6
Difficulty Level : Hard
13 Days
6-10 PAX
4875m
June to September
Fixed Departures :
Manali to Macleod Ganj
90000/-
Add ons:
Bara Bhangal
A challenging trek, the trail to the mesmerising village of Bara Bhangal takes you over varied landscape from lush forests and meadows to stream crossings and fields to high passes and glacial traverse. But the effort is rewarded with stunning views of the Indrasan, Deo Tibba, Dhauladhar and Pir Panjal ranges and many more magnificent peaks. The village of Bara Bhangal itself is a treasure, making this a perfect trek for those looking for isolated and in-tune-with-nature routes.
Tour Highlights
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Trek to an altitude of 4875 metres above sea level
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Best of Himalayan diversity
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Cross two high passes
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Discover the quaint village of Bara Bhangal
-
Explore paragliding in Bir and Billing
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Best of Banjara hospitality
-
Time to explore and sightsee
-
Qualified team to ensure safety
Day Wise Tour Plan and Itinenary
Total distance: 0 km
Resting altitude: 1400 m above sea level
Arrive at our boutique property Roots Café and Stay, Bandrol, just 600 metres off the Kullu-Manali highway. Enjoy the delectable food at the in-house café, take a walk in the surrounding apple and pear orchards or simply rest and prepare for the days ahead.
National Highways
Difficulty Level – NA
Driving Time - 0 hours
Driving distance: 31 km
Starting Altitude: 1400 m | Highest Altitude: 2900 metres | Resting Altitude: 2900 metres
Today is the first day of the trek. After breakfast we drive to Hadimba Temple, from where we start the trek. We climb through the Deodar forests to a rocky vantage point with a view of Manali. From here we continue to a small meadow before a steep ascent of 400m through small pastures and conifer and oak forest. Gradually the climb opens into a meadow - Lamadugh (2900m), ringed by Maple, spruce and Oak trees. We stay the night here in a mobile camp.
National Highways
Difficulty Level – Easy
Driving Time - 1 hours
Walking Time: 5 hours
Starting Altitude: 2900 m | Highest Altitude: 3300 metres | Resting Altitude: 3300 metres
Today the ascent is long, gradual and exhilarating, offering views of the Solang and Hamta Valleys and Deo Tibba. The trail ascends through a ridge and as we reach the highest point, the trail goes south across a series of verdant ridges. Next is a long descent that takes us to an intermediate valley and a prominent side of trail. A 2-3 km gradual traverse from here leads us to the meadow known locally as Riyali, our campsite for tonight.
Mountain Trail
Difficulty Level – Easy
Walking Time: 7 hours
Starting Altitude: 3300 m | Highest Altitude: 3680 metres | Resting Altitude: 3680 metres
As we start today the trail gradually descends to the valley floor. After walking for about 2 hrs, we cross a small stream and climb a series of grassy ridges, passing some shepherd encampments along the way. The trails reward us with views of the Chanderkhani Pass, peaks of Indrasan and Deo Tibba. We spent the night at Kalihani pass base camp.
Mountain Trail
Difficulty Level – Moderate
Walking Time: 5 hours
Starting Altitude: 3680 m | Highest Altitude: 4610 metres | Resting Altitude: 3850 metres
It is the longest day of the trek today as we cross our first pass. The landscape begins to change as forests and meadows give way to rocky terrain with patches of snow. The stretch to reach the top of Kalihani pass is steep and long. After celebrating atop the pass and taking in the views, we make our way down a broad glacier and the moraine. The descent is as long as the ascent as we are surrounded by alpine lakes and green meadows. Our camp for today is by a stream over a meadow at Devi ki Marhi.
Glacial Mountain Trail
Difficulty Level – Hard
Walking Time: 10 hours
Starting Altitude: 3850 m | Highest Altitude: 3900 metres | Resting Altitude: 3900 metres
It’s another challenging day today. We follow the trail down into the valley, following the main stream. We continue downstream, crossing the stream to the left bank and then crossing back again to the right bank over a makeshift bridge. From here the trail goes up gradually as we traverse steep slopes. As we ascend, we find 2 broken trees from where the trail becomes steeper and we give a final push to reach a small valley. But the effort is worth the breath-taking views that await us. We camp by the side of a small stream.
Mountain Trail
Difficulty Level – Moderate
Walking Time: 5 hours
Starting Altitude: 3900 m | Highest Altitude: 4000 metres | Resting Altitude: 2900 metres
The terrain is similar to the previous day. We make a long traverse on the right slopes of the stream overlooking the valley beneath. Within an hour, we are able to see Bara Bhangal, but the trail to reach it is long and undulating over several hills. We walk through patches of forests and fields and a long and gradual descent leads to the village of Bara Bhangal. The trail meanders through forests of silver birch, rhododendron and blue pine, revealing the beautiful setting of this village. We camp here tonight.
Rocky Mountain Trail
Difficulty Level – Moderate
Walking Time: 8 hours
Starting Altitude: 2900 m | Highest Altitude: 3800 metres | Resting Altitude: 3800 metres
We leave the mesmerising village of Bara Bhangal and cross the bridge over the river flowing from the Kalihani pass and commence a steep 400m ascent. We proceed for 3 km to a broad glacial valley before crossing to the right and following gradual ascent across open meadows and steep slopes. We ascend the trail to the right of the waterfall before crossing the river to a series of meadows referred to as Madh, our campsite for tonight. We savour the views of Mani Mahesh Kailash and the impressive Pir Panjal Range from our camp.
Mountain Trail
Difficulty Level – Hard
Walking Time: 7 hours
Starting Altitude: 3800 m | Highest Altitude: 4875 metres | Resting Altitude: 2700 metres
Today we cross the second pass of the trek. The trail gradually ascends, passing a valley and glacier to the east. After a few kilometres, we climb steep boulder fields to reach a glacial lake. The trail then winds further, leading to another glacial lake and to the base of the Pass. After crossing the snowfield, we reach the crest of the Dhaula Dhar range and the Thamsar Pass. The initial descent from the pass is steep, taking us to a large glacial lake, then followed by a descent to the meadow at Panhartu. We camp here for the night.
