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Hanuman Tibba Travel Guide
Published on January 17, 2012
Where to climb / Where to travel
Peak name: Hanuman Tibba
Peak height: 5,932 meters (19, 462 feet)
Type of peak: Open peak
Peak shape: Pyramid
Mountain range: Lesser Himalaya (Pir Panjal Range)
Location: West of the Beas River
Nearest Major Town: Brahmaur / Manali
Last Road Head(s): Nayagaon (Chamba) and Solang Village (Kullu)
District: Border of Kangra and Kullu districts
State: Himachal Pradesh
Country: India
What to do & see (cultural, physical attractions and activities…)
Hanuman Tibba (Solang Weisshorn)
Hanuman Tibba, a peak located in the south of Taintu Pass, resembles to a white pyramid that looks different from all sides. Giant gnarled North Face, fluted walls, rocky cliffs and icy faces of the peak are scaring. On its northeast side, a narrow gully, where steep mountain slopes converge, meets the glacial valley floor.
Solang meadow, nala, village
Solang, an alpine meadow and village at 2,480 meters, hosts annual skiing competitions. The local landscape is a composite of silvery and verdant mountains dotted with tall pine trees. The Solang Nala, originating from the Solang Valley, is the main tributary of the Beas River.
Dhundhi
The alpine meadow Dhundhi (Dhundi) at 2,800 meters, surrounded by peaks and pines, wears a net of wild flowers in summer. Rhododendron shrubs blossom around the meadow during spring and summer.
Bakar Thatch
During late spring and summer, vibrant wildflowers come into bloom in the alpine meadow of Bakar Thatch at an altitude of 3,292 meters.
Beas Kund
Beas Kund, a natural glacial lake at 3,540 meters, is the source of the Beas River. The Beas Kund sits on the South Face of the Pir Panjal Range. The lake, located near the source of the Solang Nala, reflects deep blue sky on a clear day. The lake lends itself to the views of snow clad and / or bare peaks: Friendship (5,289 meters), Ladhaki Peak (5,342 meters), Manali Peak (5,669 meters), Patalsu (4,470 meters) and Priyadarshani (6,000 meters). The popular summer trekking destination Beas Kund buries under thick snow cover during winter and spring when the number of adventurers also trickle down. However, it offers good opportunities for skiers during January-March, as the terrain is neither dangerous nor difficult. And, a descend to Dhundhi from the lake is possible. Both amateur and seasonal skiers can ski in the environs of the lake.
Taintu Pass
Located at the boundary of Kangra and Kullu districts, Taintu Pass (Tentu Pass / Solang Pass) at 4,996 meters commands spectacular views of Bara Bangahal, the Kullu Valley and the Himalayan peaks- Mukar Beh (6,070 meters), Shikar Beh (6,200 meters), Hanuman Tibba (5,932 meters), Shiti Dhar (5,250 meters) and Patalsu (4, 470 meters). You can have a close view of the Hanuman Tibba from this windy pass.
Brahmaur
Brahmaur (Brahmpura), more than 4-century old town in Chamba District, is located in the rain-shadow zone of the Pir Panjal Range. Mani Mahesh Peak forms lovely backdrop for the town. Brahmaur at 2,199 meters, the home to nomadic Gaddi tribe, is known for its temple complex Chaurasi. The word "chaurasi" means eighty-four (84) in Hindi. The complex features ancient Lakshana Devi Temple, the oldest temple known for profuse woodcarvings, and Mani-Mahesh Temple. The complex is now maintained by Archaeological Survey of India.
Bara Bangahal
At Bara Bangahal’s mountain knot, the southern flank of the Pir Panjal meets the Dhauladhar’s northern flank. Bara Bangahal (2,550 meters) in Multhan Sub Tehsil of Kangra District in Himachal Pradesh is a remote and isolated village comprising up to forty (40) houses. Inhabitants of the upper Kangra Valley move to the village during summer, but only a few male members of the society reside here during winter. Located in the rift valley, the village at the confluence of the Kalihini Nallah and the Ravi River epitomizes primitive lifestyle. Dehydrated boiled potatoes are one of the major staples. Jagni, pine tree root, is used for fuel. Apple orchards are a common sight in the village.
Koari Got
“Got” means a campsite for shepherds or a shelter with cave. Near Koari Got, the Bhadal Nala from north and Tantgari Nala from south merge to form the Ravi River.
Climbing, trekking routes
Climbing routes / faces of the peak
The peak can be approached from Kangra and Kullu districts. The peak has already been attempted or scaled from normal route, from Mansalu Nullah, North Ridge from the Solang Valley, South East Ridge, Southwest Face and West Ridge.
