Monaltop Trek

In heart of the Garhwal Himalayas near Rishikesh lies the breathtaking Monal Top Trek. At an altitude of 12,000 feet, Monal Top offers majestic views of the snow-capped Himalayan peaks, verdant valleys, and exotic flora and fauna. This moderate trek takes you through oak and rhododendron forests, lush meadows, trickling streams and remote mountain villages.

It is one of the unique Himalayan trek in Chamoli district of Uttarakhand. It is recently discovered by two young trekkers Devendra Pancholi and Hira Singh Garhwali. It is better place if you want to see beautiful sunrise and winter line. It has been named after Himalayan bird, which is state bird of Uttarakhand, Monal.It is very endangered bird which can be seen during the trek. It is best for both the beginner trekkers and with family.

The best part of this trek is 360-degree panoramic view of Garhwal Himalayan range of Mt. Jaonli Mt Gangotri, Mt Jogin, KEDARNATH and Dome peaks etc.

Read on to find out everything about the Monal Top trek including cost, best time, how to get there and more!

Overview of the Monal Top Trek

• Total Distance – 28 km
• Duration – 4 days
• Difficulty Level – Moderate
• Maximum Altitude – 12,000 ft
• Trek distance – 12 km
• Temperature(day) –   8 to 15 degree
• Temperature (night) – 0 to -7 degree
• Nearest Railway Station – Kathgodam
• Nearest Airport – Jolly Grant/Airport
• Start and end point – Dehradun/Kathgodam

You can also do trekking for one day. Find best place to do trekking in single day.

Check more treks near Rishikesh Monal Top – 

• Kedarkantha Trek
• Brahmtal Trek
• Satopanth Trek

The Monal Top trek typically starts from the quaint Rasi village located 20 km from Rishikesh. You traverse through the villages of Seri and Deola on well-defined trails offering spectacular views of the snow-clad Bandarpunch, Swargarohini and Chaukhamba peaks. The route meanders through oak, rhododendron and pine forests with a high chance of spotting exotic Himalayan birds and animals.

On Day 3, you arrive at the Monal Top which is a vast grassy meadow dotted with vibrant wildflowers in summer. Spend the night camping under a blanket of stars with the Milky Way galaxy overhead. Descend back to Rasi village on Day 4 after enjoying a spectacular sunrise from the summit.

Monal Top Trek tour Package

₹5,500 per person

Duration – 5-Nights / 6 Days

Destination covered – Chamoli

Tour Activities – Adventure, mountaineering, sightseeing

Tour themes – Adventure tours, hill stations and valleys, winter tours

Best Time for Monal Top Trek

The ideal time to do Monal Top trek is between April to June and September to November.

Summer (April – June) – Pleasant weather with average temperatures of 10°C to 18°C during the day. Rhododendrons in full bloom and clear skies ensure excellent views.

Monsoon (July – Aug) – Heaviest rainfall makes the route prone to landslides. Trek best avoided during monsoon.

Autumn (Mid Sep – Nov) – Post monsoon season offers the clearest skies with temperatures dropping below 10°C at nighttime. Peak foliage can be seen in the forests.

Winter (Dec – Mar) – Heavy snowfall and freezing temperatures can make the trek challenging. Trails might be blocked. Avoid unless highly experienced in winter trekking.

One can explore monal top Trek all around the year. But October to February can be the best time to do this trek to get the best view and enjoy snow trek. In the month of March to April there is the trail of Rhododendron flowers.

Permits and Cost of Monal Top Trek

Entry permits – No separate permit required. Only valid government ID proof needed.

Guide – Hiring a local guide is recommended. Charges range from ₹1200 – ₹2000 per day.

Porter – Get a porter to carry your luggage at ₹1000 – ₹1500 per day.

Accommodation – Only basic forest rest houses available enroute. Expect to pay ₹200-500 per night. Can carry own tents.

Food – ₹300-500 per day for nutritious meals like maggi, eggs, porridge etc. Carry extra snacks.

Transport – Shared taxis from Rishikesh to Rasi village and back will cost ₹1000-1500.

Gear Rentals – Expect around ₹200-300 per day for items like trekking poles, sleeping bags etc.

Miscellaneous – ₹1000-1500 (medical/safety kits, toiletries, mobile recharge etc.)

Total Budget – For a 4 day trek, the total budget for a solo traveler will come to ₹8000-10,000 including everything. Group and custom packages available at discounted rates through local tour organizers.

Best Places to Stay in Rishikesh

Rishikesh offers abundant stay options from luxury resorts to budget backpacker hostels. Popular places to stay are:

The Beatles Ashram – Iconic ashram with basic cottages and tents

Parmarth Niketan – Sprawling spiritual ashram with hostel rooms

Divine Resort – Riverside resort with scenic views

Bunkyard Hostel – Lively backpacker hostel with dorms

Hotel Ishan – Budget hotel near Ram Jhula

Aloha Resort – Luxury resort and spa on the Ganges

Attractions in Rishikesh

From adventure activities to spiritual and wellness experiences, there is a lot to see and do in Rishikesh:

• River rafting on the Ganges
• Bungee jumping from India’s highest platform
• Yoga classes in spiritual ashrams
• Evening Ganga Aarti ceremony
• Shopping in the colorful bazars
• Chill by the riverside cafes
• Day hikes to waterfalls like Vasistha Gufa

Key Tips for the Monal Top Trek

Carry enough warm and waterproof woolen clothing as temperatures can drop sharply.

Pack light with only essentials in a 40-60 liter rucksack. Offload extra luggage to porter.

Have energy bars, dry fruits and electrolytes to keep hydrated on the trek.

Start early each day to avoid afternoon showers and reach campsite before sunset.

Always follow guide’s safety instructions and environment-friendly practices.

Carry personal medications, first aid kit and required permits.

Trek equipment’s

• Meal
• Natural spring water during trek
• Personal expenses
• Insurance
• Any kind of emergency charges
• Mules or Porter to carry luggage

How to reach the Basecamp

Nearest Railway Station is Haridwar or Kathgodam and the nearest airport is Dehradun Airport.

The route of this trek has a fascinating journey of discovering the most pristine of Himalayan contributions of oak forests. Monal Top has a magical beauty which makes fall short of words. The beauty of this journey is remarkable and incomparable. The place where everyone should experience once in life.

Things to carry for the Trek:

• Identity Card and photocopies
• Windproof Jacket
• Trekking pole
• Trekking shoes
• Woolley clothes like sweaters, thermals, gloves
• sunglasses, lip balm
• phone chargers
• medicines
• camera
• memory cards

Things to check before leaving for trek:

1.Plan your trek with a Good trekking company.

2.Book your accommodation.

3.Check the availability at peak season.

4.Take small steps while trekking.

5.take train rather than a bus.

6.Pack only necessary things for your trek to ease the strain on your back and legs during trekking.

7.Drink plenty of water to keep your energy level up such as nuts, dry fruits and prevent altitude sickness.

8.If you are not feeling comfortable in high avoid it.

9.Build your stamina to tackle to altitude sickness such as pulmonary edema.

10.Do not litter here and there end avoid disturbing wild life.

Final

Trekking in Monel gives you ultimate comfort pleasure and inner peace that allows adventures to see the unforgettable beauty of the Himalayas. So, get ready to go for this adventure and lace up your boots, pack your bags to feel its beauty that can’t be forgotten for many coming years.