Shepherd Trail Gaddi Trek
TREK DIFFICULTY
Difficult
TREK DURATION
13 Days
HIGHEST ALTITUDE
15,740 feet
GROUP SIZE
12
TREK DISTANCE
58
BASECAMP
Himachal Pradesh
BEST TIME
June to Oct
PICKUP POINT
Himachal Pradesh
Shepherd Trail Gaddi Trek Overview
The Shepherd Trail or Gaddi Trek is a very famous and one of the oldest routes. It is a high-altitude trekking route in Himachal Pradesh. This trek is very different from other high-altitude treks. The Gaddi shepherds still use this trail on the seasonal migration. The Shepherd Trail connects the beautiful Kangra Valley to the remote village of Bara Bhangal. The trekkers can experience beautiful alpine meadows, passes, and streams. Not many trekkers are aware of this trek due to its challenging difficulty level. Gaddi TrHistory of Shepherd Trail Gaddi Trek
Day 1: Reach Manali in the morning and have some breakfast. Now you have to trek from Manali to Lamadugh. It will take around 5 hours.
Day 2: Start your trek from Lamadugh to Dohra Nalla. You will trek for about 6 hours and will cross Kanpari Pass.
Day 3: You will start your trek from Nalla to Sanhogar (12465 ft). It will take about 5-6 hours.
Day 4: Start your trek early in the morning and trek to Gaddi Gote via Kalihani pass. It may take around 8 hours.
Day 5: Descend from Gaddi Gote to Lamba Phand. It will take about 4 hours.
Day 6: Start ascending from Lamba Phad to Soony. It will take 4-5 hours.
Day 7: Start your trek early and descend from Soony to Bara Bhangal. It may take about 6 hours.
Day 8: Spend this day in the village and experience centuries-old customs.
Day 9: Start early in the morning and trek to Thamsar Pass. It will take about 7-8 hours.
Day 10: Descend from Thamsar pass base to Panihartu. Trek may take 6 hours.
Day 11: Descend from Panihartu to Raj Gandha. It will take about 6 hours.
Day 12: Walk from Paniharta to Bir. You can explore Bir and enjoy the weather.
Day 13: Have breakfast and drive to Dharamshala.
If you are looking for a raw Himalayan experience then you plan your Shepherd Trail Gaddi Trek with us. Himalaya Shelter is providing you with customized treks. This is not just a trek but a journey to high-altitude passes, villages, and nomadic routes. We have a team of experienced guides who will support you in every step. Our team is equipped with all essential trekking gear. The Himalaya Shelter team ensures the safety of your team.
Our team offers the best trekking services in Himachal Pradesh. Take this chance and disconnect yourself from the city crowd. Let our team assist you in reconnecting with nature.
Unlike other high-altitude treks, the Gaddi Trek is not curated for any adventure of tourism. It was always a trial for the Gaddi tribe. These shepherds of Himachal Pradesh use this trail for moving their herd from one place to another. This is not just a trek for adventure but also a path to the livelihood of the shepherds.
This trek has existed even before trekking became a thing. The route is very difficult and long. It became a path due to the necessities. The shepherds migrate from the lower regions of the Himalayas to the high-altitude burials for grazing their herds. From the spring season, the snow starts melting and the high-altitude pastures start becoming greener. It is a kind of vertical migration where the Gaddi tribe moves to alpine meadows in summer and walks back to Kangra and other lower-elevation areas.
Gaddi Trek is not a recreational trek and covers arduous migration. The Gaddi tribe still carries food, utensils, and kids to manage the flocks. They don’t need Google Maps or guides as they move to the path with their knowledge of stars, winds, and nature. You may see stone shrines as prayer marks on the trial. Trekkers see the stone shrines or threads as markings whereas the shepherds see them as the prayers for safety on the trail.
Spend your days in Gaddi way!
“When in Rome, do as the Romans do”. Forget your city life for a few days and walk into the cultural journey. You might feel like a time capsule. In summer, you will see shepherds walking their herds to the high altitude for fodder. Talk to the Gaddi families and experience the centuries-old culture. Witness the nomadic mountain civilization where they still use handmade woolen gear and protect themselves from extreme weather conditions and wild animals.
