Thamsar Pass Trek

Thamsar Pass is a perpendicular cliff in Ravi Valley. It is positioned between Bara Bhangal and Holi. This trek is something that should be carried out with good care. The trail to this captivating region crosses through green meadows and untainted villages. The trail offers trekkers to explore the life of Gaddi People, who are the natives of the valley. It is certainly one of the most delightful and picturesque treks in Dhauladhar Region. Major scenic destinations coming en route are Bharmour, Laakewali Mata, Holi, Lake Base Camp, etc. This 13 nights and 14 days itinerary takes the travelers to a comprehensive trekking tour of Thamsar Pass. It is a perfect tour for the travelers in the quest of getting soaked in nature's beauty in the midst of relaxing tranquillity.

Day 1: Delhi - Pathankot

In the evening catch AC train for Pathankot. Overnight train journey.

Day 2: Pathankot - Dalhousie (80 Kms by road)

On arrival at Pathankot meet our executive and drive to Dalhousie by road. On reaching Dalhousie, check into the hotel and in evening visit local sight seen of Small Hill station Dalhousie.

Day 3: Dalhousie - Kalatop - Khajiyar - Bharmour (110 Kms by Taxi)

After breakfast in the morning at the hotel in Dalhousie, we will move to the Kalatop wildlife sanctuary and then to Khajiyar. Enjoy the beauty of Mini Switzerland and take lunch. After Lunch, we will move to Bharmour via Chamba. On arrival in Bharmour, check into the hotel. In the evening, we will join the Aarti at Chaurasi temples. Later return back to the hotel in Bharmour for an overnight stay.

Day 4: Bharmour - Bharmani Mata Temple - Bharmour (6Km Trek for acclimatization Day)

Today, we will leave early in the morning after breakfast with packed lunch for trekking to Bharmani Temple. This temple is situated on the ridge and is 03 km trek from Bharmour. In the evening, return back to your hotel for an overnight stay.

Day 5: Bharmour - Holi - Laakewali Mata (51 kms By Taxi)

In the morning after breakfast, we will move to small village Holi by taxi a lead of 38 km. Holi is small and beautiful valley town situated on the bank of Ravi River. The town is famous for its delicious red royal and golden apples and for walnuts. Further, we will go through Kharamukh, Garola and stay at the bank of Ravi River at Choli Bridge for some rest and enjoyment. Thereafter, we will move ahead toward Holi. After reaching at Holi, we will visit small Bazaar of Holi. Then, we will move to Nayagram and Laakewali Mata which is 3 kms ahead from Nayagram. Lunch will be provided at Laakewali Mata temple. Spend the rest of the day for acclimatization and take pleasure of an overnight stay in the camp.

Day 6: Laakewali Mata - Dharadi(10 kms trek)

After breakfast in the morning, we will leave from Laakewali Mata to visit Dharadi which is a 10 Kms trek and is quite interested as road head ends at Laakewali Mata. From here, we will go downward for 500 Mtrs and will cross a small suspension bridge and then climb for 1 km. Thereafter, we will reach at small village Surie. Stay while at Surie then move ahead to Urna village. After crossing a small Nallah near Urna then trail goes to Khrudu through ropeway. Khrudu is the destination of joining place of the two paths one is via Bajol village and another is through we went. Rest for half an hour and taking lunch at Khrudu troop will move ahead through Garonda Village and after crossing the Nala by a log bridge locally called Trangdi the path climbs steeply for 1 Km over a spur to reach the remote village of Dharadi. Enjoy dinner followed by an overnight stay in the camp.

Day 7: Dharadi - Lake Base Camp (14 kms trek)

Today in the morning after breakfast, we will go ahead for trekking from Dharadi to Lake Camp which is a 14 Km walk. The trail onwards east crosses precipitous rock faces high above the north side of the Ravi river, many tricky sections that need special care. A short rope will prove handy while cliffs dominate this side of the Ravi River; the other (S) side is covered with thick forest. In 4 -5 hours the hamlet of Khanar Village is reached. Thereafter, follow a 2-3Km stretch. The path climbs steeply through wooded slopes to reach the crest of a spur where huge conifer trees are seen; a traditional resting place for travellers. It is now well-defined and leads down through the trees to a small lake surrounded by green slopes; this is a Gaddi shepherds' encampment, a soothing place after two days of tough trekking through this rocky defile. Though Bara Bhanghal is only about 7-8 Kms from here, it is advisable to have an overnight stay in the camp beside the lake.

Day 8: Lake Base Camp - Bara Bhanghal (10 km trek)

After breakfast in the morning, we will leave from Lake Base Camp to Bara Bhanghal, which is the most remote area of Kangra District. The 10 Kms trek to Bar Bhanghal from the lake Base Camp the path climbs for some time and heads over grassy meadows. Continuing North East along the Ravi River, an almost level walk ensues to Bara Bhanghal which comes into view after 8 Km. The old village is situated a little above the river while the newer one is seen on the right bank. Bara Bhanghal is a small valley lies in a bowl at the base of three high ranges, and many glacier torrents join near the village to form the Ravi River. Shepherds' trails wind upwards in all directions. Nikora Pass (4745m) crosses the Manimahesh North to Kugti in Budhil Valley; Asha Gali Pass (5033m) and Laluni Pass (5438m) cross the Bara Bhanghal North East to Tandi in Lauhal Valley. Two passes lead east to the Kullu Valley. The Dhauladhar can be crossed to Kangra Valley by Makori Pass (4605m), Gairu Jot (4664m) and Thamsar Pass (4624m). Take pleasure of a comfortable camping outside the new village along the Ravi River.