Mountain Trail
Difficulty Level – Hard
Walking Time: 7 hours
Starting Altitude: 2700 m | Highest Altitude: 2700 metres | Resting Altitude: 2400 metres
The landscape gradually changes green forests and fields. We descend, crossing a series of permanent snow bridges to reach a well-defined trail. The trail takes us through a forest of rhododendron, spruce and oak to Palachak where we cross a metal bridge and continue through the forest to reach the fields of corn, bean and potatoes. We arrive at Raigundha and move slightly ahead to the crest of a hill with views of the Thamsar Pass and the Dhauladhar range above. This is one of the most beautiful campsites of the trek.
Mountain Trail
Difficulty Level – Moderate
Walking Time: 7 hours
Starting Altitude: 2700 m | Highest Altitude: 2400 metres | Resting Altitude: 1300 metres
It’s the last day of the trek and an easy walk on an old road among the rhododendron and oaks, leading us to Billing. Billing is world renowned site for Paragliding and Hang Gliding. From here we board the vehicle waiting for us as drive to Bir.
Mountain Trail/Highways
Difficulty Level – Easy
Walking Time: 5 hours
Driving Time: 2 hours
A contingency day. If not used, we'll make the most of it in a befitting manner.
Till we meet again! We bid goodbye and hope to see you soon on another adventure.
What's Included
Inclusions
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Accommodation 12 nights, Manali to Bir.
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Transportation Manali to Bir.
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All meals from lunch on day 1 till breakfast on day 13.
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Qualified tour leader / guide.
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Offloading of personal luggage / backpack.
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Comprehensive first-aid including oxygen cylinder.
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Permits and fee as needed.
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Porters/Mules to carry common supplies and gear.
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Courteous support staff.
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Safety communication devices like walkie talkies.
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Drinking water during the trek.
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Group camping gear.
Exclusions
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Taxes. 5% GST.
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Travel and accident insurance
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Tips.
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Any extra snacks and beverages.
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Additional customisations or excursions outside the itinerary.
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Packaged drinking water.
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Anything not part of the inclusions.
Is This For Me
If you are searching for your next challenge and want to push your limits then Bara Bhangal is the trek for you. With a max altitude of 4875 metres above sea level, long walking days and two pass crossings in extreme remoteness, Bara Bhangal is not a trek for the first-time trekker or for someone looking to get their first taste of the outdoors. However, if you have some prior experience at high altitude and trekking then this is the perfect reward as you discover the mesmerising village of Bara Bhangal in the wilderness of Himalayas.
Gallery
FAQs
Once you have decided on a tour, all you need to do is shoot us an email or call us and a member of our team will guide you through the booking process. You can either choose to make a full payment upfront or in instalments as per our BOOKING CONFIRMATION RULES.
Domestic clients
Indian nationals or people residing in India having an Indian bank account can transfer money to our account and share the proof of that transaction to confirm their booking.
International clients
If you reside outside India, then you need to write to us and we’ll follow up with an e-mail with a link to make the payment online. Once the payment is confirmed you’ll be ready to embark on your Nomadic Himalayan experience with us.
The refund for your booking depends on when you cancel your booking. Please look at the refund rules for details.
In case you are unable to join a fixed departure trek that you have booked but do not want to cancel then don’t worry. We understand that sometimes circumstances force us to change our plans and in such a scenario we can try to adjust you in the next batch for the same trek at no extra cost. However, this would be subject to availability and us reaching the minimum required number to run a tour.
If you want to change your booking and join a different trek route/plan it can be done if spots are still open. Also, if the new trek is cheaper than the one that you had initially booked, there’ll be no refund; however, you will have to pay the difference if it is priced higher than your original booking.
We can make adjustments of up to a few days before or after scheduled departure depending on the availability of the team, support staff and our trekking calendar. Contact us to know more.
Yes you can. We always do our best to accommodate any demands and customisations. While small personal needs can always be accommodated, we also need to take into consideration if the customisation affects the other people on the tour. If it’s a single group that makes up the whole tour then normally we can amend and customise as needed but if multiple groups or solo trekkers make the group then the entire group will be considered before we can agree to make any customisations affecting others.
Last minute changes to departure dates is not something that can be usually accommodated as the wheels for running a group are set in motion much before the actual departure. Also, some of our treks are planned in sync with our cycling groups in the case of combo tours so last minute changes are tough. However, we can always arrange for things like different/separate arrival and transport for you to start the trek if needed. You will need to inform us in advance and there will most likely be an additional cost involved.
Accommodations and meals as per the tour-specific itinerary.
Refreshments and packed meals during cycling and trekking.
Potable/drinking water throughout. We care for the environment and discourage the usage of packaged drinking water.
Camping Equipment. (Group and personal).
Porters/mules to carry camping gear.
Porters/mules to carry your luggage on treks
English-speaking guide
Cook(s) for camps
First aid
All Transfers as specified in the itinerary.
Taxes.
Travel & accident insurancec.
Tips.
Alcoholic beverages.
Any snacks and beverages outside of what’s included.
Additional customisations or excursions outside the itinerary.
Bottled/Packaged water.
That depends on the nature of the request. Let us know what you need and we’ll do the best possible and give you a quote for the same.
A regular day in the outdoors and on a trail starts early. The day normally begins at 0600 with a cup of tea as we get ready and packed to leave by 0730 after a hearty breakfast. There will be some days that might need for an earlier departure like an early morning ascent to the top of a pass to cross a glacier. You will be informed of such things in the tour details and briefing.
Other than your day pack that you will carry on your own, Nomadic Trails – India will arrange for 12-15 kg of your luggage to be carried by our team depending on whether we have a porter or mule accompanying you on the trek.
