The Bara Bangal trek is one of the most picturesque trek in Himachal. We cross into the Dhauladhar range of the Western Himalaya. Bara Bangal is a village of Himalayan Shepherds well known as ‘Gaddis’. It is very isolated; as there is no road connection yet.
Day 1: Manali (2050m)- Lamadugh(2920m) 4-5 hrs
Day 2: Lamadugh to Riyali (3320m) 6-7hrs
Day 3: Riyali to Kali Hani Base Camp (Shangor 3700m) 5hrs
Day 4: Base camp to Dhanku Thach (3500m) via Kali Hani Pass (4800m) 8-9hrs
Day 5: Dhanku Thach to Lamba Parao (3150m) 4 hrs
Day 6: Lamba Parao to Dadh Marhi (3550m) 5 hrs
Day 7: Dadh Marhi to Bara Bangal (2350m) 7 hrs
Day 8: At Bara Bangal (2350m)
Day 9: Bara Bangal to Madh (3750m) 6-7 hrs
Day 10: Madh- Panhartu (3390m) via Thansar Pass (4380m) 7-8 hrs
Day 11: Panhartu to Rajgunda (2400m) 7 hrs
Day 12: Rajgunda to Billing (4-5 hrs)
Climb through the Deodar forest to a rocky outcrop with a view of Manali. Just above this vantage point is a small meadow before a steep 400m ascent through small pastures and conifer and oak forest. Lamadugh (2920m) is a lovely meadow ringed by Maple, Spruce and Oak while stands of Silver Birch are further up in the Hill-side.
Now the trail ascends, but not as steeply as yesterday, through ridge below Khanpari Tibba. There are uninterrupted views north towards the Solang and Rohtang Valleys. A long descent follows, reaching an intermediate valley and a prominent side trail. A gradual traverse leads from a small oak forest to the meadow known locally as Riyali.
The trail winds above the upper river course before gradually descending to the valley floor. There are fine views east towards the Chanderkhani Pass and the peaks of the Himalaya Range.
A steep, long pull up to the Top of the Kali Hani pass, 4610m. At last stretch over loose rocks and dirty ice, you do feel the altitude. Rest at the shrine at the Top to catch your breath and look at the magnificent view.
Now the trail leads down into the shepherds’ valley and following the stream after crossing the bridge takes us to our camping.
After one final steep, breathless climb you will be relieved to see the trail ease, to cross a new-born stream and meander around the east side of a small lake to the pass. The trail down the north side of the pass heads east at first to avoid an ice cliff and then skirts around the west side of another small glacier; gradually working its way over to the west side of the valley and then beginning a steep descend to ta permanent snow field and the junction with another valley. The trail descends high above a stream on the right bank. You soon reach an obvious campsite where there are a few herders. There are wonderful views all around; to the north the bare jagged mountains typical of Zanskar, while to the south lie the snow mountains of the Great Himalaya.
Today includes a short walk across loose rocks, boulders and land slide area. There will be a little amount of climbing and we’ll have to cross a stream a few times. This is the Himalayas at their very best, underfoot gentle, green alps, all around peaks and glaciers on a scale you will always remember.
Similar terrain to the previous day, along the side of the hill looking out across the valley. The trail takes in silver birch trees, rhododendrons and blue pine. Finally, a long and gradual descent leads to the village of Bara Bangal.
It is a village of sheepherders. Some Gaddis, some Bangalis originally come from Kullu and Mandi. The village is spread over a number of kilometers and consists of 30-40 houses. Most of the inhabitants move away for the winters with their flocks and can only return when the passes re-open in May.
Cross the bridge over the river flowing from the Kali Hani Pass and commence a steep ascent. There are fine views of Mani Mahesh Kailash and the impressive Pir Panjal Range.
The trail gradually climbs up the valley, passing a prominent side valley and glacier to the east. There are impressive views north to the Pir Panjal Range from the top of the pass. There follows a steep descent to the meadow at Panhartu (3390m).
The trail descends across a series of permanent snow bridges to reach a well-defined trail. The trail leads through a mixed forest of rhododendron, spruce and oak down to Palachak(2500m). Continue through the forest to the fields of Corns, Beans and Potatoes near Raj Gundha(2400m).
From Raj Gundha, the trail continues on the true right of the Uhl Valley through Spruce, Oak and Rhododendron forest. The trail heads around contours and Alpine ridges to Billing. Transport would be waiting here.
