About Thamsar Pass Trek
Cuddled in the lap of mighty Dhauladhar and Pir-Panjal ranges of the
Western Himalayas, the Thamsar Pass is a gateway to the Bara Bhangal
village tucked in the blissful Kangra valley in Himachal Pradesh. Taking
you into deeper ranges of Himalayas and offering tremendous scenic and
untouched natural beauty, the trek still remains one of the very less
travelled paths in the region. A tough gradient, remoteness and high
altitude of the pass makes this trek a challenge for even the
experienced trekkers.
Commencing usually from Dharamshala, the trek takes you through
treacherous and narrow trails, glacial beds, rocky moraines and gushing
rivers. A breath-taking scenery awaits you at the Thamsar Pass from
where the views of Kangra and Ravi valleys, meandering rivers and 360
degree panorama of snow-laden peaks hypnotize you with its undulating
charm. Making your way forward on the route, passing through carpeted
meadows, beds of alpine flowers and thick forests of pine, fur and
birch, as you reach the stupendous Kalihani Pass, you will be taken
aback with the enthralling views of huge hanging glaciers, glittering
glacial lakes and snow-clad peaks of Pir-Panjal and Dhauladhar ranges.
Once you reach vast meadow lands of Lamadugh and Riyali Thach on your
trekking route, enchanting vistas of distant 'Deo Tibba', 'Indrasan' and
'Hanuman Tibba' peaks and valleys of Kullu and Manali soaked in
multiple hues of seasonal flowers, are sure to make you speechless and
astounded.
Area : Himachal Pradesh
Duration : 14 Days (4 Days travel/10 days trekking)
Best Season : Mid June - Mid October
Grade :Tough
Altitude : 4550 mts
Total Trekking : 98 K.M
One of the most enjoyable and scenic treks in the Himachal region,
the Thamsar Pass trek also gives you an opportunity to get an insight
into the lives of local Gaddi people living in the high mountain
regions. As you end your trek at Dharamshala, you also get a chance to
explore the place's Buddhist culture and visit the residence of Dalai
Lama.
For ardent trekkers and adventure enthusiasts, a successful trek to
the Thamsar Pass is like a dream come true. If a dream to get on to this
scenic adventure has also been boggling through your minds, just get on
with your trekking gears and embark on this blissful and heavenly
journey of lifetime.
Thamsar Pass Trek Trekking Tour Highlights
- Opportunity to witness an exquisite beauty of Kangra and Ravi valleys.
- Chance to get an insight in the lifestyle and culture of local Gaddi tribes.
- Opportunity to revel in the mesmerizing vistas of peaks of Lantern (5067 mts) and Thamsar (5078 mts)
- Chance to explore multiple scenic terrains and ascent varying altitudes.
- Chance to soak your souls in breath-taking views of Pir-Panjal ranges.
Best Time to Visit Thamsar Pass Trek
The Thamsar Pass trek can be accessed anytime between mid-June and
mid-October. Starting June till August, there are high chances of
witnessing heavy snow on the passes and the region of Kullu-Manali may
face monsoon showers. The Spiti valley generally remains unaffected from
rain with weather being mostly sunny and warm. Average day temperature
in Spiti during this season remains 12-20 °C while the temperature
during night may range from -2 to 6 °C.
From September to mid-October, the trekking trails generally get
cleared-off from snow and a good weather makes the trek much more
pleasurable though, chances of snow-fall during this season are quite
high. The day temperatures remain warm ranging from 12-20 °C but nights
get little cold and temperature may sometimes drop to even -6 °C.
Where is the Thamsar Pass Trek
Thamsar pass is basically a perpendicular cliff standing tall in the
Ravi Valley sandwiched between the villages of Holi and Bara Bhangal on
its either side. Frequently used by the local people to cross over to
Bara Bhangal in the Kangra Valley from Kullu Valley, the Thamsar Pass
proves to be an ideal gateway. The pass is also home to the Ravi River
which is fed with many small streams rising on the slopes of Bara
Bhangal ranges.
