Himachal Pradesh is a paradise for trekking enthusiast and offers a virtual bonanza for them. The main trekking areas in Himachal are the Dhauladhar and Pir Panjal ranges, routes cover the passes between the Shimla region and the Kullu valley, there are numerous treks out of Kullu and select treks in the Trans- Himalayan regions of Kinnaur, Lahoul and Spiti. With well over two hundred defined trails, the variation in terrain is also enormous. Low scrub land and paths through paddy fields, give way to trails strewn with pine needles. Then come woods of oak and flowering rhododendron, which merge into forest of Himalayan Cedar- ‘Deodar’- and spruce. On most trails, small pastoral hamlets dot the way, cunningly hidden between the high passes which were once known only to migrant shepherds and dare all traders.

HIGHLIGHTS

Remote trekking in the secluded Dhauladhar range. Fully supported camping based trekking with 3 hearty meals per day on trek. Spectacular views of the Dhauladhar and Pir Panjal Ranges, High Altitude Himalayan Flora.

BARA BHANGAL TREK

The Bara Bangal trek is one of the most picturesque trek in Himachal. We cross into the Dhauladhar range of the Western Himalaya. Bara Bangal is a village of Himalayan Shepherds well known as ‘Gaddis’. It is very isolated; as there is no road connection yet. The village itself is sheltered between two high passes (Thamsar, 5000m and Kalihani, 4800m pass) that one must cross to either enter or leave this beautiful village. Every day on this trek presents you with amazing landscapes. It also offers some the best camp sites can ever come across.

ABOUT THIS TOUR

A Typical day

You will be woken up with a cup of tea brought to your tent at around 6:00 am followed by a small bowl of warm water for washing. Then, before breakfast, you will pack up all you gear. Pack your sleeping bag and mat into their respective stuff sack and ensure that your tent is free of rubbish and ready for the next camp. Your duffle bag will then be taken and tied up with other gear into the load, which will be packed on the waiting pack horses. Of course any help you offer when setting and breaking camp, when there are many tasks is always welcome.

We are usually on the trail by 7:30- 8:00am. We may have lunch en route or we can aim to be in camp. Once we have reached camp and the kitchen is set up, alight snacks is prepared, leaving us with the rest of the afternoon free to explore the nearby villages or undertake a side option. Dinner is served around 7:00 pm. Remember to bring your water bottle to the dining tent so it can be filled. Trekking evenings afford some of the best memories of your trek, whether it is sitting around talking, playing cards, chatting with the staff or joining in some singing and dancing with the local people, it is always a very special time.

INCLUDED:

· Meals: As mentioned in the itinerary

· Expert guide

· Support Staff: Cook, Helper

· Group Medical kit

· Gear Package for use during the trip including kit bag, sleeping bag, and mattress.

· Private transportation to start of trek and to Dharamsala at the end of trek from Billing.

· All park entrances and permits

· Mules to carry all personal and group baggage.

EXCLUDED:

· Aerated and alcoholic drinks on trek

· Meals not mentioned in the itinerary

· Items of personal nature such as phone calls, laundry etc.

· Tips

· Airport Transfers and Flight

· Travel Insurance

CLOTHING LIST FOR TREKKING IN INDIA

· Light weight walking boots

· Spare laces

· A pair of track shoes

· Warm jacket

· Woolen shirts ad thick sweaters

· Windproof/ waterproof trousers

· Thermal underwear

· A tracksuit

· 2 pair of loose fitting long shorts

· Light weight sleeved shirt

· A woolen hat, a pair of gloves

· Sun hat  and Sunscreen

· Torch or flashlight

·  Water bottle

· Spare sunglasses and prescription glasses or lens

· 1 pair of sandals, thick woolen socks and other personal equipments and accessories.

· If it is early and late season you can require a pair of gaiters to walk on the snow over the passes.

TRAVEL DATES & PRICES

ITINERARY SUMMARY

Day 1: Manali (2050m)- Lamadugh(2920m) 4-5 hrs

Day 2: Lamadugh to Riyali (3320m) 6-7hrs

Day 3: Riyali to Kali Hani Base Camp (Shangor 3700m) 5hrs

Day 4: Base camp to Dhanku Thach (3500m) via Kali Hani Pass (4800m)     8-9hrs

Day 5: Dhanku Thach to Lamba Parao (3150m) 4 hrs

Day 6: Lamba Parao to Dadh Marhi (3550m) 5 hrs

Day 7: Dadh Marhi to Bara Bangal (2350m) 7 hrs

Day 8: At Bara Bangal (2350m)

