Trek to a lakeside hill near South Bangalore

TREK DIFFICULTY

TREK DURATION

PICK-UP POINT

AGE LIMIT

Bananthimari Betta is a part of the lush Bananthimari Reserve Forest, 60 kilometres off Bangalore, near Kanakpura. In Kannada, Bananthi means ‘she, who is just borne with a child’ and Mari means ‘goddess.’ Women and families who are unable to bear children, come to the Bananthimari Temple which is located at the base of the hillock. To the locals, these twin hillocks are better known as Karadi Betta (Karadi - Bear, Betta - Hill).

The hillocks, mainly known to the locals, are relatively lesser known to the trekking world. The trek to the summit is a picturesque landscape through ancient lakes, lush forests and boulders, dating back to more than 50 million years. 

The path leading to the base of the hill crosses through villages and small settlements with farms growing vegetables and grains. You may even be greeted by the friendly village folk and their cattle on the way to the temple!

The Bananthimari Betta trek offers diverse landscapes, an experience catered to beginners as well as seasoned trekkers. Throughout the trail, you will witness a variety of bird, insect and plant species, making it one of the most gorgeous trails around Bangalore. 

Bananthimari Betta - Complete Trek Information 

We have always wanted trekkers to be well-informed before they go on a trek. Knowledge is the difference between a safe trek and a dangerous one. It’s also the difference between a wholesome experience and a superficial experience.

Use this section to learn about the Bananthimari Betta trek. It has in-depth information about each day of the trek, what to expect, and how you need to prepare for it. Many years of expertise have gone into this content. Don’t miss the 'Frequently Asked Questions' section at the end. Trekkers find that extremely useful.

- You will be staying in tents overnight.

- Carry own cutlery : 1 tiffin box, tumbler (or just plate and cup if not planning to pack food for the trek)

1. This trek could either be very warm or cool and rainy, depending on the weather. Plan your gear according to the weather forecast. On sunny days, ensure you have a sun cap and wear full-sleeved t-shirts. In the event of rain, don't forget your rainwear. 

2. Start your drive well in advance so that you reach the campus on time. Factor in any traffic jams you may face in and around Bangalore. 

The Bananthimari Betta Trek can be divided into three sections.

Walk from Bananthimari Temple to First view point

A gentle ascent from the first view point to the second view point.

Trek from the second-view point to the peak.

Section I: Bananthimari Temple to First view Point.

The Bananthimari Amma Temple, located at the base of the hill, serves as the starting point for the trek. This temple is dedicated to Bananthimari Amma, a local goddess believed to bestow fertility. You might come across some locals performing pooja, or aarthi, at the temple.

Upon arriving at the temple, you can park your vehicle and commence your trek. The trail is well laid out with mostly eucaliptus and bamboo trees.

Another alternate start of the trek would be from Bananthimari Lake, which is located 300 meters before the temple, just beside the road. The lake, surrounded by rocky outcrops and eucalyptus trees, is itself a sight to behold. Once you start the trek, continue along the road to the temple. Watch out for various species of birds that flock to the lake for their feed.

After walking approximately 200 meters from the temple, you'll come across a pond on your right. Watch out for the reflection of the surrounding hillocks on the water.

Continue for another 70 meters, and you'll notice a path to your left. Opt for the left path. The path will lead you to a bunch of huge rocks and boulders. A few of these boulders look like caves. The whole section is filled with bamboo trees. We dont get such sections on other treks around Bangalore. Trekking on this path does not feel like a regular trek around Bangalore. The path is well laid out, with a few arrow marks to guide you.

After a steep ascent through the forest filled with boulders for about 10 minutes, you'll arrive at the first viewpoint. The place is a small clearing with views of the surrounding lakes. Watch out for various patterns on the rocks formed by millions of years of erosion and weathering.

