Bara Bhangal Trek
TrekBara Bhangal trek that puts you in awe of the Himalayas’ majesty. The trail connects Kangra and Kullu through an old Shepard trail the reason this trek is also known as shepherd trail. The trail begins in lush woods leads to alpine meadows and rises over high mountain passes before arriving in Kangra, the most picturesque valley in the Western Himalayas. Each day’s journey takes you across varied yet stunning scenery. It’s a different dimension, adorned by a broad range of high-elevation Himalayan Botany. This location is also notable for the Himalayan Brown Bear, Black Bear, and other Himalayan Wildlife such as snow leopard, Himalayan fox, Giant Indian Flying Squirrels, and more.
The Bara Bhangal trek begins in Manali and progressively ascends to the lovely green meadow of Lamadugh. The hike continues across the Moraine, with wonderful views of the Kullu and Lahaul mountain ranges, before climbing steeply to the top of The Kali Hani Pass. Descend the moraine to the stream’s bank. The path now descends to the valley level, following the Sunni River to the old village of Bara Bhangal. Bara Bhangal is a distant and secluded village populated by migratory Gaddhi tribes. After this, we hike through Thamsar Pass, from stony and glacial terrain to milder ground.
The final leg of the journey takes you through pastures, woodlands, and flowing waterfalls; eventually, little settlements appear, practically hanging on the shoulders of the mountainside, giving them a bizarre air. The hike concludes at Bir, a small Tibetan village with a monastery, after providing a wide vista of the Kangra Valley. From Bir, one may travel to Dharamsala or continue to Delhi.
Bara Bhangal Trek Details
- Area: Himachal Pradesh – Kullu Valley and Kangra Valley
- Altitude: Min: Manali 2100 Mts, Bir 1300 Mts) Max: Kalihani Pass (4800 Mts)
- Age: 16 years and above.
- Duration: 12 Days – 11 Nights
- Trek Grade:
Easy ModerateDifficult - Best Time: August – October
Note: Monsoon rains are quite intense between July and August. The trail is difficult to find in this area because of the dense vegetation.
Bara Bhangal Trek Route Details
- Day 01: Manali to Lamadugh 3100 Mts
- Day 02: Lamadugh to Riyali Thach 3414 Mts
- Day 03: Riyali Thach to Kalihani Pass base 4725 Mts
- Day 04: Cross over Kalihani Pass to Devi Ki Marhi 3800 Mts
- Day 05: Devi Ki Marhi to Gaddi Thach 3577 Mts
- Day 06: Gaddi Thach to Lambapad 3400 Mts
- Day 07: Lambapad to Sunni Valley Camp 3658 Mts
- Day 08: Sunni Valley Camp to Bara Bangal 2286 Mts
- Day 09: Bara Bangal to Mardh 3800 Mts
- Day 10: Mardh to Plachak over Thamsar Pass 4800 Mts
- Day 11: Plachak to Rajgundha 2400 Mts
- Day 12: Rajgunda to Bir 3 Hrs. From Bir drive to Dharamshala for 4 Hrs.
Cost: INR 80,000 / 1000$ USD
Including and Excluding
- Includes: Professional guide, permit, stay (hotel/guest house) in Manali and Bir, shared tent accommodation, all meals- Day 1 lunch to Day 12 lunch, safety- first aid kit.
- Excludes: Drive to Manali and from Bir, meals in Manali and Bir.
- Optional: Extra cost for a shared cab from Bir to Dharamshala, personal potter/mule for a day pack.
Packing List for Trekking
Bara Bhangal Trek Itinerary
Day 01: Manali to Lamadugh 3100 Mts
The walk begins with a pleasant forest of big deodar (cedar), alder, and oak. The path begins softly ascending through the Manalsu Valley, following the Manalsu Creek. Extensive vistas of the Kullu Valley arise and gradually fade into the distance as the gradient lowers, bringing you to the moderate slope of the first campground in the lush green meadows of Lamadugh. Beautiful vistas of the neighboring peaks open out from here.
Day 02: Lamadugh to Riyali Thach 3414 Mts
The route now begins to rise sharply through woods and grassland, with wild alpine flowers strewn around. On the route, bright Rhododendron and Birch bushes direct the way to the crest, with views of stunning peaks, following which a drop leads to the camping at Dohra Nallah.
Day 03: Riyali Thach to Kalihani Pass base 4725 Mts
A magnificent hike through luscious green trees to the campground at the base of the Kalihani Pass 4,725 m. The campground is located at a height of 4,023 m. The towering peaks of the Kullu and Lahaul valleys may be seen all together.
Day 04: Cross over Kalihani Pass to Devi Ki Marhi 3800 Mts
The environment gradually changes as trees and grasslands give way to mountainsides and spots of snow emerge. A relatively hard ascent over glacier debris and snow reaches the pass’s summit, where stunning views await. Following a brief pause, a descent via glacier and moraine takes to the campground on the shores of a glittering alpine creek.
Day 05: Devi Ki Marhi to Gaddi Thach 3577 Mts
The paths now descend into the Sunni River Valley and ascend to the buff above the river. Gaddi Thach is where the campsite is located.
Day 06: Gaddi Thach to Lambapad 3400 Mts
After leaving this beautiful campground, the trail goes across rocky hills before returning to meadows. The river flows through dramatic gorges and is bridged by a snow bridge. Trees begin to emerge, and soon the campground, which has an excess of dry wood close to a glistening stream, is reached.
Day 07: Lambapad to Sunni Valley Camp 3658 Mts
The path now drops to the river’s edge. The campground is located next to a stream, which contributes to the attractiveness of the surrounding scenery, which is one of the most spectacular in the Western Himalayas.
Day 08: Sunni Valley Camp / Bara Bhangal 2286 Mts
The route now descends to the valley floor, where a fairly flat walk leads to the camp immediately before the little historic settlement of Bara Bangal.
Day 09: Bara Bhangal to Mardh 3800 Mts
A gradual rise leads to the campground at Mardh, at the base of the Thamsar Pass, with the scenery changing considerably and the air becoming colder. The comforting warmth of a bonfire replaces the nighttime chill.
Day 10: Mardh to Plachak over Thamsar Pass 4800 Mts
A lengthy stroll today. The route gradually emerges from the stony terrain into a gentler scene of lakes, meadows, and woods. Numerous lakes dot the landscape, intermingled with tumbling waterfalls. A descent through lush forested hills leads to a modest tea store and, eventually, to the tiny settlement of Palchak. Camp close.
Day 11: Plachak to Rajgundha 2400 Mts
A beautiful day’s walk along a lush bridal road, and soon little settlements appear, apparently hanging on the shoulders of the hillsides. The camp is located near the little community of Billing.
Day 12: Rajgunda to Bir 3 Hrs. From Bir drive to Dharamshala for 4 Hrs.
Bir is reached by the bridal route. Panoramic vistas of the beautiful green Kangra Valley open out along the journey. Bir, a little Tibetan village, is reached after a hard slope. Drive from Bir to Dharamshala (3-4 Hrs.).
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