Bara Bhangal Trek

This trek will take you through stunning Trans-Himalayan landscapes, crossing over great Himalayan passes, quaint villages and hamlets and will lead to off the beaten track destinations. We will be seeing Ancient Himalayan and Tibetan architecture, monasteries and temples, wildlife and nature and we will experience local Hindu and Buddhist culture and food. There will be plenty of opportunities to spot wildlife and take pictures.

Our route:  • Delhi • Mandi • Manali • Bara Bhangal • Dharamshala

• • Duration: 15 Days
  • Region: Kullu, Kangra
  • Grade: Strenuous/Challenging

The Bara Bhangal range of Kangra is part of a Central (or Lesser) Himalayan main range called Dhauladhar. The Bara Bhangal range consists of a host of virgin unnamed peaks, healthy and active glaciers , glacial meadows, lakes and sparkling river-rivulets. The meltwaters of the Kalihani and Minkiani glaciers flow north-west and south-west respectively, and meet each other below Bara Bhangal village (2700 m) to procreate river Ravi. Ravi, which is also known as Iravati in vedic literatures, flows westwards from Bara Bhangal, passes through Chamba, turns south-west and eventually enters Pakistan.

About 20 km south of Bara Bhangal village, the combined melt waters from Thamsar and other peaks and Thamsar lake flow down further south as Uhl river. Through the lush green Uhl valley of Kangra, Uhl river flows south, crosses Bir-Billing area and ultimately tributes to Beas. The bordering area between Kangra and Kullu, near Kalihani pass, through which the trek initially enters the Bara Bhangal valley, is presently known as Chhota Bhangal region. The highest peak in the region is the pyramid shaped daunting Hanuman Tibba (5932 m) to the north of Ravi.

Highlights of the trek

• Experience the old trade route that connected Manali (Kullu) to Bir (Kangra), via Bara Bhangal village which involved crossing of multiple high altitudes passes, negotiation of treacherous terrains while following the source watercourse of river Ravi.
• Experience the nomadic and spectacular lives of the Gaddhi shepherds of Himachal.
• View the source of Ravi (Iravati), one of the “five influential rivers of Punjab”, supporting millions of lives across India and Pakistan.
• Visit the remote Bara Bhangal village. This ancient village has a long history of prosperity in culture/agriculture/trade etc. A peak into their old cultures and laid-back but tough ways of life are some of the main take-aways from the trek.
• Take in the region’s flora and fauna. It is home to a plethora of plant types, numerous species of temperate broad leaf, alpine conifer, shrub, weed, herb, grass, fern, lichen, moss and others. Animal life includes smaller terrestrials like primates, pika, rodents, badgers, weasels, martens, foxes, jackals; large terrestrials like black bears, brown bears, Snow leopards, Indian leopards, Himalayan Wolves, Himalayan Ibex, Bharal etc. Avian animals include Snow cocks, Snow pigeons, many types of pheasant, tragopans, parakeets, redstarts, deepers, bushchats, sibeas, flycatchers, blackbirds, robins, hoopoe, chaugh, raven, falcons, sparrow, hawks, eagles, harriers, vultures among many other species.

