Bara Bhangal Trek

Trip Location: Manali

Pick-up Point: Mall Road Manali

Drop-off Point: Bir Bus Stand or Dharamshala Bus Stand

About the Bara Bhangal Trek:

Bara Bhangal trek will offer you the chance to explore the mighty Dhauladhar and Pir Panjal ranges and provide you the best opportunity to become familiar with the quaint and remote culture of the local dwelling in the villages in the valleys. You will traverse through Indrasan and Bara Shigri glacier. We trek through Lama Dugh crossing Thanpri Tibba, Base of Kalihani Pass, Devi ki Marhi, Dal Marhi, and finally the destination that is Bara Bhangal.

The first day of the eleven days will be taking you through the thick forests but offers you the distinct views of multiple peaks at the distance and the alpine plateau studded with thick growth of alpine flowers in the last leg. 360-degree views of Dhauladhar and Pir Panjal Ranges can be obtained from Kalihani.

The trails then go through the Ravi River and the wide deodar forest encircling it and Bara Bhangal is a large village in the valley with beautiful surroundings. From Bara Bhangal, the trails will go to Mardh crossing the big pass Thamsar and other unavoidable forests of birch and pine and also the untouched Thamsar glacier. The glimpses of Kangra Valley from the top of Thamsar will share some more energy to you to accomplish the mission of completing the trek with the utmost thrill.

About the Bara Bhangal:

Bara Bhangal Trek is limited to people experienced in traveling in the rugged backcountry and with the solid know-how of hiking and camping. One of the more challenging routes, it takes one from the lush green Kullu valley to the stark landscapes of Bara Bhangal range. But for the trouble taken, it is a very fruitful trek for the people who are looking for isolated and in-tune-with-nature routes.

As you reach the summit to witness the glorified visuals provided by the peaks will make you think that all the struggles were worth and they have been paid off well. Indrasan, Deo Tibba, Hanuman Tibba, and many more are the magnificent contributors of scenery you will see from the top of Bara Bhangal. The horizon at the farthest enriches the moments you spend here treating your eyes with multiple serene views.

Quick Facts About Bara Bhangal Trek:

Trekking Distance:  30km

Maximum Altitude: 16,070ft

Temperature: 4°C to 18°C

Bara Bhangal Difficulty Level: Difficult

Railway Station: Joginder Nagar Railway Station, 166 km from Manali is the nearest railway station

Airport: Bhuntar Airport, Kullu

Bara Bhangal Trek Itinerary

• Day 1 – Manali – Lama Dugh (3017m) Duration: 4 hours

  The Bara Bhangal Trek is into thick forests though there is no water point after departing from Manali. As you finish each steep climb, the distinct views of different faces of Indrasan, Deo Tibba, and peaks of Bara Shigri glacier come to you. In the last leg, the path turns to the right and you will be traversing through 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) Duration: 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, you will get the magnificent glimpses of Manali, situated on the left bank of River Beas and the whole upper Kullu valley with different hues particularly found in some seasons.

• Day 3 – Riyali Thach – Base of Kalihani Pass (4010m) Duration: 6 hours

  This day is a long day in your Bara Bhangal trekking. You will proceed over open meadows initially and then will be followed by a steep descent to a stream. Cross it and watch the path continues to a steep climb for about three hours till you arrive at the camp, at the base of the Kalihani Pass. Capture the views of Deo Tibba and Indrasan peaks from the campsite.

• Day 4 – Base of Kalihani – Devi ki Marhi (3850m) via Kalihani Pass (4725m) Duration: 8 hours

  Today will be a long and tough day with a steep climb to the pass crossing a stretch of scree, a moraine, and the Kalihani glacier. Spend some time 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) Duration: 6 hours

  Today, firstly, you will cross over the Kalihani Nullah and descends into the oak and birch forests. Most of path then is flat with few ups and downs. Wind up the day with crossing a steep climb before you arrive at the Dal Marhi campsite.

• Day 6 – Dal Marhi – Bara Bhangal (2882m) Duration: 6 hours

  Continue your trek by passing the beautiful Ravi river merging 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) Duration: 5 hours

  Resume your trek with a climb 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) Duration: 7 hours

  You are welcomed to another day filled with steep ascents over moraine, scree and glacier. The climb is broken by a small lake just below the pass. From the top of Thamsar, observe 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) Duration: 3 hours

  Now, you are rewarded with the easiest day of the trek which has the paths that are 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) Duration: 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, the end of the trek. A vehicle will pick you up at Billing and drop you to Bir or Dharamshala.

Things To Carry

• • Trekking shoes

• • Backpack (40-60 liters), Water proof

• • Two warm layers, Two trek pants, Two collared t-shirts, Thermals (Optional)

• • Sunglasses: Sunglasses are to prevent snow blindness.

• • Sun cap

• • Synthetic hand gloves: One pair woolen hand gloves. One pair of water/wind proof gloves

• • Balaclava: Woolen scarves instead as well

• • Socks (3 pairs): Two sports socks, A pair of woolen socks for the night.

• • Headlamp/Torch: Mandatory

• • Daypack (20 liters): If you are dumping your excess things in Manali

• • Toiletries (Sunscreen, moisturizer, light towel, lip balm, toilet paper, toothbrush, toothpaste)

• • Cutlery: Carry a spoon, coffee mug and a lunch box, for hygiene reasons

• • Two water bottles: 1 liter each
  • Plastic covers/Water proof covers to keep wet cloths separately and extra for when backpack is not 100% water proof

Advisory

• • Climatic conditions in the high altitudes vary from the plains; take adequate time to get acclimatized to high altitudes

• • Pay heed to the guidelines given by trek leader or instructor in order to enjoy a safe and sound trekking experience

• • Consumption of alcohol or any other intoxicating products are prohibited during this trek

• • Avoid trekking during the nights

• • Consult with a physician if you are fit to undertake the trek

• • Carry basic medications and a first-aid kit during the trek

• • The trek takes place through eco-friendly zone; do not encourage littering the local sites or campsites

• • What not included in the package are:

• • Any meals during transit

• • Personal Expenses
  • Cost Escalation due to unforeseen reason

Bara Bhangal Trek: Cancellation Policy

• • If cancellations are made 30 days before the start date of the trip, 25% of total tour cost will be charged as cancellation fees.

• • If cancellations are made 15-30 days before the start date of the trip, 50% of total tour cost will be charged as cancellation fees.

• • If cancellations are made within 0-15 days before the start date of the trip, 100% of total tour cost will be charged as cancellation fees.

• • In case of unforeseen weather conditions or government restrictions, certain trips or activities may get cancelled. In such cases operator will try their best to provide an alternate feasible. However a cash refund will not be applicable for the same.
  • Cancellations are strictly subjected to cancellation policies mentioned on the website & are irrespective of the date of booking.