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T H E B A R A B A N G H A L T R
E K ( 1 4 D a y s )
 This
is shepherd country. Very rarely trekked this route has
some of the best mountain views you will ever find in the
Western Himalayas. Leaving Manali and crossing the Kaliheyni
and Thamser passes, this trek goes through the winter home
of the Gaddis- the nomadic shepherds of the high Himalayas.
Trekking through luxuriant forests of Cedar and Fir we finally
reach the small village of Bara Banghal. From here we turn
south and emerge into the lower Kangra Valley at Bir from
where we take surface transport back to Manali or turn east
to Dharamshala.
Day 1: Starting early we trek out of Manali and
climb up the western hillside towards the meadows of Lamadugh
through meadows and forests with the Manalsu stream flowing
down below. Camp overnight.
Day 2: The trail climbs steadily through thinning
forests and we get great views of the Pir Panjal range of
mountains. We reach our next campsite at Riyali, just above
the tree line by early evening.
Day 3: Today's walk involves a steep climb towards
the base of the Kaliheyni Pass. This pass is normally snow
clad around the year but it's relatively easy to walk across.
The trail is full of scree and moraine and walking can be
a bit tiring. Camp below the pass.
Day 4: Rest day at the base of the pass.
Day 5: We climb up towards the pass and crossing
over Kaliheyni Pass (4725 metres) we descend through meadows
to our streamside camp at Donku Thach.
Day 6: The walk is pleasant as we continue along
the valley with green meadows and wild flowers. We reach
our next camp at the small grassy patch of Lambapar.
Day 7: Today's walk again is an exceedingly pleasant
one with magnificent views of the towering mountains of
the Pir Panjal ranges. By afternoon our next camp is reached
at Dhalmarhi.
Day 8 : Leaving early our destination is the far
flung village of Bara Banghal. The walk is along grassy
hillsides and we reach this legendary shepherd's village
by afternoon. Camp outside the village near a stream.
Day 9: Rest day at the quaint village of Bara Banghal.
Day 10: Leaving the village we now head south across
the hills towards the base of the Thamser Pass. The walk
is pleasant and the climb can be a bit tiring but the beautiful
views make up for this. Camp at the base.
Day 11: A steep climb through forests and we reach
the top of the pass. Stopping awhile here to take in the
unforgettable views we cross over the Thamser Pass (4570
metres) and a steady descent takes us to Pannatu our next
campsite.
Day 12: Our walk is along a roaring river and through
thick forests to the tiny settlement of Palachak. Camp overnight.
Day 13: Passing several villages enroute we head
towards the small village of Billing in the district of
Kangra. Billing is also well known for its annual paragliding
and hang
Gliding competitions. We reach our campsite near the village
of Billing by evening.
Day 14: The walk leads downhill through lush green
forests to the Tibetan settlement of Bir, which is well
connected to Macleodgunj the capital of the Tibetan Government
in exile - our final destination. From here you can take
buses to either Manali or Delhi.
If you need more information please feel free to write
us at info@himalayakingdom.com
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