Overview

Pin Parvati Pass, a trans-Himalayan trek, is one of the toughest cross overs treks in the country, meant for seasoned trekkers looking for a challenge. It is your passage between two distinct worlds - that from the abundant and alive Parvati valley which starts at the confluence of Parvati river and Beas river in Himachal Pradesh to the dry, resilient and almost galactic Pin Valley in Spiti (the cold desert). And the reward for getting to the highest point of the trek – the Pass (5,298M) - is that you get a look into both the worlds at the same time. The prayer flags, the panoramic view with the assault of greens on the one side and browns on the other, while you find yourself in knee deep white snow, is an experience like no other. This is the reason why Pin Parvati Pass continues to remain our most favorite cross-over trek in the country!

Pin Parvati Pass Trek Itinerary

Day:1 Manali to Barshaini and trek to Kalga

• Altitude(Kalga): 2300 m/ 7600 ft.
• Drive Distance(Manali to Barshaini): 4-5 hrs.
• Trek Distance( Barshaini to Kalga): 1 km | 1/2 hr.
• Lunch at Manikaran (Stoppage for 1 hr).
• Leave Manali at 10 am.
• Bring left luggage separately so that without wasting time we will leave Manali on time.
• Networks are available at Kalga.
• Some parts of the trek through apple orchard.
• Stay in-home stay.

The adventurous journey of the trek will make a pleasurable trace when you reach Manali by 10 am in the morning and will leave for Barsheni Village which is surrounded by thick pine forest and green pastureland. Then further you will move to Kalga village which is a 1/2 hr trek from Barshaini. We will be taking a stop for lunch at Manikaran Gurudwara where you can visit the hot springs in the nearby premises. Hot langar is served at the gurudwara which you definitely need to try. After having our lunch we'll head towards Barshaini from where we have a little trekking to do towards Kalga. Please note that there is a network available at Kalga and your accommodation will be in a guest house.

Day:2 Kalga to Kheerganga

• Altitude(Kheerganga): 2,800m/ 9,200ft.
• Trek Distance: 10 km | 6-7 hrs.
• Altitude Gain: 500m/ 1,650ft.
• Stay in tents/ local rest houses.
• No Network available.
• Hot water spring at Kheerganga.
• Trek along with Parvati River.
• Will get many Maggi points on the way.
• Mixed forest of Pine, Oak, Horse chestnut, and Wall-nut.
• Less steep ascent, more gradual ascent.

On the second day you will move to the long trail and continue from Kalga to move ahead and cross the bridge from here you can see River Parvati. Pin Parvati Pass Trek is a very enthralling experience to have fun while trekking and enjoy the enormous landscape view very closely. The trail goes through thick woodland cover and involves a sheer ascend of over 30 minutes.

The climb goes on till you arrive at a point from where it takes a rational V turn and you can see the restroom at your left. From here it takes another 10 minutes of walk up to a tending pastureland where Khirganga is. The last elongated side engrosses a long climb through a pine woodland area and you will come across a beautiful waterfall. You will also come across a maggie point where you can stop for some refreshment. The entire trail is less of a steep ascent and more of a gradual ascent which is a mixture of Pine, Oak, Horse chestnut and Walnut trees. Kalga to Kheerganga is a 10km trek that takes approximately 6-7 hours. After reaching Kheerganga your accommodation will be in tents.

Day:3 Kheerganga to Tunda Bhuj

• Altitude(Tunda Bhuj): 3,350 m/ 11,000 ft.
• Trek Distance: 13 km | 7-8 hrs.
• Altitude Gain: 550 m/ 1,800 ft.
• Camp setup takes time due to the erratic availability of water, be patient.
• Gradual ascent but tiring.
• 3 small streams with small bridges be careful.
• No shops on the way.
• Last day of the forest.

Today's trek will start for Tunda-Bhuj which is a steady climb out and from there you can view the Parvati River coming down from the mountain's left side. The track will move through long meadowland and the chirping of birds will give you gleaming happiness. The road from Khirganga is the first stream crossing starting with a constant ascent for about 20 minutes. Then you can see the temporary bridge over the edge of the mountains. There en route, you can see a small tent where the local wholesaler sells products. After 30 minutes you will walk out from the forest area and will see meadowland and the immense sight of the Dell. Now you will trail the high peak of the hill. Once you arrive at the top, the following will twirl within the hilly area and you see the huge area of the Parvati Valley in front. This will be the final overpass that you have to cross and you will reach Tunda-Bhuj situated at a high altitude of 11,000 ft above sea level. There you can see huge mountains covered with snow and the sight view looks very pretty.

