The Lama Dugh trek is one of the most famous day treks near Manali. The trek starts just above Old Manali and gets through the Deodar forest, continue through greenery and wide Himalayan views.

People who do thorough research of this place before travelling mostly try to understand: where it starts, how far it runs, and when to go. This trek is suitable for travellers who want a full day in the mountains and don’t want to invest many days here. It stays close to Manali town, so the logistics are simple compared to longer Himachal treks.

Let’s discuss everything that you need to know before going on Lama Dugh Trek.

What is the Lama Dugh Trek?

Locals call it Lamadug or Lamadugh, and the name roughly means “Lama’s meadow.” It’s a high meadow sitting above Old Manali, with cedar and pine forest lower down that thins out into open grassland the higher you climb.

Most people go for this trek in day time. Some people come back and camp on the meadow instead. This gives you more time to feel the beauty of this place. Along the way you will find a few shepherd huts and small streams, and snow tends to stick around on the upper stretches right into early summer.

Shepherds have been walking this route for generations, taking their flocks up to graze once the weather turns. This is why this trek is known as the other name- shepherd’s trail.

Where is the Lama Dugh Trek Located?

Lama Dugh trek is located in Kullu district, right above Old Manali. Climb high enough on the trail and you’ll get views of Indrasan, Deo Tibba, and the Bara Shigri glacier across the Beas valley.

This is a good option if you will spend only 1-2 days in this trek, and it’s a walking distance from Manali town. No need to sort out a separate base camp or add extra travel days into your plan, unlike something like Hampta Pass or Beas Kund.

Lama Dugh Trek Starting Point:

For Lama Dugh Trek, you’ll start from Old Manali, somewhere around Dhungri or the Hadimba Devi Temple. It’s about 2 km from Manali market, close enough that most people just walk over or grab a quick cab.

From there the trail heads into the forest behind the temple, goes past Nasogi village, and eventually breaks out into the meadow stretch that takes you up to Lama Dugh.

How to reach the starting point:

• You can look for an auto or cab to go to Old Manali from the Manali bus stand in about 10 to 15 minutes.

• You can also walk from the trailhead to Old Manali if you are already staying there. While walking, it will take 15 minutes to reach there

Closest Airport:

The closest airport is Bhuntar Airport (or Kullu-Manali Airport). It is 50 kilometres away from Manali, with cabs that run frequently between Bhuntar and Manali town.

Closest Railway Station:

The closest railway station is Joginder Nagar, a narrow-gauge station. The majority of passengers get a train to Chandigarh or Ambala and travel by road to Manali from there. The distance to Manali from Chandigarh or Ambala is about 300 to 370 kilometres.

Lama Dugh Trek Distance

The Lama Dugh trek is a trip that’s different for everyone because the distance of the Lama Dugh trek depends on the route you take and how far you walk into the meadow.

When you look at what the trekking operators say, the Lama Dugh trek is 9 km to 17 km for the whole trip and a good distance to plan for the Lama Dugh trek is about 12 km to 14 km.

The Lama Dugh trek goes up high to about 2,650 metres to 3,200 metres but this can be different depending on where you think the top of the Lama Dugh trek is.

You should not think of this distance as exact because different people say things about the Lama Dugh trek.

Most people who do the Lama Dugh trek finish the thing in 6 hours to 8 hours and do the Lama Dugh trek, in one day.

Some people who camp at the meadow for the night usually take 4 hours to 5 hours to walk up the Lama Dugh trek. Then it is easier and takes less time to walk down the Lama Dugh trek the morning.

How Long Does the Trek Take?

If you are going for a day trek you will be outside, for the day. You should start early, like 7 or 8 in the morning and you will probably get back home in the early evening.

If you are going for a two-day trek and you will be camping you do not have to hurry much. You will have a lot time to enjoy the meadow and you can even see the sun come up over the mountains.

Lama Dugh Trek Difficulty Level

This trek is pretty okay for people or you can say it’s a moderate trek. If you are just starting out and you are fairly fit you can do the Lama Dugh trek. The part that goes through the forest is really steep. You will go up almost 1,000 metres in a very short time.

If you ask that whether Lama Dugh trek is good for beginners, the answer is yes if you get ready for it. You do not need to know how to climb with equipment or have been, to high places before. It is a good idea if you have some energy because the Lama Dugh trek goes up and up without many breaks.

The route mixes forest trail, loose rock sections, and open meadow. Early in the season, snow patches can appear on higher stretches and turn slippery underfoot.

Roughly 1,000 to 1,500 metres over the trek, depending on the exact start point and how high up the meadow you go.

