New Groups Opened to our latest Ranthan Kharak trek in Kumaon
New Groups Opened to our latest Ranthan Kharak trek in Kumaon

Difficulty

Moderate | Level 3

Duration

7 Days

Highest Altitude

13,202 ft

Age

13 to 62 years

Duration

7 Days

Age

13 to 62 years

Difficulty

Moderate | Level 3

Highest Altitude

13,202 ft

Miyar Valley Trek

A Trek that takes you to the Heart of Lahaul

Very few people in our country have trekked in Lahaul. Hidden across the Rohtang Pass, which would remain closed through most of the year, the region was cut off for trekkers. But with the opening of the Atal Tunnel, came the possibility of trekking in Lahaul throughout the monsoons, when Lahaul is at its lushest best.

In this remote region of Lahaul, a valley filled with flowers hangs quietly, escaping the attention of trekkers. The route to this valley alternates between remote mountain valleys, quaint villages, and flower beds dominated by the overwhelming presence of Himalayan orchids. This valley is Miyar Valley.

The S-shaped Miyar Valley sits in between Zanskar and Chamba. It is nearly 75 km long. The Miyar glacier is nearly 36 km long to Kang La (17,600 ft pass to Zanskar). 

At the snout of the glacier are seven crystal clear blue ponds, considered to be sacred by Buddhists. Trekking here is a rare opportunity for most trekkers. And doing so in isolation, with very few others on the trail is a godsend. If you get a chance to trek to Miyar Valley, consider yourself lucky.

Miyar Valley Videos

Watch these videos to plan and prepare for your trek.

Quick Itinerary

A route map of the Miyar Valley trek

Day 1

Drive from Manali to Udaipur (Acclimatization Day)

Drive Distance: 110 km | Drive Duration: 3.5 hours | Pick up point for Indiahikes trekkers: Rambaugh Circle, Mall Road, Manali

Transport will be arranged at 10.00 AM. This cost has to be borne by trekkers and paid directly to the driver. Cost of the cab – Rs.8,000 per Tempo Traveller (12 seaters), Rs.6,500 for a Tata Sumo (5-6 seater), shared among trekkers.

Day 2

Drive from Udaipur to Khanjer. Trek to Tharang

Drive Distance: 22 km | Drive Duration: 50 minutes | Altitude Gain: 9,000 ft to 11,564 ft

Trek Distance: 7.2 km | Altitude Gain: 11,564 ft to 12,122 ft

Easy-Moderate. Gradual climb through a series of switchbacks till Tharang.

Day 3

Trek from Tharang to Zardong

Trek Distance: 11.4 km | Altitude Gain: 12,122 ft to 12,667 ft

Goes through the village route with farmlands on the right. You cross a river bridge and also come across a cricket ground.

Day 4

Trek from Zardong to Palpu

Trek Distance: 8 km | Altitude Gain: 12,667 ft to 12,782 ft

Start with a descent, followed by a steep section towards Stupa. After that the trail is gradual. Landscape frequently changes colour.

Day 5

Trek from Palpu to Miyar Glacier and back to Palpu

Trek Distance: 8 km | Trek Duration: 3-4 hours | Altitude Gain and Loss: 12,782 ft to 13,202 ft and back to 12,782 ft

Day 6

Trek from Palpu to Gompa

Trek Distance: 14 km | Trek Duration: 7-8 hours | Altitude Loss: 12,782 ft to 12,665 ft

Day 7

Trek from Gompa to Khanjer. Drive to Manali

Trek Distance: 11.2 km | Trek Duration: 6-7 hours | Altitude Loss: 12,665 ft to 11,564 ft

Drive Distance: 137 km | Drive Duration: 4 hours | Drop off point for Indiahikes trekkers: Rambaugh Circle, Mall Road, Manali

Easy, almost flat walk till Khanjer

IMPORTANT POINTS

- It is mandatory for trekkers to carry a copy of their photo ID for entry at forest check posts on the trek.

- At the base camp in Udaipur on Day 1, your stay will be arranged in lodges. However, this is not included in the trek fee. Charges will be Rs. 350 per head to be borne by the trekker.

A route map of the Miyar Valley trek

PRO-TIPS

Book flexible flight tickets:

You are going on a Himalayan trek, where there are several unpredictable factors. It's best to book flexible flight tickets, which you can reschedule if required. These are available for a small added cost with most travel companies.

