India10 days
Pin Parvati Pass Trek — 10 Days
High alpine crossing in the Himalayas, from Parvati Valley to Spiti, 5,300 metres
The Pin Parvati Pass trek is a high-altitude mountaineering route across the western Himalayas, linking the Parvati Valley with the Spiti region over ten days. The trek demands solid alpine experience and acclimatization; it involves steep snow slopes, crevassed terrain, and river crossings. The route begins in the Parvati Valley at Kasol, climbs through forested meadows and river passages to reach Mantalai Lake — the source of the Parvati River — then ascends to the pass itself at 5,300 metres before descending into the high desert landscape of Spiti Valley. The final days walk down through shepherd country to Mud village and drive onward to Kaza and Manali. Trekkers camp throughout, with support from certified guides, cooks, and porters.
Highlights
- Kheerganga meadows (2,707m) — a warm spring basin ringed by forest
- Tunda Bhuj crossing via jhula pul (rope bridge) across flowing water
- Mantalai Lake (3,930m) — the source of the Parvati River, surrounded by lateral moraines
- Pin Parvati Pass summit at 5,300m — the high point of the crossing, accessed across snow fields and crevassed terrain
- Descent through Spiti Valley's high desert — multi-coloured mountains, open grasslands, and the Pin River
- Ki Monastery near Kaza, perched above the Spiti River gorge
Day by day
1Kasol to Kheerganga Meadows — Forest EntryKasol · Kheerganga Meadows · Barsheni to Kheerganga Meadows
The trek begins with a 45-minute drive from Kasol (1,539m) to Barsheni, the official trailhead. From here, a 3-4 hour forest walk ascends through dense woodland, with the path gradually opening into the meadows of Kheerganga (2,707m). The meadow sits in a sheltered basin, warmed by natural hot springs where trekkers can rinse off the initial day's exertion. A dhabas (roadside shelter) operates nearby. Night is spent in camp on the meadow.
2Kheerganga to Tunda Bhuj — Forest and River PassageKheerganga to Tunda Bhuj · Tunda Bhuj · Parvati River
A 6-7 hour trek leads onward through lush meadow and forested terrain, with multiple ascents and descents. The route crosses the Parvati River via a jhula pul — a traditional pulley bridge strung across the water. Granite cliffs overlook the meadows along this section. The day ends at Tunda Bhuj (3,300m), where camp is pitched in tent.
3Tunda Bhuj to Thakur Kuwan — Plateau AscentTunda Bhuj to Thakur Kuwan · Thakur Kuwan
A 5-6 hour trek moves upward from Tunda Bhuj to Thakur Kuwan (3,500m). The route follows meadow and ridge terrain as altitude gradually increases.
4Thakur Kuwan to Ody Thach — Boulder River CrossingsOdy Thach · Pandu Pul crossings
A 3-4 hour day features two major river crossings: the Pandu Pul crossings, where large boulders with stone staircases serve as bridges. These require careful footwork and guide assistance. Beyond the crossings, the path straightens across open terrain to Ody Thach (3,600m), a wide meadow overlooked by the Kullu Eiger peak. Camp is established in tent on the meadow.
5Ody Thach to Mantalai Lake — River Valley TraverseMantalai Lake · Parvati River · lateral moraine
A 4-5 hour trek runs alongside the Parvati River, mostly on flat terrain with views across the valley floor. The final section climbs a lateral moraine—the day's main effort—before opening onto a vast expanse of even ground where small rivulets flow across the landscape. You'll arrive at Mantalai Lake (3,930m), the source of the Parvati River. Spend time exploring the area, photographing the glacial basin and surrounding moraines, before setting up camp for the night.
6Mantalai to Pin Parvati Pass Basecamp — Steep Moraine and SnowfieldMantalai to Pin Parvati Pass Basecamp · Pin Parvati Pass Basecamp
An early morning departure signals the trek's most challenging section. The 3-hour ascent begins with wading through rivulets before tackling a steep, poorly marked trail that demands careful footing. As elevation increases, the terrain transitions through moraine areas—unstable, boulder-strewn ground requiring deliberate movement. Emerging from this technical section, the landscape opens into a vast snowfield at 4,450m, where camp is established for the night. The location offers stark beauty: glaciers rise in the distance, moraines stretch across the surrounding terrain, and occasionally the deep rumble of avalanche breaks the silence, a reminder of these mountains' power. After arrival, guides depart on a reconnaissance trip to evaluate conditions for tomorrow's pass crossing. Rest early and deeply—the Pin Parvati Pass attempt begins before dawn.
7Pin Parvati Pass Summit and Descent to Spiti — 8–9 Hour Alpine CrossingPin Parvati Pass · Pin River · Spiti Valley · Bedu Tanch
Departure occurs between 2:00 and 5:00 a.m., depending on snow and weather conditions. The entire day is spent on snow — a steep climb dotted with rocks and lined with crevasses leads to a col, followed by snow field traversal and a final steep ascent of roughly one hour to the pass summit (5,300m). After time at the pass, descent follows through snow fields and moraine sections, then down to the Pin River in Spiti Valley. A river crossing and walk to the campsite at Bedu Tanch conclude the day (8-9 hours of movement). Tent accommodation follows.
8Bedu Tanch to Tiya — Trek Through High SpitiBedu Tanch to Tiya · Tiya
Trek from Bedu Tanch down to Tiya, situated at 3,876m in high Spiti terrain. Along the way, pause to photograph the landscape and connect with fellow trekkers. Settle into camp as evening falls, resting well before tomorrow's stage.
9Tiya to Mud Village and Kaza — Spiti Landscape and Road TransferTiya to Mud · Mud Village · Kaza · Mud to Kaza
A 7-8 hour trek moves from Tiya (3,876m) to Mud (3,740m), then a 2-hour drive reaches Kaza (3,800m). The trek traverses gentle, open landscape — multi-coloured mountains, wide grasslands, and the Pin River flowing below. Shepherd camps are passed and streams crossed. Mud village, set at the base of mountains with barley fields, offers a glimpse of local pastoral life. From Mud, a road transfer leads to Kaza, where accommodation is in a hotel for the night, with access to hot showers.
10Kaza to Manali — High Pass Return DriveKaza to Manali · Kunzum Pass
An 8-hour drive from Kaza (3,800m) to Manali (2,000m) follows via Kunzum Pass, completing the trek. The route descends through mountain passes back into the Parvati Valley region.
Included
- Accommodation in tents on sharing basis
- All meals (Veg) from from Packed Lunch on the 1st day to Breakfast on the 10th Day
- Good quality of alpine tents
- Fresh and clean Sleeping bags of good quality
- First Aid / Medical kit
- Certified Mountain Guide and Instructors
- Cook, Helper
- Porter / Mule charges for carrying camping equipment & rations
- Forest entry charges, permits & Camping fee for Indian guest only
Not included
- GST @ 5%
- Transport to/from Base Camp
- Any personal expenses
- Any meals/services not mentioned above
- Any charges for video cameras, still cameras, etc.
- Travel Insurance
- Cost incured due to any kind of emergency
- Personal Porter Charges
- Cost escalation due to change in itinerary Natural reason of unforeseen conditions like Landslides, Road Blockage, Bad Weather, Social or Political Unrest, Strikes, sudden shut down of any govt office etc
Activities: Trekking