Manali Bir- (Bara) Banghal Trek - 12 Nts / 13 Days

Months: Mid July to mid October s

Number of Days: 11Nts / 12 Days

Maximum Altitude: 5450m

Grade: Moderate - Strenuous

Day 1: Starting early we trek out of Manali and climb up the western hillside towards the meadows of Lamadugh through meadows and forests and the Manalsu stream down below. Camp overnight.

Day 2: The trail ascends steadily towards our next campsite at Riyali, just above the tree line.

Day 3: Today’s walk involves a steep climb towards the base of the Kalihayni Pass. We are now above the tree line and the trail presents quite a bit of scree and moraine. Camp below the pass.

Day 4: Cross the Kalihayni Pass (4725 meters) and a steady descent takes us to our camp near a mountain stream at Donku Thach.

Day 5:  Leaving the slopes we enter the valley and to the Lambapar shepherd camp.

Day 6: The trail goes through a lush green valley with towering peaks all around. By early afternoon we reach our campsite at Dalmarhi

Day 7: The first village Barabhangal –the winter homes of the Gaddis –the nomadic shepherds of the high mountains is reached today.  The scenery is mainly pastoral with meadows and forests in between. Camp near the village.

Day 8: A rest day in the fascinating village of Barabhangal.

Day 9: The trail after gently ascending presents a steep climb to the base of the Thamser Pass. We camp just below the pass where you get excellent views of the Dhauladhar mountain ranges. 

Day 10: Crossing the Thamser Pass (4570 metres) by early morning we descend down to the tiny camping site at to Pannatu.

Day 11: The trail goes along the river and through thick woods to the tiny settlement of Palachak. Camp near this settlement.

Day 12: The trail is gentle now and soon we reach the small settlement of Billing. Overnight in Billing also the site for annual paragliding and hang gliding competitions.

Day 13: We continue down to the Tibetan refugee camp at Bir, and then travel by jeep to Mcleodganj, home of Tibet's government-in-exile.