Pin Bhaba Pass Trek
Himachal Pradesh
Grade
Moderate to Difficult
No of Days
Maximum Altitude
4900m
Price
INR 22500/- per person Shimla to Manali
Available Date
Customized dates available
About Pin Bhaba Pass Trek
Of all the Marvellous Crossover treks in India, Pin Bhaba pass trek is the grandest one. It is a high mountain pass with an Elevation of (16,100 ft). It sits quite high on the placid of Northern Indian State of Himachal Pradesh in the Indian Himalayas. Indian Himalayas has planet's highest ranges, including Mount Everest. Now when I say Crossover trek, what I mean is that you can literally have the dazzling views of the two distinct worlds at the same time altogether. Thrilling! Isn't it? The Pin Bhaba Pass is one such famous trek in Himachal that can be easily accessible from Shimla, adding to the another factor of trekking near Shimla one can look for. The base camp or head start of this trek is Kafnu, a small village in Kinnaur which is only 200km away from Shimla.
The Pin Bhaba Pass Trek is the journey between the gleaming and rich Bhaba valley in Kinnaur District and frigid and barren Pin valley in Lahaul and Spiti District (A part of the cold desert), Biosphere Reserve of Himachal Pradesh, with adjoining borders Pin Valley National Park and Rupi Bhaba Wildlife Sanctuary. The National Highway 5(India) Connects Kinnaur District and One (Manali-Leh National Highway) Connects Lahaul and Spiti District.
It's like the tale of the two valleys. It has the legacy of the 'finest Crossover trek ever' that no one has witnessed before.
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Pin Bhaba pass trek is a moderate to difficult type of trek. It can only be done by those who are experienced or those who have been to high altitude treks before. It should be avoided at all cost by those who are beginners or planning to go with family. The reasons why Pin Bhaba pass trek isn't for beginners are:
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Dreadful challenges are posed during cross passing the valleys, like you have to climb 3000 ft from one side and descent 3000 ft to the other. Also, In case of emergency, there are no trouble-free exits. So, it becomes quite difficult for the beginner who is not used to these challenges.
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You will come across boulders, moraines, wet and muddy terrains, scree and glacier in the slopes, ascends and descends, so it demands high level fitness, endurance and skills that only experienced ones can have.
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It is a high altitude trek, you will experience altitude gains everyday and usually it leads to acute sickness, so it becomes pretty challenging for those who are not accustomed with altitude gains and high altitude sickness. Hence, it is only suitable for those who have done high altitude treks before like Rupin Pass, Bali pass and Buran Ghati.
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You will have to cross various rivers which will require technique, strength and expertise which begginers don't often have.
Itinarery
Day 01
Day 02
Day 03
Day 04
Day 05
Day 06
Day 07
Day 08
Shimla to Kafnu (2,800m/7,900ft) 200km, 7hrs Drive
The drive from Shimla to Kafnu is long but scenic. You also get the first glimpse of the mesmerizing Bhaba river. Kafnu is a rustic little village shaded in the folds of Kinnaur. Rest and rejuvenate at Kafnu for the trek starting the next day.
Kafnu (2,800 m) to Mulling (3,250 m/10,700ft) 11km 8 hrs Trek
The first day of the trek is quite challenging and takes you through dense coniferous forests, the likes of which no other treks can beat. The altitude gain is quite considerable, which only adds to the thrill. A few minutes into the trek, ‘Bhaba Hydro Project’, India’s first underground dam comes into view, though it should be noted that photography is prohibited there. A little further up the trail, crossing a bridge will bring you to the left bank of the river Bhaba. Stick to the narrow trail that goes up from the riverbank. About 4 km into the trail, you will find yourself amidst a beautiful, dense forest that looks like something right off a fantasy novel! Crossing another bridge over the roaring Bhaba river will open up to a gradual ascent to Mulling. Overnight stay at Mulling in tents.
Mulling (3,250m) to Kara (3,550m/11,700ft) 6km 4-5 hrs
We begin the trek with a gradual ascent over a rugged trail, which paves way for a stunning meadow and waterfall. The trail ascents again, a part of which soon introduces you to a mystical subterranean river, where the gushing sound is prominent, although no river can be seen. Soon, we cross a serene meadow to arrive at the campsite sitting by a stream. Overnight stay at Karah in tents.
