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The Pin Bhaba Pass Trek is an enchanting trek that takes you through some of the most stunning landscapes in India. This trek is a must for every adventure enthusiast looking to experience the raw beauty and tranquility of nature at its purest. Located at an impressive altitude of around 16,105 feet, this trek offers an exhilarating blend of diverse terrains, lush green valleys, snow-capped peaks, and surreal landscapes that are sure to leave you spellbound.
The trek begins in Kinnaur, which is renowned for its lush orchards, picturesque hamlets, and intricate wooden architecture. As you traverse through the verdant forests, you’ll be treated to the sight of exotic flora and fauna, making this trek a paradise for nature lovers. The trail meanders through dense forests of cedar and pine, vast expanses of meadows, steep rock faces, and gushing rivers, offering a variety of sceneries that are as diverse as they are beautiful.
One of the unique aspects of the Pin Bhaba Pass Trek is the dramatic shift in the landscape. As you cross over from Kinnaur to Spiti, the lush greenery gives way to barren, rocky terrain that is just as captivating. The stark contrast between the two sides is a sight to behold and offers a unique trekking experience. The transition from the verdant Bhaba Valley to the stark cold desert of the Pin Valley is abrupt and awe-inspiring.
Another highlight of this trek is the charming local culture and tradition that you get to experience. Interacting with the warm and hospitable locals, and understanding their customs and way of life, adds a whole new dimension to the trek. The quaint villages en route offer a glimpse into the simple yet fulfilling lifestyle of the inhabitants.
The Pin Bhaba Pass Trek is challenging, but the rewards far outweigh the effort. The panoramic views of the towering Himalayan peaks, the serenity of the remote landscapes, and the thrill of navigating through diverse terrains make this trek an unforgettable experience. This trek is not just about reaching the destination; it’s about the journey, the experiences, the memories, and the stories that you’ll carry back with you.
This trek is recommended for seasoned trekkers who have prior high-altitude trekking experience. It involves long hours of trekking on difficult terrains, steep ascents, and descents, and requires a good level of physical fitness. But don’t let this deter you; with the right preparation and mindset, this trek is very much achievable and worth every bit of the effort.
Shimla, Himachal Pradesh
7 A.M.
Distance: 203 Km
Time Taken: 7-8 Hrs
Altitude: 2,500 m (8,275 ft)
Today is the first day of our exciting trek to the Pin Bhabha Pass Trek. We will start our journey from Shimla to Kafnu, where our trek commences. Kafnu is a charming hamlet in the Kinnaur district of Himachal Pradesh.
The drive to Kafnu takes you through scenic mountain roads, and the narrow ledges on mountain faces and the patterns of step farming make the green landscape seem even more pleasing. The murky Sutlej River appears to gently camouflage itself in its rocky background, but the waves’ current is high, so we need to be careful.
Kafnu is well connected by bus, especially from Karcham, Kalpa, and Reckong Peo. There are buses from Rampur, and Rampur is well connected by buses from Shimla.
The road to Kafnu climbs fast over the hydel power project at Wangtoo through a narrow dirt road with precarious cliffs on one side and the Bhaba river on the other.
We will check in to our hotels at the trail’s end. We will rest and proceed with our trek the next day.
Distance: 11 km
Time Taken: 7-8 Hours
Altitude: 3,298 m (10,820 ft)
After a relaxing stay in Kafnu overnight, amid apple orchards right by the gurgling river, we will gear up for the second day of the Pin Bhaba Pass Trek. For the first three hours, we walk on a road near the Janglik Range while the blue Bhaba river cascades beside us in the opposite direction. With its sharp turns and high falls, the Bhabha river is a steady energy source throughout the trek today.
Twenty minutes into the trek, we will start seeing thick layers of old snow forming snouts for the river. We will be gaining an altitude of close to 900 ft, and there will be a lot to walk this day.
We recommend that you be prepared for numerous river crossings on bridges made by unsupported logs. If you fear water, things could start to get interesting. Within four hours of the trek, we would have covered several meters of the climb. Halfway through the day, we would walk in the woods by noon.
Post a tasty lunch, and we will continue walking into the forest, navigating giant boulders and wetlands. Shortly after, we will encounter a patch of sharp descent, and then we will have reached vast open meadows with the tallest ferns you have ever seen. It feels good to be under the sun again after walking through a forest with a closed canopy.