Bara Bangal via Kali Hani Pass
The Bara Bangal trek is one of the most picturesque trek in Himachal. We cross into the Dhauladhar range of the Western Himalaya. Bara Bangal is a village of Himalayan Shepherds well known as ‘Gaddis’. It is very isolated; as there is no road connection yet. The village itself is sheltered between two high passes (Thamsar, 5000m and Kalihani, 4800m pass) that one must cross to either enter or leave this beautiful village. Every day on this trek presents you with amazing landscapes. It also offers some the best camp sites can ever come across.
June to September
Duration: 12 days
Difficulty Level: Sustained
Included:
Excluded:
ABOUT THIS TOUR
You will be woken up with a cup of tea brought to your tent at around 6:00 am followed by a small bowl of warm water for washing. Then, before breakfast, you will pack up all you gear. Pack your sleeping bag and mat into their respective stuff sack and ensure that your tent is free of rubbish and ready for the next camp. Your duffle bag will then be taken and tied up with other gear into the load, which will be packed on the waiting pack horses. Of course any help you offer when setting and breaking camp, when there are many tasks is always welcome. We are usually on the trail by 7:30- 8:00am. We may have lunch en route or we can aim to be in camp. Once we have reached camp and the kitchen is set up, alight snacks is prepared, leaving us with the rest of the afternoon free to explore the nearby villages or undertake a side option. Dinner is served around 7:00 pm. Remember to bring your water bottle to the dining tent so it can be filled. Trekking evenings afford some of the best memories of your trek, whether it is sitting around talking, playing cards, chatting with the staff or joining in some singing and dancing with the local people, it is always a very special time.
Clothing list for trekking in India
ABOUT THIS TOUR
Himalayan Challenges (HC) is an operator of all Adventure Travel and sports shown on our website. HC is registered with the Department of Tourism and Civil aviation, Government of Himachal Pradesh, India.
1) Insurance:In respect of these Booking Conditions, “We/ Himalayan Challenges” and “You/ Participant(s)”- will be the person(s) whose name and details appear on the online booking form.
Before joining the tour we recommend that you take out travel insurance. This should include adequate cover for baggage, medical expenses, cancellation, helicopter evacuation and emergency repatriation. You must supply documentary proof of it to us before starting the trip. If you do not have travel insurance you must have a credit card with at least a US $5000 limit.
2) Booking Confirmation:Your booking will be confirmed by email once we have received a deposit of 50% and the signed copy of booking form and contract. The balance is due no later than two months prior to departure. If you book a tour less than 2 month prior to departure, you must send the full payment within 7 days of confirmation by us.
3) Terms of Cancellation:(a)All cancellations must be made in writing and signed by the person who signed the booking form and will be taken into account by the agency upon receipt of that letter.
If you cancel, the following scale of charges will apply:
(b)If you do not show up at the meeting point specified on the agreed date, we will assume you have been delayed and will wait for you to contact us with your new expected arrival date. If you do not contact us within 48 hours we will assume you have cancelled the tour. There is no refund of any money paid.
(c) The tour will not be cancelled unless we are forced to do so because of unusual or unforeseen circumstances, such as a major natural disaster, major political unrest or war. If we cancel the tour we will promptly refund all payments made to us including the deposit (less the unrecoverable costs such as air tickets cancellations). We shall not be liable to refund any additional expenses that you may have incurred (such as insurance, visas, vaccinations and other incidental costs).
4) Refunds:(a)In case the journey is broken off early upon the client’s own wish or causes, Himalayan Challenges shall not be liable to any refund of the days not utilized. Clients will have to pay for hotel or any extra costs incurred after leaving the itinerary.
(b)The trek information sheets and the dossier give information and conditions relating to the tour and are deemed to be part of the contract and so you should be fully aware of their contents. However, the itinerary is an indication of what the group should accomplish, but is not a contractual obligation- changes may be made because of exceptional weather, flight cancellations, sickness or other unforeseen circumstances. No refund will be given for unused services or unrealized dreams.
(c)Himalayan Challenges shall not be liable to refund of any Bank charges deducted while making the bank transaction.
