BARA BHANGAL


This trek, also known as the Shepherds trail trek, is limited to people experienced in travel in rugged backcountry and with good know-how of hiking and camping. One of the more challenging routes, it takes one from the lush green Kullu valley to the stark landscapes of Bara Bhangal range. But for the trouble, it is a very fruitful trek that people looking for an isolated, in-tune-with-nature routes.

SEASON: July to Mid October

MAX. ALTITUDE: 4878m

NUMBER OF DAYS: 12 days

HIGH PASSES: Kalihani and Thamsar Passes

TREK GRADIENT: Challenging

Day 01: The participants arrive in Manali.

Day 02: Manali - Lama Dugh (3017m)
Duration: 4 hours

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 03: Lama Dugh - Riyali Thach (3400m)
Duration: 3 hours

The height gain on this day is approximately 1 km. The trek is through steep a ridge below Khand Pari 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 04: Riyali Thach - Base of Kalihani Pass (4010m)
Duration: 6 hours

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 05: Base of Kalihani - Devi ki Marhi (3850m) via Kalihani Pass (4725m)
Duration: 8 hours

Today will be a long, ardrous 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 rangees. A steep descent across another glacier and four beautiful glacial lakes will bring you to the camp at the gaddi campsite of Devi ki Marhi.

Day 06: Devi Ki Marhi - Dal Marhi (3900m)
Duration: 6 hours

The trail first crosses over the Kalihani Nullah and descends into the oak and birch forests. Most of path then is flat with few ups and downs. Just before the end of day though is a steep climb before you arrive at the Dal Marhi campsite.

Day 07: Dal Marhi - Bara Bhangal (2882m)
Duration: 6 hours

The trail now continues down the Ravi river into the deodar forest, to the only large village in the valley, Bara Bhangal.

Day 08: Rest day at Bara Bhangal

Explore village and surrounding areas. Bara Bhangal is isolated and seldom visited. Members of the Gaddi tribe inhabit it.

Day 09: Bara Bhangal - Mardh (3830m)
Duration: 5 hours

After a rest day, you will start climbing towards the next big pass, Thamsar. The trail winds up through pine, deodar and birch forests with mountain streams to break the monotony. The campsite at Mardh is near the base of the Thamsar glacier.

Day 10: Mardh - Plachak (2721m) via Thamsar Pass (4878m)
Duration: 7 hours

Another day of steep ascent over morraine, scree and glacier. The climb is broken by a small lake just below the pass. From on top of Thamsar, you will get your first glimpse of the lush Kangra valley. On the other side of the pass, it's a steep, long descent till you reach the campsite at Plachak, well below the tree line.

Day 11: Plachak - Rajgundha (2440m)
Duration: 3 hours

The easiest day of the trek so far. The path is flat and easy, passing through pine forests with many mountain streams. The valley widens and you get great views of the open Kangra valley. The campsite is just after the small village of Rajgundha.

Day 12: Rajgundha - Billing (2310m)
Duration: 4 hours

Another easy day of walking through pristine pine forests over an easy and wide track till you arrive at the forest guest house at Billing, the end of the trek. A vehicle will pick you up at Billing and drop you to Bir or Dharamshala.

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