SOUR TAL LAKE TREK

(A GROUP OF FROZEN MOUNTAIN TARNS)

DHAULADHAR RANGE

Hazel Treks N Tours in collaboration with Mountain expedition organises SOUR TAL LAKE  trek in Manali. 

Day 01 : Arrival at our Base Camp at Prini road head (3km from Manali). In the evening, the students will go through a briefing.

Day 02 : Manali   - Acclimatization walk up to Arjun Gufa, Sharvani Devi Temple, Thakshak Nag Bhanara and back camp sight at Prini 4hrs.

Banara is situated at 2100m.and there is an old temple dedicated to the local God Thakshak Nag. Near Bhanara there are remnants of the forts of Raja Piti, an earlier ruler of Kullu, and near the forts is the historic cave (ARJUN GUFA) where Arjun of Mahabharata fame is believed to have taken refuge during the exile of Pandvas. In the afternoon participants will go for River crossing.  Stay overnight at Base Camp at Prini.

Day 03 : Base Camp, Prini – Shaleen Village (2150m) 4hrs.

Trek starts from the campsite i.e., Prini, down to Bhanu Bridge, and over the Beas River to the other side of the valley. Today’s trek starts with a gradual climb up to Parsha village and after that eases out along the cedar trees right up to Shaleen Village.   

The trek gradient increases gently and at some portions one has to climb in a zigzag way.  In Shaleen village is located an ancient temple of God’s ‘Shandal Rishi’ which is of great cultural importance. Houses in the village are of the traditional Kulvi architecture.  Shaleen village is named after the God’s ‘Shandal Rishi. The village is located high at a vantage point and is surrounded by Cedar trees. From this village one can see Khanaul and Chhika, base of Deo-Tibba peak. In the evening trekkers can explore rustic beauty of the village. Stay overnight at Shaleen.

Day 04 : Shaleen – Bran Phath (2650m) 5 hrs.

Today’s trek is very pleasant up to village Shaleen brook. The trail proceeds in a zigzag way through dense forest of pines and Silver fir. Once the zigzag trail ends, it is a steep ascent amidst silver fir trees. Some portions of the climb are to be tackled in a horizontal way till the steep ridge of Bran Phath.  

The tough climb starts again along the steep treeless ridge for an hour after which it is a horizontal traverse right up to the campsite Bran Phath. Bran Phath is a luminous point and one can have a view of Kullu, Chanderkhani Pass and Manali valley. In the evening explore camp and move to evening activities. Stay overnight at Bran Phath.

Day 05 : Bran Phath – Mahili Thach (3200m.) 4hrs.

The trek starts with a steep section at the start, through forest of silver fir, Bhujpattar, oak and chestnut. At the end of the steep section trekkers have to negotiate moderate climbs through forestry side ridge up to Dudu Pathar. From Dudu Pathar the route ascends on a moderate grassy slope and then onto a tricky horizontal traverse above the tree line to the col.

 Mahili Thach is located in a grassy Col on the ridge on one side of the Dhauladhar Range. From the camp, there is an enchanting view of the Dhauladhar range, Chhota Bhangal, kaliheyni Pass and its lofty mountain peaks. At campsite you can also have a full view of Kullu valley, and the distant snowcapped mountains of Chanderkhani Pass and Fojhal valley.

 Mahili Thach is very popular for the local Gaddi shepherds. They graze their herds of sheep on these vast grassy meadows. Watch out for one of the rare glimpses of brown / black bears below the Mahili Thach campsite. In the evening indulge in some fun adventure activities and stay overnight at Mahili Thach.

Day 06 : Mahili Thach - Sour Tal Lake (3700m) 4 hrs.  and back to Laangha Thach (3370m) 2hrs.

The trail proceeds on the long knife slanted ridge and slowly begins to ascend towards Saur Tal Frozen Lake (3700M). As you trek along the ridge, one can have a close view of Deo-Tibba massif, Inderkilla, Indrasan peaks, Rohtang Pass, CB range and an enchanting mountain peak of the Beas Kund massif.  

