8 Days
Specific Tour
30 people
___
Pin Bhaba Pass Trek, nestled in the majestic Himalayas of Himachal Pradesh, is an unforgettable journey designed for experienced trekkers. Spanning over 7 days and traversing roughly 60 kilometers, this trek isn’t just a hike; it’s a transformative experience that lets you witness two distinct Himalayan worlds in one incredible adventure.
Your adventure begins in the charming village of Kafnu, nestled amidst the lush greenery of the Kinnaur Valley, and ends in the remote village of Mudh, nestled within the stark beauty of Spiti Valley. As you embark on the trails, you’ll be greeted by dense forests teeming with life, vibrant meadows bursting with wildflowers, and ancient shepherd’s paths. All along the way, the Bhaba River, a glacial stream, flows beside you, adding a peaceful soundtrack to your climb. But as you gain altitude, the landscape undergoes a dramatic transformation. Lush greens give way to rugged mountains and rocky terrain, culminating in the awe-inspiring ascent of the mighty Pin Bhaba Pass, standing tall at an impressive 4,915 meters (16,125 Feet).
Conquering the pass is a rewarding challenge, offering breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding Himalayan peaks. Once you reach the summit, prepare to be dazzled by the stark beauty of the Spiti Valley on the other side. Painted in shades of brown, gold, and red, this high-altitude desert offers a dramatic contrast to the verdant paradise you experienced earlier.
Day 1: Shimla to KafnuÂ
The journey begins with a scenic drive from Shimla to Kafnu, covering 225 kilometers over 8 to 9 hours. Enjoy picturesque views as you traverse through the mountainous terrain, arriving in Kafnu by evening for a well-deserved rest.
Day 2: Kafnu to Mulling Â
Embark on a 13.1-kilometer trek from Kafnu to Mulling, taking approximately 6 to 7 hours. The trail leads through verdant landscapes and gradual ascents, offering glimpses of local flora and fauna along the way. Arrive at Mulling, set up camp, and unwind amidst the serene surroundings.
Day 3: Mulling to KarahÂ
Continue your journey with a shorter 5-kilometer trek from Mulling to Karah, taking about 3 hours. The path winds through rugged terrain and showcases stunning views of the surrounding mountains. Reach Karah by afternoon, where you’ll camp for the night amidst the tranquil wilderness.
Day 4: Karah to PhutsirangÂ
Embark on a challenging 14-kilometer trek from Karah to Phutsirang, spanning approximately 6 to 7 hours. Navigate through rocky paths and high-altitude forests as you ascend to Phutsirang at 13,474 feet. Settle into your campsite, surrounded by panoramic views of the Himalayan landscape.
Day 5: Phutsirang Rest Day with day hike
Take a leisurely day to rest and acclimatize at Phutsirang. Enjoy a short day hike of 2-3 kilometers, exploring the nearby surroundings and soaking in the natural beauty. Spend the day relaxing at camp, preparing for the upcoming challenges of the trek.
Day 6: Phutsirang to MangrungseÂ
Embark on a strenuous 14-kilometer trek from Phutsirang to Mangrungse, crossing the formidable Pin Bhaba Pass at 16,105 feet. The trek takes approximately 9 hours, involving steep ascents and breathtaking views from the pass. Descend to Mangrungse, where you’ll camp amidst the high-altitude scenery.
Day 7: Mangrungse to Mudh Village/Kaza
Complete the trek with a 16-kilometer hike from Mangrungse to Mud Village, taking about 7 hours. Descend through diverse landscapes and reach Mud Village, where you’ll board a vehicle for a scenic 50-kilometer drive to Kaza. Arrive in Kaza by evening, where you can relax and reflect on your adventurous journey.
Day 8: Kaza to Manali
Embark on a 200-kilometer journey from Kaza to Manali, which takes approximately 9 to 10 hours by road. Depart early in the morning and enjoy breakfast and lunch at suitable stops along the way (meals not included in the trek cost).
Pin Bhaba Pass Trek is a Moderate to Difficult level trek. This trek is not for first-timers. See the below itinerary for more details and daily trek distance. The Pin Bhaba Pass Trek offers a unique blend of challenging terrains, making it suitable for experienced trekkers. The route covers a diverse range of landscapes, including dense forests, lush meadows, rocky paths, boulder-sections, and glacial moraines.
Daily trek distances vary, with some days requiring long hours of hiking. The toughest part of the trek is undoubtedly the ascent to Pin Bhaba Pass on Day 6, which involves a 16-kilometer trek taking about 9 hours. This section demands endurance and strength, as trekkers navigate steep ascents and high-altitude conditions.
