think this one came out on top for me because of how easy it was AND the views from this hike have been my screensaver for over a year! I was not a huge fan of hiking before moving to India, but the Kaisdhar Trail converted me.
Kaisdhar trail begins in a little village called Peej. They grow watermelons on their roofs! It was so precious. This hike takes you through the tree-covered mountains, just 30 minutes outside of Kullu. This hike is a lot less steep than the other hikes you will find nearby, which was the cherry on top for me haha.
This hike is one of those hikes that is about the journey, not as much the destination. Once you finally breech out from inside the forest, I think your jaws might just actually drop. Before you, you will see the tiny colorful village in the distance surrounded by the picture perfect tree-covered mountains. And the plots of land for farming that you can see below the homes? It's perfect.
A Few Insider Tips To Know
ILP volunteers will be trekking with a guide, but if you're doing it on your own, here are some helpful tips to make note of as you begin planning your trip.
Fees And Permits + Hours
There is a fee to enter The Great Himalayan National Park. A permit is required for all hiking (overnight trips must be pre-approved). You can find more information about the associated fees and permits here.
(Make sure the organization you're hiking with either includes this charge, or you're prepared to arrange to get the permit and pay the associated fees in addition to the costs of your overnight trek).
When Should I Go?
You'll see dramatic views any time of the year, but March, April, May, and June are the best spring/summer months to come visit. September, October, and November are also popular times to visit (if you're eying to see the most wildly, plan a visit from September to November, when many animals migrate to the lower elevations.).
It's less recommended to visit during the rainy season from July to early September, so best to visit during one of those other suggested months during your Fall, Spring, or Summer ILP semester.
+ A Few More Resources
Remember, with ILP, you'll have lots of local help planning your vacations in this particular location. However, feel free to do your own research about the hiking trails to help you pick which option would be best for your group.
This hiking site has a fantastic outline of some day hikes + a few longer hikes to help you get an idea of what else is available. They have some handy descriptions as well as a map to help you orient yourself with the trails, villages, and landmarks, and show the elevation gain and hiking times as well.
You can also check out more trails on AllTrails.
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