Pin Valley National Park: 2026 Guide to Spiti’s Secret Wilderness

If you want to see the wilder side of the Himalayas, Pin Valley National Park is where you’ll find it. This high-altitude sanctuary sits at an average elevation of 3,500 m – 6,000 m, making it a true geological goldmine in the Lahaul-Spiti region.

Here, the mountains shift into surreal shades of pink and purple, sheltering the elusive Snow Leopard and Siberian Ibex. You can literally find 500-million-year-old marine fossils scattered along the riverbeds, remnants of the ancient Tethys Sea from when these peaks were ocean floor. The 14th-century Kungri Monastery offers a rare look at Nyingma Buddhist culture, adding a deep spiritual vibe to the rugged terrain.

Whether you're tackling the legendary Pin-Bhaba Pass trek or just relaxing in a Mud Village homestay to watch the Milky Way, the Pin valley forces you to slow down. It’s a total digital detox with zero signal.

To make the most of this rugged landscape, check out our customized Spiti tour packages so that you don't miss out on the unique experiences Pin Valley National Park Spiti has to offer.

Pin Valley National Park: Quick Snapshot

• Location: Lahaul & Spiti District, Himachal Pradesh (Gateway: Mud Village)
• Altitude Range: 3,300m to 6,632m (Prepare for high-altitude conditions)
• Famous For: Snow Leopards, the 14th-century Kungri Monastery, and its unique 500-million-year-old marine fossils
• Timings: 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM (Daily)
• Entry Fees: Free for general visitors; nominal charges for core-zone trekking or commercial filming
• Best Time to Visit: July to September (Sightseeing & Trekking) and Snow Leopard Expeditions (January to March)
• Permits (2026): No permits for Indian Citizens; mandatory Inner Line Permit (ILP) for foreigners
• Connectivity: Zero mobile network or internet in the valley; carry sufficient cash and fuel from Kaza.

Pin Valley National Park: Essential Highlights

Pin Valley National Park Spiti is India’s only National Park located within the Cold Desert Biosphere Reserve (newly recognized under UNESCO's MAB programme in 2025). Established in 1987, this national park in Spiti Valley covers 675 sq. km of high-altitude wilderness where the ecosystem is as fragile as it is beautiful.

1. High-Altitude Wildlife

The park is a sanctuary for species that have evolved to survive in "thin air" and sub-zero temperatures.

• Snow Leopard: Pin Valley is famous for tracking snow leopards in Spiti Valley; current estimates suggest a stable population of 12–15 individuals within the park.
• Ungulates: A primary breeding ground for the Siberian Ibex (approx. 250 individuals) and Bharal (Blue Sheep) numbering over 800.
• Predators & Others: Himalayan Wolf, Red Fox, and the Himalayan Brown Bear (spotted at altitudes of 3,000m - 5,000m)
• Rare Sightings: Himalayan Marmots (in summer), Woolly Hares, and the elusive Tibetan Gazelle.

2. Birds of the Cold Desert

Over 119 bird species have been recorded here, featuring several rare high-altitude specialists.

• Key Species: The Himalayan Snowcock, Chukar Partridge, and Snow Finch are common.
• Raptors: Golden Eagles, Bearded Vultures (Lammergeier), and Himalayan Griffons with wingspans reaching up to 9 feet

3. Rare and Medicinal Flora

The vegetation is sparse but has immense medicinal value. Most of the "forest" here consists of dwarf shrubs and alpine meadows. It houses over 400 plant species, including 22 rare and endangered medicinal herbs used in the Sowa Rigpa (Amchi) healing system.

• Key Plants: Sparse groves of Himalayan Cedar, Juniper, and Birch (Bhojpatra)
• The Superfoods: The valley is famous for Sea Buckthorn (wild berries used in local tonics) and the rare Himalayan Blue Poppy.

4. Geology & The "Tethys Sea" Fossils

Pin Valley National Park Spiti is a literal "open-air museum." Millions of years ago, this entire region was part of the ancient Tethys Ocean floor.

• Marine Fossils: You can find Ammonites (Shaligram) and other prehistoric marine fossils embedded in the sedimentary rocks near the riverbeds.
• The Colors: The mountains are famous for their multi-hued strata, bands of purple, pink, and ochre rock created by millions of years of tectonic pressure.

5. The Buddhist Heritage

The local culture is deeply rooted in Tibetan Buddhism, which plays a major role in wildlife conservation through the principle of non-violence.

• Kungri Monastery: Dating back to 1330 AD, this is Spiti’s only Nyingma school monastery. It houses ancient silk thangkas and sacred Buddhist texts.
• Cultural Getaway: Mud Village is the last motorable point and a hub for traditional dry-stone architecture and homestays.

