Pin Parvati Pass Trek

SHORT ITINERARY:

Distance: 50 km drive + 4 km trek / Time: 2 hrs drive + 2 hrs trek / Altitude: 12,795 ft (3,900 m)

• Drive to Mudh, the last village of Pin Valley

• Start trek along the Pin River through barren, beautiful terrain

• Camp overnight near Tiya

DETAILED ITINERARY:

After a filling breakfast at Kaza, you begin a short and beautiful drive into the Pin Valley National Park, heading towards Mudh (or Mudh) Village, the last inhabited settlement in the valley and the starting point of the trek. The road to Mudh village stretches parallel to the Pin River, you will see a stark and dramatic landscape with towering cliffs, riverbeds and Himalayan wildlife like ibex and blue sheep.

Mudh is surrounded by rugged brown mountains and barley fields. A quick lunch there and you are ready to begin your trek to Tiya, your first campsite. The trail is moderate and flat, moving along the mountain stream. You will cross a few small streams and walk on sandy and rocky terrain. The oxygen levels are low here so you must keep yourself hydrated and climb slow. 

At Tiya you will find wide pasture and next to it the river flowing below. Spend the night here under the stars and prepare for the next day.

SHORT ITINERARY:

Distance: 7–8 km / Time: 5–6 Hours / Altitude: 14,765 ft (4,500 m)

• Trek through a desolate high-altitude landscape

• Gradual altitude gain with rocky terrain and glacier-fed streams

• Camp overnight near Shiya

DETAILED ITINERARY:

The trek from Tiya to Siya starts early and takes you deep into the wild and remote himalayan terrain. The trek still runs parallel to the Pin Valley, your silent partner on this trek. On your way you will find vast meadows in between the tall brown mountains, wild alpine flowers shining in the barren desert like stars and glacial streams coming down from the snow capped mountains.

The gradual climb will reveal the glaciers feeding the streams and by afternoon you will have reached the Shiya Campsite, a high altitude gazing ground used in summers by the local shepherds. Camp is set near the river, with basic comforts and dramatic views in all directions. Stay warm, stretch lightly, and hydrate well to help your body continue acclimatizing for the higher altitudes ahead.

SHORT ITINERARY:

Distance: 6–7 km / Time: 5–6 Hours / Altitude: 15,780 ft (4,810 m)
Trek to the base of Pin Parvati Pass

• Route becomes steeper with moraine and loose rocks

• Camp at Pin Base Camp, prepare for pass crossing

DETAILED ITINERARY:

Today’s trek will take you to the foot of the Pin Parvati Pass. The challenge begins early in the day as the terrain becomes rugged and steep right as you leave the Shiya camp. As you gain altitude you will see the landscape change, the rocky terrain filled with few wildflowers and meadows earlier is now covered with glacial rubble in places. You follow a carefully crafted path to reach the top and find yourself surrounded by sharp peaks and hanging glaciers, a thrilling sight.

Gradually climbing the steep trail and crossing glacial streams you will finally reach the Pin Base Camp by afternoon. The base camp is wind swept and surrounded with towering peaks. From here you can see the Pin Parvati Pass, hidden behind the clouds.  This campsite is exposed and cold, so prepare for below-freezing nighttime temperatures.

The focus for the evening is rest, hydration, and mental preparation for the longest and most demanding day ahead—the Pin Parvati Pass crossing.

SHORT ITINERARY:

Distance: 18–20 km / Time: 11–12 Hours / Altitude: Cross 17,460 ft (5,319 m), descend to 13,440 ft (4,097 m)

• Early morning ascent to Pin Parvati Pass, the highest point of the trek

• Steep descent into lush Parvati Valley

• Reach Mantalai Lake, camp near the sacred glacial waters

DETAILED ITINERARY:

Day 5 is the big day, the Pin Parvati Pass Crossing awaits. You will start your day very early, at around 3 to 4 in the morning, starting the trek before sunrise so that it is easy to walk on firm snow and to take the benefit of the stable weather.  The climb from the base camp begins steeply, you find your way crossing glacial debris and lose rocks, this is the time when a proper gear makes a lot of difference.

The ascent to the Pass is slow and gradual, it will take you around 4 to 5 hours to reach the summit, which is a narrow way between two towing ridges. From here, the landscape transforms dramatically: barren Spiti behind you, and the lush, green Kullu Valley now spread out in the distance.

After taking in the view and a brief rest begin the long descent.  This part is equally demanding, with boulder fields, snow patches, and slippery slopes. Trek poles are essential. By late afternoon or early evening, reach Mantalai Lake, a sacred glacial source of the Parvati River.

Set up camp beside the serene lake. Despite exhaustion, this day will likely be one of the most unforgettable experiences of your trek.

