If you’re looking for a trek that feels like walking through two completely different worlds, the Pin Bhaba Pass Trek is just the adventure for you!
This amazing journey takes you from the green, forested valleys of Kinnaur to the dry, dramatic landscapes of Spiti. It’s full of surprises, beautiful meadows, rocky paths, snow-covered peaks, and even river crossings.
This trek is a bit challenging, but delightful if you love being outdoors. This trek is a story full of views, challenges, and memories you’ll never forget! So, get ready for an amazing adventure like never before with the best Spiti tour packages.
Pin Bhaba Pass Trek: Overview
The trail of Pin Bhaba starts at Kafnu (2,400 M) in Kinnaur Valley, climbs up to 4,915 M, and descends down the other side to a small village in Spiti-Mudh (3,810 M). This trail takes you through dense forests and shepherd’s trails on the Kinnaur side into the vast, arid lands of Spiti is a lesson in the coexistence of extremes. Be prepared for an adventure of a lifetime!
Suggested Read: Spiti Valley Trek
The Pin Bhaba trek is not without its challenges, however. Crossing the roaring Pin River requires skill and determination, as you navigate makeshift bridges and slippery rocks with caution. The sound of gushing water echoes in your ears which will be your constant companion throughout the Pin Bhaba Pass Trek.
As you trek higher into the mountains, the air grows thinner, and the landscape becomes more desolate and remote. The silence is deafening, broken only by the occasional cry of a soaring eagle or the distant rumble of a rockslide. It’s here, amidst the rugged wilderness, that you truly feel alive, your senses heightened by the raw beauty of the Himalayas.
Finally, after days of arduous trekking, you reach the pinnacle of your journey: the Pin Bhaba Pass Trek itself. Standing at an elevation of over 4900 m, the pass offers panoramic views of the enchanting Spiti Valley. You will be overwhelmed with emotions as you accomplish your goals and the vast expanse of snow-capped peaks and rugged valleys below await your arrival with open arms.
But the adventure doesn’t end here. As you descend from the pass, you enter the remote valley of Spiti, where ancient monasteries cling to cliff sides and traditional Tibetan culture thrives amidst the harsh conditions. As you proceed towards Mudh Village in Spiti Valley, you are welcomed by ancient monasteries and picturesque villages of Spiti, the trail slowly embraces the barren, moon-like landscape from the lush meadows of Kinnaur, a stark contrast that serves as a testament to the region’s biodiversity.
The Pin Bhaba Pass trek is more than just a physical challenge; it is a journey of self-discovery amidst the grandeur of nature. And as you bid farewell to the mountains and valleys that have become your home, you carry with you memories that will last a lifetime.
How to reach Pin Bhaba Pass Trek Base Camp
A detailed guide for the Pin Bhaba Trek Itinerary is given below for a better understanding of the Trek and plan your days accordingly for this adventure.
Your journey will start after you reach Shimla. You will have to reach Kafnu, the base camp for this trek.
Pin Bhaba Pass Trek Itinerary
Day-1: Shimla to Kafnu
- Pin Bhaba Pass Trek Altitude: Kafnu – 2,400 m/ 7,900 ft.
- Pin Bhaba Pass trek Distance: 200 km | Duration: 7 hrs.
- Pick up: Old Shimla Bus Stand at 6:30 am.
- Breakfast and lunch excluded, dinner included.
- Attraction: Hydroelectric power project on the Bhaba River.
- Keep a fleece jacket handy while traveling to Kafnu.
- Stay in a guesthouse.
Day 2: Kafnu to Mulling
- Altitude: Mulling – 3,500 m/ 10,700 ft.
- Altitude difference: 850 m/ 2,800 ft.
- Trek Distance: 11 km | Duration: 8 to 9 hrs.
- Moderate To difficult level walk.
- The first half is gradual and the second half is a difficult ascent.
- Spot Bhabha Hydro Project, India’s first underground dam.
- You will be mostly trekking through forests covered with Pine and Oak trees.
- Packed lunch is generally provided for by the trekking company.
- Stay in tents (twin sharing).
Day 3: Mulling to Kara
- Altitude: Kara – 3,550 m/ 11,700 ft.
- Altitude difference: 300 m/ 1,000 ft.
- Trek: 6 km | Duration: 4 to 5 hrs.
- Easy walk on rocky terrain, the last 1 km is a steep ascent.
- Camp near the Lake.
- Hot lunch in the campsite.
- Stay in a tent.
Day-4: Kara to Pushtirang
- Altitude: Pushtirang – 4,100 m/ 13,500 ft.
- Altitude Difference: 550 m/ 1,800 ft.
- Trek Distance: 5 km | Duration: 3 to 4 hrs.
- Moderate walks, continuous ascent.
