PIN PARVATI PASS-Best Hight Altitude trek for trekkers (Connects Parbati to spiti valley)
Fix Departures :Opening from June-September 2024-25
Pin Parvati Pass trek is indeed one of the most glamourous trans Himalayan trek. This difficult and strenuous trail is ONLY for the experienced and physically active hikers who have been to high Himalayan multi day camping treks at least in 3/4 occasions, if not more. The trans Himalayan valleys of Spiti were once difficult to gain access to, but the route through Pin Parvati pass halves the distance between the Kullu and Spiti valleys. The route is opened to trekkers in 1993. This always snow bound pass unfurls the stark contrast between barren and rain shed Pin valley (Spiti side) to that of lush green Parvati valley (Kullu side). Trekking through this trail of a lifetime, one can see dense forests, hot springs, grazing pastures, meandering streams, moraines and glaciers, snow capped peaks, coloured mountains and many more. The major peaks seen are Kullu Eiger, Parvati South, Kangla Tarbo, Kullu Makalu & West Horn. The trail runs through the Pin Valley National Park, known for sighting of the snow leopards and the Great Himalayan National Park with many rare Himalayan birds like the Western Tragopan. Though the trek is strenuous and challenging, the beauty of the region, makes it one of the most sought after Trans-Himalayan trek.
Challenges of Pin Parvati pass trek:
There are quite a few challenges involved on this trail. Apart from your prior high altitude trekking experiences, you need to have high level of physical and mental fitness to complete this difficult and strenuous trek. It covers around 90 Km of trail and rucksack offloading is NOT allowed on this trek. This means you need to carry all your personal belongings along with the sleeping bag (which we will provide or you can bring your personal one) in your rucksack throughout the trek. This ensures you are safer on trail in case of any unwanted situation or in case you are benighted.
The trail comprises boulder and moraine stretches, icy cold river crossings and crevasse filled glacier round the pass.
There are tricky sections on the trail with potential exposures. There are two natural boulder on river (one being on the Parvati river named Pandu Pul/bridge, and the other one on a side stream called as Chhota Pandu Pul) where you need to cross without any rope. There are ample friction on the rock, but you need to headstrong and must not panic.
Location: Kasol Himachal Pradesh
Best season :Juy-September
Duration: 10 Nights 11 Days
Max: Altitude:5200 meters
Trek type: Hard
Distance: 102 kms
Trek Itinerary:
Day 01: On Trek Kullu – Manikaran – Barssheni– Tulga(2960M)
Drive to Barsheni and stay at Tulga village.
Day 02: To kheerganga 6 hours
Beautiful walk along the meadows to kheerganga. There is a natural hot spring here, so an ideal points after whole days of trek to wash away your fatigue. Campsite offers a wonderful sunset in the even
Day 03:Kheerganga – Tunda Bhuj (3500 M) 5 hours walk
A beautiful walk though the forest and green meadows takes us to Tunda Bhuj, the beautiful camping place.
Day 04: Tunda Bhuj to Pandu pul(3570 M), 3 hours walk
This short stage in included in order to get acclimatize before we get to more higher elevation on the trek. Today the glacier that eventually feed Parvati river starts to appear. Camp for overnight stay.
Day 05: Pandu pul to Odi Thatch (3620 M)
The glaciers start to appear, the landscape begin to change-from lush green forest and meadows we now start to enter into the mountains, glaciers and moraines. Camp here for night stay. We get beautiful view of the high mountain peaks.
Day 06: Odi Thatch – Mantalai Lake
A gradual ascent takes us to a vast glacial moraine. Mantalai Lake(4200 m), the source of river Parvati is a glaciated lake in the middle of a vast moraine. From here you have beautiful view of the high Himalayan peaks.
Day 07: Mantalai to Base of Pin Parvati Pass (4300 M)
Steep ascent for 6 to 7 hours takes us to the base of Pin Parvati Pass. Camp here for overnight stay. From the camp we get beautiful view of the Himalayan peaks and Parvati glacier.
Day 08: Base- Pin Parvati Pass (5200 M) – Base II
Steep ascent walking over the glacier takes us to the top of the pass. After crossing the pass we enter into the Spiti valley. Here you will notice a great change in the landscape-the green side of the Kullu valley is suddenly replaced by dry dessert of Spiti valley. The are is rich in wildlife and has been declared as a National Park with the habitat for snow leopard, musk deer and Ibex. You can see the ibex in big heards. Walk down to the other side of the pass to camp at the base.
Day 9: Base II to chinpatam
It is 3-4 hours drive to chanpatam and camp there and relax.
Day 10: chinpatam-mud- kaza
This is Mud, the first village in Spiti valley and then to kaza and overnight stay at hotel.
Day 11: kaza to Manali
5-6 hours drive via rohtang pass to manali.
Inclusions:
Certified Trek Leaders
High-quality trekking gears (Tents, Sleeping Bags, Gaiters, ).
Experienced Staff (Guides, Cooking Staff, Helpers, Porters).
Delicious, Hygienic & Nutritious Meals on scheduled time (Morning Tea, Breakfast, Lunch, Evening Snacks & Dinner).
Fully equipped medial kit, oxygen and safety equipment.
All forest permits and camping charges.
Exclusions:
Food items purchased by individuals at local canteens on the trek or during the drive.
Any early return travel costs or accommodation except for the days as per the itinerary.
Any expenses for medical treatment of injury or accident before, during or after the trek.
Things To Carry:
Warm shirt/light micro fleece pullover/full sleeve T shirt Water resistant Trekking Pants Windproof/water resistant jacket, Down jacket with min 600 fill power rating Thick Fleece / Full-sleeve Woollen sweater Thermal inner wear Woollen cap, Inner fleece gloves, Outer water proof gloves Thick woollen socks and regular socks Scarf/muffler (optional) Comfortable waterproof Trekking/ Hiking shoes with a thick sole, Camp shoes Gaiters Raincoat / Poncho Small light weight insulated water bottle and hydration pack (optional)Cap / floppy, Sun glasses Sturdy walking stick /Trekking pole Sunscreen Lotion, Lip Balm Torch / Flashlight (with extra batteries)Personal medication Personal toiletries.
