Pin Bhaba Pass Trek

SHORT ITINERARY:

Distance: 11 KM / Time: 6–7 Hours / Altitude: 10,800 ft (3,292 m)

• Trek begins with a steady ascent through dense pine forests and along the Bhaba River

• Pass shepherd huts, wooden bridges, and waterfalls

• Reach Mulling, a scenic campsite in a wide meadow surrounded by tall cliffs

DETAILED ITINERARY:

This is the second day of the Journey and your first day of trekking. Your destination is Mulling, a scenic campsite in a wide meadow surrounded by tall cliffs. The trail ascends gradually as you leave behind Kafnu and the warmth of civilization, standing in front of you now are the challenges and wonders of the vast wilderness.

You make your way between the tall pine and silver birch, occasionally you find cascading waterfalls and also catch the glimpse of the high snow covered mountain peaks. Parallel to you flows the Bhaba River accompanying you for most of the day, sometimes roaring below steep ridges and at other times flowing gently beside the trail.

The climb is moderate, there are occasional steep climbs and boulder sections adding some thrill to the trail. You will cross wooden bridges and spot a lot of wildflowers lining your path. As you gain altitude, the air grows cooler and crisper.

After 6 to 7 hours of trekking you reach Muling, a beautiful alpine meadow surrounded by cliffs and ridgelines. Set up a campsite near the gushing stream and rest for the day. This is one of the most picturesque camps of the trek—perfect for relaxing tired legs and soaking in the solitude.

SHORT ITINERARY:

Distance: 6 KM / Time: 4–5 Hours / Altitude: 11,700 ft (3,566 m)

• Gradual climb through boulder sections and alpine grasslands

• Cross a wooden bridge and reach Kara—a beautiful campsite beside a glacial stream.

• Enjoy open views and herds of grazing sheep

DETAILED ITINERARY:

The Third day’s trek is relatively short in distance but it takes you deeper into the Bhaba Valley. You leave from the Mulling campsite early in the morning and follow a well marked trail that goes through open meadows covered in vibrant wildflowers. You see that the dense forest is left behind and at this altitude few trees are visible, grassy plains, small glacial streams and green alpine meadows tell you that you have arrived in a different world.

Crossing a beautiful wooden bridge you begin your final ascent to reach Kara, your campsite for the day. Once you complete the final ascent of the day you find yourself in a bowl life valley surrounded by mountains. Kara, a tranquil grazing ground used by shepherds during summer. The campsite is scenic and peaceful, with the river flowing gently beside the camp, if you are lucky you might even find a few marmots running around. Views of snow-dusted peaks begin to dominate the skyline. Despite the altitude gain, today’s trek allows you ample time to rest and acclimatize.

SHORT ITINERARY:

Distance: 5 KM / Time: 3–4 Hours / Altitude: 13,500 ft (4,115 m)

• Short but steep ascent through rocky terrain

• Camp below towering snow-capped peaks

• Acclimatize at Phustirang and prepare for the pass crossing

DETAILED ITINERARY:

You start early in the morning and climb up from the lush alpine meadows of Kara, making your way into the rugged and rocky environment. The landscape becomes harsher yet visually dramatic—think jagged cliffs, moraines, and scree slopes scattered with glacial meltwater streams. The Bhaba River continues to flow alongside the trek but now it shrinks in size. 

You’ll ascend through rocky ridgelines, past moss-covered boulders and spartan high-altitude vegetation. Occasional herds of Himalayan sheep and rare bird sightings (like lammergeiers or Himalayan griffons) add to the mystique. The oxygen level starts to drop noticeably today, so slow, steady movement and proper hydration are crucial.

Arriving at Phustirang, the highest campsite of the trek so far, you’ll be rewarded with panoramic views of towering snow-covered peaks—including the route toward Pin Bhaba Pass. The site is nestled below steep, snow-capped ridges and surrounded by loose rock and snow patches depending on the season.

This is a key acclimatization night. Use the afternoon to rest, hydrate, and layer up—it gets very cold here. Dinner is early, and sleep is essential before the big day ahead.

SHORT ITINERARY:

• Optional hike to higher ridges or rest and hydrate
  Essential to adapt to the high altitude before crossing the pass

DETAILED ITINERARY:

This is an important day to let your body adjust to the high altitude before climbing up to the Pin Bhaba Pass crossing. At 13,500 ft, the oxygen level drops significantly and without proper acclimatization, you risk getting sick. This is why the fifth day is reserved as a deliberate pause in your adventure.

