Lahaul–Miyar Circuit Temples, Glaciers & Wildflower Valleys
9 Days • Trilokinath Shrine, Miyar Trek & Alpine Culture Download ItineraryThis 9-day circuit is a deep dive into the lesser-known corners of Lahaul — where Buddhist stupas meet Hindu shrines, and wildflower valleys stretch beneath glacial peaks. From the sacred Trilokinath temple to the remote hamlets of Miyar, this route is ideal for explorers who crave solitude, culture, and alpine beauty.
Trip Overview
Duration→9 Days
Best Season→Mid-June to late September (Miyar Valley accessible; roads open)
Total Distance→~600–700 km
Vehicle Type→SUV / High Clearance (essential for Miyar stretch)
Difficulty→Moderate to Challenging (remote terrain, altitude, rough tracks)
Permits→No permits required for Indian nationals; carry ID for border zones
Mobile Network→Jio/BSNL in Sissu, Udaipur; no signal in Miyar Valley
Fuel Planning→Pumps in Manali, Tandi, Udaipur; carry 20–30 L spare for Miyar leg
Day‑by‑DayItinerar
Day 1: Manali → Atal Tunnel → Sissu
- Distance/Time: ~40 km 2 hrs
- Highlights:
- Cross Atal Tunnel into Lahaul
- Visit Sissu Waterfall, riverside promenade
- Adventure: Evening walk to Sissu lake
- Stay: Sissu
- Tip: Acclimatize slowly — altitude gain begins here
Day 2: Sissu → Udaipur
- Distance/Time: ~80 km 3–4 hrs
- Highlights:
- Drive along the Chenab River
- Visit Mrikula Devi Temple — wood-carved sanctum
- Adventure: Explore Udaipur market and riverside
- Stay: Udaipur
- Tip: Try local rajma and red rice
Day 3: Udaipur → Trilokinath → Return
- Distance/Time: ~40 km round trip 2–3 hrs
- Highlights:
- Visit Trilokinath Temple — sacred to both Hindus and Buddhists
- Panoramic views of Lahaul ridges
- Adventure: Temple walk and cultural immersion
- Stay: Udaipur
- Tip: Modest attire required; photography restricted inside sanctum
Day 4: Udaipur → Miyar Valley → Khanjar
- Distance/Time: ~60 km 4–5 hrs
- Highlights:
- Enter Miyar Valley — wildflower meadows, glacial streams
- Reach Khanjar — last motorable village
- Adventure: Short walk to Miyar River banks
- Stay: Khanjar homestay or camp
- Tip: Carry all essentials — no shops beyond Udaipur
Day 5: Khanjar → Shukto → Miyar Glacier trailhead
- Distance/Time: ~10–15 km round trip 4–5 hrs
- Highlights:
- Trek or drive to Shukto — gateway to Miyar Glacier
- Explore alpine meadows and Buddhist chortens
- Adventure: Day hike toward Kang La trailhead (optional)
- Stay: Khanjar
- Tip: Respect local customs; avoid loud noise or littering
Day 6: Khanjar → Udaipur
- Distance/Time: ~60 km 3–4 hrs
- Highlights:
- Return through Miyar Valley
- Stop at Sumdo and Tingret villages
- Adventure: Photography stops and cultural interactions
- Stay: Udaipur
- Tip: Refill supplies and fuel for return leg
Day 7: Udaipur → Tandi → Keylong
- Distance/Time: ~80 km 3–4 hrs
- Highlights:
- Drive to Tandi — confluence of Chandra and Bhaga rivers
- Visit Keylong Monastery (optional)
- Adventure: Sunset walk above Keylong ridge
- Stay: Keylong
- Tip: Fuel up at Tandi — last reliable pump before Manali
Day 8: Keylong → Sissu → Manali
- Distance/Time: ~80 km 3–4 hrs
- Highlights:
- Scenic descent through Lahaul
- Cross Atal Tunnel back to Manali
- Adventure: Café hop in Old Manali
- Stay: Manali
- Tip: Rest and hydrate — altitude drop can cause fatigue
Day 9: Manali → Buffer / Return
- Options:
- Rest day, shopping, or buffer for weather delays
- Finish: Manali (trip end)
- Tip: Visit Hadimba Temple or Jogini Falls (optional)
📍 Route Map for Your Planner
Manali → Atal Tunnel → Sissu → Udaipur → Trilokinath → Miyar Valley → Khanjar → Shukto → Udaipur → Tandi → Keylong → Sissu → Manali
Essentials to Carry
- Documents: DL, RC, insurance, ID proofs
- Clothing: Layered warm gear, gloves, rain jacket
- Footwear: Waterproof trekking shoes
- Health: Diamox (if advised), ORS, portable oxygen, basic meds
- Gear: Tyre inflator, puncture kit, tow strap, jerrycans (20–30 L), headlamps, power banks
- Navigation: Offline maps, paper backup of routes
- Misc: Sunglasses, SPF 50+, lip balm, snacks, thermos
Insider Tip:
- Best season: July–September for wildflowers; June for snow walls
- Photography: Miyar meadows, Trilokinath temple, Tandi confluence
- Local eats: Try red rice, rajma, and local chutneys in Udaipur
- Eco-ethic: No littering; respect tribal customs and temple zones
- Road caution: Miyar stretch is narrow and remote — drive slow and steady
Permits, fuel and checkpoints
- Permits:
- No permits required for Indian nationals
- Carry ID for border zones and temple visits
- Fuel:
- Reliable pumps: Manali, Tandi, Udaipur
- Carry 20–30 L spare for Miyar leg
- Checkpoints:
- Police checks near Udaipur and Trilokinath
- Timing Tips:
- Start early for Miyar Valley days
- Avoid driving after dark in remote stretches
