Travel

A Beginner's Guide to Trekking in Manali: Where to Start

A Beginner's Guide to Trekking in Manali: Where to Start

Manali, also known as the land of gods, is renowned for its gorgeous valley and mountains covered in snow. Situated amidst the Dhauladhar and Pir-Panjal ranges of the Himalayas, this destination is the preferred choice for North Indians seeking relief from the intense summer heat. Manali trekking could be referred to as India's own Switzerland. 

The summers are pleasant and mild, while the winters are bitterly cold. Whatever time of year you decide to visit Manali, though, it's a highly anticipated vacation spot for those who enjoy the outdoors and adventure sports. 

Ways to Get

1.Air

Kullu-Manali Airport (IATA code KUU), the closest airport, is located in the Kullu town of Bhuntar. With a runway spanning more than a kilometer, the airport is also known as Kullu-Manali airport. Regular flights from New Delhi to the airport are operated by Air India.

2. Road

National Highway NH 1 from Delhi to Ambala, then NH 22 to Chandigarh, and from there, National Highway NH21 via the towns of Bilaspur, Sundernagar, Mandi, and Kullu, will take you to Manali. The total distance from Delhi to Manali is 570 km (350 mi), including the 310 km (190 mi) road trip from Chandigarh. Private operators, HPTDC (Himachal Tourism Development Corporation), and HRTC (Himachal Road Transport Corporation) offer bus services.

3. Railway

There isn't a nearby railhead accessible near Manali. Una is 250 km (155 mi) away, Kiratpur Sahib is 268 km (167 mi) away, Kalka is 275 km (171 mi) away, Chandigarh is 310 km (193 mi) away, and Pathankot is 325 km (202 mi) away from the closest broad gauge railheads. Joginder Nagar is the closest narrow gauge railhead, located 175 kilometers (109 miles) away. The nostalgic narrow-gauge Kalka-Shimla Railway ends at Shimla, the state capital, from where one must take a road to Manali.

Stay

To begin with, one can arrange to rent a tent and a sleeping bag and go camping in the higher areas of towns, asking the locals for food and water.

Alternatively, you can attend the backpacker hostels in the Manali area and participate in their day hikes, one-night camping trips, and treks.

The Lost Tribe Hostels, Zostel, and Moustache Hostels are a few hostels that offer these kinds of activities.

Easy beginner camping and hiking can be done alone, but for moderate treks, a tour company is required.

Rental Charges per day wise

  • Tent - Rs.300 - Rs.500
  • Sleeping bag - Rs.100 - Rs.200

5 Things You Must Carry

Clothing items

  • Light woolen clothes and outerwear, along with shirts, socks, slacks, and trousers.
  • Jackets and sweaters
  • Both handkerchiefs and towels
  • It is advised to wear flip flops, floaters, or any other lightweight footwear.
  • Other warm body coverings, such as blankets
  • Overcoats
  • shawls, mufflers, hats, caps, hand gloves, and other woolen goods

Important Papers & Verification of Identity

Make sure you have all of your necessary documents with you before you leave on a trip. Whether in Manali or anywhere else in India, it is a necessity.This is an important part. Given the likelihood that you will overlook some of these, we have compiled a checklist to help you. Proceed! Examine it.                       

  • A paper copy of your travel schedule.
  • Bring a printout of your travel insurance, if you have one.
  • Passports, voter ID cards, tickets, and so forth. This is required for the guest check-in.
  • It is imperative that you always carry your confirmation slip or voucher for booking flights, tours, hotels, and services.

Polarized sunglasses

Because of Manali's altitude and that of the surrounding areas, such as Rohtang Pass, it is best to wear polarized sunglasses to reduce glare. Wearing sunglasses is especially important when visiting places covered in snow as it protects you from harmful UV rays and prevents what's known as snow-blindness.

Medication

The route to Manali ascends from plains to mountains before arriving in a valley. Keeping over-the-counter medications on hand is advised for motion sickness, nausea, vomiting, fever, and colds. Though it may seem cliche, having a small medical kit with you will come in handy at any point while visiting Manali.

For the nightlife

Over the past several years, Manali's nightlife has grown. Still, the majority of tourists enjoy the warmth of their hotel rooms, around fireplaces, and around bonfires. The aura provides the ideal setting for you to unplug from technology and spend quality time with loved ones, whether it's through a solitary book reading session or a game of cards.

Read more: Best 9 Tips on How to Get the Most Out of Your Traveling Experience

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