Region – Parvati and Spiti Valley
Total Duration – 10 Nights / 11 Days
Grade – Extremely Difficult
Maximum Altitude – 5319 m/ 17451 ft
Best Season – Mid June to October
Accommodation – Hotel/Guesthouse; Organized Campsite
Food – On trek – All meals included
Distance – 78 KM.
Pin Parvati Pass Trek
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.
Trek commences from Gwacha, a tiny hamlet high up the parvati valley, past manikaran. From there the route follows the Parvati river upstream for three days with night halt at Kheer Ganga (Hot water spring). Pandupul (Steeped in the Pandava mythology) and Mantalai. One passes through amazing forest of Betula (Bhojpatra) and walnut, make a few risky river crossings on wire suspended baskets. Only person you may meet en route are the migratory gujjars and gaddis. On the way, one will pass rich fauna and flora with flowers and spices as well as fossil rich rocks. Treeline is crossed just before pandupul. Mantalai is a huge glacial lake at 4116 meters. It is the source of the Parvati. It is an awesome sight with glaciers flowing down to it from all sides. From here it is another two days of hard climbing to the Pin Parvati Pass. The saddle of the pass is covered with a permanent ice-field and must be crossed with great care as it is criss-crossed with crevasses. Fifth campsite is far below the pass, on the banks of the infant Pin river at 4200 meters. It takes four more days to reach the first village Mudh on the Pin side. The entire stretch from the pass to Mudh is in the Pin Valley National Park, which provides a haven for many rare species- snow Leopard, Spiti wolf, Ibex and Bhural. So be prepared to enter the land of the ibex and Snow leopard. A road has now reached Mudh, 12 kms. Beyond which is sagnam/Mikkim(3600meters) a twin village located at the confluence of the pin and the paraiho. From here it is a spectacular drive of 35Kms. To Kaza, and then on to Manali over the Kunzum and Rohtang Passes.
How To Reach Manali
Distance by road:-
Manali is well connected to Delhi. Take an overnight bus from Delhi and you will reach Manali in 12 ‐ 14 hours(approx 540 KMS). Tickets can be booked online at www.redbus.in or www.hrtc.gov.in Tip : Since Delhi Manali is a long journey most Volvo private buses leave Delhi between 5 pm and 6 pm. The last govt bus leaves at 8.30 pm from ISBT Kashmere Gate. Volvo buses charge between Rs.1,000 to 1,400 per sector from Delhi to Manali and vice versa. Manali to Delhi: Like the onward journey, buses leave from Manali to Delhi between 4 and 5 p.m. Your tentative arrival at Delhi may be anywhere between 6 a.m and 10 a.m. Plan your onward journeys only post noon giving enough buffer for bus delay.
Nearest Railway Station:-
Nearest Railway station is Ambala (350 kms) and Chandigarh (310 kms). Tip: Regular Volvo and Buses are available from Chandigarh to Manali in the evening. Volvo buses charge between Rs.800 to Rs.1,200 per sector from Chandigarh to Manali and vice versa.
Nearest Airport :-
Nearest Airport is Bhuntar is 60 Kms. Bhuntar, which is 52 km away from Manali, is the nearest airport. Taxi services are available from Bhuntar to Manali, which costs about Rs.1000‐ Rs.2,000. Bhuntar is well connected to Delhi by air. The airliners that take you to this Airport are Indian Airlines, Kingfisher airlines, MDLR Airlines and Jagson Airlines, operating flights from Delhi and Chandigarh to Kullu.
Things To Pack :-
Trekking Shoes: You need good trekking shoes with good grip & ankle support. Do not carry sport shoes.
Clothing: You need to have warm clothes with three-layer jackets, fleece or down feather jacket. Carry 1 or 2 full sleeves t-shirt. For lowers carry cotton pants suitable for trek. Do no carry jeans or shorts for trekking.
Thermals: Carry top and bottom thermals.
Socks: Carry 2 - 3 pair of sports socks along with woolen socks to be worn at night.
Headlamp/Led Torch are mandatory
Sunglasses: To protect from sunlight in snow you require UV rays protected sunglasses.
Woolen Cap and Gloves are also necessary as the climate will be cold. Carry waterproof gloves as they get wet in snow.
Lunchbox & Water bottle: Every participant should carry lunch box and water bottle of their own.
Raincoat/Ponchos: At high altitudes, snowfall and rain are quite common and it’s mandatory to carry a poncho so that one doesn’t get wet.
Mandatory Documents:a)Registration Form
b)Medical Certificate (signed by a registered MBBS doctor)
c)NOC form (by trekker)