Section 2: First View Point to Second View Point

Take a brief pause and then proceed along the trail until you arrive at the boulder section from the forest section. You'll need to maneuver your way through the boulders for about 10 minutes, which will lead you to the second viewpoint. The view point is filled with fallen rocks and cairns This vantage point provides a stunning perspective where you can view the nearby lakes and the rocky formations in the surroundings. The climb on the boulder can get tricky during the rainy season.

An ascent of 150 meters will lead you to flat land. It's worth noting that the clearing isn't a small, typical viewpoint; instead, it's a relatively spacious area. Take the time to explore the place, and in the far corner, you'll come across a rocky outcrop that marks the highest point.

Continue your walk along the clearing to the highest point. After walking for 5 minutes and a short descent of 10 meters, you will reach a small bamboo trail where you can take a break. Observe the silence, except for the occasional crawling of lizards or insects on the dry leaves scattered on the forest floor. Cross the section to reach a second boulder section with a short but steep ascent.

During the climb, you will feel like you have reached the summit. But once you reach the top, you will realize that the actual summit is another 50 meters away. Once you reach the peak, you will see a structure made of rocks.

From this elevated position, you'll have a panoramic view of tiny villages to your right, while to your left, you can admire the Bananthimari Reserve Forest. The surrounding peaks of Kabbala Durga and Bheemana Kindi are also visible. 

Even during the coldest months of December, January, and February this region is fairly hot, hitting temperatures of around 25 - 28° C during the day. 

The nights are pleasant at around 15 – 22° C. 

You would only need one jacket and a poncho for early mornings or in case of rain. 

➤ Best Time to do the Bananthimari Betta Trek

The best time to do the Bananthimari Betta Trek would be between the months of September to February. The months of post-monsoon are the best time to do the trek since you have a lot of greenery even surrounding Bananthimari Betta. The trek also comes out alive with small sections having water trickling down the rocky terrain.

The winter months are also very pleasant and a good time to experience the trek. 

The peak of the monsoon season is not recommended due to the rocks being extremely slippery. During this season, you need to keep an eye on the weather and then take the call.

This trek can be done even during the summer season. However an early morning trek is recommended. So that you will be able to return to the base by around 10.30 AM. Afternoon heat during summers, may be intense and may hamper the trek experience. Please use a cap or a hat (preferably with flaps), if you will be trekking here in the summer season. 

Given that this is just a one-night weekend outdoor program, with very comfortable weather, we advise you to travel light.

Here’s a list of things you must bring along with you: 

A 20L backpack – A small comfortable backpack will suffice.

2 t-shirts – Expect to get sweaty, you will need a change of clothes after your trek

An extra pair of trekking pants – Avoid shorts at all costs, there are thorns along all the trails.

Shoes with good grip – Even sports shoes will work, as long as they have a good grip

2 light single sheets to lie on and cover yourself with in the tent.

After the forest section, the trail is exposed, with very little tree cover, make sure you cover yourself well while trekking. Carry a full-sleeve t-shirt/shirt and full trekking pants for this trek.  

Keep a pair of sandals to walk around the campsite. 

Our Indiahikes Kanakpura campus is a zero-waste campus. This means, it is a dustbin-free zone, so you will not be able to dispose of any of your waste on the campus. 

Eligibility Criteria For The Indiahikes Kanakpura Campus Trek

We go to great lengths to keep you safe on your trek. However, trekking with the safest organisation in India comes with a few commitments from your end. Here are our eligibility criteria.

Bananthimari Betta Bananthi Bananthi Mari Betta Mari Betta Kanakapura trek bananti mari karadi betta BNM BBT

STATE

STARTS FROM

At Indiahikes, we have one simple vision: everyone must trek because trekking transforms lives. We have been working towards this vision by exploring treks across the Himalayas and opening them up to trekkers. 

However, over time, we realised that for everyone to trek, we need treks that are easier on the legs: treks that give you all the goodness of the outdoors, minus the stress of tough climbs and tricky sections. 

This is what led us to the exploration of the Manali Kaisdhar Trek.

