Bara Bhangal Trek Overview

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.

Pick-up Point: Mall Road Manali

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

About the Bara Bhangal Trek:

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.

Select Package Options

explore the mighty Dhauladhar and Pir Panjal ranges and provide you the best opportunity 

Price Includes
  • Stay

    Accommodation during trek on twin/triple sharing (Camping)


  • Meals

    All veg meals while on trek


  • Activities

    Trekking

    Sightseeing

    Camping

More Details about Bara Bhangal Trek

Know Before You Go for Bara Bhangal Trek

  • Climatic conditions in the high altitudes vary from the plains; take adequate time to get acclimatized to high altitudes.
  • The management reserves all the right to modify the trek during any emergencies or natural calamities.
  • Consult a physician before undertaking the trek. Carry basic medications and a first-aid kit during the trek.
  • Pay heed to the trek guides and instructors in order to enjoy a safe and sound trek.
  • The trek takes place through an eco-friendly zone; do not encourage littering the local sites or campsites. Travelers littering may be fined.
  • Water is very precious, so conservation is appreciated.
  • Do not encourage trekking during the night unless it is a part of the itinerary and a guide is with you; this might lead to unforeseen mishaps.
  • Avoid using earphones during the trek; this might hinder your audibility.
  • Avoid using plastic bags and maintain the ecological balance of the destinations.
  • In case, the trek needs to be canceled, the authorities should be informed beforehand.
  • Guidelines issued by the State-Government are to be followed. Social distancing to be maintained. Frequent hand sanitization and use of masks is recommended.
  • Please provide a valid ID at the time of check-in.
  • Professional guide(s) are available to ensure high safety and more information and personal attention which are necessary to appreciate a trek.
  • The exact location will be shared with you post-booking.
  • Neat and clean vehicle for the journey with experienced drivers especially for hilly terrains available.
  • Camping is very basic in nature. One must not expect luxuries. Electricity may be available only at a few locations.
  • Mobile & laptop charging points may/may not be available on campsites at a common point.
  • Any personal expenses, items of personal nature, meals not mentioned, etc. will not be in part of the package.
  • Carry dry snacks/food from home (you will save a lot of money). Carry water bottles with you, so that you can refill.
  • Keep your luggage minimum; the more you carry, the more you hassle.
  • It is recommended to carry enough warm clothes and the right kind of shoes for the Bara Bhangal trek.
  • Children below the age of 7 years are not recommended for the Bara Bhangal trek

Things To Carry for Bara Bhangal Trek

  • Back pack (50-60l)
  • Water bottle
  • Fleece jackets and thermals
  • Hiking shoes
  • Warm clothes

Tour Difficulty for Bara Bhangal Trek

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