Himachal Pradesh, or “Devbhoomi” (Abode of Gods), is a glimpse of heaven. It is globally known for its scenic beauty and quaint tourist destinations. The Buddhist temple, monasteries, and adrenaline-inducing treks attract thousands of tourists and trekkers every year.
Although Himachal Pradesh offers several full-blown trekking expeditions, it also has many treks perfect for a weekend getaway.
If you are under a time constraint or a beginner wanting to start small, here are a few small treks in Himachal that can satiate your adventurous self in just a weekend’s worth of time –
Kheerganga (2950 m) is a Himalayan trek in the serene Parvati Valley. It is one of the most popular treks amongst beginners in India.
The 2-day trek starts in Barshaini (20 km from Kasol). You walk through dense deodar, pine forests, fresh waterfalls, and expansive green meadows dotted with wildflowers. Several snowcapped mountains will accompany you throughout. You can find local cafes with colorful roofs along the trek route.
To sum up, the Kheerganga trek is a picture-perfect trek that should that is on everyone’s bucket list. Trekkers set up a tent at Kheerganga and stay overnight to enjoy the whimsical starry night. The next day they retrace their steps back after a well-spent weekend.
Beas Kund is a top-rated trek around Manali in Himachal Pradesh. It is named after Rishi Vyas (writer of Mahabharata), who used to take his daily bath here.
It has expansive grasslands and pine forests with a panorama of peaks like The Friendship Peak and Hanuman Tibba. The Pir Panjal range and the Seven Sisters range also look upon the mystical lake. It is a soothing spectacle you will dote on lifelong. This emerald lake branches off into shimmering streams and breathtaking waterfalls, where it then converges into the boiling Beas river.
The trek that starts and ends at Dhundhi is a perfect trek for an extended weekend of 3 days. It starts at 8000 feet and climbs through the rocks and boulders; up to 12,000 feet is sure to adrenaline junkies satiated.
Bhrigu Lake (Himachal Pradesh) is located about 20 km north of Manali and east of Rohtang Pass.
The isolated trek is full of expansive green grasslands and cedar and silver oak forests. Carpets of alpine flowers and shimmering streams lead us to the awe-inspiring views of the ‘Deo Tibba’ and ‘Seven Sister’ peaks in the Pir-Panjal ranges.
Rich in biodiversity, this region is home to various wildlife species, including Himalayan Monal, Snow Cocks, and Pheasants. It is an ideal trek for beginners and does not require prior experience. It is a 3-day trek, perfect over an extended weekend, yet immensely satisfying and relaxing.
Kareri lake is an offbeat trek in the Kangra district of Himachal Pradesh. Several streams gushing down the Mankaini Peak converge into this beautiful glacial Lake. You start the trek at Dharmshala (9km from the lake) and walk via Kareri village to Liyoti village.
The next day, you climb steep ascends amidst forests of oak, pine, and rhododendron forests. Alpine fields and wooden bridges keep you company as you reach Kareri Lake. An ancient Shiva Temple, perched on top of the peak, adds to the beauty of the Lake.
Ideal for a weekend getaway, this trek can be completed over the course of 2-days, as you spend the night among the local Gaddi Tribe.
Parashar Lake Trek, located in the Mandi district of Himachal Pradesh, is one of the best winter weekend treks. Loved by trekkers in the neighboring states of Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, and Haryana.
This bowl-shaped lake is a well-kept secret and untouched by human presence. You walk through open vistas of Kinnaur, Dhauladhar, and Pirpanjal ranges by your side.
A temple of Sage Parashar accompanies the pristine lake. It is believed the Sage meditated here in the Vedic age. Picture-perfect sunrise and sunsets are the highlight of this short yet fulfilling excursion.
Tosh is huddled in the Parvati valley near Kasol in Himachal Pradesh and is 2400m above sea level.
It is the most sought-after weekend trip in Himachal, owing to its picturesque beauty. It is home to the blue translucent River Tosh, the tributary of the river Parvati.
The trek starts at Barshaini via snow-capped mountains, lush green valleys, and waterfalls to Tosh.
Triund hill resting in the Dhalaudhar Mountain, is surrounded by Kangra Valley on one side and The Dhalaudhar on the other. The charming hamlet of Triund is perched at an altitude of 2828 m. above the ground.
It is an easy-moderate but short-lived trek of 6 km. May to October and January to March are the best months to go on this short yet satiating trek.
Situated at an elevation of around 3,660 m, the Chandrakhani Pass is a thrilling trek in the Kullu Valley of Himachal Pradesh.
It is a 3-day trek, perfect for beginners and someone with time constraints.
You can enjoy the picturesque views of the Deo Tibba, Parbati, and Pir Panjal peaks. The trek starts with a steep ascend alongside pine, oak, and birch trees, followed by a gradual ascend on grasslands to reach Chaklani.
It entails the walkthrough of vibrant flowers, expansive meadows, and streams. You have an enchanting view of the Kullu valley and Dhauladhar Range.
Lamadugh Trek is a short trek in Himachal Pradesh that can be accomplished in just a day. It is elevated to 9900 feet above the ground.
You set out from the ancient Manu Temple in Manali and end the trek in Old Manali. The trail involves walking past dense deodar forest and alpine meadows along a horizontal ridge. The easy treks take you uphill to the beautiful panorama of Hanuman Tibba, Deo Tibba, Indrasan Peaks, and Bara Shigri Glacier.
It is a go-to trek for someone who wants to rejuvenate themselves but is on a time crunch.
Moji Dugh is a beginner trek near Manali that rookies can indulge in. The trek, situated at a humble altitude of 10,500 feet, starts at Kulang Village.
You follow a trail of moderate gradient through oaks, pines, and deodars, past a lush meadow. This meadow is fleeced with snow during winters and spotted with wildflowers during spring and summer. You can spend the night under a starlit sky and live your Disney dreams.
It is a hidden gem that still holds on to its beauty in the mountains and is untarnished by growing footfalls.
These small treks in Himachal Pradesh are the perfect getaway for people who love to explore the outdoors. They offer breathtaking views of the mountains, valleys, and glaciers. These treks are perfect for beginners and people with time constraints. You can choose from a variety of treks depending on your level of expertise and time availability.