Day:4 Tunda Bhuj to Thakur Kuan

• Altitude(Thakur Kuan): 3,550 m/ 11,650 ft.
• Trek Distance: 11 km | 6-7 hrs.
• Altitude Gain: 200m/ 650ft.
• Most beautiful campsite of the trek.
• Tricky and rocky patch on the way so walking together is mandatory.
• After the tricky patch very steep ascent for 1 hr.

As walking down you will reach pastureland through an opaque mixed jungle with a profusion of lovely flowers and Greenery Island. The landscape view of Tunda Bhuj is very easy but the distance is somewhat tough as the bridge is very long to cross and time consuming. Crossing the bridge to the further side of the stream takes time to follow up the peak. It takes 15 minutes to reach the steady climb as you pass through an inclined rocky meadow land. Trekking in Manali discover the prettiness of lovely landscape views and enhance the beautiful picturesque. As you start for the further trail you will go upto a high level and the landscape view can be seen as very striking. After the early rise crossways the Pandu Bridge, walk down towards the Parvati River at your right takes 15 minutes to pass through the fields .Many shepherds can be seen with their group on the way. By evening time, you will reach the Thakur Kuan which is situated at a high altitude of 11,650- ft high above sea level.

Day:5 Thakur Kuan to Odi Thach

• Altitude(Odi Thatch): 3,800 m/ 12,400 ft.
• Trek Distance: 9 km | 5-6hrs.
• Altitude Gain:250 m/ 750 ft.
• Easiest day of the trek.
• Pandu Bridge (The most tricky patch) comes just after 1.5 hrs of trek, to cross that bridge everyone has to be together.
• Most of the trail is flat walk.
• Water points are available before the Pandu Bridge
• Very windy campsite.

The next morning you will feel great after taking good rest as you have to get prepared for the adventures which lie ahead. As this is the easiest day of your trek it won't take a huge toll on your body. You will cross the terrain region and then cross multiple streams coming your way. The day starts with a mild ascent followed by a slightly steep rise in the trail that will take you to the first river crossing. Further, you will find the Parvati River on the left part which looks very attractive. Then you will follow the big forest area and meadow land which can be seen aside from the Parvati River and enter the Thakur Kuan region which is surrounded by the pasture of orchard flowers and small trees. The Pandu bridge which is the most tricky patch comes after 1.5 hours of trek. It is recommended that all trekkers stay together in a group while crossing this natural bridge. This bridge is a natural formation created by huge boulders over the river. After crossing the adventurous Pandu Bridge, the trail is easy to walk as it is a flat ground that requires minimum effort. The trail spreads out in numerous directions as it is a shepherd trail. Remember to follow the group so that you do not get lost amid the labyrinth of trek routes. There are many water points before Pandu Bridge where you can refill your water bottles. After reaching Odi Thach we'll be camping there for the night which is one of the windiest campsites. Odi Thach is a beautiful meadow with the majestic Mt. Kullu Eiger peak overlooking the meadow.

Day:6 Odi Thach to Mantalai Lake

• Altitude(Mantalai): 4,150 m/ 13,600 ft.
• Trek Distance: 12 km | 7-8 hrs.
• Altitude Gain:- 350 m/ 1,200 ft.
• After half an hour from Odi Thach a big ground comes, and cross that ground from the left side (the ground is very muddy).
• Moraine area starts just after crossing that ground.
• The Moraine area is a steep ascent.
• Mantalai Lake is the source of the Parvati River.
• The small temple of lord Shiva at Mantalai Lake, from the temple campsite is 45 minutes away.
• Chances of getting AMS are high, keep yourself hydrated.
• Swimming in the lake is not allowed and not advisable.

Today, we'll be covering a distance of 12k m which will take around 7-8 hours. This route is a bit muddy which at times can be slippery so it is important to be cautious. You will come across the moraine area which comes right after crossing the muddy surface. It has a steep ascent which requires a lot of physical energy to climb. So it is important to climb at your own pace. Mantalai Lake is the starting point of the Parvati River and you can also visit a small temple there. Your next campsite is just 45 minutes from here. The lake is at a higher altitude so there are chances of getting AMS. It is important to keep your body hydrated enough so that you are not hit by AMS.

Day:7 Mantalai Lake to Summit Camp

• Altiude(Summit Camp):4,950 m/ 16,300 ft.
• Trek Distance: 11 km | 7-8 hrs.
• Altitude Gain:- 800 m/ 2,700 ft.
• exhausted day.
• Most of the part is very steep ascent.
• Only two water points are available.
• Just after 30 to 40 minutes of trek first water stream comes, keep floaters handy.
• After 3 1/2 hrs one more stream crossing.
• Chances of missing is very high, never walk alone.
• Campsite is most uncomfortable, camping will be on rocks.

