With an elevation of about 1000 m, Lamadugh is a popular hiking location close to Manali. Filled with beautiful viewpoints scattered through the trail, it is on the list of every trekking and hiking enthusiast. This summit is usually camped at for the night, and the hike can be extended to a viewpoint located above Lamadugh.
This blog gives you a detailed look into the hike, the necessities you must have, and the information required to do the trek.
Lamadugh Hiking Guide, Manali
Table of Contents
Best Time To Visit
A place that can visited at all points of the year, barring the monsoon months of July and August. If you pick the right time, you can see the freshly fallen snow in the winter, the spring blossoms, and a riveting mix of golden browns and greens during the summer months, making Lamadugh a beautiful hike all year round in Manali.
How To Reach?
Lamadugh is 3 km away from the Manali bus stand. The motorable road goes up until the Lamadugh trek starting point. You can also hop on a tuk-tuk or a taxi or maybe take a relaxed walk to reach the starting point.
Network Availability
The network strength is of a moderate to good amount for both Airtel and Jio networks, throughout the hike. It is even available at the summit!
ATM Availability
You don’t need cash for this hike. But it is always good to have some. The nearest ATMs are available at Manali Mall Road.
Languages Spoken
The locals speak the Hindi and Himachali languages of Kullu. A few people converse in English.
Parking Availability
No dedicated parking space or parking lot is available near the starting point of the hike.
Restroom Facilities
You are entirely dependent on nature once you start the hike. There are no restrooms available.
Where To Eat?
No shops or settlements are found en route. So, stock up on your snacks, energy bars, and whatever else you might need before starting the hike. If you are planning to camp for the night, you should be carrying your packed dinner and breakfast as well.
Where To Stay?
Lamadugh is usually taken up as a day hike from Manali. You can pitch your tent and camp at different camping spots along the trail and the summit. The camping spots are marked on the OSMAND maps. You don’t require permission to camp at Lamadugh.
We stayed at Bro’s hostel in Old Manali. Here are a few other recommendations.
- Solitaire Express – Heaven In Mountains
- Hadimba Way Manali
- Bentenwood Resort
- Woods Villa
- 3 Bedroom Luxury villa with sceneric mountain view
- Amarys Boutique Stays Manali
Things To Do In Lamadugh
Residing at 3000m, Lamadugh is a good acclimatization hike for anyone who plans to go for high-altitude treks near Manali. This spot is primarily known for its hiking and camping.
Hiking Details
Entry Fees: Free
Permission: Not Required
Camping: Allowed
Timings: Open 24*7
Duration: 3-4 hours for the ascend, 2 hours to descend
Min-Max Altitude & Elevation Gain: 2075 m – 3056 m, 965 m
Hike Distance: 4 km; one-way
Water Resources: There is a spring where you can find water, located near the campsite at the summit. It is the only reliable water source.
Difficulty Level: Moderate – Difficult, highly subject to your fitness level.
Terrain: Glasslands, forests, and rocks.
Wildlife: We spotted a snake, a few sheep, and goats.
Hiking Route:
The information board marks the starting point of the hike kept at the forest entry. Several routes lead to visible paths that narrow down to a meadow. You need to gear up to ascend uphill right from the start until the very end of the hike. You can walk past the Lion King rock and the campsite. Follow the route that is visible until you reach a shelter. Hydrate yourself aplenty and eat some snacks.
If you hike further, you will reach the viewpoint. The whole of Manali and the surrounding settlements can be clearly seen with the spell-binding backdrop of mountains. Climb up for a few more km to reach the steps. Walk on the flat terrain for a few meters to see a pond on your left. Water in the pond is not good for drinking.
Walking past it will lead you to the shelter and the campground. The shelter marks the summit. Pitch your tent here for the night. Near the campsite is a spring (marked in OSMAND) where you can refill your bottles. You can go further up, around 300m, to see a beautiful 360° viewpoint.
Important Points To Remember
- The use of plastics, smoking, and drinking alcohol is strictly prohibited.
- As a hiker, it is incumbent on you to be responsible and not litter. Leave it better than it was before.
- Directions are not marked along the trail. The trail route is visible, and the chances of getting lost are very limited.
- It is best to download the GPX file from Waymarkedtrails and keep it handy. The route is marked on OSMAND as LC – Lamadugh Circuit.
Essential Things To Carry
- Ensure you carry at least 1 l of water per person. Make sure you refill your bottle in the spring.
- Take enough snacks and energy bars. There are no shops available.
- Cap, sunscreen & sunglasses are essential to ward off the heat.
- Carry a poncho or raincoat, as the weather is unpredictable in the region.
- The most important thing is to wear comfortable shoes as the hike distance is fairly long and the terrain is steep.
- Also, grab a head torch if you’re planning to camp for the night.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Lamadugh Circuit?
Instead of returning on the same route, you can descend via a different route, thus making it a loop. The entire loop is marked on OSMAND as LC – Lamadugh Circuit. You can do it either way.
Can we hike solo to Lamadugh?
Of course, you can. Since Lamadugh is a popular one, you will come across people while hiking even during the weekdays. A few runners go for trail running on the Lamadugh route.
Is Lamadugh Circuit a day hike?
One day is more than enough to hike to Lamadugh and return. If you’re slow while hiking, start early.
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Happy trekking!
