Malana: A Himalayan Village Surrounded by Myths

Malana is a small and mysterious village in Himachal Pradesh, near the beautiful Parvati Valley. It has always amazed travelers, historians, and explorers with its unique customs, untouched mountains, and deep secrets. Known as the ‘Village of Taboos,’ Malana follows its own rules, traditions, and local governance, which makes it a truly fascinating place to visit.

One of the biggest mysteries of Malana is the belief that it was once home to Alexander the Great’s soldiers. The locals also believe that their village is ruled by divine law, making it feel like a place where myth and reality come together. Malana is not just a travel spot; it’s a place filled with stories, culture, and adventure, offering travelers a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Unique Culture & History of Malana

Malana is not like any other village in India. It has its own laws, customs, and lifestyle, making it one of the most unique places in the country. The people of Malana believe that they are descendants of Alexander the Great’s army, which is why they think they are different from others. Because of this belief, they do not allow outsiders to touch them or their belongings, as they consider it impure. If someone does, they perform a ritual to purify the place.

The village has its own government system, which is similar to the ancient Greek democracy. They do not follow the Indian legal system and make their own rules and judgments for local disputes. The villagers worship Jamlu Devta, their main deity, and believe that he guides their decisions through their village council.

Malana is also famous for its strict traditions. Outsiders are not allowed to stay overnight, and no one is allowed to buy land or property in the village. The local language, Kanashi, is spoken only in Malana and is not taught to outsiders, keeping their culture preserved.

Despite being known for its isolation, Malana is also famous for its Malana Cream, a type of hashish that is considered one of the best in the world. Many travelers come here to explore its beauty, but the villagers keep their distance from tourists to maintain their traditional way of life.

Malana’s history and culture make it a fascinating and mysterious place that continues to attract visitors who are curious to experience its unusual way of life.

Malana Cream – The Famous Hashish of Malana

Malana Cream is one of the most well-known and high-quality forms of hashish (a type of cannabis resin) in the world. It is made in Malana Village, a remote place in Himachal Pradesh, and is famous for its strong effects and purity. This hashish is considered one of the best globally because of the unique climate and high-altitude conditions of the region, which help in producing premium-quality cannabis plants.

The process of making Malana Cream is completely natural. The local villagers rub fresh cannabis plants between their palms, collecting the sticky resin, which is then rolled into small black or brown balls. This traditional method keeps the hashish pure and free from chemicals.

Malana Cream is highly expensive and in great demand in international markets, especially in Europe and Amsterdam. Due to its strong psychoactive effects, it is illegal in India and many other countries. However, some travelers visit Malana out of curiosity to know more about its production.

The villagers of Malana have been growing cannabis for centuries, and it has been an important part of their livelihood. Although the Indian government has banned its trade, illegal cultivation still happens in secret. Many villagers believe that their god, Jamlu Devta, has given them the right to grow it.

Malana Cream has made the small mystical village of Malana famous worldwide, but strict rules and increasing government crackdowns have made access to it more difficult over the years.

Also Read: Miyar Valley: A Unique Paradise

Tourist Restrictions, Natural Beauty & Trekking in Malana

Strict Rules for Outsiders

Malana is a beautiful and mysterious village, but it has strict rules for tourists. Visitors are not allowed to touch the houses, temples, or even the locals, as the villagers believe it will make their land impure. They follow their own ancient laws and prefer to keep outsiders at a distance. If anyone breaks the rules, they have to pay a heavy fine as decided by the village council.

Natural Beauty

Despite these restrictions, Malana attracts many travelers because of its untouched natural beauty. Surrounded by snow-capped mountains, lush green valleys, and dense pine forests, the village looks like a scene from a dream. The air is fresh, and the silence of the mountains makes it a perfect place to escape from city life.

Malana Trek

For adventure lovers, Malana offers some of the best trekking experiences. The most popular trek is the Malana Trek, which starts from Jari village near Kasol. The trek is about 4-5 hours long and passes through steep hills, waterfalls, and dense forests. The journey can be tough, but the breathtaking views of the Parvati Valley and the majestic Himalayan peaks make it worth the effort.

Chandrakhani Pass Trek

Another exciting trek is the Chandrakhani Pass Trek, which connects Malana to Naggar and other parts of Himachal Pradesh. This trek is longer but offers stunning landscapes and an unforgettable experience.

While Malana is famous for its secluded charm, visitors should always respect the local traditions and follow the rules. The combination of mystical culture, scenic beauty, and thrilling treks makes Malana a truly unique destination for those seeking adventure and peace in the heart of the Himalayas.

Jamlu Devta Temple: The Sacred Heart of Malana

Jamlu Devta Temple is the most important and sacred place in Malana village. The people of Malana believe that their village is ruled by Jamlu Devta, their powerful deity, who guides them in every decision. The temple is dedicated to him, and the villagers follow his rules strictly.

The temple has a unique wooden architecture with beautifully carved designs, giving it an ancient and mystical feel. Outsiders are not allowed to enter or touch the temple, as it is considered extremely holy. The villagers believe that any disrespect to the temple or its traditions can bring bad luck.

Festivals and rituals are held here, where the locals seek blessings from Jamlu Devta for happiness, justice, and prosperity. The temple also plays a major role in the village’s governance, as the village council makes decisions based on the guidance of the deity.

Even though tourists cannot enter the temple, they can admire its beauty from a distance and witness the deep devotion of the Malana people. The mystery and strict traditions surrounding the temple make it an interesting attraction for visitors.

How to Reach Malana: Your Travel Guide

Malana is a hidden village in Himachal Pradesh, located near Kasol in the Parvati Valley. It is not directly connected by roads, so reaching Malana requires a combination of travel by road and trekking. Here’s how you can get there:

1. By Air

The nearest airport is Bhuntar Airport (Kullu-Manali Airport), which is about 31 km from Malana. From Bhuntar, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to Jari, the nearest accessible point to Malana.

2. By Train

The closest railway station is Joginder Nagar Railway Station, located about 145 km away. From there, you need to take a bus or taxi to Bhuntar and then proceed to Jari.

3. By Road

• From Delhi or Chandigarh: You can take a bus to Bhuntar or Manali. From Bhuntar, take a taxi or local bus to Jari village.

• From Kasol or Manali: You can take a cab or local transport to Jari, which is about 22 km from Kasol.

4. Trekking to Malana

Once you reach Jari, you need to trek around 4 km to reach Malana. The trek is steep but offers stunning views of the Parvati Valley, waterfalls, and forests. The trail is well-marked, and many travelers enjoy the adventure of reaching this mysterious village on foot.

Best Time to Visit Malana

The best time to visit Malana is between March to June and September to November when the weather is pleasant for trekking. Winters are harsh, with heavy snowfall making the trek difficult.

If you love adventure and wish to explore an ancient and mystical village, Malana is a must-visit!

End Words:

Malana is not just a place to visit; it’s an experience full of mystery, adventure, and unique culture. Whether you love exploring new places, enjoy history, or just want to see something different, Malana has something special for everyone. But remember to respect the local customs and traditions while you are there. With its stunning views, interesting stories, and deep history, Malana is truly one of a kind. Pack your bags and get ready to discover the magic of Malana!