Pin Parvati Pass Trek 16 Nights / 17 Days Tour
Delhi - Kullu - Khirganga - Thakur kuan - Pin Parvati - Mud village - Kaza - Tabo - Shimla

Trekking Grade :

The Pin Parvati Pass at an elevation of 5,400 meters is one of the high altitude mountain passes in the Indian Himalayan region and was once crossed by Sir Louis Dane in 1884. The Pin Parvati Pass acts a bridge between the fertile and rich Parvati valley of Kullu region and Pin valley of Spiti region. The Pin Parvati Pass trek is a popular trek in Himachal Pradesh, but still it is only attempted by experienced trekkers. Hence most of the valley remains unexplored by amateur trekkers and normal tourists. The Pin Parvati Pass trek is considered as the shortest route between the Kullu and Spiti valley and the journey sees frequent changes of landscape, from evergreen to barren and rugged. During the trail one will also notice and experience the varied cultures secluded within the mountains. The Kullu valley, which is mostly dominated by the Hindus, comes in contrast when you step in to Spiti valley that is inhabited by the Indo – Tibetans. Further, the cultural charisma takes over the traveller’s mind when he mulls over the ancient Hindu temples and Buddhist monasteries that reflects several myths and legends. The journey passes through several small hamlets, gushing streams, thick alpine forest, wild life, pristine lakes, glaciers and cattle grazing farms. Walking along the mountains, crossing downhill, snowfield areas, unusual natural rocky bridges, Himalayan brown bears and wild small colorful flowers builds an ever unforgettable flash.

A notable alpine trek in Himachal Pradesh, the Pin Parvati Pass trek commences from Khirganga at 3,020 meters. Khirganga is known for its hot water spring. It is approximately 4 – 5 hours of drive from Manikaran. From Khirganga the trail starts with a moderate climb towards Tunda Bhuj at 3,285 meters and turns to Thakur Kuan at 3,620 meters. Thereafter, the trail continues with a trek uphill to Odi Thach at 3,800 meters and thence snakes through the snow bedded tracks to Mantalai Lake at 4,115 meters. Once at the lake, you can see the Mantalai Glacier, which is the source of river Parvati. On the path, you will see the Pandu Bridge, which is made of a single rock on river Parvati. It is believed to have been built by the Pandavas during their exile in the Himalayas. From Mantalai the trail leads to the base of Pin Parvati and thereafter continues with a steep climb to Pin Parvati Pass. Then the route descends to Tiai at 3,700 meters and further leads to Mud through the barren, stark landscape of Spiti. The Pin Parvati Pass trekking tour then heads to Kaza via Gulling. At Kaza you can visit the Ki monastery, Kibber village, Dhankar monastery and Tabo monastery. Thereafter from Kaza via Kunzum Pass the journey wheels ends at Manali.

Due to its high altitude and frequent uphill and downhill treks, the Pin Parvati Pass trek is considered as one of the most challenging treks in Himachal Pradesh and hence it is recommended for trekkers having prior experience of trekking at high altitudes. The best time to hit the trekking tracks is during the Indian monsoon season, July to September.

Tour Itinerary

Pin Parvati Pass Trek (5300 M)

Days on Trek : 09 Days
Maximum Elevation : 5300 Meters Above sea Level
Starting Point of the Trek : Manikaran in Kullu valley
Rating : Strenuous
Best time : 15 July to 30 August
Highlights : High Himalayan pass, high altitude Mantalai lake, dry cold dessert of Spiti valley, Himalayan wildlife.

Day 01 : Delhi-Chandigarh - Kullu

You can fly to Chandigarh. On arrival at Chandigarh our driver will meet you at the airport and drive to Kullu(8Hours drive). On arrival Check in Hotel.

Day 02 : Kullu

Rest day before you start the trek.

