Pin Parvati Pass was first crossed in August 1884 by Sir Louis Dane in search of an alternate route to Spiti Valley. This pass connects the fertile and lush Parvati valley on the Kullu side with the Pin valley in the Spiti valley.
Day 1: Manali- Barsheni to Khirganga (3020m), Drive- 2.5 to 3 hours, Trek- 3-4 hours
Day 2: Khirganga to Tunda Bhuj (3285m), 5 hours
Day 3: Tunda Bhuj to Thakur Kuan (3620m), 6 hours
Day 4: Thakur Kuan to Odi Thach (3800m), 5 hours
Day 5: Odi Thach to Mantalai Lake (4115m), 9 hours
Day 6: Mantalai to Base of Pin Parvati Pass (4300m), 7 hours
Day 7: Base of Pin Parvati to Base camp over Pin Pass (4110m), 8 hours
Day 8: Base camo to Wichkurung Thach (3700m), 5 hours
Day 9: Wichkurung Thach to Mud (3650m), 5 hours
Day 10: Mud to Kaza
Day 11: Kaza to Manali
Post breakfast we leave for Barsheni in Manikarn valley. From here we commence our trek to Khirganga. The valley narrows down as we descend through the village. The trail goes through dense forests and a steady ascent with some steep stretches takes one to Khirganga. A few minutes-walk to the host springs here is recommended.
There are two trails from this point and we take the lower one, which goes through fields of wild flowers. There are some Gaddi shepherd encampments and this will be last human settlement you will come across until Mud. The trail stays on the left of the river and initially moves through a forest of Rhododendrons, Fir and Birch and then we reach open pastures. The campsite of Tunda Bhuj is on a steep sided meadow and offers spectacular views of the waterfalls cascading down from the shiny black rocks across the valley.
Initially the path rises, crosses a stream and heads down to the Parvati riverbank. The trail descends via narrow and slippery path to the valley floor. Walk close to the river to reach the Niabdhuduari thach where the tree line ends. We then continue to climb a steep slope and clear a few rocky patches to reach our campsite at Thakur Kuan.
To the trail is initially a level ground. Glimpses of many glaciers, that are the source of River Parvati. Now we begin to notice the change in the landscape. From the lush green forests and meadows we now enter into mountains, glaciers and moraines. We also cross a natural bridge known as ‘Pandu Pul’- simply meaning the ‘bridge of the Pandavas’.
A gentle walk on flat ground, then a stream you have to cross by hopping over boulders, and you are standing just below the towering massif of Kullu Eiger. The trail continues its moderate climb staying close to the soft flow of the Parvati, going past a few shepherds encampments. An hour- long ascent takes you away from the Gaddi Shepherds to climb over the debris of a moraine descending from a side glacier to finally reach the campsite.
The trail now goes up a steep snow gully providing spectacular views of snow clad mountains and massive glaciers surrounding you. Trek through boulders and scree out of the main valley and then a steep climb takes you to the base of Pin Parvati Pass.
This is a long day and we advise to start early when the snow is still frozen; this makes walking on it easier. From the pass one can view the Pir Panjal range of the Western Himalaya and the Spiti and Pin Valley Mountain. The trail now descends over snow and ice and covered crevasses followed by boulders and scree. The government of India has declared this part a National Park. It is famous for Ibex, Snow Leopard and Musk Deer. We descend on to a grassy plain with numerous criss-crossing streams.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and DinnerWe leave base camp for Wichkurung Thach. We continue to cross meadows and boulders. The descent is a long one. Once again we might come across shepherds this time from Kinnaur. Set camp in a beautiful meadow.
All the way through scenery with amazing variety of color that reflects on the mountains, we reach the first village in Pin Valley. This is where our vehicles would meet for us for tomorrow’s journey to Kaza.
Post breakfast we will leave for Kaza- enroute we will visit Dhankar Monastery and then once at Kaza we will visit Ki Monastery. Fine murals and a valuable collection of Kangyur (ancient Buddhist texts) are its attractions. There is also an option of visiting the village of Kibber, one of the highest inhabited villages in the world. Perched on a vast stretch of land and surrounded by mountains of limestone rocks, the view from here is truly breath taking.
The drive is long, although the distance is not very long but the terrain makes it difficult. Kaza to Losar, the last village at the distance of 62kms is a nice journey through small villages and narrow valley, which is the home of Ibex. After Losar, we start gaining height and reach the mighty Kunzum La Pass at 4550m. The views of CB ranges and peaks are superb from the top and then we descend to Batal which is a temporary settlement to cater to people on this route and the trekkers to Chandratal. You can have lunch here and continue driving along the River Chandra to Chattru, the last point of Spiti valley and then drive to Gramphu and further climb up to Rohtang La Pass. From Rohtang, you find a change from the barren landscape of Spiti to lush green valley of Manali. 51 kms from the pass is Manali.
