Season & Weather Guide
Best Time for Bara Bhangal Grand Traverse Expedition — Month-by-Month Guide
Seasonal Overview
The window is microscopically thin. Both Kalihani and Thamsar MUST be relatively clear of soft snow. The only realistic times are late August through September.
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Peak Season
september
Off Season
january, february, march, april, may, june, july, august, october, november, december
September Perfection
Key point
September is the only month where BOTH glaciers are stable and the Ravi river is low enough to safely cross. Do not deviate from this window.
Season at a Glance
Month-by-Month Trail Guide
January
Conditions
Route impossible.
Crowds
none
Conditions not optimal
Closed. Extreme winter conditions.
February
Conditions
Route impossible.
Crowds
none
Conditions not optimal
Closed. Extreme winter conditions.
March
Conditions
Route impossible.
Crowds
none
Conditions not optimal
Early season. Deep snow accumulations.
April
Conditions
Route impossible.
Crowds
none
Conditions not optimal
Early season. Deep snow accumulations.
May
Conditions
Deep winter snow remains on passes.
Crowds
none
Conditions not optimal
Prime pre-monsoon window. Good snow stability.
June
Conditions
Deeply dangerous due to melting snow bridges over crevasses.
Crowds
none
Conditions not optimal
Prime pre-monsoon window. Good snow stability.
July
Conditions
Monsoon renders river crossings lethal in the Ravi basin.
Crowds
none
Conditions not optimal
Monsoon danger. Landslides and severe rains.
August
RecommendedConditions
Late August opens up as rivers subside. High flora.
Crowds
low
Monsoon danger. Landslides and severe rains.
September
RecommendedConditions
The ultimate operational window. Dry rock, visible ice, clear skies.
Crowds
low
Crystal clear skies. Best visibility of the year.
October
Conditions
Brutally cold. High risk of getting trapped between passes.
Crowds
none
Conditions not optimal
Crystal clear skies. Best visibility of the year.
November
Conditions
Route closes.
Crowds
none
Conditions not optimal
Winter setting in. Sub-zero temperatures rapid.
December
Conditions
Route impossible.
Crowds
none
Conditions not optimal
Closed. Extreme winter conditions.
Important Tips
Because it spans 14 days, the weather will inevitably cycle. You must build in at least 2 'storm buffer' days where you sit in camp and wait out whiteouts.
Weather Windows & Wind Patterns
Photography & Light Conditions
Best Light Season
Night Skies
Lens Recommendation
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