Malana Trek, Kasol: All Things You Need to Know

Do you want to experience a serene trek in Himachal Pradesh overlooking the Great Himalayas? Then, the Malana trek, overlooking Deo Tibba and Chandrakhani peaks, is perfect for you. Remember, the village of Malana is beautiful, but the trek itself is difficult as you have to traverse the Malana Nalla flowing across the Parvati valley. It is a challenging yet beautiful day trek covering 5 km, starting from the taxi stand to the quaint village at 10,000 ft.

The Malana trek will take you through the scenic beauty of the peaks and hashish farms. Also, if you give yourself a few extra days, you can explore a few nearby areas, like Kasol, Kheerganga, and more. If you are interested in this trek, here is all you need to know about the trek, the village, and more. 

Malana Village: Interesting facts

• Malana village is not under the guidance of the Indian Judicial System.
• Hashish farming is the major source of income for the people here. 
• Videography and photography are not allowed. Taking photos or videos without consent can lead to issues.
• The population is only 500, and there is a dispensary and school.
• Malanese people are descendants of Alexander the Great and have Greek features.  

Malana Trek: A Short Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival at Kasol

Reach Kasol, check in to your camps, and rest. Explore Kasol and stay overnight here.

Day 2: Kasol to Jari to Malana to Jari

Next morning, after breakfast, drive to Jari, the starting point of the trek. Start your Malana trek to the village, enjoying the views, especially the Hashish farming or snow-capped mountains. Trek back to Jari.

Day 3: Leave Jari

Depart from Jari to reach Kasol and leave for your next destination.

How do I reach Malana?

Malana is 16 km away from Jari, a small roadside village, and 22 km away from Kasol. Once you reach Kasol or Jari, you can take a cab to reach the many trekking points in Malana.

• By air: The nearest airport is Bhunter Airport, serving the Kullu district and is well-connected to Delhi. From here, take cabs or buses to take you to Kasol or Jari to reach your trekking location.
• By bus: There is a bus connecting Bhunter to Malana. It does not take you to the village but can drop you near the trekking point. 
• Taking cabs: If you are in Kasol, take a private cab to the Malana trekking point that will take you through Jari. It is not cheap, so do try alternative methods first. 

Trek Routes to Malana

There are two trek routes to Malana: one is short and the other, from the backside, is a bit long. Let’s check it out.

Malana short trek: from the front side

Most trekkers take this short route, whose entry point is the front site. It is 16km away from Jari. The trek involves going down the river base, crossing a bridge, and going up to reach the bridge. The trek distance is 1.5 km and takes around 30 minutes to 1 hour.

Malana long trek: from the backside

It is the road less traveled, which lets you enter Malana from its backside. Be alert as you drive here; otherwise, you will miss the point. It can take somewhere around 1.5 to 2 hours. 

Quick Facts about the Malana Trek

• Difficulty Level: A shorter trek is easy, but a longer trek can be challenging, especially for beginners.
• Duration: 1 to 2 hours
• Distance: 1.5–2 km (short trek); 2–2.5 km (long trek).

The Best Time to Visit for the Malana Trek

Winters and summers are both ideal for visiting Malana. If you prefer snow, the Malana trek in the winter between mid-December and February is perfect. Summers are good too for trekking and exploring Malana, especially if you want to see Hashing farming.

Things to do in Malana

• Trek to the waterfall, 5 km away, to enjoy the pristine surroundings.
• Enjoying camping
• Explore the Jamlu Devta Temple from the outside. Going inside is prohibited, but you can see the temple doors and walls and the intricate design they have. 

Places to visit near Malana 

Kheerganga

Nestled at a height of 2960m, Kheerganga offers a beautiful trekking experience. It is a 12km long trek and is easy as you walk halfway to Rudranag and then climb the rest of the trek. It offers beautiful views of pine trees leading to Kheerganga. 

Kasol

Kasol, also known as a smoker’s or stoner’s paradise, is a rejuvenating getaway for any tourist traveling here for the Malana trek. Kasol is not known for any monuments; rather, it is known for the beautiful nature that appeals to each of the tourists. You will see many Israeli inhabitants here, with most restaurants and cafes having their signboards in Hebrew. When in Kasol, ensure you try the different foods here, as the options are many: Italian, Indian cuisine, Israel, and more. Also, do try the rice beer here.

Manikaran

It is a holy destination situated in the Parvati Valley, Himachal Pradesh. It is 34 km away from Bhuntar and 4km from Kasol. Manikaran has spiritual significance for both Sikhs and Hindus. The myth says that once, Goddess Parvati dropped one of her earrings in the Manikaran Lake, leading to a hot water uprising from there. Sikhs, on the other hand, believe that Guru Nanak Dev Ji visited this area in 1574 along with his disciples. 

When one of his disciples felt hungry, everyone tried to find food, but they didn't have any fire for cooking. At that time, Guru Nanak lifted the stone here, leading to a hot water spring coming out of the surface of the earth. With so much significance, it is a must-visit place for all whenever they plan a trip to Malana village. 

Conclusion

The Malana Trek is a beautiful trekking experience for all. It is a bit challenging, but with the right guide, even beginners can accomplish this. The trek offers beautiful scenery and is especially beautiful in the winter. The trek is not long, so couple your days together to explore beautiful places near Malana for a relaxing experience.