The first campsite is close to here. As you keep walking straight into the meadows, the land opens up around you in its full glory, and you can already see the tents far into the distance. The Bhaba river flows right in the middle of the valley through the floor of the lush green meadows as multiple tributaries hop into it, running down from the lofty mountains on either side of the valley.
We will reach Mulling early in the evening, and it is a beautiful, bovine-rich campsite with horses and trees all around you.
After stopping for a short break, you can explore this magnificent landscape and bask in its glory. Getting some rest after dinner is crucial since this is your first night in a tent and at a higher altitude. Give your body some time to adapt to climate change, so it can better carry you through to the last day.
Distance: 6 Km
Time Taken: 5 Hours
Altitude: 3,532 m (11,590 ft.)
Day 3 is comparatively easy because we won’t be walking much today. We will start early in the morning after breakfast and trek up to the meadows.
The first hour is a straight walk in the fields, leading to a slight climb to the forest area. Shortly after, we will walk through the forest, and everything might seem darker till you cross the room across the stream and onto the other mountain flank.
The climb today involves navigating several huge boulders. Other than some tricky sections, these boulders aid the hike, like a climb up the stairs. While we might struggle to shift our weight on the big rocks continuously, remember to look behind and watch out for the magnificent cloud shadows on mountain faces and the valley creating a stunning play of dark and light shades of green.
Soon after the climb is over, the magnificent Kara meadows come into sight. The wildflowers in the Kara meadows are a plunging yellow and a treat for sore eyes.
Distance: 5 Km
Time Taken: 4 hours
Max Altitude: 4,110 m (13,485 ft.)
Today’s trek is shorter but is a much steeper incline. After walking on a thick glacial slope requiring extreme caution and balance, we hit another steep incline.
There is also a small water crossing here, after which we hit a hazardous section of the trek: a narrow trail that rests on loose rocks with a drop into the ravine on the other side. We must walk across this section very carefully and quickly.
Beyond this point, you will now enter the beautiful land of meadows lying alongside glaciers. It is a sight to behold not just for the beautiful myriad of colors but for the marvel of the coexistence of extreme cold and vitality in the form of summer flowers.
There are numerous small sections of glacier crossing today. After a slight climb on a steep ridge, we will reach the campsite called Lower Pushtirang. When there is excess snow, this is where we camp. If the snow receded, we continued for 20 more minutes to reach the Upper Pushtirang region.
For the next day, we will require microspikes and gaiters to be able to cross the snow-loaded pass. Expect knee-deep snow while crossing the pass.
We tuck in soon afterward to rest as the next day begins around midnight.
Distance: 11 Km
Time Taken: 10 Hrs
Pass Altitude: 4,915 m (16,105 ft)
Mangrungtse Altitude: 4,156 m (13,635 ft)
Today is the most exciting day as we cross the Pin Bhabha pass. This day begins at midnight, and we leave early after we pack our bags, put all our safety gear on, have some light breakfast, pick up our bags, and head out for our adventure.
Water sources will be scarce for the next 6-7 hours, so remember to fill all your water bottles before you leave camp.
The climb is steep through these ridges. Soon enough, we will find ourselves navigating giant boulders on a steep incline and traversing through a rugged glacial path on loose moraines.
While you scale through the magnificent high altitudes, ensure to look up and witness the pastel glow of the glorious sky at the crack of dawn. The trial of light offers a panoramic view of the Kinnaur, the Spiti, and the Janglik Ranges, with snow patches rolling down mountain faces like sweat.
The climb now gets steeper and more complex. Once the rock and scree area ends, we are presented with an endless sheet of snow that we will traverse for a while.
Shortly after, we would have entered the Pin Valley on the Spiti flank of Himachal. You will be taken to the barren landscape with hundreds of shades of orange, brown, and blue. The Pin River now illuminates this landscape flowing through sun-tanned rocks. It is a long road, but you can expect numerous stones and dust in this area.
As you reach the end of this trail, the snow will disappear. The trail now takes you beside the glorious blue Pin River. The trail is straightforward, and some sections are tricky, with several narrow trails, deep gorges, and loose rocks.
Although known as the cold desert, it is not bereft of color, and you learn to see beauty in elements other than the mountains’ flora. From the tip of the valley, you look down on the confluence of three rivers at Tiyaand, a trail junction. The region here is known to be rich in medicinal and colorful shrubs, and you reach the campsite.