Pin Parvati Pass Trek
Pin Parvati Pass was first crossed in August 1884 by Sir Louis Dane in search of an alternate route to Spiti Valley. This pass connects the fertile and lush Parvati valley on the Kullu side with the Pin valley in the Spiti valley.
It is a popular trekking route today though still rarely visited. This trans- Himalayan trek is the shortest route between Kullu and Spiti Valleys. Once over the Pin Parvati pass (5400m), there is a complete change in landscape- the mountain slopes immediately turn barren and rugged. The prevalent culture of the inhabitants also changes from Hinduism on the Kullu side to Buddhism in Spiti. Often referred to as the most challenging trek in the Indian Himalaya, it’s more than worth the effort.
July to September
Duration: 11 days
Difficulty Level: Demanding
Included:
Excluded:
NOTE: Trekker must have done atleast one Himalayan trek before (14000ft)
Normally we at Himalayan Challenges provide Mules to carry all personal luggage but on this trek only porters are used, thus we expect you to carry your personal luggage on your own, if you don’t want to carry your backpack you can hire a porter at an extra cost. Please inform us before- hand so that we can give you the details for the same.
ABOUT THIS TOUR
You will be woken up with a cup of tea brought to your tent at around 6:00 am followed by a small bowl of warm water for washing. Then, before breakfast, you will pack up all you gear. Pack your sleeping bag and mat into their respective stuff sack and ensure that your tent is free of rubbish and ready for the next camp. Your duffle bag will then be taken and tied up with other gear into the load, which will be packed on the waiting pack horses. Of course any help you offer when setting and breaking camp, when there are many tasks is always welcome. We are usually on the trail by 7:30- 8:00am. We may have lunch en route or we can aim to be in camp. Once we have reached camp and the kitchen is set up, alight snacks is prepared, leaving us with the rest of the afternoon free to explore the nearby villages or undertake a side option. Dinner is served around 7:00 pm. Remember to bring your water bottle to the dining tent so it can be filled. Trekking evenings afford some of the best memories of your trek, whether it is sitting around talking, playing cards, chatting with the staff or joining in some singing and dancing with the local people, it is always a very special time.
Clothing list for trekking in India
ABOUT THIS TOUR
Himalayan Challenges (HC) is an operator of all Adventure Travel and sports shown on our website. HC is registered with the Department of Tourism and Civil aviation, Government of Himachal Pradesh, India.
1) Insurance:In respect of these Booking Conditions, “We/ Himalayan Challenges” and “You/ Participant(s)”- will be the person(s) whose name and details appear on the online booking form.
Before joining the tour we recommend that you take out travel insurance. This should include adequate cover for baggage, medical expenses, cancellation, helicopter evacuation and emergency repatriation. You must supply documentary proof of it to us before starting the trip. If you do not have travel insurance you must have a credit card with at least a US $5000 limit.
2) Booking Confirmation:Your booking will be confirmed by email once we have received a deposit of 50% and the signed copy of booking form and contract. The balance is due no later than two months prior to departure. If you book a tour less than 2 month prior to departure, you must send the full payment within 7 days of confirmation by us.
3) Terms of Cancellation:(a)All cancellations must be made in writing and signed by the person who signed the booking form and will be taken into account by the agency upon receipt of that letter.
If you cancel, the following scale of charges will apply:
(b)If you do not show up at the meeting point specified on the agreed date, we will assume you have been delayed and will wait for you to contact us with your new expected arrival date. If you do not contact us within 48 hours we will assume you have cancelled the tour. There is no refund of any money paid.
(c) The tour will not be cancelled unless we are forced to do so because of unusual or unforeseen circumstances, such as a major natural disaster, major political unrest or war. If we cancel the tour we will promptly refund all payments made to us including the deposit (less the unrecoverable costs such as air tickets cancellations). We shall not be liable to refund any additional expenses that you may have incurred (such as insurance, visas, vaccinations and other incidental costs).
4) Refunds:(a)In case the journey is broken off early upon the client’s own wish or causes, Himalayan Challenges shall not be liable to any refund of the days not utilized. Clients will have to pay for hotel or any extra costs incurred after leaving the itinerary.
(b)The trek information sheets and the dossier give information and conditions relating to the tour and are deemed to be part of the contract and so you should be fully aware of their contents. However, the itinerary is an indication of what the group should accomplish, but is not a contractual obligation- changes may be made because of exceptional weather, flight cancellations, sickness or other unforeseen circumstances. No refund will be given for unused services or unrealized dreams.
