Pin Parvati Trekking Tour

Moderate Trek

Area: Himachal
Duration: 17 days
Altitude: 5300 mts/17384 ft
Grade: Moderate to Challenging
Season: July - September

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.

Day 01: Arrive Delhi

On arrival met our representative and then transfer to hotel for overnight stay.

Day 02: Delhi - Manali

In the morning half day sightseeing and in the evening drive to Manali by AC Volvo coach. Overnight journey.

Day 03: Manali

Arrival at Manali by morning. On arrival transfer to hotel for relaxes. At leisure visit Hadimba Devi Temple, old Manali, Tibetan Monastery and the mall. Overnight stay in the hotel.

Day 04: Manali - Manikaran - Barsheni - Khirganga (3020 m9906 ft) 5 hrs

In the morning drive to Manikaran and from here we will start our trek. Khirganga is a hot spring where Lord Shiva is said tohave meditated. The difference between the spring here and in Manikaran is that after a bath in Khirganga, your skin will feel clammy and greasy whereas after a bath in the spring at Manikaran, your skin will feel dry.

Day 05: Khirganga - Tunda Bhuj (3285 mts/10775 ft) 5 hrs

The trek commences through dense forests and flower-strewn meadows. The progress is gradual and slow as it's a steep climb to Tunda Bhuj.

Day 06: Tunda Bhuj - Thakur Kuan (3620 mts/11874 ft) 6 hrs

The trail continues through a landscape strewn with waterfalls, lakes and meadows till Thakur Kuan.

Day 07: Thakur Kuan - Odi Thach (3800 mts/12464 ft)

It's another day of steep climb to reach the high altitude meadow of Odi Thach.

Day 08: Odi Thach - Mantalai Lake (4115 mts/13498 ft) 8 hrs

The trek up to Mantalai Lake is a gradual climb. Once at the lake, you can see the Mantalai Glacier, which is the source of the river Parvati. On the path, you will see the Pandu Bridge, which is made of a single rock on the river Parvati. It is said to make by the Pandavas during their exile in the Himalayas.

Day 09: Mantalai - Base of Pin Parvati Pass (4300 mts/14105 ft) 7 hrs

Ascend to the base camp of Mount Parvati which also serves as the base of the pass.

Day 10: Base of Pin Pass - Campsite over Pin Pass (4110 mts/13480 ft) 8 hrs

A steep climb takes you to Pin Pass (5300m). At the top of a large snow filled, crevassed hollow leads to the broad rocky saddle of the pass. At the top, one can see a splendid view of the snowy mountains of Hampta region on one side and the Pin valley of Spiti on the other.

Day 11: Campsite over Pin Pass - Tiai (3700 mts/12136 ft) 5 hrs

Trek along the Pin river in to the Pin Valley National park. Look out for the elusive snow leopards, musk deer and ibex.

Day 12: Tiai - Mud (3650 mts/11972 ft) 5 hrs

Trek through the barren, stark landscape of Spiti to Mud, a pretty village perched on a hillside.

Day 13: Mud - Gulling 6 hrs

Walk through the rough road up to Gulling with a grand view of the local villages and a barren land of the "middle country". A jeep will be awaiting at Gulling and drive same day to Kaza. Overnight in Kaza.