6. Legendary Trekking Passes

Pin Valley National Park Spiti is a critical "crossover" point between the dry Spiti desert and the lush valleys of Kullu and Kinnaur.

• Pin-Bhaba Pass (4,850m): A moderate-difficult 4-day trek into Kinnaur. It is famous for the sudden shift from desert to dense forest.
• Pin-Parvati Pass (5,319m): An extreme/technical 11-day trek into Kullu. It involves crossing glaciers and is only recommended for experienced trekkers.

7. Astrophotography in Pin Valley

Pin Valley is a certified Dark Sky zone. With its 3,500m+ altitude and zero light pollution, the Milky Way core is visible with 100% clarity from March to October, making it a 2026 hub for astrophotography.

Location of Pin Valley National Park Himachal Pradesh

Located in the Lahaul and Spiti district of Himachal Pradesh, Pin Valley National Park is the crown jewel of India’s high-altitude Cold Desert Biosphere Reserve. It sits south of the Dhankar Monastery, with its landscape carved by the icy waters of the Pin River.

The location of Pin Valley National Park acts as a natural bridge between two worlds: the lush, forested Kullu Valley to the southwest and the stark, arid mountains of Spiti. Most of the park sits at a staggering elevation, ranging from 3,300 m to over 6,000 m, meaning you are quite literally walking among the clouds.

Key Geographic Markers:

• The Gateway: Mud Village is the final inhabited point and the official entrance for trekkers and photographers.
• Strategic Hub: Kaza (32 km away) is the nearest town for supplies, fuel, and medical aid.
• Unique Terrain: Unlike other parks, this is a "vertical" landscape. You’ll find vast riparian plains (river flats) at the bottom and jagged, snow-capped peaks at the top.

How To Reach Pin Valley National Park Spiti Valley?

When planning how to reach Pin Valley National Park, your primary goal is to reach Kaza. The park's gateway is Mud Village, located 32 km away.

By Air

• Kullu-Bhuntar Airport (KUU): While it's the closest airport (245 km away), flights are highly weather-dependent and frequently cancelled.
• Chandigarh International Airport (IXC): This is the most reliable 2026 entry point (500 km away). From here, you can hire a 4x4 or take a luxury bus to Shimla/Manali to begin the road journey.

By Rail

• Shimla (Narrow Gauge): 443 km away; Best for those wanting the "Toy Train" experience before switching to a road journey.
• Chandigarh (Broad Gauge): 490 km away; The most practical railhead for long-distance travelers.

By Road

There are two main road routes to reach Spiti Valley. Choose based on your acclimatization needs and the season:

The Manali Route (Faster but Steeper)

• Path: Manali → Atal Tunnel → Gramphu → Batal → Kunzum La → Kaza → Mud
• Travel Time: 6 - 8 hours from Manali
• Season: June to October (strictly closed in winter due to heavy snow at Kunzum Pass)
• How to go: Hire a private 4x4 for a 6-hour drive, or take the daily HRTC bus (5:00 AM/5:30 AM) from Manali.

Note: This route involves a rapid altitude gain; monitor for AMS (Acute Mountain Sickness).

The Shimla-Kinnaur Route (Reliable & Scenic)

• Path: Shimla → Sarahan → Kalpa → Nako → Tabo → Kaza → Mud
• Travel Time: 2 days (recommended overnight stop in Kalpa or Nako)
• Season: Open year-round
• How to go: Hire a private 4x4 taxi for a direct drop, or take the daily HRTC bus departing Kaza at 4:00 PM.

Note: This route offers gradual acclimatization and is preferred for those with extra time. Pin Valley is a highlight of the larger Spiti loop. Check out our detailed Spiti Valley itinerary for a 8-day trip to see how to fit this in.

Fresh snow can temporarily block the road to Mud Village for 24 - 48 hours. Always check the live Lahaul-Spiti road status before heading out.

Best Time To Visit Pin Valley National Park

The best time to visit Pin Valley National Park depends entirely on whether you are here for the scenery or the elusive wildlife.

For General Tourists & Trekkers (July – September)

This is the peak window for most visitors. Since the park is a "rain-shadow" area, it avoids the heavy Indian monsoons, staying dry and sunny while the rest of Himachal is drenched. Explore Spiti Valley in summer for a comfortable experience.

• Why now: The Manali-Kaza road is open, making the park a 7-hour drive from Manali.
• The Experience: The valley floor is dotted with wildflowers, the Pin River is a vibrant turquoise, and the weather is mild (15°C to 22°C).
• Best for: Casual walks, the Pin-Bhaba trek, and visiting the Kungri Monastery.

For Wildlife Enthusiasts (January – March)

For those looking for a Pin Valley National Park safari experience (tracking Snow Leopards on foot), the winter months of January to March are peak. This is when the park truly earns its reputation as the land of the Snow Leopard. Read our guide on Spiti Valley in winter for a seamless planning.

