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Bara Banghal Trek

  • The Caucasus Mountains are a mountain range at the intersection of Asia and Europe

Overview

The Bara Bhangal Trek is one of Himachal Pradesh’s most remote and challenging routes, traversing high-altitude trails, rugged terrain, and two major mountain passes—Kalihani and Thamsar. Designed for seasoned trekkers, this itinerary offers an immersive experience into the heart of the Dhauladhar and Pir Panjal ranges, connecting the lush Kullu Valley with the secluded Bara Bhangal village.

Beginning in Manali, the trail ascends gradually through evergreen forests and alpine meadows before crossing the Kalihani Pass (~4,800m), offering dramatic views of glaciated peaks. From here, the route descends into the remote valley of Bara Bhangal—a hidden Himalayan village inhabited by the Gaddi tribe, whose lifestyle remains untouched by mainstream tourism. The cultural and anthropological insights here are as rewarding as the natural beauty.

The journey continues with a second major ascent over Thamsar Pass (~4,700m), leading into the Kangra Valley and eventually concluding near Billing or Baijnath. With constantly shifting landscapes, glacial rivers, and high-altitude campsites, the trek is both physically demanding and spiritually enriching.

How to Reach 

Nearest Airport: Bhuntar Airport (IATA code KUU) is the closest airport, located 50 kilometers from Manali on NH21. Air India flies to the airport on a regular basis from New Delhi.

Helicopter taxi service: Manali is connected to Chandigarh, Kullu, and Dharamshala by a heli-taxi service provided by Pawan Hans, a government of India charter agency.

Nearest Railway Station: There are no rail stations in close proximity to Manali. Kiratpur Sahib is 268 kilometers away, Kalka is 275 kilometers away, and Chandigarh is 310 kilometers away.

By Road: From Delhi, Manali may be reached through Ambala, Chandigarh, Bilaspur, Mandi, and Kullu. The distance between Delhi and Manali is 570 kilometers. On this route, luxury buses, notably semi-sleeper Volvos, usually run overnight. On the Delhi-Manali route, HRTC Himachal Road Transport Corporation and private operators run daily Volvo buses. To get to Manali, one can take a taxi from Delhi.

Facts About Bara Banghal Trek

Region: Manali

Total Duration: 11 Days.

Altitude: 4,875 m | 15,900 ft.

Grade: Difficult

Temperature: – 10°C to 15°C

Best Time: mid-July to mid-Aug

Start/End: Manali/Billing

Tour Plan

Day 01 Arrival in Manali and Drive to Sangchar, Trek to Jammu Paani

* Trekkers will be picked from Manali

* Highlights: Rich flora, bird watching and views of Manalsu Valley

* After reaching Sangchar

* Trek to Jammu Paani

*Gradual ascend with beautiful alpine meadows and streams

* Overnight stay at Jammu Paani

Includes: Pickup, Taxi, Dinner and Stay.

Day 02 Jammu Paani to Pani Dhar

* After breakfast,

* Trek to Pani Dhar

*Panoramic views of Dhauladhar ranges

*Trek through scenic meadows and rhododendron forests

* Gradual ascend

* Overnight stay in Pani Dhar

Includes: Breakfast, Guide, packed lunch, Dinner and Stay.

Day 03 Pani Dhar to Riyali Thatch

* After breakfast, start a trek to Riyali Thatch

* Rocky patches and vegetation

* Riyali thatch is a vast grazing pasture used by Gaddi Shepherds

* Overnight stay in camps

Includes: Breakfast, Guide, packed lunch, Dinner and Stay.

Day 04 Riyali Thatch to Saghor – Kalihani Base (4000m)

* After breakfast, start a trek to Saghor

* Cross glacial streams

* Saghor is the last water point before Kalihani Pass

* Overnight stay in camps

Includes: Breakfast, Guide, packed lunch, Dinner and Stay.

Day 05 Kalihani Base to Dev ki Marhi (3850m) via Kalihani Pass (4725m)

* After breakfast, start a trek to Dev ki Marhi

* Stunning views of the Pir Panjal and Dhauladhar ranges

* Cross Kalihani Pass

* Enjoy stunning views

* Overnight stay in camps

Includes:
Breakfast, Guide, packed lunch, Dinner and Stay.

