This trek offers a journey through an enchanting and timeless trail used by the legendary Gaddi Shepherds, traversing the almost untouched mountain wilderness of the majestic Pi r Panjal and Dhauladhar Ranges. Still very few visitors find their way here. You must be prepared for adventure, but will be rewarded by views to treasure forever, perhaps a glimpse of a bear, a shy musk dear or a snow cock and a heady sense of being on a high pass above the tree line and far away from everyday life.
Day 1: Manali to Lama Dugh, 3017m
Day 2: Lama Dugh to Riyal Thach, 3400m
Day 3: Riyali Thach to Base of Kalihani Pass, 4010m
Day 4: Base of Kalihani to Kalihani Pass, 4725m and back
Day 5: Base of Kalihani to Rani Sui, 3400m
Day 6: Rani Sui to Bogi Thach, 3000m
Day 7: Bogi Thach to Manali, 2050m
We start the trek from Dhungri about 1.5kms from Manali. Today’s trek comprises of walking through thick Deodar forests. It is mostly an uphill climb. We’ll stop for lunch on a lovely rocky ledge providing a beautiful view of Manali and its surrounding peaks. Lama Dugh 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 Thach.
The trail winds above the upper river course before gradually descending to the valley floor to a stream. Crossingit, the path continues in a steep climb for about three hours till we arrive at the camp at the base of the Kali Hani Pass. There are fine views east towards the Chanderkhani Pass and the peaks of the Himalayan Range.
A steep long pull up to the Top of the Kalihani Pass. Over the last stretch over loose rocks and dirty ice, you do feel the altitude. Take time off at the pass to soak in the splendid 360 degree view of hanging glaciers and the seemingly sky kissing, magnificent peaks of the Dhauladhar and the Pir Panjal ranges. A steep descent will bring us back to the camp.
The trail traces itself back to Riyali Tach and then goes further to Rani Sui, where there is a small but beautiful mountain pond.
Today’s is an easy walk downhill to the meadow at Bogi Thach, where shepherds are sometimes seen grazing their flocks. The path winds through thick forests bristling with Deodar, Spruce, Oak and Walnut trees.
Continue all the way downhill till the village of Pangan from where our transport will pick us up and take us to Manali.
The Kalihani Pass and Rani Sui Lake trek
This trek offers a journey through an enchanting and timeless trail used by the legendary Gaddi Shepherds, traversing the almost untouched mountain wilderness of the majestic Pi r Panjal and Dhauladhar Ranges. Still very few visitors find their way here. You must be prepared for adventure, but will be rewarded by views to treasure forever, perhaps a glimpse of a bear, a shy musk dear or a snow cock and a heady sense of being on a high pass above the tree line and far away from everyday life. You should be reasonably fit. There will be steep climbs and short stretches of scree and snow, and though no climbing experience is required it should be remembered that these high passes can be challenging. The trail offers excellent views of Hanuman Tibba, Indrasan, Deo Tibba and other peaks. Kalihani pass is also the gateway to the remote Bara-Bhangal village in the Kangra Valley, inhabited by the legendary ‘Gaddi’ Shepherds.
Season: May- October
Duration: 7 days
Difficulty Level: Moderate
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.