Patalsu Peak Trek

Day one: Arrival in Manali and travel to Solang Valley via Solang Pass.

Solang Nalla is located at GPS coordinates and should be chosen as your starting point. To maximize comfort and relaxation before beginning the trek on day 1, arrive early in Solang Nalla to ensure a timely start time on day 2

Day two at Solang, from Patalsu Summit camp

Start your journey along the Beas River by crossing it via its pulley bridge – no bridge crosses this river directly! The Beas Kund trek leads directly to its source near Solang, while just beyond is an idyllic village located beyond it all, waiting to be explored. At one time, locals lived along the river, but were forced to relocate due to its strong water currents. A 200-meter incline bridge was initially constructed across this gaping gap; later, an incline bridge of 200 meters was put up; currently, a concrete bridge is under construction and should be complete by 2020. Trekkers must pass by this bridge to access Solang Village via steep treks lined by orchards of apples, although the trek itself may be shorter in terms of duration than usual due to winter conditions requiring moderate fitness levels. Solang village, home to around 300 inhabitants, draws economic activity from tourism and apple farming. Solang can be explored within five minutes after climbing 500 meters uphill on an alpine landscape dominated by brown oaks, horse chestnuts, and spruce trees; its forest path features occasional clearings; for safety’s sake, remember that Solang valley is part of the Bara Bangal mountains. After crossing the 4 km point, you will enter an open space known as Shagadurg, with no source of water; camping here, should you have access to enough drinking water, is possible. Monsoon months bring vibrant hues as flowering plants emerge, awash with vibrant hues; moving north, you’ll reach dense forest that ends 2 km after Shagadurg, which makes an excellent location for camping as there is ample space, but be wary as there may be no drinking water source nearby!

Water can be easily found 500 meters from the campsite via an underground pipeline; however, its accessibility may become inaccessible due to low temperatures during winter. When weather permits, however, this campsite offers breathtaking views of stars; Pir Panjal and Bara Bangal mountains can be seen. Bird watchers and nature lovers will enjoy seeing an assortment of birds such as Oriental Turtle Doves, Common Hoopoes, Brown Fronted Woodpeckers, and Griffon Vultures, among many others; additionally, it is possible to spot the Himalayan Ground Skink, a unique reptile resident of this region.

Day Three – From Base Camp to Patalsu Peak Summit and Back

Start climbing to the summit early in the morning to ensure you’ll arrive before sunset. Plan to complete this 3-kilometer trek at least two hours before sunrise, traversing a meadow of alpine meadow with steep inclines, making for an exhausting trek despite its short distance. Be sure to pack two Liters of water as there won’t be any drinking water facilities on route, though there will be rest stops along your journey. As soon as your journey starts, the Patalsu mountain will appear before you on your horizon. Sitting atop its ridge are other mountains which you can observe; stay focused on moving along this line towards its lower point known as an adjacent saddle; any deviation from this path could lead to steeper ascent of Patalsu summit from steep angles; once on top however, spectacular views span across Kullu, Rohtang, Beas, and Solang valleys make this trek all worthwhile. Take a right turn after reaching the saddle. Travel along the ridge until you come upon higher points that seem like summits; these are third highest points covered with boulders and offer spectacular views of Hanuman Tibba with its majestic beauty evoking reverence; from here there’s also an unobstructed view of Hanuman Tibba with its magnificent beauty inspiring respect, Kullu Valley, Bhrigu Lake, Mt Indrasan, The Deo Tibba of Dhauladhar can be seen left while Rohtang, Beas Valley Shitidhar Friendship Peak Seven Sisters Seven Sisters Tentu Pass can be seen to your right whereas left it’s possible to spot Solang Valley with its nearby Bara Bangal Ranges to its left side as well.

Day Four: Travel from Base Camp to Manali via Solang

On your final day of trekking, you will cover six kilometres via trekking before driving 13 more. Your altitude will decrease from 10,768 to 7,914 when making your return journey into Solang Village before driving back to Manali.