Day 03 : On Trek Kullu - Manikaran - Barsaini - Khirganga (2960M) 2 hours drive and 6 hours walk

After a short drive Barsaini above Manikaran, we start waliking towards Tosh Nullah. After the Nagthan village walk is along the river parvati and then through the dense forest to Khirganga, amidst the forest, it is a very beautiful campsite. There is a natural hot spring here, so an ideal points after whole days of trek to wash away your fatigue. Campsite offers a wonderful sunset in the evening.

Day 04 : Khirganga - Tunda Bhuj (3500 M) 5 hours walk

Rest day for acclimatization. Walk inside the villages. Overnight stay in Guest House.

Day 05 : Tunda Bhuj to Thakur Kuan(3570 M), 3 hours walk

This short stage in included in order to get acclimatize before we get to more higher elevation on the trek. Today the glacier that eventually feed Parvati river starts to appear. Camp for overnight stay.

Day 06 : Thakur Kuan to Odi Thatch (3620 M)

The glaciers start to appear, the landscape begin to change-from lush green forest and meadows we now start to enter into the mountains, glaciers and moraines. Camp here for night stay. We get beautiful view of the high mountain peaks.

Day 07 : Odi Thatch to Mantalai (3700M) 6 to 7 Hours walk

A gradual ascent takes us to a vast glacial moraine. Mantalai Lake, the source of river Parvati is a glaciated lake in the middle of a vast moraine. From here you have beautiful view of the high Himalayan peaks.

Day 08 : Mantalai to Base of Pin Parvati Pass (4300 M)

Steep ascent for 6 to 7 hours takes us to the base of Pin Parvati Pass. Camp here for overnight stay. From the camp we get beautiful view of the Himalayan peaks and Parvati glacier.

Day 09 : Base- Pin Parvati Pass (5200 M) - Base II

Steep ascent walking over the glacier takes us to the top of the pass. After crossing the pass we enter into the Spiti valley. Here you will notice a great change in the landscape-the green side of the Kullu valley is suddenly replaced by dry dessert of Spiti valley. The are is rich in wildlife and has been declared as a National Park with the habitat for snow leopard, musk deer and Ibex. You can see the ibex in big heards. Walk down to the other side of the pass to camp at the base.

Day 10 : Base II to Wichurang Thatch (3600 M)

6 to 7 Hours walk to get down to the area where we will start to see some signs of Human habitation.

Day 11 : Wichurang Thatch to Mud village (3500M)

After 4 to 5 hours we start to see an oasis in the middle of the dessert. This is Mud, the first village in Spiti valley. Camp here for overnight stay.

Day 12 : Mud Village to Kaza 4 hours drive

Drive to Kaza and check in Hotel. Afternoon visit Ki Monatery few kms above Kaza. Also visit Kibber, one of the most highest permanently inhabited village in the world. Overnight stay in Hotel in Kaza.

Day 13 : Kaza - Tabo - Kalpa 9 Hours drive

Drive to Chitkul, the last village on indo-Chinese village. Drive back to Sangla for overnight stay. Sangla-Baspa valley is one of the most hidden and beautiful valleys in Himachal Prdesh.

Day 14 : Kalpa - Sangla - Chitukul - Sangla 4 hours drive

Mune Gompa and Bardan gompa are the two Buddhist monasteries we visit this day. We reach Padum, the capital of Zanskar in the afternoon. Night stay in camp or guest house. Trek Ends. Padum is inhabited by Muslims as well as Buddhist people and is linked by road to Leh. Check in guest house in Padum.

Day 15 : Sangla -Thanedar 6/7 Hours drive

Keep driving on old Hindustand-Tibet road for few hours and then we take a side road to enter into the upper reaches of Shimla. Thanedar is a small village in upper shimla area. Stay in a family run beautiful guest house.

Day 16 : Thanedar - Shimla 3 hours drive

Mornign explore Thanedar and village. Later continue drive to Shimla. Check in Hotel in Shimla. Afternoon walk on the historical Mall in Shimla.

Day 17 : Shimla - Chandigarh - Delhi

After breakfast at Hotel drive to Chandigarh(3hours drive) airport to board flight back to Delhi/Mumbai. End of the Tour.