SHORT ITINERARY:

Distance: 0 km / Time: Acclimatization / Altitude: 13,440 ft (4,097 m)

• Spend the day recovering and exploring the beautiful lake area

• Optional short hikes, photography, or meditation

DETAILED ITINERARY:

After the physically demanding pass crossing, Day 6 is reserved for recovery. Spend the day resting at Mantalai Lake, a sacred high-altitude body of water revered by locals as the origin of the Parvati River. The landscape around the lake is stunning — glacial streams, prayer flags, and snow-capped peaks reflect on the turquoise water, making it a spiritual and photographic highlight.

This is a day and the rest time allows your body to fully acclimatise, enjoy a hot breakfast, soak in the views, and take time to stretch and rehydrate. You may take a short acclimatization hike around the lake and also find a few trekkers coming up from the Kullu side. Take this day to share stories and experiences while sitting around the campfire.

SHORT ITINERARY:

Distance: 7–8 km / Time: 4 Hours / Altitude: 12,520 ft (3,816 m)

• Trek through flower-covered meadows and scenic river valleys

• Reach the grazing grounds of Odi Thach

• Camp overnight in lush surroundings

DETAILED ITINERARY:

After the rest day at Mantalai, begin your descent to the Kullu Valley. The trail down to the valley will offer a refreshing contrast to the start and arid landscape of Spiti Valley. You find on your way down, the green meadows with wildflowers blooming among them, soon you will also find the Parvati River flowing alongside the trek, just like the Pin River in the Spiti valley. 

You will find some rocky terrain along with some muddy patches but overall the trek is easier to tread on compared to the tough previous days. The sound of water follows you and eventually leads you to the Odi Thach; a large meadow used by the Gujjar and Gaddi shepherds during the summer months. The stone huts and the grazing flocks surround the landscape. You reach Odi Thach by afternoon, enjoy the peaceful spit with soft grass and rest for the day.

SHORT ITINERARY:

Distance: 12–14 km / Time: 8 Hours / Altitude: 10,500 ft (3,200 m)

• Long descent through forested valleys and boulder sections

• Reach Tunda Bhuj, known for its birch trees and scenic cliffs

• Camp overnight by the river

DETAILED ITINERARY:

Today’s descent from Odi Thach to Tunda Bhuj takes you through one of the most beautiful and diverse sections of the Pin Parvati trek. As you lose altitude the vegetation starts to cover up more ground contrasting the barren landscape that you saw earlier in the trek. The trail brings you near to cascading waterfalls and deep river valleys all hidden in the thick dense Himalayan jungle. You will also get to cross river streams by walking on beautiful wooden log bridges and make your way between thick foliage.

The air grows warmer and by late afternoon you find yourself at your next campsite Tunda Bhuj, a campsite surrounded by birch trees and massive cliffs. Rest here for the night, the warm night brings dreams and twinkling stars.

SHORT ITINERARY:

Distance: 6–7 km / Time: 4 Hours / Altitude: 9,120 ft (2,780 m)

• Descend into pine forests and pass shepherd settlements

• Arrive at Kheerganga, famous for its natural hot water springs

• Relax in the hot pool and camp overnight

DETAILED ITINERARY:

The trail of the ninth day is short but charming, you descend down making your way from between the forests of Parvati Valley, with changing vegetation — from birch and pine to dense oak and deodar. The trail is filled with waterfalls that are sure to delight the mind. 

The forest begins to open up as you approach Kheerganga. Kheerganga is famous for its natural hot water springs, which sit at the edge of a cliff overlooking the valley. According to local legend, Lord Shiva meditated here for thousands of years, and the waters are believed to have healing powers.

You’ll camp near the spring or stay in basic lodges or tents. A dip in the warm, sulphur-rich pool is the perfect way to relax sore muscles and reflect on the journey so far. The atmosphere here is lively, yet peaceful — a spiritual haven in the wild.

SHORT ITINERARY:

Distance: 6 km / Time: 3 Hours / Altitude: 7,250 ft (2,210 m)

• Final descent through dense forest trails

• Reach Barshaini, the trek’s end point

• Drive onward to Kasol or Bhuntar as per your travel plans

DETAILED ITINERARY:

On your final day of the trek after a relaxing breakfast you begin the day’s trek, a gentle but steady descent through dense pine and deodar forests, passing small waterfalls, wooden bridges, and moss-covered stones. The trail is wide and well-worn, often bustling with day-trekkers and pilgrims making their way to or from Kheerganga.On the way down to the civilization you will pass through Rudranag where a you will find a sacred temple and ancient waterfall welcoming your arrival

By late morning or early afternoon, you reach Barshaini, a small hamlet at the confluence of the Parvati and Tosh rivers. This marks the official end of your trek.

From here, you can hire a vehicle to head toward Kasol, Manikaran, or Bhuntar for your return journey. Though the trek is over, the experiences — the landscapes, challenges, and serenity of the high Himalayas — will stay with you long after you’ve left the trail.