Bara Bhangal Trek

Tough Trek

Location: Himachal Pradesh
Duration: 12 Days
Best Time to visit: May to September

One of the most challenging treks in Himachal Pradesh, the Bara Bhangal trek stretches from an elevation of 2,050 meters to about 5,000 meters and negotiates through narrow, tricky and rocky paths which include dangerous moraines and thick glaciers. The journey takes you through different altitude levels at every hour and crosses several high altitude mountain passes. The steep and strenuous climb becomes worthy when one captures the magnificent view of peaks like Indrasan, Deo Tibba and Hanuman Tibba. Further, the evergreen valley is dotted with several alpine trees and shelters varied species of Himalayan birds and animals, lush green meadows that is crisscrossed by numerous small gushing streams. Also, the snow clad crest at the horizon that is parallel to the spotless blue sky enriches the journey and is a treat to the eyes of travellers. The Bara Bhangal Trek cuts through several hot water springs having medicinal value and further the rich alpine bed produces many medicinal plants and it simply attracts nature lovers from all over the world. The trek offers you to explore the Dhauladhar and Pir Panjal ranges also allow you to get acquainted with the quaint and remote culture of the inhabitants dwelling in these mountains.

The Bara Bhangal trek, which is an alpine trek in Himachal Pradesh, originates from Lama Dugh at 3,380 meters, which is about a 4 -5 hours of drive from Manali. The trek uphill from Lama Dugh leads to Rani Sui at 4,268 meters and hence one can expect a gradual and steep climb, which turns out to be one of the most difficult parts of the journey. From Rani Sui the journey turns to Taintagiri Glacier at 4,917 meters and the tracks thence follow the tricky glaciated tracks making it slippery and dangerous. The trail continues over the Manali Pass at 5,070 meters to reach the glacier. From Taintagiri the trail leads down to Phulan Got at 4,064 meters and thereafter winds to Koari. From Koari, further trek downhill snaking through narrow ridges takes you to Bara Bhangal village at 2,582meters. Then again the journey sees a steep ascend to Balu Got at 3,917 meters and crosses the Taintu Pass. You will often encounter the local Gaddi people and small shelters. Thereafter the trek continues towards Beas Kund at 4,207 meters and thence heads down to Solang. The Bara Bhangal trekking tour from Solang ends at Manali.

Being one of the longest trekking tours, which is approximately of 17 days, the Bara Bhangal trek is recommended for experienced trekkers having prior high altitude trekking experiences. The best time to hit the trekking tracks is during the months of May to September.

Day 1: Delhi - Manali (575 kilometre/13 to14 hours)

From Delhi catch the AC Volvo bus departing for Manali in the evening. It will be an overnight voyage.

Day 2: Arrive Manali

After reaching Manali Bus Stand our executive will receive you and from there get the transfer to check-in to a hotel. On this day you can relax at the hotel for some time and in the afternoon you can visit the Old Manu Rishi Temple, the prominent Hadimba Devi Temple, and then head back to your hotel. Later in the evening time, you can roam around the Mall Road. We will enjoy our night stay at the hotel.

Day 3: Manali - Lama Dugh (3017 Meters)

Today, after having wholesome breakfast, we will begin our trail and move forward to our destination Lama Dugh, it will be a voyage of approx. 4 hours. On the way, we will ascend all the way through dense forest. On the trail as, we step forward and gain altitude in the precipitous ascend, the, we can see the majestic views of the Deo Tibba, Indrasan, and the captivating peaks of Bara Shingri glacier. In the last phase of the trail, the path turns in the right direction and then we go across the ridge horizontally and afterwards soon, we enter the campsite location set up on an extensive alpine plateau adorned with the dense growth of the blossoming alpine flowers. We will enjoy and spend the night in the camp set up in peaceful surrounds.

Day 4: Lama Dugh - Riyali Thach (3400 Meters)

This morning after having healthy breakfast, we will depart from Lama Dugh and proceed to our next destination Riyali Thach, it will be a journey of around 3 hours. Today, the trek will pass through vertical ridge located below Khand Pari Tibba (4000 Meters). From this location, you get the opportunity to see and capture an awe-inspiring view of Manali, situated on the left side bank of Beas River and the entire upper Kullu valley that appears spectacular from the location and is a visual delight for the trekkers. We will be staying overnight in the camps set up in Riyali Thach.

