“Where pine-scented meadows give way to pink-hued moonscapes.”
📖 Overview
The Bhabha Pass Trek is a 7–8 day high-altitude expedition that begins in the verdant Kafnu village of Kinnaur and ends in the remote Mudh village of Spiti. At its heart lies the Bhabha (Pin–Bhaba) Pass, perched at 4,915 meters, offering a surreal transition from green valleys and alpine forests to the barren, wind-sculpted terrain of Spiti. This trek is a visual and cultural crossover, where every step reveals a new ecosystem, a new mood, and a new story.
🧭 Trek Profile
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Trailhead | Kafnu (Kinnaur) |
| Endpoint | Mudh (Pin Valley, Spiti) |
| Pass Altitude | 4,915 m (16,125 ft) |
| Trek Distance | ~50–55 km |
| Trek Duration | 7–8 days |
| Grade | Moderate to Difficult |
| Best Season | July to mid-September |
| Permit Required | Yes (Inner Line Permit for foreigners) |
🥾 Day-wise Itinerary Snapshot
Day 1: Shimla ➝ Kafnu (~2,400 m)
Scenic drive along the Sutlej River. Overnight in Kafnu.
Day 2: Kafnu ➝ Mulling (~3,250 m)
Trek through pine forests, wooden bridges, and Bhaba River crossings.
Day 3: Mulling ➝ Kara (~3,550 m)
Gentle ascent through wildflower meadows and glacial streams.
Day 4: Kara ➝ Phustirang (~4,100 m)
Steeper climb to a high-altitude campsite surrounded by snowfields.
Day 5: Phustirang ➝ Bhabha Pass ➝ Mangrungse (~3,800 m)
Summit day—cross the pass and descend into the pink-hued Pin Valley.
Day 6: Mangrungse ➝ Mudh Village (~3,800 m)
Final descent through Spiti’s cold desert, ending in a traditional village.
Day 7–8: Mudh ➝ Kaza ➝ Manali (via Kunzum Pass)
🌄 Trail Highlights
- Landscape Shift:
From lush pine forests and meadows in Kinnaur to barren, colorful cliffs in Spiti—one of the most dramatic transitions in the Himalayas. - Mulling Forests:
Enchanting woods with turquoise rivers, layered canopies, and storybook brooks. - Bhabha Pass Summit:
A panoramic saddle with views of Hansbeshan Peak, Pin Valley, and the Zanskar range. - Spitian Descent:
Stark, wind-carved terrain with pink and purple mountains, prayer flags, and Buddhist shrines. - Mudh Village:
Whitewashed homes, barley fields, and warm hospitality at the edge of the map.
🛕 Cultural & Ecological Touchpoints
- Kinnauri Orchards & Temples:
Apple and pomegranate orchards in Kafnu; wooden temples with dragon motifs. - Gaddi Shepherds:
Encounter semi-nomadic herders with flocks of sheep and tales of the pass. - Spitian Buddhism:
End the trek in Mudh, a gateway to Pin Valley National Park and Dhankar Monastery.
🧳 Essentials for Trekkers
| Item | Notes |
|---|---|
| Footwear | High-ankle trekking boots (mandatory) |
| Clothing | Sub-zero layers, gloves, rain gear |
| Gear | Trekking poles, headlamp, crampons (early season) |
| Safety | AMS risk above 4,000 m—acclimatize well |
| Support | Local guide and porter strongly recommended |
| Permits | Inner Line Permit (for foreigners), forest entry fee |
🧭 How to Reach
- Start Point:
- Shimla ➝ Rampur ➝ Kafnu (~200 km)
- Shared taxis or private vehicles
- End Point:
- Mudh ➝ Kaza ➝ Manali (~190 km)
- Via Kunzum Pass and Atal Tunnel
- Nearest Railhead:
Shimla (via Kalka) - Nearest Airports:
- Shimla Airport (~230 km)
- Chandigarh Airport (~350 km)