• Why now: Heavy snow at high altitudes forces the Snow Leopard and its prey (the Siberian Ibex) down to the valley floor near Mud Village.
• The Experience: A monochromatic, frozen world. You will need a professional guide and sub-zero gear for -25°C nights.
• Best for: Tracking Snow Leopard tracking and rare high-altitude bird sightings.

For Photographers & Solitude Seekers (June & October)

The shoulder months offer the most dramatic light and the fewest crowds.

• June: Incredible "snow walls" along the access roads and a valley waking up from winter.
• October: The park turns a deep golden-rusty hue. The air is crystal clear, offering the best views of the night sky and the Milky Way.

Navigating The Zones In Pin Valley National Park

Knowing where you are allowed to go is vital for a responsible traveler.

• The Buffer Zone: This is where the local villages like Mud and Sagnam are located. Most travelers spend 90% of their time here. It is easily accessible, home to cozy local homestays, and offers some of the best views of the famous "Pink Mountains."
• The Core Zone: Covering 675 sq. km, this is the true wilderness of Pin Valley National Park. No vehicles are allowed here; entry is strictly on foot via trekking trails (like the Parahio Catchment). This area is the protected sanctuary for the Snow Leopard and Siberian Ibex.

Note: If you see "Marine Fossils" while trekking in the core zone, remember that it is illegal to remove them. Leave them for the next traveler to discover.

Things To Do In Pin Valley National Park

Discover the best things to do in Pin Valley National Park to experience the raw beauty of this cold desert, from tracking rare predators to crossing ancient Himalayan passes.

1. Village Hopping & Cultural Immersion

The best way to experience Pin Valley National Park is by exploring its remote hamlets, where life moves at a pace unchanged for centuries. These villages are famous for their unique "Dry-Stone" architecture and the cultivation of sweet green peas and barley.

Mud Village: The last motorable point and one of the most unique places to visit in Spiti Valley. It’s a hub for trekkers and offers stunning views of the "Pink Mountains" and the braided Pin River.

Sagnam & Gulling: Sagnam is the largest village in the valley, known for its traditional lifestyle, while Gulling serves as the gateway to the famous Kungri Monastery.

Teling & Mikkim: Smaller, quieter hamlets perfect for seeing local Amchi (traditional medicine) practitioners in action.

• Zone: Buffer zone (Accessible by road)
• Cost: Free exploration

2. Wildlife Safari In Pin Valley National Park

Pin Valley National Park is a global hotspot for high-altitude predators. A Pin Valley National Park safari is strictly a "tracking on foot" experience. Motorized vehicles are not allowed inside the core zones to protect the habitat. You’ll use high-powered binoculars and hike to specific "scanning points" with local trackers who know the cats' territorial markings.

Snow Leopard Expeditions: Focuses on the "Mud-Sagnam" corridor where leopards descend to hunt Ibex during the winter.

Ungulate Spotting: Spotting the Siberian Ibex (often in herds of 30+) and the Bharal (Blue Sheep) grazing on vertical cliffs.

High-Altitude Fauna: Keep an eye out for Red Fox, Tibetan Wolf, Himalayan Brown Bear, Woolly Hare, and Marmots.

Bird Species: Look for the Himalayan Snowcock, Chukor, Snow Partridge, Golden Eagle, and Bearded Vulture.

• Location: Core & Buffer Zones
• Best Time: Jan - March (Snow Leopard); May – June (Ibex/Blue Sheep)
• Cost: Guided tracking ₹3,500 - ₹5,500 per day (for expert spotters)

3. Trekking The High-Altitude Passes

The park is the "Gateway" between Spiti’s desert and the lush forests of the south. These treks are legendary for their "landscape-shift"—crossing from brown rock to emerald greenery in a single day.

Pin-Bhaba Pass Trek (4,850m): A 4-5 day trek connecting Pin Valley to the lush Bhaba Valley in Kinnaur. It is the most popular "crossover" trek.

Pin-Parvati Pass (5,319m): An 11-day grueling expedition crossing massive glaciers to reach the Parvati Valley in Kullu.

Kanamo Peak (5,964m): A "non-technical" summit trek near the park boundaries offering 360-degree views of the Greater Himalayas.

• Location: Core Zone (strictly on foot)
• Best Time: July - September
• Difficulty: Moderate (Bhaba) to Extreme (Parvati)
• Costs: ₹18,000 for moderate trails (like Pin-Bhaba) and ₹45,000 for extreme expeditions (like Pin-Parvati), including meals, permits, and camping gear

4. Riverside Camping and Stargazing

One of the most immersive things to do in Pin Valley National Park is spending a night under the stars. Since the valley is a certified Dark Sky zone with zero light pollution, the Milky Way is visible with startling clarity. Pin Valley is one of the best places for stargazing in Spiti Valley. Setting up camp near the glacial waters allows you to fully experience the silence of the cold desert.

