Pin Parvati Pass Trek – From Forests to the Cold Desert

“Where wildflowers give way to glaciers, and the green turns to gold and grey.”

📖 Overview

The Pin Parvati Pass Trek is a 110 km high-altitude expedition that begins in Kheerganga (Parvati Valley) and ends in Mudh Village (Spiti Valley), crossing the Pin Parvati Pass at 5,319 m (17,457 ft). It’s a journey through dense forests, alpine meadows, glacial lakes, and snowfields, culminating in a dramatic descent into the barren, wind-sculpted landscapes of Spiti. This trek is ideal for experienced trekkers seeking a challenging crossover with cultural contrast and ecological diversity.

🧭 Trek Profile

Attribute	Details
Trailhead	Kalga (via Barshaini, Kullu)
Endpoint	Mudh Village (Spiti)
Pass Altitude	5,319 m (17,457 ft)
Trek Distance	~110 km
Trek Duration	10–12 days
Grade	Difficult (requires prior high-altitude experience)
Best Season	July to mid-September
Permit Required	Yes (Inner Line Permit for foreigners; forest entry for all)

🥾 Day-wise Itinerary Snapshot

• Day 1: Manali ➝ Barshaini ➝ Kalga
• Day 2: Kalga ➝ Kheerganga (hot springs)
• Day 3: Kheerganga ➝ Tunda Bhuj
• Day 4: Tunda Bhuj ➝ Thakur Kuan
• Day 5: Thakur Kuan ➝ Odi Thach
• Day 6: Odi Thach ➝ Mantalai Lake (source of Parvati River)
• Day 7: Mantalai ➝ Base Camp
• Day 8: Base Camp ➝ Pin Parvati Pass ➝ Pin Base
• Day 9: Pin Base ➝ Tiya ➝ Mudh Village
• Day 10–11: Mudh ➝ Kaza ➝ Manali (via Kunzum Pass)

🌄 Trail Highlights

• Kheerganga Hot Springs:
  Natural sulphur pools in a forested amphitheater—perfect for a pre-trek soak.
• Mantalai Lake:
  A sacred glacial lake and the source of the Parvati River, surrounded by moraine fields.
• Pin Parvati Pass Summit:
  A snowbound saddle with panoramic views of Spiti and Parvati valleys—a true Himalayan high.
• Spiti Descent:
  Stark, colorful cliffs and Buddhist prayer flags welcome you into the cold desert of Pin Valley.
• Mudh Village:
  A whitewashed hamlet with barley fields, Tibetan homes, and Spitian hospitality.

🛕 Cultural & Ecological Touchpoints

• Gaddi Shepherds:
  Encounter semi-nomadic herders in Parvati Valley with flocks and folklore.
• Spitian Buddhism:
  End the trek in Mudh, gateway to Pin Valley National Park and Dhankar Monastery.
• Wildlife:
  Spot blue sheep (bharal), Himalayan marmots, and if lucky, snow leopards.

🧳 Essentials for Trekkers

Item	Notes
Footwear	High-ankle trekking boots (mandatory)
Clothing	Sub-zero layers, gloves, rain gear
Gear	Trekking poles, crampons (early season), headlamp
Safety	AMS risk above 4,000 m—acclimatize well
Support	Local guide and porter strongly recommended
Permits	Forest entry + Inner Line Permit (for foreigners)

🧭 How to Reach

• Start Point:
  • Manali ➝ Barshaini ➝ Kalga (~80 km)
  • Shared taxis or private vehicles
• End Point:
  • Mudh ➝ Kaza ➝ Manali (~190 km via Kunzum Pass)
• Nearest Railhead:
  Chandigarh (~310 km from Manali)
• Nearest Airport:
  Bhuntar (Kullu) – ~50 km from Manali