Bara Bhangal Trek

Bara Bhangal trek, is an alpine trek in Himachal Pradesh, which starts from Lama Dugh at 3,380 meters. Lama Dugh is about a 4 -5 hours drive from Manali. The trek from here leads to Rani Sui which is a steep climb and turns out to be one of the most difficult parts of the expedition. From Rani Sui the journey turns to Taintagiri Glacier at 4,917 meters and the trail follow the tricky glaciated path making it slippery and dangerous. The trail continues over the Manali Pass at 5,070 meters to finally reach the glacier. From Taintagiri the trail leads down to Phulan Got and onto Koari. From Koari, further trek downhill snaking through narrow ridges takes you to Bara Bhangal village at 2,582 meters. Then again the journey sees a steep ascend to Balu Got at 3,917 meters and crosses the Taintu Pass.

Thereafter the trek continues towards Beas Kund at 4,207 meters and thence heads down to Solang. The Bara Bhangal trekking tour from Solang ends at Manali.

Brief Itinerary:

• Day 1: Manali -Lamadug (4/5 Hrs Trek)
  

  A little higher up to 2,3 km from Manali is a temple of Hadimba Devi (goddess) with four tiered pagoda shaped roof and the front doorway carved with figures and symbols, the trek starts here. Gentle climbing through thick forest after Hadimba temple. 2 hours later on arrive at a place from where Indrasan (6,220m.) And Deo Tibba (6,001m.) peaks can be seen. Overnight camp near the stream.

• Day 2: Lamadung-Riyali Thach | 5/6 Hrs Trek
  

  Trek through steep ridge below Thanpari Tibba (4,000m) One can see the full view of Manali town and upper Kullu valley. Continue going upward arrive at Ranisui lake (small) and follow the trail which is going western top of mountain, by the afternoon arrive at the camping place of Riyali thach (thach means meadows called Locally.

• Day 3: Riyali – Shangor | 3,800 Mts - 5 Hrs Trek
  

  From Riyali follow the trek in alpine forest until reaching a small stream, cross it and walk along the left side for few minutes. Continue stepping up where tree line finishes and you have a wonderful view of upper and lower Kullu valley. Overnight halt at Shangor camp.

• Day 4: Shangor - Kalihani Pass (4,640 Mts.) - Dhanko Thach | 6 Hrs Trek
  

  Climb steadily on a rocky path, along a snowy glacier climb moderate slope to the foot of the pass. Then climb over glacier is an interesting. Finally arrive at top of the Kalihani pass (4,640m). From here view around the major peaks of Kullu and Lahoul valley. Crossing the pass, On the descent cross hazardous rivers in various ways: a stone bridge with rope handrail descent is over patches of ice, then follow the small stream which originate from the pass. Arrive at the campsite of Dhan ko thach.

• Day 5: Dhan Ko Thach – Lamba Parao (3,150 Mts.) | 5/6 Hrs Trek
  

  Gradual descent into the valley for 1 ½ hour. Cross Kalihani stream by bridge, then follow the track along with the stream. Camp by the stream.

• Day 6: Lamba Parao Suni (3,000 Mts.) | 5/6 Hrs Trek
  

  From the camp follow the trail on the right side of Kalihani stream, easy waking but one has to walk over boulders and occasionally on snow and ice patches.

• Day 7: Suni Parao - Bara Bhangal (2,540 Mts.) | 12 Kms - 5 Hrs Trek
  

  A good route again on right bank to Bara Bhangal village. Bara Bangahal is a mid-point of the trek, a village enclosed by the mountains. Gradual walking down in beautiful surroundings, before Bara Bangahal cross a bridge over Ravi River. Lastly arrive at village. Bara Bangahal is a tribal village inhabited by GADDIS (Shepherds) who claim themselves to be the descendant of Alexander the Great.

• Day 8: Bhangal - Marhi (3,850 Mts.) - Base of Thamsar Pass | 6.7 Hrs Trek
  

  Gentle climbing after crossing a bridge near Bara Bangahal. After 2 hours walking through the forest, arrive the beautiful meadows at the base of Thamsar pass. Camp near the stream.

• Day 9: Base Camp - Thamsar Pass (4,700 Mts.) – Panihartu (3,600 Mts.) | 14 Kms – 5/6 Hrs Trek

  Not difficult but easy climbing through snow leads to the glacier. Thamsar pass at 4,700 meters with panoramic view of Dhauladhar range of Himalayas. After descending 5 kms arrive at Panihartu campsite.

• Day 10: Panihartu – Rajgunda (2,850 Mts.) 16 Km - 6/7 Hrs Trek
  

  From the camp follow the left bank of Uhl stream for an hour. Then walk through forest and cross bridge near Palachak Deota. Now follow the right side of Uhl, untill you arrive at Rajgunda.

• Day 11: Rajgunda – Billing (2600 Mts.) – Bir (2,000 Mts.) | 15 Km - 5/6 Hrs Trek
  

  Gradual walking down through forest, Billing is the famous for international Hang Gliding sports. 4 hours walking downwards by following a dry stream. Good view all around. Finally arrive at Bir Khas. Bir is inhabits by large number of Tibetan settlements in India, it has a beautiful monasteries. Check in at Hotel. Trek End here.