Duration : 13 Nights
/ 14 Days
Destinations Covered : Delhi-Manali-Riyali-Kaliheyni Pass-Donku
Thach-Dhalmarhi-Bara Banghal-Thamser Pass-Manali-Delhi
Day 1 :
Starting early we trek out of Manali and climb up the western hillside towards
the meadows of Lamadugh through meadows and forests with the Manalsu stream
flowing down below. Camp overnight.
Day 2 :
The trail climbs steadily through thinning forests and we get great views of
the Pir Panjal range of mountains. We reach our next campsite at Riyali, just
above the tree line by early evening.
Day 3 :
Today's walk involves a steep climb towards the base of the Kaliheyni Pass.
This pass is normally snow clad around the year but it's relatively easy to
walk across. The trail is full of scree and moraine and walking can be a bit
tiring. Camp below the pass.
Day 4 :
Rest day at the base of the pass.
Day 5 :
We climb up towards the pass and crossing over Kaliheyni Pass (4725 metres)
we descend through meadows to our streamside camp at Donku Thach.
Day 6 :
The walk is pleasant as we continue along the valley with green meadows and
wild flowers. We reach our next camp at the small grassy patch of Lambapar.
Day 7 :
Today's walk again is an exceedingly pleasant one with magnificent views of
the towering mountains of the Pir Panjal ranges. By afternoon our next camp
is reached at Dhalmarhi.
Day 8 :
Leaving early our destination is the far flung village of Bara Banghal . The
walk is along grassy hillsides and we reach this legendary shepherd's village
by afternoon. Camp outside the village near a stream.
Day 9 :
Rest day at the quaint village of Bara Banghal .
Day 10 :
Leaving the village we now head south across the hills towards the base of the
Thamser Pass. The walk is pleasant and the climb can be a bit tiring but the
beautiful views make up for this. Camp at the base.
Day 11 :
A steep climb through forests and we reach the top of the pass. Stopping awhile
here to take in the unforgettable views we cross over the Thamser Pass (4570
metres) and a steady descent takes us to Pannatu our next campsite.
Day 12 :
Our walk is along a roaring river and through thick forests to the tiny settlement
of Palachak. Camp overnight.
Day 13 :
Passing several villages enroute we head towards the small village of Billing
in the district of Kangra. Billing is also well known for its annual paragliding
and hang Gliding competitions. We reach our campsite near the village of Billing
by evening.
Day 14 :
The walk leads downhill through lush green forests to the Tibetan settlement
of Bir, which is well connected to Macleodgunj the capital of the Tibetan Government
in exile our final destination. From here you can take buses to either Manali
or Delhi .
