Majach Village: Upcoming Offbeat Destination Near Manali?

My search for offbeat destinations near Manali continues.

I have covered places like the beautiful Soil Village, and the offbeat Sajjla in my previous blogs.

In an attempt to find something similar on our Manali – Solang route, I ended up in Majach (also spelt as Mazach).

I first heard of Majach from a friend who runs a guesthouse in Bahang. According to him, Bahang is the upcoming hot destination for those looking for a peaceful alternative near Manali. “The many walking trails and offbeat waterfalls near Majach are going to make it popular,” I remember his words.

And then Majach happened.

I couldn’t agree more.

Majach was certainly beautiful and held the potential to be a popular choice for tourists looking for something offbeat in Manali. So let’s discuss it in detail…

Location and Access

Majach village is located approximately 12 kilometres from Manali, which is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Himachal Pradesh.

The village is situated at an altitude of around 2000 meters above sea level and is surrounded by mountains, forests, and the very unheard-of Ahilya River.

The nearest airport to Majach is the Kullu-Manali Airport, which is located around 50 kilometers away. The nearest railway station is in Joginder Nagar, which is located around 140 kilometers away. From Manali, visitors can take a taxi or a local bus to reach Majach village.

How To Reach Majach Village

From Delhi

To reach Majach village from Delhi, you can take a direct bus or hire a taxi. The nearest bus station to Majach is Manali, which is about 30 km away from the village.

From Delhi, you can take a direct bus to Manali, which takes approximately 14-15 hours. Alternatively, you can hire a taxi from Delhi, which will take around 12-13 hours to reach Manali. From Manali, you can take a local taxi or bus to Majach village.

From Manali

To travel from Manali to Majach village, you can hire a taxi or take a local bus (to Solang). The distance between Manali and Majach is approximately 17 km, and it takes around 45 minutes to one hour to reach the village by road.

You can hire a taxi from Manali, which is the most convenient way to reach Majach, or take a local bus from Manali bus station to Bahang, and then from there, take a shared taxi or hike for around 5 km to reach Majach village.

If you are an adventure enthusiast, you can also trek to Majach village from Manali. The trek is approximately 15 km and takes around 5-6 hours to complete. The trek is relatively easy, and you can witness the beautiful scenic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.

The trek starts from Manali and passes through the beautiful Old Manali and the quaint village of Burua before reaching Majach. It is recommended to hire a guide or join a trekking group for safety and convenience.

Things to Do in Majach Village

Trekking: Majach village is a great place for trekking enthusiasts. Several trekking trails lead to nearby mountain peaks and scenic spots.
Camping: Majach village is a popular destination for camping. There are several camping sites located near the village that offer stunning views of the mountains and forests. Visitors can also enjoy bonfires and barbecue nights during their camping trip.
Apple Orchards: Majach village is known for its apple orchards, which produce high-quality apples that are famous in the region. Visitors can take a stroll through the orchards and witness the apple-picking process during the harvest season (the months of September and October).
Village Walks: Majach village is a traditional Himalayan village that offers visitors a glimpse into the local way of life. Visitors can take a village walk and interact with the friendly locals, who are known for their warm hospitality.
Photography: Majach village is a paradise for photographers. The village offers stunning views of the mountains, forests, and the Beas River. The sunrise and sunset views are especially breathtaking.

Where To Stay In Majach

Majach Village offers a range of accommodation options for visitors, including homestays, guesthouses, and campsites. One popular option is Footloosecamps, which offers comfortable tents and cottages for visitors. The campsite is located near the River and offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains. Visitors can also enjoy a range of activities at the campsite, including bonfires, barbecue nights, and adventure sports.

What To Eat

Majach village offers a range of traditional Himachali food, including dal-chawal, rajma-chawal, and sidu. Visitors can also enjoy the local Himachali sweets, such as mittha and babru. The village is also known for its locally brewed apple cider, which is a must-try for anyone visiting the region.

Being a remote village, the local food here is simple yet delicious, made using locally available ingredients. Here are some of the local food items that you can try in Majach:

Siddu: Siddu is a traditional Himachali dish that is a must-try in Majach. It is a steamed bread made with wheat flour and stuffed with a paste of walnut, peanuts and other dry fruits. Siddu is usually served with spicy tomato chutney and desi ghee.
Thukpa: Thukpa is a hot noodle soup that originated in Tibet but is popular in Himachal Pradesh as well. It is made with vegetables or meat and is flavoured with ginger, garlic, and a variety of spices. It is the perfect comfort food for a cold winter evening in Majach.
Madra: Madra is a popular Himachali dish that is made with chickpeas and yoghurt. The chickpeas are cooked in a blend of spices and yoghurt, giving them a creamy texture. It is usually served with rice and is a must-try dish in Majach.
Trout: Majach is situated near the Tirthan Valley, which is known for its fresh and delicious trout fish. You can enjoy a freshly caught trout, grilled or fried, with a side of salad or mashed potatoes.
Bhatura: Bhatura is a deep-fried bread that is a popular breakfast item in Majach. It is made with refined flour and is usually served with chana masala, a spicy chickpea curry.
Aloo Palda: Aloo Palda is a creamy potato curry that is made with yoghurt and spices. It is a comforting and flavourful dish that is usually served with rice or roti.
Chha Gosht: Chha Gosht is a spicy and flavourful mutton curry that is a speciality of Himachal Pradesh. The meat is slow-cooked with a blend of spices and is usually served with rice or roti.