Detailed Itinerary

• Day 1: You will arrive at Delhi and check into your hotel. You can freshen up and take the day at ease. Later we will have a group discussion about the travel and trek plans.
• Day 2: Delhi – Mandi (400 km, driving time 8 hours) After an early breakfast we will depart for Mandi. We will be driving through the grand trunk road entering the Himalayas in Himachal Pradesh. We will arrive at your hotel and check in.
• Day 3: Manali – Acclimatisation walk (2 – 3 hours) Manali is a hill station nestled in the mountains of Himachal Pradesh, near the northern end of the Kullu Valley on the banks of the river Beas. Manali is located in the Kullu district, about 270 km north of the state capital, Shimla, 309 km north east of Chandigarh and 544 km north-east of Delhi. This small town, with a population of 8096, is where the ancient trade route to Ladakh starts and it continues from there over the Karakoram Pass, to Yarkand and Khotan in the Tarim Basin. It is a popular tourist destination and serves as the gateway to Lahaul, Spiti district and Leh. After breakfast we will join your guides for a short acclimatisation walk around Manali. Later we will visit the mall road for any last bit of shopping for your trek. Later you can return to your hotel and prepare for your trek. In the evening we will have an orientation talk and introduction to the team (Cook, Helpers, Guides & Horseman).
• Day 4: Manali – Lama Dugh (3017m) Duration: 5-6 hours After breakfast you will depart for your trek. The hike is through thick forests, and as we gain height in this steep climb, the distinct views of different faces of Indrasan (6110 m), Deo Tibba (6001 m) peaks of Bara Shigri glacier can be seen. A packed lunch will be provided, and we will stop midway for a break and refill of water. We will continue our hike to Lama Dugh through the pine forest and arrive at the campsite on an alpine plateau studded with thick growth of alpine flowers. Your first day of hiking ends with a campfire and sharing your experience of the day, followed by dinner.
• Day 5- Lama Dugh – Riyali Thach (3400 m) Duration: 6-7 hours The height gain on this day is approximately 2 km. The trek is through steep ridge below Khanpri Tibba (4000 m). From this point, you 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 colours of the season. We will arrive at our campsite for dinner and overnight stay. Day 6- Riyali Thach – Base of Kalihani Pass (4010 m) Duration: 4-5 hours After breakfast we will start our hike on the trail that proceeds over open meadows, initially followed by a steep descent to a stream. After crossing it, the path continues in a steep climb for about three hours until we 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.
• Day 7 – Base of Kalihani – Devi ki Marhi (3850 m) via Kalihani Pass (4725 m) Duration: 8 hours Today will be a long, arduous day with a steep climb to the pass crossing a stretch of scree, moraine and the Kalihani glacier. At the pass, we will have an amazing 360-degree view of hanging glaciers, the Pir Panjal and Dhauladhar mountain ranges of the Himalayas. A steep descent across another glacier and four beautiful glacial lakes will bring you to the camp at the gaddi campsite of Devi ki Marhi.
• Day 8 – Devi Ki Marhi – Dal Marhi (3900 m) Duration: 6 hours Our walk will cross over the Kalihani Nullah first and will then descend into the oak and birch forests. Most of the path afterwards is flat with a few ups and downs. Just before the end of day there will be a steep climb before, we arrive at the Dal Marhi campsite.
• Day 9 – Dal Marhi – Bara Bhangal (2882 m) Duration: 6 hours Today’s walk will lead us down the Ravi river into the Deodar forest, to the only large village in the valley, Bara Bhangal. Bara Bhangal is isolated and seldom visited. Members of the Gaddi tribe inhabit it.
• Day 10–Rest Day at Bara Bhangal Today is a rest day and you can explore Bara Bhangal.
• Day 11- Bara Bhangal – Mardh (3830 m) Duration: 5-6 hours After your rest day, we will start today’s climb towards the next big pass, Thamsar. The trail winds up through pine, deodar and birch forests with several mountain streams. The campsite at Mardh is near the base of the Thamsar glacier.
• Day 12- Mardh- Panhartu (3300 m) via Thamsar Pass (4878 m) Duration: 7-8 hours Today is 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 we reach the campsite at Panhartu, just above the tree line.
• Day 13 – Panhartu – Rajgundha (2440 m) – Billing (2310 m) – Dharamshala. Duration: 8 -9 hours
  This trek will be the easiest 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. Our walk in the afternoon will go through pristine pine forests, over an easy and wide track until we arrive at the forest guest house at Billing, which is the end of our trek. A vehicle will pick you up at Billing and take you to Bir. Arrive at Bir and check into your hotel. Bir is a village located in the west of Joginder Nagar Valley in the state of Himachal Pradesh. It is a noted center for ecotourism, spiritual studies and meditation. It is one of the most known and famous sites for paragliding in the world. Bir is also home to a Tibetan refugee settlement with several Buddhist monasteries and a large stupa.
• Day 14 – Bir – Dharamshala (50 km, driving time 1 hour 30 mins) After our breakfast we will depart for Dharamshala, the home of Dalai Lama and his famous monasteries. On the way we will stop over at Baijnath Shiva temple, Norbulingka Institute and we will visit the in-house art and craft work, followed by a Tibetan lunch. We will continue our drive to Dharamshala, where we will check into your hotel. You can freshen up and afterwards we will take a local sightseeing tour of Dharamshala, visiting the Dalai Lama Temple, McLeod Ganj & the traditional markets. Later in the evening we will celebrate on a successful trek, followed by campfire & dinner.
• Day 15: Dharamshala – Delhi (Transfer to Gaggal airport driving time 40 mins, flight time 1 hour) After an early breakfast we will depart for Gaggal Airport where we will board our flight to Delhi. You will take your connecting flight to your home destination. Please note: The itinerary may be subject to change depending on the local weather conditions/unforeseen circumstances