Best Time to Visit

#March to May:

There is still snow on the parts and it is pretty cool. This is a time for people who want to go on a snow trek without going too high up. The snow trek is what people come for during this time.

#June to August:

The meadows are green. The days are warm but it rains a lot and the trails can get slippery really fast. You should bring a rain coats or outfits to protect yourself from rain and safety purpose if you plan during these months.

#September to November:

The sky is clear the trails are dry. You can see the mountains really well. The days are nice. The nights start to get cool. This is what makes the mountains so nice to visit during this time. The mountains are really beautiful.

#December to February:

There is a lot of snow and the upper trail can be really dangerous if you do not have the gear and a guide who knows what they are doing. You should only go during this time if you have help from people who know the trail. The local people can help you with the snow trek.

Local trekking guides suggest September and October as the best combination of clear views and manageable trail conditions.

Lama Dugh Trek Detailed Route

1. Start at Old Manali, near Dhungri or Hadimba Temple.

2. Follow the trail into the deodar and pine forest behind the temple.

3. Continue climbing past Nasogi village.

4. Cross the tree line into open meadow country.

5. Reach the Lama Dugh meadow, with views of Indrasan, Deo Tibba, and the Bara Shigri glacier.

6. Rest, eat lunch, or set up camp for an overnight stay.

7. Return to Old Manali by the same route.

Things to Carry for Lama Dugh Trek

• Must carry strong, sturdy trekking shoes with good grip

• Warm clothes, including a warm fleece and windproof jacket

• Rain coat or poncho, especially during monsoon months

• Trekking pole for the steep sections

• Water bottle and electrolyte packets

• Packed lunch and energy snacks

• Sunscreen and sunglasses

• Basic first aid kit

• Power bank with a fully charged phone

• Carry Cash with you, because ATMs are limited once you leave Manali town

Lama Dugh Trek Safety Tips:

• Don’t start coming down once it gets dark. The forest section becomes very confusing in low light.

• Without appropriate footwear and no guide with knowledge of the conditions, do not attempt the trail in the snow.

• Before you head out, notify someone at your hotel or a local of the route you are taking and when you will return.

• It is important to stay on marked paths as parts of this trail are not maintained. For this reason, a local guide will be helpful.

• The weather can be different above Old Manali than it is in town. Clear mornings in Manali do not indicate clear weather at the meadows.

Nearby Places to Visit

#1. Cafes:

Not only trek, Manali offers you with a lot more. You can go for a walk in Old Manali in the evening. There are some cute cafes along the path by the river in Old Manali. It is recommended to visit these cafes. You will definitely feel good.

#3. Solang Valley or Hadimba Temple complex:

If you want to do something after your trek you can go to Solang Valley or the Hadimba Temple complex. These places are good for a short day trip after the trek.

These are some good options that you can think of during your trek. But vising cafes is always the primary suggestion.

FAQs

#Q1. Where is the Lama Dugh Trek located?

The Lama Dugh Trek is located above Old Manali in the Kullu district of Himachal Pradesh.

#Q2. What is the Lama Dugh trek start point?

To get to the Lama Dugh trek you need to go to Old Manali, which’s near Dhungri or Hadimba Temple and it is about 2 km from Manali market.

#Q3. What is the Lama Dugh trek distance?

The Lama Dugh trek distance is around 9 to 17 km for the trip but it can be different depending on the route you take and most people walk around 12 to 14 km.

#Q4. Is the Lama Dugh Trek suitable for beginners?

Yes. The Lama Dugh Trek is okay for people who are just starting out long as they are in pretty good shape because the start of the climb is really steep so it helps if you get ready for it.

#Q5. How Difficult Is The Trek?

The Lama Dugh Trek is considered moderate because you have to keep going up through the forest. Then you get to the meadow.

#Q6. What is the best time to visit?

The best time to go to the Lama Dugh Trek is from September, to November because the sky is really clear and the trails are dry but you can actually go from March to November it just depends on the weather.

Conclusion

The Lama Dugh trek is a way for people who visit Manali to see the mountains. You do not need to take a lot of time off to do this trek. The trek starts from Old Manali. It goes up all the way. When you get to the top you will see a meadow and you can see the Himalayan mountains from there. Most people who go for day treks do not get to see the mountains this close to the town.

Also, if you want, You can cover the Lama Dugh trek in one day. You can stay overnight at the meadow if you prefer. Either way you should start your day early. Make sure you have the things with you like food and water. Also make sure you have time to enjoy the view, from the top of the Lama Dugh trek before you head down to Manali