Craving a new trek but tired of crowded trails and the same old routes? What you need is an unforgettable offbeat adventure that not only promises breathtaking views but allows you to relax in the lap of nature at your own unhurried pace– perfect for anyone seeking genuine solitude. Whether you're a pro at trekking or super excited for your first trek, we've got something special for you! Ready to dive in?
Here is a list of some of the best offbeat treks in the Himalayas — from gentle ascents to challenging multi-day expeditions, you'll surely find your next holiday escape!
1. Chandrakhani Pass Trek
Chandrakhani Pass Trek is perfect for anyone wondering about stepping into a trekking experience for the first time. Rumsu village is the starting point for this beginner's trek in the Himalayas, a few kilometres above Naggar in the Kullu Valley of Himachal Pradesh. Here, you can get a glimpse into the local culture, and the houses made of wood and stone are particularly adorable to look at. Coming to the trail, you'll encounter a varied tapestry of landscapes — from dense forests filled with deodar, oak and fir to expansive alpine meadows. Plus, those blooming rhododendrons complete the scenery beautifully with pink and red flowers all around. As you reach the top, a whooping 12,000 ft( approx), you'll get a stunning view of the surrounding mountain ranges, Pir Panjal, Parvati, Dhauladhar and more, all you need is just a clear day. In the evening, those great peaks reflect in shades of pink and red, creating a magical sunset view. This would be one of the best sunsets you'd have ever experienced!
2. Bhrigu Lake Trek
Whether you're seeking offbeat Himalayan treks or Himalayan treks for beginners, the Bhrigu Lake Trek is one of the best options you have. It's a 4-day trek that starts from Gulaba, just 22 km from Manali. The prime highlight is the Bhrigu Lake. It's a spectacular, glacial lake with mythological significance. According to a legend, Maharishi Bhrigu, one of the seven great saints in Sanatan Dharma, meditated here. People believe that this is only because of Sage Bhrigu’s presence that the lake never gets frozen completely, even at such a high elevation.
While lake views are truly awe-inspiring, it's not the only thing that makes the Bhrigu Lake Trek a must-do. The trek offers you high-altitude meadows as far as the eye can see. Unlike other treks that take days to make you come across such a captivating grassland landscape, at the Bhrigu trek, you'll be soaking those eye-soothing views in just one day. Now, as you walk through these rolling meadows, you’ll come across freshwater streams and tiny wildflowers — all creating a postcard-perfect landscape. Climbing upwards takes you to the mind-blowing views of the Pir Panjal and Dhauladhar ranges, their mighty peaks dominating the skyline. So, if you're looking for short, adventurous, offbeat Himalayan treks, the Bhrigu Lake Trek is something you can't afford to miss.
3. Phulara Ridge Trek
Whether you're seeking offbeat Himalayan treks or the best ridge treks in India, Phulara Ridge Trek is a must-do. It offers you an adrenaline-pumping experience. It's almost like walking along a razorback ridge, with slopes dropping off dramatically to either side. It feels as if those majestic mountains are walking with you.
The Phulara Ridge trek begins in Sankri, a charming small village famous for its popular treks, such as Kedarkantha and Har Ki Dun. Although the latter two are more popular, attracting large numbers of people, the Phulara Ridge trek is the hidden gem that allows you to soak in the raw, unspoiled beauty of the Garhwal Himalayas. From tranquil forests with bird calls to vast alpine meadows, each view makes you feel as if you've stepped into beautiful scenery.
4. Bijli Mahadev Trek
Are you someone who's seeking a blend of adventure with spirituality? Bijli Mahadev Trek is great to do. It's one of the oldest and most popular treks in the Himalayas that takes you to the revered Bijli Mahadev temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. According to a legend, it is believed that lightning strikes the temple annually and breaks the Shiva Lingam, which is then repaired with butter by the temple priest.
This trek starts from Chansari village, you'll be doing a short 3 km walk on a well-established trail to the top, completed in half a day. So, if your search keywords are easy Himalayan treks for beginners, this is one of the highly recommended options. But if you want to make it more exciting and want to explore Kullu Valley at its best, there's an alternate route too. You'll be traversing pretty pine and deodar forest trails. Interestingly, unlike other trails that force you to stick to them, this trail is wide enough to let you explore the entire expanse of the forest. You can even camp amidst the tall pine and deodar trees! As you reach the temple, the panoramic views await to be spellbound — the Pir Panjal and Dhauladhar offer phenomenal views.
The best part? This is a beginner-friendly trek, which makes it a great choice among absolute beginners and families alike.
5. The Beas Kund
The Beas Kund trek is an absolute must-do for anyone seeking a quintessential Himalayan adventure without extreme difficulty. The trek starts from Solang Valley, just a short drive from Manali. On the way, you'll see vibrant green meadows like Dhundi and Bakarthach — a feast to the senses, where wildflowers carpet the ground and the air is crisp with the scent of pine. Plus, trekking alongside the roaring Beas River in its nascent stages, crossing streams fed by glaciers, is one of the most thrilling parts of this trek. Don't forget to keep your eyes peeled for magnificent peaks such as Hanuman Tibba, Shitidhar, Ladakhi Peak, and Friendship Peak. Now, as you are at Beas Kund, the sight is utterly mesmerising. Before you lie a pristine glacial lake shimmering in emerald green, nestled in the amphitheatre of the majestic mountains. This level of serenity is something you won't find on any other trek in the Himalayas.