Kaliheni Pass Trek: A Himalayan Odyssey through Contrasting Landscapes
Embark on an extraordinary journey with the Kaliheni Pass Trek, an offbeat trail in the Himalayas that unveils the contrasting beauty of green and arid regions. Situated at an impressive altitude of ~4800 m/15750 ft, the Kaliheni Pass, traditionally known as Senghor Jot, stands as the highest pass in the shepherd route from Kullu valley to the remote Bara Bhangal area of Kangra Valley in Himachal Pradesh. The trek spans 70 km over 7 days, weaving through alpine forests inside Manali Sanctuary, splendid rolling meadows, and glacier moraine zones.
Brief Itinerary:
- Day 1: Reach Manali by Noon – Lodge or Guest house stay at Vashisht, Manali.
- Day 2: Trek to Lamadugh – 10 Km – 6/7 hours
- Day 3: Lamadugh to Riyali Thatch – 11 Km – 6/7 hours
- Day 4: Riyali Thatch to Keliheni base – 9 Km – 5/6 hours
- Day 5: Kaliheni base to Keliheni Pass and back – 12 Km – 7/8 hours
- Day 6: Kaliheni base to Dor Nullah via Riyali Thatch – 15 Km – 6/7 hours
- Day 7: Dor Nullah to Mailee – 8 Km – 4/5 hours
- Day 8: Trek to Sangchur – 6 Km – 3 hours – Drive to Manali – 30 Km – 2 hours (by 4 pm)
Trekkers need to reach Manali on Day 1, by noon. Similarly, book your return tickets from Manali on Day 8 evening, 5 pm or later.
What Makes Kaliheni Pass Trek Special?
- Unique Terrain: Kaliheni Pass offers a thrilling trek with a mix of boulders, moraine zones, snow, and ice, providing an exceptional experience seldom found in other popular trails.
- Snow Clad Peaks: Enjoy breathtaking views of both the Pir Panjal and Dhauladhar ranges, including surrounding peaks like Rohtang, Bhrigu, and Hampta, from various points along the trail.
- Green Vistas: Traverse through the eye-soothing greenery of Manali Sanctuary and the rolling alpine meadows of Riyali Thatch, making this trek a visual delight.
- Pristine Wilderness: With very few trekkers on this trail, Kaliheni Pass remains untouched and pristine, offering an unexplored wilderness adventure.
Clothing and Temperatures for Kaliheni Pass Trek:
Summer & Monsoon (Jun to Aug): Daytime temperatures will be warm in low altitudes, and nights will be cool. Night/early morning temperatures at Lamadugh, Riyali, and Kaliheni base will range from 15°C to 0°C.
Post Monsoon/Autumn (Sep–Oct): Colder than summer, temperatures will be cool in low altitudes and colder as you gain height. Night/early morning temperatures at Lamadugh, Riyali, and Kaliheni base will range from 10-12°C to -5°C.
Three layers of clothing are mandatory in the campsite while outside the tent:
a) Thermal base layer (warm woolly-cot material) – Not required in summer.
b) Heavy jacket (Fleece or Synthetic jacket) as a middle layer.
c) Windproof cum waterproof with a hood as the outer layer.
Reaching Vashisht, Manali (Kaliheni Pass Trek Base):
The trek starts from Vashisht, 3 km uphill from Manali. Reach Manali by road from Delhi or Chandigarh, with convenient bus services operated by both Government and private agencies.
- From Delhi: Buses start in the afternoon till late evening, taking up to 13/14 hours to cover the 560 km distance.
- From Chandigarh: Regular bus services start early morning till 6 am, covering a distance of around 320 km.
- Return Journey: Overnight buses from Manali to Delhi, including Volvo services, are available, reaching in 13/14 hours.
Embark on the Kaliheni Pass Trek for an unforgettable journey through the unexplored wilderness, stunning landscapes, and the thrill of traversing snow-covered terrains in the heart of the Himalayas. Get ready to create memories that last a lifetime!
Duration: 7 days of trekking; Manali to Manali in 8 days.
Prerequisite: Trekkers must be physically in good condition to endure this trail. Prior high-altitude trekking experience is highly recommended.
Grade: Moderate and strenuous. Steep descent
Physicality: 7/10
Trail Length: 70 Km
Highest Point: Kaliheni Pass ~ 4800 m/15750 ft.
Seasons: June beginning to October end
Further Option: Continue to Bara Bhangal trail and reach Dharamshala, 12 days, Difficult grade trek.
Access: Trek’s starting point and end point is Manali.
Railway station: Chandigarh (STN Code: CDG) or Delhi. Busses to Manali.
