HIGHLIGHTS:
Trek Details
We always keep hearing about Pin Bhabha pass as a comparison to Pin Parvati pass trek. In reality, they are extremely different treks. Though they have only Pin valley in common. Pin Bhabha pass is the confluence of Pin and Bhabha valleys. That also means it is the perfect mixture of Himalayan greenery and it’s aridness.
The Bhabha side of the trek is a cruise to livelihood. It is filled with dense alpine forests of Pine, Oak, and Silver Birch. The beginning of the trek is itself through long dense trees alongside the Bhabha river. Very rarely is there long trudging through pine forests. Slowly as you gain height huge grasslands flourished with vibrant blossoms come into the picture. Most of the campsites are on pastures with the Bhabha river and lakes beside the tents. Kara grasslands are the most popular amongst Shepherd. Goats, horses, etc. can be seen in abundance here.
The more you rise above, gradually the vegetation is lost to scree, snow, and moraines. The path to the Pin Bhabha pass will test endurance just like any other pass trek. But the moment pass is reached it is a complete contradiction to the sights seen until now. Suddenly the brown, yellow, red mountains pop up while entering Pin valley. This marks the start of Spiti. This turning of scenery is awesome and remains in the memories forever.
The Spiti is astoundingly astonishing and mindblowing. One will be amazed by nature. And the surprises don’t stop even after you reach Kaza. One last element of the trek is Rohtang pass on the road towards Manali.
Day 1: Shimla to Kafnu
Day 2: Kafnu to Mulling
Day 3: Mulling to Kara
Day 4: Kara to Pushtirang
Day 5: Pushtirang to Mangrungse via Bhaba Pass
Day 6: Mangrungse to Mudh/Kaza
Day 7: Acclimatization + Rest Day (Condition Apply)
Day 8: Kaza to Manali
Note: Distance, Altitude and Trekking hours are approximate and round off.
Day 1: Shimla to Kafnu
Once you arrive at the famous Shimla, get ready to start a long journey to Kafnu. It is a serene village, remotely situated, almost 200km away from Shimla. The ride will be 7 hours long but the road comes with beauty and joyride of turns and twists. Kafnu is a known village of Kinnaur due to the Hydroelectric project. There is good connectivity through buses from Rampur.
On the way, you can sight India’s first underground Hydroelectric project. A stunning blue lake is formed near the dam. The moment you get closer to the village you can find views of Bhabha valley. Rest in your hotel for the night, because a wonderful trek is awaiting you.
Day 2: Kafnu to Mulling
The first day of the trek begins from Kafnu. You can consider this day as a wholesome day with 8-9 hours of a hike up through trail of ascension. It will get you all pumped up for the surprises following next. The trek will bring rarely seen sights of dense Pine forests and gushing river.
Immediately, when you start in 200 meters you can see India’s first underground Hydel project dam. Although, photography is not allowed make sure you capture the sight in your mind. To start with the hike is a walk of almost two and a half kilometers on a service road. Enjoy the lively surroundings and be prepared for 2800 feet height gain. This motorable route will lead to a small path where the actual trekking path starts. Before this, you will cross a bridge on the Bhabha river.
You will be trudging slowly between silver birch, oak and pine trees. It is a dense forest harboring birds that keep you enthusiastic with their chirpy sound. You will walk under this salient flora for 5.5 km. The tall alpine trees will make the hike soothing for eyes and unique. You can see the valley gets narrow and you will be on the left bank of the Bhabha river.
The next big spot that comes after 1.4 km is an alluring camp of Champoria. The campsite is wonderful with trees around it. Cross another bridge ahead of the campsite. After crossing the walk on the right bank of the Bhabha river. The ascending trail will then start. The trail is of 2 km take your steps slowly until you reach Jhandi Top(10,640 feet). You can rest on the Jhandi Top while soaking in the beauty surrounding you. You can also see your destinations Mulling from here.
After you are ready to start walking. It is only a matter of 1.5 km before you finally arrive at Mulling campsite. The campsite is extremely pleasant and the long tiredness will just vanish away. You can have your hot tea gazing at the beautiful sunset alongside the river on green meadows.
