This is a sustained trek and begins in Manali and ending in Bir. As we depart through the thick cedar forest of Manali, we will cross various wild meadows, little streams and high passes (highest being at an altitude of 4800 m (15,748 ft.). We will come across various isolated villages that will provide an insight on how the local villages live their lives. Ending our trek in Bir – site of Buddhist spiritualism – is only a few kilometres from Dharamsala, where we will be trekking through the wondrous land of the legendary Gaddi’s tough and wiry Himalayan shepherds. From Dharamsala you will take an overnight bus journey to Delhi.
Day 1
Arrival in Delhi
Guests will be received at the airport followed by a transfer to a hotel, where you will be staying overnight.
Day 2
Overnight bus journey Delhi – Manali
Travelling Distance: 570 km
Travelling Time: 16 hours
Altitude: 2000 m / 6,561 ft.
Following a full day’s sightseeing in the vibrant Delhi City, we will then transfer you to the bus station. Overnight bus journey, fully air conditioned and comfortable to make the journey more relaxing.
Day 3
Arrival in Manali
Upon arrival in Manali, we will check you into your hotel to freshen up before exploring the local area. Old Manali, the Hadimba and Shiva Temple are all main attractions for sightseers. After lunch, a visit to the hot springs in Vashisht will make you feel rejuvenated. In the afternoon you will then be able to roam freely within the town, with an overnight stay in the hotel.
Day 4
Trek 1 – Manali – Lamadugh
Trekking Time: 5 hours
Altitude: 2500 m / 8,202 ft.
The first day of the trek leads through cool forests of giant deodars (Cedar), we will then ascend gently through Manalsu Valley with the Manalsu torrent for company. The campsite is located in a lush green meadow of Lamadugh.
Day 5
Trek 2 – Lamadugh – DohraNalla
Trekking Time: 6 hours
Altitude: 3100 m / 10,170 ft. (Over Khanpari Pass 3600 m / 11,811 ft.)
The trail now begins to ascend steeply through woodlands and meadows. With wild alpine flowers strewn all around; brilliant shrubs of Rhododendron and Birch pave the way to the Khanpari Pass after which a descent leads to the campsite.
Day 6
Trek 3 – DohraNalla – Sangohar (Base of Kali Hani)
Trekking Time: 51/2 hours
Altitude: 3800 m / 12,467 ft.
Day will begin with a lovely walk through a lush forest and over the debris of glaciers, before a short ascent to the campsite. Surroundingthe campsite are famous mountain peaks of the Kullu and Lahaul Valleys, which provide an unforgettable evening.
Day 7
Trek 4 – Sangohar – Gaddi Gate
Trekking Time: 8 hours
Altitude: 3600 m / 11,811 ft. (Over Kalihali Pass 4800 m / 15,748 ft.)
The landscape slowly begins to change, as forests and meadows give way to rocky outcrops with patches of snow starting to appear. A rather steep climb through glacial debris and snow, to the top of the pass. Once we have reached the top, breath-taking views envelop the crest of the pass and after a brief stopover, we will then descend passing over glaciers and moraines which will then lead us to the campsite on the bank of the sparkling mountain stream.
Day 8
Trek 5 – Gaddi Gate – LambaPhad
Trekking Time: 4 hours
Altitude: 3300 m / 10,826 ft.
The trail will be leading us down to Soony River via Devi Gate. A small temple is constructed by the shepherds (Gaddi’s) for the protection of the sheep and themselves from natural catastrophes. We will pay homages to the Goddess and continue on to the campsite.
Day 9
Trek 6 – LambaPhad – Soony
Trekking Time: 5 hours
Altitude: 3500 m / 11,482 ft.
Once we leave this beautiful campsite, the path winds through rocky terrain which will soon be replaced by meadows again. The trail ascends to a forest that begins to appear as well as a river that rushes through spectacular gorges. As soon as we cross via a snow bridge or temporary wooden bridge, we will have reached the campsite.
Day 10
Trek 7 – Soony – Bara Bhangal
Trekking Time: 6 hours
Altitude: 2540 m / 8,333 ft.
The trail will wind its way down towards the valley floor, after which almost level walk leads to the camp just before the tiny ancient village of Bara Bhangal.
Day 11
Trek 8 – Bara Bhangal Village
This remote and isolated village is open for only 4/5 months in a year. The inhabitants are the legendary Himalayan shepherds (the Gaddi’s) who lead a nomadic lifestyle, leading their vast flocks of sheep and goats in high mountain summer pastures, as well as in autumn returning back to their isolated existence in the village.
Day 12
Trek 9 – Bara Bhangal – Base of Thamsar Pass
Trekking Time: 61/2 hours
Altitude: 3500 m / 11,482 ft.
With a steady climb to the campsite, the scenery changes quite dramatically while the air becomes cooler. The chill of the evening is replaced with the comfortable warmth of a lively campfire.
Day 13
Trek 10 – Base of Thamsar Pass – Panihartu over Thamsar Pass
Trekking Time: 6-7 hours
Altitude: 3200 m / 10,498 ft.
The trail steeply emerges from the rocky and glacial terrain in to the softer landscape. The lakes on both side of the pass offer a spectacular view of Dhauladhar Range, with the mighty ManimaheshTibba to the north of the pass. A steep descent to the campsite of Pannihartu.
Day 14
Trek 11 – Panihartu – Raj Gundha
Trekking Time: 6 hours
Altitude: 2900 m / 9,514 ft.
We will begin the day with a drive to Lamu Village after breakfast and further trek to Kwarsi. A footpath is developed and a few wooden bridges that we will come across will help ease our trek.
Day 15
Trek 12 – Raj Gundha – Bir
Trekking Time: 6 hours
Altitude: 2080 m / 6,824 ft.
The trail passes through an Oak forest and beautiful Rhododendrons. As we descend directly from Billing we will reach in Bir. Billing is well known for Para gliders, whom are from all over India as well as foreigners that take part in competitions. Along the way, the extensive views of the lush green Kangra Valley can be seen, before a steep descent that will take us to a tiny Tibetan settlement in Bir. As it is the last day of trekking, we will be trekking through the wondrous land of the legendary Gaddi’s tough and wiry Himalayan shepherds.
Day 16
Journey to Dharamsala
Travelling Distance: 50 km
En route we will be visiting a Tibetan settlement and a monastery at Bir and the Chamunda Devi Temple in Palampur. After driving 50 km we will have reached in Dharamsala. Overnight stay in a hotel.
Day 17
McLeod Ganj
We will be visiting the residence of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, as well as a Tibetan handicraft centre. Overnight stay in a hotel.
Day 18
Overnight Bus Journey from Dharamsala to Delhi
The day will consist of a free day in Dharamsala before spending an overnight bus journey to Delhi.
Day 19
Arrival in Delhi
Upon arrival in Delhi, you will be transferred to a hotel, to give you some time of relaxation. You will be able to visit the town before evening time, where you will be transferred to the Indira Gandhi International Airport for your flight to your onward destination.
