Malana Village Trek, Kangra

Triund in Kangra is a stunning trekking spot nestled in the majestic Dhauladhar Range. It's loved by adventurers for its moderate trails, offering mesmerizing views of lush valleys and snow-capped peaks. Accessible even for beginners, Triund promises a memorable experience amidst nature's beauty, making it a top destination in Himachal Pradesh.

The Brajeshwari Temple is one well-known places to visit in Kangra. A paramount reason why devotees want to visit this temple is that it is one of the 51 Shakti Peeths in the country. The shopping street that leads one up the temple from the parking area is an ecstasy. Dedicated to Goddess Brajeshwari, a form of Durga, this temple holds utmost importance in mythology. The temple that stands today is a re-built version of the original pagoda which had dropped to dust in the 1905 earthquake.

Masrur, also called Masroor is much famed as the Rock Cut Temple that resembles the sculptures of Ellora. While at Masur, you can stop by at the artificial lake and get some wonderful clicks. This archaeological place was visited by the Pandavas, characters from the epic Mahabharata, who carved out these rock-cut temples that have brought reputation to Masrur. Where Exactly: 47kms from Dharamshala.

Also heavily damaged in the 1905 earthquake, this 8th-century temple has still kept its flag bearing in the places to visit in Kangra. These ones of a kind cave temples of North India houses deities of Ram, Laxman, and Sita in the main temple hall. A lot about this place resembles the Ajanta and Ellora Caves in Maharashtra. Once you reach the top, look back to find the most mesmeric view of the Dhaulandhar range that guards the rest of the town. Masroor secures 15 colossal rock-cut temples, each as striking as the other. This archaeological site has been styled in the Indo-Aryan manner depicting the mindset of the Vedic Period. Devotees who visit this temple believe that taking a dip in the tank that is present in the temple helps wipe off their sins.

This trekking trail is yet another popular route for trekking in Himachal Pradesh. Malana village is inhabited by the tribal people and is deemed to be one of the earlier democracies of the world.This trek which terminates at Baralacha Pass through the Manali-Leh highway. The Malana tribes have their distinct laws, customs and language and also a governing body named Koram which is formed by the village elders. One can have a visit around the village but after securing proper permission from the village elders.This rather moderate trek takes you through beautiful, picture perfect landscapes, rhododendron bushes, birch forests and sprawling meadows. The awesome views of Dhauladhar, Hanuman Tibba and Ghalpo peaks are sure to fascinate you.Best Season: April - OctoberMax. Elevation: 3029mDuration of the Trek: 5 daysDifficulty Level: Moderate

So you may ask, ‘Why to go to a village?’ You have no idea how Malana Village looks down upon Kangra tourist places. This village that is otherwise called the “Village of Taboos” is unbelievably true! The people of this village consider themselves superior to everyone else and claim that they are the nth generation of Alexander the Great. With an excellent parliamentary system of its own, the village is bound by exclusive rules. That doesn’t take away from the fact that it is one of the best sightseeing locations. The Jamdagani Temple is very famous, although outsiders aren’t allowed to touch the walls or their praying space. You do the opposite, and you are an official offender owing them a fine the amount of which equals the expense of the slaughter they do as a sacrifice. This temple holds the shrine of Goddess Renuka Devi. All’s well at a distance!Where Exactly: 222.9km from Dharamshala.