The Bara Bhangal trek, also known as the Shepherds trail trek takes you over Kalihani and Thamsar passes and is a traverse from the popular tourist town of Manali to the Himalayan Paragliding hub, Bir. This trip is definitely one for the trekker looking to delve into harder and longer trips without the challenge of altitude.
The village of Bara Bhangal – one of the most isolated villages in Asia is a relic of times past. The shepherds and the village make this trek as much of a cultural experience as it is an adventurous one.
The Bara Bhangal trek, also known as the Shepherds trail trek takes you over Kalihani and Thamsar passes and is a traverse from the popular tourist town of Manali to the Himalayan Paragliding hub, Bir. This long trek does not go too high and camps at below 4000m on all days. The consistent ups and downs of this trail are what brings the challenge to this one. Beautiful campsites, luscious meadows filled with wildflowers, green lakes, and sheep everywhere you look. This trip is definitely one for the trekker looking to delve into harder and longer trips without the challenge of altitude.
Arrive at ISBT Kashmiri Gate by 8pm to board the bus to Manali. The Volvo Semi –Sleeper bus takes 13 hours to reach our destination. Board waiting vehicles to drive to our lodge away from the bustle of the city at Haripur – 15km away.
Meet with your guide and staff for the trip. Acclimatisation and last minute shopping. Take a few short walks around the village to keep yourself active.
We start our trek through thick forest. As one gains height in this steep climb, the distinct views of different faces of Indrasan, Deo Tibba and peaks of Bara Shigri glacier open up. In the last lag, the path turns to the right and one traverses the ridge horizontally and enters the campsite on an alpine plateau studded with thick growth of alpine flowers.
A longish day. The trail proceeds over open meadows initially followed by a steep descent to a stream. Crossing it, the path continues in a steep climb for about three hours till you arrive at the camp at the base of the Kalihani Pass. Make sure you catch the views of Deo Tibba and Indrasan peaks from the campsite.
Today will be a long, arduous day with a steep climb to the pass crossing a stretch of scree, a moraine and the Kalihani glacier. Take time off at the pass to get a splendid 360-degree view of hanging glaciers, the Pir Panjal and Dhauladhar rangees. A steep descent across another glacier and four beautiful glacial lakes will bring you to the camp at the gaddi campsite of Devi ki Marhi.
The trail first crosses over the Kalihani Nullah and descends into the oak and birch forests. Most of path then is flat with few ups and downs. Just before the end of day though is a steep climb before you arrive at the Jal Marhi campsite, right next to a stream.
We spend a day at the Bara Bhangal village, meeting the locals and exploring this village stuck in time. One of the most remote villages in Asia – it can only be reached either via one of the passes we cross or through narrow gorge on the Ravi river. A day to rest, bathe, take short walks and interact with the locals.
Today we will start climbing towards the next big pass, Thamsar. The trail winds up through pine, deodar and birch forests with mountain streams to break the monotony. The campsite at Mardh is near the base of the Thamsar glacier.
Another day of steep ascent over morraine, scree and glacier. 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, well below the tree line.
We spend the day at leisure in Bir or Dharamshala and take the overnight Volvo bus to Delhi. You can also choose to fly out of the Dharamshala airport anytime in the day.