Bara Bhangal Trek

From: ₹ 36,000

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Duration

10 Nights 11 Days

Cancellation

Up to 2 days

Group Size

13 people

Languages

English, Hindi

About this activity

The Bara Bhangal Trek is a distinguished and challenging high-altitude journey in the Indian Himalayas, specifically in the remote and rugged region of Himachal Pradesh. The Bara Bhangal trek takes adventurers through diverse environments, from dense, verdant forests and alpine meadows to barren, windswept high-altitude landscapes. One of the key highlights of the trek is the Bara Bhangal Pass, standing at around 5,000 meters, which poses a significant challenge due to its steep ascents and variable weather conditions.

The pass offers panoramic views of the snow-capped peaks and expansive valleys that characterize the region, rewarding trekkers with awe-inspiring scenery. The lengthy and secluded trek involves crossing a high-altitude passes: the Kalihani Pass and Thamsar Pass. After navigating this challenging passes, trekkers descend to the remote village of Bara Bhangal, which is at least a two-day walk from any form of civilization and remains isolated from the outside world for a significant portion of the year.

Throughout the journey, trekkers traverse through remote and often uninhabited areas, making it a less-traveled route compared to more popular treks. This isolation provides a unique opportunity to experience the pristine beauty of the Himalayas and the traditional lifestyle of the few mountain communities that dot the landscape. In essence, the Bara Bhangal Trek is not just a physical challenge but also an immersive experience into the heart of the Himalayas, offering both a test of endurance and a chance to witness some of the most spectacular and untouched natural beauty the region has to offer.

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Quick Facts:

Region: Manali, Himachal Pradesh
Start/ End Point of the Trek: Manali/ Billing-Dharamshala
Duration: 11D/10N
Bara Bhangal Trek Height: 4,875 meters
Bara Bhangal Trek Difficulty Level: Challenging
Bara Bhangal Trek Temperature: Day: (10°C to 15°C) and Night: (-5°C to 5°C)

Best Time to do Bara Bhangal Trek: June to September

How to Reach-

The Bara Bhangal Trek starts from Manali. To reach there, you can choose from any of the following transport options-

By Road-

The quickest and most economical way to get to Manali. Manali is accessible by road from several locations, including Delhi (540 km), Chandigarh (305 km), Dehradun (227 km), and Ambala (370 km).

By Train-

The closest railway station to Manali is Jogindernagar. Other train routes to Manali include those through Chandigarh and Ambala.

By Air-

The nearest airport is Bhuntar Airport, 10 km from Manali. Cabs and local buses are easily available from Bhuntar to Manali.

Highlights

Navigate the challenging Kalihani Pass and Thamsar Pass, offering breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding Himalayan peaks.
Experience the isolated and traditional lifestyle of Bara Bhangal village, which remains cut off from the outside world for much of the year.
Traverse diverse landscapes, including dense forests, alpine meadows, and dramatic mountain terrains, showcasing the untouched beauty of the Himalayas.
Follow the course of glacial rivers and streams, with opportunities to camp beside crystal-clear waters in serene settings.
Enjoy a true wilderness experience, far from the crowds and noise, offering a sense of solitude and connection with nature.

Included/Excluded

Accommodation during the Trek (Camping)
Meals while on Trek
All the required Permits.
First aid medical kits.
Triple/Double-sharing arrangements will be made for the sleeping tents.
Qualified and Experienced Guide and support staff.

An additional 5% GST is applicable.
Any sort of private expenses.
Extra food from mentioned above.
Unpredicted handling expenses as a result of weather disruption, landslides, and political upheaval.
Anything that is not mentioned in inclusions.

Itinerary

Arrive at Manali ISBT.
Take a drive to Sangchar.
Begin the trek from Sangchar with a continuous zig-zag trail.
Enjoy spectacular views of the Pir Panjal range, colorful flowers like Anemone and Geranium, and diverse landscapes including tall grass, thick bushes, and meadows.
Arrive at Jammu Paani, a serene clearing surrounded by oak trees and dense bushes.
Stay in tents, resting for the night.

Begin the day early due to the long trek ahead.
The trail takes you through Maheli Thatch, with dense oak forests on one side and open meadows on the other.
Enjoy breathtaking views of valley openings and snow-clad passes on the left side of the valley.
Experience a mix of ascents and descents across lush meadows.
Arrive at Pani Dhar, a picturesque meadow campsite.
Spend the night in tents at Pani Dhar.