Airport: Delhi, Chandigarh, Kullu airport at Bhuntar (Code: KUU)
Upcoming Scheduled Dates for Kaliheni Pass Trek:
- For your convenience, you can review the scheduled Fixed Departure dates in the calendar provided within the Booking Form or the REGISTER NOW form. The starting dates of the tour are highlighted according to our 8-day itinerary.
- Currently, the BOOK NOW functionality is disabled. However, you can still receive all the necessary information via email by completing the REGISTER NOW form.
- In case you’re part of a group and the available dates don’t align with your schedule, you have the option to choose the Custom date mode. Simply click on “Select your custom date” and fill in the displayed form accordingly.
- You can also refer to our TREK CALENDAR to get a quick overview of all the available dates.
- Participants are required to arrive in Manali by noon on Day 1 of the trek. The return journey to Manali is scheduled for Day 8 in the afternoon, around 4 pm. Please make sure to arrange your tickets for both the inward and return journeys accordingly.
Getting to Manali (The Trek Base)
By Bus:
- From Delhi: Buses depart from Kashmiri Gate ISBT in the afternoon and evening, reaching Manali the next morning between 7 to 9 am. The journey takes 14 to 16 hours depending on the bus operator. Government-run HRTC (Himachal Road Transport Corporation) and HPTDC (Himachal Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation) buses operate daily, starting from Kashmiri Gate ISBT. Private operators also run Volvo/AC bus services from various pickup points in Delhi. It’s advisable to check reviews and ratings before selecting an operator.
- From Chandigarh: Buses to Manali depart from ISBT Sector 43 in Chandigarh, starting from early morning at 4 am. Ordinary buses operated by HRTC, Haryana Roadways, and Punjab Transport are available, and tickets can be purchased onboard. Online booking options are also available for certain services.
By Train/Flight:
Travelers can reach New Delhi or Chandigarh by train or flight from various cities across India. From there, they can proceed to Manali by bus.
Return Journey: Regular/ordinary buses from Manali to Delhi operate from morning to evening, with the last bus departing at 9:30 pm. Volvo bus services are available in the afternoon/early evening between 3 pm to 7 pm.
Accommodation in Manali: For trekkers participating in Himalaya Trekkers (HT) fixed departure treks, accommodation is provided in Manali (at Vashisht, 3 km uphill). The inclusions are specified in the provided PDF brochure for the chosen trek. Alternatively, trekkers interested in spending more time in Manali can inquire about accommodation options at state-operated HPDC hotels, which offer a variety of choices including premium, deluxe, and budget options.
Arrival in Manali and Exploration of Vashisht
Arrive in Manali by noon from Delhi and proceed to Vashisht, located approximately 3 km from Manali town.
Check into your guest house accommodation in Vashisht, known for its famous hot springs and serene temple.
In the afternoon, embark on a leisurely walk towards Jogini Falls, enjoying the scenic beauty and diverse cuisine options in the area.
Spend the night in the comfortable lodge/guest house, preparing for the exciting trek ahead.
Trek to Lamadugh
Start your trek from Vashisht to Lamadugh, covering a distance of 10 km in approximately 6/7 hours.
Traverse through dense forests and steep trails, witnessing panoramic views of the surrounding valleys and distant peaks.
Camp overnight at Lamadugh (~3050 m/10000 ft), surrounded by the tranquility of the Himalayan wilderness.
Lamadugh to Riyali Thatch
Begin your trek early in the morning, ascending towards Riyali Thatch, covering a distance of 11 km in approximately 6/7 hours.
Enjoy stunning views of the Chandra Bhaga ranges and other majestic peaks as you ascend to higher altitudes.
Set up camp at Riyali Thatch (~3400 m/11200 ft) and immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the alpine meadows.
Riyali Thatch to Keliheni Base
Embark on a trek from Riyali Thatch to Keliheni Base, covering a distance of 9 km in approximately 5/6 hours.
Traverse through lush forests and rocky terrain, crossing streams and glacial moraines along the way.
Settle in at Keliheni Base camp (~3950 m/13000 ft) and prepare for the challenging ascent to Kaliheni Pass the next day.
Kaliheni Base to Kaliheni Pass and Back
Start early in the morning for the challenging trek to Kaliheni Pass, covering a distance of 12 km in approximately 7/8 hours.
Navigate through rocky terrain and icy slopes, ascending to the majestic Kaliheni Pass (~4800 m/15750 ft) with breathtaking views of glacial landscapes.
Take in the awe-inspiring vistas from the pass before descending back to the base camp, retracing your steps through the rugged terrain.
Camp overnight at Keliheni Base, reminiscing about the unforgettable journey to the pass.
Return to Dor Nullah via Riyali Thatch
Trek back to Dor Nullah via Riyali Thatch, covering a distance of 15 km in approximately 6/7 hours.
