Himachal Pradesh · India
Kalihani Pass Trek
An old Gaddi shepherd pass over the Pir Panjal
The trek
A tough, wild crossing from Manali over the 4,800 m Kalihani Pass, through meadows and glacier to the Rani Sui lake and back — the classic gateway toward Bara Bhangal.
The Kalihani Pass is the lesser-known, higher gateway out of the Kullu valley — an old Gaddi shepherd route from Manali that climbs over a 4,800 m saddle of scree, moraine and the Kalihani glacier before dropping toward the remote Bara Bhangal region. This loop version turns back at the pass and returns via the sacred lake of Rani Sui, packing a genuine high-pass crossing, alpine meadows and huge Pir Panjal views into a week.
It is a demanding trek with a long, steep summit-of-the-pass day on snow and glacier, best walked in the clear windows of June or the post-monsoon of September and October. From below the pass the trail looks straight across at Deo Tibba and Indrasan, and the meadow campsites of Riyali Thatch and Saghor are among the loveliest in the region.
Highlights
- A 4,800 m high-pass crossing on the old Bara Bhangal route
- Close-up views of Mt. Deo Tibba and Mt. Indrasan from the pass
- The flower-filled meadow camps of Riyali Thatch and Saghor
- The sacred glacial lake of Rani Sui on the return
From
₹17,499
per person
- Free reschedule up to 21 days out
- Small groups, certified mountain leaders
- Oximeter, oxygen & evacuation plan on every route
Day by day
The itinerary
8 days from Manali. Tap any day to read the detail — distances and altitudes are planning figures and may shift with conditions.
The trek kicks off bright and early at the Manali ISBT. After gathering with the group, freshening up, and fueling with a hearty breakfast, we board the waiting vehicles for a scenic 1.5-hour drive winding out of the valley up to the traditional village of Sangchar—the official trailhead. The trail out of Sangchar: Lacing up your boots at the village edge, the path immediately steps into a series of steady, continuous switchbacks. As you gain elevation, the bustling valley floor and the entire spread of Manali shrink below, opening up grand panoramas of the snow-crested Pir Panjal range spanning the northern horizon. Flora on the climb: Despite the sustained 2,000-foot ascent, the visual reward makes every switchback worthwhile. The route cuts through vibrant hillside meadows carpeted with wild blooms—delicate anemones, vibrant pink geraniums, and tall, swaying alpine grasses fringing thick forest undergrowth. Arrival at Jammu Paani: A steady climb brings you to today’s campsite at Jammu Paani. Set in a peaceful, sheltered clearing framed by broad-canopied oak forests on one flank and thick alpine shrubs on the other, it is a serene haven to kick off the wilderness phase. Unpack your rucksacks, pitch your tents, and enjoy a warm dinner under the mountain sky before turning in for your first night in the wild.
What's included
- Twin/triple-sharing tents on the trek
- All meals on the trek (veg, freshly cooked)
- Certified trek leader, guides and support staff
- Forest permits and camping charges
- First-aid, oximeter and emergency oxygen
Not included
- Transport to and from Manali
- Personal trekking gear and insurance
- Anything not listed under inclusions
In the field
The country you'll walk
Ready when you are
Walk Kalihani Pass Trek with us
Small groups, honest briefings and a crew that has done this route many times over. From ₹17,499 per person.
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