Wake up, have breakfast, and get ready for the trek.
Cross a gateway of rocks, where a rocky mountain and a stream create a natural passage.
The trail leads to Riyali Thatch, a campsite surrounded by a lush mountain slope.
Arrive at Riyali Thatch, known for its vibrant display of colorful flowers.
Stay in tents, enjoying the serene beauty of Riyali Thatch.

Depart from Riyali Thatch and descend towards a snow bridge over a stream fed by the Kalihani glacier.
Climb a steep trail leading to a ridge.
Enjoy a mesmerizing walk along the ridge.
The ridge ends with a continuous zig-zag ascent toward the Saghor campsite.
Located at the base of Kalihani Pass, Saghor offers unobstructed views of the Pir Panjal range and snow-capped passes.
Spend the night acclimatizing at this altitude, preparing for the climb to Kalihani Pass.
Stay in tents at the campsite.

Begin the day by trekking through a moraine section.
Undertake a steep climb through scree, followed by another moraine crossing.
Reach the Kalihani Glacier and begin the challenging ascent to Kalihani Pass.
After crossing the pass, the trail descends and crosses another glacier.
Pass by four stunning alpine lakes as you continue the trek.
Walk along the Kalihani Nallah through a moraine field until you reach the campsite.
Stay in tents at the campsite, surrounded by the dramatic Himalayan landscape.

Start the day by crossing the Kalihani Nallah and descending into oak and birch forests.
The trail mostly levels out, with a few gentle ups and downs.
Cross several streams that feed into the main Kalihani Nallah.
End the day with a steep climb leading to the Dal Marhi campsite.
Rest in tents at Dal Marhi campsite.

Begin the day with a brief ascent, followed by a gradual descent along the Ravi River.
As the trail descends below the tree line, pass through forests of rhododendron, birch, and pine.
Reach the isolated village of Bara Bhangal, a remote settlement featuring a government school, a small hydel power project, a satellite phone, and fields of corn, rajma, and cannabis.
Bara Bhangal remains connected to civilization only by crossing the Thamsar or Kalihani Pass, or by navigating the treacherous Ravi River gorge.
Stay in tents, experiencing the solitude and charm of Bara Bhangal village.

Start the day by climbing towards the Thamsar Pass.
The trail winds through forests of pine, deodar, and birch, with mountain streams offering refreshing breaks along the way.
Arrive at the Mardh campsite, located near the base of the Thamsar Glacier, serving as the base camp for the upcoming pass crossing.
Camp overnight in tents at Mardh, surrounded by the serene beauty of the high-altitude environment.

Start the day with a challenging climb over moraine, scree, and glacier sections.
Pause at a small lake just below the Thamsar Pass to rest and take in the surroundings.
Reach the top of Thamsar Pass, where you’ll be rewarded with your first breathtaking view of the lush Kangra Valley.
Begin a steep and extended descent on the other side of the pass, leading down to the Plachak campsite, which is located well below the tree line.
Spend the night in tents at the Plachak campsite, reflecting on the most demanding day of the trek so far.

Enjoy a relatively easy day with flat and straightforward paths.
Traverse through pine forests, crossing numerous mountain streams.
As the valley widens, take in the spectacular views of the open Kangra Valley.
Reach the campsite located just after the small village of Rajgundha.
Camp overnight in tents, concluding a day of relaxed and scenic trekking.

Enjoy a relaxed day walking through pristine pine forests on a wide, straightforward track.
Continue along the pleasant forest trail, taking in the tranquil surroundings.
Reach the forest guest house at Billing, marking the end of the trek.
A vehicle will be available to transport you from Billing to Bir or Dharamshala.
Conclude your trek and begin your journey back to your chosen destination.

Frequently asked questions

The best time to undertake the Bara Bhangal trek is from June to September. This period offers the most favorable weather conditions for trekking.

The Bada Bhangal trek is generally considered to be a challenging trek. The difficulty level is influenced by several factors such as altitude, terrain, weather, and remoteness.

Himtrek does provide easy accessibility to almost all types of equipment required for the Bada Bhangal Trek on a rental basis with reasonable prices and extremely good quality. The equipment can be arranged on prior notice.

During the Bada Bhangal trek, temperatures can range from 10°C to 15°C during the day. Nights are much colder, with temperatures often plunging below freezing, temperatures can range from -5°C to 5°C.

The Bada Bhangal trek typically reaches its highest point at 4,875 meters above sea level. The total trek distance is approximately 80 km, excluding the driving distances.

Activity's Location

Himtrek's Camps and Hostel, Manali

From: ₹ 36,000

Bara Bhangal Trek

About this activity