Hi everyone, I’m planning a trip to **Manali in 2025**, and I’ve always wanted to try trekking. I’m a beginner, so I’m wondering if **Manali is a good destination for first-time trekkers**. Some specific questions I’d love advice on: * Are there **easy treks near Manali** that beginners can attempt without too much difficulty? * How long are these treks (1-day or 2–3 days) and what’s the **average cost** for joining a group or guide? * What kind of **fitness level** is required for trekking in and around Manali? * Which are the most recommended beginner-friendly treks—like **Jogini Waterfall, Lamadugh, or Hampta Pass (short version)**? * Are **local trekking operators in Manali reliable** for safety, permits, and equipment? * For someone who’s never trekked before, is it better to do a **short day hike** first or jump into a **multi-day trek**? * Any tips for **seasonal trekking in 2025**—when’s the best time to start as a beginner? I’d love to hear **personal stories, beginner trekking experiences, and practical tips** from those who have done their first trek in Manali. Thanks in advance!

I did my **first trek in Manali back in 2024**, and went again in **summer 2025**, so I can say with confidence—**yes, Manali is a great place for trekking beginners**. The trails here are varied, and you don’t need to be a pro to enjoy the experience. ### 🥾 My Beginner Trekking Experience in Manali * My first trek was the **Jogini Waterfall trek**. It’s just 3–4 km from Vashisht village, takes about 2–3 hours round trip, and is perfect for beginners. The trail is easy, passes through apple orchards and small villages, and ends at a beautiful waterfall. * Another great one was the **Lamadugh trek**. It’s a half-day hike from Old Manali, slightly steeper than Jogini but still manageable. The view of the snow-capped peaks from the top was worth every step. ### 🌄 Longer Treks for Beginners When I returned in 2025, I tried the **Hampta Pass trek (short 3-day version)**. This is more challenging but still doable for fit beginners. The landscapes change dramatically—from green valleys near Manali to snowy stretches at the pass. It felt like a proper Himalayan adventure without being too extreme. ### 💰 Costs & Arrangements * Day hikes like **Jogini Waterfall or Lamadugh** are almost free—you just need good shoes and maybe ₹200–₹300 for snacks or local guides. * Organized treks like **Hampta Pass** cost around ₹6,000–₹8,000 for 3–4 days, which includes tents, food, and guides. I booked mine through a local operator in Old Manali, and it was safe and well managed. ### 🗓️ Best Season for Beginners The best time for beginner treks in Manali is **March–June (summer)** and **September–October (post-monsoon)**. Trails are clear, weather is pleasant, and you don’t need heavy winter gear. ### ✅ My Tips as a First-Time Trekker * Start with a **short day hike** like Jogini before trying a multi-day trek. * Carry light snacks, a reusable water bottle, and good trekking shoes. * Don’t worry if you’re not super fit—**steady pace and breaks** are enough for beginner treks in Manali. --- 👉 In short, **Manali is perfect for trekking beginners**. You can start with easy day hikes and then move on to short Himalayan treks like **Hampta Pass or Beas Kund**. For me, doing my first trek here gave me the confidence to explore bigger adventures later.

Is Manali good for trekking beginners in 2025?

Yashwantkk

Hi everyone,

I’m planning a trip to Manali in 2025, and I’ve always wanted to try trekking. I’m a beginner, so I’m wondering if Manali is a good destination for first-time trekkers.

Some specific questions I’d love advice on:

Are there easy treks near Manali that beginners can attempt without too much difficulty?
How long are these treks (1-day or 2–3 days) and what’s the average cost for joining a group or guide?
What kind of fitness level is required for trekking in and around Manali?
Which are the most recommended beginner-friendly treks—like Jogini Waterfall, Lamadugh, or Hampta Pass (short version)?
Are local trekking operators in Manali reliable for safety, permits, and equipment?
For someone who’s never trekked before, is it better to do a short day hike first or jump into a multi-day trek?
Any tips for seasonal trekking in 2025—when’s the best time to start as a beginner?

I’d love to hear personal stories, beginner trekking experiences, and practical tips from those who have done their first trek in Manali.

Thanks in advance!

maha

I did my first trek in Manali back in 2024, and went again in summer 2025, so I can say with confidence—yes, Manali is a great place for trekking beginners. The trails here are varied, and you don’t need to be a pro to enjoy the experience.

🥾 My Beginner Trekking Experience in Manali

My first trek was the Jogini Waterfall trek. It’s just 3–4 km from Vashisht village, takes about 2–3 hours round trip, and is perfect for beginners. The trail is easy, passes through apple orchards and small villages, and ends at a beautiful waterfall.
Another great one was the Lamadugh trek. It’s a half-day hike from Old Manali, slightly steeper than Jogini but still manageable. The view of the snow-capped peaks from the top was worth every step.

🌄 Longer Treks for Beginners

When I returned in 2025, I tried the Hampta Pass trek (short 3-day version). This is more challenging but still doable for fit beginners. The landscapes change dramatically—from green valleys near Manali to snowy stretches at the pass. It felt like a proper Himalayan adventure without being too extreme.

💰 Costs & Arrangements

Day hikes like Jogini Waterfall or Lamadugh are almost free—you just need good shoes and maybe ₹200–₹300 for snacks or local guides.
Organized treks like Hampta Pass cost around ₹6,000–₹8,000 for 3–4 days, which includes tents, food, and guides. I booked mine through a local operator in Old Manali, and it was safe and well managed.

🗓️ Best Season for Beginners

The best time for beginner treks in Manali is March–June (summer) and September–October (post-monsoon). Trails are clear, weather is pleasant, and you don’t need heavy winter gear.

✅ My Tips as a First-Time Trekker

Start with a short day hike like Jogini before trying a multi-day trek.
Carry light snacks, a reusable water bottle, and good trekking shoes.
Don’t worry if you’re not super fit—steady pace and breaks are enough for beginner treks in Manali.

—

👉 In short, Manali is perfect for trekking beginners. You can start with easy day hikes and then move on to short Himalayan treks like Hampta Pass or Beas Kund. For me, doing my first trek here gave me the confidence to explore bigger adventures later.