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31°46'51.2"N 77°59'47.6"E
Pin Bhaba Pass Trek
It is a crossover from Himachal to Spiti at an altitude of 16125 ft is a moderately difficult trek.
Highlights
- Pin Bhaba Pass is a great and a more beautiful alternative to the more treacherous sister trek of Pin Parvati Pass.
- A medley of stunning new landscapes greets you every single day.
- Bask in the serenity of the river delta of Phutsirang, which makes for an unbeatable campsite. Coming across river deltas is very rare in Himalayan treks.
- Crossing a mountain pass perched at 16,125 ft. is something a few treks bring you. The Pin Bhaba Pass crossing brings you beautifully closed to the encircling peaks.
Overview
Pin Bhaba Pass trek offers stunning views unlike any other treks in Himachal Pradesh, .The trek surprises you with a stunning variety of landscapes that change every day. The starting point of the trek looks nothing like the endpoint, besides the fact that both views leave you stunned. It is a literally breathtaking journey from the valleys and meadows of Kinnaur to the sublime beauty of Pin Valley in Spiti. The base point of Mudh is amongst the most secluded, unexplored nooks of Spiti, the likes of which even the landscape of Ladakh struggles to beat. The challenging level, bone-chilling weather, and a dizzying height of 16,125 ft. coalesce into one single trek, flanked by the lush valleys of Kinnaur and Spiti.
Brief Itinerary
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1 : Arrive at Kafnu from Shimla
The drive from Shimla to Kafnu is long but scenic. You also get the first glimpse of the mesmerizing Bhaba river. Kafnu is a rustic little village shaded in the folds of Kinnaur. Rest and rejuvenate at Kafnu for the trek starting the next day.
Meals : Dinner Only
Accommodation : Hotel/ Homestay
Time Taken : 6 - 7 hours
Altitude : 8,188 ft.
Distance : 205 km
Day 2 : Trek from Kafnu to Mulling
The first day of the trek is quite challenging and takes you through dense coniferous forests, the likes of which no other treks can beat. The altitude gain is quite considerable, which only adds to the thrill. A few minutes into the trek, ‘Bhaba Hydro Project’, India’s first underground dam comes into view, though it should be noted that photography is prohibited there. A little further up the trail, crossing a bridge will bring you to the left bank of the river Bhaba. Stick to the narrow trail that goes up from the riverbank. About 4 km into the trail, you will find yourself amidst a beautiful, dense forest that looks like something right off a fantasy novel! Crossing another bridge over the roaring Bhaba river will open up to a gradual ascent to Mulling. Overnight stay at Mulling in tents.
Meals : B, L, D
Accommodation : Tents
Time Taken : 8 hours
Altitude : 10,637 ft.
Distance : 12 km
Day 3 : Trek from Mulling to Karah
We begin the trek with a gradual ascent over a rugged trail, which paves way for a stunning meadow and waterfall. The trail ascents again, a part of which soon introduces you to a mystical subterranean river, where the gushing sound is prominent, although no river can be seen. Soon, we cross a serene meadow to arrive at the campsite sitting by a stream. Overnight stay at Karah in tents.
Meals : B, L, D
Accommodation : Tents
Time Taken : 5 hours
Altitude : 11,654 ft.
Distance : 6.5 km
Day 4 : Trek from Karah to Phutsirang
Though it is the shortest day of the trek, it involves a steep ascent. We cross a tributary of the mesmerizing Bhaba river that flows in from Phutsirang. Post crossing the river, resume the steep ascent. The trial is laden with loose rocks, and caution is strongly advised. The day revolves majorly around crossing icy streams, which requires you to pace yourself comfortably. Once you reach the campsite of lower Phutsirang, continue ascending 700 meters further till you find yourself at Phutsirang, which opens up a window to beautiful surrounding passes- Tari Khango, Nimish Khango, and Pin Bhaba Pass!
