Miyar Valley Trek – Whispers of Miyar
$1550 per person
Nestled deep in the remote Lahaul region of Himachal Pradesh, the Miyar Valley Trek (also known as Thanpattan Trek) is an undiscovered Himalayan treasure. Often called the “Valley of Flowers of Himachal”, this trail offers a perfect mix of raw Himalayan beauty, solitude, and traditional Buddhist culture.
Unlike commercial trekking routes, the Miyar Valley Trek remains peaceful and uncrowded, ideal for those seeking both serenity and adventure.
Cultural and Historical Significance
Historically, the Miyar Valley Trek was part of a significant trade route that linked Lahaul, Zanskar, and Ladakh. Traders once crossed high-altitude passes like Umasi La (5,300 m) to exchange wool, salt, and barley. These trade exchanges brought together Tibetan and Indian cultures, influencing the valley’s architecture, dialects, and religious practices.
Even today, the blend of Tibetan Buddhism and Himachali traditions can be seen in the lifestyle and rituals of local communities.
Trek Details
Region: Lahaul, Himachal Pradesh
Starting Point: Shukto Village
Max Altitude: 4,000 m (Miyar Glacier); Umasi La nearby at 5,300 m
Duration: 11 Days
Difficulty: Moderate
Best Time: June to September
Key Highlights of the Miyar Valley Trek
Trek through colorful alpine meadows and dramatic glacier basins
Peaceful, uncrowded route ideal for offbeat explorers
Traditional Buddhist villages and monasteries en route
Stunning views of peaks like Castle Peak and Menthosa
Culturally rich trail once part of an ancient trans-Himalayan trade route
Why Choose the Miyar Valley Trek?
This moderate-level trek is suitable for both seasoned trekkers and first-timers. It begins from the peaceful village of Shukto and ascends through wildflower meadows, glacial streams, and into the dramatic upper reaches of the Miyar Glacier.
Along the way, you’ll encounter traditional Buddhist villages, each offering a unique view into the spiritual and cultural fabric of the Lahaul Valley.
From Our Gallery
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Day 01: Arrival in Delhi – Airport Pick-up & Hotel Stay in Delhi
Our representative will receive you at Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL) and transfer you to your hotel in central Delhi. Relax, freshen up, and prepare for your Himalayan journey.
Stay: 4/5 star hotel in Delhi
Altitude: 216m
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Day 02: Arrive at Bhuntar Airport
Bhuntar Airport to Manali (Tour Start Point)
Airport: Bhuntar Airport (IATA: KUU)
Altitude: 1,050 m
Arrival & Transfer
- Meet & Greet: Our representative will receive you at Bhuntar Airport.
- Transfer to Manali (Distance: 50 km / 1.5-2 hours)
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- Scenic drive along the Beas River.
- Check-in to pre-booked hotel in Manali.
- Light meals recommended.
- Relax and let your body adjust to the mountain air.
- Avoid strenuous activity on Day 1.
- Safety protocols
- Route overview
- Emergency & backup plans
- Document verification
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Day 03: Manali- Urgos (130km): 5-6 hrs.
The journey takes you through the Atal Tunnel, one of the world's longest high-altitude tunnels, significantly reducing travel time to Lahaul Valley. After exiting the tunnel, you'll pass through picturesque villages and along the Chandra and Bhaga rivers before reaching Urgos.
Urgos is at the confluence with the valley leading to Mt. Menthosa (6,443m). Stay in Homestay and enjoy the cultural food of the local’s tonight.
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Day 04: Urgos- Shukto(3470m) and hike to Doksa(3680m) : 3-4hrs
Total distance of hiking is 6–7 km. Trail type is Moderate and mostly along the Miyar River.
- Occasional have rocky patches and narrow cliffside paths.
- Trail has lush meadows and wildflowers (especially in June–August).
- One can see yak herders and Gaddi shepherds.
- Stunning views of alpine cliffs and the river gorge.
- Camping at Doksa: Set on flat meadows, surrounded by massive granite walls, perfect for stargazing and acclimatization.
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Day 05: Doksa-Thanpattan(Tharang)(3750mts): 8–9 km:(3-4hrs.)
Moderate day, with river-side meadows, gentle climbs, and moraine sections
- The trail continues to follow the Miyar Nala, often weaving through open alpine meadows.
- You may traverse glacial moraines, grassy pastures, and soft undulating hills.
