NOTE - Bara Bhangal is a challenging Backpacking trip which requires previous High Altitude Backpacking Experience. Please reach out to Odyssey Support Team before registering for this trip.
The Bara Bhanghal 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 Kalihani Nallah 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 Sangchar. Trek to Jammu Pani
Drive Distance: Approx. 25 km
Trek Distance: Approx. 6 km
The journey begins with a short drive from Manali to Sangchar village. The trek starts through dense pine and oak forests, gradually ascending alongside mountain streams and shepherd trails. The route leads to Jammu Pani, a scenic campsite surrounded by forests and alpine terrain.
Day 2
Jammu Pani to Pani Dhar
Trek Distance: Approx. 10 km
The trail climbs steadily above the tree line toward expansive alpine landscapes. The terrain becomes more rugged as the valley opens up, revealing views of surrounding ridgelines and snow-covered peaks. Camp is set at Pani Dhar amidst high-altitude meadows.
Day 3
Pani Dhar to Riyali Thach
Trek Distance: Approx. 9 km
Today’s route traverses rolling meadows and glacial valleys. Riyali Thach is one of the most picturesque campsites on the expedition, known for its vast grasslands and panoramic mountain views. Shepherds often use these meadows during the grazing season.
Day 4
Riyali Thach to Kaliheni Basecamp
Trek Distance: Approx. 7 km
The trail ascends toward the Kalihani region through rocky terrain and moraine sections. Snow patches may be encountered depending on the season. Shinghor serves as the basecamp before the high-altitude pass crossing.
Day 5
Kalihani Basecamp to Devi Ki Marhi via Kaliheni Pass
Trek Distance: Approx. 19 km
Highest Point: Kalihani Pass (~4,800 m)
This is one of the most challenging and rewarding days of the expedition. The route crosses the high-altitude Kalihani Pass, offering dramatic views of glaciers, rugged peaks, and distant valleys. After the pass crossing, the trail descends gradually toward the campsite at Devi ki Marhi.
Day 6
Devi ki Marhi to Dal Marhi
Trek Distance: Approx. 22 km
This is one of the most challenging and rewarding days of the expedition. The route crosses the high-altitude Kalihani Pass, offering dramatic views of glaciers, rugged peaks, and distant valleys. After the pass crossing, the trail descends gradually toward the campsite at Devi ki Marhi.
Day 7
Dal Marhi to Bara Bhanghal
Trek Distance: Approx. 18 km
The descent continues through alpine grazing grounds and remote valleys. Streams, glacial runoff, and vast open landscapes define the terrain. Dal Marhi provides a peaceful campsite amidst high Himalayan wilderness.
Day 8
Bara Bhangal to Marhi
Trek Distance: Approx. 16 km
Leaving the village behind, the trail begins ascending toward the Kangra side of the expedition. The route moves through remote grazing grounds and rugged mountain terrain before reaching Marhi campsite.
Day 9
Marhi to Plachak via Thamsar Pass
Trek Distance: Approx. 23 km
A long day through isolated valleys and shepherd trails. The route gradually approaches the Thamsar region while traversing dramatic Himalayan landscapes. Plachak is a scenic campsite located near streams and alpine meadows.
Day 10
Plachak to Rajgundha. Drive to Billing.
Trek Distance: Approx. 17 km
The final trekking day descends through forests and meadows toward Rajgundha village. Upon reaching the roadhead, participants drive toward Dharamshala or Palampur, marking the end of the expeditio
Day 11
Buffer Day
This day will be used in case the team wants additional rest during one of the days of the trail.
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
Inclusion
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