Pin Bhaba Pass Trek - The Thrill Himalaya

Trek Highlights

About the Trek: Pin Bhaba Pass is hands down the most dramatic pass crossing trek in our country. That is a bold statement to make. Especially when we have so many pass crossing treks in our country. But what you see when you stand at the pass is a testament to this bold statement we make. Once at the pass you see Pin valley below you, in various shades of pink, set amidst the stark and deserted mountains of Spiti. While behind you is the lush green Bhaba valley. That is when you realize how remarkable the changes in the landscape are. But it is not just on the pass crossing day that you witness this drama. It starts right from day one! Take for instance the forests of Mulling on day one. Here is the thing about the forests of Mulling. Unlike other treks, the forests here are enchanting! They’re right out of a storybook. A turquoise blue river gushes through the forest on one side, and little brooks skip and jump through the trees on the others. Later, towards noon, you burst out of this enchanting forest into a surprise you’re least expecting — the grasslands of Mulling — a sight that makes you catch your breath. This is the first day of the trek. For a page-turner, it can’t get more dramatic than this. And the drama continues day after day as you hike to the Kashmir-like meadows of Karah. If ever there is a debate about one of the prettiest settings for a camp on our treks, then the grasslands of Karah would be right on top. And the day after when you camp in the river delta of Phutsirang, it is a once in a lifetime experience. River deltas on a trek are extremely rare and here you are camping right on one. Such stunning vistas and each day an experience different from the previous day. You can’t help but drop your jaws at the surprise that the trail throws every day. Every day the scenery changes completely, so much so that it is like doing a new trek every day! When compared with its riskier cousin, the Pin Parvati Pass Trek, where your life is at stake, the Pin Bhaba not only is a great alternative, but a more beautiful one.

Trek at a Glance

Duration : 7 Nights & 8 Days

Grade : Moderate-Difficult

Physical Level : Expart

Season : July to October

Locations : Kafnu.

Highest Altitude : 16,105 ft

 

Day – 1 Pick-up Drive from Shimla to Kafnu. (Drive Duration: 6-7 hours | Drive Distance: 203 km|Altitude: 8,275 ft)

Getting to Kafnu is not as difficult even though it is a remote village in the deep reaches of southern Himachal. What makes it accessible is the hydroelectric power project that is on the Bhaba river. The river runs past Kafnu village up to Wangtoo. The hydel project is like the river, right at Kafnu. Hundreds of workers and local villagers work on the project. Kafnu is well connected by bus, especially from Karcham, Kalpa and Reckong Peo. There are buses from Rampur as well. The road to Kafnu climbs fast over the hydel power project at Wangtoo which can be nerve-wracking when the bus swings left to right on the narrow dirt road hanging over precipitous cliffs. You will stay at Kafnu for the night, at one of the local lodges. It’s important to use the day to rest in preparation for the trek to Mulling tomorrow.


Day – 2 Trek from Kafnu to Mulling. (Trek Duration: 8 hours | Trek Distance: 11km|Altitude Gain: 8,275 ft to 10,820 ft))

Day 1 of the Pin Bhaba Pass trek will always rate as one of the most beautiful days of trekking. So exquisite is the trail through a largely coniferous forest – it is rare to come across such a trek. The trek starts from Kafnu. Brace yourself for a challenging day. It’s important to get a head start considering the trekking distance and the altitude gain are quite a challenge. From the village, walk for about 200 meters and you will spot India’s first underground dam, the ‘Bhaba Hydro Project‘. Note: Photography is prohibited. Continue to walk on the motorable route for 2.65 km. About 2 km into this trail, you will reach a bridge. Cross the bridge to reach the left bank of the Bhaba river. Shortly after crossing the bridge, you will notice a narrow route going up from the motorable route – take this trail. Continue to walk along this route for 4.4 km. At this juncture, you will be surrounded by the dense vegetation of a jungle. The landscape is blessed with the graceful presence of silver birch, pine and oak trees. The sweet sound of birds chirping adds more charm to this spot. The confluence of such beautiful trees, all within a single frame will make this one of the most memorable highlights of this trek. A flat 1 km walk from this section will lead you to a beautiful clearing. This terrain is riddled with mud, grass and small stones. About 6.8 km into the trek, you will reach a beautiful campsite surrounded by trees. This place is called ‘Champoria‘. From this spot, you will need to cross the Bhaba river. Cross the river via the log bridge to reach the right bank of the Bhaba river. After crossing over, continue walking along the river bank and you will spot a tributary of the Bhaba river. From this point onwards, you will need to pace yourself slowly for the ascent. 10 km into the trek, you will reach a place called Jhandi Top. This is a good spot to catch your breath. From the Jhandi top, the Mulling hut and campsite are visible. From here, it’s a short 1.3 km hike to reach the campsite. If you’re trekking independently, you can choose to stay at the abandoned hut, which has two rooms. Alternatively, you can pitch a tent here.


Day – 3 Trek from Mulling to Karah. (Trek Duration: 5 hours | Trek Distance: 6km|Altitude Gain: ⇗ 10,820 ft to 11,590 ft)

Today’s trek starts with a gradual ascent through rocky terrain. About 1.6 km into the trek, you will arrive at a beautiful meadow and a waterfall towards your right. From this section, it’s a gradual ascent of another 1.7 km to reach an interesting geographical phenomenon. You can hear the sound of a river but you won’t be able to see it. This feature is called a subterranean river, where the water flows beneath the surface of the ground. From this section, it’s a 1.5 km steep ascent to the top to reach an exquisite meadow with flower beds. After passing the meadow, continue to walk for another 1.2 km to reach the campsite near a water stream. You will find a lake within 200 meters of the campsite. The lake boasts stunning reflections when it’s sunny. You can set up your campsite at Karah. You will have the entire afternoon to rest and recuperate for challenges that lie ahead.


