- By - Srishti Bajaj
- On - 2022-02-17
Waichin Valley Guide
Slowly, many travelers are now setting out to discover the undiscovered. If you are a traveler, leaping into the arms of a destination that only a few pairs of eyes have witnessed can make you feel proud and overwhelmed at the same time.
After all, most unexplored places have a certain charm about them and so do the people living their lives far off from the city chaos.
One such hidden treasure is Waichin Valley in Himachal Pradesh. Many of you must have unraveled the experiences of Kasol and Malana. Waichin Valley is a fairly new destination that travellers are now adding to their bucket lists.
There is a reason why Waichin Valley was also given the name, Magic Valley. The perfect package that is complete with the snow-peaked hilltops at a distance, welcoming shades of green, ferocious river flowing along as you hike, and the waterfall surrounded by mountains truly make this valley magical.
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Are you game for heading to a destination that is equal parts thrilling and beautiful?
Experiences Awaiting In Waichin Valley
Route
To reach Waichin Valley, it is not so much of a trek as it is a hike. The route towards this paradise is perhaps what makes it worth conquering. As you climb along the dam, the initial minute could get a little tricky for some due to the rugged slope that you are required to mount. It will take an effort but it only lasts a few minutes.
The next half an hour is a mere stroll along with the most beautiful sceneries that nature has formed. Azure waters hitting the rocks with a backdrop of mini forest-clad mountains makes your heart skip a beat more than once. You also get to cross the grazing fields of tens of goats and sheep. As long as you are not being their problem, they won’t be yours.
You will then come across a waterfall along which comes the most tricky decision - which of the two paths from the fall follow?
While both the routes are nothing less of an adventure, one path takes you straight up the slope and allows you to cover the distance in less than 30 minutes. On the other hand, another path takes you a little longer but along another stellar waterfall that could certainly be your ‘chill spot’.
Just make sure you are ready for some action-packed adventure!
Also Read :- A Beginner's Guide To Hiking
People
Growing and selling cannabis is the core business for the people in Waichin Valley, just as that of Malana. The view that you get to witness the moment you reach the top will leave you tongue-tied.
It is true that locals in Waichin are quite welcoming. There is no sense of ‘negative vibes’ that you would feel when you are in their territory.
What will truly make you speechless is their daily routine. From a kid as tiny as a five-year-old to the oldest ones in their families will be seen playing an important part vis-a-vis their family business which is rubbing the cannabis in between their palms for the purpose of exporting it to the international waters.
You will always find each one of them talking, smiling, or playing around the vast ground of Waichin. The beauty of people can certainly be witness inside-out when you visit this hidden treasure of Himachal Pradesh.
Views
Waichin Valley is every landscape photographer’s dream destination. The tall standing trees of various hues of green, the vast ground with various campsites and wooden structures scattered all over, and the snow-clad peak sitting proudly at a distance makes this Magic Valley a sight for sore eyes.
The best views are, however, brought to your attention as the sun starts to set and stars start glinting in the naked sky. Right after you witness tones of pinks, yellows, and oranges as the sun is setting, you will witness the sky getting covered in the right mix of small and huge glittering stars. If you are lucky, you will also be able to figure out the milky way!
If you are a night owl, make sure to step out of your camps a little after midnight to witness the moon as bright and large as you have never seen.
These views make your escapade and thrilling trip up towards a mountain worth every step.
Details About The Trek
Duration Of The Trek
It is around 2 to 3 hours trek from the dam. If you are going for the first time, it is best to hire a guide.
Food On The Way
There is only one eatery that you will find on your way to Waichin. You will be offered a not-so-vast menu at this stop which is situated in the initial minutes of the trek. Thus, it is often suggested that you pack your own food and munchies for the trek.
Total Cost Of The Trip
The total cost of the trek to Waichin Valley from Kasol will be approximately INR 2200 - INR 2300.
Find the break-up of the cost below:
Cab: INR 1300 - INR 1400 (maximum number of people allowed in a cab would be 4 excluding the driver).
Overnight stay: INR 900 per head including breakfast and dinner.
Also Read :- Himalayan Destinations For Spiritual Trekking
Food Available In Waichin Valley
While you will be getting your complimentary breakfast and dinner with your stay, you still might wish to consume something other than what you are served.
For this, there are a few make-shift cafes that you can visit up in Waichin Valley. The most famous one being the Moksha Cafe. You’ll get a decent variety of food here but make sure you are ready to pay thrice the usual amount you would pay in the mountains.
You should definitely give Rajma Chawal and Nutella toast a try while you are up there. Also, do not forget to carry your cash!
Places To Stay In Waichin Valley
As discussed above, there are quite a lot of decent places that you can find to stay in Waichin Valley. From campsites to wooden structures, you can choose the one that suits you the best.
For camps, you get an option of selecting between a camp for two or four. Thus, if you are planning to visit this destination with a group of friends, you can easily find a place to stay overnight. You don’t have to carry any additional blankets, pillows, or bedsheets as you will be provided the same by the camp owners.
Conclusion
Waichin Valley is the oldest and the most stellar destination hidden in the lap of Himachal Pradesh. If you are bored with the ‘popular tourist attractions’, we suggest you take the path less taken and give a nudge to your inner adventure enthusiast by taking a trip to Magic Valley.