Itinerary
From Manali we start our trek from the Hadimba Temple and trek to the lush meadows of Lamadugh. We will reach the Kalahani Pass on Day 4 via Rayali and Shangor. We will descend to Dhan ko Thach and trek onwards to Lamba Parao the next day. On day 7, we reach Bara Bangal after camping at Suni Parao. From Bara Bangal, we will trek to the Thamsar Pass and descend to Bir on Day 13 via Panihartu, Plachak and Billing. Enroute, you'll be witness to some of the most gorgeous landscapes on the earth. Our holiday will end at Dharamsala.
Day 1: Trek from Manali to Lamadugh (3436 m, 4-5 hrs)
The trek starts from the Hadimba Temple, 2.5 km from Manali. Ascend through cool forests of giant cedar, alder and oak till you can see extensive views of the Kullu valley. Walking onwards we reach the lush green meadows of Lamadugh where we will camp for the night. Gorgeous views of the Inderason (6220 m) and Deo Tibba (6001 m) peaks can be seen from here. Overnight in riverside tents.
Day 2: Trek to the meadows of Rayali (5-6 hrs)
Today we will ascend the ridge below Thanpari Tibba. Birds eye views of Manali and the upper Kullu valley can be seen along the trail. We will walk past a small lake called Rani Sui and onwards to the meadows at Riyali where we'll camp for the night. Overnight in tents at Riyali.
Day 3: Trek to Shangor (3800 m, 4-5 hrs)
We will ascend through thick forests to our campsite at the base of the Kalihani pass at Shangor. We camp just below the tree line with the mountain peaks of Kullu and Lahaul valley looming in the background. Overnight in tents at Shangor.
Day 4: Trek to Kalihani Pass (4640 m), Trek to meadows of Dhan ko Thach (6-7 hrs)
From the lush greenery, we trek onward over boulders, glaciers, moraines and snow patches. All major peaks of Kullu and Lahaul valley can be seen from atop the pass. The descent will take you along a stream to our campsite at Dhan ko Thach. Overnight in tents.
Day 5: Trek to Lamba Parao (5-6 hrs)
The trail will lead us to a shepherd's valley today. Towards the end, we will cross a stream over a rickety bridge and enter a forest of conifers to finally reach our campsite at Lamba Parao. Overnight in tents at Lamba Parao.
Day 6: Trek to Suni Parao (3000 m, 12km, 4-5 hrs)
We will start our trek over rocky terrains today. The rugged land gradually opens into the rolling meadows of Suni Parao, our destination for the day. Overnight in tents at Suni Parao.
Day 7: Trek from Suni Parao to Barabangal, 14 km (4-5 hrs)
A gradual downhill walk will take you to the lovely village of Barabangal today. Overnight in tents in the village at Barabangal.
Day 8: Lay off day at Barabangal
Today is a lay off day. We will explore the surroundings of Barabangal, a remote and isolated village accessible only for four to five months a year. Barabangal is inhabited by the Gaddis, sheep-herding nomads who call themselves the descendants of Alexander, the Great. Interact with the villagers, know their history and culture. Overnight in tents.
Day 9: Trek to Marh, 8 km (3850 m, 6 hrs)
We will take our leave from the Gaddis today, cross the bridge at Barabangal and ascend through forests to our campsite at Marh at the Base of Thamser Pass. Overnight in tents by the stream.
Day 10: Trek to Thamser Pass (4700 m), Trek to Panihartu (3600 m, 14km, 6-7 hrs)
Climb over the glacier to Thamser pass. Panoramic view of the peaks in Kangra, Lahaul and Spiti valley as well as of Kullu valley can be had from here. A 5 km descent from here will take us to our campsite at Panihartu. Overnight in tents.
Day 11: Trek to Plachak, 12 km (6 hrs)
Leaving the rocky terrain behind, we head into the lake county today. The landscape is a melange of sapphire lakes, meadows, waterfalls and forests now. A walk through green wooded slopes will bring us to our campsite at Plachak. Overnight in tents.
Day 12: Trek to Billing (6 hrs)
The trail runs along a leafy bridle path and past colorful villages perched precariously on the hillside. We will camp at Billing today. Overnight in tents.
Day 13: Trek to Bir (2080 m, 11km, 3-4 hrs), Drive to Dharamshala and Departure
On the last day, we trek along extensive views of the lush Kangra valley to reach the Tibetan settlement of Bir. We will visit the Buddhist Monastery here and then we will drive to Dharamsala through the lovely tea gardens of Palampur where our holiday ends.