Enjoy the beauty of Bara Bhangal village.
You will start your journey from Bara Bhangal village. It is a very remote place which you can only visit in the summer. The houses are centuries old with beautiful stone roofs. There are no shops, no mobile network yet a beautiful lifestyle.
Cross Kalihani Pass and Thamsar Pass
You can experience challenging terrains on the Gaddi Trek. This trail covers two very high Himalayan passes, Thamsar Pass and Kalihani Pass. You will get a beautiful panoramic view of the Dhauladhar and Pir Panjal range.
Stunning night view
All the campsites like Mahri, Plachak, Deo Ka Goh, etc are very beautiful. Some campsites are beside the glacial streams. Sometimes, you will sleep under the starry night. All you will hear is the sound of sheep bells.
The Shepherd Trail is one of the most challenging treks in Himachal Pradesh. You have to walk for about 70-90 km on very steep terrains. The length of the trek increases the difficulty level of the Shepherd Trail.
High altitude
The high altitude of the trail can be a big challenge for the trekkers. The altitude of the passes is above 4000 m which can cause AMS. If you are on the route, you have to cross both passes, there is no other route.
Very steep ascents and descents
The terrain of the trek makes ascents and descents very difficult. Some of the passes can be very inclined. The ice patches and snow bridges aid the difficulty level of the trek. Descents can be more dangerous on unstable gravel.
Unpredictable weather
You should prepare yourself for rain, hail, and fog. If you are trekking in the early season then you can also expect snowfall. Heavy rain can make the trails slippery. Landslides and overflowing streams can make your trek more difficult.
Physically and mentally challenging
It is a very long trek and you will walk for 7-8 hours daily. This can be very challenging. The backpack will be heavier as you will be carrying lots of trekking gear. You should be mentally prepared for any kind of challenges in the trek like landslides, dangerous gorges, or even dead ends.
You can visit Shepherd Trail from mid-June to mid-September. However, the scenery will be different every month. You will pass beautiful landscapes and can witness huge sheep herds.
Shepherd Trail in Mid-June to July
This is the early season for Gaddi Trek. You will see fresh greenery in the meadows and the blooming of wildflowers. You can find snow on the high passes. In this season, the shepherds usually start their migration to high altitudes. But the snow crossing can be very slippery. Some of the patches can be very dangerous. Trekkers can also get hypothermia in this season.
Shepherd Trail from August to September
Mid-August to September is the peak time to visit Gaddi Trek. You will barely see any snow and the passes will be fully open. The valleys will be lush green and you will see crystal clear rivers. It is the peak grazing season of Gaddi nomads. But you may find landslides or monsoon rains in the lower sections of the trail.
Shepherd Trail in Late September to mid-October
In this season, the shepherds start descending to the lower areas. You can find clear blue skies and golden landscapes. This is the best time if you want less crowd and minimal risk of rains and landslides. But the nights can be very cold and you may witness snowfall on the high passes.
You can start your Shepherd Trail from lots of different routes. But most trekkers start their trek either from Barot or from Billing.
Route 1: Barot To Manali
- Delhi to Jogindar Nagar/ Palampur
You can take an overnight bus from Delhi to Jogindar Nagar. It will take around 12 hours. You can also opt for Palampur but the route is a bit longer.
- Jogindar Nagar/ Palampur to Barot
You will easily find shared taxis for Barot from both locations. Few bus options are also available.
- Barot To Manali
Now you will start your trek from Barot to Manali via Thamsar Pass and Bara Bhangal Pass.
- Manali to Delhi
Lots of bus services are available from Manali to Delhi. You can find both government and private bus services.
Route 2: Billing to Manali
- Delhi to Billing
Look for any overnight bus from Delhi to Billing. Some taxi services are also available for Billing. You can also book a train to Pathankot and then take a bus to Billing.
- Billing to Manali
Start your trek from Billing and you will trek via Plachak and Bara Bhangal to Manali.
- Manali to Delhi
HPTDC provides lots of bus services for the Manali-Delhi route. You can book any government or private bus from Manali to Delhi.
