This is a custom departure tour and so please write to us for prices and more info on this trek.
The Tosh Valley – Animal Pass trek begins from the Tosh village. The Tosh is a feeder valley of the popular Parvati Valley which leads to the Pin Parvati Pass – both of which are a part of the larger Kullu Valley. The Tosh Nallah meets the Parvati river at Pulga coming from the North.
We start the trip in Manikaran – a town sacred to both Hindus and Sikhs and known for its hot water springs. We trek from Barshaini along the Tosh river to reach either Animal Pass or Tosh Glacier and the snout of the river. One can also continue onward on the Tosh glacier and cross the Sara Umga Pass to reach Chota Dhara on the Manali – Kaza road.
The valley near Barshaini is narrow, though it opens up to expansive meadows as one gains altitude. The thick pine forests of the lowlands give way to mixed high altitude forest, rhododendron bushes and alpine meadows to reach the Tosh glacier. The Tosh Glacier is surrounded by some well-known peaks: Papasura (6451m) & White Sail (6446m) being the most popular.
Arrive at Kasol/Manikaran in the morning. Walk around town and orient yourself to your surroundings. The group meets for a trip orientation in the evening by the trip leader at the hotel. Overnight in a hotel.
The ascent to Barsheni from Manikaran takes about an hour over steep mountain roads. The trail starts above the Barsheni village with a commanding view of the Parvati valley dam and the confluence of the Parvati and Tosh rivers. Today’s walk is a gradual climb along the raging Tosh river and through dense pine forests to Buddhaban, a large meadow with a natural spring and many boulders.
Today is a long day as the path climbs from Buddhaban through thinning forest and crosses the treeline. It then continues over meadows and rhododendron clusters to reach the high altitude meadow at Sharam Thach. We camp here for the night.
An initial steep climb gives way to a narrow path along the Tosh river as it continues its noisy course throughout. After a short descent, we arrive at Shamshi Thach – beautifully set in a little bowl at the base of the valley. To the north is the Tosh Glacier, to the east the massive face of the Kullu Makalu peak and the glacier descending from it.
We have a choice today of either going up to Animal Pass (4560m) for the day or hiking up to the snout of the Tosh Glacier (4300m).
We retrace our steps back to Buddhaban today.
Head back to the road head at Barsheni. Drive to Manikaran. Trip Ends!
Pack:
– Backpack 40 – 50 Lt with rain cover – Goes on the horse/porter
– Day Pack 15 – 20 lt with rain cover- to carry your camera, water bottle, trail layers, trail food etc.
Footwear:
-Trekking Shoes: Please do not wear sports shoes as on most treks, as we go higher it gets harder to use sports shoes.
Socks:
– 2 -3 pairs of trekking socks.
– 2 pairs of woolen socks – ideal to sleep in and best to use when in camp. We do not recommend them while trekking
Clothing:
– Pants: 3 pairs (including the ones you wear) – Ideal are the quick dry trekking pants. Alternatively, track pants are also comfortable to trek in.
– T-shirts 3 pairs (including the ones you are wearing) – Preferably quick dry, full sleeve t-shirts You can also choose to get T-shirts with collars, they offer extra protection for the neck from sunburns.
– Fleece Jacket
– Rain & Wind Protection
– Down filled / Hollow fiber fill insulated Jacket
– Thermal liners – 1 pair upper and lower (optional).
Accessories:
– Warm Cap
– Gloves
– Sun Cap
– Sunglasses with UV protection.
Other recommended necessities:
– Toiletries – sunscreen SPF 40+, moisturiser, lip balm, soap, toilet paper.
– Repair Kit (needle and thread).
– Headlamp/ Torch.
– Camera.
– Water Bottle- Ideally keep two bottles 1 liter each.
– Trekking Pole – Optional.
– Plastic Packing covers. (Please pack all your gear in waterproof plastic bags so that your clothes etc do not get wet while on horses or porters. Also, carry extra plastic bags in case you need to pack wet clothes.)
