Region: Kullu Valley

Duration: 11 Days

Season: Mid June to October

Grade: Extremely Difficult

Max Altitude: 5319 m

Trip Begins: Manali

Trip Ends: Manali

Overview

Have you ever looked at a river, a stream or a waterfall and wondered where did all this fierce flowing water come from? Have you ever wished to see its origin? If you have ever pondered over these questions, you are at the right place.

Rated as one of the most coveted treks by experienced trekkers, Pin Parvati Pass is challenging, brutal and absolutely mesmerizing. This pass links Parvati Valley in Kullu with Pin Valley of Spiti. It is a 1 kilometer walk to a height of 5300 m. that comes with its share of beauty and challenge. The trek takes you to and across many glaciers, specifically the origin of the Parvati and Pin rivers.

This trans Himalayan trek takes you to the natural hot water spring at Kheerganga, alpine meadows, many waterfalls pouring down from monstrous mountains, pilgrim Mantalai lake, glaciers, finally the dry and magnificent Spiti.

The trek involves steep slopes, gradual climbs, barren mountains, monstrous weather and high altitude. Continuous rain and snowfall makes the walk more difficult than it may seem. Rock climbing, snow trekking, waterfall crossings and wading through water bare foot is a common occurrence. One would require utmost stamina and fitness to complete the trail.

Pin Parvati trek is the most beautiful and adventurous, because of its high Pin Parvati Pass which separates the Pin and Parvati valleys. Trek that takes one from the parvati valley in kullu to the pin valley in Spiti across the 5319-meter. One needs to be extremely fit and very well prepared for this trek as there is absolutely no habitation along its entire length.

Reporting at Manali (2050m.)

Delhi is well connected from all the cities in India. You can fly to Delhi or Bhuntar directly. Many overnight buses run between Delhi and Manali. 20 kms before Manali is Pathlikul in Naggar district. Get down here and take a cab to Larankelo which is the base camp.

The day is dedicated for orientation and acclimatization. You can go around for sightseeing and have a relaxed day.

Day 02 Trek from Barshaini (2100m) to Khirganga (2960m/8960ft; 6 hrs, approx. 13km's).

We will drive from the base camp to Barshani. The 60 kms drive will take you through Kasol and Manikaran, passing through the sharp curves and rough roads along Parvati river. Barsheini village welcomes you with refreshing view of Parvati river surrounded by strikingly glorious rocky hills. As you start the trek, you are taken into well-defined trails amidst thick forest cover. The 13 km. trek will take approximately 6 hours. After walking for approximately 3 hours you will cross the mighty Parvati river pulley bridge. You can rest at the fall, take as many pictures as you want, fill your bottles from the nearby streams and admire the forces of nature. If you reach early, you can witness the sunset at Kheerganga. At the campsite, you will find enough shops and cafes to enjoy hot chocolate, maggi and momos etc. 5 mins walk to the peak and you can chill at the natural hot water spring overlooking the 360 degree view, whilst listening to the music played in the cafes.

Kheerganga – Tundabhuj (3200m/9696 ft; 6-7 hrs, approx 16-17 km's).

The wake-up alarm is hot morning coffee. After a sumptuous breakfast, we will head to our next destination,Tundabhuj. The trail is well defined and easy. The gradual ascent will prepare you for the next few days to come. The initial journey is amidst alpine meadows and the sound of flowing streams. The next half of the trek is on green pastures of land and silver birch trees. You will have to cross the makeshift bridges built across the river followed by a series of ascent and descent.

The campsite at Tundabuj is one of the best camps throughout the trek with a chain of waterfalls that pour down from the opposite mountains. By the end of the day, you will be at 9696 ft. and it might start to get chilly. Tundabhuj is fresh and peaceful halt, a welcome change from all the modern civilization. The campsite is surrounded by the waterfalls on one side and snow caped mountains on the other. It is a sight to behold.

Day 4 Tundabhuj to Thakurkuan (3560m) 5- 6 hours

The trail is difficult at two points and leads us through an abundance of wild flowers including iris, buttercups, poppies and several other varieties. As you gain altitude, the scenery gets even better.

Day 5 Pandupul – Mantlai (4200m/14000ft ; 7-8 hrs, approx 12-13 km's)

Today’s trek is a gradual walk through the boulders and plateaus alongside Parvati River. The route towards Mantalai is all along through the green valley. You will have to cross a rocky elevation after an hour into the trek, followed by which you will see the marshy land along the river basin. Continue walking on the extreme left side of the valley until you spot the second moraine ridge. This climb will take about 30 to 45 minutes. The ridge has been formed due to landslides and the river is gushing below. In a few minutes of walk ahead you will reach Mantalai.

As you walk along the moraine, you get a glimpse of the Mantalai Lake. At the bank of the river is a temple, where all of Parvati’s tributaries come together. The sound of the river that was roaring all long now becomes still and quiet. We will camp here for the night.

