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Bara Shigri Glacier Traverse Expedition expedition
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High Pass Traverse

Compare operators for Bara Shigri Glacier Traverse Expedition

8 Days16,503ft maxHimachal PradeshChallenging

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About Bara Shigri Glacier Traverse Expedition

8 Days
16,503 FT
Challenging

Bara Shigri is the largest glacier in Himachal Pradesh and the second-largest in the Indian Himalayas, stretching 25 km through the Chandra Valley in Lahaul. This 5-day difficult trek from the Manali-Leh highway explores the glacier's immense lateral moraines, ice seracs, and meltwater rivers. With virtually no commercial traffic, Bara Shigri offers a rare opportunity to walk on a truly massive Himalayan glacier in relative solitude. A must for glacier enthusiasts and adventure photographers.

Expedition Highlights

Glacier Tongue

Massive wall of blue ice and debris mark the source of the Chandra River tributaries.

Lateral Moraine Ridge

High ridge offering views of the 28km long ice river winding through the mountains.

View Complete Guide

Traverse Statistics

Traverse Rate

80%

Annual Attempts

~100

Annual Traverses

~80

Fatalities Recorded

1

⚠

Most common bailout point: Camp 1

Exhaustion from moraine

Common Questions

What does "Bara Shigri" mean?
In the local Spiti dialect, it means "Great Glacier". It is the largest glacier in Himachal Pradesh.
Is walking on the glacier dangerous?
Yes, the surface is a mix of rock (moraine) and hard ice. Hidden crevasses and unstable rock-over-ice slopes make it a high-risk trek without a professional guide.
Do I need crampons?
For specific blue-ice sections and crossing the snout, microspikes or crampons are highly recommended for safety.
Who is "Lady of Keylong"?
It is a natural rock/snow formation on one of the surrounding peaks that resembles a lady walking, visible from the glacier.
Is there mobile signal at Batal?
Batal is the base; it has zero mobile signal. The only connectivity is the public satellite phone at the Chandra Dhabha.
Can we see the Chandra river source?
Yes, the Chandra river is born from the melting waters of the Bara Shigri glacier snout.
How cold it gets on the glacier?
Even in summer, night temperatures on the glacier camps can drop to -10°C to -15°C.
What is the total duration?
Typically 8-10 days, depending on whether you reach the Concordia point or just explore the snout.
What does "Bara Shigri" mean?
In the local Spiti dialect, it means "Great Glacier". It is the largest glacier in Himachal Pradesh.
Is walking on the glacier dangerous?
Yes, the surface is a mix of rock (moraine) and hard ice. Hidden crevasses and unstable rock-over-ice slopes make it a high-risk trek without a professional guide.
Do I need crampons?
For specific blue-ice sections and crossing the snout, microspikes or crampons are highly recommended for safety.
Who is "Lady of Keylong"?
It is a natural rock/snow formation on one of the surrounding peaks that resembles a lady walking, visible from the glacier.
Is there mobile signal at Batal?
Batal is the base; it has zero mobile signal. The only connectivity is the public satellite phone at the Chandra Dhabha.
Can we see the Chandra river source?
Yes, the Chandra river is born from the melting waters of the Bara Shigri glacier snout.
How cold it gets on the glacier?
Even in summer, night temperatures on the glacier camps can drop to -10°C to -15°C.
What is the total duration?
Typically 8-10 days, depending on whether you reach the Concordia point or just explore the snout.

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