On the Manali Kaisdhar Trek, the trails are short and flat. There are hardly any tricky sections to navigate. And the best part is that it can be done by everyone, making it an ideal trek for beginners and families looking to start their trekking journey in the Himalayas.

The rewards you get out of the Manali Kaisdhar Trek are much greater than the effort you put in. In just four days, you get a chance to completely immerse yourself in nature. You walk in the deep woods dominated by dense coniferous trees like silver oak and blue pine. You come across a waterfall, walk to the ridge: the highest point of the trek, and get a glimpse of the culture of remote Himalayan villages. If that’s not enough, you are treated to stunning views of the Pir Panjal and Dhauladhar ranges. Stunning vermillion sunsets are an additional bonus here. 

The winter in Kullu Manali is when you may get the best snow experience of your life. 

Being a fairly new type of trek, we had to keep the seats limited. So if you are looking to spend your winter holidays in Manali with your family or friends (no matter the age), this is the perfect way to do it.

Did you know if you are doing the trek with your family, you can avail a 30% scholarship for your child? Read more here.

This fee includes everything from base camp to base camp.

Please note: The insurance has to be claimed within 7 days from the specific incident for it to be deemed valid.

This will become a ritual in my family

Truly grateful being here

Best part was trying to connect with ourselves

Manali Kaisdhar Trek - Complete Information 

Use this section to learn about the Manali Kaisdhar Trek. It has in-depth information about each day of the trek, what to expect, and how you need to prepare for it. Many years of expertise have gone into this content. Trekkers find that extremely useful.

➤Documents required: It is mandatory for trekkers to carry a copy of their photo id and medical certificate for entry at forest check posts on the trek. The medical certificate along with the disclaimer form will be part of the Safety Check-in done by the trek leader when you arrive at the base camp. 

➤Stay facility: At the base camp, your stay is in Swiss tents. The accommodation will be in bunk beds and will be separate for men and women. 

➤ Dustbin Free Campus: Do not bring any packaged food, tags from your new clothes or any waste with you. We follow a Dustbin Free Zone and No Wet Wipes Policy at our base camps in line with our spirit of Green Trails.

➤Cloakroom facility for excess luggage: We have a Cloak Room facility at the base camp for excess luggage. Every trekker is permitted to leave behind one piece of luggage at no charge. Anything beyond one piece of luggage is chargeable at Rs 500 per luggage. (The luggage could be a backpack/suitcase/duffel bag or anything similar.). Do not leave behind any valuables in the cloakroom.

The Manali Kaisdhar Trek is an easy trek. Though it’s an easy trek, there are certain things that you must be aware of. The trek is short but it can get sunny as you walk up the steep slope. Dehydration is really common if you don’t have enough fluids to hydrate yourself.

At Indiahikes, while rating a trek difficulty we consider several factors. These include altitude gained every day, length of a trek every day, highest altitude, nature of the terrain, weather etc. Based on this we rate a trek as easy or difficult or somewhere in between.

What is the best time to do the Manali Kaisdhar Trek?

Carry these medicines with you, easily accessible at all times. Do not take any medicine unless you have consulted your trek leader. 

Dolo 650 (5 tablets): This is paracetamol. It helps tackle fever and mild pain

Avomine (4 tablets): Carry this especially if you are prone to motion sickness. Pop one-half hour before the start of your road journey.

Combiflam (5 tablets): Take a combiflam if you get a sudden twist of the leg or a muscle strain. It is a pain reliever. It also contains paracetamol. 

Digene (4 tablets): Take it if you feel the food that you’ve taken is undigested. Alert your  leader immediately. It could be a sign of AMS. 

ORS (6 packs): Consume a pack of ORS water at least once a day, usually mid-day when you are in the middle of your trek. It replenishes essential salts lost while trekking.  Tip: It also makes cold water easier to drink.

Knee Brace (optional): Carry this if you are prone to knee injury or have known issues of knee pain.