Day 5: Riyali Thach - Base of Kalihani Pass (4010 Meters)

On this day, we will move ahead to the Base of Kalihani Pass, located at an altitude of 4010 meters. Initially, the trail will progress over the open meadows and then later it will be followed by a precipitous descent towards a stream. After we cross the stream, the trail continues in a precipitous ascend for about 3 hours till we reach the base of the Kalihani Pass where the camp is located. From the campsite location, you can glimpse and capture the fabulous views of the Indrasan peaks and the Deo Tibba in your camera. We will enjoy the overnight stay in the camp.

Day 6: Base of Kalihani - Devi ki Marhi (3850 Meters) through Kalihani Pass (4725 Meters)

Today, in the early morning after having healthy breakfast, we will start off our trekking to the Devi ki Marhi on the way passing through Kalihani Pass. It will be a long trip which will take about 8 hours. On this trekking trail, we will start with a vertical climb to the pass and cross an extensive stretch of scree, the moraine, and the spectacular Kalihani glacier. We will stop for some time to have some rest and explore the pass to get an impressive 360-degree view of the hanging glaciers, the Dhauladhar ranges and the Pir Panjal. Further, a vertical descent from another glacier and 4 stunning glacial lakes will lead you towards the camp located at the Gaddi campsite of the Devi ki Marhi. We will enjoy the overnight stay at the camp set up in Devi ki Marhi.

Day 7: Devi Ki Marhi - Dal Marhi (3900 Meters)

Today after having wholesome breakfast in the morning, we will leave from Devi ki Marhi to our next destination Dal Marhi, it will be a voyage of approx. 6 hours. At first, the transverse from the Kalihani Nullah and then descends towards the dense birch and the oak forest. After that, most part of the trail is even with a few ascends and descends on the way. In the end of the day, you will pass through a vertical climb before you reach the campsite located at the Dal Marhi. Take pleasure of the magnificent surrounds and enjoy the exclusive overnight stay in the camp.

Day 8: Dal Marhi - Bara Bhangal (2882 Meters)

This morning, after wholesome breakfast, we will move ahead to visit Bara Bhangal, it will be again a trip of approx. 6 hours. The trail from here continues downwards to the River Ravi into the dense deodar forest, towards the one and only big village located in the valley, of Bara Bhangal. We will enjoy the overnight stay in the camp/tents set up in Bara Bhangal.

Day 9: Bara Bhangal - Marhi (3830 Meters)

On this day, we will start the trail climbing in the direction of the next gigantic pass, Thamsar. The trail to reach the destination will take around 5 hours and winds up all the way through verdant deodar, pine, and birch forests with several mountain torrents to on the way break the monotony of the trail. The campsite is situated at Marhi which is close to the base of the Thamsar glacier. We will enjoy the overnight stay in the camp set up at Marhi.

Day 10: Marhi - Plachak (2721m) through Thamsar Pass (4878 Meters)

Today, in the early morning after having the breakfast, we will move ahead for another trail with a precipitous ascent passing over the scree, moraine, and glacier. The ascend is broken down by a tiny lake located just underneath the pass. After reaching the pinnacle of the Thamsar Pass, we will get the very first glance of the fabulous Kangra valley. From the other side of the pass, it is again a vertical, elongated tumble down till we reach our campsite located at Plachak. We will enjoy the overnight stay in the camp.

Day 11: Plachak - Billing (2310 Meters) - Dharamshala - Delhi

After wholesome breakfast in the morning, we will at first advance towards Rajgundha and then in the direction of Billing. So far, this will be one of the easiest days of the trek in the entire trail. The pathway is mostly even in which we will pass through the dense pine forests with several mountain torrents on the way. After continuing the journey for some time the valley widens up and you get to see spectacular views of the entire Kangra valley. From here a vehicle will pick up you from Billing and take you to Dharamshala. After reaching Dharamshala board the AC Volvo coach departing for Delhi at 16:30PM. It will be an overnight trip.