Bara Bangal Trekking Expedition 2021

The eleven days Bara Bhangal Trek commences from Manali where we traverse through vast meadows and glaciers. We start walking from Lama Dugh crossing Thanpri Tibba, glimpsing Manali on the run, just in time to reach our destination for the day-Riyali Thach. You spend the rest of the days trekking through various routes, glimpsing various beautiful sceneries and on the 7th day reach our destination of village Bara Bangal

Short Itinerary:

Day 1: Trek from Manali to Lama Dugh
Day 2: Trek from Lama Dugh to Riyali Thach
Day 3: Trek from Riyali Thach to Base of Kalihani Pass
Day 4: Trek from base of Kalihani to Devi ki Marhi
Day 5: Trek from Devi Ki Marhi to Dal Marhi
Day 6: Trek from Dal Marhi to Bara Bhangal
Day 7: Spend the day in Bara Bhangal.
Day 8: Climb from Bara Bhangal to Mardh
Day 9: Trek from Mardh to Plachak via Thamsar Pass
Day 10: Trek from Plachak to Rajgundha
Day 11: Walk from Rajgundha to Billing and drive to Dharamshala.

Long Itinerary:

Day 0: Delhi- Chandigarh – Manali  | 14 hours

Take the overnight bus to Manali and get down at Patlikulh bus station, 14-16 kms before Manali. You'll meet one of the trek team personnel there who will drive the group to the basecamp in Haripur. Unwind after the long drive. Later meet the team. Explore surroundings like the beautiful ‘Somvan’ by the river Beas, Naggar Castle, Roerich art Gallery etc. Back in time for relaxed evening over bonfire and early dinner to get up early in the morning. 

Day 1: Manali - Lama Dugh (3017m) | 4 hours

The Bara Bhangal Trek 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 leg, 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 2: Lama Dugh - Riyali Thach (3400m) | 3 hours

The height gained on this day is approximately 1 km. The trek is through a steep ridge below Thanpri 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 3: Riyali Thach - Base of Kalihani Pass (4010m) | 6 hours

This day is a long day in your Bara Bhangal trekking. 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 4: Base of Kalihani - Devi ki Marhi (3850m) via Kalihani Pass (4725m) | 8 hours

The day will be a long, arduous day with a steep climb to the pass crossing a stretch of scree, a moraine 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 ranges. 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 5: Devi Ki Marhi - Dal Marhi (3900m) | 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 there is a steep climb before you arrive at the Dal Marhi campsite.

Day 6: Dal Marhi - Bara Bhangal (2882m) | 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 7: Bara Bhangal

This day will be spent in resting at Bara Bhangal. Explore village and surrounding areas. Bara Bhangal is isolated and seldom visited. Members of the Gaddi tribe inhabit it.

Day 8: Bara Bhangal - Mardh (3830m) | 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 9: Mardh - Plachak (2721m) via Thamsar Pass (4878m) | 7 hours

Another day of steep ascent over moraine, scree and glacier. The climb is broken by a small lake just below the pass. From the 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 10: Plachak - Rajgundha (2440m) | 3 hours

This day is the easiest day of the Bara Bhangal 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 11: Rajgundha - Billing (2310m) | 4 hours

Another easy day of walking through the pristine pine forests over an easy and wide track till you arrive at the forest guest house at Billing. A vehicle will pick you up at Billing and drop you to Bir or Dharamshala." we part ways here to meet soon for our next adventure.