Onward Travel

There are two ways to reach your pick-up point -- fly to Chandigarh on Day 0, proceed to Sector 43 and take a bus to Manali, or fly to Delhi, and take an overnight bus to Manali from ISBT Kashmiri Gate.

The drive to the basecamp of Miyar Valley can also be seen as a highlight of the trek. “The roads are beautiful and smooth, almost straight. So you have the visibility of the whole valley as you drive towards it,” shares Slope Manager Ravi Ranjan. 

On the left, if you are going towards Udaipur, just next to the Chandra river you see tiny villages. These remind you of a European setting. The houses are made tiny, diligently. They are not constructed haphazardly. It reminds you of Aru in Kashmir. It’s picture perfect, next to the valley. 

The Chandra river also keeps changing its colour. When the flow is high, the water towns brown. But in late September, when the flow has reduced, you see the colour turning to green. Good thing is, at every point on one side of the road you see the river flowing with you, like a constant companion. 

The valley of Lahaul, the villages have all exotic vegetables, fruits growing right next to the road!

Return Travel

While returning, you will reach Manali by 2.00 PM. Plan your travel any time after 5.00 PM from Manali.

Day 1

Drive from Manali to Udaipur (Acclimatization Day)

Drive Distance: 110 km | Drive Duration: 3.5 hours | Pick up point for Indiahikes trekkers: Rambaugh Circle, Mall Road, Manali

Transport will be arranged at 10.00 AM. This cost has to be borne by trekkers and paid directly to the driver. Cost of the cab – Rs.8,000 per Tempo Traveller (12 seaters), Rs.6,500 for a Tata Sumo (5-6 seater), shared among trekkers.

Day 2

Drive from Udaipur to Khanjer. Trek to Tharang

Drive Distance: 22 km | Drive Duration: 50 minutes | Altitude Gain: 9,000 ft to 11,564 ft

Trek Distance: 7.2 km | Altitude Gain: 11,564 ft to 12,122 ft

Easy-Moderate. Gradual climb through a series of switchbacks till Tharang.

Day 3

Trek from Tharang to Zardong

Trek Distance: 11.4 km | Altitude Gain: 12,122 ft to 12,667 ft

Goes through the village route with farmlands on the right. You cross a river bridge and also come across a cricket ground.

Day 4

Trek from Zardong to Palpu

Trek Distance: 8 km | Altitude Gain: 12,667 ft to 12,782 ft

Start with a descent, followed by a steep section towards Stupa. After that the trail is gradual. Landscape frequently changes colour.

Day 5

Trek from Palpu to Miyar Glacier and back to Palpu

Trek Distance: 8 km | Trek Duration: 3-4 hours | Altitude Gain and Loss: 12,782 ft to 13,202 ft and back to 12,782 ft

Day 6

Trek from Palpu to Gompa

Trek Distance: 14 km | Trek Duration: 7-8 hours | Altitude Loss: 12,782 ft to 12,665 ft

Day 7

Trek from Gompa to Khanjer. Drive to Manali

Trek Distance: 11.2 km | Trek Duration: 6-7 hours | Altitude Loss: 12,665 ft to 11,564 ft

Drive Distance: 137 km | Drive Duration: 4 hours | Drop off point for Indiahikes trekkers: Rambaugh Circle, Mall Road, Manali

Easy, almost flat walk till Khanjer

IMPORTANT POINTS

- It is mandatory for trekkers to carry a copy of their photo ID for entry at forest check posts on the trek.

- At the base camp in Udaipur on Day 1, your stay will be arranged in lodges. However, this is not included in the trek fee. Charges will be Rs. 350 per head to be borne by the trekker.

PRO-TIPS

Book flexible flight tickets:

You are going on a Himalayan trek, where there are several unpredictable factors. It's best to book flexible flight tickets, which you can reschedule if required. These are available for a small added cost with most travel companies.

Onward Travel

There are two ways to reach your pick-up point -- fly to Chandigarh on Day 0, proceed to Sector 43 and take a bus to Manali, or fly to Delhi, and take an overnight bus to Manali from ISBT Kashmiri Gate.