Distance: 17 Km trek, 50 Km Drive
Time Taken: 6-8 Hrs Trek, 2 Hrs Drive
Mudh Altitude: 3,788 m (12,420 ft)
Kaza Altitude: 3,800 m (12,500 ft)
The trail is mainly on the flat arid landscape of Spiti. Apart from a few ups and downs, there are no significant hurdles, but it’s a long walk. The Mudh village will be in sight almost 5 km before we reach and will keep us motivated.
There is a swinging bridge before entering the village above the Spiti river, which dangles between two mountains.
Post this, and there is a steep climb to get to this remote mountain habitation teeming with cafes and homestays.
After you reach the village, you can explore the peculiar mountain culture.
We hit the road again, this time to drive toward the town of Kaza. This is where we end our trail for the trek, and we can expect to reach Kaza late evening.
Kaza is the largest township and the commercial hub of the Spiti valley. Famous for its monasteries and local shopping, there are multiple small hamlets close to Kaza for you to explore. A glimpse into how the locals co-exist with the exotic wildlife of the terrain, their peculiar houses, lifestyle, and means of livelihood are fascinating. Our trip to Pin Bhabha Pass ends here.
Distance: 183 Km
Time Taken: 7-8 Hrs
Altitude: 2,050 m (6,725 ft)
This is the last day of the Pin Bhaba Pass trek, and it’s time to say goodbye to your trek mates and your support staff. You’ll reach Manali by late evening and be on your way to the next adventure.
The Pin Bhaba Pass Trek is considered a moderate to difficult trek. This assessment is based on several factors such as the terrain, altitude, and length of the trek.
The trek involves steep ascents, especially when you’re close to reaching the pass. It also includes crossing rivers and a gradual descent. Certain parts of the terrain can be challenging due to their rocky and steep nature. Moreover, the trek reaches an altitude of around 4,915 m, which can bring about altitude sickness or other related complications if proper acclimatization is not done.
In terms of length, the Pin Bhaba Pass Trek is quite long and requires a good level of physical fitness and endurance. Therefore, prior trekking experience, particularly in high-altitude terrains, would be beneficial for those attempting this trek.
Despite these challenges, with the right preparation and guidance, the trek is achievable and offers an incredibly rewarding experience. The breathtaking views, diverse landscapes, and sense of accomplishment make the effort worthwhile.
Participating in the Pin Bhaba Pass Trek requires a combination of physical fitness, appropriate gear, and necessary documentation. Here are the key requirements:
Physical Fitness: Given the trek’s difficulty level, potential participants should have a good level of physical fitness. Prior experience with high-altitude treks is beneficial. It’s recommended to undertake a regular fitness regimen, including cardio exercises like running, swimming, or cycling, for at least a month before the trek.
Medical Fitness: High-altitude trekking can put significant stress on your body. Therefore, it’s essential to get a thorough medical check-up before embarking on the trek. Participants are required to produce a medical certificate stating they are fit for high-altitude trekking.
Essential Gear: The proper gear is crucial for a successful trek. This includes warm clothing (layers are advised due to fluctuating temperatures), sturdy trekking shoes, a good quality backpack, water bottles, sunglasses, sunscreen, personal medication, and energy bars/snacks.
Documentation: A copy of your ID proof is required for registration and permit purposes.
Age Limit: Participants must be at least 18 years of age to join this trek.
Acclimatization: Proper acclimatization is essential to prevent altitude sickness. Spending a day or two at a high-altitude location before starting the trek can help your body adjust.
Medical Certificate: A medical certificate is mandatory for all participants. The certificate should state that the participant is fit for high-altitude trekking and must be obtained from a qualified physician or doctor before the commencement of the trek.
Insurance: Participants are advised to take out insurance policies that cover the risks associated with hiking and mountaineering, including emergency evacuation and third-party liability.
Equipment: All participants must carry personal equipment such as appropriate clothing, footwear, and daypacks. A complete list of the required equipment will be provided before the commencement of the trek.
The food available on the Pin Bhaba Pass Trek is typically vegetarian..The meals are designed to provide trekkers with sufficient nutrition and energy to complete the trek.
Here’s a general idea of what you can expect:
Breakfast: The day will start with a warm and hearty breakfast, which could include Indian dishes like Poha (flattened rice), Upma (a semolina-based dish), paratha, or chapati (Indian bread) with vegetable curries. Beverages such as tea and coffee are also available.