How to Reach Thamsar Pass Trek ?
The trek usually commences from Dalhousie, the nearest town of
Pathankot. You can easily reach Dalhousie from Delhi, Pathankot and
Chandigarh.
By Air : The nearest airport to Dharamshala is the
Gaggal airport. Few carriers like Air India and Spice Jet operate
flights from Delhi and Chandigarh to the airport.
By Road : Dalhousie is well connected by all the major town of Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, Chandigarh and Delhi.
By Train : The nearest railway station to Dalhousie
is at Pathankot. Numerous cabs and buses are easily available from the
railway station till Dharamshala/McLeodganj.
Thamsar Pass Trek (Detailed Itinerary)
Day 01: Delhi - Pathankot (By Train)
By evening catch AC train for Pathankot from New Delhi railway station. Overnight journey.
Day 02: Pathankot - Dalhousie (80 Kms)
On arrival at Pathankot train station meet our guide and then travel
to Dalhousie. Upon arrival at Dalhousie check into the hotel and in the
evening visit the wonderful local sightseeing and attractions of the
startling hill station Dalhousie.
Day 03: Dalhousie – Kalatop - Khajiyar – Bharmour (110 Kilometers via Taxi)
After a light feast at Dalhousie we will travel and visit a treat to
the eyes, the famous Kalatop Wildlife Sanctuary and then move forward to
Khajiyar. You can spend some time relaxing and enjoy viewing the
picturesque exquisiteness of this attractive destination and have lunch.
After having lunch we will travel to Bharmour through Chamba. After you
reach at Bharmour you will check into the hotel. At famous Chaurasi
temple, we can attend the Aarti in the evening.
Day 04: Bharmour - Holi - Laakewali Mata (Via Taxi -51 kilometers)
After having breakfast early in the day, the troop will move towards a
quaint village called Holi via taxi run of about 38 kilometres. Holi is
a small and a magnificent town located near to the banks of the River
Ravi. This village is well-known for the delightful, walnuts and apples.
The troop will then move forward and go by Garola Kharamukh, and will
stay close to the River Ravi's bank at the Choli Bridge to get some
relaxation and enjoyment. Then from here, we will move forward towards
Holi. After the troop reaches at Holi we will visit the small Bazaar at
Holi. Then we will travel to Laakewali Mata and Nayagram that is about 3
kilometres ahead from the Nayagram. We can have our afternoon feast at
the temple. We will spend the rest of the daytime for familiarisation
and will stay overnight in the camp.
Day 05: Laakewali Mata - Dharadi (10 kilometers trek)
Laakewali Mata to Dharadi is a run of about 10 kilometres. The trail
is quite interesting at the Laakewali Mata and here the road comes to an
end. From this point the troop will trek move downwards for about 500
metres and then will be crossing a little suspension overpass afterwards
ascend for 1 km and reach at a quaint village, Surie. The troop will
stay at Surie for a short time then move onwards to Urna village. Here,
we will have to cross a Nallah close to Urna the trail continues to go
to Khrudu by ropeway. This place has two pathways, one is through the
Bajol village. Another path is through which we went merge together.
After having lunch and taking rest for 1/2 hour at Khrudu the troop will
then proceed forward via Garonda Village and after we cross the Nallah
through a log overpass locally called as 'Trangdi' the pathway then
hikes steeply for 1 kilometre to arrive at the distant village of
Dharadi. Dinner & night stay will be arranged in the camp.