In addition to these local dishes, you can also find a variety of fruits such as apples, pears, and apricots in Majach. These fruits are grown locally and are used to make delicious jams, jellies, and pickles.

Best Time To Visit Majach

The best time to visit Majach is during the summer months, from April to June, and in the autumn months from September to November. During these months, the weather is pleasant, and the temperature ranges from 10°C to 25°C. The skies are clear, and the views of the surrounding mountains are stunning. It is the perfect time for trekking, camping, and outdoor activities.

In the summer months, you can enjoy a variety of outdoor activities such as trekking, camping, and fishing. The weather is perfect for trekking in the surrounding hills and valleys, and you can explore the local wildlife and flora. You can also go camping by the riverside and enjoy a peaceful night under the stars.

In the autumn months, the weather is cool and pleasant, and the scenery is breathtaking. The autumn months are perfect for exploring the surrounding villages and valleys, and you can witness the locals harvesting their crops. You can also take part in the local festivals and cultural events that take place during this time.

It is not advisable to visit Majach during the winter months, from December to February, as the temperatures drop below freezing, and the roads are often blocked due to heavy snowfall. However, if you are looking for a winter adventure, you can visit Majach between January and February to witness the winter sports festival, which is held in the nearby town of Manali.

Why Not Monsoon?

While the monsoon season in Majach, from July to August, can be a beautiful and lush time of year, it is not the best time to visit due to the heavy rainfall and the possibility of landslides. The roads can become slippery and dangerous, making it difficult to travel to and from the village. Additionally, some outdoor activities like trekking and camping may be restricted during the monsoon season due to safety concerns.

Moreover, the rainfall can cause damage to the roads and other infrastructure, making it difficult to explore the village and its surroundings. The heavy rainfall can also make it difficult to see the beautiful mountain views that Majach is known for.

Therefore, it is recommended to avoid visiting Majach during the monsoon season and instead, plan your trip during the summer or autumn months when the weather is more pleasant and the outdoor activities are in full swing.

Why Majach Is Getting Popular Lately?

Majach village is getting popular lately among travelers who seek a quiet and serene place away from crowded tourist destinations. The village offers a unique experience of living with the locals and enjoying their way of life. Majach is a small village that has retained its traditional charm and culture, and visitors can immerse themselves in the local lifestyle and customs.

One of the reasons why Majach is gaining popularity is due to its location amid the beautiful Himalayan mountains, which provide a breathtaking backdrop for the village. The village is surrounded by lush green forests, gushing rivers, and snow-capped peaks, making it an ideal place for nature lovers and adventure seekers.

Majach is also known for its eco-tourism initiatives, which promote responsible and sustainable tourism practices. The village has several homestays and campsites that are run by the local community, which provide a unique opportunity for visitors to experience the local culture and lifestyle. The villagers also organize cultural events and activities for the visitors to showcase their traditional dances, music, and handicrafts.

Furthermore, the village has several trekking trails that lead to the nearby mountains and valleys, which offer a unique opportunity to explore the surrounding areas and witness the stunning natural beauty. The village is also close to some popular tourist destinations like Manali and Kullu, which makes it an ideal base for exploring the region.

Overall, Majach is gaining popularity due to its unique blend of nature, culture, and adventure, which offers a refreshing break from the usual touristy destinations.

Popular Waterfalls Nearby

Several waterfalls near Majach village are worth visiting. Here are some of them:

Jogini Waterfall: Jogini waterfall is a popular waterfall near Vashisht village, which is just a few kilometers from Majach village. The waterfall is located in a scenic valley and is surrounded by lush green forests. Visitors can take a short trek from Vashisht village to reach the waterfall. The waterfall is around 3 km from Vashisht temple and takes around 30-45 minutes to reach.

Jana Waterfall: Jana waterfall is located near Jana village, which is around 12 km from Majach village. The waterfall is situated amidst a picturesque valley and is surrounded by lush green forests. Visitors can take a short trek from Jana village to reach the waterfall. The trek is relatively easy and takes around 30-40 minutes to reach.

Rahala Waterfall: Rahala waterfall is located on the way to Rohtang Pass and is around 23 km from Majach village. The waterfall is situated at an altitude of around 8,500 feet and offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains. Visitors can enjoy the scenic drive to the waterfall and can also take a short trek to reach the waterfall.

These waterfalls are some of the popular attractions near Majach village and offer a refreshing break from the usual touristy destinations. Visitors can enjoy the scenic beauty of these waterfalls and indulge in some adventure activities like trekking and hiking.