TRIP FACTS
- Region: Kullu / Kangra Valley.
- Duration: 12 Days.
- Season: July to September.
- Grade: Moderately Challenging.
- Group Size : 15 Persons
- Maximum Altitude: 5000m.
- Passes: Kalihani Pass (4800m) & Thamsar Pass (5000m).
- Accommodations: 11 Nights In Camp.
- Activities: 10 Days Hiking / 1 Day Rest / 1 Day Drive.
- Meals: 11 Breakfasts / 12 Pack-Lunch / 11 Dinners.
- Trip Begin: Manali.
- Trip End: Bir - Billing / Manali.
INTRODUCTION
The Bara Bhangal trek is one of the most picturesque trek in Himachal. We cross into the Dhauladhar range of the Western Himalaya. Bara Bhangal is a village of Himalayan Shepherds well known as ‘Gaddis’. It is very isolated; as there is no road connection yet. The village itself is sheltered between two high passes (Thamsar, 5000m and Kalihani, 4800m pass) that one must cross to either enter or leave this beautiful village. Every day on this trek presents you with amazing landscapes. It also offers some the best camp sites can ever come across.
HOW TO REACH MANALI
- The nearest airport serving this beautiful hill station is situated at Bhuntar. Known as Kullu Manali Airport, it is at a distance of approximately 60 from Manali.
- The road instead since there are some spellbinding picturesque views en route to be enjoyed. The destination has a good connectivity by road with cities like Delhi, Ambala, Chandigarh and Shimla serving as pivotal points. A number of bus services including private services like the very comfortable Volvo ply frequently from Delhi to Manali.
- The closest railway station is Chandigarh (315 km) or Pathankot (290 km). You can make your travel bookings till either of these two cities and then take a prepaid bus or a cab till Manali.
- Panorama View Of Dhauladhar & Pir Panjal Range.
- Two High Mountain Pass & Many Glacier Tarns.
- Remote Trekking In Dhauladhar Range.
- Dense Forests & Alpine Meadows
- Encounter The Himalayan Brown Bears.
- Glaciers & Meandering Streams.
- Interaction with Himalayan Shepherds with Sheep’s.
- Explore The Life Of Isolated Village Habitats.
DAY 01 - MANALI (2050M) TO LAMADUGH (2920M) 4-5 HRS.
Climb through the Deodar forest to a rocky outcrop with a view of Manali. Just above this vantage point is a small meadow before a steep ascent through small pastures and conifer and oak forest. Lamadugh (2920m) is a lovely meadow ringed by Maple, Spruce and Oak while stands of Silver Birch are further up in the Hill-side.
Overnight in The Tent
Meal: Lunch + Dinner
DAY 02 - LAMADUGH TO RIYALI (3320M) 6-7 HRS.
Now the trail ascends, but not as steeply as yesterday, through ridge below Khanpari Tibba. There are uninterrupted views north towards the Solang and Rohtang Valleys. A long descent follows, reaching an intermediate valley and a prominent side trail. A gradual traverse leads from a small oak forest to the meadow known locally as Riyali.
Overnight in The Tent
Meal: Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner
DAY 03 - RIYALI TO KALI HANI BASE CAMP (SHANGOR 3700M) 5HRS.
The trail winds above the upper river course before gradually descending to the valley floor. There are fine views east towards the Chanderkhani Pass and the peaks of the Himalaya Range.
Overnight in The Tent
Meal: Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner
DAY 04 - BASE CAMP TO DHANKU THACH (3500M) VIA KALI HANI PASS (4800M) 8-9HRS.
A steep, long pull up to the Top of the Kali Hani pass, 4610m. At last stretch over loose rocks and dirty ice, you do feel the altitude. Rest at the shrine at the Top to catch your breath and look at the magnificent view.
Overnight in The Tent
Meal: Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner
DAY 05 - DHANKU THACH TO LAMBA PARAO (3150M) 4 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 The Tent
Meal: Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner
DAY 06 - LAMBA PARAO TO DADH MARHI (3550M) 5HRS.
Today includes a short walk across loose rocks, boulders and land slide area. There will be a little amount of climbing and we’ll have to cross a stream a few times. This is the Himalayas at their very best, underfoot gentle, green Alps, all around peaks and glaciers on a scale you will always remember.
Overnight in The Tent
Meal: Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner
DAY 07 - DADH MARHI TO BARA BANGAL (2350M) 7HRS.
Similar terrain to the previous day, along the side of the hill looking out across the valley. The trail takes in silver birch trees, rhododendrons and blue pine. Finally, a long and gradual descent leads to the village of Bara Bangal.
Overnight in The Tent
Meal: Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner
DAY 08 - EXPLORE AT BARA BANGAL (2350M).
