August 2023

Brief Description

Pin Parvati Pass is a high-altitude mountain pass located in the state of Himachal Pradesh in India. The pass connects the Pin Valley in the Spiti district to the Parvati Valley in the Kullu district. The trek to Pin Parvati Pass is considered to be one of the most challenging treks in the Himalayas and is suitable only for experienced trekkers.

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The trek takes about 10-12 days to complete and covers a distance of around 110 km. The trail goes through dense forests, rocky terrain, steep climbs, and glacier crossings, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding peaks and valleys. The trek starts from Kaza in Spiti and ends at Manikaran in Kullu.

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The Pin Parvati Pass trek is usually done between June and September, as the weather is favorable during these months. However, it is important to note that the weather conditions in the Himalayas can be unpredictable and can change rapidly. It is recommended to check the weather forecast and plan accordingly.

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Trekking to Pin Parvati Pass requires a high level of physical fitness and endurance. Trekkers must be well-prepared and equipped with appropriate gear and clothing. Some of the essential items to carry on the trek include trekking boots, warm clothing, a waterproof jacket, a sleeping bag, trekking poles, a first aid kit, and high-energy snacks.

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The trek is not recommended for beginners, as it involves a challenging climb to the pass at an altitude of over 17,000 feet. Trekkers must also be prepared for long hours of walking and camping in remote areas with limited facilities.

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Despite the challenges, the Pin Parvati Pass trek is a rewarding experience for those who are up for the challenge. The stunning natural beauty and unique cultural experiences along the way make it a trek of a lifetime.

Itinerary

The Pin Parvati Pass trek starts from the town of Barsheni, which is about 22 km from the town of Manikaran in the Parvati Valley of Himachal Pradesh. Here are some ways to reach Barsheni:

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By air: The nearest airport is the Bhuntar Airport near Kullu, which is about 50 km from Barsheni. From the airport, you can take a taxi or a bus to reach Barsheni.

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By train: The nearest railway station is the Joginder Nagar Railway Station, which is about 143 km from Barsheni. From the railway station, you can take a taxi or a bus to reach Barsheni.

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By road: Barsheni is well connected by road to major cities in Himachal Pradesh and nearby states. You can take a bus or hire a taxi from Manali, Bhuntar, or Kullu to reach Barsheni.

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Once you reach Barsheni, the trek to Pin Parvati Pass starts. It is advisable to hire a local guide or join a trekking group, as the trek is challenging and requires a good level of fitness and experience.

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Day 1: Arrival in Manali (2000m)

On the first day of the Pin Parvati Pass Trek, you will arrive in Manali, and you will be transferred to your hotel. The rest of the day is free for you to explore the vibrant town of Manali. You can visit the Hadimba Temple, take a stroll around Mall Road, or simply relax and acclimatize to the altitude. In the evening, you will meet your trek leader and the rest of the team for a briefing on the upcoming trek. Overnight stay will be at the hotel in Manali.

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Day 2: Manali to Barsheni (2400m) to Kheerganga (2960m)

On the second day of the Pin Parvati Pass Trek, after breakfast, you will begin your drive from Manali to Barsheni, which is the starting point of the trek. The journey will take around 4-5 hours and you will pass through scenic villages like Kasol and Jari on the way. Upon reaching Barsheni, you will start the trek to Kheerganga.

The trail passes through dense forests and crosses several streams before reaching the Kheerganga campsite. The hot water springs at Kheerganga are a popular attraction and offer a relaxing respite after a long day of trekking. Overnight stay will be at the Kheerganga campsite.

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Day 3: Kheerganga to Tunda Bhuj (3200m)

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On day 3 of Pin Parvati Pass Trek, you will be trekking from Kheerganga to Tunda Bhuj, which is situated at an altitude of 3200m. The trek is approximately 11 km long and takes around 6-7 hours to complete.

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You will begin your trek from Kheerganga and make your way through dense forests of oak and pine trees. Along the way, you will also come across the beautiful Parvati River flowing alongside the trail. You will cross the river through a bridge and continue to climb uphill.