Day 06: Dharadi - Lake Base Camp (14 kilometers trek)
The trekking distance from Dharadi to Lake Camp is 14 kilometres. The
trail from here forwards towards the East crosses vertical rock that
faces River Ravi's north side; there are various complicated sections
that demands extra care. Trekkers can make use of a rope that will prove
to be handy and of immense use during the trail, while on one bank of
the River Ravi the cliffs dominate the region and the other side is
enclosed by the dense forest. We will reach Khanar Village in around 4
to 5 hours. Then, after continuing the trail for a 2 to 3 kilometres the
path hikes steeply with the wooded slopes of the hill taking us to the
peak of a spur where there are huge conifer trees; for the travellers it
is a traditional place for resting. The trail is now definite and from
here the troop moves downwards passing the trees towards a tiny lake
enclosed by green slopes; this place is called Gaddi and is basically a
shepherd's camp, it is a serene and relaxing place to visit after 2 days
of strenuous trekking. Even though the Bara Bhanghal is located just
about 7 to 8 kilometres from here, it is prudent. We will stop here for
an overnight stay at the camp located adjacent to the lake for some
rest.
Day 07: Lake Base Camp - Bara Bhanghal (10 Kilometers Trek)
Bara Bhanghal is the most distant region of the Kangra Distt. It is a
10 kilometres trek. From here the path ascends for a while and then
continues over the widespread grassy meadows. Progressing ahead towards
the North-East side beside the River Ravi, and a surprisingly level trek
follows to Bara Bhanghal which appears after 8 kilometres. At a
relatively lower elevation, an old village is situated while the new
village is visible on the bank's right side. Bara Bhanghal is located in
the foothills of towering ranges and is basically a little valley. The
shepherds' trails goes upwards in all the directions. Nikora Pass (4745
metres) crosses the Manimahesh North to Kugti in the Budhil Valley; the
Asha Gali Pass (5033 metres) and Laluni Pass (5438 metres) cross the
Bara Bhanghal North-East to Tandi in the Lahaul Valley. Both the passes
lead in the direction of the east to the Kullu Valley. The Dhauladhar
can be crossed to the Kangra Valley via Makori Pass (4605 metres), Gairu
Jot (4664 metres) and Thamsar Pass (4624 metres). Arrangements are made
for relaxing camping outside the village located close to the Ravi
River.
Day 08: Relaxation at Bara Bhanghal
This entire day is for resting and to travel around Bara Bhanghal, you can explore the villages and enjoy the local attractions.
Day 09: Bara Bhanghal - Marhu (9 kilometres trek)
The distance between Bara Bhanghal to Marhu is 9 kilometres. We will
start in the early morning after having breakfast; the troop will move
forward and after crossing the river through a 200 metres upstream
bridge and then turn towards south for crossing through a longer bridge,
the Thamsar Nala. The trek path ascends steadily over the rocky land
besides the Nala's left bank, the hills here are the enclosed with high
conifer trees. We will recross Thamsar after a 5 kilometers trek, and
keep on climbing further and passing through meadows. After 2 kilometres
the track becomes level and slopes in the area with verdant grass,
looking highly attractive and glorious. From here you can see the
fabulous backdrop of the V- Shaped glaciated valley and a stunning snow
capped slopes. There are a few shepherds of Gaddi encampment in this
locality; you can stay at an idyllic campsite for relaxing.
Day 10: Marhu - Alyas Base Camp (7 kilometres Trek)
The Base ground on both sides of any pass is called as Alyas. This
place is also referred to as 'Lahesh'. Marhu to Alyas of the Thamsar
Pass is a 7 kilometres trail. This adventurous trek allows trekkers to
enjoy some spectacular views. It will take about 5 to 6 hours to pass
over the snowy hill slopes and rocks. From here the pass is a way
forward and the climb is almost vertical, it is prudent to camp a little
ahead, closer to the pass. Here, the camp place is a long-established
that is about 8 kilometres from the destination Marhu where an enormous
rock shelter can be seen. The surrounds of this location up to late June
are totally snow capped, but after monsoon gets over, between August
and October, the snow melts and the elevated glacier remains standing.