Most treks involve you reaching altitudes in excess of 5,000 metres and you need to be prepared to handle that. You have to be prepared for bright sun during the day and plummeting temperatures at night (close to freezing at times). Normally, on a sunny day you will not need to worry as much about the cold as you would about be getting sun burnt. Please note that Himalayan treks vary in terrain altitude and vegetation almost every day. From thick wooded forests, to alpine steppes to glacial moraine with rocks and scree the terrain varies as we gain altitude. Our packing list should be able to guide you with it.
Please refer our packing list
Slip, trip and falls
As with any other trek, there are the usual slip, trip and fall hazards that are present with walking on uneven trails, the best defense for that are your own personal standards and attention when on the trail. In some slippery or risky sections our team will lead the way, rig ropes and guide you as need be.
Cold
The weather at higher altitudes can get really cold, really fast. Be prepared to layer up and protect yourself in case of weather changes. The cold dry air can take a lot out of exposed skin and make it burn and peel rather easily. Extreme cases like frost bites etc are not a real risk during the summer treks that we conduct.
Altitude
This is the most real hazard with risks involved with it. On our part as operators we will take precautions to make sure that this risk is kept at a minimum. These precautions include but are not limited to, frequent oxygen level monitoring, oxygen cylinders on tour, acclimatisation days etc. However, every client needs to responsible enough to have gone through our to be aware of this hazard, follow the precautions and be able to recognise symptoms and inform us in time. In some cases we might ask a client to end his or her journey if we feel that is the best choice based on their inability to cope with high altitudes.
Sun – Make sure you cover your body as much as possible – full sleeve shirts, neck gaiters and sun cap are a must to avoid sun burns. Applying sun screen lotion of at least SPF50 is a great way to protect your exposed skin.
Wind – A windbreaker will protect you from the chilly winds. Cover your ears in the evenings. During walking breaks when on a trek ensure your body remains warm by wearing an additional jacket or windbreaker to prevent rapid cooling of your body.
Cold – Layering up is the best solution for cold. When the temperature starts dipping, start wearing layers of clothes. Base layer is a must at all times. T shirt, Sweater, Jacket and wind cheater is the way to go. Keep your feet, hands, ears warm during cold weather by wearing warm woollen socks, gloves, balaclava or a skull cap.
We provide high altitude camping equipment – Tents, Sleeping bags, mattresses, toilet tents, plates, spoons, coffee mugs, lanterns and anything else that might be needed for running the campsites.
Cardio fitness is key as trekking involves long walking days at high altitude. We strongly recommend a running fitness of 5Km in 30min. If running is not your thing we advise you to carry loads on your back and brisk walk for an 1 hour for several weeks leading up to the trek.
Strength training: you don’t need to be a professional athlete but some amount of strength and endurance building will definitely come in handy on a trek or any other outdoor activity. Core strengthening will be very useful to endure rigours long treks. Lower body workouts and exercises are also useful in ensuring that your ankles and knees are ready to take continued impact of variable intensity.
You can come for the trek without preparation, but you’ll ending struggling rather than enjoying what nature has to offer. Bear in mind that, we are there to guide you and provide all the facilities but the walking has to be done by you yourself. So little preparation will help make your trek more enjoyable.
We will cater to different dietary requirements with vegetarian options available for those who don’t consume meat. If you any other specific dietary requirement then we need to be informed in advance.
For those who eat Kosher/Halal, we can try and source it but we can’t guarantee the availability of Kosher/Halal meat. If either of these dietary restrictions applies to you, please let us know. We will offer suitable replacements for our Kosher/Halal customers for the duration of the tour.
The distances on our tours vary considerably depending on the trek that you choose. The description and walking times will be provided in the detailed itinerary of the trek that you will receive upon booking a tour with us. Since most of our treks are at altitudes in excess of 4,200 metres above sea level and in remote areas, the distances are mostly approximate. That’s why we mostly mention approximate walking times instead. The more important part is the terrain than the distance.
While the number of sets you will want to bring will depend on how long your tour is, we recommend long sleeves and long pants for best protection.
It depends on your tour. If your trek ends at the same point then we will be happy to keep your belongings while you are away. However, since most of our treks don’t end at the point of origin, we recommend that you carry only what you need for the tour. If you have to leave something behind and your trek ends at a different location then you will have to find a way to get back and pick it up. If you need our assistance to do the same, there will be additional cost involved. Get in touch with us to know more.
Yes. While most of the treks are over dry land, we will cross streams and rivers sometimes. For river crossings on our treks we’d recommend that you keep with you a pair of hiking/ walking sandals that you can quickly slip in and out of and keep your feet dry and warm in your trekking shoes for the remainder of the trek.
As we restrict our group size to a max of 6-10 people, we’d usually have one lead guide for the group. Besides that there will be support and kitchen staff that will accompany the group. The size and number of the support staff will depend on the size of the group and also on the trek. On trails where we can use pack animals we will not have any porters. Whatever the case may be, you can be rest assured of a positive ratio of staff to clients.
Our guide will be multilingual (Hindi/English/Spitian) to meet the requirement of the people comprising the group. However, expect the support staff and porters to speak Hindi.
Besides your daypack comprising of your water, camera and few small things that you’d like to keep on your person during the day, the porters will carry the rest of your main luggage. The porters normally carry about 15kg/porter and we recommend that you pack accordingly. Also, bear in mind that the luggage with the porters/ pack animals will only be available to you at the campsite.
We will have a minimum of 2 toilet tents at each camp. In the case of a bigger group we will have more than 2 toilet tents. For the sake of better waste management, we highly recommend that the guests use them and not defecate elsewhere around the campsite.). You can dispose of any feminine hygiene or sanitary products in the trash located at camp.
At meals and at the toilets in the camps, a hand sanitizer or hand washing gel will be available and you must use it to avoid getting sick.
Note: If you go to a bathroom or to a meal and find that, hand sanitizer or hand washing gel are low or out, please notify your tour guide immediately.