Our trek leaders carry a high altitude medical kit with them, which also consists of Life Saving Drugs. If there is an emergency, our trek leaders know how to tackle it. Meanwhile, contact your trek leader before consuming any of the medicines listed here.

Pro Tip: We find that these medicines are rarely used. But you cannot do away with them. At the end of the trek please donate unused medicines to your trek leader. Some of these medicines get distributed to villages on the trek and some are added to the Indiahikes medical kit.

Given below is a list of all the gear you need for the Manali Kaisdhar trek:

If you don’t have certain items, you can rent high-quality gear like trekking shoes, backpacks, and jackets from the Crosstrek Rental Store by Indiahikes. It costs less than Rs 2000 for the entire trek. We highly recommend renting gear since it is both more affordable and environmentally friendly. 

Additionally, you’ll notice a small medical kit in the list. While our trek leaders carry medical kits with 17 medicines including life-saving drugs, you must bring your personal medical kit as well. We are already equipped with BP machines, oximeters and canned oxygen, but your medical kit is for quick access to you, especially while travelling.

Most importantly, you must digitally upload and carry mandatory documents to get government permits for the trek - your ID card, medical certificate, and disclaimer certificate. Keep them in a plastic bag to keep them safe in your backpack. There are no printing or photocopy facilities at the basecamp.

Here is a list of everything you need for your trek:

Manali Kaisdhar Trek requires sturdy trekking shoes, has good grip, has ankle support and can handle snow. Here is a quick video on how to choose your trekking shoes.

| Buying Tip: The trek series and MH series are good options by Decathlon. They are tried and tested. There isn’t any necessity to buy the higher-priced models. Here is a list of other budget shoes that trekkers are using.

| Rental: We have the trek series and the MH series by Decathlon available for rent from the Indiahikes store. They are already broken into and in good condition. Rental shoes are not dirty or unhygienic. This is how they are kept clean.

For the Manali Kaisdhar Trek, you need a 40-50 litre backpack. Make sure your backpack has good hip support, shoulder support, and quick access pockets. Here is a guide on how to choose a backpack.

| Buying Tip: Wildcraft, Decathlon and Adventure Worx usually make good backpacks. While Wildcraft has more expensive ones, the other two brands have budget-friendly backpacks to choose from. 

| Rental: The 48-litre backpack by Adventure Worx is available for rent from the Indiahikes store. They are custom-made for our Himalayan treks. Rent them if you don’t have a backpack.

Wearing layers is the mantra in the winters. Layers give you maximum protection from all elements. And when the weather changes in the mountains (as it happens every few hours), you take off or put on layers as required. 

Wear one T-shirt and carry two. Carry full sleeve dry-fit T-shirts (preferably collared). These prevent your arms and neck from getting sunburnt. In the rarified air on the trek, especially at high altitudes, UV rays can burn you in no time.

Dry-fit T-shirts quickly dry your sweat; they are easy to wash, and in case of a rainy day, they dry quicker. Round neck T-shirts are okay, but collared ones are better.

| Cotton or Synthetic? As Indians, we love cotton. Down in the plains when the heat is blistering 40°C it makes sense to wear cotton. But it takes a long time to dry when it gets wet. In the mountains, where it is cooler, synthetic is what you wear. They wick sweat rapidly and keep you dry. (But they do tend to smell quickly, so carry a roll-on deodorant with you.)

| Buying Tip: You can get dry-fit T-shirts from Decathlon. Also, stores like Reliance Trends and Max have dry-fit T-shirts. They don’t usually cost much.

| Pro Tip: If you are extra susceptible to cold, you could get a set of thermal inners. In our experience, wearing two T-shirts over another works as a better thermal. And they save you weight and space since you’re already carrying them. 

Since you are doing this trek in the winter, you will need at least two insulation layers for this trek.

You will need 1 pair of inner thermals, 2 light fleece layers, or 1 thick fleece layer. Do not get your grandma stitched sweaters, which can be very heavy. You need sweaters and fleece jackets that can be folded into compact rolls.

