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Thamsar Pass Trek Itinerary — Day by Day Route & Camps
A 8-day immersive expedition traversing diverse Himalayan landscapes and alpine altitudes.
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
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
Camp Alt
8,500 ft
Day Gain
+3,500 ft
Drive 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
The trail follows the mountain river corridor through a narrow, forested gorge, moving past traditional settlements into increasingly dense dense forested valleys.
Camp Alt
11,300 ft
Day Gain
+2,800 ft
Reach 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
Tree line disappears as the valley broadens into a spectacular high-altitude alpine meadow basin, replacing the dense forests with expansive grazing pastures.
Field Notes
KEY ACTIONRiver Crossings
Plan to cross early in the day before snowmelt swells the water levels. Unclip backpack waist belts before crossing.
Camp Alt
13,200 ft
Day Gain
+1,900 ft
Reach Thamsar Base Camp
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
Vegetation gives way to barren glacial debris as the route enters the expansive moraine basin and ablation zone of the glaciated upper watershed.
Field Notes
Use Trekking Poles
Trekking poles are highly recommended to save your knees on the descent.
INFOSlower Progress
Progress will be significantly slower and more taxing on your ankles than trail distance suggests.
Camp Alt
12,500 ft
Day Gain
-700 ft
Today's Objective
🏔 Cross Thamsar Pass
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
The route crosses the watershed, transitioning from the Uhl river basin over a barren ridge into the Ravi basin.
Field Notes
KEY ACTIONRiver Crossings
Plan to cross early in the day before snowmelt swells the water levels. Unclip backpack waist belts before crossing.
Use Trekking Poles
Trekking poles are highly recommended to save your knees on the descent.
INFOSlower Progress
Progress will be significantly slower and more taxing on your ankles than trail distance suggests.
Camp Alt
8,800 ft
Day Gain
-3,700 ft
Reach 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
The high alpine meadows narrow into forested river terraces as tree line vegetation reappears in the lower mountain river corridor.
Field Notes
KEY ACTIONRiver Crossings
Plan to cross early in the day before snowmelt swells the water levels. Unclip backpack waist belts before crossing.
Camp Alt
13,500 ft
Day Gain
+4,700 ft
Reach Thamsar North Base Camp
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
Vegetation gives way to barren glacial debris as the route enters the expansive moraine basin and ablation zone of the glaciated upper watershed.
Field Notes
KEY ACTIONRiver Crossings
Plan to cross early in the day before snowmelt swells the water levels. Unclip backpack waist belts before crossing.
Camp Alt
11,300 ft
Day Gain
-2,200 ft
Today's Objective
🏔 Summit Cross Thamsar Pass & Reach 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
Crossing the high-altitude pass bridges two distinct watershed systems, shifting the expedition over the glaciated divide and down into a new river basin.
Field Notes
Use Trekking Poles
Trekking poles are highly recommended to save your knees on the descent.
INFOSlower Progress
Progress will be significantly slower and more taxing on your ankles than trail distance suggests.
Camp Alt
5,000 ft
Day Gain
-6,300 ft
Trek to Billing & Drive to Bir
Long return day descending through Rajgundha and forest trails to Billing before driving back to Bir.
Key Landmarks
The high alpine meadows narrow into forested river terraces as tree line vegetation reappears in the lower mountain river corridor.
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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