Meals : B, L, D
Accommodation : Tents
Time Taken : 4 hours
Altitude : 13,474 ft.
Distance : 5 km
Day 5 : Rest and acclimatisation day at Phutsirang
Gear up for the Pass day tomorrow.
Meals : B, L, D
Accommodation : Tents
Day 6 : Trek from Phutsirang to Mangrungse via Pin Bhaba Pass
The most crucial day of the entire trek, hence the most difficult. Tread through steep inclines and make way across the high passes that bridge the Bhaba and Pin valleys. Though the day is quite taxing, it brings great excitement as you ascend the high mountain pass. It is just as exciting as a summit attempt, if not more. From the highest point of the valley (saddle point), the landscape changes from the verdant grasslands to the nearly barren valleys of Pin. You also get a glimpse of the gushing Pin river from here. The descent takes a notorious turn as the route is covered in moraine and scree. Tread slowly. A few hours later, you attempt to cross the bone-chilling waters of the Pin river, post which the trail descends to the campsite of Mangrungse, sitting by a trickling stream. Drink in the enchanting vistas of the vibrant mountains of Spiti, while enjoying the haunting lullaby the roaring Pin river sings.
Meals : B, L, D
Accommodation : Tents
Time Taken : 9 hours
Altitude : 13,674 ft. via 16,125 ft. at pass
Distance : 11 km
Day 7 : Trek from Mangrungse to Mudh, Drive to Kaza
The last day of the trek, involving a long trek to Mudh. We start early in the morning, and make our way to the Bara Boulder campsite, from where the trail descends gradually. The water available here isn’t very clean, so it’ wise to refill your bottles right at Mangrungse. Cross the tributary of the Pin river that sits quite close to the Bara Boulder. Crossing the stream brings you to flat land, which offers a sneak peek into the rustic village of Mudh. Finally, a short climb after crossing the suspension bridge over the Pin river will land you at the village. Drive to Kaza after that.
Meals : B, L, D
Accommodation : Tents
Time Taken : 7 - 8 hours
Altitude : 12,280 ft.
Distance : 17 km
Day 8 : Drive from Kaza to Manali
You can expect to reach Manali at around 06:00 PM. This marks the end of your trek.
Meals : Breakfast Only
Accommodation : Not Included
Time Taken : 10 hours
Distance : 201 km
How To Reach
We can arrange a cab for you from the pickup point in Shimla but you will be liable to pay for that. You can share the cab cost with other people joining the trek. For communications purposes, we will create a Whatsapp Group before the departure date of the trek and will share the details regarding the transportation. The drop at Manali after the trek will be arranged in a similar way.
How to reach Pin Bhaba Pass Trek Base Camp (Kafnu) :
By Air
Fly to Jubbarhatti Airport in Shimla, sitting about 25 km away from the main city. There are frequent flights from Delhi and Kullu. You can take a cab to reach Kafnu, it will take you around 7 hours.
By Train
The nearest railhead to Shimla is connected to Kalka by narrow tracks. Board a train from Delhi or Chandigarh to Kalka, from where a 7 hours toy train ride will bring you to Shimla. After that, you will need to take a cab to reach Kafnu which will take you around 7 hours in total.
By Road
Regular bus service is available from Delhi ISBT Kashmere Gate or Chandigarh which plies government buses that are safe and you can rely on them more than the private buses. After that, you will need to take a cab to reach Kafnu which will take you around 7 hours in total.
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Chadar trek is considered to be one of the most difficult and dangerous treks, which requires a lot of skilled trek leaders, a perfect guide and a strong team of porters. I choose Trekmunk for Chadar and they proved they are a perfect team. Highly skilled trek leaders, profession ...
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Our 7 days trip to Meghalaya was a truly memorable experience. Thank you Trekmunk for arranging such an adventurous backpacking trip and a special thanks to Mohit Goswami our trip leader for giving us an experience of what true travelling is. From hitchhiking to traversing the un ...
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