If you cannot hold it until you reach a campsite toilet, you may go to the toilet in an area of the jungle where no one can see you and far away from the river (at least 50 m). Please do not leave behind any toilet paper that you use (we can provide you with sanitary bags at the start of your trek; you can place used toilet paper in that bag). Please place any other feminine hygiene products in these sanitary bags as well. The sanitary bags must be disposed of at the rubbish bins at the campsite.
Only the necessities please. These include toothbrush, toothpaste, sunscreen, insect spray, and necessary medications. Ladies, please bring any feminine hygiene products that you may need on the tour with you from home. There are VERY limited options in the local market here and almost no option while on tour. Please pack accordingly for emergencies! Some people might prefer to carry their own toilet paper too, personal choices.
We care for your safety and will ensure that you are completely secure be it during the trek or at campsites. When crossing slippery or risky sections during treks, our team will lead the way, rig ropes and guide you as need be.
Further, our tours are designed to ensure that the clients are suitable acclimatised to the altitude. We will hold frequent oxygen and wellbeing checks and also carry oxygen cylinders in case of an emergency.
We strongly support and promote the spirit of travel and welcome women trekkers in our groups. All our tours are group treks where we maintain friendly and safe environment. Our guides and trek leads are trained and sensitised to handle a diverse set of people. Feel free to reach out to our guides at any point of the tour.
Please declare all medical conditions that you may have, regardless of whether or not you may think it could affect you on the tour, so that our safety experts can advise if it will be safe for you to join our tours. Take note that our tours take place deep in the wilderness, far from medical clinics or hospitals and our team needs to be adequately prepared for your safety. We assure you that we will respect your privacy and keep your disclosures private (only necessary team members such as your tour guide will be intimated).
We carry a comprehensive first aid kit on all our tours. However, please carry any specific medication that you might need and give us any spare in case yours is lost or damaged. If you carry an Epipen or any serious medication(s), please inform us in advance.
Please bring any prescriptions or over-the-counter medications with you. Ours are just for use in emergency situations or if you run out. If you know that you need an anti-histamine or you regularly take an anti-inflammatory, please bring it with you. You should inform your guide of any medications you are taking/carrying. If you are on any serious medications, please bring a set of spares and give one to a member of the team in the event that you lose or damage your first set during the tour.
We recommend that you carry your own medical/accident insurance. Make sure that it covers the activities that you will be indulging in during your tour. In case you don’t have one, we can help you arrange one.
Anyone who isn’t fit enough to continue, or who poses a safety threat to themselves or others, will be removed from the tour. Nomadic Trails – India maintains the right to turn around any customer who doesn’t follow safety, conservation or trekking rules. There will be no refund for customers that are turned around and we will not be responsible for any additional expenses incurred by customers (transportation, hotel, etc).
The best option would be to carry spare batteries, power banks or portable solar charging panels as there won’t be much opportunity to charge your devices/gadgets/cameras during the trek.
Please bring a camera as we will be witnessing some breathtaking as we take on the Himalayan trails. You could keep cameras and other gadgets in your daypack preferably within a drybag to prevent them from water/moisture damage.
Since our tours will take you to remote area deep in wilderness on most routes there will be scanty or no mobile network. When you have pristine natural beauty all around you, disconnecting from city life will be cake walk!
Why Choose Us
Personalised Care
To ensure that you have a holistic and unforgettable experience and to provide you with personalised care and attention, we limit our groups to 4-10 people.
Protect The Environment
To ensure that you have a holistic and unforgettable experience and to provide you with personalised care and attention, we limit our groups to 4-10 people.
Safety
To ensure that you have a holistic and unforgettable experience and to provide you with personalised care and attention, we limit our groups to 4-10 people.
No Hidden Costs
To ensure that you have a holistic and unforgettable experience and to provide you with personalised care and attention, we limit our groups to 4-10 people.
Self Operated
To ensure that you have a holistic and unforgettable experience and to provide you with personalised care and attention, we limit our groups to 4-10 people.
Qualified Staff
To ensure that you have a holistic and unforgettable experience and to provide you with personalised care and attention, we limit our groups to 4-10 people.
Reviews
Archana Dhankar
A big thank you for arranging a balanced and affordable trip to every adventurer paradise - Spiti with the freedom and independence we wanted along with the guidance and expertise of true travel professionals like you guys traveling with us.
After visiting Spiti, it dawned on me why leavin... (Read More)
Arundhati Sharma
My friend and I planned to take a trip to Spiti. Got in touch with Mohit to plan our trip.
Well, first of all, know that spiti is a great place but comes with its own challenges. With all its beauty and splendor, it’s also quite untouched, which means, limited hotels or none what-so-ever... (Read More)
Ishita Bhargava
'Lagom' in Swedish means 'Just Right'. It is an experience of something being the perfect middle ground.
There is nothing better that could describe my experience with Nomadictrails India and Mohit Gulia during my trip to Spiti.
It's hard to know where to begin in describing just how... (Read More)
Swatilekha Joarder
It's a wonderful experience with team Nomadic Trails. Spiti Valley is my dream land and they make my dream come true. Every member of the team is great .... All their arrangements are just perfect.
Though I did all my research before going to Spiti But never felt like I missed something th... (Read More)
Anjana Dhoot & Sangeeta Malik
Thanks from heart to all of you ....Especially Mohit for giving us an opportunity to go on a journey of life time. It was everything you promised and more. Thanks to people like you who are so passionate about the work they do that people like us get to see places like this from a completely differ... (Read More)
A challenging trek, the trail to the mesmerising village of Bara Bhangal takes you over varied landscape from lush forests and meadows to stream crossings and fields to high passes and glacial traverse. But the effort is rewarded with stunning views of the Indrasan, Deo Tibba, Dhauladhar and Pir Panjal ranges and many more magnificent peaks. The village of Bara Bhangal itself is a treasure, making this a perfect trek for those looking for isolated and in-tune-with-nature routes.
