Region: Manali / Bir
Total Duration – 09 Nights / 10 Days
Maximum Altitude – 4900 m/ 16000 ft.
Grade – Challenging
Best Season – June to October
Accommodation – Hotel/Guesthouse in Manali; Organized Campsite
Food – On trek – All meals included
Distance – 80 KM.
Bada Bhangal Trek
Bada Bhangal trek is a shepherds trail from Kullu to Kangra Valley, frequently used by the shepherds even today. It was the nearest approach to the adjoining valleys through dangerous passes and terrains. Bada Bhangal trek is the most adventurous, strenuous, far -stretched trek in the Kullu Manali valley, which stretches from Manali to the far Kangra valley. The trek hikes up from 2050m to near 5000m passing through one of the most challenging routes of all treks done in the region. As this trek is arduous and difficult, one should have enough trekking experience in the Himalayas. This trek is not for the neophytes because the terrain encountered en route comes with sheer steep inclines, vertical descends, extensive scree, never ending moraine patches and vast glaciers. The altitude gained through the trek is considerable of 5000m. There are multiple mountains, streams, passes to cross through the whole trek, which creates a varying effect of altitude levels and atmosphere. Climbing sheer ascends offer wonderful vistas of endless Himalayan ranges and peaks like Indrasan, Deo Tibba, Hanuman Tibba and descending down gives a perfect view of high altitude meadows valleys below. It is not only hardships are found in this trek there are mesmerizing moments of passing lush green valleys and meadows of colorful wild flowers, trails through the dense forests, gushing torrents and varied species of Himalayan birds and animals.
The trek starts from Loma Dugh which is 4-5 hours far from Manali. The trail is moderate till Lomadugh then turns sheer climb till Riyali Thach. Then from Riyali Thach the trail goes to the Kalihani Base. It is most difficult route with tricky glacier terrain to negotiate. One needs to be careful walking on the glacier that it can be slippery and fatal. Then we will cross the pass and descend down a vertical section of snow and glaciers to the Donku Thach. After Donku Thach the trail slants along the Kalihani river then enters into the wild forests till Dev ki Marhi. From this point the forest accompanies with wild flora and fauna until we reach our next campsite at Dal Marhi. Next morning we will head towards our first encounter with the civilization after days of climbing at Bada Bhangal. Bada Bhangal is the only big village in this correlated region. Further we will reach Marh then another challenging pass to cross the Thamsar pass. Negotiating the Thamsar pass will reach us at the last part of the trek at Plachak. Next morning trek the easiest routes of the whole trek to Billing through beautiful forests. From Billing take taxi to Dharamshala and depart to your preferred destinations.
Things to Pack:
Rucksack, cotton clothes, good trekking shoes, a warm jacket,warmer, woollen or monkey cap covering head and ears, UV rays protected sunglasses, raincoat, extra socks, water bottle, torch, cold cream, sunscreen, toilet soap, towel, walking Stick and medicines that you usually use.
How To Reach Manali
Distance by road:-
Manali is well connected to Delhi. Take an overnight bus from Delhi and you will reach Manali in 12 ‐ 14 hours(approx 540 KMS). Tickets can be booked online at www.redbus.in or www.hrtc.gov.in Tip : Since Delhi Manali is a long journey most Volvo private buses leave Delhi between 5 pm and 6 pm. The last govt bus leaves at 8.30 pm from ISBT Kashmere Gate. Volvo buses charge between Rs.1,000 to 1,400 per sector from Delhi to Manali and vice versa. Manali to Delhi: Like the onward journey, buses leave from Manali to Delhi between 4 and 5 p.m. Your tentative arrival at Delhi may be anywhere between 6 a.m and 10 a.m. Plan your onward journeys only post noon giving enough buffer for bus delay.
Nearest Railway Station:-
Nearest Railway station is Ambala (350 kms) and Chandigarh (310 kms). Tip: Regular Volvo and Buses are available from Chandigarh to Manali in the evening. Volvo buses charge between Rs.800 to Rs.1,200 per sector from Chandigarh to Manali and vice versa.
Nearest Airport :-
Nearest Airport is Bhuntar is 60 Kms. Bhuntar, which is 52 km away from Manali, is the nearest airport. Taxi services are available from Bhuntar to Manali, which costs about Rs.1000‐ Rs.2,000. Bhuntar is well connected to Delhi by air. The airliners that take you to this Airport are Indian Airlines, Kingfisher airlines, MDLR Airlines and Jagson Airlines, operating flights from Delhi and Chandigarh to Kullu.