Bara Bhangal isn't just a hike—it’s a true Himalayan crossover expedition testing your grit from Kullu to Kangra.
10 Night & 11 Days · No roads, no network, no compromises—welcome to Bara Bhangal.
Trek Distance: ~7-8 km
Time Required: ~4-5 hours
The Journey: Your adventure begins near the historic Hadimba Devi Temple in Old Manali. Start trekking uphill through dense Himalayan forests, gradually leaving the town behind as you climb towards the beautiful alpine meadow of Lama Dugh.
The Trail: A steep climb through thick forests right from the start. Keep your water bottles full, as there are no water points after departing Manali.
Highlights: Splendid views of Indrasan, Deo Tibba, and Bara Shigri glacier peaks open up as you gain height. The day ends on an alpine plateau carpeted with flowers.
Meals: Packed lunch along the trail, evening tea with snacks and a freshly prepared dinner at camp.
Camp Stay: Overnight stay in alpine tents at Lama Dugh Meadow.
Trek Distance: ~6 km
Time Required: ~3-4 hours
The Journey: After breakfast, continue towards Riyali Thach, following a mountain trail that climbs along ridges beneath the slopes of Thanpri Tibba. The route features steep uphill sections and open grassy stretches, gradually taking you above the forest canopy.
Trail Type: You will gain about 1 km in altitude today, trekking along a steep ridge just below Thanpri Tibba (4,000m).
Highlights: Magnificent, bird's-eye views of Manali resting on the left bank of the Beas River and the vibrant upper Kullu valley.
Meals: Breakfast at camp, packed lunch along the trail, evening tea with snacks and dinner at the campsite.
Camp Stay: Overnight stay in alpine tents at Riyali Thach Meadow.
Trek Distance: ~9-10 km
Time Required: ~5-6 hours
The Journey: Begin the day with breakfast before heading towards the base camp of Kalihani Pass. The trail initially crosses open meadows before descending towards a mountain stream. After crossing the stream, prepare for a sustained uphill climb through rugged terrain towards the high-altitude campsite.
Trail Type: A long and demanding day. It starts with open meadows, drops steeply down to a mountain stream and finishes with a grueling 3-hour climb to the base camp.
Highlights: Stunning evening views of Deo Tibba and Indrasan straight from your campsite.
Meals: Breakfast at Riyali Thach, packed lunch on the trail, evening tea with snacks and a hot dinner at camp.
Camp Stay: Overnight stay in alpine tents at Kalihani Pass Base Camp.
Trek Distance: ~10-12 km
Time Required: ~7-9 hours
The Journey: Start early in the morning for one of the most demanding days of the expedition. Ascend through steep rocky slopes, loose scree, glacial moraine and possible snowfields towards Kalihani Pass. After reaching the pass, take in the breathtaking mountain panorama before beginning the long descent towards Devi Ki Marhi.
Trail Type: The most arduous day of the trek. You will face a steep ascent across scree, moraine and the massive Kalihani glacier to reach the summit, followed by a steep glacial descent.
Highlights: A breathtaking 360-degree panorama of hanging glaciers, the Pir Panjal and Dhauladhar ranges from the pass. You'll also pass four beautiful glacial lakes.
Meals: Early breakfast at camp, packed lunch along the route, evening tea with snacks and dinner at the campsite.
Camp Stay: Overnight stay in alpine tents at Devi Ki Marhi.
Trek Distance: ~9-10 km
Time Required: ~5-6 hours
The Journey: After breakfast, continue towards Dal Marhi, crossing the Kalihani Nallah and following a trail that gradually transitions from open mountain terrain into forested slopes. The route includes gentle undulations, stream crossings and a final uphill section before reaching the campsite.
Trail Type: After crossing the Kalihani Nallah, you'll drop into serene oak and birch forests. The trail is mostly flat with gentle waves, closing out with one final steep climb before camp.
Meals: Breakfast at camp, packed lunch along the trail, evening tea with snacks and dinner at Dal Marhi.
Camp Stay: Overnight stay in alpine tents at Dal Marhi Meadow.
Trek Distance: ~9-10 km
Time Required: ~5-7 hours
The Journey: Begin your descent towards Bara Bhangal, following mountain trails through forested slopes and along sections of the Ravi River valley. The route gradually loses altitude, passing through remote landscapes and rugged terrain before reaching the isolated settlement of Bara Bhangal.