1 Outer Layer: For your outer layer, a padded jacket serves the purpose here. You don’t need a water-resistant material. But you need an outer, padded jacket that keeps the wind and cold out. Ensure your padded jacket has a hood as well.

| Do you need a down/feather jacket? Not really. A regular padded/shell jacket will do. This video here will help you to learn more about the difference.

| Note: Down/feather jackets are not available these days. Many jackets masquerade as down/feather jackets. They are essentially fine polyester-filled jackets. They mimic the function of a down jacket but are usually expensive.  

| Rental: Padded jackets made by Fort Collins are available for rent at the Indiahikes store. They are custom made for Indiahikes and trekkers find them terrific, even in winter.

A minimum of one pair and a maximum of two pairs of trek pants should suffice for this trek. Wear one pair and carry one just in case it rains/snows. trek pants with zippered cut-offs at the thighs are very suitable for treks. Also, choose quick-dry pants over cotton. They dry up soon, even in the cold climate.

| Buying Tip: Go for pants with zippered pockets. They come in handy to keep your phone, handkerchief or pocket snacks.

| Track pants or trek pants? Stretchable track pants make a good backup and can double up as your thermal bottoms. But track pants do not trek pants -- so don’t use them as your main outerwear. Keep them only as a backup. 

Mandatory Accessories, without these too you won’t be able to do the trek.

These accessories are mandatory. Trekkers generally put off purchasing / borrowing the accessories until the last minute. We suggest the opposite. Start gathering these accessories first. 

Sunglasses are to prevent snow blindness. A small overexposure to direct sunlight on snow can lead to snow blindness (about a half hour’s exposure). That’s because fallen snow is like thousands of mirrors that reflect direct UV rays. So you need sunglasses with UV protection. 

| Wearing Tip: Wear sunglasses if the hiking day is bright and sunny (on open sections, meadows). On a snowy section, you must never take off your sunglasses until the section has been fully crossed.

| Buying Tip: Try getting sunglasses that wrap around instead of those that have openings on the side. Even peripheral UV ray exposure is not a good idea.  

| If you wear spectacles: If you wear spectacles, you can get oversized sunglasses that you wear over your regular glasses (available at Decathlon). If that is cumbersome, photochromic lenses work equally well. Here’s a quick guide on managing sunglasses with spectacles.

| Contact lens users: If you use contact lenses, you can use them on the trek too. The lens solution will not freeze. You will also not face any problems in changing your lens in your tent. Just carry enough cleaning solution with you to clean your fingers well. Wear your sunglasses over your contact lens. Read this article for more guidance on managing contact lenses on trek.

A sun cap is mandatory. Hiking without a sun cap can lead to headaches, sunstrokes, quick dehydration and a sharp drop in hiking performance. 

| Tip: In the mountains, the general rule is to keep your head covered at all times. During the day a sun cap protects you from the harsh rays of the sun (it is doubly stronger with naked UV rays). A sun cap keeps your body temperature in balance. In the evening/early morning, the reverse is true. Your head loses your body heat quickly. A woollen cap prevents heat from dissipating from your head.

| Pro Tip: Sun caps with flaps are a blessing for trekkers. They cut out almost all UV leaks. They prevent sunburns in every possible way. They are a lot more effective than sunscreen lotion. A wide-brimmed sports hat also helps to prevent sunburn in a big way. 

On this trek you’ll need gloves to grip something or to steady yourself. You also want the gloves to keep you warm. Get synthetic hand gloves that have waterproofing on the outside and a padded lining on the inside. If you find the combination difficult to get (not likely), wear a tight-fitting fleece hand glove inside a synthetic hand glove. Hand gloves are mandatory on this trek.   

Ensure these cover your head. In the cold mountains, you lose maximum heat from your head, not from your hands, feet or the rest of your body. This is why you need to keep your head protected, especially when the sun is down. Early mornings, late evenings, and a cold hiking day are when you must use your woollen cap.

