Thamsar Pass Trek

Arriving in Pathankot early morning, we then transfer by coach to Dalhousie. After reaching Dalhousie check into hotel and in evening visit local sight seen of Small Hill station Dalhousie.)

After Breakfast at Dalhousie move forward to Kalatop wildlife sanctuary then to Khajiyar. Enjoy the beauty of Mini Switzerland and take lunch. After Lunch move to Bharmour via Chamba. After reaching Bharmour check into hotel. And in evening join the Aarti at Chaurasi temples.

Early in the morning after breakfast and taking pack lunch, trek to Bharmani Temple. Bharmani temple is situated at the ridge and is 03 km trek from Bharmour. In evening return back to Bharmour and check into hotel

In the morning after breakfast troop will move to small village Holi by taxi a lead of 38 km. Holi is small and beautiful valley town situated on the bank of Ravi River. Famous delicious red royal and golden apples and for walnuts. Troop will go through Kharamukh, Garola and will stay at the bank of Ravi River at Choli Bridge for some rest and enjoyment. Then troop will move ahead toward Holi. After reaching at Holi troop will visit small Bazaar of Holi. Then move to Nayagram and Laakewali Mata three kms ahead from Nayagram Lunch will be provided at Laakewali Mata temple. Spend the left day for acclimatization and overnight stay in camp.

Laakewali Mata -Dharadi 10 Kms run is quite interested as road head ends at Laakewali Mata. From here troop will go downward for 500 Mtrs and will cross a small suspension bridge then climb for One km and will reach at small village Surie. Stay while at Surie then move ahead to Urna village. After crossing a small Nallah near Urna then trail goes to Khrudu through ropeway. Khrudu is the destination of joining place of the two paths one is via Bajol village and another is through we went. Rest for half hour and taking lunch at Khrudu troop will move ahead through Garonda Village and after crossing the Nala by a log bridge locally called Trangdi the path climbs steeply for 1Km over a spur to reach the remote village of Dharadi. Dinner and overnight stay will be provided in camp.

Dharadi to Lake Camp 14Km, The trail onwards east crosses precipitous rock faces high above the north side of the Ravi river, many tricky sections that need special care. A short rope will prove handy while cliffs dominate this side of the Ravi River; the other (S) side is covered with thick forest. In 4 -5 hours the hamlet of Khanar Village is reached. Then following a 2-3Km stretch, the path climbs steeply through wooded slopes to reach the crest of a spur where huge conifer trees are seen; a traditional resting place for travelers. The path is now well-defined and leads down through the trees to a small lake surrounded by green slopes; this is a Gaddi shepherds' encampment, a soothing place after two days of tough trekking through this rocky defile. Though Bara Bhanghal is only about 7-8 Kms from here, it is advisable to camp overnight beside the lake.

Bara Bhanghal is most remote area of Kangra District. 10Kms trek to Bar Bhanghal from the lake Base Camp the path climbs for some time and heads over grassy meadows. Continuing North East along the Ravi River, an almost level walk ensues to Bara Bhanghal which comes into view after 8Km. The old village is situated a little above the river while the newer one is seen on the right bank. Bara Bhanghal is a small valley lies in a bowl at the base of three high ranges, and many glacier torrents join near the village to form the Ravi River. Shepherds' trails wind upwards in all directions. Nikora Pass (4745m) crosses the Manimahesh North to Kugti in Budhil Valley; Asha Gali Pass (5033m) and Laluni Pass (5438m) cross the Bara Bhanghal North East to Tandi in Lauhal Valley. Two passes lead east to the Kullu Valley. The Dhauladhar can be crossed to Kangra Valley by Makori Pass (4605m), Gairu Jot (4664m) and Thamsar Pass (4624m). Comfortable camping outside the new village along the Ravi River.

Full day rest at Bara Bhanghal, visit both the village and enjoy the day.

Bara Bhanghal to Marhu is 9 Kms trek. Early in the morning after breakfast troop will cross the river by a bridge about 200m upstream then turn south to cross the Thamsar Nala by a long bridge. The path climbs steadily over rocky ground along the left bank of the Nala, the slopes are the covered with tall conifer trees. After 5 Km. the path re crosses Thamsar and continues climbing through ahead and meadows. In 2Km the path becomes level and slopes nearby are carpeted with deep green grass and wild spinach dotted with rock and boulders. Snow covered slopes and a V-shaped glaciated valley are seen in the background. A few Gaddi shepherds camp in this vicinity, an ideal campsite.

