Kalihani Pass Trek

Life is unpredictable and we understand that sometimes you have to cancel or change your trip dates and we endeavour to make it as easy as possible for you. However, please understand that we plan everything including guide fees, permits, accommodation and rations in advance. Therefore, any cancellation means inconvenience and certain losses to the people involved in various stages of the programme. Keeping that in mind, our cancellation charges are as below -

• Cancellations before 30 days from the start of the event: Get a monetary refund with 15% of cancellation charges.

• Cancellations between 30 days and 15 days to the start of the event: 50 %refund.

• Cancellations less than 15 days to the start of the event: No refund.

• Cancellations will be accepted only by email.

Note: The Himalayan Daredevils reserves the right to cancel a program before departure in the event of logistical problems arising due to natural calamities, strikes, wars or any other circumstances that make the event inadvisable. In this case, we will refund 50% of the event fees.

Itinerary Changes &Trip delays:

We plan itineraries based on the information available at the time of planning and in rare circumstances, they are subject to change. If the itinerary is changed or delayed due to unforeseen circumstances such as bad weather, transportation delays, government intervention, landslides etc., we will always aim to give you the best experience possible. However, The Himalayan Daredevils not be held responsible for the cost of delay or changes.

For Bookings made from Third Party Websites:

• The client is responsible for communicating with a third party (booking website) for cancellation.

• Cancellation / Refund is done by a third party based on their policies. 

The Kalihani Pass Trek is a lesser-known gem in the Dhauladhar Range of Himachal Pradesh. It gives you a mix of thrill, wild beauty, and calm. Set near the lovely town of Manali, this high walk takes you up to around 15,500 feet. You go by green fields, thick woods, icy rivers, and small mountain towns. It's best for those who want new Himalayan spots with few people. Your trip starts from the small village of Sangchar, moving up through thick oak, pine, and deodar forests. Higher up, the sights show wide open meadows (known as “Bugyals”), with bright wildflowers in the summer. You'll pass clear streams, see old Himachali shepherd homes (Gaddis), and get great views of big peaks like Deo Tibba and Indrasan. What makes the Kalihani Pass Trek stand out is its untouched path, giving a true wild feel. The pass has snow most of the year and gives a hard climb with steep paths, rock-filled paths, and ice-covered trails. Making it to the top gives walkers amazing views of the Pir Panjal and Dhauladhar ranges. This walk lasts approximately 8-9 days and is suitable for skilled walkers due to its challenging terrain and elevation. Those ready for the challenge will see some of the most untouched lands in Himachal Pradesh. Kalihani Pass is more than a trek, it's a deep dive into the heart of the mountains, where nature is wild and each step tells a story of guts, hard work, and wonder.

History of the Kalihani Pass Trek

The Kalihani Pass Trek in the Kullu part of Himachal Pradesh is not just pretty but also full of history and culture. The pass, about 15,500 feet high, was a path linking the green Kullu Valley with the tough Bara Bhangal area of Kangra. It has been used by local Gaddi shepherds for moving with their sheep and goats, a custom still going on today. The name "Kalihani" likely means “black snow,” maybe because the pass looks dark when icy trash covers the snow at times. This path over Kalihani Pass was among the old shepherd routes, key for those living a half-nomadic life. For ages, these paths let people move livestock, trade goods, and share cultures between areas. The Gaddi tribe, known for their bond with the mountains, have long used this pass as part of their ways. With the rise of trekking in the Indian Himalayas in the past, British explorers began recording these routes.

Yet, unlike bigger passes like Rohtang or Hampta, Kalihani stayed mostly hidden. Only in recent times, with more people seeking new and rare treks, did Kalihani start to draw attention. More trek fans looking for true wilderness began picking Kalihani for its pure beauty and thin crowd. Along with its map and history, the area around Kalihani holds spiritual stories. There are many small temples for local gods, loved by the Gaddi folks. The way also goes through old Himachali towns, showing deep mountain life. So, Kalihani Pass is more than just a path for walking. It stands as a tale of mountain life, change, and lasting ties between people and the wild. More are coming to see its beauty and feel the mountain spirit, adding to its ongoing story.

Nearby Places around Kalihani Pass Trek

• Manali: Home base for the Kalihani Pass Trek and a hit place for guests in Himachal Pradesh. Full of lovely views, apple trees, cool sports, and fun cafes, it's the best first or last stop on your hike. You can check out Hadimba Temple, Mall Road, Solang Valley, and Vashisht's hot springs.