Day 3: Mulling to Kara
Today will be a little shorter day compared to yesterday but will be filled with bigger surprises. The start will be with a gradual ascent and rocky route. Make your way through rocks for 1.5 km until you arrive at an amazing waterfall. There are huge meadows forming a different yet picturesque landscape.
The ascent continues for another 1.7km. You will be stunned as you arrive at this point because you will hear the sounds of the gushing river but see nothing. This is a natural phenomenon called the subterranean river, where the river flows underground. Take the most of this exceptional phenomenon. Now there will be a steep ascent for another 1.5 km.
There is a small stone bridge to cross a stream. After the steep ascent, you will be welcomed by another serene meadow. The grasslands have blossomed with vibrant flowers. Feel lucky to walk between these flowers for a kilometer, unless you reach your campsite.
The campsite is somewhat similar to the last day’s. However, there is a lake that boasts a reflection of the surrounding. You can find many Shepards with their cattle on Kara grassland. On open meadows, beside lake and grazing animals, sleep well in your tents.
Day 4: Kara to Pushtirang
This is the shortest day of the trek. It is like a bonus day with a change in terrain and scenery. Begin with the Bhabha river crossing followed by a steep ascent. Fill the river your eyes, as henceforth the river disappears flawlessly.
The Pushtirang Nala will be on the right as you walk on its left bank. The trail is a mix of boulders and stream crossing. Make sure you use your trekking poles efficiently and watch your step. For 4.5 km, there will be steep ascent followed by a gradual path leading to open land.
There two campsites lower and upper ones. But we climb a little up for 200 meters towards upper Pushtirang campsite. You will be delighted to take those last few steps up. As the views from here are stupendous, more than you expected. You can see Hansbeshan Peak, Nimish Khango, Tari Khango, and Pin Bhaba Pass.
Day 5: Pushtirang to Mangrungse via Bhaba Pass
Finally, wake up with a lot of enthusiasm and energy. The most awaited day of treading to the pass is a few hours away. Today you will notice a drastic change in the views from vegetation to cold desert of Spiti.
There will be a continuous steep ascent until the pass. Begin by walking on the loose scree. There will be cold stream crossing followed by a steep climb up towards a flat ground. Most of the people set up high camps here. Walk up the steep hill until you reach the pass. You can see that the pass is the lowest point between the mountains. The pass is a confluence of Pin and Bhabha valley, hence the name.
If you look back towards the Bhabha side you can see the greenery from which you rose. And if you look at the Pin valley side, you can find dry, beige mountains. You will soon enter the Spiti.
The descend is steep and risky. Be careful and take your time to climb down. The descend is for 2 km until the slope gets gradual. Again there will river and stream crossing. You will arrive at Mangrungse campsite after 5 km walk. The campsite is next to Tiyaand confluence of 3 rivers. You will notice the difference in the landscapes you saw in the previous days. The mountains are brown, red, colorful. Spend your night in the majestic sights.
Day 6: Mangrungse to Mudh/Kaza
The last day of the trek is here. It is the last chance to breathe in the astonishing mountains. Also, it is the longest day with 17 km of descent. So, gather all the energy. First, climb up to the trail then tread on this trail for 4 km. It is a gradual ascent with loose rocks and scree. You will walk up to Bara Boulder, which is a campsite here. Cross a river stream on a wooden bridge to enter on a flat path.
Enjoy the amazing trail henceforth which is laid with red soil. You will also cross Pharka village. There will be sheep flocks welcoming you. Walk for 1.5 km on this path to cross another bridge. 5 km fr this bridge is the scenic Mudh village. A village is a fantastic form of nature’s beauty.
The last section comes ahead. You will cross the Pin river over a suspension bridge. Then comes a small hike up until the Mudh village. It is the last village in Spiti. You will then get onto your vehicles that will take you to Kaza.
Day 7: Acclimatization + Rest Day (Condition Apply)
Day 8: Kaza to Manali
And the final day of the trek that takes you back to Manal. The journey will be long of 9-11 hours. But the views will be astounding. You will cross the famous Rohtang pass to reach Manali.
HIGH SEASON / ON SEASON
LOW SEASON / OFF SEASON
