19 Days Pin Parvati and Pin Bhabha Pass Trekking Tour Shimla

Day 1: Meet in Shimla and drive to Kanfu

 6 hours  Homestay

Maximum Altitude: 7,878 ft
Distance from Shimla: 205 km
Reporting time at Shimla Bus Stand: 9:00 AM, Sunday the 26th of August 
Mountaineerz support team will meet you at inter-state terminus in Shimla. The drive from Shimla takes about 6 hours . 
We will settle you in at our camp for the rest of the day. Unwind and take in the environs. Walk around and initiate the process of acclimatization in the Himalayas. 
In the evening we'll get together for “round the bonfire” conference with the other climbers and the team members of Mountaineerz who would be your guides on the expedition. Break the ice with some great dinner and chill with your fellow climbers.
Make sure you drill your guides and instructors with any questions or doubts you may have pertaining to the trek. They will be happy to answer your questions and share with you a few tricks of the trade and tips to make your adventure a happy and successful one.

MEALS

• Dinner
   

Day 2: Acclimatization Day at Kafnu
24 hours  Camping
Today we explore the area and go for hikes to acclimatize ourselves for the first phase of 13 days of high altitude trekking.

MEALS

• Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
   

Day 3: Kafnu to Mulling
8 hours  Camping

Maximum Altitude: 10,637 ft
Trek Distance: 11.3 km
Trek gradient: Moderate
The trek starts from Kafnu and can be a challenging day. After a short trek from the village, we will come across India’s first underground dam, the ‘Bhabha Hydro Project‘. We will continue to walk for almost 3 km on a motorable road.
After crossing over to the left bank of River Bhabha, we will take the narrow route going up from the road. Continue to walk along this route for 4.4 km. Here the flora is very thick and rich in silver birch, oak and pine trees. A flat 1 km walk from here, will lead to a green clearing.
After walking for about 7 km, we will reach a campsite called Champoria, which is at an altitude of 9,491 ft. From here, we will cross over to the right bank of River Bhabha using a log bridge.
We will walk along the river bank and spot a tributary of River Bhabha. From here, pace yourself for the ascent and we will reach Jhandi top which is at an altitude of 10,640 ft. Take a short break here and soak in the sights. The Mulling hut and campsite is visible from here. A short hike of about a kilo meter will get us to the campsite. This is a beautiful spot to camp over night.

MEALS

• Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
   

Day 4: Mulling to Karah
 5 hours  Camping
Maximum Altitude: 11,653 ft
Trek Distance: 6 km
Trek gradient: Moderate
The trail we follow today starts with a gradual ascent through a rocky terrain. Water source is a scarcity and it is recommended to carry water. After a trek of about 1 km, there is a gradual ascent of about 2 km to witness a unique geographical phenomenon called a “subterranean river”. You will hear a river flowing but can’t see it. The river flows underneath the surface here. From this section, it’s a 1.5 km steep ascent to the top to reach a lush green meadow full of flowers.
After crossing the meadow and walking for another kilometre, we will reach the campsite near a water stream. There is a beautiful lake nearby and we can set up camp at Karah.

MEALS

• Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
   

Day 5: Karah to Phustirang

 4 hours  Camping

Maximum Altitude: 13,474 ft
Trek Distance: 4.91 km
Trek gradient: Moderate 
Today we will trek just 4.91 km and it is the shortest day of the entire trek but involves a steep ascent. After crossing the tributary of River Bhabha, we will climb the steep slope. The terrain here is a combination of mud a loose stone and it recommended to tread slowly and carefully. The trail has many streams and humps that need to be traversed. After climbing for about 4 km, we will reach a campsite set up near lower Phustirang. From here, continue the upward climb for another 700 meters and you will reach Phustirang. 
From Phustirang, you can clearly view 3 mountain passes: Nimish Khango (16,185 feet), Tari Khango (17,318 feet) and Pin Bhaba Pass a.k.a Wang Khango (16,105 feet). We will camp here overnight.

