Kalihani Pass Trek (Gateway of Bada Bhangal)
7 Nights & 8 Days
Kalihani Pass Trek
Located in less explored Dhauladhar range in Himachal Pradesh, Kalihani Pass is also the gateway to Bara Bhangal Village which is bounded by High Passes from all sides and is accessible only in the summer months. Kalihani Pass at 15,800 Feet AMSL offers stunning Landscapes, Dense Forest, Lush Green Endless Meadows and Panoramic Views unmatched with any other. The trek starts and End in Manali however we will not retrace our entrie route apart from Summit Day and the day after till Riyali Thach after which we will head towads Rani Sui Lake before reaching our final campsite. Join us for an amazing Adventure on a road less travelled.
The peaks that one see on this trails include Friendhip, Shikar Beh, Manali Pass Region, Deo Tibba, Indrasan, Consolation Peak, Mulkilla Massif and the list goes on, the view from the Top of the pass is nothing short of Breathless with the Kalihani Glacier racing towards the end of the valley towards Bara Bhangal. It’s a must to trek but prior experience is required.
Your detailed journey plan
Altitude : 2050 Meters/6726 Feet AMSL
Reach Manali in the morning, breathe in the crisp mountain air, reach your pre booked hotel & check in. Later in the day we go for an Acclimatization walk, in the evening Briefing and Trek Orientation, followed by dinner, overnight in Manali Hotel.
Meals: Dinner
Trekking Distance – 10 Kms
Altitude – 3018 Meters/9900 Feet AMSL
Time – 7 to 8 Hours
After breakfast we check out from the Hotel and drive to Dungri Village the starting point of our adventure, we climb towards our first campsite Lama Dugh. The Trail winds up through a dense forest of Pine and Oak the asccent is a combination of gradual and steep climbs, soon we are surrounded by walnut and maple trees. The View Opens up at lower meadow before the final steep ascent towards our campsite for the day. As we approach the meadow of Lama Dugh We find ourselves surrounded by Golden Oak Trees. A beautiful calm campsite Lama Dugh offers beautiful views of the Valley Below and mountains above. After Dinner overnight at Lama Dugh.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Trekking Distance – 11 Kms
Time – 7 to 8 Hours
Altitude – 11,200 Feet AMSL
The day begins a little early today, we have our breakfast and begin the climb which gradually ascends towards the Higher Meadows and soon we are above the tree line, on the way we get amazing views of Pir Panjal & CB Ranges with Peaks Like Deo Tibba & Deo Tibba looming over the ranges and CB Massif right behind them. The trail becomes steeper as we approach the highest point in today’s trek Khanpari pass @ 12,000 Feet AMSL. The views become better and better and one can see the Rohtang and Bhrigu Lake Region more clearly and Hanuman Tibba the highest of Dhauladhar Ranges comes to the view, we cross this extensive alpine meadow and clear of the tree line soon beyond the civilization a mix of gradual climbs, steep descents and gentle trails we reach the campsite at Riyali Thach.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Trekking Distance – 9 Kms
Time – 6 to 8 Hours
Altitude – 13,000 Feet AMSL
Starting early is the key for a comfortable trekking experience, and hence we leave early morning and descend toward the meadows below to catch a glimpse of our ultimate Goal the Kalihani Pass, The intimidating pass is used by locals and shepherds alike in summers for bringing supplies and livestock to the village of Bada Bhangal. Enroute today we will be entering and leaving the tree line before crossing a couple of fast flowing streams, it’s important we start early so that we can wade through the icy waters of these streams while the water level is still low. After which we climb up towards the base camp a steep climb takes us to the campsite with a clear view of the pass ahead of us. After Dinner Overnight at Kalihani Base Camp.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Trekking Distance – 12 Kms
Time – 8 to 9 Hours
Altitude – 15,800 Feet AMSL