Trekking route: from last road head to base camp
Approach from Manali, Kullu district
Solang – Dhundhi (8 km)
Dundhi – Bakar Thatch- Beas Kund (9 km)
Solang to Dhundhi
About eight-(8)-kilometer uphill trek between Solang and Dhundhi meanders through moraines and stony terrain. Flowers dot the well-marked route connecting two meadows during summer.
Dhundhi to Beas Kund
About nine (9) kilometers trek via Bakkar Thatch, along Solang Nala, is demanding, as you have to walk over loose moraines interrupted with boulders. Along this route, you can enjoy the views of the Pir Panjal and Dhauldhar ranges.
Solang to Beas Kund
The trek connecting Solang to the Beas Kund, running along the Beas, is a treat for eyes. Carry your cameras and sketch books if you are a photographer or painter.
Approach from Chamba and Kangra districts
Nayagaon -Bara Bangahal (36 km)
Bara Bangahal - Koari Got (16 km)
Koari Got - Taintu Pass (12 km)
Taintu Pass – Beas Kund (9 km)
Nayagaon (Nayagram) - Bara Bangahal Trek
More than 20-kilometer-long exhausting Nayagram (1,980 meters) – Dhardi (Dharari) – Khanar trail winds through Chamba District. Khanar to Bara Bangahal is a hard walk of fifteen (15) kilometers. The slim trail connecting Dhardi – Khanar- Bara Bangahal runs along the abysmal Ravi Gorge. Khanar, perched on the hill, is the last village on Chamba border with Kangra.
Base camp (BC)
You can set up base camp (BC) at Bakar Thatch or the Beas Kund.
How many camps are required to reach summit?
You can scale the peak by setting up 2-3 more camps after BC.
Difficulty level
A technical peak requiring knowledge and experience of ice, rock and snow climbing
Time required
2-3 weeks
When to go / when to visit
June-October
Accommodation
Himachal Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation (HPTDC) manages Hotel Champak and The Iravati in Chamba. Room tariff at The Iravati ranges from INR 800.00 (US$15.67, €12.31, £10.19) per night for a regular double bed room to INR 1,700.00 (US$33.29, €26.15, £21.66) per night for Chamba Suite. You can book a bed for INR 150.00 (US$2.94, €65.00, £78.48) in the dormitory at Hotel Champak or rent a family suite for INR 800.00 (US$15.67, €12.31, £10.19) per night.
Himachal Pradesh Public Works Department also offers accommodations in circuit houses or rest houses. The department has a rest house at Brahmaur, Chamba and Holi. Contact the department.
You can stay at forest rest houses (FRHs) in Holi and Nayagaon managed by Himachal Pradesh Forest Department. Contact the forest department.
How to reach
Nearest Airport if approaching from Manali: Kullu Manali Airport, Bhuntar, Kullu District, Himachal Pradesh
Air India flies to Bhuntar on alternate days: Monday, Wednesday and Friday.
The air fair depends on departure date. If you book in advance, you could save substantially and purchase the air ticket in just INR 3,000.00 (US$58.75, €46.15, £38.23) excluding taxes and other fees. Flights booked on short notice are very expensive, more than INR 12,000.00 (US$234.99, €184.62, £152.90). It is about seventy-five (75) minute’s flight that starts in the morning. There is only one flight per day.
Manali is about 570 kilometers from Delhi, the national capital of India. Book a HPTDC bus ticket or redBus ticket for Delhi-Manali trip. HPTDC charges INR 1,220.00 (US$23.89, €18.77, £15.55) per person for Volvo AC bus, whereas redBus fare ranges from INR 800.00 (US$15.67, €12.31, £10.19) to 1,050.00 (US$20.56, €16.15, £13.38) per person.
Manali (2,050 meters) to Solang is about thirteen (13) kilometers drive. You can hire a taxi or board a public bus.
Nearest Airport if approaching from Chamba: Civil Airport Pathankot
Civil Airport Pathankot to Chamba (120 km): Take a bus or hire a taxi for this journey.
Chamba – Brahmaur -Nayagram (116 km) is an all weather road.
Two helipads are located in Chamba and Brahmaur.
Guides, mules, porters
Rates for guides, mules and porters are standardized. Contact the tourist information center at Manali for the latest rates.
Handling charges (Peak royalty)
The Indian Mountaineering Foundation (IMF) levies handling charge of US$ 500.00 for a 2-member foreign team. For every extra member up to seven members, add US$ 200.00 per person. If team consists of twelve (12) members, you have to pay US$ 250.00 per member for the additional five members.
