Rani Sui Lake Snow Trek
Region: Kullu – Manali
Start Point: Patlikuhl → Shangchar
End Point: Shangchar / Manali
Difficulty: Moderate
Max Altitude: ~3,950 m
Best Season: Dec–Apr (snow trek)
DAY 1 — Manali → Patlikuhl → Shangchar → Thatch Campsite
Drive: 30–40 min from Manali to Patlikuhl → Shangchar
Trek: 4–5 km | 3–4 hrs
Trek ends.
Meals: Breakfast
Inclusions
Accommodation
Dome tents on twin/triple sharing basis during the trek
Sleeping bags (sub-zero grade) & foam mattresses
Toilet tent & dining tent setup
Meals
All meals from Day 1 Lunch to Day 3 Breakfast
(Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner + tea/snacks)
Staff
Qualified & experienced Trek Leader
Certified Mountain Guide familiar with the Shangchar route
Support team: cooks + helpers + porters (for equipment)
Safety & Equipment
Microspikes & gaiters (if required)
First-aid kit with oxygen cylinder
Trekking poles (limited availability)
Technical equipment if the route requires in deeper winters
Transportation
Manali → Patlikuhl → Shangchar (trek start point)
Shangchar → Patlikuhl → Manali (return)
Other Inclusions
Permits, forest entry fees
Complete camping setup
Hot water for drinking
Briefing, route planning & basic mountain skills orientation
Exclusions
Personal trekking gear (backpack, shoes, jacket, thermal wear)
Any meal in Manali before or after the trek
Off-route transportation (if roads close due to snowfall)
Personal expenses: laundry, phone charging, tips, extra snacks
Insurance of any kind (travel/medical/evacuation)
Porter for personal luggage (available at additional charge)
Anything not mentioned under Inclusions
Pick-up from Manali and drive to Shangchar village (road goes up from Patlikuhl).
Start the trek through dense pine and deodar forest.
Gradual ascent to the first high meadows, opening up views of Beas valley.
Reach Thatch campsite (Sauraj Thatch / Thakar Dugh depending on snow levels).
Acclimatisation walk & early dinner.
Stay: Campsite
Meals: Lunch, Dinner
DAY 2 — Thatch → Rani Sui Lake → Thatch
Distance: 8–10 km | 6–7 hrs
Altitude: Up to ~3,950 m
Start early for the summit push.
Trail climbs steadily through open alpine ridges.
Snow usually starts after 3,200–3,400 m in winter.
Reach the serene, frozen Rani Sui Lake with panoramic views of Deo Tibba,
Hanuman Tibba & Pir Panjal.
Spend time at the lake and descend back to camp.
Stay: Campsite
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 3 — Thatch → Shangchar → Patlikuhl → Manali
Distance: 4–5 km | 2.5–3 hrs
Easy downhill hike through forests to Shangchar.
Drive back to Manali; reach by noon/early afternoon.