MEALS

• Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
   

Day 6: Acclimatization and rest day at Phustirang

 24 hours  Camping

Maximum Altitude: 13,474 ft
Acclimatization and rest day at this beautiful location

MEALS

• Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
   

Day 7: Phustirang to Mangrungse over Pin Bhaba Pass

 9 hours  Camping

Maximum Altitude: 16,105 ft
Trek Distance: 10.9 km
Trek gradient: Difficult.
Today, we will ascent steep slopes and cross high passes connecting the Pin and Bhabha Valley.
From the highest point between the mountain valley (Saddle point of the Pass), there is a paradigm shift in landscape. There are pronounced geographical distinctions. Lush green grasslands of Bhabha valley give way to desert mountain valleys of Pin. The combination of scree, moraine and glacier make the descent steep and tricky to traverse. It is advised to descend with great caution and care.
After descending for about 2 km, River Pin can be clearly seen. After crossing the river to the right, it is a gradual descent but embedded with moraine and scree. Hence, caution is advised. After about 5 km from crossing the river, we can see the Mangrungse campsite where we will camp overnight. Tia campsite is across the river bank. There is a mountain stream nearby and the beautiful mountains of Spiti offer a sight to behold, with the River Pin in view.

MEALS

• Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
   

Day 8: Mangrungse to Mudh

 7 hours  Camping

Maximum Altitude: 13,674 ft
Trek Distance; 16.29 km
Trek gradient: Moderate – difficult
It is a long 16.29 km stretch to Mudh that we will trek today, so an early start is advised. We will ascend from Mangrungse on to the trail and continue walking on it. Mangrungse and Bara Boulder are separated by a distance of 4 km and the gradual descent is full of moraine.
The tributary of Pin River is about 300 mts from Bara Boulder. We will cross this stream using a log bridge. The trail from here is flat and is predominantly made up of red stones and red soil. A short walk from Bara Boulder will take us to the banks of a mountain stream. After crossing the stream using a log bridge, we will reach a flat stretch of land from where Mudh village is visible.
We will have to cross River Pin using a suspension bridge to reach Mudh. After crossing the river, it is a short ascent to the village. 
This is also the starting point of the trek to Pin Parvati Pass. Trekkers who are going to join us for the Pin Parvati Pass will meet us at Mudh.

MEALS

• Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
   

Day 9: Rest day in Mudh, visit Kaza

Camping
Mudh is picture perfect village with terraced fields of peas and barley. You can camp and relax here and take in the beauty of Mudh. Or, you can choose to visit Kaza, Ki and Kibber, for which cabs can be arranged (on prior notice and additional cost) to ensure your timely return to Mudh.

MEALS

• Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
   

Day 10: Mudh to Tia
3 hours  Camping

Maximum Altitude: 12,795 ft
Trek gradient: Moderate.
We will leave for Tia early in the morning which will take about 2 to 3 hours. It's a gradual ascent on scree and shale (granite rocks) surrounded by barren mountains of Spiti. The trail is quite well defined.
We will trek upstream the River Pin. The trail is at a higher level than the river. However, to set up camp at Tia, we will have to descend to the river bed. There is a scarcity of level ground to set up camp. Mangrungse is on the other side of the river now.

MEALS

• Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
   

Day 11: Tia to Shia
6 hours  Camping

Maximum Altitude: 14,763 ft
Trek gradient: Difficult.
On the trail today, we will have to cross many glacial streams so an early start is recommended. The trail on the left bank of the River Pin is full of loose sedimentary rocks. Then, we will descend to the river and after crossing it, ascend from here. After trekking for some time, Pin glacier is visible, looming high up.
Shia is a shepherds’ campsite with not enough space of camping. Camping spots can be found between rocks and shale. We will have to be careful as it is a land slide prone area.

MEALS

• Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
   

Day 12: Shia to Pin Base Camp
6 hours  Camping
Maximum Altitude: 15,780 ft
Trek gradient: Difficult.
We will cross the River Pin and start the steep ascent to Pin Base Camp. It is a steep ascent of 1,700 ft. We will rope up and cross a stream which comes from the Pin glacier. We will camp at the Pin Base Camp which is rocky and is below the Pin glacier and 1,000 ft below the pass.
The campsite is very windy with rugged mountains on all sides.

