Bara Bhangla trek

Day 1Manali - Lama Dugh (3017m/ 4hr)

The Bara Bhangal Trek climb is through thick forests but there is no water point after departing from Manali. As one gains height in this steep climb, the distinct views of different faces of Indrasan, Deo Tibba, and peaks of Bara Shigri glacier open up. In the last leg, the path turns to the right and one traverses the ridge horizontally and enters the campsite on an alpine plateau studded with a thick growth of alpine flowers.

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

Day 2Lama Dugh - Riyali Thach (3400m/ 3hr)

The height gained on this day is approximately 1 km. The trek is through a steep ridge below Thanpri Tibba (4000m). From this point, one can have a magnificent glimpse of Manali, situated on the left bank of River Beas, and the whole upper Kullu valley, which appears swathed in the different colors of the season.

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

Day 3Riyali Thach - Base of Kalihani Pass (4010m/ 6hr)

This day is a long day in your Bara Bhangal trekking. The trail proceeds over open meadows initially followed by a steep descent to a stream. Crossing it, the path continues in a steep climb for about three hours till you arrive at the camp, at the base of the Kalihani Pass. Make sure you catch the views of Deo Tibba and Indrasan peaks from the campsite.

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

Day 4Base of Kalihani - Devi ki Marhi (3850m) via Kalihani Pass (4725m/ 8hr)

The day will be a long, arduous day with a steep climb to the pass crossing a stretch of scree, a moraine, and the Kalihani glacier. Take time off at the pass to get a splendid 360-degree view of hanging glaciers, and 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.

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

Day 5Devi Ki Marhi - Dal Marhi (3900m/ 6hr)

The trail first crosses over the Kalihani Nullah and descends into the oak and birch forests. Most of the path then is flat with few ups and downs. Just before the end of the day, there is a steep climb before you arrive at the Dal Marhi campsite.

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

Day 6Dal Marhi - Bara Bhangal (2882m/ 6hr)

The trail now continues down the Ravi river into the deodar forest, to the only large village in the valley, Bara Bhangal.

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

Day 7Bara Bhangal

This day will be spent resting at Bara Bhangal. Explore the village and surrounding areas. Bara Bhangal is isolated and seldom visited. Members of the Gaddi tribe inhabit it.

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

Day 8Bara Bhangal - Mardh (3830m/ 5hr)

After a rest day, you will start climbing toward the next big pass, Thamsar. The trail winds up through pine, deodar, and birch forests with mountain streams to break the monotony. The campsite in Mardh is near the base of the Thamsar glacier.

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

Day 9Mardh - Plachak (2721m) via Thamsar Pass (4878m/ 7hr)

Another day of steep ascent over moraine, scree, and glacier. The climb is broken by a small lake just below the pass. From the top of Thamsar, you will get your first glimpse of 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.

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

Day 10Plachak - Rajgundha (2440m/ 3hr)

This day is the easiest day of the Bara Bhangal trek so far. The path is 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.

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

Day 11Rajgundha - Billing (2310m/ 4hr)

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 at Bir or Dharamshala."

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner