Kalihani Pass Trek

Moderate Trek

Location: Himachal Pradesh
Altitude: 4725 mts/15498 ft
Best time to visit: Mid June to Early October
Duration: 12 Days

The gateway to Bara Bhangal from Manali, the Kalihani Pass at an elevation of about 4,800 meters is one of the least travelled destinations in India. Altough it was once an ancient route used by the local gaddi shepherds, the journey embarks upon tricky parley between snow bedded glaciers and moraines and hence trekking through Kalihani Pass requires prior technical skills. The Kalihani Pass trek divulges the hidden pastures within the Himachal Himalayan region and further it takes you to the upper Pir Panjal range that gives you excellent view of the peaks like Hanuman Tibba, Indrasan, Deo Tibba and several others. During the peak trekking season that stretches from May to September, the trail is further occupied with several patches of flowering plants and thus catching the attention of nature lovers. Nonetheless, the grotesque landscape having a fusion of mountain wilderness, alpine colours and remote villages enriches the journey. The trail allows you to tune in with the musical harmony of the Himalayan birds and feast your eyes on the spectacular silver horizon in parallel with the serene blue sky.

The Kalihani Pass trek, which is one of the moderate treks in Himachal Pradesh, commences from Manali, which is at an elevation of 2,050 meters. Manali is one of the popular hill stations in India and is a major escape for leisure travellers from all around the world. The journey from Manali heads to Lama Dugh at 3,017 meters and thereafter turns to Riyali Thach, which is at an elevation of 3,400 meters. The journey encounters several small gushing streams and passes through the evergreen forest, which is a home to several Himalayan animals and birds. Along with the natural harmony the trail continues up to the base of Kalihani Pass at an altitude of 4,010 meters and thereafter one has to undertake a strenuous and steep climb to Kalihani Pass. The trek downhill follows from Kalihani Pass to Rani Sui at 3,400 meters and thereafter winds to Bogi Thach at 3,000 meters. From Bogi Thach there is a steep descending to Panaga at 2,300 meters and thereby the journey wheels and leads to Manali.

Day 01: Arrive Delhi

On arrival met our representative and then transfer to hotel for overnight stay.

Day 02: Delhi - Manali

In the morning half day sightseeing and in the evening drive to Manali by AC Volvo coach. Overnight journey.

Day 03: Manali

Arrival at Manali by morning. On arrival transfer to hotel for relax. At leisure visit Hadimba Devi Temple, old Manali, Tibetan Monastery and the mall. Overnight stay in the hotel.

Day 04: Manali - Lama Dugh (3017 mts/9896 ft) 4 hrs

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 thick growth of alpine flowers.

Day 05: Lama Dugh - Riyali Thach (3400 mts/11152 ft) 3 hrs

The height gain on this day is approximately 1 km. The trek is through steep a ridge below Thanpri 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.

Day 06: Riyali Thach - Kalihani Pass Base (4010 mts/13153 ft)6 hrs

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.

Day 07: Kalihani Base - Kalihani Pass (4725 mts/15498 ft)- Base 8 hrs

Today will be a long day with a steep climb to the pass crossing a stretch of scree, a morraine 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 will bring you back to the camp.