TREK TO BARA BHANGAL

Solang village is 30 – 45 min walk/climb one way from Iceland Hotel (Solang). The base of Mt. Patalsu is approx. at a height of 11,500 ft. and another 3 hrs from Solang village. Mt. Patalsu top is 4500m/14,765 ft. Dinner and overnight stay at hotel in Solang.

After breakfast we start the trek from Dungri a little ahead of the Hadimba Temple, Manali. Climb through the Deodar forest for 3 km 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. The gradient begins to become gentler as you reach the camp in an open glade. Lamadugh is a lovely meadow ringed by Maple, spruce and Oak while stands of Silver Birch are further up in the Hillside.

Dinner and overnight stay at camp in Lamadugh

Now the trail ascends, through the ridge below Tanpari Tibba. There are uninterrupted views north towards the Solang and Rohtang Valleys. The ascent is long, gradual and exhilarating, with views opening across to the Hampta Valley and Deo Tibba. After 4 – 5 hours you reach the highest of the ridge, from there the trail heads south across a series of verdant ridges. A long descent follows, reaching an intermediate valley and a prominent side of trail. From this point, a gradual traverse of 2 – 3 km leads from a small oak forest to the meadow known locally as Riyali. Dinner and overnight stay at camp in Riyali Thach.

The trail winds above the upper river course before gradually descending to the valley floor. After about 2 hrs, you cross a small stream and climb a series of grassy ridges and pass a number of shepherd encampments. There are fine views east towards the Chanderkhani Pass and the peaks of the Himalaya Range. Dinner and overnight stay at camp in base of Kalihani.

The landscape slowly begins to change as the meadows give way to rocky back ground with patches of snow. It is a steep, long pull up to the top of the pass. Across the broad glacier and down the moraine and the valley we camp by a stream. Dinner and overnight stay at camp in Dhanku Thach.

There is an option of trekking through the trail that leads down into the shepherd’s valley and following the stream after crossing the bridge takes us to our camp.

OR A long traverse on the ridge along the main stream with ups and downs. Include crossing of some small glacial streams. Dinner and overnight stay at camp in Lamba Parao.

A downhill traverse across loose rocks and boulders for 2 hrs. Then a climb for ½ hour, crossing a stream and further ½ hour of uphill walk. After this it is an easy walk to the camp in a lovely grass meadow. Dinner and overnight stay at camp in Dadh Marhi.

Similar terrain as the previous day, along the side of the hill looking out across the valley. Finally, a long and gradual descent leads to the village of Bara Bhangal. The trail takes you through a forest of silver birch, rhododendron and blue pine. The final 500 m to 600 m descent is steep and dusty. Dinner and overnight stay at camp in Bara Bhangal.

We spend the day at Bara Bhangal. Resting, walking around, enjoying the views and the rhododendron trees. Dinner and overnight stay at camp in Bara Bhangal.

Cross the bridge over the river flowing from the Kalihani pass and commence a steep 400m ascent. Continue for 3 km to a broad glacial valley before crossing to the right. There follows a gradual ascent across open meadows and steep slopes. Ascend the trail to the right of the waterfall before crossing the river to a series of meadows referred to as Madh. There are fine views of Mani Mahesh Kailash and the impressive Pir Panjal Range. Dinner and overnight stay at camp in Madh.

Today we walk further to the advance camp of Madh (Gaddi Camp), shorten the Thamsar pass distance. Crossing over the small glacier patch and moraine walk we reach the campsite which is in the beautiful valley. One can expect snowfall at this point. Dinner and overnight at the campsite

The trail gradually climbs up the valley, passing a prominent side valley and glacier to the east. After 3 to 4 km, we climb steep boulder fields to reach a glacial lake. The trail further winds up above a steep slope and leads to another glacial lake and to the base of the Pass. After crossing the snowfield one leads to a prominent ridgeline – the crest of the Dhaula Dhar Range and the Thamsar Pass. The initial steep descent from the pass reaches a large glacial lake. There follows a steep descent to the meadow at Panhartu. Dinner and overnight stay at camp in Panhartu.

The trail descends across a series of permanent snow bridges for 2km to 3km to reach a well-defined trail. The trail leads through a mixed forest of rhododendron, spruce and oak down to Palachak (2500m/8202 ft). At Palachak cross the metal Bridge and continue through the forest to reach the fields of corn, bean and potatoes near Raigundha. Dinner and overnight stay at camp in Raigundha.

From Raigundha, the trail continues on the true right of the Uhi valley through Spruce, Oak and Rhododendron forest. After 4-5 km, the trail heads around contours and Alpine ridges to Billing. A gradual downhill walk of 2 hours from Billing leads to Bir. We further drive to Palampur. Overnight stay at hotel in Palampur.

After breakfast transfer we leave for Kangra airport and retrace the drive through forests following the river out of the mountains.

End of arrangements …