Day 9: Bara Bangal to Madh (3750m) 6-7 hrs

Day 10: Madh- Panhartu (3390m) via Thansar Pass (4380m) 7-8 hrs

Day 11: Panhartu to Rajgunda (2400m) 7 hrs

Day 12: Rajgunda to Billing (4-5 hrs)

DETAILED ITINERARY

DAY 1:  MANALI (2050M) TO LAMADUGH (2920M) 4-5 HRS

Climb through the Deodar forest to a rocky outcrop with a view of Manali. Just above this vantage point is a small meadow before a steep 400m ascent through small pastures and conifer and oak forest. Lamadugh (2920m) is a lovely meadow ringed by Maple, Spruce and Oak while stands of Silver Birch are further up in the Hill-side.

Meals: Lunch & Dinner

Accommodation: Camp

DAY 2:  LAMADUGH TO RIYALI (3320M) 6-7 HRS

Now the trail ascends, but not as steeply as yesterday, through ridge below Khanpari Tibba. There are uninterrupted views north towards the Solang and Rohtang Valleys. A long descent follows, reaching an intermediate valley and a prominent side trail. A gradual traverse leads from a small oak forest to the meadow known locally as Riyali.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner   

Accommodation: Camp

DAY 3:  RIYALI TO KALI HANI BASE CAMP (SHANGOR 3700M) 5HRS

The trail winds above the upper river course before gradually descending to the valley floor. There are fine views east towards the Chanderkhani Pass and the peaks of the Himalaya Range.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner   

Accommodation: Camp

DAY 4: BASE CAMP TO DHANKU THACH (3500M) VIA KALI HANI PASS (4800M) 8-9HRS

A steep, long pull up to the Top of the Kali Hani pass, 4610m. At last stretch over loose rocks and dirty ice, you do feel the altitude. Rest at the shrine at the Top to catch your breath and look at the magnificent view.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner   

Accommodation: Camp

DAY 5:  DHANKU THACH TO LAMBA PARAO (3150M) 4 HRS

Now the trail leads down into the shepherds’ valley and following the stream after crossing the bridge takes us to our camping.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner   

Accommodation: Camp

DAY 6: LAMBA PARAO TO DADH MARHI (3550M) 5HRS

Today includes a short walk across loose rocks, boulders and land slide area. There will be a little amount of climbing and we’ll have to cross a stream a few times. This is the Himalayas at their very best, underfoot gentle, green alps, all around peaks and glaciers on a scale you will always remember.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner   

Accommodation: Camp

DAY 7: DADH MARHI TO BARA BANGAL (2350M) 7HRS

Similar terrain to the previous day, along the side of the hill looking out across the valley. The trail takes in silver birch trees, rhododendrons and blue pine. Finally, a long and gradual descent leads to the village of Bara Bangal.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner   

Accommodation: Camp

DAY 8: AT BARA BANGAL (2350M)

It is a village of sheepherders. Some Gaddis, some Bangalis originally come from Kullu and Mandi. The village is spread over a number of kilometers and consists of 30-40 houses. Most of the inhabitants move away for the winters with their flocks and can only return when the passes re-open in May.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner   

Accommodation: Camp

DAY 9: BARA BANGAL TO MADH (3750M) 6-7HRS

Cross the bridge over the river flowing from the Kali Hani Pass and commence a steep ascent. There are fine views of Mani Mahesh Kailash and the impressive Pir Panjal Range.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner   

Accommodation: Camp

DAY 10: MADH TO PANHARTU (3390M) VIA THAMSAR PASS (4380M) 7-8HRS

The trail gradually climbs up the valley, passing a prominent side valley and glacier to the east. There are impressive views north to the Pir Panjal Range from the top of the pass. There follows a steep descent to the meadow at Panhartu (3390m).

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner   

Accommodation: Camp

DAY 11: PANHARTU TO RAJGUNDHA (2400M) 7HRS

The trail descends across a series of permanent snow bridges to reach a well-defined trail. The trail leads through a mixed forest of rhododendron, spruce and oak down to Palachak(2500m). Continue through the forest to the fields of Corns, Beans and Potatoes near Raj Gundha(2400m).

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner   

Accommodation: Camp

DAY 12: RAJ GUNDHA TO BILLING/BIR (4HRS/6HRS)

From Raj Gundha, the trail continues on the true right of the Uhl Valley through Spruce, Oak and Rhododendron forest. The trail heads around contours and Alpine ridges to Billing. Transport would be waiting here.

Meals: Breakfast & Lunch    

Accommodation: N/A

Accommodation: Hotel/Guest house/Camp

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