Bara Bhangal Trek

Arrive in Manali in the Morning. The trip guide will do a briefing with the guests during the day. Overnight at a hotel in Manali.

The climb is through thick forests but there is no water point after departing from Manali. As one gains height in this steep climb, the distinct views of different faces of Indrasan, Deo Tibba and peaks of Bara Shigri glacier open up. In the last lag, the path turns to the right and one traverses the ridge horizontally and enters the campsite on an alpine plateau studded with a thick growth of alpine flowers.

The height gain on this day is approximately 1 km. The trek is through steep a ridge below Khand Pari Tibba (4000m). From this point, one can have a magnificent glimpse of Manali, situated on the left bank of River Beas and the whole upper Kullu valley, which appears swathed in the different colors of the season.

A longish day. The trail proceeds over open meadows initially followed by a steep descent to a stream. Crossing it, the path continues in a steep climb for about three hours till you arrive at the camp at the base of the Kalihani Pass. Make sure you catch the views of Deo Tibba and Indrasan peaks from the campsite.

Today will be a long, arduous day with a steep climb to the pass crossing a stretch of scree, a moraine, and the Kalihani glacier. Take time off at the pass to get a splendid 360 degree view of hanging glaciers, the Pir Panjal and Dhauladhar ranges. A steep descent across another glacier and four beautiful glacial lakes will bring you to the camp at the gaddi (shepherd) campsite of Devi ki Marhi.

The trail first crosses over the Kalihani Nullah and descends into oak and birch forests. Most of the path then is flat with few ups and downs. Just before the end of day though is a steep climb before you arrive at the Dal Marhi campsite.

The trail now continues down the Ravi river into the deodar forest, to the only large village in the valley, Bara Bhangal.

Today we will start climbing towards the next big pass, Thamsar. The trail winds up through pine, deodar and birch forests with mountain streams to break the monotony. The campsite at Mardh is near the base of the Thamsar glacier.

Another day of steep ascent over moraine, scree and glacier. The climb is broken by a small lake just below the pass. From on top of Thamsar, you will get your first glimpse of the lush Kangra valley. On the other side of the pass, it’s a steep, long descent till you reach the campsite at Plachak, well below the tree line.

The easiest day of the trek so far. The path is flat and easy, passing through pine forests with many mountain streams. The valley widens and you get great views of the open Kangra valley. A vehicle will pick you up at Billing and drop you to Bir or Dharamshala. Or you can choose to fly from Billing to Bir on a tandem paraglider.