Mandatory Backpacking List for Aancha Top Trek
Clothing and Backpack
Get a good backpack (50 L) with a rain cover. Look for a bag that can provide you good back support. Pack 4 quick-dry t-shirts and 2 trekking pants. Get a pair of thermals (upper and lower) for night. Pack a fleece jacket or woolen sweater as a mid-layer. Get a waterproof wind breaker for sudden rain and chilly winds. For winter trekking, get a good down jacket. Now pack a woolen beanie and a balaclava. Get two pairs of gloves (woolen and waterproof). You should also pack a suncap for the daytime.
Footwear
You should look for good quality trekking shoes. Your shoes must be waterproof and provide good ankle support. Do not wear a new pair of shoes on the trek. Your feet must be familiar with the shoes. Now pack 4 pairs of trekking socks and 2 pairs of woolen socks. Pack a pair of comfortable slippers or sandals for the campsite.
Personal Care
For personal care items, start packing with your toiletries. Get a small zipper pouch and pack all the toiletries. Now look for a quick-dry towel and a toilet roll. You should also pack hand sanitizer and moisturizer. Pack a sunscreen that can protect your face from sunburn. You can also pack some snacks for the trek.
Physical Fitness Preparation for Trek:
To overcome the difficulty level of trekking, it requires strong cardiovascular endurance, muscular strength, and overall physical fitness. Incorporate these exercises into your routine to increase strength, stability, and stamina, which will help you tackle difficult terrain sections of the trail at high altitudes.
Overview
Foundation
Strength Building
Power & Stamina
Endurance & Recovery
Day 1: Trek from Manali to Lamadugh
Trek distance and duration: 11 km; 5 hours
Altitude: 2050 m to 2500 m
Accommodation: Camping
Meals: Breakfast + Lunch + Snacks + Dinner
You will reach Manali. Start your trek after breakfast. You will walk through forests of pine and oak trees. The path goes up slowly. You will hit rocky spots sometimes. Look for small streams and green, hilly fields.
You will reach Lamadugh. This campsite is surrounded by meadows and shepherd huts. Take a rest here. Enjoy the clean, fresh air at the camp.
Day 2: Lamadugh to Dohra Nalla (10168 ft) via Khanpari pass (11810 ft)
Trek distance and duration: 10 km; 6 hours
Altitude: 2500 m to 3600 m
Accommodation: Camping
Meals: Breakfast + Lunch + Snacks + Dinner
Start early today. You will climb steadily up to Kanpari Pass. The trail goes over rocky ground and some snow.
At the pass, you can see far down into the valleys. Then, you will walk down into the forest. You will reach Dohra Nalla campsite. The camp is set up near a small stream. You will stay here tonight. Get ready for your walk tomorrow.
Day 3: Dohra Nalla to Sangohar (12465 ft) | Trek: 5 - 6 hrs
Trek distance and duration: 8 km; 5-6 hours
Altitude: 3100 m to 3800 m
Accommodation: Camping
Meals: Breakfast + Lunch + Snacks + Dinner
The trek climbs up slowly. You will walk through pine trees. Near the top, you will see snow patches.
Sanhogar is below the Kalihani Pass. The area around it is rough and rocky. Walk slowly here to save your energy. You will set up camp at Sanhogar.
The air is cold. The altitude is high. Get rest and prepare for tomorrow.
Day 4: Sangohar to Gaddi Gote (11818 ft) via Kalihani pass (15744 ft) | Trek: 8 hrs
Trek distance and duration: 12 km; 8 hours
Altitude: 3800 m to 4800 m then down to 3600 m
Accommodation: Camping
Meals: Breakfast + Lunch + Snacks + Dinner
This is a long and hard day. You will climb steeply up to Kalihani Pass.
From the pass, you can see all the peaks and valleys around you. Then you walk down slowly to the Gaddi Gote campsite. The camp is in a high meadow. The ground changes as you walk. Sometimes it is rocky. Sometimes it is covered in grass.