It is a village of sheepherders. Some Gaddis, some BaraBangalis originally come from Kullu and Mandi. The village is spread over a number of kilometers and consists of 30-40 houses. Most of the inhabitants move away for the winters with their flocks and can only return when the passes re-open in May.
Overnight in The Tent
Meal: Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner
DAY 09 - BARA BANGAL TO MADH (3750M) 6-7HRS.
Cross the bridge over the river flowing from the Kali Hani Pass and commence a steep ascent. There are fine views of Mani Mahesh Kailash and the impressive Pir Panjal Range.
Overnight in The Tent
Meal: Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner
DAY 10 - MADH TO PANHARTU (3390M) VIA THAMSAR PASS (4380M) 7-8HRS.
The trail gradually climbs up the valley, passing a prominent side valley and glacier to the east. There are impressive views north to the Pir Panjal Range from the top of the pass. There follows a steep descent to the meadow at Panhartu (3390m).
Overnight in The Tent
Meal: Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner
DAY 11 - PANHARTU TO RAJGUNDHA (2400M) 7HRS.
The trail descends across a series of permanent snow bridges to reach a well-defined trail. The trail leads through a mixed forest of rhododendron, spruce and oak down to Palachak (2500m). Continue through the forest to the fields of Corns, Beans and Potatoes near Raj Gundha (2400m).
Overnight in The Tent
Meal: Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner
DAY 12 - RAJ GUNDHA TO BILLING/BIR TO MANALI (6HRS/7HRS).
From Raj Gundha, the drive continues on the true right of the Uhl Valley through Spruce, Oak and Rhododendron forest. The drive heads around contours and Alpine ridges to Billing and back to Manali.
Meal: Breakfast + Lunch
What is included in the tour
- The services of an educated Himalayan Yeti Adventure representative or escort / guide, well versed with native flora/fauna, topography & culture during the entire trek program.
- During the trek, all camping logistics and mules / porters/ to carry luggage. Participants will be required to carry only their day sacks with their daily essentials etc.
- Camping on twin sharing basis in 2-man tents, with foam mattresses, sleeping bags and kitchen tent, toilet tent etc.
- One Cook and camp helper/s with all necessary kitchen items, utensils etc.
- All transportation as per the itinerary, inclusive of transfers to the roadhead before the trek and transfer from the roadhead to Manali, after the conclusion of the trek.
- Boiled drinking water during the trek and warm water for personal ablutions in the morning.
- All meals during the trek program.
- Wildlife / environmental Permits and Levies, wherever required.
- All camping charges.
- Trek Briefing / debriefing & guides charges.
- Charges for following the global ‘Leave No Trace’ protocol.
- Insurance of the trekking staff
- Good medical / first aid kit with Oxygen Cylinders.
What is NOT included in the tour
- Any accidental, travel or medical insurance. It is advisable for the participants to get themselves comprehensively insured before the tour.
- Any expenses of a personal nature.
- Any and all evacuation charges (medical or otherwise), or hospitalization or physicians consultation charges. Your own insurance policy should also, ideally, cover this.
- . Insulated, waterproof boots are best. They have thick soles, rubber/leather uppers, and insulation.
- . Flip Flops/Crocs.
- . Wool or synthetic socks with wicking liners promote warm, dry feet. (this item is to be bought by the clients themselves)
- . Layer your clothing so it can be adjusted to your activity level and the weather. Avoid cotton.
- . Base layer: Synthetics and wool retain warmth even when wet. Wear long underwear (top and bottom) that wicks away moisture, insulates well, and dries quickly. Choose from microlight, lightweight, or midweight versions based on the temperature and your activity level. A zippered top lets you adjust body heat as you stop and go. (this item is to be bought by the clients themselves, easily available in Decathlon Stores)
- . Upper Insulating layer: Polyester fleece makes a good insulating mid-layer since it retains heat when wet and breathes as you exercise.
- . Outer layer: A waterproof, breathable shell jacket and pants keep you dry and fend off wind.
- . Down feather jacket: Can be used while relaxing or walking outside in the camp area.
- . Hat, Gloves, and Accessories: Keep your head and hands covered to prevent loss of body heat and to protect from sunburn.
- . A wool or synthetic hat, headband, or balaclava retains heat; a wide-brimmed hat or a ball cap can shade your eyes on sunny days.
- . Sunglasses and sunscreen will protect you from burning UV rays which are especially intense when reflected off of snow.
- . Cotton scarf: Good for dust and to protect neck from sunburn.
- . Water bottle and hydration bag.
- . Head lamp & spare batteries.
- . Camera dustproof cover and spare batteries and memory card; GoPro is just great.
- . Money belt or secure portion of bag.
- . Personal toiletries including lip cream, hand wash (alcohol-based), sunscreen, and towel.
- . Penknife, journal, sketch pad, playing cards, book, reading light, sewing kit, etc.
- . Small padlock for stored bag.
- . Trekking day bag up to 65 to 85 liters.
