Meet at Manali Private Bus Stand by 10:00 AM for a brief introductions and gear check before boarding the vehicle. The drive toward Rumsi winds past apple orchards and the Beas River; soak in views of Old Manali, hidimba trees and the snow-capped Pir Panjal on clear stretches while your guides share local folklore about Chandrakhani.
After a packed lunch in Rumsi, begin the 4-5 km trek through terraced fields, chirping pine groves and village lanes that reveal rustic Himachali life; pause at a meadow overlook for panoramic views toward Deo Tibba. The trail leads gradually upward to Naya Thapru campsite where your team sets up tents and gives a safety-and-route briefing outlining tomorrow’s ascent to Chandrakhani Pass.
As dusk settles over the valley, enjoy hot evening snacks and chai while watching colors sweep across the ridges; this is a great time for short strolls to photograph cloud-lit peaks. Dinner is served around the campfire where guides tell stories of Malana and local customs, followed by an early night in warm tents to rest for the pass climb ahead.
Wake to a steaming cup of tea and a hearty breakfast at Naya Thapru before breaking camp; guides will run a quick warm-up and gear check. Begin the steady ascent through fragrant oak-deodar woods and flower-speckled meadows, pausing at a high vantage to admire Deo Tibba and the snow-dusted Pir Panjal peaks drawing closer as you climb toward Chandrakhani.
Reach Chandrakhani Pass (12,008 ft) by midday and linger on the saddle to take in sweeping views of the Dhauladhar and Parvati ranges while the guide points out nearby ridgelines and the trail toward Malana; enjoy a packed lunch with panoramic alpine vistas. The route then descends on switchbacks into subalpine terrain toward Dadru, passing a lively stream and shepherd huts where you’ll feel the landscape’s gentle change from open meadows to sheltered valleys.
Arrive at Dadru campsite in late afternoon, relax with warm snacks and chai while swapping summit stories and photos with the group, then stretch legs on a short walk to a nearby ridge for sunset light over the valley. Dinner around the campfire features simple veg fare and a briefing for tomorrow’s descent to Malana, followed by stargazing in clear mountain air before retiring to tents.
After a warming breakfast at the Dadru campsite, break camp and begin the gradual descent along a shaded trail that winds through dense deodar and pine stands, crossing the occasional babbling stream; keep an eye out for mountain birds and shepherd huts that dot the slope. Midway, pause at a sunlit terrace to drink in views back toward Chandrakhani and listen as your guide explains the route’s connection to Malana’s legends and the region’s unique customs.
Arrive at the outskirts of Malana after negotiating narrow ridges and stone steps, entering a village whose distinct architecture and terraced fields feel frozen in time; take a guided walk through the lanes to see the ancient wooden houses, maple-carved doorways and the local council house (Jamath) while learning about Malana’s social code from your guide. Enjoy lunch at a village clearing or simple guesthouse, then spend time respectfully observing local life—handicrafts, terraced farming, and the famed Malana Nallah—while photographing the valley framed by steep cliffs.
As daylight softens, settle into your accommodation or campsite near Malana and share stories with villagers and fellow trekkers over a hot meal of local-style vegetarian fare, savoring the mountain silence and occasional bell from a distant goat herd. Later, take a short walk to a nearby viewpoint to watch the sunset paint the ridgelines, then return for an early night, preparing gear and listening to your guide’s briefing about the descent to Jari and the drive back to Manali tomorrow.
After breakfast, pack up and begin the gentle descent from Malana along the switchback trail that follows the Malana Nallah; pause at the village edge to say farewell and photograph the Jamath and timber houses framed by steep cliffs. Walk through pine-scented lanes and terraced fields, stopping at a clear stream for a short break while your guide points out the route toward Jari and recounts final Malana legends.
Reach Jari by early afternoon and enjoy a simple packed lunch or chai at a village tea stall while stretching your legs beneath tall deodars; explore a short riverside trail where locals dry herbs and shepherds graze their flocks. From Jari, board the vehicle for the scenic drive back to Manali, watching the valley open gradually and spotting familiar ridgelines you crossed earlier on the trek.
Arrive in Manali by late afternoon or early evening and check into your hotel or drop-off point; take a leisurely walk in Old Manali or along the Mall Road to celebrate the trek with a warm meal and souvenir shopping. As night falls, relax with a hot drink while reminiscing about Chandrakhani’s panoramic views and Malana’s timeless charm, and gather photos and notes from the trip before saying your goodbyes.