Day 5: Gaddi Gote to Lamba Phad (10824 ft) | Trek: 4 hrs
Trek distance and duration: 8 km; 4 hours
Altitude: 3600 m to 3300 m
Accommodation: Camping
Meals: Breakfast + Lunch + Snacks + Dinner
You will walk down through a thick forest. Then you cross open grassy areas. The path follows the ridges. It drops into meadows at Lamba Phand.
This walk is not too hard. It lets you rest after climbing yesterday. You will camp here. You can see the nearby peaks from your camp.
Day 6: Lamba Phad to Soony (11480 ft) | Trek: 5 hrs
Trek distance and duration: 9 km; 4-5 hours
Altitude: 3300 m to 3500 m
Accommodation: Camping
Meals: Breakfast + Lunch + Snacks + Dinner
You will walk uphill easily from Lamba Phand to Soony. You pass through flowery fields and birch trees. The air gets cooler as you climb higher. Soony is a quiet place to camp. It is away from the main trails. You can rest here under a clear night sky.
Day 7: Soony to Bara Bhangal (8332 feet) 6 hrs
Trek distance and duration: 12 km; 6 hours
Altitude: 3500 m to 2540 m
Accommodation: Guesthouse or camping
Meals: Breakfast + Lunch + Snacks + Dinner
You will walk down to Bara Bhangal. This is a far-off village. It is known for its old Gaddi culture.
Walk through the village. You can see customs that are hundreds of years old. Talk with the local people. This slower day lets you rest up. It is a chance to see what mountain life is really like.
Day 8: Visit the village (buffer day)
Today is a rest day and you will visit the Bhangal village. Meet the locals and spend time in the village.
Day 9: Bara Bhangal base to Thamsar pass (11480 ft) | Trek: 7 hrs
Trek distance and duration: 14 km; 7-8 hours
Altitude: 2540 m to 4800 m
Accommodation: Camping
Meals: Breakfast + Lunch + Snacks + Dinner
Start early today. You have a hard climb over Thamsar Pass. The path goes through rocky ground and high, grassy fields. You will reach the high pass and see amazing views. You will camp near the pass tonight, right on the high ridge.
Day 10: Thamsar pass Base to Panihartu (10500 ft) | Trek: 6 hrs
Trek distance and duration: 12 km; 6 hours
Altitude: 4800 m to 3200 m
Accommodation: Camping
Meals: Breakfast + Lunch + Snacks + Dinner
You will walk down from Thamsar Pass. The path goes back and forth through valleys. You will pass through forests of birch trees. The route keeps moving downhill. You will see lakes and streams along the way. You will reach Panihartu. This is a quiet place to camp. It is surrounded by meadows and forest.
Day 11: Panihartu to Raj Gundha (9512 ft) | Trek: 6 hrs
Trek distance and duration: 10 km; 6 hours
Altitude: 3200 m to 2900 m
Accommodation: Camping or guesthouse
Meals: Breakfast + Lunch + Snacks + Dinner
Continue the descent to Raj Gandha. The trail winds between riverbanks and small forest patches. The atmosphere feels settled as you move closer to the lower valleys.
Day 12: Panihartu to Raj Gundha (9512 ft) | Trek: 6 hrs
Trek distance and duration: 15 km; 6 hours
Altitude: 2900 m to 2080 m
Accommodation: Guesthouse or hotel
Meals: Breakfast + Lunch + Snacks + Dinner
Finish the trek by walking down to Bir. Bir is a lively town. It has cafes and shops. Enjoy the nice weather and local culture. You should rest well after the long journey.
Day 13: Drive from Bir to Dharamshala | Drive: 50 km
The next morning, eat breakfast. Then you take a scenic drive to Dharamshala. The road goes past wooded hills and tea gardens. You will get there in time to see the busy streets, markets, and temples. This is the end of the trek. You can do some cultural sightseeing here.
This plan balances walking with time to get used to the altitude. It also includes time for culture. The distances and times are what you would expect for mountain trails this high up.
Our treks are specially designed by the experienced team at Himalaya Shelter taking you on an adventure of a lifetime all while making you connect not only with the bountiful nature but also with yourself and with others on the trek with you creating wonderful memories which will last you a lifetime. All Himalaya Shelter treks are guided by experienced Trekkers having vast knowledge and experience of the region, providing with insightful information and stories pertaining to the region’s flora and fauna and the history of the region whilst the trek. It is safe to say that on successfully completing the trek one will gain tremendous insight and experience along with lifetime memories.