By far the hardest day of the trek is today, we start really early in the morning for a viable return to the Base Camp. The trail takes us through the moraine and rocky sections which needs concentration at highest level to navigate this trail safely. As we gain altitude toiling on the mountain gets more and more demanding. A combination of Glacial Ice and Rocky Patches becomes a regular routine here before we reach the shoulder of the mountain before the pass and soon we reach the top Kalihani Pass also called Sanghor Jot by locals and shepherds, the pass itself stays covered by the glacier but from top is a different world all together the north side of the pass with ice fields extending all the way to the base of the peaks small glacial lakes can be seen. After spending sometime here we begin our descend ever carefully traversing the moraine and boulder zones to reach the base camp. After a daylong toil on the slopes we relax at the campsite. After dinner overnight at Kalihani Base Camp.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Trekking Distance – 15 Kms
Time – 8 to 10 Hours
Altitude – 10,500 Feet AMSL
After breakfast we begin our descent from the base camp towards Riyali Thach our second campsite upon reaching the camping grounds we turn right and begin descending towards Dor Nallah. The trail follows a stream & gradually descends towards the campsite, we cross the stream and traverse a narrow gorge before entering vast lush green meadows, the campsite too is amidst the meadow. With panoramic views. We camp here for the night. Post dinner overnight at Dor Nallah Camp Site.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Trekking Distance – 12 Kms
Time – 6 to 8 Hours
Altitude – 8000 Feet AMSL
After breakfast the penultimate day of our trek begins with a traverse though the meadows, on the way we take a detour and start ascending towards Rani Sui Lake a pristine Alpine Lake at almost 11,200 Feet AMSL. A steep ascend takes us to this mesmerising lake offering beautiful views of Pir Panjal Ranges, after spending sometime here we start descending towards the tree line, as we enter the forest cover we will be descending a steep narrow trail which takes us closer to the valley floor, soon the canopy breaks offering a birds eye view of Kullu Valley below, soon we reach our campsite. Rest of the day is at leisure we relax at the campsite enjoying the Himalayan Vistas. After dinner overnight at Campsite
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Trekking Distance – 6 Kms
Time – 3 to 4 Hours
Driving Distance – 30 Kms
Time – 2 Hours
The last day of this trek begins with a leisurely breakfast and a steep descent toward Sangchur, the trail steadily descends towards the village. Upon reaching the village we board our transport and drive back towards Manali. Trip ends with drop at Manali.
Meals: Breakfast
What's included and what's not in this tour package
Inclusions:
Exclusions:
Preparations:
Fitness requirements for Kalihani Pass Trek:
High Level of fitness is a must for this High Altitude Trek. (First timers will find this trek very Challenging therefore prior Trekking Experience too is a must for this trail) the effects of High Altitude can be experienced from 7000 Feet above sea level. As we gain altitude the atmosphere thins and availability of Oxygen in the air drops. However a gradual ascent along with proper precautions makes it easier for human body to acclimatize to High Altitude.
Kalihani Pass is at an approximate height of 15,800 Feet AMSL (4810 Mtrs) it is considered to be a Difficult Trek
Experience: Prior Trekking Experience is a Must at least 2 or 3 14000 Feet Plus Treks.
Fitness required for Kalihani Pass Trek: The trail is more or less laid out path, with very steep ascents and descents , with availability of water is limited along the trail. But not to face last minute upsets we advise to keep certain things in mind. We plan our itineraries in a way that our trekkers will have to walk 10 to 12 Kms and approximately 6 to 8 Hours a day Subjected to Terrain. Which means approximately 1.5 to 2.5 Kms in an hour. However given the terrain and the altitude its considered to be equivalent of 3 Km in 1 hours in Plains.
If you can run or cover 3 Km in 1 Hour you are fairly fit for the trek, however we have a 3 week schedule that can be followed to prepare your body for the trek:
Training Schedule:
Stretch your arms and legs following some basic stretching exercises before your training everyday.
A Month Before The Trek: The curriculum should follow a 10 Minute Brisk walk, 10 Minutes Jog and 10 Minutes Brisk walk to end the session. Follow this for a week
3 Weeks Before the Trek: We go one notch up and start 5 Minutes Brisk walk, 15 to 20 Minutes of Jog and Minutes of easy walk to end the session. Follow this for one week.
