Bara Bhangal Trek

Day 01 :

Manali – Lamadugh (3436m, 4-5 hrs):

Start trek from Hadimba temple 2.5 km from Manali. The first day of the trek leads through cool forests of giant Cedar, Alder, and Oak. The trail ascends gently at first and after 2 hours walk, we reach the place where extensive views of Kullu valley appear and slowly fade into the distant as the first campsite in the lush green meadows of Lamadugh is reached. Beautiful views of the surrounding peaks dominate the scene ( one can see peaks like Inderason (6220m) and Deo Tibba (6001m). Overnight in tents at Lamadugh nearby the stream.

Day 02 :

Lamadugh – Rayali (5-6 hrs):

Now the trail ascends steeply through a steep ridge below Thanpari Tibba. On the way, there is a brilliant view of Manali town and upper Kullu valley. The climb takes us up a small lake called Ranisui. Continue following the trail and reach the camping place of Riyali thach (meadow) by afternoon. Overnight in tents.

Day 03 :

Rayali – Shangor (3800m, 4-5 hrs):

An uphill walk through lush green forests leads to a campsite at the base of Kali-hani pass. We camp where the tree line finishes and where we have mountain peaks of Kullu and Lahaul valley, presenting an unforgettable panorama. Overnight stay in tents.

Day 04 :

Shangor – Kali Hani Pass (4640m) - Dhan Ko Thach (6-7 hrs):

Today the landscape slowly begins to change, as forests and meadows give way to rocky back-drops with patches of snow. A steep climb through glacier and moraine leads to the Pass where we can view all major peaks of Kullu and Lahoul valley. Descent from the pass-through small patches of snow and ice along the stream which originates from the pas takes us to the campsite at Dhan ko Thach (meadow). Overnight in tents.

Day 05 :

Dhan Ko Thach – Lamba Parao (5-6 hrs):

Now the trail leads down into the shepherds' valley and following the stream after crossing the bridge takes us to our camping. Overnight in tents at Lamba Parao (3150 m).

Day 06 :

Lambaparao- Suni Parao (3000m, 12km, 4-5 hrs):

The trail passes through rocky terrain and later it is replaced by meadows. Overnight in tents.

Day 07 :

Suni Parao – Bara Bhangal (4-5 hrs):

It is a nice gradual downhill walk in the beautiful surroundings of the Bara Bhangal area. We reach the camping site just near the village of Bara Bhangal. The Bara Bhangal village is inhabited by Gaddis (Shepherds) and is supposed to be the Descendents of Alexander The Great. Overnight stay in tents.

Day 08 :

Bara Bhangal (Lay over day):

A remote and isolated village, it is accessible only for four to five months a year. The inhabitants are the legendary Himalayan Shepards – the Gaddis – who lead a nomadic life with their vast flocks of sheep into high mountain pastures once the snow melts and then return to their isolated existence in the village. We take a walk to the village to see their culture and to interact with them. It is an interesting experience to spend little time in this tribal village. By evening, we get back to the camp for a meal and overnight stay.

Day 09 :

Bara Bhangal- Marh (3850m.,6 hrs):

The base of Thamser pass: The trail now winds its way up after crossing the bridge of Bara Bhangal. Walkthrough forest takes us to the beautiful camping at the base of Thamser Pass. Overnight in tents nearby the stream.

Day 10 :

Marh – Thamser Pass (4700m) - Panihartu (3600m, 14km, 6-7 hrs):

An easy climb through snow leads to the glacier and then to Thamser pass at 4700m. It is beautiful with a panoramic view of peaks in Kangra, Lahoul, and Spiti valley as well as of Kullu valley. After descending about 5 km we arrive at the camping of Panihartu. Overnight in tents.

Day 11 :

Panihartu – Plachak (6 hrs):

Today the trail slowly emerges from the rocky terrain into the softer landscape of lakes, meadows, and forests. Numerous lakes dot the countryside interspersed by cascading waterfalls. A descent through a green wooded slope leads to the camping of Plachak (2424 m). Overnight in tents near the village.

Day 12 :

Plachak – Billing (6 hrs):

A pleasant walk through a leafy bridle path and tiny villages literally hanging on the shoulders of the hillsides, giving them a magical, surrealistic appearance. Ahead lies a tiny meadow of Billing (2424 m) which is a world-famous paragliding take-off site. Our car will meet you there to drive you to Dharmshala. On the way, extensive views of the lush green Kangra valley are the welcome site and soon the steep descent ends at the tiny Tibetan settlement of Bir, the land of the legendary Gaddis – the tough and weary Himalayan Shepherds. Travel to Dharamshala by car/jeep. Check-in the hotel for over night stay. Trek ends.

Driving Direction

From Delhi > to Manali, Himachal Pradesh  >
Take Hamilton Rd/Zorawar Singh Marg to NH44 in Kashmere Gate     4 min (850 m)
Follow NH44 to Banur Rd/Banur - Shambhu Rd/Jhansa-Tangori Rd in Mehmadpur     3 h 17 min (213 km)
Continue on Jhansa-Tangori Rd to Kharar      43 min (39.7 km)
Follow NH205 and NH154 to NH3 in Manali      7 h 25 min (290 km)