Trail Type: A steady descent tracking the Ravi River down through deep, fragrant deodar forests.
Highlights: Arrival at Bara Bhangal, the legendary, isolated old village tucked deep inside the valley.
Meals: Breakfast at camp, packed lunch on the trail, evening tea with snacks and dinner at the village accommodation / campsite.
Camp Stay: Overnight stay in a local homestay / tents near Bara Bhangal.
Trek Distance: 0 km (Rest Day)
The Journey: Enjoy a well-deserved rest day after crossing Kalihani Pass and descending into Bara Bhangal. Take the morning at a relaxed pace, allowing your body to recover before the next challenging stage of the expedition.
Trail Type: None! Take a well-deserved break to let your muscles recover.
Highlights: Explore the isolated village and interact with the local Gaddi tribe who call this remote valley home.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, evening tea with snacks and dinner at the village accommodation / campsite.
Camp Stay: Overnight stay in a local homestay / campsite at Bara Bhangal.
Trek Distance: ~8-10 km
Time Required: ~5-7 hours
The Journey: After breakfast, leave Bara Bhangal and begin climbing towards Mardh, the campsite on the approach to Thamsar Pass. The trail gradually gains altitude through forested slopes, mountain streams and open meadows. As you climb higher, the terrain becomes more rugged and exposed.
Trail Type: The mountain climbing begins again as you head toward your second major pass. The trail winds upwards through pine, deodar and birch forests, punctuated by crisp mountain streams.
Highlights: Enjoy the dramatic scenery around the Thamsar mountain region and views of the surrounding high peaks.
Meals: Breakfast at the village, packed lunch along the trail, evening tea with snacks and a hot dinner at camp.
Camp Stay: Overnight stay in alpine tents at Mardh Meadow.
Trek Distance: ~14 km
Time Required: ~7-9 hours
The Journey: Start early for the second major pass crossing of the expedition. Ascend from Mardh through rocky slopes, moraine, screez and possible snowfields towards Thamsar Pass. After reaching the summit, begin the long and steep descent towards Plachak on the Kangra side of the mountain range.
Trail Type: Another intense day of steep climbing over moraine, scree and ice. Once over the pass, it is a long, knee-jarring descent down to the tree line.
Highlights: Pass a small, pristine lake right below the summit. Enjoy your very first glimpse of the lush, green Kangra Valley from the top of Thamsar.
Meals: Early breakfast at camp, packed lunch along the trail, energy snacks during the descent and dinner at Plachak.
Camp Stay: Overnight stay in alpine tents at Plachak Meadow.
Trek Distance: ~8-10 km
Time Required: ~3-5 hours
The Journey: After breakfast, begin the gradual descent from Plachak towards Rajgundha. The trail passes through open grasslands, pine forests and gentle mountain slopes, becoming easier as you move into the lower valley.
Trail Type: The easiest day of the journey. Enjoy a flat, relaxed path through pine forests and across gentle streams as the valley opens up widely.
Highlights: Gorgeous, wide-open views of the Kangra Valley, ending right past the small village of Rajgundha.
Meals: Breakfast at camp, packed lunch or a meal at the village, evening tea with snacks and dinner at the accommodation / campsite.
Camp Stay: Overnight stay in a local homestay, guesthouse or designated campsite near Rajgundha.
Trek Distance: ~8-10 km
Time Required: ~3-4 hours
The Journey: After breakfast, begin the final stretch of your expedition from Rajgundha towards Billing. Follow a well-established mountain trail through pine forests, open clearings and gentle slopes, gradually approaching the famous paragliding launch area at Billing.
Trail Type: A smooth, easy walk along a wide track through pristine pine forests to the final pickup point.
Highlights: Arrive at the Billing forest guest house where the trek officially wraps up. A vehicle will meet you here to drive you down to Bir.
Meals: Breakfast at the accommodation / campsite.
Transport: Pre-arranged vehicle from Billing to Bir.
⚠️ Important Note: The Bara Bhangal Trek is an extremely challenging, high-altitude alpine expedition (crossing Kalihani Pass at 4,800 m and Thamsar Pass at 4,800 m suited only for experienced mountaineers/trekkers. Once you enter the valley, there is no road access, no mobile connectivity and no quick bail-out or evacuation route for 10–11 days—meaning clients must be self-sufficient, highly fit and accompanied by certified technical guides.
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