Day 06 Dev ki Marhi to Dal Marhi (3900m)

* After a healthy breakfast, start a trek to Dal Marhi

* Descend through alpine terrain and occasional snow patches

*Dal Marhi is another beautiful Shepherd’s grazing ground

* Overnight stay in scenic campsite with wide views

Includes:
Breakfast, Guide, packed lunch, Dinner and Stay.

Day 07 Dal Marhi to Bara Bhangal (2900m)

* After breakfast, start a descend through thick forests and river crossings

* Enter the remote Bara Bhangal village- one of the most isolated settlements in Himachal

* Local culture: Wooden houses, and traditional lifestyle

* Overnight stay in camps

Includes:
Breakfast, Guide, packed lunch, Dinner and Stay.

Day 08 Bara Bhangal to Mardh (3830m)

* After breakfast, Begin ascent toward Thamsar Pass

* Cross glacial streams, walk through mixed forest and rocky terrain

* Enjoy the views of towering Thamsar ridge

* Overnight stay in camps

Includes: Breakfast, Guide, packed lunch, Dinner and Stay.

Day 09 Mardh to Plachak (2721m) via Thamsar Pass

* Breakfast, Start a trek and cross Thamsar Pass which is higher and more exposed

* Steep Ascent on snow and scree; glacial lakes enroute

*Breathtaking views of Kangra Valley from the pass

*Views of Mount Deo Tibba, Mount Hanuman Tibba & Indrasan Peak

*Long descent to Plachak through rhododendron forests

* Overnight stay in camps

Includes:
Breakfast, Guide, packed lunch, Dinner and Stay.

Day 10 Plachak to Rajgundh (2440m) Trek to Billing (2400m)

* After breakfast, Start descent through oak and cedar forests

* Cross the scenic village of Rajgundha- charming wooden homes and terraced fields

* Ed trek at Billing, famous for Paragliding

* Option to do paragliding to Bir (On Your cost)

Includes: Breakfast, Guide, packed lunch, Dinner and Stay

Day 11 Reserve day

* Rest abd explore bir (optional) known for its cafes, monasteries, and Tibetan culture
*Reserved for the weather delays, extra acclimatization, or summit retry.

Includes:
Breakfast, Guide, Dinner and Stay

Included/Excluded

  • Accommodation as per the itinerary
  • Travel/Transfer/Transportation as per itinerary
  • All Meals while on the trek, healthy and nutritious meals (Starting from Day 1 Dinner to Day 11 Breakfast).
  • We Serve North Indian Veg Cuisine with Eggs
  • Morning & Evening Tea with Cookies.
  • Soup in the evening on trek.
  • Pick & Drop as per the itinerary.
  • Camping Equipment like Tents, Sleeping Bag, Mattress, Kitchen & Dining equipment etc.
  • Micro spikes and Gaiters if required
  • All required Forest, Camping, and Trekking Permits, as well as entry fees.
  • Basic First Aid Medical Kit with Oximeter and portable oxygen.
  • Mountain staff Local Guide, Cook, Helper, Mules/Porters to carry camping equipment & Grocery
  • Expert Trek Leader
  • Safety equipment
  • Full power Fun
  • Any Services not mentioned in the inclusions.
  • Any Insurance, Airfare/Train-fare/Volvo Ticket, cost of Hospitalization/Medical Expenses, Emergency Evacuation, Rescue charges, off-loading, porter, horses or mule charges etc.
  • Any personal expenses not included in the inclusions, such as tips mineral water, and snacks/meals.
  • Off-loading of personal luggage charges extra (Ask while booking), Forest trekking Fees.
  • Any expenses arising due to Bad Weather, Road Blockage, Strike, Lockdown, Bandh, Admin. Or Govt. Ban, Rain, Snowfall, Natural Calamity, Landslides, or any other reason beyond our control to be borne by Trekker/Tourist/Yatri on the spot.
  • Extra Days Accommodation/Lodging/Fooding/Taxi (Bad weather/Road block/buffer day/night halt not mentioned in the itinerary)
  • Participant health & emergency return
  • 5% GST payable on total amount

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