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 the Kullu and Kangra valley of Himachal. To the north lie Lahoul 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.
BARA BHANGAL TREK OUTLINE ITINERARY
Day 1 - Manali (2040m) trek to Lamadugh (3050m), 5 hrs.
Day 2 - Trek to Khan Pari (4025m) – Riyali Thach (3300m), 6-7 hrs.
Day 3 - Trek to Base camp / Shangor (3800m). 6-7 hrs
Day 4 - Trek to Kalihani pass (4830m) - Dhanko thach (3800m) 7-8 hrs
Day 5 - Trek to Lamba Parao (3500m). 6 hrs
Day 6 - Trek to Bara Bhangal (2550m). 7 hrs
Day 7 - Trek to Marh (3850m) Base of Thamsar pass (4375m). 6 hrs
Day 8 - Trek to Thamsar pass (4730m) – Panihartu (3500m). 7-8 hrs
Day 9 - Trek to Rajgunda (2900m) 6-7 hrs
Day 10 - Trek to Billing (2600m) - Bir (1550m) 5-6 km. Trip ends
10 DAYS MANALI TO BIR - COST INCLUDES
· All ground transportation to & fro as per the itinerary.
· All camping facilities: Mess tent, camp chairs and table.
· Accommodation in quality 4 season tents, sleeping bags, foam mattress, trekking poles & safety gears.
· All meals during trek
· Qualified & trained mountain guide and experienced crew.
· Porters or mules for porterage of gear & duffel bags
· Camping fee, trekking permits and fee, park fee.
· Medical first kit includes medicine for high altitude sickness, mini oxygen bottles.
· Goods and services tax.
DETAILED TREK ITINERARY
Day 1 - Manali (2040m) to Lamadug (3050m), 5 hrs.
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 2 - Trek to Khan Pari (4025m) – Riyali Thach (3300m), 6-7 hrs.
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 3 - Trek to Base camp / Shangor (3800m). 6-7 hrs
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 4 - Trek to Kalihani pass (4830m) -Dhanko thach (3800m) 7-8 hrs
Climb steadily on a rocky path, along a snowy glacier climb the moderate slope to the foot of the pass. Then climb over glaciers is interesting. Finally, arrive at top of the Kalihani pass (4,640m). From here view around 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 5 - Trek to Lamba Parao (3500m). 6 hrs
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 6 - Trek to Bara Bhangal (2550m). 7 hrs
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 7 - Trek to Marh (3850m) Base of Thamsar pass (4375m). 6 hrs
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 8 - Trek to Thamsar pass (4730m) – Panihartu (3500m). 7-8 hrs
Not difficult but easy climbing through snow leads to the glacier. Thamsar passes at 4,700 meters with a panoramic view of the Dhauladhar range of the Himalayas. After descending 5 km arrive at Panihartu campsite.
Day 9 - Trek to Rajgunda (2900m) 6-7 hrs
From the camp follow the left bank of the Uhl stream for an hour. Then walk through forest and cross-bridge near Palachak Deota. Now follow the right side of Uhl, until you arrive at Rajgunda.
Day 10 - Trek to Billing (2600m) - Bir (1550m) 5-6 kms.
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 beautiful monasteries.
REVIEW of Bara- Bangahal Trek. Himachal India
"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 problam. Bara Bangahal was friendly and an untypical Hindu village in its location and building. Days from any roads. I would throughly 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
Setting off from near Hadimba we climb gently through thick forest of Cedar and Oak. Climbing up through the Manalsu River valley the gentle slopes and lush green meadows of Lamadug . Climbing up through the Manalsu valley the gentle slopes and lush green meadows of Lamadug appears. Beautiful campsite with wonderful view of surrounding. Keep your attention towards wildlife to see Monal, Fox and Bear.
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 Rhododendro, Birch pave on the way and wild flowers all around. Arriving at just below Khanpari we follow the trail which is going eastern top of mountain, by the afternoon arrive at dome of Khanpari to have spectacular 360 degree view of Great Himalayan Range to the East, Dhauladhar to the West and Pir Panjal to the North. Descent along the ridge to campsite.
From Riyali follow the trek in alpine forest until reaching a small stream, cross it and walk along the left side for few minutes. Continue stepping up where tree line finishes and you have a wonderful view of upper and lower Kullu valley. Overnight halt at Shangor camp
Climb steadily on a rocky path, along a snowy glacier climb moderate slope to the foot of the pass. Then climb over glacier is an interesting. Finally arrive at top of the Kalihani pass (4,640m). From here view around 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 originate from the pass. Arrive at the campsite of Dhan ko thach (thach-locally called meadows).
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
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 village. Bara Bhangal is a tribal village inhabited by GADDIS (Shepherds) who claim themselves to be the descendant of Alexander the Great.
Gentle climbing after crossing a bridge near Bara Bangahal. After 2 hours walking through the forest, arrive the beautiful meadows at the base of Thamsar pass. Camp near the stream.
Not difficult but easy climbing through snow leads to the glacier. Thamsar pass at 4,700 meters with panoramic view of Dhauladhar range of Himalayas. After descending 5 kms arrive at Panihartu campsite.
From the camp follow the left bank of Uhl stream for an hour. Then walk through forest and cross bridge near Palachak Deota. Now follow the right side of Uhl, untill you arrive at Rajgunda.
Gradual walking down through forest, Billing is the 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 overnight halt. Bir is inhabits by large number of Tibetan settlements in India, it has a beautiful monasteries
Cost includes
· All ground transportation to & fro as per the itinerary.
· All camping facilities: Mess tent, camp chairs and table.
· Accommodation in quality 4 season tents, sleeping bags, foam mattress, trekking poles & safety gears.
· All meals during trek
· Qualified & trained mountain guide and experienced crew.
· Porters or mules for porterage of gear & duffel bags
· Camping fee, trekking permits and fee, park fee.
· Medical first kit includes medicine for high altitude sickness, mini oxygen bottles.
· Goods and services tax.
Cost excludes
· Domestic flight. ( Delhi or Chandigarh airport transfer on request)
· Hotel in Manali. * (Booking of hotel on request) *
· Travel insurance.
· Soft or hard drinks.
· Equipment rentals (Can rent at Manali all trekking and mountaineering gear)
· Personal tip to staff: Guide, cook, helper, horseman, driver.
· Any unforeseen cost arises by natural hazards rain, snow, road block which cost extra lodging & boarding beyond trip Schedule.
"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 ...
Trip facts
Activity - Trekking & hiking
Region: Manali & Lahaul Spiti, Himachal
Difficulty level - Moderate
Max Altitude - 4270 meters
Max sleeping altitude - 3800 meters
Lowest trek altitude - 2050 meters
Trip Length - 13 days Delhi to Delhi
10 days Manali to Bir
10 days trekking
9 nights camping
Best time - June end to Oct end