Lunch: Lunch will usually be a packed meal, considering the trekkers would be en route. This will include sandwiches, roti (Indian bread) with a vegetable, fried rice, and perhaps an apple or a banana.
Evening Snacks: On reaching the campsite in the evening, you will be served hot soup and snacks like pakoras (fried fritters) or popcorn.
Dinner: Dinner is typically a more substantial meal with multiple dishes. You will have rice, chapatis, dal (lentil soup), a couple of vegetable curries, and possibly a dessert like kheer (rice pudding) or halwa (a sweet dish made from semolina or wheat).
Throughout the Day: Regular hydration and small snacks are crucial in high-altitude treks. So, you might also be provided with chocolates, energy bars, dry fruits, or biscuits that you can consume during the trek.
Remember, the menu can vary and it’s always a good idea to check with us beforehand if you have any specific dietary preferences or restrictions.
Trekkers will be staying in tents throughout the duration of the trek.
The tents used for accommodation are typically high-altitude alpine tents that are designed to withstand harsh weather conditions. These tents are usually spacious and can accommodate 2-3 people. In addition to sleeping tents, there will also be a separate dining tent where meals are served and a kitchen tent where the food is prepared.
The campsites are usually set up at scenic locations along the trek route, providing trekkers with breathtaking views of the surrounding landscapes. Each campsite is chosen to keep in mind the availability of water sources and flat ground for setting up the tents.
The Pin Bhaba Pass Trek is a remote high-altitude trek, and as such, does not have any established medical facilities along the route. However, Advenchar takes necessary measures to handle medical emergencies.
Trek leaders are trained in wilderness first aid and carry a basic first aid kit for dealing with common ailments like headaches, colds, cuts, and bruises. They are also equipped to handle more serious issues like Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS), which can occur at high altitudes.
For severe emergencies, evacuation plans are in place. If a trekker falls seriously ill, the team will arrange for them to be carried down to the nearest road head where they can be transported to a hospital. This process can be time-consuming given the remote nature of the trek, which underscores the importance of being in good health before starting the trek.
It’s worth mentioning that trekkers should carry their own personal medication, especially if they have specific medical conditions. It’s also recommended to get a thorough health check-up before embarking on the trek and to inform the trek leader about any existing medical conditions.
For the Pin Bhaba Pass Trek, you’ll be dealing with variable weather conditions and temperatures that can range from warm days to cold nights. Therefore, the key is to layer your clothing to adjust to the changing conditions. Here’s a list of recommended clothing:
Base Layer: Start with moisture-wicking thermal underwear (top and bottom) to keep you dry and warm.
Middle Layer: This includes lightweight fleece or down jackets for insulation. For your lower body, trekking pants or convertible trousers are recommended.
Outer Layer: A waterproof and windproof jacket is essential to protect against rain and strong winds. Waterproof trekking pants can also be useful in wet conditions.
Headgear: A woolen or fleece hat to cover your ears is important as it can get quite cold, especially during the night. Additionally, a sun cap or hat is useful for protection against the sun during the day.
Handwear: Waterproof and insulated gloves are recommended to protect your hands from the cold.
Footwear: Good quality, waterproof trekking shoes with a sturdy grip are a must-have. Also, pack several pairs of thermal socks.
Accessories: A neck gaiter or a buff, and sunglasses with UV protection will be handy.
Rainwear: Rain cover for your backpack and a light raincoat or poncho.
Remember, this is a high-altitude trek, so it’s important to be well-prepared for cold temperatures. And don’t forget to break in your trekking shoes before the trek to avoid any discomfort or blisters during the trek.
The Pin Bhaba Pass Trek is a challenging high-altitude trek and requires good physical fitness, proper acclimatization, and appropriate gear. Here are some tips on how to prepare for this trek:
1. Physical Fitness: You should start preparing at least two to three months before the trek. Regular cardiovascular exercises like running, cycling, and swimming can help improve your stamina. Strength training exercises targeting the core, legs, and back will also be beneficial. Aim to be able to jog or run 5 km in 30 minutes before you go on the trek.
2. High Altitude Acclimatization: The Pin Bhaba Pass Trek reaches a high altitude where the air is thinner and oxygen levels are lower. It’s important to spend a couple of days at a high-altitude location before starting the trek to allow your body to acclimatize.
3. Trekking Gear: Proper gear is crucial for a successful trek. This includes sturdy, waterproof trekking shoes, a good-quality backpack with rain cover, a trekking pole, a headlamp, water bottles, and a personal medical kit.
