Bara Bhangal Trek

Trek across beautiful Pir Panjal range into Dhauladhar range of lower Himalaya to remote & lovely village of Bara Bhangal – home of Himalayan shepherds. Over craggy passes, pass icy glaciers and ancient monasteries. The Dhauladhar range divides Kullu and Kangra valley of Himachal. To the north lie Lahaul and Spiti, which have a fantastic range of snow peaks- a mountaineer’s paradise.
This trek is one of the most enchanting and picturesque, leading from the Kullu valley to scenic Kangra valley over the Dhauladhar range of the Himalayas A high-altitude trek, anyone reasonably fit will find it an almost dreamlike experience. Each day presents a different and startlingly beautiful landscape all lavishly decorated, a trek that leaves one with wonderful awesome of the Himalayan regions. The Trek terminates at Bir near Dharamsala: the mini-Lhasa in India which is the seat of His Holiness the Dalai Lama. A demanding and challenging trek into the Bara-Bhangal region, which still remains cut off from the World by 4500- 4700m high passes and still, a very few trekkers find their way here.

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Manali.
Arrival in Delhi or Chandigarh. Drive or fly to Kullu Manali.

Day 2: Manali (2040 m) trek to Lamadug (3050 m), 5 hours.
Setting off from near Hadimba we climb gently through a thick forest of Cedar and Oak. Climbing up through the Manalsu River valley the gentle slopes and lush green meadows of Lamadugh. Climbing up through the Manalsu valley the gentle slopes and lush green meadows of Lamadug appears. Beautiful campsite with a wonderful view of the surrounding. Keep your attention towards wildlife to see Monal, Fox, and Bear.

Day 3: Trek to Khanpari Tibba (4025 m) – Riyali Thach (3300 m), 6-7 hours.
Leaving camp trek through steep ridge below Khanpari Tibba (4,025m) we arrive at a place from where Indrasan (6,220m.) And Deo Tibba (6,001m.) peaks can be seen. One can see the full view of Manali town and upper Kullu valley. Continue going upward through brilliant shrubs of Rhododendron, Birch pave on the way, and wildflowers all around. Arriving just below Khanpari we follow the trail, which is going eastern top of the mountain, by the afternoon arrive at the dome of Khanpari to have a spectacular 360-degree view of the Great Himalayan Range to the East, Dhauladhar to the West, and Pir Panjal to the North. Descent along the ridge to the campsite.

Day 4: Trek to Base camp / Shangor (3800 m). 6-7 hours.
From Riyali follow the trek in the alpine forest until reaching a small stream, cross it and walk along the left side for few minutes. Continue stepping up where the tree line finishes, and you have a wonderful view of upper and lower Kullu valley. Overnight halt at Shangor camp.

Day 5: Trek to Kalihani pass (4830 m) – Dhanko thach (3800 m) 7-8 hours.
Climb steadily on a rocky path, along a snowy glacier climb the moderate slope to the foot of the pass. Then climb over the glacier is interesting. Finally, arrive at top of the Kalihani pass (4,640m). From here view the major peaks of Kullu and Lahoul valley. Crossing the pass, On the descent cross hazardous rivers in various ways: a stone bridge with rope handrail descent is over patches of ice, then follow the small stream which originates from the pass. Arrive at the campsite of Dhan ko Thach (thach-locally called meadows).

Day 6: Trek to Lamba Parao (3500 m). 6 hours.
From the camp follow the trail on the right side of Kalihani stream, easy waking but one has to walk over boulders and occasionally on snow and ice patches.

Day 7: Trek to Bara Bhangal (2550 m). 7 hours.
Right bank to Bara Bhangal village. Bara Bangahal is a mid-point of the trek, a village enclosed by the mountains. Gradual walking down in beautiful surroundings before Bara Bhangal cross a bridge over Ravi River. Lastly, arrive at the village. Bara Bhangal is a tribal village inhabited by GADDIS (Shepherds) who claim themselves to be the descendant of Alexander the Great.

Day 8: Rest, meet, explore Bara Bhangal.
Rest, meet, explore Bara Bhangal.

Day 9: Trek to Marh (3850 m) Base of Thamsar pass (4375 m). 6 hours.
Gentle climbing after crossing a bridge near Bara Bangahal. After 2 hours of walking through the forest, arrive at the beautiful meadows at the base of Thamsar pass. Camp near the stream.

Day 10: Trek to Thamsar pass (4730 m) – Panihartu (3500 m). 7-8 hours.
Not difficult but easy climbing through snow leads to the glacier. Thamsar pass at 4,700 meters with a panoramic view of the Dhauladhar range of the Himalayas. After descending 5 km arrive at Panihartu campsite.

Day 11: Trek to Rajgunda (2900 m) 6-7 hours.
From the camp follow the left bank of Uhl stream for an hour. Then walk through the forest and cross-bridge near Palachak Deota. Now follow the right side of Uhl, until you arrive at Rajgunda.

Day 12: Trek to Billing (2600 m) – Bir (1550 m) 5-6 km.
Gradual walking down through the forest, Billing is famous for international Hang-Gliding sports. 4 hours walking downwards by following a dry stream. Good view all around. Finally arrive at Bir Khas for an overnight halt. Bir is inhabited by a large number of Tibetan settlements in India, it has a beautiful monastery.

Day 13: Bir (1550 m) – Chandigarh / Delhi.
Early departure to Chandigarh /Delhi airport or railway station. Fly or train to home. End of our services.

REVIEW
“Manali Bir, brilliant trek, fantastic scenery, rough and smooth. The horseman were too really funny guys and very good. The guide was good. Excellent food, camping and great service, starting with the CHAI in bed at 7 am. Saw many GADDI shepherds and some interesting stone and tarpaulin huts, Interesting to go up high. The first pass and the thin air, two steps stop and get the breathing night, slowly-slowly and no problem. Bara-Bangahal was friendly and an untypical Hindu village in its location and building, days from any roads. I would thoroughly recommend the journey; it took us 12 days, including a day rest, Great journey. I would recommend anyone with tip top knees”.
Mr. Christopher – Harpenden – ENGLAND