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The trail is quite steep in some places, but the beautiful views of the surrounding mountains will make your journey worthwhile. As you gain altitude, you will also notice a change in the vegetation, with more alpine trees and shrubs appearing.

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After a few hours of trekking, you will reach Tunda Bhuj, a beautiful meadow surrounded by towering mountains. This is a popular camping spot for trekkers, and you will find several tents and campsites here. You can set up your own tent or stay in one of the pre-established campsites.

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Overnight stay at Tunda Bhuj.

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Day 4: Tunda Bhuj to Thakur Kuan (3500m)

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On day 4 of the Pin Parvati Pass trek, you will trek from Tunda Bhuj to Thakur Kuan, which will take around 5-6 hours. The trail from Tunda Bhuj to Thakur Kuan is steep and passes through dense forests of pine, fir, and birch trees. You will also cross several streams and small waterfalls on the way.

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The trail ascends through the forest for about an hour before reaching a meadow with a shepherd's hut, called Thakur Kuan. The meadow offers a stunning view of the surrounding mountains and is a perfect spot for camping. You can rest here for a while and enjoy the scenic beauty before setting up your tents for the night.

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The temperature at Thakur Kuan can drop down to 5-6 degrees Celsius, so make sure to carry warm clothes and a good quality sleeping bag to keep yourself warm and comfortable during the night. You can also explore the nearby areas and take some breathtaking photographs of the surrounding mountains during your stay at Thakur Kuan.

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Day 5: Thakur Kuan to Mantalai Lake (4116m)

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On day 5 of the Pin Parvati Pass trek, you will start your trek from Thakur Kuan towards Mantalai Lake, which is one of the highlights of the Pin Parvati Pass trek. You will cross the Parvati River and climb through dense forests of birch and rhododendron. The trail is steep and strenuous, but the views of the surrounding mountains are worth the effort.

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After about 6-7 hours of trekking, you will reach the stunning Mantalai Lake, which is located at an altitude of 4116m. This high-altitude lake is surrounded by snow-capped peaks and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. You can spend some time at the lake, take in the views, and rest for the night in your tent.

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Day 6: Rest day at Mantalai Lake

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As the name suggests, Day 6 is a rest day at Mantalai Lake. This is an opportunity for trekkers to acclimatize to the high altitude and take in the beautiful surroundings. You can spend the day exploring the area around Mantalai Lake, taking in the stunning views of the surrounding peaks and glaciers. You can also take short walks around the lake or just relax and enjoy the peaceful surroundings. It is important to drink plenty of water and keep yourself hydrated during the day. This rest day will help you prepare for the challenging days ahead.

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Day 7: Mantalai Lake to Pin Base Camp (4800m)

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On day 7 of the Pin Parvati Pass trek you will start your trek from Mantalai Lake, the trail heads towards the Pin Parvati Pass base camp. It is a relatively short trek of around 5-6 km, but the altitude gain is significant, as you will be ascending to an altitude of 4800m. The terrain is rocky and barren, with patches of snow and ice, so you need to be careful while trekking. The base camp is located in a picturesque valley surrounded by towering peaks and glaciers, making it a perfect place to set up camp for the night.

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On this day, you can expect to trek for around 4-5 hours, depending on your pace and the weather conditions. Make sure to carry enough water and snacks to keep you energized throughout the day. Once you reach the base camp, take some time to rest and acclimatize to the altitude. You can explore the surrounding areas and take in the stunning views of the snow-capped peaks and glaciers.

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At night, enjoy a warm meal and cozy up in your tent, as the temperature can drop drastically at this altitude. Get a good night's sleep, as the next day will be the most challenging and adventurous day of the trek, as you will be crossing the Pin Parvati Pass.

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Day 8: Pin Base Camp to Pin Parvati Pass (5319m) to Pin Valley (4500m)

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This is the most challenging and longest day of the Pin Parvati Pass trek. It starts early in the morning, as you have to cover a distance of 14 km and cross the Pin Parvati Pass (5319m) before descending to Pin Valley.

