Manali trekking in August 2012

Hi Everyone,

Would like some advice on trekking in and around Manali in August. 5 of us are planning to do some trek around Manali from Aug 10 - Aug 20th. We were planning on doing the Chandratal or the Deo Tibba base camp or the Solang Valley Beas Kund Trek. We are entering HP from Delhi via Shimla ( spending 2 days ) and taking the bus to Manali.

I have read quite a few reports from last year as to how the monsoons created havoc in Manali last year and how roads were blocked for days.

Is this the case every year in August ? As a group, we don't mind few showers and an occasional landslide or two. But is the situation usually so bad that you can't step outside at all and it would be life threatening or pointless to trek in this weather ?

We did the VOF, Hemkund and Roopkund treks in September 1st week,2010 and June, 2011 respectively. I feel the monsoons bring out the best in the mountains with the greenery, low lying clouds and all. But is Manali in August a bit too much for trekking ?

Looking forward to hearing from you.

Regards,
Dipika

. They were and I witnessed a landslide as late as september 11, 2011. I was traveling from Manali to kasol and we had to backtrack from and go via naggar (a completely different route) and the total travel time got enhanced to 6 hours (as opposed to 4 hours which was the expectation).

The morning I reached, it had rained heavily the night before (about 6 hours of non-stop rain). the streets were slippery. It does indeed give it magical quality but I went more than a month after your proposed timeframe. I wouldn't advice trekking in August in Himachal. (See first photo in my trip report - assuming you follow hindi): <Trip Report > Manali in the Monsoons (September 11)

When you arrive in Manali you will see how is the situation with the rainfall. If it rains I'd rather recommend to cross over to Lahaul, have a trekking there and to return to Manali.

Thanks Vaibhav and Paanwallah for the information.

One question though - Doesn't one get to Lahaul & Spiti via Rohatang in Manali. Won't this area be prone to landslides as well ? Is there any other route to get to Lahaul ?

Regards,
Dipika

Hi Deepika,
I am a solo trekker looking for a likeminded person or group to trek with.
I have seen your plans. I was wondering if I can join you guys. I am an easy going guy and love to make people laugh.

There is no standard answer to rains in monsoons - they vary from benign to ferocious. Question is can they be dangerous for a trekker - depends on your planning, presence of an able and safe guide and lot of extra days (so don't push ahead if it rains heaviliy). In short YES but risk can be minimised with above precautions (even abandon the trip if it rains hard). Lahaul / Spiti are relatively drier regions so trekking there is better, You can trek over Hamta Pass in 3 days and reach Lahaul-Spiti, avoiding Rohtang (which you can cross in half a day if it is clear that day).

I did Pindari last August after a ferocious spell of rains, so it was easier but half the fun of views is gone with clouds hanging around and getting wet everyday!!