Trek Inclusions
- TRANSPORTATION - Pick up from Manali, Himachal Pradesh
- Accommodation – At Base Camp, stay at a local homestay or guest house for one night each, which will give you an insight into the authentic lifestyle of the locals.( INR 5000 per person extra for single sharing throughout the trek )
On Trek stay in a 2-person Vango Halo Pro/A-Shape tent, which is to be shared by two trekkers, built to withstand extreme weather conditions and at the same time making you comfortable after a hard day’s trek. - Camping Equipment – specially designed sleeping bags that can withstand harsh weather conditions, foam mattresses. Other safety gear like microspikes, gaiters, an ice axe, and helmets will be provided.
- Medical Kit – our team will be equipped with an extensive medical kit, which our team is trained and experienced to use. Oxygen cylinders are used after they are thoroughly inspected throughout the Trek. Even campsites have large oxygen cylinders as backups.
- Permission - Forest entry charges for Indian nationals (Additional charges will be applicable for international tourists)
- Meals – Breakfast, packed lunch (on trek days), evening snacks, and dinner will be served. A hearty, delicious, and nutrition-filled Veg meals with egg preparation will be provided throughout the trek. (Jain and Vegan Food can also be arranged on prior notification.)There will be a dedicated Kitchen Tent along with a dining tent, which will have a dining table too.
- Our Team – A highly experienced and AMC-certified Trek Leader who will help ensure that the entire trek goes smoothly and safely while navigating the challenging conditions during the trek, and is skilled enough to navigate any medical emergency that can arise during the trek. Local and route Guides who are well-versed with the region and provide an in-depth insight into the local customs and knowledge of the flora and fauna endemic to the region. A dedicated Kitchen staff, which includes a Cook, a helper, and other support staff. There will also be porters and mules to carry common equipment.
- Cloakroom - We have a cloakroom facility available for extra luggage. Every trekker is permitted to leave their luggage behind at no charge.
Trek Exclusions
- Personal expenses like tips, personal medicines, phone calls etc.
- Travel Expenses - Travel expenses from your hometown to the mentioned Pick-Up Point are not included in the trek fee.
From the scheduled pick-up spot to the base camp, we have our own fleet of vehicles like Bolero, Innova, Dezire, or Tempo Traveler (12-seater). This is be shared by trekkers for a pre-decided amount. All vehicles are non-AC. - Personal Equipment - Any personal gear like jackets, shoes, cutlery, or backpacks are not included in the trek fee. We recommend renting them from our Rental Store for an affordable fee. This can be pre-arranged to avoid last-minute hang-ups.
- Offloading - We encourage carrying your backpack to get into the true spirit of trekking. However, if needed, you can opt to offload your personal luggage of up to 12 kgs for an additional cost of INR 500 per bag per day.
- Trek Insurance - A mandatory trek insurance fee is charged in addition to your trek fee. Since most medical insurance doesn’t cover adventure activities, trek insurance offers essential coverage, enhancing your safety without a significant financial burden.
- Buffer day on the trek - We have kept a buffer day on the trek to account for any weather-related delay. If this is utilized, you will need to pay an extra amount to your trek leader.
- Anything apart from inclusions
- Please carry a lunch box for a packed lunch/breakfast to avoid using polythene and Aluminium foil.
Keeping the Himalayas clean is our own responsibility. Reduce the use of Plastic when you are in the abode of the Sacred Himalaya. 🌱
The Shepherd Trail Gaddi Trek spans a duration of 15 days
It is a very difficult trek of Himachal Pradesh. You will be crossing two high-altitude passes.
Plan your trek in August for good weather conditions. You will witness greenery and wildflowers on the whole trek.
Shepherd Trail or Gaddi Trek is a very difficult trek. You should always plan the trek with a good trekking company.
No. You can find the shops only in Barot or Billing. Once you start the trek, there will be no shop or electricity.
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