• Location: Riverbanks near Mudh Village and Sagnam, or high-altitude sites like Tiya and Shia for those on the Pin-Parvati trail.
• Best Time: July to September
• Cost: ₹200 - ₹500 (self-camping), ₹1,500 - ₹2,500 per night (organized camps)

5. Glacial River Rafting on Pin River

Rafting down the Pin River is one of the most adventurous things to do in Pin Valley National Park, offering a mix of glacial chills and ancient views. The crystal-clear water cuts through narrow gorges with "Grade II & III" rapids that are thrilling yet manageable.

• Route: Typically starts near Sagnam and ends near the confluence at Attargo Bridge
• Landscape: You raft past purple-hued mountains and ancient fossils visible in the riverbed.
• Location: Along the Pin River
• Best Time: July - August (when water levels are optimal)
• Charges: ₹1,500 – ₹2,500 per person

6. Spiritual & Architectural Tours

Explore the unique Nyingma sect of Tibetan Buddhism, which is distinct from the more common Gelugpa (Yellow Hat) sect found in the rest of Spiti.

Kungri Monastery (1330 AD): The spiritual heart of the valley. Visit the "Old Temple" to see ancient murals and the new complex for the annual Chham (Masked Dance).

Chorten (Stupa) Walks: Walking the "Kora" (circumambulation) around village stupas while locals spin prayer wheels.

• Location: Gulling Village (Kungri) & Mud (Dzongkhang)
• Timings: 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM
• Charges: No entry fee; donations are welcomed

Where To Stay: Accommodation In Pin Valley National Park

Finding a place to stay within the park is an experience in itself, as there are no luxury resorts or large hotels here. Most accommodation in Pin Valley National Park is concentrated in Mudh Village, which serves as the primary base for travelers.

• Homestays: This is the most popular choice. Families in Mudh and Sagnam offer cozy rooms with traditional Spitian hospitality. You’ll get home-cooked meals (like Thukpa and Thenthuk) and a chance to experience the local lifestyle. Notable options include Tara House Homestay (recently renovated for more comfort) and Ibex Homestay.
• Government Rest Houses: There is a PWD Rest House in Sagnam and a Forest Rest House available for those who prefer government-run facilities. These are basic but well-located, offering some of the best views of the surrounding peaks.
• Camping: During the summer months (July–September), many trekkers choose to camp in designated spots near the Pin River or at the base of the Pin-Parvati Pass.

Pin Valley National Park: 2026 Rules, Permits & Safety Tips

For a seamless trip, you can check out our detailed travel tips for Spiti Valley. To ensure a smooth visit to the national Park, keep these updated 2026 regulations in mind:

• Permits (ILP): Indian Tourists do not need a permit for Pin Valley (only a valid Govt ID). International Tourists must obtain an Inner Line Permit (ILP) available at SDM office in Kaza, Reckong Peo, or Shimla, as the park lies within 40 km of the international border.
• Winter Road Safety: Between November and March, roads are prone to black ice. Ensure you travel only between 8:00 AM and 4:00 PM when the sun has softened the ice. Always use a 4x4 vehicle with snow chains for winter excursions.
• Acclimatization: Do not enter Pin Valley directly from Manali. Spend at least 24 - 48 hours in Kaza (3,800 m) to prevent Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS). Pin Valley’s thin air is no joke. Explore some of the essential things to carry while travelling to Spiti Valley.
• Eco-Etiquette: Strictly no picking of plants, flowers, or even pine cones and zero wildlife disturbance. Follow the "Pack it in, Pack it out" rule; carry all trash back to Kaza as there are no bins in the core zone.
• Guides are Mandatory: Do not attempt deep treks or wildlife spotting without a trained local guide. The terrain is deceptive and help is hours away.
• Photography: While amateur photography is free, commercial filming or drone use requires prior written permission from the Wildlife Warden in Kaza or Shimla.
• Remote Reality: Pin Valley is a zero-network zone (no mobile/internet). Ensure you carry sufficient cash and a full tank of fuel from Kaza, as there are no ATMs or petrol pumps within the valley.

Plan Your Visit To Pin Valley National Park With WanderOn

Pin Valley National Park is one of those rare places that actually lives up to the hype. It’s rugged, quiet, and offers a level of isolation you just won't find in the busier parts of Himachal. Between the purple-hued peaks and the deep-rooted Buddhist culture, it’s a destination that feels like a genuine discovery.

If you’re looking for a place to truly slow down and see the raw wilderness, this national park in Spiti Valley is where you need to be.

Ready to explore? Connect with our team at WanderOn today, and let’s get you out into the wilder side of Pin Valley National Park without the guesswork.