
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.
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
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.
What I Like About the Miyar Valley Trek
What I Like About the Miyar Valley Trek
Miyar Valley is Best Discovered Through Pictures
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.
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.
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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