The Pin Parvati Pass Trek is one of the most thrilling and beautiful high-altitude treks in India. It connects the lush Parvati Valley in Kullu to the stark desert landscape of the Pin Valley in Spiti. This trek is known for its extreme challenges, stunning landscapes, and unforgettable experience.
Quick Facts
- Location: Himachal Pradesh, India
- Altitude: 5,319 meters (17,457 feet)
- Duration: 10–12 days
- Difficulty: Very Difficult
- Best Time: Mid-July to Mid-September
Why Do the Pin Parvati Trek?
- Cross one of the highest Himalayan passes
- Witness dramatic shifts in landscape—green forests to icy terrain
- Explore both Hindu and Tibetan cultures
- Test your endurance and trekking skills
- Travel through remote and untouched areas of Himachal Pradesh
Trek Itinerary
Day 1: Manikaran – Barsheni – Kheerganga
Start from Barsheni, hike to Kheerganga. Enjoy hot springs.
Distance: 10 km | Time: 5-6 hrs
Day 2: Kheerganga – Tunda Bhuj
Trek through thick forest and grassy meadows.
Distance: 13 km | Time: 6-7 hrs
Day 3: Tunda Bhuj – Thakur Kuan
Wooden bridges and steep paths.
Distance: 11 km | Time: 6 hrs
Day 4: Thakur Kuan – Odi Thach
Pass Pandu Pul, natural stone bridges.
Distance: 9 km | Time: 5-6 hrs
Day 5: Odi Thach – Mantalai Lake
Reach the sacred lake, source of Parvati River.
Distance: 12 km | Time: 6-7 hrs
Day 6: Rest and Acclimatization
Stay at Mantalai for altitude adjustment.
Day 7: Mantalai – Base Camp
Steep climb, freezing winds, first snow patches.
Distance: 10 km | Time: 6-7 hrs
Day 8: Cross Pin Parvati Pass
Most challenging day. Snowfields and glacier crossing.
Distance: 12 km | Time: 8-9 hrs
Day 9: Trek to Mudh Village
Descend into the barren Pin Valley.
Distance: 16 km | Time: 7 hrs
Day 10: End of Trek
Trek concludes at Mudh. Rest or continue exploring Spiti.
Packing List
- Trekking shoes (waterproof, high-ankle)
- Thermals, fleece, and down jacket
- Raincoat and windproof outer layer
- Gloves, woolen cap, and socks
- Sleeping bag (-10°C rating)
- Trekking poles
- Sunglasses and sunscreen
- Headlamp with extra batteries
- Energy bars, nuts, and dry fruits
- Water bottles and purification tablets
- First-aid kit and personal medicines
Trek Difficulty & Safety
- Fitness Level: High
- Altitude Gain: Gradual but challenging
- Temperature: Can drop below -5°C at night
- Risk Level: High without a guide
- Support: Strongly recommended to join a group or agency
This is not a beginner trek. Experience in high-altitude trekking is essential. The terrain includes ice, boulders, rivers, and slippery slopes.
Accommodation
- Campsites each night on the trail
- Homestays and guesthouses at start and end points
- You must carry your own tent and sleeping bag or trek with an operator
Best Season to Visit
The ideal time for the Pin Parvati Pass Trek is mid-July to mid-September. This is when the snow has melted enough to cross the pass, and the weather is relatively stable.
Avoid early June (too much snow) and late September (early snowfall in Spiti).
Final Words
The Pin Parvati Pass Trek is not just a trek. It’s a test of your body, mind, and spirit. It rewards you with awe-inspiring landscapes, deep silence, and a sense of achievement like no other.