15 Days Bara Banghal Trek
Region India Himachal
Days 15
Max Alitude 4800m
Grade Difficult
Date: 23 Sep – 7 Oct 2023
Tour Code: IND-BB-15
One of the finest high altitude treks which connects Kullu and Dharamshala over absolutely stunning Shepherd’s trail. Nestled between two high passes lies this fairytale village called Bara Banghal, almost lying forgotten from the outside world.The inhabitants of this village are supposed to be the descendants of Alexander’s Army that passed through. The trek takes you to Kalihani Pass (4750m) from Manali, after which we reach this village and then one has to cross over Thamsar Pass(4375m) to come out at Bir near Dharamshala. This is the last of the Alpine treks, where roads have thankfully not been paved and progress!!
Itinerary in Brief
Day 01: Delhi to Manali
Day 02: Arrive Manali. Sightseeing & acclimatization walks
Day 03: Manali to Lamadugh (2930m) 4-5 hours
Day 04: Lamadugh to Riyali Thach (3320m) 6-7 hours
Day 05: Riyali Thach to Kalihani Base camp (3705m) 5 hours
Day 06: Base camp to Donku Thach (3800m) via Kalihani Pass (4750m) 9-10 hours
Day 07: Donku Thach to Lamapadh (3550m) 7 hours
Day 08: Lamapadh to Dal ki Marhi (3350m) 7 Hrs
Day 09: Dal ki Marhi to Bara Bhangal (2350m) 7 hours
Day 10: Rest Day at Bara Banghal
Day 11: Bara Banghal to Marhi (3750m) 6-7 hours
Day 12: Marhi to Panihartu (3600m) via Thamsar Pass (4800m) 7-8 Hours
Day 13: Panihartu to Rajgundha (2390m) – 7 Hours
Day 14: Rajgundha to Billing/Bir(5-6 Hours) & Drive to Dharamshala
Day 15: Arrive Delhi early in the morning
Day 01: Delhi to Manali
HP tourism runs overnight Volvo buses from Delhi to Manali. Board the bus from Himachal Bhavan around 7:00pm to arrive in Manali early in the morning.
Day 02: Arrive Manali
Arrive in Manali by 10am. You’ll be met by our guide who’ll transfer you to the Hotel. Post lunch, you can occupy yourself with local sightseeing. Explore the Mall road of Manali in the evening. In the months of May & June it’s busy with Indian tourists. Overnight Hotel in Manali.
Day 03: Manali to Lamadugh (2930m) 4-5 hours
We start the trek from Hadimba Temple, 2.5kms from Manali. The initial climb through dense Deodar forests is steep and soon we come to a clearing that affords us magnificent views of the town and some majestic peaks. Lamadugh is a beautiful alpine meadow and we set our camp here.
Day 04: Lamadugh to Riyali Thach (3320m) 6-7 hours
The trail ascends as we walk through the ridge below the Tanpari TIbba and there are beautiful views of the Solang and the Rohtang valleys.
Day 05: Riyali Thach to Kalihani Base camp (3705m) 5 hours
Long day today as the train ascends gradually through meadows as we reach a stream. We cross the stream and continue with our steep ascent to reach the base of the Kalihani Pass.
Day 06: Base camp to Donku Thach (3900m) via Kalihani Pass (4750m) – 9-10 Hours
Perhaps, the longest day of the trek and also the most rewarding. Its a long steep climb to the pass, as we negotiate scree and moraine. Once at the pass, there are panoramic views of the Pir Panjal and the Dhauladhar ranges. A steep descent brings us back to our campsite for the day at Shepherds camping grounds.
Day 07: Donku Thach to Lamapadh (3550m) 7 hours
We cross a stream and descend into oak and birch forests before a steep climb brings us to our campsite.
Day 08: Lamapadh to Dal ki Marhi (3350m) 7 Hrs
We again cross 2 rivers and after ascending and descending through the day we finally cross a river and climb upto a beautiful camp site.
Day 09: Dal ki Marhi to Bara Bhangal (2350m) – 7 Hours
We continue to descend, following the river Ravi into Deodar forest to arrive at Bara Banghal
Day 10: Rest Day
Bara Banghal is one of the most isolated villages in the Himalaya so we rest for the day and can closely observe how life in this beautiful secluded village is.
Day 11: Bara Banghal to Marhi (3750m) 6-7 hours
Today, we basically try and get as close to the base of our next pass, Thamsar pass. The Marhi campsite is close to the Thamsar glacier.