-
Trek to an altitude of 4875 metres above sea level
-
Best of Himalayan diversity
-
Cross two high passes
-
Discover the quaint village of Bara Bhangal
-
Explore paragliding in Bir and Billing
-
Best of Banjara hospitality
-
Time to explore and sightsee
-
Qualified team to ensure safety
Day 1
Arrive In Manali. Rest And Prepare
Total distance: 0 km
Resting altitude: 1400 m above sea level
Arrive at our boutique property Roots Café and Stay, Bandrol, just 600 metres off the Kullu-Manali highway. Enjoy the delectable food at the in-house café, take a walk in the surrounding apple and pear orchards or simply rest and prepare for the days ahead.
National Highways
Difficulty Level – NA
Driving Time - 0 hours
Day 2
Drive To Hadimba. Trek To Lamadugh
Driving distance: 31 km
Starting Altitude: 1400 m | Highest Altitude: 2900 metres | Resting Altitude: 2900 metres
Today is the first day of the trek. After breakfast we drive to Hadimba Temple, from where we start the trek. We climb through the Deodar forests to a rocky vantage point with a view of Manali. From here we continue to a small meadow before a steep ascent of 400m through small pastures and conifer and oak forest. Gradually the climb opens into a meadow - Lamadugh (2900m), ringed by Maple, spruce and Oak trees. We stay the night here in a mobile camp.
National Highways
Difficulty Level – Easy
Driving Time - 1 hours
Walking Time: 5 hours
Day 3
Lamadugh To Riyali Thatch
Starting Altitude: 2900 m | Highest Altitude: 3300 metres | Resting Altitude: 3300 metres
Today the ascent is long, gradual and exhilarating, offering views of the Solang and Hamta Valleys and Deo Tibba. The trail ascends through a ridge and as we reach the highest point, the trail goes south across a series of verdant ridges. Next is a long descent that takes us to an intermediate valley and a prominent side of trail. A 2-3 km gradual traverse from here leads us to the meadow known locally as Riyali, our campsite for tonight.
Mountain Trail
Difficulty Level – Easy
Walking Time: 7 hours
Day 4
Riyali Thatch To Kalihani Pass Base Camp
Starting Altitude: 3300 m | Highest Altitude: 3680 metres | Resting Altitude: 3680 metres
As we start today the trail gradually descends to the valley floor. After walking for about 2 hrs, we cross a small stream and climb a series of grassy ridges, passing some shepherd encampments along the way. The trails reward us with views of the Chanderkhani Pass, peaks of Indrasan and Deo Tibba. We spent the night at Kalihani pass base camp.
Mountain Trail
Difficulty Level – Moderate
Walking Time: 5 hours
Day 5
Kalihani Basecamp To Devi Ki Marhi Over Kalihani Pass
Starting Altitude: 3680 m | Highest Altitude: 4610 metres | Resting Altitude: 3850 metres
It is the longest day of the trek today as we cross our first pass. The landscape begins to change as forests and meadows give way to rocky terrain with patches of snow. The stretch to reach the top of Kalihani pass is steep and long. After celebrating atop the pass and taking in the views, we make our way down a broad glacier and the moraine. The descent is as long as the ascent as we are surrounded by alpine lakes and green meadows. Our camp for today is by a stream over a meadow at Devi ki Marhi.
Glacial Mountain Trail
Difficulty Level – Hard
Walking Time: 10 hours
Day 6
Devi Ki Marhi To Dal Ki Marhi
Starting Altitude: 3850 m | Highest Altitude: 3900 metres | Resting Altitude: 3900 metres
It’s another challenging day today. We follow the trail down into the valley, following the main stream. We continue downstream, crossing the stream to the left bank and then crossing back again to the right bank over a makeshift bridge. From here the trail goes up gradually as we traverse steep slopes. As we ascend, we find 2 broken trees from where the trail becomes steeper and we give a final push to reach a small valley. But the effort is worth the breath-taking views that await us. We camp by the side of a small stream.
Mountain Trail
Difficulty Level – Moderate
Walking Time: 5 hours
Day 7
Dal Ki Marhi To Bara Bhangal
Starting Altitude: 3900 m | Highest Altitude: 4000 metres | Resting Altitude: 2900 metres
The terrain is similar to the previous day. We make a long traverse on the right slopes of the stream overlooking the valley beneath. Within an hour, we are able to see Bara Bhangal, but the trail to reach it is long and undulating over several hills. We walk through patches of forests and fields and a long and gradual descent leads to the village of Bara Bhangal. The trail meanders through forests of silver birch, rhododendron and blue pine, revealing the beautiful setting of this village. We camp here tonight.
Rocky Mountain Trail
Difficulty Level – Moderate
Walking Time: 8 hours
Day 8
Bara Bhangal To Mardh
Starting Altitude: 2900 m | Highest Altitude: 3800 metres | Resting Altitude: 3800 metres
We leave the mesmerising village of Bara Bhangal and cross the bridge over the river flowing from the Kalihani pass and commence a steep 400m ascent. We proceed for 3 km to a broad glacial valley before crossing to the right and following gradual ascent across open meadows and steep slopes. We ascend the trail to the right of the waterfall before crossing the river to a series of meadows referred to as Madh, our campsite for tonight. We savour the views of Mani Mahesh Kailash and the impressive Pir Panjal Range from our camp.
Mountain Trail
Difficulty Level – Hard
Walking Time: 7 hours
Day 9
Mardh To Panihartu Via Thamsar Pass
Starting Altitude: 3800 m | Highest Altitude: 4875 metres | Resting Altitude: 2700 metres
Today we cross the second pass of the trek. The trail gradually ascends, passing a valley and glacier to the east. After a few kilometres, we climb steep boulder fields to reach a glacial lake. The trail then winds further, leading to another glacial lake and to the base of the Pass. After crossing the snowfield, we reach the crest of the Dhaula Dhar range and the Thamsar Pass. The initial descent from the pass is steep, taking us to a large glacial lake, then followed by a descent to the meadow at Panhartu. We camp here for the night.
