Deo Tibba - A Trek To The Mountain Of Gods

Manali is the launching point of this trek. One goes through lush green forests of Pine, Fir, Spruce, Oak and Cedar. Traverses meadows laden with wild flowers often crossing brilliant sparkling streams. This trek also provides the opportunity to catch glimpses of magnificent old Himalayan villages, their people and their way of life. The Trek provides dazzling landscapes and one can have splendid panoramic views of many snow capped high mountains, such as Indrasan (6220 Mts.), Inderkilla (6000 Mts.), Deo-Tibba (6001Mts.). Towards the lofty Hampta pass (a mountain pass dividing the boundaries of Kullu and Spiti, one can get commanding views of these mountains as they stretch out in front of the trekker. The Trek also provides an ample opportunity to explore a glacier and its moraine in this part of the Himalaya.

Mount Deo Tibba, as seen from the trek route

The Hampta Pass (4270m) is on the true right side of the valley. However, there is an excellent vantage point for viewing the Lahaul Range, which can be reached by diverting from the main trail through the moraine towards the center of the valley. From here, the peaks of Deo Tibba (6001m) and Indrasan (6221 m) can be truly appreciated. The history of climbing these peaks dates back to 1912, when C G Bruce led a British team on the first ascent of Hanuman Tibba. The next ascent, however, was not until 1966. In between, the first ascent Of Deo Tibba was made in 1952 after many attempts, while Indrasan was first climbed in 1962.

Trek Statistics

Operational period: April End - October

Physical requirement:

• Clients should be physically fit enough to walk for 4 - 6 hours/ 10                
• 14 kms Daily, at an altitude ranging from 2050 Mtrs. To 4000 Mtrs.

Highest Altitude gained: Roadikhodi / Piyangniru (4000 Mtrs.)

Number of days: 7 Days (Ex. Manali)       

Trek Gradient: Easy to moderate.

Trek Itinerary :

Day 01 : Manali -  Tilgan. (04hrs)

Drive to Shuru (40minutes drive) Trek to Tilgan Thach (2650 Mts.) villages, Himalayan deciduous alpine Forest. (Steep climb) 

The start of the trek involves a steep ascent as you trek through apple orchards and forest of blue pine, cedar, oak, fir and chestnut. At the start of the Trek there is an old temple of a local deity, further up along the trail there is another historic cave (Arjun Gufa) where the “Pandavas”, the heroes of the great Indian epic, The Mahabharata”  are believed to have taken refuge during their exile At Tilgan one can have a tremendous view of the Manali valley, town and surroundings

Day 02 :  Tilgan to Jogi Dugh (3150 Mts.) (05 Hrs.).  

Via Sara Bogi (3150).  (High Density Forest, rocky terrain, Alpine meadows.) Gradual climb and descent.

Today we trek along the tree line and later crossing a stream, we climb further up towards Jogidugh. Jogidugh occupies a very famous place in Hindu mythology, especially for the local inhabitants of the Valley. It is said to be the abode of ‘Thakshag Nag’ (serpent god) and all eighteen ‘Nag’ Gods, believed to have been residing here, since time immemorial. It is also said that during a draught, the villagers of Manali go up to Jogidugh to pray for rain and it usually works. Jogidugh is a very holy place where all eighteen ‘Nag’ gods meditated in the olden time.

Day 03  :  Jogidugh to Roadikhodi (3800 Mts.) (05 Hrs.) .

Sheperds grazing their flock at Roadikhodi 

High Alpine meadows, Tarn, little Vegetation Rhododendron, Himalayan Silver Birch, Juniper bushes. (Flat to gradual walk).The Trek gets little steeper in the beginning and after that we walk over the high altitude open meadows of Roadikhodi (4,000 Mts.), providing awesome views of the mountain-scape on the way. One can also appreciate the scenic beauty of a small mountain tarn in the meadow, where local Shepherds of Kullu Valley graze their herds of sheep.

Day 04 :  Roadikhodi to Marhi (3200 Mts.) via Piyangniru (3700 Mts.).

The Fascinating view from “Piyangniru, with the glaciers of ‘Deo Tibba within reach.

Rhododendron, Himalayan Silver Birch, Juniper bushes, (Steep Descent and then, flat gradual walk).First we walk over the meadows of Roadikhodi and later descend through rhododendron bushes and birch trees with splendid view of Mount Deo Tibba (6001 Mts.), to the base of the mountain (Piyang niru). A classic alpine area with massive glaciers and moraine. The sight of the Deo Tibba Mountain from Piyangniru, invariably fascinates all trekkers.

Day 05 : Marhi to Chikka  (06 Hrs.). 

The charming campsite at Chikka

Initially through the forest and meadow the later part is alpine with snowy and rocky terrain.From the beautiful meadows of Marhi, we descend to the other side of the Valley and enter into the tree line again. Further, walk through a dense forest of Maple, pine, walnut and spruce, first to reach the meadows of Chhika. This is a beautiful campsite located on the banks of the Alain Nallah (Or Aleo nallah) stream and locals often leave their sheep and horses to graze here.  (Overnight camp at Chikka)                 

Day 06 : Chikka to The Jobri Nallah roadhead, and drive to Manali.

From Chikka the walk is along the banks of a stream. There some pleasant alpine groves to cross before descending back to the main valley floor. This area is popular with the Gaddi shepherds in the early part of the season, grazing their flocks before continuing their migration to Lahaul. Downhill walk all the way through forests and meadows, to reach the roadhead at Jobdi Nallah, from where our vehicles will pick you up and drive you to Manali (45 mins – 1 Hr.drive) . (O/n Hotel in Manali)

Trek Ends. Bon Voyage                                                

P.S : For detailed itinerary, Essentials and Trek Costing, please click on this link : 

http://terrainspotter.com/files/Viji%20-%20Deo%20Tibba%20Circular%20Trek.doc