Crystal Mines of Lambhri

Duration: 08 days

Region: Seraj Valley

Terrain: Village trails, alpine forests, and meadows 

Highest Elevation: Lambhri (3,594 m)

Best Time: April–June & Mid Sept-Oct

The Crystal Mines Trek allows you to wander through Deodar forests or deciduous woods, where clematis entwines with roses and langur monkeys swing in the chestnut trees. You'll walk through villages with fine dry stone and timber houses and carved temples that have changed little for hundreds of years. This trek offers an enjoyable and easygoing experience through some of the finest landscapes in the Himachal Pradesh area. You'll encounter lush green forests, meadows filled with abundant flora and fauna, crystal mines, sparkling streams cascading down hillsides, and magnificent snow-clad mountains, making this trek an unforgettable experience.

Day 01: Arrive at the main highway at Aut and drive to Soja (30 km)

A charming Hamlet located in the Great Himalayan National Park, offering the opportunity to explore its beautiful surroundings and stay overnight in a guest house.

Day 02:  Drive to  Bahu (2036 m)

From Jibhi to Bahu, it's a 10 km journey through thick pine and cedar forests. Bahu offers an excellent vantage point to enjoy panoramic views of snow-capped mountain peaks. In the midst of the dense cedar forest, there are four beautiful old wooden temples. (Overnight stay in camp).

TREK TO LAGISHAR TAMPLE (3012 m) (05 – 06 hours) 

Bahu to Lagishar thatch (meadow) involves walking all along the ridge through dense pine forests. It offers a beautiful view of the valley towards the south. On the way, you will pass through the huge meadow of Trilokpur Garh, which is full of wildflowers and butterflies in spring (May and June). (Overnight in camp)

Day 03: Lagishar to Sareyolsar Lake via Ragupur Fort ( (3050 m)  06 – 07 hours)

The trek begins with a one-hour climb through the forest and meadow to reach the ruins of Ragupur fort. The fort offers a stunning view of the valley below, and to the north, you can see the majestic Himalayan ranges of Kinnaur. The rest of the journey is a flat walk through the forests of rhododendron and oak, leading to the 3223-meter-high motorable Jalori Pass. From there, it's a 5-kilometre flat walk to reach the lake, which is nestled amidst the forest and holds great religious significance for the local people. There's also a temple dedicated to Goddess Nagini. Overnight stay will be in a camp.

Day 04: Sareyolsar Lake to Lambhri crystal mines (3594 m) (6 hours)

Today, we will be hiking over the ridge to Lambhri, surrounded by beautiful mountains. Lambhri offers stunning views of the mountains to the northeast, meadows, and crystal mines. Additionally, the area is abundant with effective Ayurvedic medicinal plants. We will be staying overnight in a camp.

DAY 05: Rest Day at Lambhari (exploring the crystal mines) 

Day 06: Lambhari – Niyo Thach via Sakiran Dhar (3,368 m) (5 hours) 

Trek through the dense forest of Himalayan Oak along the ridge, where you may spot pheasants, musk deer, and brown bear. Camp at Niyo Thach. After pitching the camp, you can make a side trip to the famous Shringi Rishi Temple. It's a 1.30-hour ascent from the camp, and the trek back takes half an hour. A big religious ceremony is held every year on 13 and 14 May.

DAY 07: Niyo Thach—Chaini Kothi—to the Road head (4 hours) 

Niyo Thach to Chaini Kothi, situated in the middle of the village, is a six-story fort that is a fine example of wooden Pahari architecture. Most of the walk descends through the village and paddy fields to the roadside. Drive to your onward destination

Drive to Manali (4 hours) or Shimla (5 -6 hours).