Article Published On - 19-02-2025
The Parvati Valley in Himachal Pradesh rivals Kullu Valley with its breathtaking beauty, living up to its title of earthly representation of the mythological goddess Parvati. The lush and stunning landscape features rolling hills encircled by the winding Parvati River, with distant snow-covered mountains as a backdrop. Mantalai provides its source water, and as you stroll the banks, you will hear gentle water sounds echo around the holy lake as your mind stays with its tranquil natural beauty long after leaving the holy lake behind. It serves as a lasting memory of paradise found. A trip to Mantalai, which sits at an elevation of 4,100 m (13,500 feet), is an arduous trek with an increase in elevation from its starting point to reach it, and it should be properly planned out before beginning it. Experienced trekkers looking for adventure can continue along this same route towards Pin Parvati Pass; for an amazing journey across India that passes through Spiti’s Pin Valley, this path should be given top consideration as part of any expedition across this landmass.
Day 1 Bhuntar – Pulga – Kheerganga
Take an early morning departure from Bhuntar before 11 am on a Tempo Traveller, heading in the direction of Pulga via Manikaran and Pulga. Continue your trip toward Mantalai by way of Pulga; arrive in Kheerganga in the late evening, then camp.
Day 2 Khirganga – Tunda Bhuj
At breakfast in your camp, set off on an exciting trek towards Tunda Bhuj, located at an elevation of 3285m. Your journey is sure to take you through picturesque meadows bursting with wildflowers as you make your way. When you reach Tunda Bhuj, settle into your hotel for the night.
Day 3 Tunda Bhuj – Pandu Bridge
An exhilarating journey awaits us as we head toward Pandu Bridge, winding our way through an idyllic birch forest, climbing over rocks and pushing through dense vegetation. Along the way we’ll cross three special bridges which offer unique experiences; then at its conclusion we will set up camp on the opposite side of Pandu Bridge for some much-needed rest and recuperation before embarking on another thrilling adventure!
Day 4 Pandu Bridge- Mantalai Lake (4100 M)- Mini Mantalai
After breakfast, we will head towards Mantalai Lake via Odi Thatch fields and Mini Mantalai’s stunning landscapes. After lunch, we’ll arrive at 4100-meter Mantalai Lake, where you can spend some time relaxing by the lake before returning down towards Mini Mantalai and camping out for the night there.
Day 5 Mini Mantalai – Tunda Bhuj
Starting the day right with an indulgent breakfast in our camp, our day will kick off with an invigorating trek towards Tunda Bhuj. This challenging trek will put our endurance to the test as we trek. Arriving there by evening, we will camp out for an unsurpassable night’s rest.
Day 6 Tunda Bhuj- Kheer Ganga
Wake up early, after breakfast. Arrive at Kheerganga by midday, relax in its pool of warm water, and take in its sights before we rest for the night in our campsite.
Day 7 Kheer Ganga – Pulga- Bhuntar
Begin your day right with an early breakfast and set out on a trek towards Pulga. From there, take an auto ride back to Bhuntar so that you arrive there before nightfall.
By Air: Travel to Bhuntar (Kullu). Bhuntar International Airport (IATA KHU) is approximately 50 kilometers away from Manali.
By Road: Buses can connect Bhuntar with Kasol/Barshaini via Delhi or Chandigarh.
By Rail: Joginder Nagar or Chandigarh
Bhuntar to Barshaini (Base Village)
From Bhuntar, travel towards Kasol (40 kilometers). When in Kasol, continue towards Barshaini (20 kilometers). Barshaini will be your final motorable location.
Mantalai Lake Trek should be undertaken between mid-June and late September, when conditions are most conducive. At that time, snow has usually cleared from the trek, weather conditions remain reasonable, and access to high high-altitude lake is possible.
Director & Founder
With over 12 years of experience in the Himalayas, Preetam has summited multiple 6000 - 7000 meter peaks and led more than 200 expeditions across iconic routes like Bali Pass, Buran Ghati, Rupin Pass, Pin Bhabha, Stok Kangri, and Black Peak. His deep mountain experience and leadership make him a trusted name in Himalayan trekking. Write to him at: preetam@trekupindia.com