Bases of both side of bases of any passes is known as Alyas locally known as Lahesh. Marhu-Alyas of Thamsar Pass 7 Kms. This trek is adventurous and will take 5-6 hours over rocks and snow slopes. As the pass is a long way ahead and the ascent steep, it is better to camp further on, nearer to the pass. There is a traditional camp place about 8Km from Marhu where a huge rock shelter is found. Up to late June the surroundings of this site are snow covered, but after the monsoons, between mid August and early October, the snows melt though the higher glacier remains.

Alyas Base camp to Panarthu Pass trek is totally depending upon the weather and physical condition of trekker. Generally Travelling Guide will not take the risk or allow crossing the passes in bad weather conditions and will wait for clearing the sky. If sun shine then after taking light breakfast and packed lunch start moving ahead very early in the morning around 5:00 am to ensure that the snow is frozen for easier walking and if fails to cross the pass before 12:00 - 1:00 pm otherwise will create big problem as heavy snow winds, rainfall even snow fall can be happen. So early in the morning after Light breakfast troop will move ahead for their adventurous and joyful day. Alyas of Thamsar Pass – Panarthu is 20 Kms trek. It is roughly 10Km, to the top of the Pass-Panarthu. At first the path goes down on to the glacier then up the latter gradually. In the early morning frozen snow makes for better walking on a well trodden trace. The ascent between two parallel ridges becomes difficult as height is gained over snow slopes to enter an upper glacier. About 3Km. from the camp ground pass a glacial lake. Poor snow conditions higher up will make progress quite hard. Large rocks and boulders litter the top of the pass, and a cairn with many trinkets symbolizes the goddess of Thamsar Jot. Two small peaks, Lantern (5067m) and Thamsar (5078m) can be seen on either side of the pass. The South side is steeper than the North head down usually on soft snow and work across to a ridge on the right, with the glacier on the left. Descend the ridge steeply for about 3Km to where the path crosses the glacier to its left and goes up to a huge rock shelter called Bharpal Got (4050m). A halt can be made here for the night. From here a rocky path makes a steep descent for 3Km to Panarthu; tea shops in a rock shelter and a campsite among the rocks.

Panarthu - Bir 28Km a long section, mostly downwards; the path is well defined for 16Km as far as Rajgundha, from where a local bus can be taken to Beed. The trail from Panarthu follows the left side of the glaciated valley and the glacier continue down for several Km. A comfortable walk in the narrow valley leads to Palachak in 8Km; forest rest house and an eating shop. Uhl river originates from the glacier above Palachak. Cross the river immediately after this place, then the trail climbs to a ridge above the West side of the river to reach in 8Km Rajgundha (2625m), a sizeable village. From here either take the bus or walk the last 14Km of track down to Beed. Beed Is also known as Beed Khas and famous for paragliding. So night stay will be provided at Bir in camp.

Early in the morning move ahead toward Dharamshala through taxi. Troop will stop to see at Shiva temple Baijnath and Chamunda Temple at Daad. After a drive of 2 – 3 hrs will reach at Dharamshala last destination of the trek and here troop will take unforgettable lunch with Anna Adventures & Tour’s outdoor team. Our outdoor team will depart the troop here with good wishes and with hopes to visit again and again for more trekking in unexplored Himalaya.

We have a free morning to further explore this magical town – why not visit the Tibetan market or take a visit to one of the majestic monasteries? In the afternoon, we take the transfer back to Pathankot train station to catch the overnight sleeper train back to Delhi. Overnight: Train.

We arrive in Delhi and jump straight onto our waiting bus to take the transfer to Agra. Upon arrival, we check into our Hotel. Later we visit the incomparable Taj Mahal – no visit to India would be the same without seeing it! Built by the Mughal Emporer, Shah Jahan in loving memory of his wife and will always be a symbol of undying love for anyone who sees it. Overnight: Hotel.

We take the very early transfer back to Delhi in order to catch our flight back to the Home. Tour and Services ends here.