Monal Top: A hidden Trek in the Himalayas

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Monal trek is an anonymous Himalayan trek in Chamoli District, Uttarakhand. This trek is recently discovered by two young local enthusiasts, Devendra Pancholi and Heera Singh Garhwali. There is no better place than this, to witness a beautiful sunrise and winter line, Heera Singh said. Monal top gets its name from the Himalayan Monal, the state bird of Uttarakhand. This endangered Himalayan bird can be seen during the trek easily. This trek is good for beginners as well as for those who want to trek with family.

Best time to travel

This beautiful trek is best to walk throughout the year.

Overview

Region: District: Chamoli, Uttarakhand

Duration: 6 Days (Ex-Rishikesh)

Difficulty: Easy to Moderate

Max Altitude: 12,050 Ft.

Approx Trekking Distance: 19 Km

 

Day-1: From Rishikesh to Wan Village

Distance and Time: 270 Km Drive / 11-12 Hrs

Start your journey early morning from Rishikesh and drive along the Alaknanda River on the Rishikesh-Badrinath highway. After a 270 Km drive, you will reach Wan village (8,000 ft) late evening. This small hamlet has a few economic lodges and hotels where you can stay overnight to ease the journey.

 

Day-2: Wan Village to Deli Gate

Distance and Time: 4 Km trek / 3-4 Hrs

Start your day with a delicious breakfast before leaving for the first campsite, Deli Gate (9,300 ft). The trek is going to be an ascent but you can cover it easily with a steady speed. The trail goes through the oak and rhododendron forest where you can soak the scenic view of the surroundings. After crossing a small stream the forest goes dense and soon you will found yourself at the campsite. Dinner and overnight at the camp here.

 

Day-3: Deli Gate to Huneli

Distance and Time: 3 Km trek / 2-3 Hrs

Open your eyes with the sweet chirps of Monal and other birds. After breakfast, tent up and start trekking to the next campsite Huneli (10,000). Huneli is a large meadow where you will reach after a 3 hrs ascent. Here you will get the mesmerizing view of Mt. Nandaghughuti, and some other peaks of the Himalaya range like Mt. Chaukhambha, Neelkanth, Kedardome, etc. Enjoy the rest day with some playful activities and spend the night seeing shiny stars in the dark sky.

 

Day-4: Huneli – Monal Top – Kukina Khal

Distance and Time: 7 Km trek / 4-5 Hrs

Finally, the summit day is here. Leave your bed early as you have to see the beautiful sunrise from the top. The trail is going to be gradually ascent. Walk along with the stunning views of the Great Himalayan peaks. As far as you reach towards the top, the adrenalin is surely going to increase through your body. Witness the best sunrise of your life from Monal top (12,000 ft) along with the panoramic views of the great Himalayan range. Absorb the beauty of nature for a while and descent the trail back to the campsite after lunch. The camps will be set up in Kukina Khal for the night.

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Day-5: Kukina Khal to Wan Village

Distance and Time: 5 Km trek / 4-5 Hrs

Kukina Khal is a small hamlet at the border of two neighboring villages Wan and Kanol. Explore the day seeing the beauty of these villages and connecting with the local people, traditions, and culture here. Dinner and night stay will be at Wan.

 

Day-6: Departure from Wan to Rishikesh

Distance and Time: 270 Km Drive / 11-12 Hrs

And the departure time came. Drive back to Rishikesh with the unforgettable memories of this trip.