 It’s a strenuous day’s walk on scattered snowy and grassy patches right up to the top of Sour Tal Lake. The climb along the ridge though enjoyable is windy with a chill wind blowing.  At the top of the frozen Lake, one can have breathtaking views of the surrounding mountain peaks of the Dhauladhar, Chhota Bhangal, Kaliheyni pass, the Pirpanjal, and further beyond the greater Himalayan ranges.  

The way back to Laangha Thach is made more enjoyable by glissading at some places on the way. Today’s mountaineering is tiresome, though challenging all the way to the top and back. The landscape is full of fauna & flora and while descending to Laangha Thach one can have a luminous view of Manali town and valley. The campsite is in the open puff and having magnificent view of the distant Mountain of Pir Panjal range. In the evening move to adventure activities and stay overnight at Laangha Thach.

Day 07 : Laangha Thach – Klount (2230m) 4hrs.

Today’s steep trail descends down in a zigzag way through Phanai Dogh (3325m), Dudhu Dogh (3050m), Mondru (2910) then dense forest to Klount. It’s a complete strenuous steep walk down and a very-very tiresome day of the trek. The Klount is situated in the middle of the mountain hill of dense forest and located amidst Apple orchards. A very lovely campsite is – a just reward after a great day’s work and a day long hectic walk. 

 The Klount means Koot (Shepard Mountain Meadow) a fertile & grassy Land where our ancestors used Koot land for keeping herds of sheep’s and also producing Buck Wheat.  In the evening move to adventure activities and stay overnight at Klount.

Day 08 : Klount - Base Camp Prini via Kanyal village 3hrs.

Trek to Sarrod Nullah, Kanyal village. The trek encompasses a 1hour steep descent initially and then in a zigzag way till the river basin through dense forest of blue pine, Cedar, oak, silver fir. From the river the trek ascends gently on a slanted traverse slope to a small hamlet Kanyal village. Rest for a while, and then descend the steep man made path to Siunsa village. Visit the Kartik Swami Narayan temple and look around.    

Then the trail traverses horizontally through Siunsa village to the river bed then finally to the road head concluding the trek. From there, it's a short hour's walk back to Manali town and immediately the participants will be transferred by Jeep to Base Camp Prini.

Day 09 : Half day free and in the evening, departure by bus to Delhi.  After having breakfast participants are free to visit the Manali bazaar and report back at the hotel in the afternoon.

THE COST INCLUDES :

	Delhi - Manali to & fro by non a/c bus
	Tents, Sleeping bags (Holofil), Rucksack, Wind / Water Proof Jackets (Gore-tax) and Carry mats.
	Excellent food of your choice. VEGETARIAN FOOD.
	Complete camping facilities.
	Guide, Cook and camp helpers.
	Horses with horsemen to carry loads if the route requires (logistics).
	High altitude porters to carry loads if the route requires (logistics).
	Tented accommodation on arrival and on the last day of trek at Base Camp.
	Camping style of bathing and toilets would be provided at Base Camp.
	The participants would be provided hot water shower / bathing at Base Camp.
	Tented accommodation will be provided during trek and mountain way of toilets at higher camps.
	Either four persons will be accommodated in one tent or could be more as per a size of tent.
	Technical equipment --- Rock Climbing & Rappelling equipment.
	The participants would be transferred from trek end to Base Camp either Local Bus or Jeep.
	On the last day of trek at the Base Camp / hotel, Bara Khana Non- Vegetarian &Vegetarian food would be served.

THE COST EXCLUDES :

Personal expenses and sightseeing in and around. Cancellation, Insurance and Risk and Release, Emergency evacuation costs, there will be no refund of payments once the trek commences and Camera Fees.

The Personal porterage and horses are for carrying of individual kit and Tipping.

NOTE :  (a) If Client needed better hotel accommodation then we and these rates will be quoted extra on demand.

 (b) Itinerary is subject to change due to landslide and other natural calamities. In this condition, optional routes/ itinerary will be given / followed at the happening point.

  (c) In case of changes in routes and properties, HAZEL Treks N Tours will accept no liability but make arrangements for substitution of equal measure.

  (d) In case of accident, illness, injury or mishappening, HAZEL Treks N Tours will accept no liability or its staff wholly or partially, responsible for the same.