#### Day 1: Arrive in Manali
- *Altitude:* ~2,050 meters (6,726 feet)
- *Activities:* Arrive in Manali by road (e.g., overnight bus from Delhi, 12–14 hours). Check into a hotel or guesthouse. Meet the trekking team for a briefing, complete gear checks, and arrange permits (forest permits are required, typically handled by the operator). Rest and explore Manali briefly—visit Hadimba Temple or Old Manali if time permits.
- *Overnight:* Hotel/guesthouse in Manali.
#### Day 2: Manali to Lama Dugh
- *Altitude:* ~3,050 meters (10,006 feet)
- *Distance/Duration:* ~9 km, 5–6 hours trek
- *Activities:* Drive a short distance to the trailhead near Hadimba Temple or Prini (depending on the route). Begin trekking through dense forests of pine, cedar, and oak. The trail ascends steadily, offering initial views of the Kullu Valley and peaks like Indrasan and Deo Tibba. Reach Lama Dugh, a meadow campsite with panoramic views.
- *Overnight:* Tents at Lama Dugh.
#### Day 3: Lama Dugh to Riyali Thach
- *Altitude:* ~3,300 meters (10,827 feet)
- *Distance/Duration:* ~7 km, 6–7 hours trek
- *Activities:* Trek through steep ridges below Khanpari Tibba (4,025 meters). The trail offers stunning views of Manali, the Beas River, and the upper Kullu Valley. Pass through alpine meadows dotted with wildflowers (seasonal) and rhododendron shrubs. Camp at Riyali Thach, a scenic meadow.
- *Overnight:* Tents at Riyali Thach.
#### Day 4: Riyali Thach to Kalihani Pass Base (Sangohar)
- *Altitude:* ~3,800 meters (12,467 feet)
- *Distance/Duration:* ~8 km, 6–7 hours trek
- *Activities:* A long day trekking through meadows and forests, crossing small streams. The terrain becomes rockier as you approach the base of Kalihani Pass. Views of Deo Tibba and Indrasan peaks dominate the horizon. Set up camp at Sangohar or a nearby site.
- *Overnight:* Tents at Kalihani Pass Base.
#### Day 5: Kalihani Pass Base to Donku Thach via Kalihani Pass
- *Altitude:* Kalihani Pass ~4,725 meters (15,502 feet), Donku Thach ~3,800 meters (12,467 feet)
- *Distance/Duration:* ~12 km, 8–9 hours trek
- *Activities:* Start early (around 4–5 AM) for the summit push. Ascend steeply over scree, moraine, and snowfields to Kalihani Pass. The climb involves glacier traversal (ropes may be used). From the pass, enjoy views of the Pir Panjal and Dhauladhar ranges. Descend sharply to Donku Thach, a meadow campsite near the Kalihani River.
- *Overnight:* Tents at Donku Thach.
#### Day 6: Donku Thach to Bara Bhangal Village
- *Altitude:* ~2,550 meters (8,366 feet)
- *Distance/Duration:* ~12 km, 6–7 hours trek
- *Activities:* Descend along the Kalihani River through forests of pine and deodar. The trail gradually opens into the Ravi River valley. Reach Bara Bhangal, a remote village of Gaddi shepherds with wooden houses and fields of corn and rajma. Interact with locals (limited facilities; satellite phone available).
- *Overnight:* Tents near Bara Bhangal.
#### Day 7: Rest Day at Bara Bhangal
- *Altitude:* ~2,550 meters (8,366 feet)
- *Activities:* Rest and explore the village. Observe the Gaddi lifestyle—nomadic shepherds who migrate seasonally with their flocks. Recover from the previous days’ exertion and prepare for the next pass. Optional short walks around the village.
- *Overnight:* Tents near Bara Bhangal.
#### Day 8: Bara Bhangal to Thamsar Pass Base (Marhu)
- *Altitude:* ~3,850 meters (12,631 feet)
- *Distance/Duration:* ~10 km, 6–7 hours trek
- *Activities:* Begin the ascent toward Thamsar Pass. Trek through forests of pine, birch, and rhododendron, crossing streams. The campsite at Marhu is near the base of the Thamsar glacier, with a dramatic change in scenery as the air cools.
- *Overnight:* Tents at Thamsar Pass Base.
#### Day 9: Thamsar Pass Base to Panihartu via Thamsar Pass
- *Altitude:* Thamsar Pass ~4,875 meters (15,994 feet), Panihartu ~3,500 meters (11,483 feet)
- *Distance/Duration:* ~12 km, 7–8 hours trek
- *Activities:* Early start (4–5 AM) for the steep climb to Thamsar Pass over moraine, scree, and glacier. A small lake may be visible just below the pass. From the top, get your first glimpse of the lush Kangra Valley. Descend steeply to Panihartu, a campsite below the treeline with meadows and streams.
- *Overnight:* Tents at Panihartu.
#### Day 10: Panihartu to Rajgunda
- *Altitude:* ~2,900 meters (9,514 feet)
- *Distance/Duration:* ~10 km, 6–7 hours trek
- *Activities:* An easier day with a gradual descent through pine forests and open valleys. The trail widens, offering views of the Kangra Valley. Reach Rajgunda, a meadow campsite with a serene ambiance.
- *Overnight:* Tents at Rajgunda.
#### Day 11: Rajgunda to Billing to Manali
- *Altitude:* Billing ~2,600 meters (8,530 feet), Manali ~2,050 meters (6,726 feet)
- *Distance/Duration:* ~8 km trek (4–5 hours), ~60 km drive (7–8 hours)
- *Activities:* Trek downhill through forests to Billing, a paragliding hub. The trail ends here. Drive back to Manali via Bir (a longer route but scenic; alternatively, some treks end at Bir/Dharamshala). Arrive in Manali by evening, celebrate, and rest.
- *Overnight:* Hotel/guesthouse in Manali.
#### Day 12: Depart from Manali
- *Activities:* After breakfast, depart Manali for your next destination (e.g., overnight bus to Delhi or other travel plans). Expedition concludes.
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### Key Notes
- *Best Season:* June and September–October (pre- and post-monsoon). Avoid July–August due to landslides and heavy rain; winter closes the passes with snow.
- *Difficulty:* Challenging; requires prior high-altitude trekking experience, physical fitness, and endurance.
- *Gear:* Operators typically provide tents, meals, and group climbing gear (ropes, crampons). Bring personal items like warm clothing, trekking poles, and boots.
- *Permits:* Forest permits are required (no IMF clearance needed), arranged via the trekking team.
- *Highlights:* Kalihani and Thamsar Passes, Bara Bhangal village, views of Deo Tibba, Indrasan, and Hanuman Tibba, and the rugged isolation of the route.
This itinerary assumes a Manali-to-Manali loop, though some variations end in Bir or Dharamshala (adding 1–2 days for travel). For a precise plan, consult a trekking operator, as adjustments may occur based on weather, group pace, or logistics. Let me know if you’d like further details!