The Bara Banghal Trek is a remote, alpine odyssey that connects the lush meadows of Kullu Valley with the subtropical pine forests of Kangra, by crossing over two towering Himalayan passes — Kalihani (4,800 m) and Thamsar (4,750 m). Along the way, it offers an unmatched immersion into wild terrain and one of the most cut-off inhabited villages in India: Bara Bhangal.
The trek begins from the lush forests above Manali, where trails snake through cedar and pine woods, crossing rivers fed by glacier melt. As you ascend to Kali Yani Nullah and then to Kalihani Pass, you’ll traverse moraine fields, alpine lakes, and snowfields with sweeping views of Deo Tibba, Indrasan, and the Pir Panjal range. The pass crossing is arduous but rewarding — a deep breath into high-altitude wilderness.
From here, the descent begins into the legendary village of Bara Bhangal, nestled deep in the folds of the Dhauladhar. This village has no road connectivity, no cell service, and is inhabited only during the warmer months. The Gaddi tribe who reside here are shepherds who migrate with their flocks and live with minimal dependence on the outside world. Their existence is a powerful testament to human resilience, living in a valley locked between glaciers and peaks.
After spending time in Bara Bhangal, the trek once again ascends toward Thamsar Pass, where the view shifts toward Kangra — lush, forested, and vibrant with a different cultural rhythm. The trail finally descends through remote meadows like Panihartu and Plachak, and into the verdant villages of Rajgundha and Billing, concluding the trek in Bir, a Tibetan-inspired paragliding town.
The trek is not just an alpine route — it’s an anthropological journey, a physical challenge, and a spiritual experience. You'll walk through the sacred terrain of two valleys, encounter no tourists for days, and feel the weight and wonder of isolation in a raw Himalayan corridor. This is one of the few remaining treks in India that takes you through inhabited regions where modernization hasn’t yet left its footprints.
For those seeking real wilderness, cultural depth, and long days in the mountains without distraction — this is the one.
Day 1
Drive from Manali to Lama Dugh (3,170 m)
Trek Distance: 7 km
Time Taken: 4–5 hrs
Elevation Gain: ~1,000 m
Start the trek from Dhungri, just above Manali, through dense forests of deodar and oak. The trail is steep but scenic, climbing above the Beas River Valley with stunning views of Manali town behind. After several hours, you reach Lama Dugh, a vast alpine meadow with wildflowers and surrounding snow peaks. It’s a peaceful setting that sets the tone for the journey. Expect a chilly evening and the first night in tents.
Day 2
Lama Dugh to Riyali Thach (3,450 m)
Trek Distance: 9 km
Time Taken: 5–6 hrs
Elevation Gain: 300 m
Today’s walk undulates through flower-laden meadows and birch-lined trails. The trail gradually opens up as the treeline recedes, with views of Deo Tibba and Hanuman Tibba ahead. You’ll cross small brooks and ridge spines before arriving at Riyali Thach, a broad grassland used by shepherds. Camp here under a canopy of stars, with marmots occasionally seen scurrying across the slopes.
Day 3
Riyali Thach to Kali Yani Base Camp (4,000 m)
Trek Distance: 8 km
Time Taken: 5–6 hrs
Elevation Gain: 550 m
You now enter the true high-alpine zone. The trail becomes steeper and the terrain more rugged. Expect boulders, glacial scree, and steep switchbacks. Camp is set up on a rocky outcrop beside a glacial stream. The night is cold and exposed. Acclimatization becomes critical from here onward.
Day 4
Kaliheni Base to Kalihani Pass (4,800 m), descend to Devi Ki Marhi
Trek Distance: 14 km
Time Taken: 8–9 hrs
Elevation Gain: 800 m ascent, 1,200 m descent
The most physically demanding day. The climb to Kalihani Pass takes 4–5 hours, cutting across ice fields and steep moraines. At the top, you’ll see panoramic views of the Pir Panjal, Bara Bhangal valley, and Lahoul ranges. The descent is long and technical, involving slippery sections and exposed terrain. Devi Ki Marhi is a small, flat grazing ground with basic campsites.
Day 5
Devi Ki Marhi to Bara Bhangal
Trek Distance: 10 km
Time Taken: 5 hrs
Elevation Loss: 800 m
An easy but fascinating walk through birch groves, cliffside paths, and shepherd trails. Soon, you enter Bara Bhangal, a hamlet of stone houses surrounded by hanging glaciers and cliffs. Spend the day interacting with villagers, visiting temples, and understanding life in one of the most remote communities in the Himalayas. Overnight in a local home or tented camp.
Day 6
Rest & Exploration Day at Bara Bhangal
Spend a day without movement — instead, absorb. Explore how the Gaddis herd, make food, survive winters. The architecture, oral histories, and resilience here are unforgettable. A necessary pause before the next pass crossing.
Day 7
Bara Bhangal to Marhi
Trek Distance: 10 km
Time Taken: 6 hrs
Elevation Gain: 800 m
Back on trail, you now climb gently toward Thamsar Pass, with the river to your left and the terrain becoming more alpine again. Camp at Marhi, a high-altitude pasture used by shepherds.
Day 8
Marhi to Panihartu via Thamsar Pass (4,750 m)
Trek Distance: 12 km
Time Taken: 7–8 hrs
Elevation Gain: 1,150 m ascent, 900 m descent
Another intense pass day. The ascent is over scree, snow, and glacier. Views of the Dhauladhar wall from Thamsar are immense. After the pass, descend into a wild, rarely-trodden valley to reach Panihartu.
Day 9
Panihartu to Rajgundha (2,600 m)
Trek Distance: 12 km
Time Taken: 5 hrs
Elevation Loss: 1,000 m
Forests return. The air warms. Villages emerge. Rajgundha is the first connected hamlet after 9 days. Sleep in homestays, eat local food, and reconnect with civilization.
Day 10
Rajgundha to Billing (2,400 m), Drive to Bir
Trek Distance: 8 km
Time Taken: 3 hrs trek + 1 hr drive
A short morning walk through pine woods takes you to Billing. From here, drive down to Bir, your endpoint. Optional paragliding or cultural experiences await.
You will reach Bir by 4pm on Day 10. Plan your travel to Shimla/Delhi post 8pm.
Fitness Requirement
- To be able to run for 60-90 mins in a session without breaks
- Able to hike 10 km/day with 10+ kg backpack
- Prior experience above 4,000 m essential
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