Your ears are sensitive too, so a woollen head cap that covers your ears is essential. A balaclava is a modern version of the woollen cap. It covers your ears, neck and parts of your face as well. If you get a woollen cap that only covers your head, you will need a neck warmer or a woollen scarf.

Apart from three to four pairs of sports socks, take a pair of woollen socks. Sports socks give you cushioning plus warmth. Again the mantra is to wear synthetic socks or at least a synthetic blend. Cotton socks soak in water and sweat. They are very hard to dry.

As for woollen socks, they help you to keep warm and snug at the night. If you cannot get woollen socks, wearing two sports socks serves the purpose as well. 

Trekkers are often confused about whether they need to get a headlamp or a handheld torch. You need to get a headlamp because it leaves your hands free to do other activities. 

| Buying tip: Ensure your headlamp covers a wider area and is not too focused as a single beam. On a trek, your headlamp must help you see around you as well as ahead of you.

| Rental: Headlamps are available for rent at the Indiahikes store.

Trekking poles give you stability and balance. They reduce your energy consumption by almost 40%. A pair of trekking poles will make the difference between a comfortable and a strenuous walk. In India, we tend to use a single trekking pole. However, two trekking poles give you greater stability and balance. They also increase your walking pace.

| Rental: Imported side-locking trekking poles are available for rent at the Indiahikes store.

On a trek, the weather can change quickly. A bright, sunny day can turn into a downpour in a matter of minutes. Carry a poncho or a rain jacket to tackle this. A poncho is a big rain cover with openings for your arms and your head. It is extremely effective because it covers both you and (partially) your backpack. It is extremely light and weighs next to nothing. 

Pro Tip: Rain jackets are more streamlined and less cumbersome but weigh more. Rain pants are not required. Dry fit trek pants dry quickly, even if they are soaking wet.  

| Rental: High-grade ponchos are available for rent at the Indiahikes store.

Backpacks are your life. You carry all your dry clothes and your warm gear in your backpack. Your backpack must stay dry at all times. Modern backpacks usually come with built-in rain-covers. If your backpack does not have a rain cover, ensure you get one by either (a) buying a rain cover or (b) cutting a large plastic sheet to the size of your backpack. You can roll the plastic sheet around your backpack and keep it in place with a string or elastic.  

| Pro tip: It's good practice to compartmentalize your clothes, accessories, and other things in plastic covers inside your backpack. That way, even if it rains and your backpack gets wet, your things are water-proof inside the backpack.

In your daypack, you carry essentials like water bottles, rainwear, emergency medicines, a headlamp, some snacks, and a warm layer. Your main backpack, which carries most of your equipment, is accessible only at the campsites. 

A daypack is a smaller backpack that is usually 20–30 ltrs in capacity. Laptop bags are not daypacks. Do not get them. 

Keep your toilet kit light. Carry just the basics -- toothbrush, toothpaste, small soap, toilet tissue roll, a small moisturizer, lip balm, and a roll-on deodorant. You will not be able to take a bath on the trek, so don’t overload on soaps and shampoos.

| Pro Tip: Carry miniature-sized items. You will not need more than that. If you’re traveling in a group, share one toothpaste for all.

| Pro Tip: Avoid getting large toilet rolls. The smallest size roll is more than enough for Manali Kaisdhar Trek.

| For Women: If you are likely to have your periods on your trek date, don’t worry about it. You can use your pads, tampons or menstrual cups on the trek. There will be toilet tents where you can get changed. Make sure you carry ziplock bags to bring back your menstrual waste. Don’t leave behind any waste in the mountains. Watch this video to learn how to dispose of your sanitary waste.