2 Weeks Before the Trek: Repeat the schedule followed in the previous week
1 Week Before the Trek: Brisk Walk for 5 Minutes and 25 Minutes of Jog, after the Jog cool down your body. Follow this regime till the beginning of the trek.
List of Things to Carry for the Trek:
Backpack (Min 55 Ltrs)
Trekking Shoes
2 Pairs of Quick Dry Tees and Track Pants
3 Pair of Socks
Floaters or Croks for River Crossings
One Heavy Jacket
Floaters or Sandals
Full Sleeve Sweater or Fleece Jacket
Sun Cap
One Scarf
Lip Balm
Headlamp or torch with fresh pair of batteries
Personal Toilet Kit and toilet paper
Light towel
Cold Cream & Sun Screen (SPF 40+)
Gloves
Trekking Pole
Water Bottle 1 Lt
Personal Medicine Kit
Dark Sunglasses
Poncho, Rain Coat or Umbrella any one is must
CAMERA with huge memory card and fully charged with extra batteries !
Got questions? We've got answers!
Kalihani Pass Trek is a High Altitude Trail in the Dhauladhar Ranges of the Himalayas. The Pass is also Gateway to one of the remotest villages in India Bada Bhangal which remains cut off from the world for almost 8 Months. There are multiple river crossings making it a unique Trans Himalayan Adventure with some majestic views along the way.
Months of May, June pre monsoon & September, October Post Monsoon are the best time to do Kalihani Pass Trek.
Good physical fitness is must for all treks and so it is for this trek, doing regular walks and jogging for 25 Minutes every day is recommended, please check the fitness section for more information on the same, Kalihani Pass is considered to be a High Altitude Himalayan Trek considered Difficult due to High Altitude, Long Walks and steep Climbs
The day time temperatures are pleasant and can be upto 20 Degrees however in mornings and evenings single digit temperatures can be expected and it might drop below zero in the nights.
Kalihani Pass The Trail varies from 9 to 12 Kms in a day and walk for about 6 to 8 Hours is the average time taken by a trekker to cover this distance, enabling us to reach the camp site by Evening.
Tablets: Digene – 10 tablets Crocin – 5 tablets Avil 25mg – 4 tablets Disprin – 10 tablets Norflox – 10 tablets Diamox – 10 tablets Avomine – 4 tablets Combiflam – 5 tablets Below is a list of basic medicines you should carry for a high altitude trek. Cotton – 1 small roll Band aid – 10 stripsGauze cloth – 1 small role Betadine cream Leukoplast – 1 small roll Crepe bandage – 3 to 5 meters Moov spray ORS – 5 packets
Diamox is a medicine which is helps in acclimatization, but it also has certain side effects not recommended to people allergic to Sulpha Class of medicines, we advise otherwise and instruct all trekkers to consult a physician before taking any such medicine.
All our treks are accompanied by certified and experienced Trek leaders, following the principal of sustainable tourism we source our local teams from neighbouring villages who also are familiar with the region, along with the trek leader our support staff consists of Cooks, Helpers, Mules and Local Guides, the size of the team depends on the group size.
Our Group size seldom crosses 15 Pax, we ensure that we keep the group sizes below the said number as it’s the best way to enjoy the trek and have better team bonding among the trekkers.
If you have booked on a date of one of our fixed departure. We ensure that the trek goes on even if there is only one person who has booked a trek. Our fixed departures are our promise to our customers and taking a loss in fulfilling the same is something we are willing to bare to ensure customer satisfaction.
Mountains are safer in these terms compared to Plains, people are always helpful and respectful. However we try and maintain a ratio of 2:1 on all treks and its ensured solo female trekkers either share tents with other solo female trekkers or are provided a separate tent.
Kindly refer to things to carry section for more information.
