Twelve days of high passes, glaciers and remote villages: this Manali-to-Dharamshala trek crosses Kalihani and Thamsar at near 4,700 m and finishes in McLeod Ganj. Expect challenging terrain, guided glacier travel, village stays, and all meals and tenting included.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
A cold morning at Hadimba Temple, breath visible in the pine-scented air, sets the pulse for twelve days of ascent and country memory. The path climbs out of Manali through fir and rhododendron, rising onto flowered meadows that open to Deo Tibba and Indrasan’s jagged profiles. Snowfields and moraines appear as the trail pushes above the tree line; glaciers and two high passes—the Kalihani and Thamsar at roughly 4,640 m and 4,700 m—frame long days with panoramic ridgelines.
Difficulty
challenging
Duration
12 days
Fitness Level
Requires high-altitude endurance: regular hill or long-distance training and experience with consecutive full trekking days.
Wildlife
History
The trek crosses lands of the Gaddi pastoralists and follows valleys shaped by Pleistocene glaciation; the route ends near Dharamshala, center of the Tibetan exile community.
Conservation
High-altitude meadows and glacial systems are fragile; stick to trails, pack out waste and support local guides to reduce impact.
Reserve your spot on the 12-Day Manali to Daramshala Private Himalaya Trek with Meals today and enjoy a trusted, highly rated experience designed to help you make the most of your adventure.
Acclimatize before you start
Spend at least one full day in Manali at moderate elevation and avoid rapid ascent to reduce altitude sickness risk.
Prepare for glacier travel
Kalihani and Thamsar passes cross snow and crevassed glacier; follow guide instructions and be comfortable with crampons and fixed-rope sections.
Footwear and gaiters matter
Sturdy, broken-in mountaineering boots and gaiters keep feet dry and supported on scree, snow and stream crossings.
Respect local rhythms
Bara Banghal is a working summer village—ask before photographing and support local guides and schools when possible.
Mountaineering boots
Stiff, insulated boots give ankle support on scree, snow and glacier approaches.
summer
Crampons & ice axe (guide-supplied often)
Necessary for safe passage over snowfields and glacier sections—confirm with operator if provided.
summer
3-season down jacket
Cold nights at 4,500–4,700 m demand reliable insulation even in summer.
summer
Water purification system
Treat stream water on multi-day legs where potable water is intermittent.