Service providers (A short list of tour operators / travel agents registered with IMF offering the Hanuman Tibba trip)
Ibex Expeditions Private Limited (New Delhi)
Kaushal Desai (Kullu, Himachal Pradesh)
Money (ATMs, banks, foreign exchange)
Automated Teller Machines (ATMs) for instant cash
State Bank of India ATM, Akhara Bazaar, Kullu, Kullu District
State Bank of India ATM, Bhuntar, Kullu District
State Bank of India ATM, Manali, Kullu District
Punjab National Bank ATM, VPO Brahmaur, Chamba District
Punjab National Bank ATM, Main Market, Chamba, Chamba District
Union Bank of India ATM, Bhuntar Branch near Sun Beam Hotel, Kullu District
Union Bank of India ATM, Kullu Branch, Akhara Bazaar, Kullu, Kullu District
HDFC Bank ATM, Banga Complex, NH-2, Dhalpur, Kullu, Kullu District
ICICI Bank ATM, #45, Shastri Nagar, Kullu, Kullu District
ICICI Bank ATM, opposite Kala Kendra, Dhalpur, Kullu, Kullu District
Banks
Punjab National Bank, Brahmaur, Chamba District
Punjab National Bank, Holi, Chamba District
Punjab National Bank, Chamba, Chamba District
State Bank of India Bharmaur, Chamba District
State Bank of India Bharmaur, Chamba District
State Bank of India, Bhuntar, Kullu District
State Bank of India, Manali, Kullu District
State Bank of India Akhara Bazaar, Kullu, Kullu District
Foreign exchange services
M/S Nirman Forex (P) Ltd., Reserve Bank of India (RBI) authorized full-fledged moneychanger (FFMC)
NH 21, Shastri Nagar, Kullu, Kullu District
You can browse complete list of authorized FFMCs located in New Delhi.
Permits
You have to submit a duly filled application to IMF to climb the peak irrespective of your nationality. Get more information about mountaineering expedition application process.
Equipment rental
IMF (New Delhi) offers mountaineering expedition gear for nominal rent.
Emergency, search & rescue
Hospitals en route
Lady Willingdon’s Mission Hospital (Manali)
Civil Hospital (Manali)
Himalayan Bhot Ayurveda Chibasta (Manali)
Search & rescue services if any
Liaison officer accompanying the foreign team shall arrange assistance from nearby military or para-military forces in case of emergency. IMF may help in arranging a helicopter for search, rescue and evacuation, but you have to pay the government rates for all the sorties. Discuss this with IMF in advance.
Tourism information centers
Tourist Information Center, Hotel Kunjam, the Mall, Manali, Himachal Pradesh
Side trips (Trails starting from the primary and en route secondary destinations.)
Beas Kund to Taintu Pass
If you are approaching the peak from Manali, do not miss about four (4) kilometers trek connecting the base camp Beas Kund to Taintu Pass. The arduous trek over the moraines is severely glaciated.
Ladaki and Shitidhar peaks
Beas Kund can also be used as a base camp for climbing Ladaki and Shitidhar peaks.
Milestones (First climb, pioneers, discovery, unique records…)
First Ascent: 1966
Skiing: Alison Gannett, the American free-skiing champion, skied down the northwest face of Hanuman Tibba in 2001.
Visual Experience (Links to Hanuman Tibba images, photo galleries and videos)
For more information
Magazines
Hunter, Keith. Hanuman Tibba’ 87. Indian Mountaineer. Spring’ 89, Number 23. Indian Mountaineering Foundation.
Maps
Refer to India and Pakistan (India-Jammu and Kashmir): Palampur Toposheet NI 43-16 Series U502, Edition 2-AMS
Kullu Valley. Trekking Map Series. Survey of India (SOI)
Trekking Route of Himachal Pradesh: Sheets No. 1-3; Survey of India (SOI).
You can buy all three sheets from Atal Bihari Vajpayee Institute of Mountaineering and Allied Sports (ABVI MAS)
Mountaineering Institutes
Atal Bihari Vajpayee Institute of Mountaineering and Allied Sports (ABVI MAS) (Manali) for guides and assistance
Mountaineering Institute (Brahmaur)
Newspapers
Sarvesh & Banerjee, Priyanka. (2002). On the banks of the Beas. The Hindu Business Line.
Useful websites
Would you like to contribute to the adventure trip description?
Write to us at contactus@theoff.info.
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