Trek to Malana in Kullu - Manali - Worlds oldest democracy
Malana Trek via Naggar(Rumsu) and Return via Manikaran/Kasol
Level of beginner and moderate trekkers
Altitude of 9500 feet
1 Night/ 2days trek
Local people , proudly describe themselves as descendants of Alexander the Great.
Base camp - Bharhka Countryside Cottage Resorts, Bharhka, Sarsai.
Things To Carry: Solar lamp, Warm clothes, sunscreen, sunglasses, hats/caps, mosquito repellant, headlamp, medical and first-aid kit, camera, toiletries, trekking shoes, thermal wear, snacks and water.
Ideal time for visit- May to September
Malana is a small self-governed village with distinctive customs. It is said to be world's oldest democracy.
The village is famous for the cultivation of the cannabis plantations; though declared illegal by the government, the villagers drive their income by selling the 'malana cream', a variety of cannabis hashish, which has attracted a large foreign-based crowd here.
We were a group of 6 people and we carried packed food (lunch and dinner)
Day 1
Post breakfast at our hotel (4 kms before Base Naggar), we started our journey via jeep till base.
The scenic route took us along the Rumsu village, lush green hills, small streams. The surrounding hills were dotted with dense Deodar vegetation that gave green hues to the waters of the streams.
Our first, halt base was the Chanderkhani pass (altitude- 3600m)
On reaching Chanderkhani, we pitched our tents for night halt, since we had packed dinner with us , we immediately went to sleep post dinner, as uphill climb over the mountain to this pass had made everyone very tired. We were drained and had trekked intermittently.
Day 2
Early morning at 5 am, we woke up packed our tents and things, and were set to take downward(downhill) journey to Malana village.
By 10 am we were in Malana. We had breakfast at relatives home of one of our team member.
Malana Village-
Houses in the village are 2-3 storeyed (older ones are typical kathkuni styled but new ones are brick/mortar buildings) and built of wood and stone.
The Malanese are believed to be the descendants of "Alexander the great", dating back to 326 BC. They speak the Kanashi tongue that is unheard of in the neighbouring villages since outsiders are barred from using their dialect.
Foreigners are not allowed to enter household of Malana natives and they cannot touch any things which Malanses use like tap, clothes etc.
The outer walls of the temples are adorned with bones, skulls and horns of the animals.
There are now plenty of cafes and dhabas, variety of food is served at the place now, though the food is simple; but one can't complain, as the locals have to bring food, water from the lower terrains on foot.
Later in the day, we trekked back to the starting point and headed to Manali via Kasol.
On the way, We reached Manikaran. We visited the famous Gurudwara and witnessed the natural hot-water springs. The cultural richness of the village and the beauty of mountain peaks is enough for one to disconnect with the hustle-bustle of the mundane and hectic urban life and find solace in mother earth and nature.
Malana is exactly that what it offers you
Malana gives you thrills and experience of lifetime. You have to be here once.
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