Laka Glacier Trek is popular among visitors for camping and trekking. The best thing about the Laka Glacier trek is its moderate difficulty. Even the beginners can easily do trekking here. When you march towards the Laka glacier, you come across lush green meadows, pouring streams, panoramic scenes, and thick forests.
The Laka glacier is a steep trek almost 5,000 meters above sea level. It is present in the Indian state of Himachal Pradesh. It takes trekkers through rocky terrain with views of the great mountain ranges of Pir Panjal and Dhauladhar to reach the Laka glacier.
Laka Glacier Overview
It gets challenging to pass through high-altitude places like Kugti Pass, which is around 5315 meters above sea level. Even if you are a beginner at trekking, the trek could be challenging if you don't have enough fitness.
You will need a guide or a local trekker as the routes are not marked accurately. The Laka glacier trek is the easiest trek, which offers spectacular scenes of ice-caped Dhauladhar range and Kangra valley. The snowline of the glacier is one of the main attractions that trekkers and visitors love to see when they reach the glacier after a trekking of 13 km.
- Starting Point: Bhagsu Nag at 10:00 AM on day one
- End Point: McLeod Ganj at 2:00 PM on day three
- Temperature:
- 15 to 24 degrees Celsius at daytime
- 8 to 10 degrees Celsius at night
- Trekking Distance: Total distance is 26 km. 13 km each side
- Maximum Altitude: Maximum altitude is 3213 meters
- ATM: Only one ATM in Mcleod Ganj
- Mobile Network: Vodafone and BSLN
Laka Glacier Temperature
The beauty of this Mcleod Ganj region is its varying temperature. You cannot be predictable about the weather and temperature here. However, it is still fathomable, ranging between 15 degrees Celsius to 24 degrees Celsius during a summer day. The nights are even cooler, with 8 to 10 degrees Celsius.
However, the winter days range between 14 degrees to 18 degrees Celsius. In contrast, the nights range between 2 degrees and 6 degrees Celsius. So, you must carry the equipment according to the weather and temperature. Laka Glacier location is 13 km from Mcleod Ganj.
Best time to visit Laka Glacier
The best time to visit Laka Glacier is from March to June. The reason is the glacier is full of ice and snow from the winter, which almost disappears near the end of June, which is a pre-monsoon time. And there is no snow left in July.
However, as the preferences vary for trekkers, some might find the trekking more suitable when there is no ice or snow around. For those trekkers, the best time to visit could be between July and September.
Laka Glacier Trek Route/Itinerary
Day 1: Trek to the Triund Top
- Start your adventurous trekking at 10:00 AM from Bhagsu Nag Taxi Stand
- Trek goes through Bhagsu waterfalls, where you can relish the beauty of nature
- Then you pass through a Mana village where you can have a cup of tea with some snacks
- Reach the Triund top at about 2:30 PM and enjoy breathtaking views for an hour or two
- Then, head back towards Mana village and get some rest after an exhausting day
- To enjoy your leisure time, do your camping or check out some camps in the village
- At around 8 PM, enjoy dinner with a bonfire and some instrumental music, which has a vibe of its own
- Then, take rest and retire for the day to get ready for the next day
Day 2: Trek to the Laka Glacier
- At around 8:00, Awake up to witness a gorgeous sunrise and have breakfast to your fill
- Then start your trekking journey from Triund to Laka glacier
- When you progress toward the glacier, the snowline starts, and it is a beautiful sight to lay eyes upon
- As you come closer to the glacier, the track is completely covered with snow, and the trekking becomes even more challenging
- At around 1:30 PM, you reach the Laka glacier top, and you can relish the panoramic views of ice-caped mountains
- Enjoy your packed lunch at 2:00 PM, thereby relishing the breathtaking views from the glacier
- Head back towards your Mana village camp after staying for about an hour or two at Laka Glacier top
- When you reach the campsite around 6:30 PM, behold the fascinating spectacle of sunset
- At around 8 PM, enjoy dinner with a bonfire and some instrumental music, which has a vibe of its own
- Then take rest and retire for the day to get ready for the next day
Day 3:Trek back to Mcleod Ganj
- At around 8:00, Awake up to witness a gorgeous sunrise and have breakfast to your fill
- Enjoy the view of sheep grazing in the lush green meadows along the descend as you trek back to Mcleod Ganj
- At around 2:00 PM, end the trek and return home with tons of memories of this mesmerizing experience
Before You Go to Laka Glacier Trek
- Kids under the age of 7 years are not allowed for the trek
- Do not consume alcohol or other intoxications before or during the trekking
- Natural calamities or weather changes might enforce trek changes
- Weather conditions differ between high attitudes and plains; you must adapt accordingly
- Avoid using plastic bags to avoid contamination of nature
- If you are sick or have an allergy, consult a doctor before starting your journey
- Use the ATM at Mcleod Ganj if you need cash because there are none on the trek
- Carry warm clothes and trek-compatible shoes
- Always follow the trek guidelines and safety measures to avoid trouble on the trek
- Do not use wireless earbuds or headphones as they hamper the audibility
- Carry a valid ID to provide when required
- Avoid trekking at night, as you might find yourself in trouble
- You might say a change in activities like bonfires or trekking due to unfavorable weather conditions
- Camping is the highlight of the trek, and do not ask for luxuries. You might not get electricity in some places, so carry torches and lights.
- You might not get laptop or mobile charging facilities at the campsites
Baggage inclusions for Laka Glacier Trek
- A waterproof backpack (60-70I)
- Water bottles
- Proper hiking shoes
- Toilet paper
- A Torch with batteries
- Insect and mosquito repellents
- Packed food or snacks
- Warm clothes or jackets
Conclusion
The Laka glacier trek is one of the beginner-friendly and shortest treks in the region. Many love birds, locals, and foreigners visit the trek. Multiple terrains, gushing streams, green meadows, and snow-laden mountain tops make the Laka glacier trek a must-visit location. If you like snow, visit it before July; if you don't, then after July. Happy trekking!