Detailed Route
Thamsar Pass Trek Itinerary — Day by Day Route & Camps
An 8-day technical journey from Bir, crossing the massive Thamsar glacier to reach the prehistoric, isolated village of Bara Bhangal in the upper Ravi gorge.
Standard RouteThis is the standard mountain pacing for this trek. Specific operators may add an acclimatization day or alter the starting point. Check individual operator schedules for their exact logistics.
Duration
8 Days
Total Distance
119 KM
Max Altitude
15,500 FT
Trek Type
circuit
Altitude Profile
👆 Interactive Route: Tap map to explore segment insights
Points show end-of-day camp altitude. Summit days show peak altitude reached.
Permits Required Before You Go
Permit Cost
Where to Get
Dharamshala/Bir Forest HQ
Documents
Medical Certificate, Insurance with Air-Evac, Aadhar/Passport
Foreign Nationals
A passport check is required.
Foreigner Process
Standard check.
Nearest Embassy Hub
New Delhi
Day by Day Breakdown
Drive Bir to Billing & Trek to Rajgundha
Drive from Bir to Billing and begin the trek through pine forests and rolling meadows into the Uhl valley. Rajgundha is a scenic shepherd settlement surrounded by dense forest and open grasslands.
Key Landmarks
Staying At
Trek Rajgundha to Panihartu
Follow the Uhl river upstream through alpine meadows and waterfall sections. The terrain gradually opens as the forest disappears near Panihartu.
Key Landmarks
Staying At
Trek Panihartu to Thamsar Basecamp
A shorter acclimatization day into the upper alpine basin beneath Thamsar Pass. Terrain becomes rocky with moraine and snow patches depending on season.
Key Landmarks
Staying At
Cross Thamsar Pass and Descend to Mardh
Start before sunrise for the pass crossing. Climb steadily over moraine, scree, and seasonal snow to reach Thamsar Pass before descending into the Bara Bhangal side. Long and demanding day.
Key Landmarks
Staying At
Trek Mardh to Bara Bhangal
Descend gradually from the high alpine basin into the remote Bara Bhangal valley. The route follows river crossings and shepherd trails into one of Himachal's most isolated villages.
Key Landmarks
Staying At
Climb Bara Bhangal to Thamsar North Basecamp
A difficult ascent day climbing back towards the northern base of Thamsar Pass. The trail gains altitude continuously through steep alpine terrain.
Key Landmarks
Staying At
Cross Thamsar Pass and Descend to Panihartu
Re-cross Thamsar Pass from the Bara Bhangal side and descend back into the Kangra valley basin. Long and physically demanding day with substantial descent.
Key Landmarks
Staying At
Trek Panihartu to Billing & Drive to Bir
Long return day descending through Rajgundha and forest trails to Billing before driving back to Bir.
Key Landmarks
Trek Extensions & Add-ons
Bara Bhangal One-Way Travese
+6 DaysDon't turn back. Keep heading north from the village over Kalihani Pass to end the trek in Manali.
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This encyclopedia entry for Thamsar Pass Trek is curated from a mix of public survey records, first-hand climber accounts, and official permit logs. However, mountains are dynamic. If you have been on this route recently and noticed a change in terrain, water availability, or local regulations, we want to hear from you.
Community Vetted
Last Verified: May 2026
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