The drive to the basecamp of Miyar Valley can also be seen as a highlight of the trek. “The roads are beautiful and smooth, almost straight. So you have the visibility of the whole valley as you drive towards it,” shares Slope Manager Ravi Ranjan. 

On the left, if you are going towards Udaipur, just next to the Chandra river you see tiny villages. These remind you of a European setting. The houses are made tiny, diligently. They are not constructed haphazardly. It reminds you of Aru in Kashmir. It’s picture perfect, next to the valley. 

The Chandra river also keeps changing its colour. When the flow is high, the water towns brown. But in late September, when the flow has reduced, you see the colour turning to green. Good thing is, at every point on one side of the road you see the river flowing with you, like a constant companion. 

The valley of Lahaul, the villages have all exotic vegetables, fruits growing right next to the road!

Return Travel

While returning, you will reach Manali by 2.00 PM. Plan your travel any time after 5.00 PM from Manali.

Latest Photos | July 10, 2022

Miyar Valley trek is known for its remote, stunning landscape. The group of July 10, 2022 started their trek in the overcast skies. Even so, the landscape was breathtaking. During the night, when the clouds cleared, the group witnessed a brilliant sky studded with stars. See a glimpse of their trek in these photos shared by trekker Tuhin Rao

You'll see a unique combination of lush meadows and rugged mountains on this trek.

You come across such blue ponds close to the Miyar glacier. These ponds are considered sacred by the Buddhists.

The play of light is incredible during dawn and dusk.

Campsites at a Glance

At Indiahikes, we are very particular about choosing terrific campsites. For the Miyar Valley trek too, after a lot of back and forth, we have settled on these terrific campsites, which trekkers have come to love.

After walking through an S-shaped valley, you reach the ever expanding Zardong Campsite. You get to see castle peak from its base. You see tharang peaks 1,2 & 3 from the opposite side. A near-perfect campsite for sunrise and sunset.

The first campsite is the Tharang campsite. It's 2 cricket stadiums huge! All animal habitats are around you here and the sound of the river engulfs you.

Starry Night sky. You see these views from every campsite. Picture by Jothiranjan.

Arjun Majumdar, Founder, CEO

As one of the veterans of the trekking community in India, here's Arjun Majumdar, the founder of Indiahikes, talking about the remotest trek in our country.

What I Like About the Miyar Valley Trek

What I Like About the Miyar Valley Trek

Arjun Majumdar, Founder, CEO

As one of the veterans of the trekking community in India, here's Arjun Majumdar, the founder of Indiahikes, talking about the remotest trek in our country.

1. Lahaul Valley

I must have been 9 when I first witnessed the spectacle of Lahaul. I remember us snaking through the dusty roads sitting in a Jeep. The desert setting had stunned even a 9-year-old like me.

I was there because my father worked for the State Bank of India. He was inspecting remote branches of the bank in Lahaul. Somehow, he fought all ends to take us along with him. He knew the value of these travels.

As a young boy, I was mesmerised. I couldn’t believe barren mountains could have snow-capped summits. I could not imagine that in a land where no trees grow, there can exist a lush oasis teeming with life and colour. That image stayed with me as I grew up.

Later when I started trekking, I longed to see Lahaul once again. Somehow none of our expeditions ventured around Lahaul. It was too far and inaccessible.

Then around 10 years ago, in the early years of our explorations at Indiahikes, we launched the expedition to the Kugti Pass. The trek climbed famously over a 16,000 ft pass to drop down to the heart of Lahaul.

And there I was, the same 9-year-old mesmerized by what I was witnessing. It was as if time had stood still. The snow-dusted brown mountain tops, the valleys, and the oases were the same.

But there was more this time. I noticed the serene Buddhist culture. I noticed the harmony in the villages. I noticed how every village did not scatter beyond an understood perimeter.

And then I saw the colours.

Colours beyond the realms of imagination. I could not imagine brown with green. Or white with purple or yellow with orange. They were startling!

Recently, our teams have been exploring Lahaul. I think we are poised to open one of the greatest treks in Lahaul soon. But deep down, I wish I was part of this exploration. The 9-year-old is still mesmerised.

Wide expanse of Miyar valley. Picture by Jothiranjan.

