Malana, Himachal Pradesh-A secluded Himalayan village
Introduction
Perched high in the snowy mountains of Himachal Pradesh, far from the hustle and bustle of noisy hill resorts and the maddening rush of Himalayan roads is one of the most fascinating offbeat destinations in India- Malana. Nestled between formidable mountains, deep canyons and thick forests, this hidden hamlet offers a unique perspective on mountain life- away from much of the tourist buzz, Malana is of great interest to travelers wishing to discover a bit of the unexplored in Himachal Pradesh. Situated in the Malana valley (near the famous Parvati valley) this remote village lies at a height of approximately 2,650 m above sea level.
The trip to Malana also requires a bit of trekking; most people travel to the nearest road head and then undertake a walk through mountain paths to finally reach the Malana village.
Unlike popular locations in Himachal- like Manali and Kasol- Malana provides a serene atmosphere, an apt destination for those in quest of offbeat experiences coupled with quintessential Himalayan beauty.
Pristine Beauty of Malana
One of the most stunning things about Malana is the surreal, wild beauty surrounding it. The entire village is enveloped by rugged mountain terrain, towering peaks and lush forests. The entire vista changes between seasons; summers are about rolling green hills and a refreshing climate; winters transform Malana into a snowy wonderland.
The remoteness of this secluded settlement has helped preserve its traditional life.
Although traces of modern development can be seen on its outskirts, Malana largely remains deeply rooted in its age-old ways of life. The surrounding landscape of dense pine and deodar forests coupled with rugged peaks of the Himalayas offers photographers some incredible landscapes to capture, of which a major part includes narrow mountain trails, characteristic wooden houses and an idyllic mountain backdrop.
An Age-Old Village with Unique Traditions
Malana is known for its peculiar socio-cultural traditions and way of life. It’s said to be one of the most secluded settlements in the Himalayas; villagers have managed to retain a strong traditional governing system and a distinct culture of their own over centuries of isolation. Each villager abides by the centuries-old customs.
Outsiders are always expected to move in and about with respect and without any disregard for its ancient norms.
This traditional set up has helped the village sustain its social culture and distinctiveness where the community has an opinion about everything and everybody; its architecture, its lifestyle and its religious practices being one aspect which sets it apart from surrounding communities of Himachal. The Malana houses are built in the typical Himachali architecture, primarily of wood and stone. The local traditional governance systems prevailing here offer an insight into the self-reliance of a relatively smaller, isolated mountain community which thrives on custom and age-old values.
The legend of Alexander the Great in Malana
Just like its surroundings are steeped in myth and grandeur, so is the tale of Malana’s origins. There are claims that the villagers are direct descendants of the army personnel that followed Alexander the Great to India. Reportedly, a part of his army decided to reside here in the snow-clad ranges of the Himalayas.
Today this tale has added so much mystique and allure to this already fascinating village that an experience of Malana is far from complete without acknowledging the presence of the above mentioned narrative.
While we do not find any historical fact to support the above, the legend surely sets Malana apart from typical settlements of the country.
Malana Temple
The Jamlu temple situated within Malana village is considered to be a holy and significant monument both from the perspective of spirituality and culture of this offbeat village. This wooden architectural masterpiece is dedicated to the village deity, Jamlu, and plays a prominent role in local life and festivals. As with religious sites in any ancient settlement, there is a set procedure required when visiting this holy site. Certain sections are off-limits for visitors and travelers must always adhere to the directives and instructions provided by locals or temple caretakers.
Trekking to Malana
It’s always best to trek all the way up to Malana from the accessible regions, which naturally adds an element of adventure to one’s trip. The final part of the journey mostly involves trekking through mountain paths with stunning views. As with any trekking endeavor in the Himalayas, it’s advisable to be prepared for the weather which is unpredictable and can change in a few hours. Walking through the dense pine and deodar forests coupled with an ascending path is a unique experience in itself.
Best Season to Visit
Spring (March-June) is perhaps the ideal season to visit Malana when the entire landscape becomes green and lively. The monsoons are best avoided as trekking conditions get tricky and slippery on the mountain trails during July-August. Autumn (September-November) also brings a lot of pleasant weather. Winters require some precautions to be taken.
Things To Do in Malana
While Malana isn’t the kind of place filled with sightseeing opportunities of the usual kind, the real joy is exploring its unique beauty and experiencing the tranquility of the place. Things you can do during your visit to Malana:
* Trek through the Himalayan trails to reach the village.
* Witness the traditional wooden houses and architecture from a respectable distance.
* Experience the calm atmosphere of Malana Valley.
* Photography enthusiasts can find breathtaking landscapes to capture.
* Interact with locals and learn a thing or two about their unique culture and traditions (while always being respectful).
* Visit the famous Malana Jamlu temple.
* Sit back, relax and breathe in the mountain air instead of rushing from one place to another.
* If time permits explore the areas surrounding Malana and the famous Parvati Valley.
Malana is one place best meant for slow travelers who wish to indulge in an exploration that engages the senses rather than a hurried tourist spot expedition.
Travel Responsibly in Malana
Malana is a community with a rich culture and inhabitants who have strict rules about anything related to their village life. Outsiders are expected to respect these practices, so please try not to litter in and around the village; do not walk around in torn clothes or display excessive public displays of affection; refrain from entering their houses without permission; always ask for permission before photographing any individual and never touch any of the houses’ structures without explicit permission. Following the guidelines mentioned would enable the village’s traditions and environment to be preserved for generations to come.
Malana- A Destination you MUST visit in your Offbeat Travel list
The journey to Malana isn’t about luxurious hotels, trendy coffee shops or tourist hubs buzzing with activity. Rather, it’s about discovering a secluded Himalayan community with a culture unlike any other, set against a backdrop of absolutely stunning, natural beauty.