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The trail is steep and rocky, and you have to cross the glacier to reach the top of the pass. The views from the top of the pass are breathtaking, with snow-capped peaks surrounding you in every direction.

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After spending some time at the pass, you have to start the descent towards Pin Valley. The descent is steep and tiring, and you have to be careful while walking on the loose rocks and scree.

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Once you reach the bottom of the valley, you will find a river flowing through it. You have to cross the river to reach the campsite. The campsite is located at an altitude of 4500m, and you will be surrounded by the stunning landscape of Pin Valley.

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The total duration of this day is around 10-12 hours, and you have to be physically and mentally prepared for it. Make sure you carry enough water and food supplies for the day, and wear warm clothes as the temperature can drop drastically at high altitudes.

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Day 9: Pin Valley to Mudh (3700m)

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On Day 9 of the Pin Parvati Pass trek, you will be trekking from Pin Valley to Mudh, which is located at an altitude of 3700m. The total distance to be covered on this day is around 18 km, and it takes approximately 6-7 hours to complete the trek.

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You will start the trek early in the morning, after breakfast. The initial part of the trek is relatively easy, as you walk on a flat terrain for around 3 km. After this, the trail starts to ascend, and you will be trekking uphill for around 2-3 hours. The views of the surrounding mountains and valleys from the trail are breathtaking, and you will get ample opportunities to take pictures.

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After the initial ascent, the trail descends gradually for the next 5-6 km, and you will be walking on a flat terrain again. The trail passes through some beautiful meadows, and you will also cross a few streams on the way.

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As you reach Mudh, you will see a beautiful village surrounded by towering mountains. Mudh is the last village on the Pin Valley side, and it is a great place to experience the local culture and hospitality. You will be camping at Mudh for the night, and you can explore the village in the evening.

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Day 10: Mudh to Kaza (3600m)

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After breakfast in Mudh, you will board a private vehicle for a scenic drive to Kaza, the largest town in the Spiti Valley. The drive will take you through rugged terrain with stunning views of the Himalayan mountains and the Spiti River. Along the way, you may stop at a few villages to stretch your legs and take in the local culture.

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Once you arrive in Kaza, you can check into your hotel and spend the rest of the day exploring the town. Kaza is known for its picturesque monastery, colorful markets, and stunning natural beauty. You can visit the Key Monastery, which is the largest in the Spiti Valley, and the Kibber Wildlife Sanctuary, which is home to a variety of rare Himalayan species.

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In the evening, you can enjoy a hot meal at a local restaurant and relax in your hotel before continuing your journey the next day.

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Day 11: Kaza to Manali

As Pin Parvati Pass trek concludes at Kaza, you will need to drive back to Manali from Kaza on Day 11. The distance between Kaza and Manali is around 200 km, and it takes approximately 7-8 hours to reach Manali by road. The drive takes you through beautiful mountain landscapes and passes through the famous Rohtang Pass. Once you reach Manali, you can relax and explore the local markets or spend some time in the cafes before departing for your onward journey.

What's Included

• Veg Food (Starting Dinner on Day 1 till lunch on Day 10).Three Meals a day

• Gamow Bag (HAPO Chamber) - 1 per batch

• Portable Stretcher - 1 per batch

• Stay in Hotel/Guest house on triple Sharing basis in Pulga. Guest House stay in Kaza on twin sharing basis

• Satellite Phone & Radio Set for emergency communication

• Forest Permits/Camping Charges/Permits, Trek Permit Fee/IMF Permission (Upto the amount charged for Indian nationals)

• Camping tents on twin sharing, Temp rated sleeping bags, mattress

• Micro-spikes, Gaiters, Helmets, Harness, and carabiners, as required

• Mountaineering course certified Trek Leader with Wilderness Emergency Responder & special rescue course from NIM Uttarkashi

• First Aid Certified Local guide, cook, helpers

• Porters or mules for carrying common luggage

What's Not-Included

• Meals during road journeys

• Any kind of Insurance

• Any expense of personal nature

• Any expense not specified in the inclusion list

• Carriage of personal rucksack

• Meals during Hotel Stay

Essentials to carry