We recommend to carry what is needed while on the trek and leave excess stuff behind, in case you want to offload your bags we provide that option to all trekkers, the charges for the same start from ₹250/- and can be upto ₹500/- Per Bag Per Day with a weight limit of 9 Kgs or Less depending on the trail & trek difficulty levels and Cost of Logistics. Also some of our treks include the bag off loading and the same is usually mentioned under Inclusions. If Not that means the Bag Off Loading is extra
Trekking Shoe is one the most important Thing. We recommend that if you are looking to buy a new shoe get it at least 15 Days prior to the trek and use the shoe so that it takes the shape of your foot. This helps in avoiding shoe bites. As the trails are not smooth and have lots of rocks and uneven section we recommend you buy a shoe with good grip, sturdy sole & high ankle. A High Ankle gives support to your foot on uneven or difficult terrain while protects your ankle in event of a twist or fall.
Tents provided are 3+1 which comfortably accommodates 2-3 trekkers.
Though 1st Time Trekkers may join but we recommend prior trekking experience of multiple 10,000 Feet Plus Treks. However Kalihani Pass Trek will need Good fitness level both physically and mentally. However to achieve the recommended level of fitness please refer to our article “How to Prepare for a High Altitude Trek”.
Vegetarian meals are provided all three times during the trek along with Eggs in Breakfast in starting days, Vegetarian food is recommended as it is easy to digest vegetarian food in high altitudes, we provide Breakfast, Lunch, Evening Snacks and Dinner.
The water found in Himalayan streams is generally safe to drink, and you have plenty of them when you are trekking Himalayas, your trek leaders/local guides know where to fill your water bottles, in case you are still unsure about drinking the water we recommend you carry your own purifying pills.
Our operations/treks take us to remote regions with more or less zero connectivity and extreme conditions, right next to harshest elements that nature can throw at us. There are possibilities of unforeseen circumstances which may forces us to change the itinerary. In such cases your trek leader will inform you about the change in plan and best available options similar to existing itinerary. In these events Backpacking Diaries reserves right to change the itinerary which can be due to various different factors. Any additional cost which is incurred due to these changes will be borne by the trekkers and the same will be communicated to the trekkers before hand.
Depending on the group size the transport vehicles are determined and can be anything from a Sumo, Xylo or similar vehicles for larger groups tempo travellers or even bus in event of a School, College or Corporate Groups.
We have certified and experienced trek leaders who have loads of experience in dealing with illness at high altitude. Our teams are experienced in handling such situations. However we carry a basic medical kit along with oxygen cylinders with us for situations of emergency and our first objective is to rescue the trekker to the road head and the cost for the same is to be incurred by the trekker. In addition to this it’s a trekkers responsibility to get our medical fitness certificate filled and duly attested by a certified physician indicating that you are medically fit for the trek. We also recommend that you take Adventure Sports Cover in case if its not included in the package
Yes you have an option of always customizing the trek, the cost for the same is decided as per the number of pax in your personal group, trek style and region where the trek will be conducted.
In such events we provide you an alternate trek option of similar value depending upon weather conditions if the trek is cancelled due to ‘force majeure’. As all our arrangements are prepaid and pre planed. In case of non-completion of trek for any reason whatsoever, there will be no refund for any unutilized services.
Up to 24 Days :- 95% of Trek/Tour cost will be refunded. Between 14-24 Day :- 70% of Trek/Tour cost will be refunded. Between 14-08 Days :- 50% of Trek/Tour cost will be refunded. Less than 7 Days :- No refund
We will reschedule your trek without any extra charge if this is conveyed to us in writing ateast 1 month before the trek starting date. Between 07-24 Days before start of the trek :- 30% of Trek/Tour cost will be charged for rescheduling. Less than 7 days:- 100% of Trek/Tour cost will be charged for rescheduling.
The trek starts from famous tourist town of Manali below are the details: Manali: The base or starting point for Kalihani Pass Trek is Manali, You will be picked up from your Hotel early in the Morning and we leave for Trail no Later than 8:00 Am in the morning How to reach Manali (Bus) Manali being a famous tourist town has regular Volvo/Deluxe Bus service plying from Delhi, these buses leave from Cashemere Gate ISBT in New Delhi and are operated by both Govt. and Private Operators, the journey is around 12 to 14 Hours. How to reach Manali (Air) Bhuntar is the nearest airport to Manali, which is connected by air from Delhi. Please check the availability of the same with online Air Ticket Selling Companies like Make My Trip, Go Ibibo etc.
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