Mountain Trail
Difficulty Level – Hard
Walking Time: 7 hours
Day 10
Panihartu To Rajgundha
Starting Altitude: 2700 m | Highest Altitude: 2700 metres | Resting Altitude: 2400 metres
The landscape gradually changes green forests and fields. We descend, crossing a series of permanent snow bridges to reach a well-defined trail. The trail takes us through a forest of rhododendron, spruce and oak to Palachak where we cross a metal bridge and continue through the forest to reach the fields of corn, bean and potatoes. We arrive at Raigundha and move slightly ahead to the crest of a hill with views of the Thamsar Pass and the Dhauladhar range above. This is one of the most beautiful campsites of the trek.
Mountain Trail
Difficulty Level – Moderate
Walking Time: 7 hours
Day 11
Rajgundha To Billing. Drive / Paraglide And Stay Bir
Starting Altitude: 2700 m | Highest Altitude: 2400 metres | Resting Altitude: 1300 metres
It’s the last day of the trek and an easy walk on an old road among the rhododendron and oaks, leading us to Billing. Billing is world renowned site for Paragliding and Hang Gliding. From here we board the vehicle waiting for us as drive to Bir.
Mountain Trail/Highways
Difficulty Level – Easy
Walking Time: 5 hours
Driving Time: 2 hours
Day 12
Buffer Day
A contingency day. If not used, we'll make the most of it in a befitting manner.
Day 13
Bir To …
Till we meet again! We bid goodbye and hope to see you soon on another adventure.
Inclusions
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Accommodation 12 nights, Manali to Bir.
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Transportation Manali to Bir.
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All meals from lunch on day 1 till breakfast on day 13.
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Qualified tour leader / guide.
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Offloading of personal luggage / backpack.
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Comprehensive first-aid including oxygen cylinder.
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Permits and fee as needed.
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Porters/Mules to carry common supplies and gear.
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Courteous support staff.
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Safety communication devices like walkie talkies.
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Drinking water during the trek.
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Group camping gear.
Exclusions
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Taxes. 5% GST.
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Travel and accident insurance
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Tips.
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Any extra snacks and beverages.
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Additional customisations or excursions outside the itinerary.
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Packaged drinking water.
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Anything not part of the inclusions.
If you are searching for your next challenge and want to push your limits then Bara Bhangal is the trek for you. With a max altitude of 4875 metres above sea level, long walking days and two pass crossings in extreme remoteness, Bara Bhangal is not a trek for the first-time trekker or for someone looking to get their first taste of the outdoors. However, if you have some prior experience at high altitude and trekking then this is the perfect reward as you discover the mesmerising village of Bara Bhangal in the wilderness of Himalayas.
Once you have decided on a tour, all you need to do is shoot us an email or call us and a member of our team will guide you through the booking process. You can either choose to make a full payment upfront or in instalments as per our BOOKING CONFIRMATION RULES.
Domestic clients
Indian nationals or people residing in India having an Indian bank account can transfer money to our account and share the proof of that transaction to confirm their booking.
International clients
If you reside outside India, then you need to write to us and we’ll follow up with an e-mail with a link to make the payment online. Once the payment is confirmed you’ll be ready to embark on your Nomadic Himalayan experience with us.
The refund for your booking depends on when you cancel your booking. Please look at the refund rules for details.
In case you are unable to join a fixed departure trek that you have booked but do not want to cancel then don’t worry. We understand that sometimes circumstances force us to change our plans and in such a scenario we can try to adjust you in the next batch for the same trek at no extra cost. However, this would be subject to availability and us reaching the minimum required number to run a tour.
If you want to change your booking and join a different trek route/plan it can be done if spots are still open. Also, if the new trek is cheaper than the one that you had initially booked, there’ll be no refund; however, you will have to pay the difference if it is priced higher than your original booking.
We can make adjustments of up to a few days before or after scheduled departure depending on the availability of the team, support staff and our trekking calendar. Contact us to know more.
Yes you can. We always do our best to accommodate any demands and customisations. While small personal needs can always be accommodated, we also need to take into consideration if the customisation affects the other people on the tour. If it’s a single group that makes up the whole tour then normally we can amend and customise as needed but if multiple groups or solo trekkers make the group then the entire group will be considered before we can agree to make any customisations affecting others.
Last minute changes to departure dates is not something that can be usually accommodated as the wheels for running a group are set in motion much before the actual departure. Also, some of our treks are planned in sync with our cycling groups in the case of combo tours so last minute changes are tough. However, we can always arrange for things like different/separate arrival and transport for you to start the trek if needed. You will need to inform us in advance and there will most likely be an additional cost involved.
Accommodations and meals as per the tour-specific itinerary.
Refreshments and packed meals during cycling and trekking.
Potable/drinking water throughout. We care for the environment and discourage the usage of packaged drinking water.
Camping Equipment. (Group and personal).
Porters/mules to carry camping gear.
Porters/mules to carry your luggage on treks
English-speaking guide
Cook(s) for camps
First aid
All Transfers as specified in the itinerary.
Taxes.
Travel & accident insurancec.
Tips.
Alcoholic beverages.
Any snacks and beverages outside of what’s included.
Additional customisations or excursions outside the itinerary.
Bottled/Packaged water.
That depends on the nature of the request. Let us know what you need and we’ll do the best possible and give you a quote for the same.
A regular day in the outdoors and on a trail starts early. The day normally begins at 0600 with a cup of tea as we get ready and packed to leave by 0730 after a hearty breakfast. There will be some days that might need for an earlier departure like an early morning ascent to the top of a pass to cross a glacier. You will be informed of such things in the tour details and briefing.
