Pin Parvati Trek

Duration: 10 Days (9 Days trek+1 day drive to Manali )  + 4 Days Safari(Optionally) 
Best season: July to October
Region: Parvati Valley/ Pin Valley/ Spiti Valley

A trek that takes us from the Parvati Valley in Kullu to the Pin Valley in Spiti across the 5319 meter high Pin Parvati Pass, from the temperate forests of the former to the barren, cold desert landscapes later. One needs to be extremely fit and very well prepared for this trek as there is absolutely no habitation along its entire length.

Day 1 Manali to Barsheni (2400 m) 4 hours drive 100 km/ Trek to Khir Ganga (2960 m) 4 hours
Today we have an early start from Manali to Barsheni by car. Our 3 to 4 hour trek starts from here. First we have a long gradual walk; the last stretch involves a long ascent through a pine forest and we will see a gorgeous water fall. Our camp site is near the hot spring, so you can have a dip in hot sulfur water.

Day 2 Khir Ganga to Tundabhuj (3285m) 5-6 hours
Our trail goes through fields of wild flowers. The campsite is very picturesque, with lovely waterfalls and beautiful gorges on one side, huge cliffs and the flowing stream on other side.

Day 3 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 4 Thakurkuan to udithach (3700m) 5 hours
Beyond Thakurkuan the trail passes several Gaddi camps. Before crossing the river side by a natural Bridge, we set up our camp.

Day 5 udithach to Mantalai (4116m) 5 – 6 hrs
After breakfast we will cross the Pandu Bridge, which consists of two huge rocks over the river. Many shepherds with their sheep are encountered on the route.
We will have a gradual walk upstream on the left bank side of the Parvati River. Mantalai is a big meadow with a lake and glacier, which is the source of the Parvati River. Just about one hour before we reach Mantalai, the walk gets fairly difficult over boulders and ice. The entire stretch to the Pass is in the Great Himalayan National Park, which provides a haven for many rare species- snow leopard, Spiti Wolf, ibex and ghural.

Day 6 Mantalai to Camp 1 (4700m) 7hrs
After leaving the beautiful campsite, we will cross two streams. After an one-hour walk on boulders and ice, we start climbing into a steep side valley. This is a very long, steep ascend of around 1600 feet. The final walk to the campsite is gradual, and is set up in the open valley surrounded by massive mountains.

Day 7 Camp 1 to Camp 2 (4750m) over Pin Parvati Pass (5319 m) 7hrs
It’s a long day, so an early start is advised. The gradual walk is mostly on boulders, later on the glacier until the top of the pass. After crossing the pass we enter in the Pin Valley. The trail descends over snow and ice fields and covered crevasses (hidden crevasses) and then again over loose rocks and boulders. There is no trail visible, so you have to be very carefully. The campsite is situated in the center of three valleys.

Day 8 Camp 2 to Chinapatta Maidan (3900m) 5 hrs
Again the trail is not well defined, but you should stay on the left bank of the Pin River. Shepherds from Kinnaur and Rampur can be seen. Chinnapatta Maidan is a big ground field with nice views.

Day 9 Chinapatta Maidan to Mud (3600 m) 6 - 7hr
The Pin valley at its best: The trail gets better, but you have to cross streams. Edelweiss and other flowers can be seen in plenty. The Changing color of the mountains is unique and in the evening sunlight makes the surrounding even more beautiful. We reach the small picturesque village of Mud, which is the last village of that Valley. A Gompha is set on the hill. This is the end of our trek. Here we will spend our last night before it either goes back to Manali by car or we do a Jeep safari through the remote area of Spiti Valley with its awesome nature, many old Buddhist monasteries and picturesque small villages.

Day 10 Drive Mud to Kazza, Key Monastery, Kibber  OR Chandertaal Overnight in camp

Day 11 Drive back to Manali