Altitude is a significant challenge on this trek, with the highest point being the Pin Bhaba Pass at 16,100 feet (4,915 meters). Trekkers may experience altitude-related issues such as headaches, nausea, and shortness of breath. Proper acclimatization is crucial, and the itinerary includes a rest day at Phutsirang to help trekkers adjust to the high altitude.
Preparation for the Pin Bhaba Pass Trek is essential to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience. Trekkers should engage in regular cardiovascular and strength training exercises leading up to the trek to build stamina and muscle endurance. Acclimatization hikes and previous experience with high-altitude treks are highly recommended. Being mentally prepared for long hours of trekking and unpredictable weather conditions is also important.
The best time to visit Pin Bhaba Pass is from June to September. During these months, the weather is generally favorable, and the landscapes are at their most stunning. This period offers the ideal conditions for trekking, with clear skies, moderate temperatures, and breathtaking natural beauty.
In June, the trek begins to open up as the snow starts to melt from the winter months. The meadows are lush and green, dotted with blooming wildflowers. Daytime temperatures range from 10°C to 20°C, while nights can be chilly, dropping to 5°C or lower. The initial stages of the trek through the Kinnaur Valley are especially picturesque, with dense forests and vibrant scenery.
July and August are the peak monsoon months. While the Kinnaur Valley experiences significant rainfall, the Spiti Valley on the other side of the pass remains relatively dry. Trekkers should be prepared for slippery trails and potential rain showers, but the lush greenery and full flow of the Bhaba River make it worthwhile. Daytime temperatures range from 15°C to 25°C, while nighttime temperatures can drop to around 5°C. Good rain gear and waterproof clothing are essential to stay dry and comfortable.
September marks the end of the monsoon season, offering clear skies and crisp air. This is one of the best months for trekking as the weather stabilizes. The landscapes begin to take on autumn hues, adding a new dimension of beauty to the trek. Daytime temperatures are still pleasant, ranging from 10°C to 20°C, but nights can get quite cold, dropping to 0°C or even lower, so warm clothing is necessary.
At Kafnu and Mudh/Kaza, trekkers will have to share the room on a triple and quad basis. The dormitory will also be there. During the trek, you will be provided 3-person tents on a twin-sharing basis and 4-person tents on a triple-sharing basis. Female trekkers will share a room/tent with female trekkers only. Solo female trekkers will be provided with a separate tent.
Meals: Meals start from day 1 dinner to day 7 dinner. On Day 8, early departure after tea. During the trek, you will be provided healthy hot meals, including breakfast, lunch, evening tea and snacks, and dinner. Hot drinking water will be provided daily at the campsite.
Nomad Adventures will arrange a cab for you from the pickup point in Shimla to Kafnu The scenic route to Kafnu will take around 9-10 hrs. (Trek starting point). Pick-up point on day 1 is Shimla old Bus Station and pick-up time is 6:30 am. It’s crucial to arrive in Shimla by 5:30 am for the trek. Once you reach Shimla, Nomad Adventures will handle all your further travel arrangements if you’ve opted for their pick-up service. It’s recommended to reach Shimla a day in advance to avoid any delays.
Options to Reach Shimla:
1. By Bus: Take an overnight bus from Delhi or Chandigarh to Shimla. The journey from Chandigarh to Shimla by bus takes about 4 hours for 120 km, while from Delhi, it’s a 10-hour journey covering 350 km. We advise choosing government buses at the bus station as they are more reliable compared to private buses, which often experience delays.
2. By Train:Â Take a train to Kalka and then a scenic drive to Shimla. You can also enjoy the toy train ride if arriving by train, but it’s recommended to arrive one day in advance.
3. By Air: Fly to Shimla Airport (Jubbarhatti Airport), which is 22 km away and approximately a 50-minute drive to Shimla. If arriving by air, it’s advisable to arrive one day in advance.
Last day drop-off point is the Manali Government Bus Stand around 6:00 pm. Plan your onward travel arrangements accordingly. It’s wise to keep a buffer day in your travel plan in case of unexpected delays. If the buffer day isn’t needed, it can be used to explore Manali.
Nomad Adventures provides comfortable transportation via Tempo Traveler, Bolero, or equivalent vehicles. If you wish to upgrade your mode of transportation, please contact your trek coordinator for assistance.