Day 11: Alyas Base Camp – Thamsar Pass – Panarthu (20 kilometres Trek)
On this day the trekking starts from the Alyas Base camp and move
onwards to Panarthu Pass is utterly depended on the weather conditions
and the abilities and fitness of trekker. Generally Tour Escort will not
give the permission and take risk to continue the trek under unsuitable
weather conditions and will take a pause waiting till the time sky
clears up. If later in the day, the sun is shining brightly, then after
having a light snack and taking along packed lunch, troop will begin to
move ahead in the early morning in the wee hours. However, to make sure
that the snow is frozen for a less difficult hike and we will need to
pass this region before 12:00 PM or else it will create an issue as
heavy snow, incessant rainfall, winds, can occur which may affect the
trail. So, in the early morning right after having a light breakfast the
troop will move forward fully prepared for a pleasant trek full
adventurous.
Thamsar Pass's Alyas to Panarthu is about a 20 kilometre trek. It is
approximately a 10 kilometres trek, to reach the Pass Panarthu's top.
Initially the track spirals downwards towards the glacier and then
upwards the latter progressively. We will commence the trek early in the
early morning as the frozen snow makes it for better and easier to walk
on a well-used outline.
We will then move ahead and climb between the two similar ridges it
later becomes tricky as height elevates over the snowy slopes to reach
the top part of the glacier. We will pass a glacial lake about just 3
kilometres from the site of camp. The worst snow conditions the higher
altitude will make moving forward quite difficult. Big rocks and boulder
debris the pass, and a milestone with numerous charms symbolizes the
presence of the Temple of Goddess of Thamsar.
Thamsar (5078 metres) and Lantern (5067 metres), two small peaks, are
easily visible on the both flanks of the pass. When compared with the
northern side, the southern side is much steeper. We will head
downwards, usually on soft and delicate snow and move across a glacier
on the left and to an edge on the right side.
We will move down the crest steeply for about 3 kilometres and after
we cross the glacier to its left we will move ahead and the trail moves
upwards to Bharpal Got, a massive rock shelter. From here we will cross a
vertical descent for about 3 kilometres passing from a rocky path to
Panarthh. In the midst of spectacular surroundings the campsite is
located and also there is a tea shop in the rock shelter. We will stop
here at this location for a night to get some rest for next day trail.
Day 12: Panarthu - Beed (28 kilometres trek)
Today, we will trek from Panarthu to Beed. It is a 28 kilometres long
section of the trek, mostly downwards. The path of the trek is quite
proper and defined for about 16 kilometres towards Rajgundha. Here, we
can get aboard a local bus and move to Beed. Following glacier valley's
left, the trail commences from Panarthu and you can see the glaciers on
the way for a long stretch on the trail. A comfortable hike of 8
kilometres from the contracted valley moves towards Palachak. There is
an eating shop and a rest house located in a peaceful surrounds of the
valley. Originating from the glacier, River Uhl on top of Palachak
offers mesmerizing views. The river needs to be crossed here, then the
path mounts to a ridge located to the river's west side to reach in 8
kilometres Rajgundha (2625 metres), a big village. From this place we
will either walk the last 14 kilometres of trail or catch the bus in the
direction of Beed. Also referred to as the 'Beed Khas', it is
well-known for Paragliding. Arrangements are made at the Beed in the
camp for night stay.
Day 13: Beed – Dharamshala - Delhi
In the early morning we will move ahead in the direction of
Dharamshala via taxi. The troop will halt here to visit the Chamunda
Temple and Shiva temple Baijnath at Daad. We will then drive for about 5
to 6 hours reaching Dharamshala, which is the last terminus of the trek
and here trekkers will transfer to Volvo station and drive to Delhi.
Overnight journey.
Day 14: Delhi
Arrival at Delhi by morning.
Tour & Services End
Fixed Departure with Dates 2018
| 2nd – 7th July 2018 | 3rd – 8th July 2018 | 9th – 14th July 2018 |
| 10th – 15th July 2018 |
