Manali is the starting point for some of the best first treks in India, and they are all different. One is a weekend walk to a glacial lake. Another is a five-day crossing from one valley to another. Choosing the wrong one for your fitness or your calendar is the most common mistake first-time trekkers make.
Here is how our four beginner-friendly treks compare, and how to choose between them.
The four treks side by side
| Trek | Days | Highest point | Difficulty | Best months |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Beas Kund | 2D / 1N | 12,772 ft | Easy to moderate | Apr to Oct |
| Bhrigu Lake | 3D / 2N | 14,100 ft | Easy to moderate | May to Oct |
| Hampta Pass | 5D / 4N | 14,100 ft | Moderate | Jun to Sep |
| Chandrakhani Pass | 5D / 4N | 12,185 ft | Easy to moderate | May to Oct |
Swipe the table sideways to see every column →
Start with how many days you have
- A weekend (2 days): Beas Kund. It is the quickest way to sleep in a tent in the high Himalaya and reach a glacial lake.
- A long weekend (3 days): Bhrigu Lake. A little more height and a bigger view, with the Seven Sisters and Deo Tibba in sight.
- About a week (5 days): Hampta Pass for a true crossing from green Kullu to dry Lahaul, or Chandrakhani Pass for forests, meadows and the village of Malana.
Then think about your fitness
None of these treks needs a mountaineering background, but they are not all equal. Beas Kund and Chandrakhani have gentler days. Bhrigu Lake has a steady climb to 14,100 ft, and Hampta Pass has one long, steep day over the pass, usually around eight hours with an early start.
If you can comfortably jog 5 km in about 35 to 40 minutes and walk uphill for several hours with a light pack, you are ready for any of the four. If not, give yourself four to six weeks of training first, or start with Beas Kund.
Check the season
Hampta Pass is a summer trek, best from June to September, because the pass holds snow earlier in the year. Beas Kund, Bhrigu Lake and Chandrakhani can be walked from late April or May, when you will meet snow and have the trail to yourself, until October.
Altitude still matters
Bhrigu Lake and Hampta Pass both reach about 14,100 ft. That is high enough for altitude sickness, so walk slowly, drink water and tell your guide about any headache. Read our AMS guide before you go.
A sensible path upward
Many trekkers start with Beas Kund or Bhrigu Lake, move up to Hampta Pass, and then, if they want a snow summit, try Friendship Peak. Each trek teaches something the next one needs: camping, stream crossings, pacing at altitude and finally snow.
The best first trek is the one you can finish comfortably and want to repeat. Pick a trek slightly below your limit and enjoy it.
— Skypath Field NoteSee all our treks
Beas Kund, Bhrigu Lake, Hampta Pass, Friendship Peak and Chandrakhani Pass, each with a day-by-day itinerary.