(c)Himalayan Challenges shall not be liable to refund of any Bank charges deducted while making the bank transaction.
5) Your Responsibility(5.1)Acknowledgement of Risk:
It is a fundamental condition that you acknowledge that this is an adventure tour. This requires some flexibility. The day to day itinerary is taken as a guideline only. We cannot be held responsible for any delays caused by International or domestic flights, Strikes, Government regulations, weather or natural casualties. In such cases, Wild Himalayan Challenges shall be responsible for suitable alternatives which could be decided upon mutual agreement. If an agreement cannot be made, Wild Himalayan Challenges shall be responsible for refund after deducting expenses already incurred.
(5.2)Physical Fitness:
You confirm that you are in proper physical and mental condition before going on a Challenge/trek/tour with Himalayan Challenges. You confirm that it is your own responsibility to determine the ability to participate. If you are going on an Expedition a Doctors Certificate would be required stating that you are fit for such a tough and demanding experience. You also confirm that you will notify us about any medical condition or the use of prescribed medication that we should know about. It is your duty to notify us beforehand and is your responsibility to obtain medical advice as regards to vaccinations required for the trip.
(5.3)Documents (just a guide)
All participants must bring with them the following paperwork without which Himalayan Challenges may refuse them from joining their expedition:
Himalayan Challenges will take no responsibility if you are not allowed to fly due to inappropriate paperwork.
In alliance with your expedition booking with Himalayan Challenges you agree to give authority to your expedition leader during your travels, where decisions may be needed for the benefit and safety of everyone.
(5.4)Respect:
(a)You agree to abide by the authority of the leader. Signing the booking form implies your acceptance of the tour leader’s decisions which could affect the group or individuals. The tour leader will give you a complete briefing at your arrival about your journey with Himalayan Challenges. The guide or group leader designated by the agency reserves the right to expel at any time a group of person or an individual whose conduct may be regarded as affecting or endangering the safety or well-being of the group. No compensation or refund will be due to such individuals.
(b)The client agrees to behave responsibly in environmental and cultural matters and agrees to follow proper hiking and camping etiquette while in the mountains and to act respectfully towards the people and customs of the region.
6) AccommodationRoom allocations are as per same sex twin-room sharing- double room for couples. Where a single room has been requested, a single room supplement will apply.
7) Our Responsibility:(7.1)It is our duty to ensure to we deliver the trip you have booked with us to the best of our ability and the it precedes in accordance with the itinerary as stated on our website/ tailor made to your requirement, thereafter making sure as reasonable as possible your journey is unhindered en-route. Our itineraries have been designed with consideration to the environments in which we travel its people and its cultures. Participants’ should therefore realize that hygiene and safety standards in countries which you journey are far different to the standards of your own. However, Himalayan Challenges take care when booking locations, should offer the best of the area in which you stay and dine.
(7.2)Any Participant(s) portraying acts of negligence on the expedition will not only risk their own life, but also that of their fellow participant(s) and will be cautioned. Repeated actions of the Participant(s) in question will have their trip terminated immediately and no refunds will be given. No refunds will be given to participant(s) who leave an expedition en-route. Himalayan Challenges will not be responsible for any traffic accidents caused through carelessness.
(7.3)Due to the nature of our adventures and their locations- Himalayan Challenges reserve the right if deemed necessary, to divert the course of an already commenced expedition away from events (deemed harmful) to the safety of an alternative route.
(7.4)Force Majeure- if for any unforeseen reason interruptions cause delay(s) en-route, preventing Himalayan Challenges from fulfilling their expedition obligations. Any additional expenditure incurred during the interruptions will have to be borne by the participant(s). However, we will do our utmost to rectify the situation into continuing on with the adventure.
8) Complaints:Himalayan Challenges endeavors to supply you the best possible service on your journey, ensuring you have a great time. However, if you have a complaint during your expedition, please notify your expedition leader immediately in order to rectify the situation. If your complaint was unresolved, then a written letter should be sent within 25 days from the expedition completion date to: Himalayan Challenges, Hillco Building, Vill. Shuru, P.O. Prini, Manali, Distt. Kullu, H.P.
9) Law and Jurisdiction:The Contract shall be construed in accordance with the Indian Law and the parties irrevocably submit to the exclusive jurisdiction of the Indian Court; Manali, District Kullu, H.P. to settle any disputes, which may arise out of or in connection with this Contract.
10) Currency conversion:All our prices are coated in US dollars. For Client comfort, we forward quotes in their local currency on request. This also depends on the Current Exchange Rate. We will Quote the Exchange rate on the Bill.
11)When making your booking it is implied and accepted that you have read and understood all these booking conditions and agree to abide by them.