Carry a lunch box, a mug, and a spoon. Your lunch box must be leakproof. You are expected to wash your cutlery. trek often expect Indiahikes to wash their cutlery. When you allow Indiahikes to wash your cutlery, your cutlery becomes part of a mass washing system. You immediately invite germs and bacteria to settle on your cutlery. The incidence of stomach disorders rises exponentially.  

| Pro Tip: Carry stainless steel cutlery. Avoid fancy, high-grade plastic cutlery. Stainless steel cutlery is infinitely easier to wash in cold water. Grease is easier to remove, and hygiene is at its highest. 

| Two 1 litre bottles or a 2-litre hydration pack: You need to carry two one-litre water bottles to keep yourself hydrated over the distance. If you are used to a hydration pack, then that is ok too. If one of the two bottles is a lightweight thermos, then that helps you store warm water on a really cold day or for late evenings and early mornings.   

| Rental: You could rent lightweight thermos flasks from the Indiahikes store.

Carry 3-4 old plastic covers to keep your used clothes. You could use them even for wet clothes. Re-use old plastic bags for this, and do not buy new ones.

Keep important documents in a clear plastic cover and slide them into the inner pocket at the back of your backpack. This keeps them from getting wet.

These are documents required for legal purposes by Indiahikes and the forest department. Without any of these, you will not be allowed to trek.

Original and photocopy of government photo identity card. Anything such as a driver’s license, Aadhar Card, or passport will do. This is required by the forest department for your identification.  

Disclaimer certificate: There are two sections in this. The first part is a personal medical record.  The second part is a legal requirement. Download the PDF, read carefully, fill in and sign it. This must be handed over to your Trek Leader during registration at the base camp. – Download disclaimer certificate

Medical certificate: The medical certificate needs to be filled out by an MBBS doctor, without which the forest department will not issue permissions for your trek. It is also a requirement by Indiahikes – Download medical certificate

Note: Indiahikes has a panel of doctors who can help you with a medical certificate. They are available for online consultation. To get in touch with them, please write to trekmedicalcertificates@gmail.com. They will respond to you within 24 hours.

We recommend jogging as the best routine to get fit for a trek. It works on the same muscles that you use while trekking — your calves, glutes and hamstrings. It helps increase your stamina day by day. It is also an easy routine that does not require any equipment or tools.

Complete the steps below to register for your Manali Kaisdhar trek

We go to great lengths to keep you safe on your trek. However, trekking with the safest organisation in India comes with certain commitments from your end. 

Eligibility Criteria for Manali Kaisdhar trek

Complete information on the Manali Kaisdhar Trek for beginners and family- Trek details, itinerary, costs, experiences, maps, photos, videos, when to go, what to take, how difficult is the trek, what should we bring, is it safe?, etc

Manali Kaisdhar Trek 2024 - An ideal trek for beginners and family

Manali trek, Manali trail walk, Manali nature walk, Manali outing, Kullu Manali trail forest walk, Manali Kaisdhar Trek, Manali Hike MKH MKT MK

A prettier route to the famous Bijli Mahadev Temple near Manali

We have an expert team of Trek Advisors to help you choose the right trek. So if you have questions like, "Can I do this trek?" or "Who else is trekking?", please get in touch.

Bijli Mahadev is not a new trek in our country. It is, in fact, one of the most popular and oldest treks. It is a trek that takes you to the Shiva temple located on Mathan Hill in Kullu. The popular route to Bijli Mahadev starts from Chansari village and is a short 3 km walk on a well established trail to the top. The whole trek can be completed in half a day. 

What makes this trek stand out is that, at Indiahikes, we have explored an alternative route to the trek. It’s a route that is rarely traversed by anyone. It's a route that takes you through the remote villages and the best forests of Kullu Valley, letting you experience the charm of this historical place without the crowds.

The main highlight of this trek is the magical pine and deodar forest trails. On most of our treks, the forest trails are narrow, forcing you to stick to them. On the Bijli Mahadev trek, the trail is wide enough for you to explore the length and breadth of these forests. This wide trail in the forest allows you to camp amidst the tall pine and deodar trees, something that you rarely get to experience on our Himachal treks.