• Sangchar Village: This small, hidden village marks the start of the Kalihani Pass Trek. With pine woods and green fields, Sangchar is a calm break from busy tourist areas and shows a bit of rural Himachali life and customs.

• Bara Bhangal: Past Kalihani Pass is Bara Bhangal, a lone spot you can only reach by hard mountain paths. Known for its Gaddi folks and pure way of life, it's a far-off spot in Himachal. This area shares old herd life and true Himalayan land.

• Deo Tibba Base: Near Kalihani, Deo Tibba Base is a loved route and camp spot for trying the Deo Tibba peak. With ice, rivers, and high meadows, it gives great views of snowy tops and is great for hikers who want to try more paths.

• Hampta Pass: Hampta Pass is a neat trekking path next to the Kalihani route. Famous for its mixed views, green Kullu Valley on one side and dry Spiti Valley on the other, it pulls new and seasoned hikers for amazing views and not-too-tough paths.

• Vashisht Village: Not far from Manali, Vashisht is known for its hot springs and calm feel. It's a great spot to chill and get back strength after the long Kalihani hike. The village also has old temples and great views of the Beas River valley.

• Solang Valley: A quick ride from Manali, Solang Valley is a known spot for fun events like paragliding, skiing, and ATV rides. It’s perfect for a short trip before or after your hike and gives great views of the near tops and ice.

Best Time to Go to Kalihani Pass Trek

• Summer (May to June): These are the great months for the Kalihani Pass Trek. During this time, the snow starts to melt, showing green fields, bright wildflowers, and clear paths. The weather is nice, with day temps from 12°C to 18°C, making hiking good. The views of snowy tops like Deo Tibba and Indrasan are great, and there's a small chance of snow blocks or slides than in winter.

• Post-Monsoon (September to October): Post-rainy times are another top pick for the trek. After the rains, the land is fresh and bright. The sky is mostly clear, showing sharp mountain views, and paths are dry and hard. Less people come now, so it's perfect for a calm hike. Yet, temps start to fall by late October, so warm clothes are a must.

• Monsoon (July to August): Rainy months are not suggested for the trek due to a lot of rain in the area. Mud slides, slick paths, and cloud cover can make hiking risky and cut down views. Also, crossing rivers gets harder because of high waters. Better to skip this time for safety.

• Winter (November to April): Winter hiking here is not good as the path is all snow, making it hard and very risky. Temps can drop below -10°C, and chances of snow storms, freeze burns, and high-alt woes are high. Only very skilled climbers with the right gear try this, and it's still rare.

How to Get to Kalihani Pass Trek

• By Airport: The closest airport to the Kalihani Pass Trek is Bhuntar Airport, about 50 km from Manali. It links well to major spots like Delhi and Chandigarh with regular local flights. From Bhuntar, a taxi or bus can take you to Manali, the start of the hike. Flight choices might be few, so book early.

• By Road: Manali is linked well by road to big cities like Delhi (around 540 km) and Chandigarh (roughly 310 km). You can choose state or private Volvo buses, with comfy overnight services from Delhi and Chandigarh. You can also drive or book a taxi for more free travel. The road trip shows nice views by the Beas River and into the mountains.

• By Railway Station: The nearest big train station is Joginder Nagar Railway Station, about 165 km from Manali, but it links poorly. A better choice is Chandigarh Railway Station (about 310 km from Manali), which links well to all major Indian cities. From Chandigarh, continue to Manali by taxi or bus.

Why Book with escape2explore

When exploring the Kalihani Pass Trek and beyond, escape2explore stands out as a trusted name in adventure and experiential travel. Here’s why hundreds of travellers choose us for their getaways:

• Trusted, Well-Reviewed Local Operator: escape2explore has gained the trust of thousands of content tourists all over India. With persistent positive feedback and an unblemished reputation for delivering quality experiences, we assure you that your experience will be hassle-free, memorable, and value-packed. Our insider local knowledge guarantees that you will always be in safe hands.

• Seasoned Guides: Our trips are led by friendly, trained, and professional guides who are passionate about the outdoors and your safety. Whether it's a beach trek, a cultural tour, or a spiritual walk through temples, our team knows the terrain, the stories, and how to make each moment count.

• Safe & Curated Itineraries: Your safety is our number one priority. Our tour packages are thoughtfully crafted with safety measures, researched accommodations, and easy travel arrangements. We take care of the details so you can have the experience hassle-free and worry-free.

• Unique Experience That You Won't Find Anywhere Else: With escape2explore, you discover more than the tourist attractions. We go off the beaten track with hidden beaches, unusual treks, offbeat cultural destinations, and true interactions.