Kara (3.550m) to Phutsirang (4,100m/13,500ft) 5km 3-4 hrs
Though it is the shortest day of the trek, it involves a steep ascent. We cross a tributary of the mesmerizing Bhaba river that flows in from Phutsirang. Post crossing the river, resume the steep ascent. The trial is laden with loose rocks, and caution is strongly advised. The day revolves majorly around crossing icy streams, which requires you to pace yourself comfortably. Once you reach the campsite of lower Phutsirang, continue ascending 700 meters further till you find yourself at Phutsirang, which opens up a window to beautiful surrounding passes- Tari Khango, Nimish Khango, and Pin Bhaba Pass!
Phutsirang to Mangrungse (4,150m/13,600ft) via Pin Bhaba Pass (4,900m/16,100ft) 12km 10-12 hrs
The most crucial day of the entire trek, hence the most difficult. Tread through steep inclines and make way across the high passes that bridge the Bhaba and Pin valleys. Though the day is quite taxing, it brings great excitement as you ascend the high mountain pass. It is just as exciting as a summit attempt, if not more. From the highest point of the valley (saddle point), the landscape changes from the verdant grasslands to the nearly barren valleys of Pin. You also get a glimpse of the gushing Pin river from here. The descent takes a notorious turn as the route is covered in moraine and scree. Tread slowly. A few hours later, you attempt to cross the bone-chilling waters of the Pin river, post which the trail descends to the campsite of Mangrungse, sitting by a trickling stream. Drink in the enchanting vistas of the vibrant mountains of Spiti, while enjoying the haunting lullaby the roaring Pin river sings.
Mangrungse to Mudh (3,750m/12,300ft), Drive to Kaza 17km 7-8hrs
The last day of the trek, involving a long trek to Mudh. We start early in the morning, and make our way to the Bara Boulder campsite, from where the trail descends gradually. The water available here isn’t very clean, so it’ wise to refill your bottles right at Mangrungse. Cross the tributary of the Pin river that sits quite close to the Bara Boulder. Crossing the stream brings you to flat land, which offers a sneak peek into the rustic village of Mudh. Finally, a short climb after crossing the suspension bridge over the Pin river will land you at the village. Drive to Kaza after that.
Buffer day (Note:- Buffer day is kept mainly for the weather issues. So the buffer day is generally used if it rains too heavily. Otherwise the buffer day is not utilized, depending upon the weather conditions and trail conditions, decision is to be made by the Trek Leader).
Kaza to Manali, 200km 9-11hrs
You can expect to reach Manali at around 06:00 PM. This marks the end of your trek.
"What included"
Cost of transportation from Shimla to Manali
Cost of Fooding while on trek (Morning and evening Tea, Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner- meals will be provided. Breakfast-Roti, Sabji/Maggi, etc., Lunch/Dinner-Rice/Roti, Sabji, Dal, Achar, etc.).(Day 1:- Evening Tea to Day 8:- Breakfast)
Technical Camping equipments:- Tents(sharing basis), Sleeping Bag, Mattress, Utensils, Microspikes, Technical climbing equipments
Guide,Support staff,cook, Supporting crew.
Cost of Permit fees.
"What not included"
Cost of Personal expenses.
Cost of emergency due to bad weather conditions.
Cost of personal porter for offloading
Meals during transit i.e. meals while on road or travelling will not be provided. Only breakfast will be provided in Last day (Day 8)
Anything which is not mentioned in the inclusion.
Cost of stay in Shimla and Manali.
Extra Stays.
Booking Policy:
To book your trek, you need to pay 30% of the trek fees as advance. Rest 70% to be paid in cash when you reach the basecamp, to be collected by the team leader.
One can pay the amount online(Net Banking, GPay, UPI ID).
Details to be shared on request.
Cancellation Policy:
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30 days before the trek date, full refund of the paid amount
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15 days before the trek date, 50% refund of the paid amount.
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Cancellation less than 15days to the start date of the trek, no refund possible
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In case Himalayan Passion cancels the trek or trip, full refund will be paid.
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One has option to send another person on their behalf.
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One has option to adjust the paid amount on any other trek, if a person cannot join the trek he/she paid for.