TRIP FACTS
- Region: Kullu Valley.
- Duration: 4 Days.
- Season: End June to October.
- Grade: Moderate.
- Group Size : 10 Persons.
- Maximum Altitude: 3660M.
- Passes: Chanderkhani Pass (3660M).
- Accommodations: 3 Nights In Camp.
- Activities: 4 Days Hiking.
- Meals: 3 Breakfasts / 4 Pack-lunch / 3 Dinners.
- Trip Begin: Manali.
- Trip End: Manali / Kasol.
INTRODUCTION
Malana is an ancient Indian village in the state of Himachal Pradesh. This solitary village in the Malana Nala, a side valley of the Parvati Valley to the north-east of Kullu Valley, is isolated from the rest of the world.Malana is connected to Kullu by three mountain passes - it can be reached from Parvati valley crossing over the 3180 meters Rashol pass and via Naggar over the 3600 meters beautiful Chanderkhani pass.Is a beautiful and picturesque village situated in the Manikaran valley. Malana stands out as an autonomous self- sufficient unit whose inhabitants claim Greek ancestry. They trace their ancestry to one of the lost armies of Alexander the great, who tried to unsuccessfully invade India in the 56BC. It is still a tribal village, and is considered as the oldest Democracy in the World. Leather is a taboo here and so is the touching of anything within the village.The social structure of Malana in fact rests on villagers' unshaken faith in their powerful deity, Jamblu Devta. The entire administration of the village is controlled by him through a village council. This council has eleven members and they are believed as delegates of Jamblu who govern the village in his name. His decision is ultimate in any dispute and any outsider authority is never required. Thus Malana has been named the Athens of Himalayas.
HOW TO REACH MANALI
- The nearest airport serving this beautiful hill station is situated at Bhuntar. Known as Kullu Manali Airport, it is at a distance of approximately 60 from Manali.
- The road instead since there are some spellbinding picturesque views en route to be enjoyed. The destination has a good connectivity by road with cities like Delhi, Ambala, Chandigarh and Shimla serving as pivotal points. A number of bus services including private services like the very comfortable Volvo ply frequently from Delhi to Manali.
- The closest railway station is Chandigarh (315 km) or Pathankot (290 km). You can make your travel bookings till either of these two cities and then take a prepaid bus or a cab till Manali.
- The discovery of the oldest democracy in the world, the Malana.
- Malana a Lost Utopia in the Indian Himalayas.
- Malana stands out as an autonomous self-sufficient unit whose inhabitants claim Greek ancestry.
- Festivals celebrated in Malana like Badoh Mela is celebrated in august and the other called Fagdi mela in February.
- View of East Malana glacier and numbers of peaks rising above 6000m, towards South Parbati River valley.
DAY 01 - MANALI (2050M) TO RUMSU (2135M) DRIVE 28KM, TREK TO GHONI KARADI (2578M) 3 TO 4 HOURS.
From Manali, we drive 21 km to Naggar on the left bank of Beas River. Which presents spectacular sights of villages all along the way. At Naggar, after crossing Naggar castle and Nicolas Roerich (Russian) art gallery, continue to drive to Rumsu (2135m) and start trek at this point. A gentle climb through apple orchards to the lovely village of Rumsu. Easy climb through the forest of conifer to alpine meadows which offers a magnificent view Pir Panjal range and peaks rising above 6000m.
Overnight in The Tent
Meal: Lunch + Dinner
DAY 02 - GHONI KARADI (2578M) TO BASE OF CHANDERKHANI PASS, 3100M – 4 TO 5 HOURS.
Today we walk through lush green meadows and stately dense forests of Oak, Popular, fir and Pines. All the way through you’ll see a wide variety of Himalayan flora spread like a carpet. It’s going to be a steady climb to the base of the Chanderkhani Pass.
Overnight in The Tent
Meal: Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner
DAY 03 - BASE OF CHANDERKHANI PASS (3100M) TO NAGRUNI, 3000M VIA CHANDERKHANI PASS (3660M)- 5 TO 6 HOURS.