Other than your day pack that you will carry on your own, Nomadic Trails – India will arrange for 12-15 kg of your luggage to be carried by our team depending on whether we have a porter or mule accompanying you on the trek.
Most treks involve you reaching altitudes in excess of 5,000 metres and you need to be prepared to handle that. You have to be prepared for bright sun during the day and plummeting temperatures at night (close to freezing at times). Normally, on a sunny day you will not need to worry as much about the cold as you would about be getting sun burnt. Please note that Himalayan treks vary in terrain altitude and vegetation almost every day. From thick wooded forests, to alpine steppes to glacial moraine with rocks and scree the terrain varies as we gain altitude. Our packing list should be able to guide you with it.
Please refer our packing list
Slip, trip and falls
As with any other trek, there are the usual slip, trip and fall hazards that are present with walking on uneven trails, the best defense for that are your own personal standards and attention when on the trail. In some slippery or risky sections our team will lead the way, rig ropes and guide you as need be.
Cold
The weather at higher altitudes can get really cold, really fast. Be prepared to layer up and protect yourself in case of weather changes. The cold dry air can take a lot out of exposed skin and make it burn and peel rather easily. Extreme cases like frost bites etc are not a real risk during the summer treks that we conduct.
Altitude
This is the most real hazard with risks involved with it. On our part as operators we will take precautions to make sure that this risk is kept at a minimum. These precautions include but are not limited to, frequent oxygen level monitoring, oxygen cylinders on tour, acclimatisation days etc. However, every client needs to responsible enough to have gone through our to be aware of this hazard, follow the precautions and be able to recognise symptoms and inform us in time. In some cases we might ask a client to end his or her journey if we feel that is the best choice based on their inability to cope with high altitudes.
Sun – Make sure you cover your body as much as possible – full sleeve shirts, neck gaiters and sun cap are a must to avoid sun burns. Applying sun screen lotion of at least SPF50 is a great way to protect your exposed skin.
Wind – A windbreaker will protect you from the chilly winds. Cover your ears in the evenings. During walking breaks when on a trek ensure your body remains warm by wearing an additional jacket or windbreaker to prevent rapid cooling of your body.
Cold – Layering up is the best solution for cold. When the temperature starts dipping, start wearing layers of clothes. Base layer is a must at all times. T shirt, Sweater, Jacket and wind cheater is the way to go. Keep your feet, hands, ears warm during cold weather by wearing warm woollen socks, gloves, balaclava or a skull cap.
We provide high altitude camping equipment – Tents, Sleeping bags, mattresses, toilet tents, plates, spoons, coffee mugs, lanterns and anything else that might be needed for running the campsites.
Cardio fitness is key as trekking involves long walking days at high altitude. We strongly recommend a running fitness of 5Km in 30min. If running is not your thing we advise you to carry loads on your back and brisk walk for an 1 hour for several weeks leading up to the trek.
Strength training: you don’t need to be a professional athlete but some amount of strength and endurance building will definitely come in handy on a trek or any other outdoor activity. Core strengthening will be very useful to endure rigours long treks. Lower body workouts and exercises are also useful in ensuring that your ankles and knees are ready to take continued impact of variable intensity.
You can come for the trek without preparation, but you’ll ending struggling rather than enjoying what nature has to offer. Bear in mind that, we are there to guide you and provide all the facilities but the walking has to be done by you yourself. So little preparation will help make your trek more enjoyable.
We will cater to different dietary requirements with vegetarian options available for those who don’t consume meat. If you any other specific dietary requirement then we need to be informed in advance.
For those who eat Kosher/Halal, we can try and source it but we can’t guarantee the availability of Kosher/Halal meat. If either of these dietary restrictions applies to you, please let us know. We will offer suitable replacements for our Kosher/Halal customers for the duration of the tour.
The distances on our tours vary considerably depending on the trek that you choose. The description and walking times will be provided in the detailed itinerary of the trek that you will receive upon booking a tour with us. Since most of our treks are at altitudes in excess of 4,200 metres above sea level and in remote areas, the distances are mostly approximate. That’s why we mostly mention approximate walking times instead. The more important part is the terrain than the distance.
While the number of sets you will want to bring will depend on how long your tour is, we recommend long sleeves and long pants for best protection.
It depends on your tour. If your trek ends at the same point then we will be happy to keep your belongings while you are away. However, since most of our treks don’t end at the point of origin, we recommend that you carry only what you need for the tour. If you have to leave something behind and your trek ends at a different location then you will have to find a way to get back and pick it up. If you need our assistance to do the same, there will be additional cost involved. Get in touch with us to know more.
Yes. While most of the treks are over dry land, we will cross streams and rivers sometimes. For river crossings on our treks we’d recommend that you keep with you a pair of hiking/ walking sandals that you can quickly slip in and out of and keep your feet dry and warm in your trekking shoes for the remainder of the trek.
As we restrict our group size to a max of 6-10 people, we’d usually have one lead guide for the group. Besides that there will be support and kitchen staff that will accompany the group. The size and number of the support staff will depend on the size of the group and also on the trek. On trails where we can use pack animals we will not have any porters. Whatever the case may be, you can be rest assured of a positive ratio of staff to clients.
Our guide will be multilingual (Hindi/English/Spitian) to meet the requirement of the people comprising the group. However, expect the support staff and porters to speak Hindi.
Besides your daypack comprising of your water, camera and few small things that you’d like to keep on your person during the day, the porters will carry the rest of your main luggage. The porters normally carry about 15kg/porter and we recommend that you pack accordingly. Also, bear in mind that the luggage with the porters/ pack animals will only be available to you at the campsite.
We will have a minimum of 2 toilet tents at each camp. In the case of a bigger group we will have more than 2 toilet tents. For the sake of better waste management, we highly recommend that the guests use them and not defecate elsewhere around the campsite.). You can dispose of any feminine hygiene or sanitary products in the trash located at camp.
At meals and at the toilets in the camps, a hand sanitizer or hand washing gel will be available and you must use it to avoid getting sick.