5) Your Responsibility(5.1)Acknowledgement of Risk:
It is a fundamental condition that you acknowledge that this is an adventure tour. This requires some flexibility. The day to day itinerary is taken as a guideline only. We cannot be held responsible for any delays caused by International or domestic flights, Strikes, Government regulations, weather or natural casualties. In such cases, Wild Himalayan Challenges shall be responsible for suitable alternatives which could be decided upon mutual agreement. If an agreement cannot be made, Wild Himalayan Challenges shall be responsible for refund after deducting expenses already incurred.
(5.2)Physical Fitness:
You confirm that you are in proper physical and mental condition before going on a Challenge/trek/tour with Himalayan Challenges. You confirm that it is your own responsibility to determine the ability to participate. If you are going on an Expedition a Doctors Certificate would be required stating that you are fit for such a tough and demanding experience. You also confirm that you will notify us about any medical condition or the use of prescribed medication that we should know about. It is your duty to notify us beforehand and is your responsibility to obtain medical advice as regards to vaccinations required for the trip.
(5.3)Documents (just a guide)
All participants must bring with them the following paperwork without which Himalayan Challenges may refuse them from joining their expedition:
Himalayan Challenges will take no responsibility if you are not allowed to fly due to inappropriate paperwork.
In alliance with your expedition booking with Himalayan Challenges you agree to give authority to your expedition leader during your travels, where decisions may be needed for the benefit and safety of everyone.
(5.4)Respect:
(a)You agree to abide by the authority of the leader. Signing the booking form implies your acceptance of the tour leader’s decisions which could affect the group or individuals. The tour leader will give you a complete briefing at your arrival about your journey with Himalayan Challenges. The guide or group leader designated by the agency reserves the right to expel at any time a group of person or an individual whose conduct may be regarded as affecting or endangering the safety or well-being of the group. No compensation or refund will be due to such individuals.
(b)The client agrees to behave responsibly in environmental and cultural matters and agrees to follow proper hiking and camping etiquette while in the mountains and to act respectfully towards the people and customs of the region.
6) AccommodationRoom allocations are as per same sex twin-room sharing- double room for couples. Where a single room has been requested, a single room supplement will apply.
7) Our Responsibility:(7.1)It is our duty to ensure to we deliver the trip you have booked with us to the best of our ability and the it precedes in accordance with the itinerary as stated on our website/ tailor made to your requirement, thereafter making sure as reasonable as possible your journey is unhindered en-route. Our itineraries have been designed with consideration to the environments in which we travel its people and its cultures. Participants’ should therefore realize that hygiene and safety standards in countries which you journey are far different to the standards of your own. However, Himalayan Challenges take care when booking locations, should offer the best of the area in which you stay and dine.
(7.2)Any Participant(s) portraying acts of negligence on the expedition will not only risk their own life, but also that of their fellow participant(s) and will be cautioned. Repeated actions of the Participant(s) in question will have their trip terminated immediately and no refunds will be given. No refunds will be given to participant(s) who leave an expedition en-route. Himalayan Challenges will not be responsible for any traffic accidents caused through carelessness.
(7.3)Due to the nature of our adventures and their locations- Himalayan Challenges reserve the right if deemed necessary, to divert the course of an already commenced expedition away from events (deemed harmful) to the safety of an alternative route.
(7.4)Force Majeure- if for any unforeseen reason interruptions cause delay(s) en-route, preventing Himalayan Challenges from fulfilling their expedition obligations. Any additional expenditure incurred during the interruptions will have to be borne by the participant(s). However, we will do our utmost to rectify the situation into continuing on with the adventure.
8) Complaints:Himalayan Challenges endeavors to supply you the best possible service on your journey, ensuring you have a great time. However, if you have a complaint during your expedition, please notify your expedition leader immediately in order to rectify the situation. If your complaint was unresolved, then a written letter should be sent within 25 days from the expedition completion date to: Himalayan Challenges, Hillco Building, Vill. Shuru, P.O. Prini, Manali, Distt. Kullu, H.P.
9) Law and Jurisdiction:The Contract shall be construed in accordance with the Indian Law and the parties irrevocably submit to the exclusive jurisdiction of the Indian Court; Manali, District Kullu, H.P. to settle any disputes, which may arise out of or in connection with this Contract.
10) Currency conversion:All our prices are coated in US dollars. For Client comfort, we forward quotes in their local currency on request. This also depends on the Current Exchange Rate. We will Quote the Exchange rate on the Bill.
11)When making your booking it is implied and accepted that you have read and understood all these booking conditions and agree to abide by them.