The views from the Bijli Mahadev temple are equally stunning. On a clear day, you get to see the panorama of the Pir Panjal and Dhauladhar ranges. We have designed our itinerary in such a way that you get to witness the sunset from the top and the stunning alpenglow on these majestic peaks. You also get to see not one or two, but four valleys: Kullu, Bhuntar, Parbati, and Gorsa.

This trek is like a cultural gem for those interested in learning about the Kullu Valley. The villages, the buildings, the people, and the culture are like a living storybook of history. The starting point of the trek, Kot village, is a good opportunity for you to get a glimpse of the remote Himalayan village.

In addition to all these, the Bijli Mahadev trek is an easy one, making it an ideal trek for absolute beginners and families. You get to experience all the goodness of the outdoors without the worry of getting prepared for a trek. So if you are someone who wants to do a trek but does not have enough time to prepare, this is a trek made for you. 

This trek also taught me a valuable lesson - I don't need to do difficult things to appreciate nature's beauty.

I feel 5 years younger, I thank myself for going on this trek!

Provided me and my children a great time to bond

An excellent choice for first-time trekkers eager to get a sense of the trekking experience

The trek was well planned. We enjoyed exploring the forest

An excellent family trek. Kids and senior members can go too.

Bijli Mahadev Trek - Complete Trek Information

Use this section to learn about the Bijli Mahadev Trek. It has in-depth information about each day of the trek, what to expect, and how you need to prepare for it. Many years of expertise have gone into this content. Trekkers find that extremely useful.

➤Documents required: It is mandatory for trekkers to carry a copy of their photo id and medical certificate for entry at forest checkpoints on the trek. The medical certificate along with the disclaimer form will be part of the Safety Check-in done by the trek leader when you arrive at the base camp. 

➤Stay facility: At the base camp, your stay is in Swiss tents. The accommodations will be in bunk beds and will be separate for men and women. On other days of the trek, your stay is in twin-sharing tents. 

Arrive at the Indiahikes Jungle Line Campus at Manali; Drive to Kot Village, trek to Borsu Forest campsite

Pick-up time: 06:00 am  | Pick-up location: Beas Bridge, Manali Reporting time if you are reaching on your own: 07:00 am | Drive Distance:  41 km  | Drive Duration:  1.5 hours   Trek Distance:  2 km | Trek Duration: 3 hours  

Indiahikes will arrange pick-up from Beas Bridge, Manali but the cost of it has to be borne by trekkers. It will cost Rs 1,000 for a 5-6 seater vehicle (non-AC vehicles)

Trek from Borsu Forest campsite to Shildhar; Sunset trek to Bijli Mahadev, and back to Shildhar

Trek Distance:  6 km | Trek Duration: 3 hours

Trek from Shiladhar to Karate; drive back to Manali.

Trek Distance:  2 km     | Trek Duration: 2 hours      | Drive Distance: 38 km    | Drive Duration: 1.5 hours

Indiahikes will arrange the drive from Karate to Manali via Jungle Line Campus. The total fare of the vehicle will be approx Rs 4,500. This cost is to be divided among trekkers. (SUV:5-6 trekkers)

Presence of Snow: There is no snow during the autumn season.

Temperature:
Day time: 24 °C to 26 °C | Night time: 14 °C to 16 °C 

Bijli Mahadev in Autumn (September to mid-November)

Number of warm layers: 1 thin jacket or fleece should suffice

Presence of Snow: You may get snow in January and February

Temperature:
Day time:  °C to  °C | Night time:  °C to  °C 

Bijli Mahadev in Winter (mid-November to February)

Number of warm layers: 2 layers (1 sweater and 1 fleece)

Presence of Snow: You get to see snow on the higher peaks, but not on the trail.

Temperature:
Day time: 14 °C to 15 °C | Night time: 7 °C to 8 °C 

Number of warm layers: 1 layers (either a sweater or a fleece)

Temperature:
Day time: 23 °C to 24 °C | Night time: 7 °C to 8 °C 

Presence of Snow: There is no snow during the monsoon season.

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