Along with being a day of acclimatization, this day is also a day for enjoying the beauty of the remote himalayan location. After breakfast you can opt for a short acclimatisation hike to nearby ridges—ascending a few hundred meters and descending back helps your body adapt (the “climb high, sleep low” principle).

The surrounding views from Phustirang are nothing less than spectacular-sharp ridgelines, glacial streams and snow-capped mountains. Spend the afternoon walking around, soaking in the raw and silent beauty of the Himalayas. 

SHORT ITINERARY:

Distance: 12 KM / Time: 9–10 Hours / Altitude: Pass at 16,105 ft (4,910 m)

• Early start to cross the highest point of the trek—Pin Bhaba Pass

• Steep climb to the pass, followed by a descent into Spiti Valley

• Dramatic shift in landscape from green to barren, Mars-like terrain

• Camp at Mangrungse, a windy, open campsite with dramatic views

DETAILED ITINERARY:

This is the big day, this is the day when you will climb to the Pin Bhaba Pass. You will start early, even before the sunrise at around 4 in the morning. The trail begins with a steep climb passing through rocky terrain and glacial patches. As you ascend, the landscape becomes stark and white, snowfields extend into the distance and grey mountain peaks can be seen in the background. As you climb closer to the summit the air starts to become thinner and oxygen levels drop, this stretch is the most challenging part of the trek. 

Once you reach the Summit you will find the Bhaba Valley on one side and the dramatic red and brown ridges of Spiti Valley on the other side, in front of you lies the strikking blue sky and the skyline of the snow capped himalayan peaks. You descend into a different world now, Spiti Valley awaits your arrival.

The trail to Spiti is long, loose and rocky, climbing down requires patience. You'll finally reach Mangrungse, a barren, wind-exposed campsite beside a stream.

SHORT ITINERARY:

Distance: 15 KM / Time: 6–7 Hours / Altitude: 12,400 ft (3,780 m)

• Trek alongside the Pin River in Spiti’s desert landscape

• Reach Mudh, the first village in Spiti and the end point of the trek

• Stay overnight in a homestay and experience Spitian hospitality

DETAILED ITINERARY:

After the intense climb to the Pin Bhaba Pass and then the descent, you will find the seventh day of the trek to be relaxing and easy. You’ll be trekking through the vast, high-altitude desert landscape of Spiti, where the terrain is dry, rocky, and wind-swept, with little vegetation and no trees in sight. The contrast from the lush Bhaba Valley is striking, and it feels like walking on Mars.

The Pin River follows you along the trek, showing you the way to your next destination. The landscape and the scenes here are drastically different from Kinnaur Valley. You will find ancient Buddhist monasteries standing on top of brown and rocky mountains, on these same mountains you may also find animals that are unique to this region; like the ibex, blue sheep or even the shy snow leopard. 

After 6–7 hours, you’ll finally arrive at Mudh Village, the first permanent settlement in Spiti and a truly picturesque hamlet with whitewashed mud houses and barley fields. It feels like a small oasis after days in the wild.

SHORT ITINERARY:

Distance: 200 KM / Time: 8–10 Hours / Altitude: 12,400 ft to 6,700 ft

• Drive through Pin Valley to reach Kaza, Spiti’s main town

• Optional stops: Key Monastery, Hikkim, Langza (if time allows)

• Reach Manali by evening, end of the trek

• Overnight stay in Manali (hotel/homestay)

DETAILED ITINERARY:

Today you leave the remote beauty of Pin Valley behind and journey back, but not before enjoying one of the most scenic drives in the Indian Himalayas. After breakfast at your Mudh homestay, begin the drive toward Kaza, the sub-district HQ of Spiti. If time permits, brief stops at iconic places like Key Monastery, Hikkim (world’s highest post office), or Langza (home to a giant Buddha statue) are possible. 

From Kaza, the route climbs up to the majestic Kunzum La (15,050 ft)—a mountain pass often surrounded by snow, even in summer. The descent from Kunzum is rugged and adventurous, with sharp turns and dramatic views. You’ll eventually reconnect with the Manali-Leh highway at Gramphu and ascend once more to cross Rohtang Pass (13,050 ft)—your final high pass of the journey.

From there, the landscape shifts yet again—from barren highlands to the green forests and waterfalls of the Kullu Valley. You’ll reach Manali by evening, where you can check into a hotel, clean up, and enjoy a proper meal and reminisce about the adventure you have just had.