After leaving the striking place of Mantalai Lake you will cross the river lane which is a very hefty part of the trek and then you will walk through high rocky areas and glaciers. Then you will climb towards the right side of the slope, follow the trail which is very long and takes 9-10 hours. It takes around to climb the high mountain above at 14850 feet. Then you will walk to the campsite area, steep rocks will make you feel tired. Then you will reach to base camp which is surrounded by greenery everywhere and big glaciers. There you will stay in base camp and take rest for an hour and have a delicious dinner.

Day:8 Summit Camp to Pin Parvati Pass to Pin base/ Bedu Thatch

• Altitude: Pin Parvati Pass 5,300 m/ 17,450ft | PinBase( Bedu Thatch): 4,450m/ 14,600ft.
• Trek Distance:15 km | 10-12 hrs.
• Altitude Gain:- 350m/ 1,150ft.
• Altitude Loss:- 850m/ 2,850ft.
• Stay on summit maximum for 15 to 20 minutes.
• Today don't make your route on snow, always follow the trek leader or guide (craves area).
• Today's descent is more tricky and tiring than ascent.
• One stream and one river crossing keep floaters handy and cross under the guidance of your trek leader.
• After river crossing the site is one hour away.

The trek begins another day after long hours of rest and after a long voyage you will then enter in Spiti Valley. The trail now climbs for an hour amid the glacier and a rock facade. After three hours of sturdy climbing you will arrive at the top of the pass at 17,500 feet from where you can look the way of Pin Valley towards Srikhand Mahadev. The follow come down over flurry and ice fields, covered with grasses and high rocks and stone will also come in your way. At this point, you will need to be very careful as there you will see very hefty paths which cross the dense forest lane and wild areas. The base camp is located in the centre of three vales. Moving further you can view the ranges of Dibibokri and Kulu Makalu which looks very fascinating and eye catchy as it is covered by large mountains and ice.

Day:9 Pin Base to Tiya

• Altitude(Tiya): 3,950 m/ 13,000 ft.
• Trek Distance: 12 km | 5-6 hrs.
• Altitude Loss: 500 m/ 1,600 ft.
• Gradual descent.
• Very beautiful campsite and windy.
• Bearn land.
• Can see the Bhaba Pass route.

On this day will be trekking to Tiya which is approximately 12km. It is a gradual descent for most of the trek. It is a barren land which is surrounded by tall mountains. You will be able to see the trail of Bhaba Pass on this route. Your campsite at Tiya has a beautiful setting but it gets cold at night. It is important to have proper layering while you sleep in your tents.

Day:10 Tiya to Mud Drive to Kaza

• Altitude: Mud- 3,750 m/ 12,500 ft | Kaza-3,650 m/ 12,000 ft.
• Trek Distance: 12 km | 4-5 hrs.
• Drive Distance(Mud - Kaza): 50 km drive 2 hrs.
• Altitude Loss:300m/ 1,000ft.
• Flat walk almost on the road.
• Trek till Mud and drive to Kaza.
• Due to no network transportation timing may get late.
• Stay in Kaza (Guest house).

Today we'll be trekking to Mud which is the last village of Pin Valley. It is a flat walk on the road almost on the road. After reaching Mud we will be driving to Kaza. Necessary arrangements will be made for your pick up after which we'll be driving to Kaza. Your accommodation will be in a guesthouse at Kaza.

Day:11 Kaza to Manali

• Drive Distance(Kaza- Manali): 200 km | 9-10 hrs.
• You’ll reach Manali between 6:00 pm and 7:00 pm.
• You can book your travel any time after 7:30 pm.

The way back to Manali will be by the familiar road, the drive starting at 6 You’ll reach Manali between 5:00 pm and 6:00 pm. You can book your travel any time after 7:30 pm.

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.
• 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

Packing List/Things to carry 

This is a list of essential items for individuals doing the trek with Bikat Adventures. This list contains only those items which the participants are required to bring with them. The list excludes those items which are provided by Bikat Adventures on the trek. We have divided the items into five categories. All the items in the list are essential except for those marked as optional.

Trekking Gear

• Ruck sack bag with rain cover. Qty -1
• Day Pack Bag - Recommended for treks with summit day
• Head Torch with spare Batteries. Qty -1
• U V protection sunglasses. Qty -1 Here is how you can choose the best Sunglass
• Water Bottles: 2 bottles of 1 liter each

Footwear

• Non-skid, deep treaded, high-ankle trekking shoes Qty -1
• Pair of light weight Slipper/Sandals Qty -1