MEALS

• Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
   

Day 13: Pin Base Camp to Mantalai over Pin Parvati Pass
12 hours  Camping
Maximum Altitude: 17,457 ft
Trek gradient: Difficult.
Ideally, any high altitude mountain pass should be crossed early in the day and before noon as the weather can be tricky. The ascent to the Pass is tough as we will gain altitude and the glacier is at an inclination. We will not come across any crevasses on Pin side of the pass. The older and the original Pass is visible on the left side of the ridge while the Pass used these days is at a higher plane.
The view from Pin Parvati Pass is breath taking and will be with you forever. We will be able to clearly see Parvati South Ridge, Snow Peak, Ridge Peak, Pyramid Peak, Kullu Makalu, Bara Shigri, Kinner Kailash and Shrikhand Mahadev, if we are lucky. The views of Kinnaur, Kullu and Spiti valley at once can be almost overwhelming. Mantalai campsite can also be spotted far below from the Pass.
The descent to Parvati glacier is sharp and full of crevasses and needs to traversed with care. Always descend in a single file on the route cleared by the trek leader for maximum safety. The glacier tapers off and becomes wetter and muddier, transforming into a scree laden plateau. Parvati Base Camp and Pin Base Camp are quite similar. It can get very cold here as the wind chill factor is high. The descent to Mantalai is steep and full of moraine and can have snow. The flora here is very rich and we will be able to spot “Losars” and “Brahmakamals”. After crossing 3 mountain slopes and following the shephard’s trail we will reach Mantalai. After crossing the river at Mantalai, which is the source of River Parvati, we will move along it. The banks of the lake are marshy. Here is where we can spot the first signs of vegetation. Pyramid Peak and many unnamed peaks are clearly visible from here.
It is certainly the most beautiful campsite that we will camp at on this trek.

MEALS

• Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
   

Day 14: Rest dat at Mantalai Lake
Camping
Rest and chill at one of the most beautiful campsites ever.

MEALS

• Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
   

Day 15: Mantalai Lake to Odi Thach
4 hours  Camping
Maximum Altitude: 13,440 ft
Trek gradient: Moderate.
Today, we will trek a scenic downhill to the beautiful meadows of Odi Thach. Continue walking along the right side of the river and up to a moraine-filled ridge. From here, we can see the point from where the River Parvati emerges. Today is a relatively easier day to walk as it is in a valley. Follow the trail on the right side of the valley till you reach a large ridge breached from the right side from where the River Parvati rushes down towards Mantalai. After we cross the first series of fridges, we will finally leave the Mantalai region.
The route towards Odi Thach meanders towards the left side of the valley. We will see slopes full of red, purple and blue flowers. The swamp land opens to a plateau and then goes through boulders till we reach the level meadows of Odi Thach. A little ahead of Odi Thach is Jwari Thach where we will camp.

MEALS

• Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
   

Day 16: Odi Thach to Tunda Bhuj
8 hours  Camping
Maximum Altitude: 12,517 ft
Trek gradient: Difficult.
The trail starts from the meadows of Odi Thach and goes lower to the River Parvati. There are many waterfalls to the right and the River Parvati to the left. Mt Kullu Eiger is clearly visible in front of you to your left along with some un-named peaks and glaciers surrounding the valley. Then, we will descend down to Pandu Pul which is a natural bridge over the river formed by large, misshapen boulders.
After this, we will descend another rock jutting out on a tributary of River Parvati. Be very careful, as we will negotiate some narrow ledges on the river. The pulley that takes you to Thakur Kuan is broken so you will have to stay on the same side of the river. This trail gets tricky as it is overhanging the swollen Parvati River in many places. Once the tricky patch gets over, we will enter a forest full of rhododendrons and pine trees.
Tunda Bhuj campsite is surrounded by cliff faces, higher up from the river. There are many waterfalls on these cliff faces. Pin Parvati is an experience that gets better and better after each campsite as the views get incredible and greener all the while running along the River Parvati.

