About Bara Bhangal Trek
Bara Bhangal is a remote village that is situated 15 km from Thamsar Pass in Kangra district. You can only do this trek in Summer because the trek remains closed during winters due to heavy snowfall and the trek route gets blocked by snow.
Bara Bhangal trek is also known as the Shepherds trail trek that takes you over Kaliheni and Thamsar passes and is a traverse from the popular tourist town of Manali to Bir which is the Himalayan Paragliding hub. It is one of the most challenging treks in Himachal that takes you from the lush green Kullu valley to the stark landscapes of the Bara Bhangal range. It is a very fruitful trek for those trekkers who are looking for isolated and in-tune-with-nature routes.
Average Cost for Bada Bhangl Trek
The cost per person ranges from Rs 50,000 to Rs 85,000 as per number of person in the group and services included in the trekking tour package.
Best time to visit Bara Bhangal Trek
The best time to do this trek is in the pre-monsoon month of June or in the post-monsoon months of mid-September and October. This trek is closed in winters because the place witnessed heavy snowfall and the trekking route gets blocked by snow. We suggest you avoid trekking here in the monsoon because the place witnesses heavy rainfall.
Short itinerary for Bara Bhangal Trek
Day 1: Manali – Lamadugh
Arrive at Manali, start your trek to Lamadugh. This trek takes you through thick forest and you get distinct views of different faces of Indrasan, Deo Tibba and peaks of Bara Shigri glacier. Dinner and overnight stay at Lama Dugh.
Day 2: Lamadugh – Riyali Thach
After breakfast, start your trek to Riyali Thach. The trek is through steep a ridge below Khand Pari Tibba. You can witness a magnificent glimpse of Manali on the left bank of River Beas and the whole upper Kullu valley. Dinner and overnight stay at Riyali Thach.
Day 3: Riyali Thach – Kalihani Base
After breakfast, start trek to Kalihani Base. The trail proceeds over open meadows initially followed by a steep descent to a stream. Make sure you catch the views of Deo Tibba and Indrasan peaks from the campsite. Dinner and overnight stay at Kalihani Base.
Day 4: Kalihani Base – Kalihani Top – Devi Ki Marhi
After breakfast, start trekking to Kalihani Top. After reaching Kalihani top enjoy the 360 degree view of hanging glaciers which are Pir Panjal and Dhauladhar Ranges. Then start trekking to Devi Ki Marhi.
Day 5: Devi Ki Marhi – Jal Marhi
After breakfast, Start trekking to Jal Marhi. The trail first crosses over the Kalihani Nullah and descends into the oak and birch forests. Dinner and overnight stay at Jal Marhi.
Day 6: Jal Marhi – Bara Bhangal
After breakfast, start trekking to the main attraction of this trek that is Bara Bhangal Trek. Dinner and overnight stay at Bara Bhangal.
Day 7: Bara Bhangal
You will spend a day at the Bara Bhangal village, meeting the locals and exploring this village stuck in time.
Day 8: Bara Bhangal – Mardh
After breakfast, start your trek to Mardh. The trail takes you through pine, deodar and birch forests with mountain streams to break the monotony. Dinner and overnight stay at Mardh.
Day 9: Mardh – Palachak
After breakfast, Start trek to Palachak. The climb is broken by a small lake just below the pass. From on top of Thamsar, you will get your first glimpse of the lush Kangra valley. On the other side of the pass, it’s a steep, long descent till you reach the campsite at Plachak. Dinner and overnight stay at Palachak.
Day 10: Palachak – Dharamshala
After breakfast, start your drive to Dharamshala.
Another Route: Bara Bangal Trek from Bir Billing
Bara Bangal Trek can also be done from Bir Billing to Manali. You can check the following trekking route if you want to start the trek from Bir Billing.
Day 1: Bir - Billing - Rajgunda (2640 Mts), Trek - 13 Kms
Day 2: Rajgunda to Plachak (2920 Mts), Trek - 9 Kms
Day 3: Plachak to Paniharthu (3750 Mts), Trek - 12 Kms
Day 4: Paniharthu – Thamsar Pass (4800 Mts) – Marhu (4150 Mts)
Day 5: Marhu – Barabhangal Village(2450 Mts), Trek - 8 Kms
Day 6: Barabhangal Village - Suni Got (3500 Mts), Trek - 14 Kmsin tents.
Day 7: Suni got - Lambaparh (3715 Mts), Trek - 14 Kms
Day 8: Lambaparh to Devi Marhi (4230 Mts), Trek - 11 kms
Day 9: Devi Marhi – Kalihani Pass (4800 Mts) - Sanghur Got, Trek - 14 Kms
Day 10: Shanghur Got to Lambadugh (2600 Mts), Trek - 16 Kms
Day 11: Lambadugh – Manali, Trek - 12 Kms
Bada Bhangal Trek FAQs
Q: Is Bara Bhangal trek for beginners?
A: Bara Bhangal trek is a long and tough trek. It is advisable that you must have done few smaller treks before going for this trekking expedition. Take as much time as you can for cardio exercise and strength training, including core strength. This will make it far easier for you to trek and explore the terrain with your guide.
Q. Where is Bada Bhangal Trek?
A: Bada Bhangal trek is a multiple day trek, which starts from Manali to Kangra valley. It is an old shepherd’s trail which crosses over several mountains, streams, dense forests, moraines, snow and Ice fields to high passes. This trek ends at Billing, which is internationally famous for paragliding.
Q. What is the best time/season for Bada Bhangal trek?
A: The ideal season for the trek starts from the month of mid June – September. These months are comparatively warmer than the other months.
Q. What type of weather is on the trek?
A: The weather conditions vary on each Himalayan trek. As this is high altitude trekking, it is unpredictable to sure about the weather. The conditions vary every hour or minute at heights. It may rain on lower parts of the trek or can snow with chilling gust at higher altitude.
Q. Are girls safe on this trek? Can solo women do this trek?
A: Yes, girls are absolutely safe and solo woman can do this trek provided they are willing to travel in fix departures. Women on the trek will be sharing tent with each other. In case you are the only woman on the trek then you will be given a separate tent.
Q. What kind of shoes are required for Bara Bhangal Trek?
A: As the whole trekking distance is quite long, we would suggest you to carry and wear special trekking shoes while you are hiking here. It will help in keeping your feet well-rested and aid in conserving your energy, which is highly required for these kinds of intense activities.
Q. Is Diamox is advisable at Bara Bhangal Trek?
A: Yes. Since you are climbing up to a height of about 17000 feet above sea level, chances to experience the drastic change in oxygen level and climatic conditions are high. It may cause uneasiness to your body resulting in vomiting and breathlessness. Hence carry Diamox which will help you overcome the problems caused by acute mountain sickness as you climb the great heights.
Q. What is the height of the Bara Bhangal Trek?
A: The highest point during Bara Bhangal trek is around 5000 mts. Though during the trek the altitude varies from 2050 meters to about 5000 meters.
What is Bara Bhangal Trek famous for?
Bara Bhangal Trek is famous among tourist as Trekking, High Altitude Trek, Camping, Long Trekking Expedition.
Bara Bhangal Trek is recommended destination for Foreigners, Groups.
Bara Bhangal Trek is popular destination for following activities/ interests - High Altitude Mountain Pass, Trekking.