Day 12: Marhi to Panihartu (3600m) via Thamsar Pass (4800m) 7-8 Hours
Another steep climb to the pass, over scree and moraine. From the pass one gets views of the Kangra valley. From the top, its the usual long descent to the campsite.
Day 13: Panihartu to Rajgundha (2390m) – 7 Hours
Easy day today as we cross many streams through pine forests. The campsite is just ahead of the village Rajgundha.
Day 14: Raigundha to Billing/Bir (5-6 hours); Drive to Dharamshala.
Walk down to Bir, where the trek ends. Drive 2-3 hrs to Dharamshala and board the overnight VOLVO to Delhi or transfer to Pathankot to board the overnight train to Delhi.
Day 15: Arrive Delhi early in the morning
Notes:
Kindly note that we and the local guide reserve the rights to make decision, in your best interests or in the best interests of the group participating in the trek. In the event of cancellation of activity beyond our control such as adverse weather conditions and other similar conditions that compromises the safety of your group and the guide, no form of compensation will be given.
LAND Price per person in SGD: $ 2380
Tour Code: IND-BB-15
Price is subjected to changes without prior notice
Airfare SIN-Delhi-SIN: From S$ 450 including taxes
Supplement
1. Single Room in Manali & Dharamshala during the trip can be booked at an additional cost of $ 100.
2. Single Tent for all camping nights can be arranged at an additional cost of $ 200.
3. Personal Porter to carry your day-pack during the trek can be arranged at $ 340.
A deposit of S$ 1000 per person is required upon confirmation and the balance must be paid in full 30 days prior to the departure date. Non-payment by required date may result in the cancellation of your booking and subjected to cancellation charges.
LAND Price includes
- AC Volvo bus from New Delhi to Manali and later Dharamsala to New Delhi
- All transport by non-AC SUV cars.
- All accommodation on twin sharing basis in tents with foam sleeping pads for camping on the trek
- Twin Share accommodation on twin sharing basis at ‘A’ category hotel in Manali
- All meals from breakfast on Day 2 till lunch on Day 13.
- Professional guide fee, camping fee, sanctuary fee.
- Tents, mattress and all group camping gear.
- All trekking arrangements with India’s most experienced guiding team, camp staff, cook etc.
- Local Service tax & Clean India Cess
Price excludes
- All airfare & taxes
- Personal gears such as sleeping bag
- Expenses of a personal nature like laundry, phone calls, alcohol, beverages, cigarettes, camera fee
- Travel Insurance
- Any costs arising out of unforeseen circumstances such as bad weather, landslides, road conditions and any other circumstances beyond our control.
- Tips
- Visa and Visa application fees
Cancellation Terms
If it becomes necessary to cancel your trip, you must notify the office immediately in writing. The below terms would be applicable.
Flexible Bookings:
To factor in the extra-ordinary circumstances that we live in right now, we have amended our cancellation policy to allow customers to easily make changes to their plans if required and have the assurance that their money is protected.
If you notify us about the change in your travel plans at least 21 days before departure date, you can transfer your entire deposit to a different departure in India without any charge.
Cancellation:
Please note that the following charges will apply on cancellation:
• If you have paid us a deposit and cancel more than 30 days prior to departure,we will refund the entire amount received by us less service fees of SGD 80.
• If you have paid us a deposit and cancel more than 21 days prior to departure,we will hold the entire amount as a credit towards a future trip in India. You can also transfer it as a deposit for any other departure in India you might want to join at a later date.
• If you have paid in full and cancel 21 days or less prior to departure, we will charge a 50% cancellation fee and hold the remaining 50% as credit towards a future trip in India taken within 1 year from the date of cancellation.
• If the cancellation is due to you having COVID-19/ “flu-like symptoms”, supported by a medical certificate OR due to any travel restrictions imposed by the national or local government we will hold the entire amount paid by you as a credit for a future trip in India. Sometimes last-minute cancellations could attract cancellation fees for third-party arrangements like air, train, or bus tickets; hotels; permit fees, processing fee, etc. Such cancellation charges if any would be borne by the customers.
The tour price is quoted as a package. No partial refunds or credit will be given for services not used. We recommend that you obtain cancellation travel insurance upon booking. If you can replace your spot by getting someone else to take that seat cancellation charges would be waived completely.
Please note that these cancellation terms may be amended from time to time.