MEALS

• Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
   

Day 17: Tunda Bhuj to Kheerganga

4 hours  Camping
Maximum Altitude: 10,499 ft
Trek gradient: Moderate.
Today’s trek to Kheerganga is a steady descent to the gorge below to the Parvati River. The trail meanders through pasture lands full of silver birch trees.
The trek starts with crossing the bridge over a tributary of Parvati River. The trail unwinds downhill, out of the expanses of Parvati Valley to an open pasture land.
Watch your step as it can get slippery with all the mud. After some time, you will enter pastures again. On your right, you will see local shepherds.
Ahead is a bridge that we will cross. After about 25 minutes of hike from here, the trail curves towards the left. This is the first of many dhabas you will find near Kheerganga.
From the pasture land, there is a meandering descent down to forest for 30 minutes that exits into another small open pasture land. From here, you descend down to the stream and crossover the last tributary over a makeshift bridge. The trail ascends from the stream for about 45-50 minutes followed by a series of gradual incline and decline towards Kheerganga.
You will reach Kheerganga by afternoon and this is, frankly, one of the shorter days of the trek.
Kheerganga is your last campsite and it feels like the end of the trek. There are many cafes in Kheerganga and we will pitch our tents here. You can also take a bath in the hot springs of Kheerganga, which is a five star sauna experience at the end of long, tough trek. It is quite a luxury after a strenuous and a double passing trek like Bhabha Pass and Pin Parvati Pass!

MEALS

• Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
   

Day 18: Kheerganga to Barshaini, drive to Manali
5 hours  3 Star Hotel at Zahir Cottages or like

Maximum Altitude: 9,120 ft
Time taken: 3 hours walk and 2 hours drive
Trek gradient: Moderate.
We will now trek for 7 km from Kheerganga to Barshaini. The trail from Kheerganga meanders through thick forests and is muddy. Caution needs to be practiced on this descent. There are many dhabas on the trail. We will cross a makeshift bridge over River Parvati, which is ferocious now.
After crossing the bridge, we will reach Rudranag. There is a Shiva temple here. After walking uphill and downhill for about an hour, we will reach Nakthan village. After a steep descent from here, we will finally reach an open meadow called Swagani Maidan.
The trek will end at Barshaini. From here, transport will be arranged to drive the trekkers to Manali, where we will check into a luxury cottage hotel. 
Today's highlight is going to be some great food enroute, in Kasol, the 'little Amsterdam' of India.

MEALS

• Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
   

Day 19: Celebration and lunch in Manali
Today we will celebrate the successful completion of our expedition. We'll go out for a celebratory lunch in one of the best restaurants in Manali. 
In the evening we'll drop you to the bus stand for your onward journey or in case you have a flight we'll drop you to the airport in the morning.

MEALS

• Breakfast & Lunch

• 24x7 services of a trip manager
• Stay in comfortable tents (3 in 1 tent) during trek
• Home Stay in Kafnu
• Accommodation at dA Base - Mountaineerz in Manali
• All meal at the base (choice of veg/non-veg)
• All meals during the trek (nutritious freshly cooked vegetarian)
• Services of experienced MOI/ BMC 'Wilderness First Responder' qualified lead guide and qualified local assistant guide
• Kitchen equipment, cook and helper
• Wildlife/ environmental permits and other permits & levies.
• All transportation as per itinerary in high clearance SUV
• Transport from Barshaini to dA Base - Mountaineerz
• Transport from Shimla to Kafnu

• Transport cost from Mudh to Kaza and back to Mudh (in case you want to visit Kaza on acclimatization day)
• Any expenses of a personal nature like laundry, phone/fax calls, tips to drivers, guides, any beverages.
• Any expenses that arise due to change in itinerary and increase in no. of days because of natural forces like landslides, weather, roadblocks, flight cancellations, sickness etc.
• Any insurance
• Personal porters (inquire if needed)

We advise to take out Travel Insurance to cover for any unforeseen circumstances. 

It is strongly suggested that participants have an experience of at least one high altitude trek.The participants must be reasonably fit and be able to cover 5 km of distance in 30 minutes without much stress. Participants should be able to carry a 10 - 15 kg backpack. Please ensure, for your own trekking pleasure you pack a big heart and only the absolute essentials.Before you start the trek, it is important that you understand the implications of high altitude on your body. Be aware of symptoms of AMS (Acute Mountain Sickness) like mild headache, nausea and general discomfort. If you feel any of these symptoms, inform the trek leader on priority and follow his instructions. Every campsite has as stretcher, fully equipped first aid kit, oxygen cylinders to address the situation.People with ailments like high blood pressure, asthma, heart issues and epilepsy are not recommended to participate on this trek.We humbly ask of you, never ever argue with your guides and instructors while on the trek. Remember, they only have your best interest in mind and any decision they take is taken keeping your safety and the success of the expedition in mind. Any and all decisions taken by the guides and instructors will be deemed as final.Be patient and respectful towards your fellow climbers. Remember, up there, you only have your wits and your fellow climbers.