When preparing for an active adventure like the Pin Bhaba Pass, it’s vital to think about how to remain comfortable in varying weather conditions. The key to achieving maximum comfort with minimal weight lies in appropriate layering. Versatile layers that can be mixed and matched provide the right balance of insulation, ventilation, and weather protection.
To help you select the right gear, we’ve compiled a comprehensive gear list. It’s essential to pack only what is necessary, not only for your comfort but also to make the trek more manageable for the field staff.
What to Bring on the Trek:
Thermals – Tops and Bottoms for staying warm in cold temperatures.
Day Pack (20 L-30 L) and Rucksack 50 L – 60 L to carry your essentials.
Bag Rain Cover to safeguard your belongings from rain.
Fleece pants, Woollen gloves, and Woollen cap for added warmth.
Fleece/Woollen Jacket or Sweater to keep you cozy on chilly evenings.
Headlamp with Fresh Batteries for navigating in the dark.
Hiking Pants (Warm, Convertible, Quick-Dry, Lightweight) for comfort and flexibility.
Woollen Socks (4-5 pairs) to keep your feet warm and dry.
Trekking poles (1 Pair) to support your body during the trek.
Insulated Jacket for an additional layer of warmth.
Long Sleeve Shirts (Synthetic, Lightweight) to shield you from the sun and bugs.
Rain-Coat/Poncho for staying dry during rain showers.
Sport Sunglasses and Sun cap for protection against the sun.
Hiking shoes for a firm grip and ankle support.
Water Bottles to stay hydrated during the trek.
Remember to pack wisely and leave unnecessary items behind to keep your backpack light. A well-planned packing list ensures a safe and comfortable trek, allowing you to fully savor the beauty of nature.
Our campsites are pitched near water sources. For your day’s trek, two liters of water should be enough. You will find water sources on the trek to refill your water bottles. Your trek leader will brief you about these before starting the day’s trek.
During the trek, toilet tents will be set up along each campsite. A toilet tent will have a deep pit, where one can answer nature’s call. There will be a mound of soil and a shovel to cover it up. These are dry toilets, where you’ll have to use toilet paper. This is the most hygienic and convenient way to answer nature’s call in the wild. Please use plain toilet paper and refrain from using wet wipes since these are not biodegradable.
If it starts raining while you’re trekking, we will continue on the trail as planned. Your poncho should protect you from the rain. Carry a backpack cover for extra protection from rain for your belongings.
Alcohol is dangerous in extreme cold, especially at high altitudes. Contrary to what people believe, alcohol does not make you warmer. Instead, it opens your pores, making your body colder. Moreover, it dehydrates you very quickly. Hence consumption of alcohol is absolutely prohibited on all Nomad Adventures treks. Anyone found with alcohol is quickly removed from the trek. Smoking, similarly, is not allowed on Nomad Adventures treks.
No, but there are shops on the base camp from where you can rent shoes, jackets and trek poles, headlights etc.
You don’t need special snowshoes. A good waterproof trekking shoe is sufficient for the trek. When there is snow, we provide micro spikes and gaiters.
A trekking pole gives you stability and balance and helps reduce fatigue.
The minimum age limit is 8 years. However, minors aged between 8 to 17 should be accompanied by their parents or guardians. The maximum age is 65 but please follow the fitness regime before coming on the trek.
Pin Bhaba Pass Trek is a moderate to difficult level trek and it requires trekkers to be physically fit. The minimum age eligibility is 8+ years. As a parent or guardian, if you feel that your child can adapt to the conditions of the mountains and would be able to walk every day as required, then certainly, yes!. Please follow the fitness regime before coming on the trek.
The last electricity charging point would be in Kafnu. You’ll get only the Bsnl/ Airtel network in Kafnu. However, come prepared for the possibility of power cuts. It is good to carry your power banks and extra batteries for your camera.
Nomad Adventures team consisting of a qualified Trek leader, trek guides, porters and cooks will be with you throughout the trek.
All high-altitude treks come with their share of risks. We pay utmost importance to the safety of trekkers. While we do our bit to ensure a trekker is safe, we also expect any trekker who is enrolling with us to know what could go wrong, and if it does, how to tackle it.
Since you will not be returning to the same point of the trek, therefore you need to carry all your belongings.
No, but in case you are having so please consult your doctor because there are lots of myths about Diamox.
If you want to offload your rucksack, you will have to inform us in advance so that the necessary arrangements are made. You will be charged per day for offloading your rucksack. If you decide on the spot then the charges are higher than usual.
Member Since 2022
Leave a review