We get to the pass after a short and gradual climb. The pass offers a wide vista of the Himalayan Peaks and the Parvati and Malana valley. The trail now descends steeply through a scree- strewn slope till Nagruni.
Overnight in The Tent
Meal: Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner
DAY 04 - NAGRUNI (3000M) TO MALANA HYDRO POWER DAM, 2652M 3 - 4 HOURS TREK DRIVE BACK TO MANALI 4 HOURS.
We descend down to the Malana village. We can now catch glimpses of solitary little wooden houses built on the hill sides. The people of Malana have very different features to the other tribes in the valley, which is quite striking to a visitor. They are very fair, have blue or green eyes and also have fair hair. We descend down to the Malana Nullah. Our vehicles will pick you up from this point and transfer back to your Manali.
Meal: Breakfast + Lunch
What is included in the tour
- The services of an educated Himalayan Yeti Adventure representative or escort / guide, well versed with native flora/fauna, topography & culture during the entire trek program.
- During the trek, all camping logistics and mules / porters/ to carry luggage. Participants will be required to carry only their day sacks with their daily essentials etc.
- Camping on twin sharing basis in 2-man tents, with foam mattresses, sleeping bags and kitchen tent, toilet tent etc.
- One Cook and camp helper/s with all necessary kitchen items, utensils etc.
- All transportation as per the itinerary, inclusive of transfers to the roadhead before the trek and transfer from the roadhead to Manali or any on the way, after the conclusion of the trek.
- Boiled drinking water during the trek and warm water for personal ablutions in the morning.
- All meals during the trek program.
- Wildlife / environmental Permits and Levies, wherever required.
- All camping charges.
- Trek Briefing / debriefing & guides charges.
- Charges for following the global ‘Leave No Trace’ protocol.
- Insurance of the trekking staff
- Good medical / first aid kit with Oxygen Cylinders.
What is NOT included in the tour
- Any accidental, travel or medical insurance. It is advisable for the participants to get themselves comprehensively insured before the tour.
- Any expenses of a personal nature.
- Any and all evacuation charges (medical or otherwise), or hospitalization or physicians consultation charges. Your own insurance policy should also, ideally, cover this.
- . Insulated, waterproof boots are best. They have thick soles, rubber/leather uppers, and insulation.
- . Flip Flops/Crocs.
- . Wool or synthetic socks with wicking liners promote warm, dry feet. (this item is to be bought by the clients themselves)
- . Layer your clothing so it can be adjusted to your activity level and the weather. Avoid cotton.
- . Base layer: Synthetics and wool retain warmth even when wet. Wear long underwear (top and bottom) that wicks away moisture, insulates well, and dries quickly. Choose from microlight, lightweight, or midweight versions based on the temperature and your activity level. A zippered top lets you adjust body heat as you stop and go. (this item is to be bought by the clients themselves, easily available in Decathlon Stores)
- . Upper Insulating layer: Polyester fleece makes a good insulating mid-layer since it retains heat when wet and breathes as you exercise.
- . Outer layer: A waterproof, breathable shell jacket and pants keep you dry and fend off wind.
- . Down feather jacket: Can be used while relaxing or walking outside in the camp area.
- . Hat, Gloves, and Accessories: Keep your head and hands covered to prevent loss of body heat and to protect from sunburn.
- . A wool or synthetic hat, headband, or balaclava retains heat; a wide-brimmed hat or a ball cap can shade your eyes on sunny days.
- . Sunglasses and sunscreen will protect you from burning UV rays which are especially intense when reflected off of snow.
- . Cotton scarf: Good for dust and to protect neck from sunburn.
- . Water bottle and hydration bag.
- . Head lamp & spare batteries.
- . Camera dustproof cover and spare batteries and memory card; GoPro is just great.
- . Money belt or secure portion of bag.
- . Personal toiletries including lip cream, hand wash (alcohol-based), sunscreen, and towel.
- . Penknife, journal, sketch pad, playing cards, book, reading light, sewing kit, etc.
- . Small padlock for stored bag.
- . Trekking day bag up to 65 to 85 liters.