Treks and walks · Chitrey
The steep first climb from Maneybhanjan
The 3 km walk from Maneybhanjan to Chitrey is the hardest hour of the first day: about 400 m of climbing on stone steps and earth paths through oak and rhododendron. Do it early and slowly and the rest of the day feels easy.
The trail leaves the top of Maneybhanjan's bazaar and almost at once starts to climb, cutting across the bends of the Land Rover track. The path is part stone steps, part earth and roots, steep enough that you will want short steps and regular stops. Forest closes in quickly: oak, chestnut, rhododendron and, higher up, the first moss-hung trees.
Do not race. Your guide has walked this a hundred times and will set a steady pace; keep to it. On the bends where the trail meets the jeep track, step off the road for Land Rovers, which come down fast. Drink water at each stop, and peel off a layer as soon as you warm up.
In late March and April the red flowers of the tree rhododendron light up the forest. In autumn the light is clear and the view behind you opens with every bend. After 1.5–2 hours the gradient eases, prayer flags appear, and you walk out onto the saddle at Chitrey and its white chorten.
Cost: Included in your guide fee
Questions people ask
Good to know
How hard is the walk from Maneybhanjan to Chitrey?
It is short but steep: about 3 km and 400 m of climbing, taking 1.5–2 hours. Fit walkers find it tiring rather than difficult. Take it slowly, drink water and use poles if your knees are weak. After Chitrey the trail to Meghma is much gentler.
Can I skip the climb to Chitrey by Land Rover?
Yes, by taking a Land Rover to Tumling or further, but individual drops to Chitrey are rarely sold. Some trekkers ride to Tumling on day one and start walking from there. You lose the first forest section but save energy for the ridge.
Is the Chitrey trail slippery?
In wet weather and in winter frost, yes. The stone steps and roots get slick, especially coming down. Wear boots with good grip. In the monsoon the park is closed; in September and early October expect mud and a few leeches in the lower forest.
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