Descend through picturesque landscapes, crossing streams and meadows as you make your way back to lower altitudes.
Set up camp at Dor Nullah (~3200 m/10500 ft) and marvel at the starry night sky, surrounded by the beauty of the Himalayan wilderness.
Dor Nullah to Mailee
Continue your descent towards Sangchur, covering a distance of 8 km in approximately 4/5 hours.
Traverse through lush meadows and dense forests, enjoying the diverse flora and fauna of the region.
Camp overnight at a suitable spot, relishing the final moments of tranquility in the wilderness.
Trek to Sangchur and Return to Manali
Conclude your trek with a 6 km descent to Sangchur, followed by a drive back to Manali, covering 30 km in approximately 2 hours.
Reflect on the incredible experiences and memories created during your Himalayan adventure as you return to civilization.
Your journey comes to an end in Manali, marking the completion of an unforgettable trekking expedition amidst the breathtaking landscapes of the Himalayas.
Note: The distances and altitudes provided are approximate, offering an overview of the trekking itinerary.
Trek Fee: ₹ 98,500 (Manali to Manali) + 5% GST.
Inclusions:
1 night’s accommodation at Vashisht, Manali (Day 1) on sharing basis. Meals at Manali are on your own.
Car drop from Vashisht to trek starting point (Day 1) and pick up from trek end point Sangchur to Manali back.
All meals during the trek, including breakfast, packed/hot lunch, evening snack, and dinner with coffee/tea/soup.
Experienced Trekking Guide with local knowledge.
Specialized Cook, Support staff, and Porters/Packed Animals.
Camping equipment like Sleeping bag, Carry mattress, Gaiters, Microspikes/Crampon.
Kitchen tent, dining tent, and toilet tent.
All permit fees, camping charges, and forest levies.
Stay in triple-sharing basis tents (3-person dome or ridge-shaped tents) during the trek.
Basic Medical & First Aid kit.
Travel cum medical insurance covering high altitude trekking tours (For Indian nationals up to 60 years of age).
Exclusions:
Any meals at Manali. Plenty of choices are available for vegetarian and non-veg food in the restaurants of Vashisht.
Personal Rucksack/Backpack carrying personal belongings (optional Pack Animal/Porter service available at ₹ 2,000 for the entire trek).
Tips/gratuities to the HT support staff.
Anything not mentioned in the “Inclusions” or personal.
Booking:
- We assume that you have read and understood our “Terms & Conditions” (https://greenvalleyhimalayas.com/terms-and-conditions) before Booking a trek/tour.
- To reserve your place in a scheduled Fixed Departure trek or a Customised/Private trek pay 25% of the TREK/TOUR FEE as the initial “Booking Deposit”. You can pay by Net banking/Draft/Cheque/Credit/Debit/AMEX cards. This will ensure your participation in the desired trek and we will reserve your place on the scheduled date. You need to pay the remaining amount at least 15 days before the Trek Starting Date.
- If you book a Trek/Tour before 14 days or less from the Trek/Tour Starting Date, you need to pay the full TREK/TOUR FEE.
Cancellations:
- “Booking Amount” i.e.25% of the TREK/TOUR FEE is Non-Refundable at any stage.
- If in case you are not able to make it due to unavoidable reasons (s), we provide you avery flexible choice of Shifting to another trek within the next one year. One year is counted from the starting date of the trek/tour you booked initially with us.
- In case you postpone your trip you need to inform a minimum of 15 days before the trek/tour starting date. (Though we suggest to inform us earlier if know)
- In case you postpone a trek/tour 15 days before the scheduled Trek/Tour Starting date or prior, you may shift to another group of the same trek/tour scheduled in the same season or within the next one year. You may shift to another suitable route also. For changing any, you need our approval first. Your request must be in written communication through your registered email with us.
- If you cancel/postpone a trek/tour from 14 days to 8 days before the tour starting date, your Booking Amount is Non-Refundable. We will not take any requests for shifting dates. We will charge 50% of the amount as Cancellation Charges and process a refund of the remaining 50%. You may also shift to another group within next year but 25% Booking Amount will be deemed as Cancellation Charge and the rest amount will be transferred to the shifted group.
- If you cancel a trek/tour 7 days (i.e. a week) before the Trek/Tour Starting Date or later, there will be NO REFUND.
- In case of any unforeseen incident including but not limited to natural calamities like flood, earthquake, landslide, forest fire, or any political unrest, if we are compelled to cancel the trek/trip, you will be entitled to redeem the full amount for the same/similar kind of trek/trip within next one year.
If you need more clarifications write to info@greenvalleyhimalayas.com
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