Delhi to Bhuntar
Start your journey from Delhi in the evening around 7 PM by catching an overnight sleeper Volvo bus or hire a sedan or an SUV car based on the size of your group.
Once you leave Delhi, you will cover the main cities of Chandigarh, Bilaspur, Sundernagar, and Bajaura before you reach Bhuntar.
You will reach Bhuntar early the next morning and once you get off the bus you will have to wait for a connecting bus to Kasol, which lies at a distance of about 31.2 km from Bhuntar.
You can make a stopover at Jari which is about an hour’s drive from Bhuntar on the way to Kasol and enjoy some breakfast or light snacks.
Camping at Kasol
Once you reach Kasol, you get off the bus and head straight for your campsite. Soak in the freshness of the air and the beautiful sights of green hills and mountains surrounding the small town.
Explore the small town of Kasol that you can cover on foot as well, and visit its quaint souvenir shops, cozy Israeli cafes, and riverside hotels. Interact with the local people, and enjoy the delicacies served here.
At the campsite, enjoy dancing and singing around a bonfire in the evening followed by a delicious dinner. Retire for the night early in your camps and rest well before the trek next day.
Trek to Malana Village and departure
Start the third day of your trek to Malana from Kasol early with a sumptuous breakfast and then set out on your enchanting trail.
Get to the Malana Trek and go back to the end point again. Wallow in the mesmerizing sights with scenic vistas and abundant greenery on all sides, a perfect getaway for any nature lover.
Start your downward journey back to the campsite where you will collect your luggage and start your drive back to Bhuntar.
From Bhuntar, you will board a bus for your return trip to Delhi around 5 – 6 PM.
Reach Delhi in the morning
Trekking equipment
Backpack (55 - 65 L) with sturdy straps and supporting frame.
Daypack (20-25 L) which can be used for summit/pass day. It comes in handy if you wish to offload your backpack on the trek.
Trekking shoes – good quality trekking shoes or boots with great grip and traction as well as good ankle support
Clothing
3 pair of track pants out of which at least one should be synthetic quick-dry kind preferably with zippered pockets.
3 t-shirts with full sleeves and collar
One full Sleeve Sweater or a fleece jacket
One full sleeve thick Jacket
1 pair of Thermal Inners
4-5 pair of Sports Socks
Woolen cap/Balaclava that cover the ear
Light weight Rain Coat/Poncho
Water proof hand gloves
Other equipment
Sunglasses that cover your eyes well
Sunscreen
Sun cap
Trekking pole
Light towel
Lip balm
Hand sanitizer
Toiletries
At least 2 refillable Water bottles of 1 Liter each
Head lamp or LED torch with extra cells
Light snack such as dry fruits, granola bars, energy drink powder
Small Repair Kit consisting of safety pins, needle, thread and string
Slippers
Insect repellant
Medicines
Prescription medicines
Anti-inflammatory medicines
Medicines for fever, indigestion, pain, altitude sickness
Pain relief spray
ORS/ electrolytes
Anti-fungal powder or cream
The Bhuntar airstrip is nearest to Kasol and you can reach here from various cities across the country. Once at the airport, you can avail a taxi or bus service to take you to Kasol or the starting point of your trek.
The nearest railhead to Malana is Shimla which is about 106 km away. It is well connected with various cities across India and once you reach the Shimla railway station, you can hire a private vehicle to cover the remaining distance to Malana.
You can go for a variety of options to reach Malana by road. Take an overnight bus from Delhi to Bhuntar and then a connecting government bus to Jari near Kasol. You can also take a cab from Jari to Kasol or Malana Taxi stand where you will start your trek.
The Kasol to Malana village trek is an extremely scenic one with lush green forests and spectacular mountain views. It is however a little remote and moderately challenging. A few traveler tips can help you thoroughly enjoy it and make the best memories.
Refrain from doing photography and videography once you are at the Malana Village as most villagers do not allow it.
If you wish to spot the famous Hashish farming, for which Malana is so famous, you must visit here during the summer months.
For the best pictures and to experience snow however, December to February is the ideal time to do the trek.
The easiest way to reach Kasol is by taking an overnight bus from Delhi to Bhuntar as opposed to the rail and air options.
Wear layers that can be peeled off easily as and when required and try to get clothes made of quick dry material.
Where is the Kasol to Malana trek located?
The Kasol to Malana trek is located near the town of Bhuntar in the Parvati Valley of Himachal Pradesh. The Malana Village is situated at an altitude of almost 2,600 meters above sea level and it lies at a distance of about 20 km from Kasol.
How difficult is the Kasol to Malana trek?
The Kasol to Malana trek is an easy to moderate trek with some steep inclinations and slippery slopes. Although it can be undertaken by beginner level trekkers, it requires some basic fitness and stamina to complete it.
What is the best time to do Malana trek via Kasol?
The best time of the year to go on a Kasol to Malana trek is between the months of June and September. This is when the weather is very pleasant and ideal to undertake the expedition. You will also get the best sights of the beautiful surroundings and mountain views during this time.
What is the highest altitude reached during Kasol to Malana trek?
The highest altitude on the Kasol to Malana trek is about 9,500 feet above sea level. The quaint Malana Village is perched at the summit of the trek and you can witness exotic sights of Manikaran from here.