2. A confluence of rivers and farming villages

The Miyar river confluences with the Chandra Bhaga river near Udaipur village, which along with Trilokinath in Tunde are much-sought-after pilgrimages in the Lahaul and Spiti region. The open valley supports multiple glacier systems that extend from the Miyar glacier onto Kang La Jot which lies at an altitude of 17,939 feet. 

The much-revered peaks of Neverseen Tower and Castle Peak are within a 2 km radius of the Miyar Glacier. The Miyar Nala broadens at the end and functions as a support system for the farming villages in this region.

Picture by Jothiranjan

3. Adventurous river crossings

River crossings also set this trek apart. You frequently come across wooden bridges on this trek. Crossing each one is an adventurous experience because you cross the rickety wooden bridge with a furious river roaring beneath you.  In two sections, there are no bridges. But the flow of the water can easily be negotiated. Just be prepared for the ice-cold temperature of the water.

Trekkers crossing freezing cold stream originating from Miyar Glacier. Picture by Jothiranjan.

4. Thriving flora and fauna of the region

The natural vegetation mainly involves Juniper trees, Willow trees, Pine trees, Cedars, birch trees, Alder trees, Poplar trees, colourful Orchids, and lupins. The region also attracts a lot of birds post-summer, So you will get to hear them constantly. If you speak to the local shepherds you will hear stories about snow leopards attacking their sheep. Also, the region is full of wildlife, you will find blue sheep near the rocks of Zardong.

Picture by Jothiranjan

5. Rare mountain views

Miyar Valley also offers views of certain rarely-seen mountains. They include the Castle peak, the magnificent Menthosa peak, and also Tharang  I, II, III.

Tharang I, II, III. Picture by Jothiranjan.

6. A peek at an ancient travel route

The valley near Tharang goes towards Keylong via Tarsar Lamo pass. In the ancient past, people used to use this route to travel from Udaipur to Keylong via this route. This colourful valley showcases hanging glaciers, snowfields, waterfalls, flat rock faces, fold-type mountains, various orchids, and nameless snow-capped peaks.

Trekker walking towards Palpu. Picture by Jothiranjan.

Just at the start of the trek, after half an hour's ascent, we get to witness this Stupa. It's surrounded by small junipers and bonsai-like trees. Do a parikrama here to mark the start of the trek.

Picture by: Jothiranjan

Stupa at the start of the trek

Know Your Trek

We have always wanted trekkers to be well-informed before they go on a Himalayan trek. Knowledge is the difference between a safe trek and a dangerous one. It’s also the difference between a wholesome experience and a superficial experience.

Use this section to learn about the Miyar Valley trek. It has in-depth information about each day of the trek, what to expect, and how you need to prepare for it. Many years of expertise have gone into this content. Trekkers find that extremely useful.

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

PRO TIPS

Why fitness matters on the Miyar Valley Trek

On Moderate treks, you walk for about 6-8 km each day. The ascents and descents could get steep. The maximum altitude will range between 13,000 ft to 14,000 ft. You’ll come across tricky patches frequently (like snow or scree), which require you to navigate with a certain amount of caution. There might also be small stream/river crossings.

Your goal is to 5 km with an intention to finish within 35 minutes.

Note: If you are above the age of 58 years, you'll also need to submit your Treadmill Test within 7 days of registration.

How to Get Fit for Your Trek

Green Trails: Sustainable

Green Trails is our promise to leave the mountains better. We have removed over 1 lakh kilos of the waste left behind by others on trekking trails. Yet this is a small percentage of what we do. Green Trails dives into reducing the use of resources, reducing our carbon footprint and bringing about a change in the daily practices of our trekkers too.

Why I Believe Everyone Must Trek: A Note from the Founder

Trekking transforms lives. It has completely changed my life. When I see my colleagues at Indiahikes, all of them have been impacted greatly. The transformations have been profound and irreversible. 

I see it in our trekkers too. I have seen them change professions, careers or start a new life. I have seen them get in and out of relationships, and start new projects. These are life-changing experiences. 

I have seen children building resilience. I have seen families come together. When I see those above 55, I see them rediscover passion and a sense of purpose. These are not small gains.

In the mountains new professions, new economies and new businesses have opened up. Our staff no longer go to cities to earn their living. Their income has increased. Above all, they are happiest working in this world. Trekking has been truly transformative.  

Everyone must trek. It transforms lives far more than you imagine.

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