Day 6 Mantalai – Base of Pin Parvati Pass (4800m/16000ft ; 8-9hrs, approx. 9-10 km's)

Slush, streams and loose rocks will be the guest of honor today. The walk will be challenging as the terrain gets difficult with a high gain in altitude. After an hour into the walk, you will come to an icy cold river crossing. This has to be achieved by forming a human chain and on bare feet. After the crossing comes the steep climb from where one can view the splendid glaciers and the origin of the Parvati river. You will also see many endangered species of plants and flowers, especially “Losars” and the “Bramhakamals”.

The last 1 km before reaching the base camp is called a moraine (glacial debris), and it is approximately at 50 degrees’ inclination. It will take you approx. 90 mins to complete this last stretch. At this altitude, you must make a conscious effort to breath. At the end of the day you will be at 16,200 ft, at the edge of a glacier. The campsite will be on a plateau. You will have to pull out your warm clothes as the night might get chilly.

Day 7 Base of Pin Parvati Pass – – Pin Parvati Pass(5300m)- Pin Valley Camp (4810 m/ 16000ft ; 9 – 10hrs, approx 20 – 21 km's).

If lucky, you might witness snowfall. The amount of snow at the campsite depends on the season of the trek. At a mere 3 km distance is the pass, but it will be a long walk due to the altitude and weather conditions. You need to take good amount of rest at this altitude and acclimatize. Make conscious effort to breathe, drink plenty of fluids and be energized. If the entire stretch has fresh snow, you have to be cautious and place our foot exactly where the guide has walked. The walk to the pass will take 3 hours to complete.You are now at the pass; the view is spectacular. 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.Once at the pass, all your exhaustion will slip away and a sense of accomplishment will dawn in.

The walk down from the pass is easy and complete descent. If there is snow you can slide through it as well. After walking for about 6 hours you will reach the Pin Valley base campsite. At this camp you have entered Spiti valley.

Day 8 Pin Valley Camp – Tia (CheenPatt) (3900m/13000ft ; 8-9hrs, approx 14-15 km's).

Once you cross the pass, you enter the mighty Spiti valley. Spiti will be a welcome change in all her vigor. Spiti region is generally dry with less rainfall and snowfall. The walk from here will be fast and easy. You are expected to walk almost 15 km. on a rocky terrain. The trail is well made as it is used by many shepherds. You will notice many grazing goats and sheep and their shepherd tents. Spiti valley owns a different landscape of brown and green texture, covered on both the sides by magnificent mountains . The campsite at Tia marks the end of the muddy trails, from here starts the road which is currently abandoned due to landslides.

Day 9 Tia (CheenPatt) – Mud (3600 m/ 11500ft ; 8-9hrs, approx 11-13 km's).

The walk on the road from Tia can be completed in lesser time with good speed. Mud is a small and the first village you will see. There are plenty of cafes here to quench your thirst and tang of the taste buds. Here is where your trek on foot ends.

Day 10 Mud - Kaza - Kunzum La (4550m.) - Rohtang Pass - (13052 ft.) - Manali.

We will start from Kaza early morning to avoid traffic. The route will take you through Kumzum La pass, Chandratal junction, across Key monastery and Rohtang Pass. You can stop at these places for a bit before commencing the journey. The group will checkout at Manali.

Day 11 Reserve day for trek.

The day is reserved for acclimatization.

All bookings for the tours/treks/camps/ with Himachal Tour and Treks, hereinafter referred to as the "Company" are subject to the following conditions:

1. Every participant is required to fill in and sign an "Indemnity Bond" prior to the commencement of the trip.

2. All cancellations must be in writing signed by the participant and will be effective from the date of receipt by the company.

3. Refund and cancellation:
There will be no full refund.
- If you cancel 7 days before the trip begins Himachal Tour and Treks will retain 30% of the trip cost.
- If you cancel 5 days before the trip begins, Himalayan Yeti Adventure will retain 40% of the trip cost.
- If you cancel less than 7 days before the trip begins, or, are not present when the trip begins, there will be no-refund
- No refund will be payable to any client who voluntarily leaves a trip en-route.

4. The company reserves the right to alter details of the services, facilities, tour/trek and vehicle described in the itinerary at any time, when deemed necessary, reasonable and advisable. During the programme, the decision of the Guide will be final and binding.

5. Maximum efforts are made to ensure the safety of the participant. But Please understand there are certain hazards involved in your adventure holidays which you must accept at your own risk. The company will not be liable for any major illness, injury, death sustained during the trip, nor it will be liable for any uninsured losses of your property.

6. In case any participant falls sick during the programme, the medical, travel, porter and any other expenses has to be borne by the concerned individual. However, primary medical facilities will be made available wherever possible.

7. Any damage, other than that attributable to fair wear and tear, to the equipments by the participants will be billed to you. Our decision on all such matters will be final and binding.

8. In the event of any dispute, all matters will be subject to the sole jurisdiction of the courts of Manali, Himachal Pradesh and the prevailing law of India shall prevail. Recourse to the courts of any other country will not be applicable.

9. While making your booking, it is implied and accepted that you have read and understood all the booking conditions and agree to abide by them.