4. Clothing: Pack layers of clothing as temperatures can vary greatly. Include thermal base layers, fleece jackets, down jackets, waterproof outer layers, thermal socks, gloves, and sun protection gear like a cap or hat and sunglasses.
5. Nutrition and Hydration: Stay hydrated and eat nutritious food throughout the trek. Carry snacks like energy bars, dry fruits, and electrolyte powders to keep your energy levels up.
6. Medical Check-up: Get a thorough medical check-up before the trek to ensure you are in good health. If you have any pre-existing medical conditions, consult your doctor about whether it’s safe for you to go on the trek.
Remember, preparation is key when it comes to high-altitude treks like the Pin Bhaba Pass Trek. It’s not just about physical fitness, but also mental determination and a positive attitude.
You can make your booking at our website www.advenchar.com or you can contact us at hello@advenchar.com.
You must be at least 18 years old to make a booking with us. After the booking, our team will send you a confirmation of the booking.
We understand that you may have to change your travel plans due to the Covid-19 situation, so considering this we have introduced a Book Now, Pay Later facility for all the participants. However, you will be required to pay the full amount at least 15 days prior to the departure date.
If you wish to cancel/modify your existing booking, you can do so by logging in to www.advenchar.com, and pay through the dashboard or you can drop us a mail at hello@advenchar.com with all the details of your booking, and we’ll cancel it for you.
You can claim a 100% refund if you choose to cancel your booking before 15 days. The refund will primarily be in the form of a voucher valid for 12 months. You can also opt for a cash refund provided the booking is not part of a promotional offer or a coupon code provided by Advenchar.
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EXCELLENT69 reviews on
Rishi RaghavAugust 10, 2023.We were a group of 9 to trek to the Kashmir Great Lakes with Advenchar in the first week of August, 2023. Swena was kind enough to accommodate us at the last minute since our trek to Tarsar Marsar was cancelled at the last minute with another company. Being a small group, we were able to start early in the morning, cover the hard sections before the sun came up & reach the campsite well before the evening rains. We were guided by Neil from Advenchar through the trek who is as well versed with the mountains as one can possibly get. The local Kashmiri team fed us to our hearts content. Bajjis, gulab jamoons, soup, kawa, sooji ka halwa was what I relished the most during the evening snacks. Mountain stories from Neil, crystal clear weather during the trek, the camaraderie among the co-trekkers & the ever helpful team made the pretty pretty KGL trek all the more memorable. Only disappointment was the trash at Vishnusar & Ganagabal campsites. Wished we had camped further away at these 2 sites. But the remaining 4 campsites were clean & beautiful. I would definitely do my next trek with Advenchar! Thank you for such a wonderful & beautiful experience!Sheryl -August 6, 2023.It is my first time trekking in India & I chose Advenchar for their positive reviews & small batch sizes. The team also patiently answered the many, many questions I had & were always available. True enough, I had a great & smooth experience with the KGL trek. The guides & helpers were experienced, knowledgeable & helpful. The trek timings were well planned; we often set off earlier & managed to avoid the rain. The food was delicious, varied & planned according to the trek. The tents were of high quality, withstanding the evening rain. Overall, I would recommend Advenchar, a huge thanks to them for everything. 🙂Neetha Sharma BAugust 5, 2023.karthik bAugust 5, 2023.This is my 1st trek with Advenchar. I really enjoyed the KGL Trek . Team Advenchar is focused on their small groups to deliver good experience for the trek enthusiasts. Kudos to team Advenchar.KIran SHarmaAugust 5, 2023.Like always Advenchar is the best. Srinagar to Srinagar it was a great experience to be a part of KGL trek. Hospitality is up to the mark. Overall we had a great time. Looking forward for more treks with Advenchar. Thank you for this memorable trek team Advenchar 😍.Sid MaloJune 13, 2023.NILESH ABHANGJune 8, 2023.Excellent experience Amazing team. Keep the hardwork going. 👌🎊Sukriti DilwariaJune 7, 2023.It was my first trek, and I have to say, it was one of the best experiences I've ever had. The team was extremely professional and particular in their conduct and the trek was properly organised and executed.Husain NasirJune 7, 2023.The staff is amazing right from the owner to the cook and other helpers. Would highly advise to let the client have an option of changing their trek in case the intended trekking destination is experiencing harsh weather.Load more