Note: If you go to a bathroom or to a meal and find that, hand sanitizer or hand washing gel are low or out, please notify your tour guide immediately.
If you cannot hold it until you reach a campsite toilet, you may go to the toilet in an area of the jungle where no one can see you and far away from the river (at least 50 m). Please do not leave behind any toilet paper that you use (we can provide you with sanitary bags at the start of your trek; you can place used toilet paper in that bag). Please place any other feminine hygiene products in these sanitary bags as well. The sanitary bags must be disposed of at the rubbish bins at the campsite.
Only the necessities please. These include toothbrush, toothpaste, sunscreen, insect spray, and necessary medications. Ladies, please bring any feminine hygiene products that you may need on the tour with you from home. There are VERY limited options in the local market here and almost no option while on tour. Please pack accordingly for emergencies! Some people might prefer to carry their own toilet paper too, personal choices.
We care for your safety and will ensure that you are completely secure be it during the trek or at campsites. When crossing slippery or risky sections during treks, our team will lead the way, rig ropes and guide you as need be.
Further, our tours are designed to ensure that the clients are suitable acclimatised to the altitude. We will hold frequent oxygen and wellbeing checks and also carry oxygen cylinders in case of an emergency.
We strongly support and promote the spirit of travel and welcome women trekkers in our groups. All our tours are group treks where we maintain friendly and safe environment. Our guides and trek leads are trained and sensitised to handle a diverse set of people. Feel free to reach out to our guides at any point of the tour.
Please declare all medical conditions that you may have, regardless of whether or not you may think it could affect you on the tour, so that our safety experts can advise if it will be safe for you to join our tours. Take note that our tours take place deep in the wilderness, far from medical clinics or hospitals and our team needs to be adequately prepared for your safety. We assure you that we will respect your privacy and keep your disclosures private (only necessary team members such as your tour guide will be intimated).
We carry a comprehensive first aid kit on all our tours. However, please carry any specific medication that you might need and give us any spare in case yours is lost or damaged. If you carry an Epipen or any serious medication(s), please inform us in advance.
Please bring any prescriptions or over-the-counter medications with you. Ours are just for use in emergency situations or if you run out. If you know that you need an anti-histamine or you regularly take an anti-inflammatory, please bring it with you. You should inform your guide of any medications you are taking/carrying. If you are on any serious medications, please bring a set of spares and give one to a member of the team in the event that you lose or damage your first set during the tour.
We recommend that you carry your own medical/accident insurance. Make sure that it covers the activities that you will be indulging in during your tour. In case you don’t have one, we can help you arrange one.
Anyone who isn’t fit enough to continue, or who poses a safety threat to themselves or others, will be removed from the tour. Nomadic Trails – India maintains the right to turn around any customer who doesn’t follow safety, conservation or trekking rules. There will be no refund for customers that are turned around and we will not be responsible for any additional expenses incurred by customers (transportation, hotel, etc).
The best option would be to carry spare batteries, power banks or portable solar charging panels as there won’t be much opportunity to charge your devices/gadgets/cameras during the trek.
Please bring a camera as we will be witnessing some breathtaking as we take on the Himalayan trails. You could keep cameras and other gadgets in your daypack preferably within a drybag to prevent them from water/moisture damage.
Since our tours will take you to remote area deep in wilderness on most routes there will be scanty or no mobile network. When you have pristine natural beauty all around you, disconnecting from city life will be cake walk!
Qualified Staff
To ensure that you have a holistic and unforgettable experience and to provide you with personalised care and attention, we limit our groups to 4-10 people.
Personalised Care
To ensure that you have a holistic and unforgettable experience and to provide you with personalised care and attention, we limit our groups to 4-10 people.
Protect The Environment
To ensure that you have a holistic and unforgettable experience and to provide you with personalised care and attention, we limit our groups to 4-10 people.
Safety
To ensure that you have a holistic and unforgettable experience and to provide you with personalised care and attention, we limit our groups to 4-10 people.
No Hidden Costs
To ensure that you have a holistic and unforgettable experience and to provide you with personalised care and attention, we limit our groups to 4-10 people.
Self Operated
To ensure that you have a holistic and unforgettable experience and to provide you with personalised care and attention, we limit our groups to 4-10 people.
Qualified Staff
To ensure that you have a holistic and unforgettable experience and to provide you with personalised care and attention, we limit our groups to 4-10 people.
Personalised Care
To ensure that you have a holistic and unforgettable experience and to provide you with personalised care and attention, we limit our groups to 4-10 people.
Archana Dhankar
A big thank you for arranging a balanced and affordable trip to every adventurer paradise - Spiti with the freedom and independence we wanted along with the guidance and expertise of true travel professionals like you guys traveling with us.
After visiting Spiti, it dawned on me why leavin... (Read More)
Arundhati Sharma
My friend and I planned to take a trip to Spiti. Got in touch with Mohit to plan our trip.
Well, first of all, know that spiti is a great place but comes with its own challenges. With all its beauty and splendor, it’s also quite untouched, which means, limited hotels or none what-so-ever... (Read More)
Ishita Bhargava
'Lagom' in Swedish means 'Just Right'. It is an experience of something being the perfect middle ground.
There is nothing better that could describe my experience with Nomadictrails India and Mohit Gulia during my trip to Spiti.
It's hard to know where to begin in describing just how... (Read More)
Swatilekha Joarder
It's a wonderful experience with team Nomadic Trails. Spiti Valley is my dream land and they make my dream come true. Every member of the team is great .... All their arrangements are just perfect.
Though I did all my research before going to Spiti But never felt like I missed something th... (Read More)
Anjana Dhoot & Sangeeta Malik
Thanks from heart to all of you ....Especially Mohit for giving us an opportunity to go on a journey of life time. It was everything you promised and more. Thanks to people like you who are so passionate about the work they do that people like us get to see places like this from a completely differ... (Read More)
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