Day – 4 Trek from Karah to Phutsirang. (Trek Duration: 4 hours | Trek Distance: 5 km|Altitude Gain: ⇗ 11,590 ft to 13,485 ft)

Today is the shortest day of the entire trek since you have to cover only 5 km. Brace yourself for a steep ascent. The first order of the day is to cross the tributary of the Bhaba river. The mountain stream approaches from the left side of Phutsirang. Cross the stream and continue to climb the steep slope. Tread with care since the terrain is a combination of stone and lose mud. The entire route today is dominated by mountain stream crossings and humps, which can be a bit taxing. You must pace yourself accordingly. About 4.20 km into the trek, you will arrive at a campsite which has been set up for lower Phutsirang. From this spot, continue the upward climb for another 700 meters and you will reach Phutsirang. Phustsirang will serve as the perfect vantage point to get a glimpse of three beautiful mountain passes: Nimish Khango (16,185 feet), Tari Khango (17,318 feet) and Pin Bhaba Pass a.k.a Wang Khango (16,105 feet).


Day – 5 Acclimatisation and Rest Day at Phutsirang

Today is your rest day to acclimatise. Walk across Phutsirang to Tia Valley and explore the greener sides around Phutsirang.


Day – 6 Trek from Phutsirang to Mangrungse via Pin Bhaba Pass. (Trek Duration: 10 hours | Trek Distance: 11km|Altitude Gain and Loss: 13,485 ft to 13,635 ft via 16,105 ft)

Brace yourself for an exciting day. Today, you will be conquering steep slopes and navigating through the high mountain passes connecting Bhaba and Pin valleys. Trekkers who have ascended a mountain pass will tell you that it’s an experience that is as thrilling as scaling a summit. The sense of adventure and accomplishment you derive is far greater than a summit ascent because you go in with lower expectations. From the saddle point of the pass (the highest point between the mountain valley), you will notice the sudden shift in the landscape. The geographical contradictions are well pronounced in this spot. You will be leaving behind the lush grasslands of Bhaba Valley and moving to the brown, desert mountain valleys of Pin. The Pin river can also be seen from this point. The descent is steep and it is tricky since it’s a combination of moraine, glacier and scree. Negotiate this terrain slowly. About 2 km into the descent, you will spot the Pin river. Remove your footwear to cross the river to get onto the right side of the river. From here on, it’s a gradual descent yet riddled with moraine and scree. Pace yourself slowly and rest if you must. About 5 km from the river crossing, you will be able to see the Mangrungse campsite below the trail. From Mangrungse, the Tiya campsite is located across the river bank. Tiya is one of the campsites for the Pin Parvati Pass Trek.


Day – 7 Trek from Mangrungse to Mudh. (Trek Duration: 7 hours | Trek DIstance: 17km|Altitude Loss: ⇘ 13,635 ft to 12,429 ft)

Today is the last day of the trek. Brace yourself for the long 16.29 km stretch to Mudh. Start as early as possible from your campsite. Climb the slope from Mangrungse to reach the trail and continue walking along with the same. The distance between Mangrungse and Bara Boulder is 4 km and from the Bara Boulder campsite, it’s a gradual descent through a section filled with moraine. This campsite is a good spot but the water isn’t clean. It’s recommended that your water bottles are stocked up at Mangrungse. The tributary of the Pin river is just 300 meters from Bara Boulder. Cross this stream using the log bridge. The trail from Bara boulder is completely flat and is dominated by red soil and small red stones. A flat walk for 1.5 km from Bara Boulder will take you to the banks of a mountain stream. Cross the stream using the log bridge to reach a dry, flat stretch of land. The Mudh village will be visible even from a distance of 5 km. It’s a picture worthy of a postcard and the beauty of this place is otherworldly. The sight of the village will motivate you to push yourself for this final stretch. The Pin river is the last river that you’ll need to cross to access the village. This is yet another exciting experience in this trek. The view of the suspension bridge dangling over the Pin river is a sight to behold. Cross the river via the suspension bridge. After crossing the river, it’s a short climb to reach the village.


Day – 8 Drive from Mudh back to Manali. (Duration: 7-8 hours | Drive Distance: 232 km)

We have put together a list of places you must visit if you are going to Spiti. Don’t miss any of the places on this list – Side Excursions from Spiti After Your Trek To Pin Bhaba.


For Package Details, Please Call us at: (+91) 78310-50555, (+91) 98163-50555

Important Places to Visit In This Tour

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Package Tour Price

 PRICE ON REQUEST Italian Trulli

7 Nights & 8 Days | Ex- Kafnu

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Package Includes

  • All trekking arrangements including sleeping tents on twin sharing (Alpine shape), sleeping mattresses, sleeping bags, toilet tents, dinning tent (in case of a large group), kitchen tent, English speaking mountain guide, cook, kitchen helpers, camp boys, Mules for luggage.

Package Excludes

  • Any bus, air or train fare before and after the tour.
  • Any Hotel accommodation before and after the trek.
  • Insurance of any kind (personal, medical, accidental etc.
  • Items of personal nature such as beverages, laundry, phone bill, tips etc.
  • Emergency evacuation charges (if any).
  • Portage at railway stations and hotels.
  • Anything that is not mentioned under the “quote includes” head
  • GST 5% Extra
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