The Tosh Valley – Animal Pass trek begins from the Tosh village. The Tosh is a feeder valley of the popular Parvati Valley which leads to the Pin Parvati Pass – both of which are a part of the larger Kullu Valley. The Tosh Nallah meets the Parvati river at Pulga coming from the North.
We start the trip in Manikaran – a town sacred to both Hindus and Sikhs and known for its hot water springs. We trek from Barshaini along the Tosh river to reach either Animal Pass or Tosh Glacier and the snout of the river. One can also continue onward on the Tosh glacier and cross the Sara Umga Pass to reach Chota Dhara on the Manali – Kaza road.
The valley near Barshaini is narrow, though it opens up to expansive meadows as one gains altitude. The thick pine forests of the lowlands give way to mixed high altitude forest, rhododendron bushes and alpine meadows to reach the Tosh glacier. The Tosh Glacier is surrounded by some well-known peaks: Papasura (6451m) & White Sail (6446m) being the most popular.
Arrive at Kasol/Manikaran in the morning. Walk around town and orient yourself to your surroundings. The group meets for a trip orientation in the evening by the trip leader at the hotel. Overnight in a hotel.
The ascent to Barsheni from Manikaran takes about an hour over steep mountain roads. The trail starts above the Barsheni village with a commanding view of the Parvati valley dam and the confluence of the Parvati and Tosh rivers. Today’s walk is a gradual climb along the raging Tosh river and through dense pine forests to Buddhaban, a large meadow with a natural spring and many boulders.
Today is a long day as the path climbs from Buddhaban through thinning forest and crosses the treeline. It then continues over meadows and rhododendron clusters to reach the high altitude meadow at Sharam Thach. We camp here for the night.
An initial steep climb gives way to a narrow path along the Tosh river as it continues its noisy course throughout. After a short descent, we arrive at Shamshi Thach – beautifully set in a little bowl at the base of the valley. To the north is the Tosh Glacier, to the east the massive face of the Kullu Makalu peak and the glacier descending from it.
We have a choice today of either going up to Animal Pass (4560m) for the day or hiking up to the snout of the Tosh Glacier (4300m).
We retrace our steps back to Buddhaban today.
Head back to the road head at Barsheni. Drive to Manikaran. Trip Ends!
Pack:
– Backpack 40 – 50 Lt with rain cover – Goes on the horse/porter
– Day Pack 15 – 20 lt with rain cover- to carry your camera, water bottle, trail layers, trail food etc.
Footwear:
-Trekking Shoes: Please do not wear sports shoes as on most treks, as we go higher it gets harder to use sports shoes.
Socks:
– 2 -3 pairs of trekking socks.
– 2 pairs of woolen socks – ideal to sleep in and best to use when in camp. We do not recommend them while trekking
Clothing:
– Pants: 3 pairs (including the ones you wear) – Ideal are the quick dry trekking pants. Alternatively, track pants are also comfortable to trek in.
– T-shirts 3 pairs (including the ones you are wearing) – Preferably quick dry, full sleeve t-shirts You can also choose to get T-shirts with collars, they offer extra protection for the neck from sunburns.
– Fleece Jacket
– Rain & Wind Protection
– Down filled / Hollow fiber fill insulated Jacket
– Thermal liners – 1 pair upper and lower (optional).
Accessories:
– Warm Cap
– Gloves
– Sun Cap
– Sunglasses with UV protection.
Other recommended necessities:
– Toiletries – sunscreen SPF 40+, moisturiser, lip balm, soap, toilet paper.
– Repair Kit (needle and thread).
– Headlamp/ Torch.
– Camera.
– Water Bottle- Ideally keep two bottles 1 liter each.
– Trekking Pole – Optional.
– Plastic Packing covers. (Please pack all your gear in waterproof plastic bags so that your clothes etc do not get wet while on horses or porters. Also, carry extra plastic bags in case you need to pack wet clothes.)
With 25+ years of expertise, we offer diverse expeditions like Trekking, Mountaineering, Ski Touring, Cycling, Paragliding and Snow Leopard encounters.
Our adventures prioritise safety and follow Leave No Trace principles. Certified guides trained in Wilderness First Aid provide care throughout your journey.