Thamsar Pass Trek

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

This entire day is for resting and to travel around Bara Bhanghal, you can explore the villages and enjoy the local attractions.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Arrival at Delhi by morning.