Pin Parvati is a popular yet one of more difficult treks of the Trans Himalayan region. The trek route passes through dense forests of Great Himalayan National Park, some remote temporary human settlements and ever across rivers in full flow with ice cold water fresh from glaciers. In recent history, this pass was used as a route to enter Spiti valley from Kullu and is still used by hardy shepherds of the region. It was opened for trekkers only in 1993. Locals associate this area with numerous legends related to Lord Shiva and Pandavs. This trek requires complete physical fitness, mental concentration and reqards with the sights and experiences which have a few equals anywhere in the world.
Best For: Trekkers with moderate or good experience. Good fitness is must.
TREK SUMMARY:
Day 1, Day 2: Reaching Kaza, acclimitisation(3650 m)
Day 3: Kaza – Mudh village drive; Mudh to Tiya trek. (3900 m)
Day 4: Tiya – Pin valley campsite (4470 m)
Day 5: Pin valley campsite – Upper Pin Base Camp (4810 m)
Day 6: Pin Base camp – Pin Parvati pass – Parvati base camp (5310 m)
Day 7: Pin Parvati base camp – Mantalai Lake (4100 m)
Day 8: Mantalai Lake to Odi Thach campsite (3820 m)
Day 9: Odi Thach to Tunda Bhuj (3200 m)
Day 10: Tunda Bhuj – Kheerganga (2780 m)
Day 11: Kheerganga – Bursheni – Kullu
Duration: 11 Days, 10 Nights
Best Season: Mid June till July. September till October.
Difficulty Level: Medium
Maximum Elevation: Kunzum La at 4650 m
Weather: Cold.
Getting From/To: Kaza is approachable by road from Shimla or Manali. Delhi and nearby towns. Closest airport Kullu.
Cost: USD 1700 for solo guest. USD 1200 per person on twin sharing.
TREK ITINERARY :
Day 1, Day 2: Reaching Kaza (3650 m)
Take a bus or taxi from Manali to reach Kaza. You will need to spend a minimum of 2 days in the region for acclimitisation. You can spend this time in the town resting or sghtseeing. Sightseeing for nearby places like Kibber, Chicham, Key monastery, Dhankar and a few other places can be arranged on request
Day 3: Kaza – Mudh village drive; Mudh to Tiya trek. (3900 m)
We will first drive 50 km to Mudh village and rest there for a while before starting the trek towards village Tiya. Mudh has a few shops and guest houses and has limited bus service.
Day 4: Tiya – Pin valley campsite (4470 m)
We will wake up early and keep walking alongside Pink river till we cross it using a rope way or a temporary bridge. The trail starts to ascends gradually and tree line is left behind. We will walk for about 10 km to reach our campsite for the night.
Day 5: Pin valley campsite – Upper Pin Base Camp (4810 m)
This day we will not gain much altitude, but it will be tough walking on the ridges and ground covered with stones and rubble. Our campsite for night will be very near the glacier/snow line. This location is just at the base of Pin Parvati pass.
Day 6: Pin Base camp – Pin Parvati pass – Parvati base camp (5310 m)
This day we will cross the landmark of 5000 m altitude to reach Pin parvati pass. First 2-3 hours of trek will be a tough incline while the rest will be a descent till Parvati base camp below snow line.
Day 7: Pin Parvati base camp – Mantalai Lake (4100 m)
A full day of a downhill hike, it will be compartively easier compared to the uphill hikes in high altitudes of previous days. We will cover a distance of nearly 12 km to reach Mantalai lake and set up camp for night.
Day 8: Mantalai Lake – Odi Thach campsite (3820 m)
We will keep hiking downhill for 9 km to reach Odi Thach campsite. It is situated between extremely scenic meadows full of wild flowers and small mountain streams.
Day 9: Odi Thach – Tunda Bhuj (3200 m)
Another long but beautiful walk to reach Pandav Pul (bridge) to cross the river and reach Thakur Kuan campsite for the night.
Day 10: Tunda Bhuj – Kheerganga (2780 m)
A similar downhill trek like the last day’s to reach campsite at kheerganga. Lots of trees.
Day 11: Kheerganga – Bursheni – Kullu
We will hike for 7 kms to reach Bursheni, a small village with motorable road. A car will then transport you to Kullu where you can stay or take a bus or fligh back to Delhi.
PACKING LIST :
- Small backpack to hold the day walk supplies.
- Luggage in rucksack (60-70 ltr) suitable to be carried by self or porters.
- Warm clothes, wind-cheater, scarf, hat, sun-glasses, sunscreen, comfortable hiking shoes, thick socks, rain coat or poncho.
- Personal medical kit, water bottle (with filter), snacks.
- Toilet paper, wet wipes, soap.
- Torch, multi-tool, trekking pole, basic cutlery, plastic bag
- A bag to collect own trash.
GENERAL INFORMATION :
- Travel itineraries in the mountains may not necessarily run exactly as scheduled. Keep a buffer for delays due to weather, road conditions etc.
- Any additional expenses caused by delays, medical condition, road blocks and other causes will be borne by the guests.
- We recommend a comprehensive travel insurance and a medical checkup before the visit.
- This tour covers some remote destinations in Himachal Pradesh which have very limited phone coverage, unpredictable weather and high altitude.
INCLUSIONS :
- Pickup drop from Manali.
- Accommodation in campsites and hotels wherever mentioned.
- Meals, tea and non-bottled water in campsite. Bottled water not available during trek and not recommended for ecological reasons.
- Camping equipment.
- You can ask to rent or buy some personal trekking equipment like trekking pole, water filter etc.
- Services of guides, mules, porters, cooks.
EXCLUSIONS :
- Meals in Kaza.
- Personal expenses, refreshments during road journey, alcohol.
- Anything not mentioned explicitly in the above program.
- Porters or mules to carry your personal luggage.
