Rani Sui
Secret Lake Trek
Himachal Pradesh
-SWIFT-
4th-10th May 2026
This 7-day itinerary offers a deep dive into the upper Kullu valley, blending forest walks with high-altitude alpine meadows. Starting from Kasheri, the trek quickly ascends through thick rhododendron and oak forests to reach the beautiful meadows of Riyali Thach. The journey features a visit to the tranquil Rani Sui Lake, providing exceptional panoramic views of the Dhauladhar and Pir Panjal mountain ranges, including peaks like Indrasan and Deo Tibba, before descending through the famous Lamadugh meadow back to Manali.
At A Glance
ITINERARY
Day 01
After your morning arrival and orientation in Manali, you will take a short drive to the road-head at Kasheri or Shangchar village. The trek starts with a steady climb through dense pine and cedar forests, gradually opening up to views of the Kullu valley. You will settle into your first campsite at Jamu Pani, a peaceful forest clearing where you can begin acclimatising to the mountain air.
Day 02
Today’s trek involves a steeper ascent as you leave the lower forest behind. You will climb through ancient oak and rhododendron forests, which are particularly vibrant if trekking in spring. As you reach the ridge at Panidhar, the trees thin out, revealing the massive peaks of the Pir Panjal range. The campsite at Panidhar is situated on a wind-swept ridge with wide-angle views.
Day 03
This is a scenic ridge walk day with relatively less elevation gain compared to the previous days. You will traverse ‘thachs’ (high-altitude shepherd grazing grounds) that are carpeted with wildflowers in the summer. The trail offers constant views of the Beas River winding through the valley far below and the towering peaks of Hanuman Tibba in the distance.
Day 04
The ‘summit’ day of your trek involves a steady climb toward the sacred Rani Sui Lake. The terrain becomes rocky and alpine as you approach the high plateau. The lake is a serene, high-altitude tarn that offers a 360-degree panorama of the Dhauladhar and Pir Panjal ranges. Depending on the weather, you will either camp near the lake or slightly lower in a sheltered bowl.
Day 05
From the lake, the trail climbs briefly to the Khanpari Tibba ridge before beginning a long, scenic descent. You will walk along the crest of the mountain with the Solang valley visible on one side and the Manali valley on the other. The day ends at the lush, sloping meadow of Lamadugh, which is famous for its variety of birds and wildflowers.
Day 06
The final trekking day is a sharp descent back into civilization. The trail drops steeply through a thick canopy of horse chestnut, maple, and cedar trees. As you descend, the sounds of the city will begin to replace the mountain silence. You will emerge near the Hadimba Devi Temple, where your trek officially concludes.
Day 07
Breakfast and check out. You can spend the morning visiting the Vashisht hot springs to relax your muscles or explore the cafes in old Manali. Most travelers take the evening volvo bus or private transport back to Delhi or Chandigarh.
Inclusions and Exclusions
- Transport:
Trail Transfers: Specialized transport for rugged transit specifically between Manali and the trekking trailheads (start and end points). - Accommodation:
Comfortable guesthouses in Manali on double occupancy, and alpine tents or mountain guesthouses on the trail. - Trek
Guided trek with professional camping gear. - Meals: All meals during the trek (breakfast, lunch, and dinner), and dinner and breakfast for the remaining itinerary.
- Permits & Fees: Forest department entry fees, trekking permits, and local camping fee.
- Staff: English-speaking tour leader, experienced local mountain guides and camping staff.
- Offloading: Porter and mule charges for ferrying all luggage except personal day pack.
- Insurance: Mandatory travel insurance.
- Personal Gear: Personal equipment (thermal wear, hiking poles, etc).
- Meals: Any meals not mentioned in the program.
- Beverages: Any drinks including soft drinks, bottled water, or alcoholic beverages.
- Extra Tours: Any excursions, local sightseeing or activities not mentioned in the itinerary.
- Tips: Gratuities for the trekking crew, drivers, and hotel staff.
- Taxes: All applicable government taxes (GST) and transactional fees.
- Contingency Fee: Any additional expenses arising due to unforeseen circumstances such as bad weather, road blocks or unrest, that result in an extension or change in the program, or emergency evacuation for medical reasons.