Day 9: Rest Day at Bara Bhanghal

The complete day is free to rest at Bara Bhanghal or visit both the village and enjoy the day.

Day 10: Bara Bhanghal - Marhu (9 km trek)

Today we will go from Bara Bhanghal to Marhu which is a 9 Km trek. We will start our journey early in the morning after breakfast. Thereafter, we will cross the river by a bridge about 200m upstream then turn south to cross the Thamsar Nala by a long bridge. The path climbs steadily over rocky ground along the left bank of the Nala, the slopes are the covered with tall conifer trees. After 5 Km, the path will re-cross Thamsar and continues climbing through ahead and meadows. In 2 Km, the path becomes level and slopes nearby are carpeted with deep green grass and wild spinach dotted with rock and boulders. Snow covered slopes and a V-shaped glaciated valley are seen in the background. A few Gaddi shepherds camp in this vicinity, an ideal campsite. An overnight stay in the camp.

Day 11: Marhu - Alyas Base Camp (7 km trek)

Today, we will leav e from Marhu to Alyas base Camp. Both sides of bases of any passes is known as Alyas, locally known as Lahesh. Marhu-Alyas of Thamsar Pass 7 Kms. This trek is adventurous and will take 5-6 hours over rocks and snow slopes. As the pass is a long way ahead and the ascent steep, it is better to camp further on, nearer to the pass. There is a traditional camp place about 8 Km from Marhu where a huge rock shelter is found. Up to late June the surroundings of this site are snow covered, but after the monsoons, between mid August and early October, the snows melt though the higher glacier remains. Enjoy an overnight stay in the camp.

Day 12: Alyas Base Camp - Thamsar Pass - Panarthu (20 km trek)

From Alyas Base camp, we will proceed for Panarthu Pass, which is totally depending upon the weather and physical condition of trekker. Generally our travelling guide will not take the risk or allow crossing the passes in bad weather conditions and will wait for clearing the sky. If sun shine, then after taking light breakfast and packed lunch start moving ahead very early in the morning around 5:00 am to ensure that the snow is frozen for easier walking and if fails to cross the pass before 12:00 - 1:00 pm otherwise will create big problem as heavy snow winds, rainfall even snow fall can be happen. So, early in the morning after light breakfast, we will move ahead for their adventurous and joyful day.

Alyas to Thamsar Pass to Panarthu is 20 Kms trek. It is roughly 10 Km, to the top of the Pass-Panarthu. At first the path goes down on to the glacier then up the latter gradually. In the early morning, frozen snow makes for better walking on a well trodden trace. The ascent between two parallel ridges becomes difficult as height is gained over snow slopes to enter an upper glacier. About 3 Km from the camp ground pass a glacial lake. Poor snow conditions higher up will make progress quite hard. Large rocks and boulders litter the top of the pass, and a cairn with many trinkets symbolizes the goddess of Thamsar Jot. Two small peaks, Lantern (5067 m) and Thamsar (5078 m) can be seen on either side of the pass. The South side is steeper than the North head down usually on soft snow and work across to a ridge on the right, with the glacier on the left. Descend the ridge steeply for about 3 Km to where the path crosses the glacier to its left and goes up to a huge rock shelter called Bharpal Got (4050 m). A halt can be made here for the night. From here a rocky path makes a steep descent for 3 Km to Panarthu; tea shops in a rock shelter and a campsite among the rocks. An overnight stay in the camp.

Day 13: Panarthu - Beed (26 km trek)

In the morning after breakfast, we will leave from Panarthu to Beed which is a 28 Km long section, mostly downwards. The path is well defined for 16 Km as far as Rajgundha, from where a local bus can be taken to Beed. The trail from Panarthu follows the left side of the glaciated valley and the glacier continue down for several Km. A comfortable walk in the narrow valley leads to Palachak in 8 Km; forest rest house and an eating shop. Uhl River originates from the glacier above Palachak. Cross the river immediately after this place, then the trail climbs to a ridge above the West side of the river to reach in 8 Km Rajgundha (2625 m), a sizeable village. From here, either take the bus or walk the last 14 Km of track down to Beed. Beed is also known as Beed Khas and famous for paragliding. Enjoy a night stay in camp at Beed.

Day 14: Beed - Dharamshala - Delhi

On the last day of our trekking tour, we will leave early in the morning and move ahead toward Dharamshala through taxi. We will stop to see at the Shiva temple Baijnath and Chamunda Temple at Daad. After a drive of 5 - 6 hrs, we will reach at Dharamshala last destination of the trek and enjoy an unforgettable lunch with the group. From here catch AC Volvo for Delhi by 17:00 hrs. Overnight journey. Arrival at Delhi by next morning.