- Occasional small stream crossings – generally manageable without technical gear.
- A few sections are exposed but not technical or risky.
- This region is abundant in wildflowers (especially in July-August), with purple, yellow, and white blossoms carpeting the meadows.
- Bird sightings: Himalayan snowcock, golden eagles, and migratory warblers.
- You might spot marmots, blue sheep (bharal), or tracks of larger wildlife like foxes.
- The views are stunning: granite cliffs, snowy peaks, and the winding river create a dramatic Himalayan amphitheater.
- Plenty of space to set up tents and a stream nearby for water supply.
- Some routes and operators refer to this as Tharang, which is part of the same broader camping zone near the Miyar Glacier approach.
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Day 06: Tharang to Zardung(3880mts): 7–9 km(5-6hrs.)
This section marks a deeper transition into true high-alpine terrain, as you move closer to the glacial zone of Miyar Valley. The path remains relatively gentle, though you'll begin to feel the effects of altitude more prominently. The trail continues along the true left bank of the Miyar Nala (river), through pastoral meadows and rocky patches. Occasional glacial moraine ridges and small boulder sections appear, especially closer to Zardung. The river widens, and the valley opens up, giving uninterrupted views of unnamed peaks and ice masses. Zardung is a popular high camp for those pushing toward Kesar Yon Chhaap (the sacred glacial lakes) or the Umasi La. It offers ample flat ground for tents and has reliable water sources nearby (stream-fed). Expect chillier nights and a more barren, glacial edge environment. No tree cover — just alpine tundra and moraine, so be prepared for wind and temperature drops
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Day 07: Zardung- Kesar yon Chaap (3990mts) : 4-5hrs.
The route follows the Miyar Nala upstream, entering a high glacial basin framed by towering granite walls and hanging glaciers. You'll cross boulder-strewn terrain, flat tundra meadows, and possibly patches of old snow or ice (especially in early season: June–July). The air is thin but the trail is gentle; it's not steep but the elevation makes it physically taxing. Final stretch to Kesar Yon Chhaap involves a short ascent to a moraine ridge, beyond which the first of the seven glacial lakes appears.
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Day 08: Kesar yon Chaap-MiyarGlacier(4550mts)- Kesar Yon Chaap: 4-5 hrs:(6–7 km one way (12–14 km return))
Miyar glacier is the birthplace of the Miyar Nala, stretching over 28 km, one of the longest glaciers in Lahaul. The snout (visible end) sits at around 4,550 meters — a surreal, icy amphitheater of seracs and glacial melt channels. Glacier travel beyond the snout requires technical gear and guides; your hike reaches the viewpoint or approach zone, not the crevasse field.
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Day 09: Miyar Glacier-Gompa(3990mts): 7hrs.
Today gradual descent along the MiyarNala over vast meadows carpeted with edelweiss and catmint. It is not rare to see Himalayan Griffins and Lammergeyers.
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Day 10: Gompa –Shukto to Udgos: 4-5 hrs.
Hike is 6 km and than drive from there drive to Udgos. Stay in homestay. The last day of the trip can try a local homemade whiskey and celebrate the journey and memories.
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Day 11: Udgos to Manali.
Drive the way back as both times we cross Atal tunnel(World’s highest tunnel at the moment).
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Day 12: Buffer / Reserve / Departure Day
• Certificate
• Party
• End of tour
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Accommodation & Gear
- High-quality alpine tents (twin sharing basis)
- Season-rated sleeping bags and insulated sleeping mats
- All essential camping gear provided and set up by our team
- All meals included: Nutritious vegetarian breakfast, packed lunch, evening tea/snacks, and hot dinner
- Boiled or filtered drinking water provided daily
- Experienced trek leader and certified mountain guide
- Skilled cook and kitchen team
- Camp helpers and porters/mules for luggage and equipment transport
- Pick-up and drop-off as per the trek itinerary (from base location)
- Comprehensive first-aid kit with basic high-altitude medications
- Oxygen cylinder available for emergency use (on high-altitude treks)
- Participants need only carry a light daypack with essentials (water bottle, snacks, jacket)
- Main backpack/duffel (up to 10 kg) will be carried by porters/mules
- Travel & Rescue Insurance
- Personal Expenses
- Unexpected Costs
- Town-Based Costs
- Gratuities
- Anything Not Mentioned Above