- Enough water sources available on the way.
- The terrain is a combination of stone and loose mud.
- The first attraction is crossing the mountain stream.
- Last day with Bhaba River.
- Views: Hansbeshan Peak, Nimish Khango, Tari Khango, and Pin Bhaba Pass.
- Hot lunch at the campsite.
- Stay in a tent.
Day-5: Pushtirang To Mangrungse via Bhaba Pass
- Altitude: Mangrungse – 4,150 m/ 13,600 ft; Bhaba Pass – 4,900 m/ 16,100 ft.
- Altitude difference: 800 m/ 2,600 ft.
- Trek distance: 12 km | Duration: 10 to 12 hours.
- The day is difficult and tiring.
- Continuous steep ascent till pass, after pass steep descent for 3 km and then gradual descent till campsite.
- Limited water sources nearby the pass.
- Start early in the morning.
- Pin River can be seen from the pass.
- The scenery will change, from lush green to cold dessert.
- Keep floaters, flip flops handy to cross the river.
- Packed lunch for the day.
- Stay in a tent.
Day-6: Mangrungse To Mudh/Kaza
- Altitude: Mudh Village – 3,750 m/ 12,300 ft.
- Altitude difference (loss): 400 m/ 1,300 ft.
- Trek Distance: 17 km | Duration: 7 to 8 hrs.
- Easy walk but long and tiring.
- Gradual descent on a mountain trail and flat walk on a road.
- Carry sufficient water from the campsite.
- Start early in the morning.
- Mudh village is famous for pea farming.
- Packed lunch for the day.
- Stay in the guest house either in Mudh or Kaza.
Day-7: Acclimatization + Rest Day
Day-8: Kaza To Manali
- Distance: 200 km | Duration: 9 to 11 hrs.
- Leave early in the morning.
- You’ll reach Manali between 6:00 pm and 7:00 pm
Suggested Read: Kunzum Pass
The best time to do the Pin Bhaba Pass Trek
Pin Bhaba Pass Trek is ideally done between June and September. The best part about this trek is that unlike other treks it can be accessible in Monsoons too, that’s why it is also known as the famous monsoon trek in Himachal. If you are a monsoon person then you should trek during the monsoon season which is from July-August. As September approaches, a cooler autumn breeze starts and the entire region is covered in autumnal hues.
Places to visit near Pin Bhaba Pass Trek
You will be passing through some of the gorgeous landscapes while trekking through the Pin Bhaba Pass Trek, foremost being the Bhaba River bed and through meadows and grassland. The trek begins at Kafnu, a remote village with homestays and the Sutlej River flowing nearby. At Kara, you will walk through a blanket of flowers in myriad colors and be enchanted. Some of the places that you will be visiting while trekking the Pin Bhaba Pass Trek are listed below:
- On the way, you will pass through apple orchards in Kafnu village. As you climb up the steep slopes of the village, you will find a captivating sight of apple orchards.
- Kafnu Dam is another beautiful sight in Kafnu village. This hydroelectric project is on the Bhaba River and has a beautiful view surrounded by forest and meadows and deep blue water.
- Mulling is a short forest trail followed by the greenest moss and vibrant yellow flowers. You will be passing through roaring streams, rocky trails, and meadows that look like scenes from an enchanted forest.
- Kara Lake is the best attraction of the Pass Trek. Kara Lake campsite is an amazing experience to see this picturesque lake.
- Pushtirang campsite is right beside a calm river and the experience is humbling
This trek is not just about the stunning differences in landscape. It also introduces you to two distinct Himalayan cultures – the livelihoods, structure of houses, and lifestyles – as you pass from one side of the mountain to the other. The realization that communities and cultures are completely based on their surrounding environment will shape your philosophies about life.
Things to Carry on the Trek
The key to keeping oneself protected and warm during a trek is layering. To get maximum comfort with minimum weight, you need a mix of layers that help to create the right amount of insulation, ventilation, and weather protection. Carry only what is necessary; this will help keep the weight in check and help you while ascending higher altitudes.
Required
- Thermals – Tops and Bottoms
- Day Pack (20 L-30 L) and Rucksack 50 L – 60 L
- Bag Rain Cover
- Fleece pants
- Woollen gloves and Woollen cap
- Fleece/ Woollen Jacket or Sweater
- Headlamp with Fresh Batteries
- Hiking Pants (Warm, Convertible, Quick-Dry, Lightweight)
- Woollen Socks (4-5 pairs)
- Trekking poles (1 Pair)
- Insulated Jacket
- Long Sleeve Shirts (Synthetic, Lightweight)
- Rain-Coat/ Poncho
- Sport Sunglasses and Sun cap
- Hiking shoes
- Sun Block and Lip Balm
- Water Bottles
