Kalihani Pass Trek – Into the Heart of the Dhauladhars

• Meet & Greet: Our representative will receive you at Bhuntar Airport.
• Transfer to Manali (Distance: 50 km / 1.5-2 hours)

• • Scenic drive along the Beas River.
  • Check-in to pre-booked hotel in Manali.

• Light meals recommended.
• Relax and let your body adjust to the mountain air.
• Avoid strenuous activity on Day 1.

• Tour orientation:

• • Safety protocols
  • Route overview
  • Emergency & backup plans
  • Document verification

• Start Point: Manali (2,050 m)
• Drive To: Shangcher / Shangchar (2,500 m) — 1.5–2 hrs by vehicle
• Trek To: Maili Thach (3,200 m)
• Trek Distance: 7–8 km
• Trek Duration: 6–7 hrs
• Trail Type: Moderate ascent through forests and ridge walks

Manali → Shangcher (2,500 m)

• A short drive from Manali toward Panga, then uphill to Shangcher, a small settlement with beautiful mountain views.
• Trailhead begins here.

• Trail begins with a steady ascent through oak, deodar, and rhododendron forest.
• After about 3–4 hours, you start walking above the tree line.
• Ascent continues along ridgelines with panoramic views of Beas valley.
• Final section opens into high-altitude meadows — Maili Thach, your first campsite.

Maili Thach Campsite

• Elevation: 3,200 m
• Stunning campsite in open meadows with views of the Pir Panjal.
• Water source nearby (stream).
• Ideal spot for sunset and acclimatization.

Flora & Fauna:

• Rhododendrons, Himalayan birch, medicinal herbs
• Himalayan Monal, pheasants, and sometimes goral (mountain goat)

Route Overview:

• Start Point: Maili Thach (3,200 m)
• End Point: Rani Sui Lake (3,780 m)
• Distance: 6–7 km
• Duration: 5–6 hours
• Ascent: 580 m
• Trail Type: Moderate to steep in sections, well-defined ridge trail

Trail Description:

Maili Thach to Ridge Meadow (1.5–2 hrs)

• Trail starts with a gradual ascent along grassy meadows.
• Opens up to ridges with views of Kalath village, Beas Valley, and Rohtang Pass ridgeline.
• Forest gives way to subalpine vegetation.

Ridge Meadow to Rani Sui Shoulder (2–3 hrs)

• Steeper sections follow along the ridgeline.
• Stunning views of Deo Tibba, Indrasan, and the Pir Panjal range throughout.
• You may cross patches of snow in early season (June).

Final Push to Rani Sui Lake (1 hr)

• The lake is nestled just below a minor ridge.
• You’ll see it appear suddenly — a high-altitude tarn sitting quietly at 3,780 m.

Rani Sui Lake Campsite

• Camping beside the lake is allowed (flat meadows nearby).
• Water source: lake itself (must be filtered or boiled).
• Magical reflections of snow peaks at sunrise and sunset.

Route Overview:

• Start Point: Rani Sui Lake (3,780 m)
• End Point: Kalihani Base Camp (4,100 m)
• Distance: 9–11 km
• Duration: 6–8 hours
• Altitude Gain: 320 m (but involves ups and downs)
• Difficulty: Difficult – Long day, sections of steep climb, moraine, and rough terrain

Trail Description:

Rani Sui → Odi Thach (1.5–2 hrs)

• Trail climbs briefly above the lake and follows a grassy ridge.
• Then descends slightly and traverses through undulating meadows.
• Odi Thach (3,600 m) is often used as a grazing ground and makes a rest point.

Odi Thach → Dohrni (1.5–2 hrs)

• Continue traversing alpine meadows and rocky patches.
• Short ascent brings you to Dohrni (a high plateau with great views of Kalihani ridge).
• This could also be an alternate camp if needed.

Dohrni → Kalihani Base Camp (2.5–3.5 hrs)

• Terrain shifts to scree, boulders, and glacial moraines.
• Steep climb through narrow valleys and snow-fed streams.
• Kalihani Base (4,100 m) is in a wide glacial bowl, directly below Kalihani Pass (4,800 m).
• You’ll camp here before crossing the pass next day.

Kalihani Base Camp

• Altitude: 4,100 m
• Terrain: Boulder field + glacial runoff
• Water Source: Stream from glacial melt
• Temperature: Sub-zero at night, even in summer
• Views: Close-up of Kalihani glacier, Deo Tibba, Indrasan in the distance