BIR BHANGAL TREK
This trek is limited to people experienced in travelling in the rugged backcountry and with solid know-how of hiking and camping. One of the more challenging routes, it takes one from the lush green Kullu valley to the stark landscapes of Bara Bhangal range. But for the trouble taken, it is a very fruitful trek for the people who
are looking for isolated and in-tune-with-nature routes.
The eleven days journey commences from Manali where we traverse through Indrasan and Bara Shigri glacier. We trek through Lama Dugh crossing Thanpri Tibba, glimpsing Manali on the run, just in time to reach our destination for the day-Riyali Thach. You spend the rest of the day trekking through various routes, glimpsing various beautiful sceneries and on the 7th day reach our final destination.
Day 01: Manali - Lama Dugh (3017m) Duration: 4 hours
The climb is through thick forests but there is no water point after departing from Manali. 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 leg, 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.
Day 02: Lama Dugh - Riyali Thach (3400m) Duration: 3 hours
The height gained on this day is approximately 1 km. The trek is through a steep ridge below Thanpri Tibba (4000m). From this point, one can have a magnificent glimpse of Manali, situated on the left bank of River Beas and the whole upper Kullu valley, which appears swathed in the different colors of the season.
Day 03: Riyali Thach - Base of Kalihani Pass (4010m) Duration: 6 hours
This day is a long 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.
Day 04: Base of Kalihani - Devi ki Marhi (3850m) via Kalihani Pass (4725m) Duration: 8 hours
The day 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 ranges. 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.
Day 05: Devi Ki Marhi - Dal Marhi (3900m) Duration: 6 hours
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 there is a steep climb before you arrive at the Dal Marhi campsite.
Day 06: Dal Marhi - Bara Bhangal (2882m) Duration: 6 hours
The trail now continues down the Ravi river into the deodar forest, to the only large village in the valley, Bara Bhangal.
Day 07: At Bara Bhangla
This day will be spent in resting at Bara Bhangal. Explore village and surrounding areas. Bara Bhangal is isolated and seldom visited. Members of the Gaddi tribe inhabit it.
Day 08: Bara Bhangal - Mardh (3830m) Duration: 5 hours
After a rest day, you 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.
Day 09: Mardh - Plachak (2721m) via Thamsar Pass (4878m) Duration: 7 hours
Another day of steep ascent over moraine, scree and glacier. The climb is broken by a small lake just below the pass. From the 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.
Day 10: Plachak - Rajgundha (2440m) Duration: 3 hours
This day is the easiest day of the trek so far. The path is flat and easy, passing through pine forests with many mountain streams. The valley widens and you get great views of the open Kangra valley. The campsite is just after the small village of Rajgundha.
Day 11: Rajgundha - Billing (2310m) Duration: 4 hours
Another easy day of walking through the pristine pine forests over an easy and wide track till you arrive at the forest guest house at Billing, the end of the trek. A vehicle will pick you up at Billing and drop you to Bir or Dharamshala.
No comments:
Post a Comment