Pin Parvati Pass Trek – The Ultimate Himalayan Crossover

The Pin Parvati Pass Trek (5,319m) is one of the most challenging and rewarding treks in India. It connects the lush Parvati Valley (Kullu, Himachal Pradesh) to the barren Pin Valley (Spiti, Himachal Pradesh), offering a stunning contrast in landscapes.

1️⃣ Quick Facts About Pin Parvati Pass Trek

📍 Location: Himachal Pradesh (Kullu to Spiti)

⏳ Duration: 10–11 days

📏 Trek Distance: ~100–110 km

⛰️ Max Altitude: 5,319m (17,450 ft)

⚡ Difficulty Level: Difficult (Steep ascents, glaciers, river crossings)

🌦️ Best Time to Trek: July to September (Post-monsoon)

❄️ Terrain: Meadows, moraines, glaciers, river crossings, rocky sections

2️⃣ Why Do the Pin Parvati Trek?

✅ Crossover Trek: Transition from lush green forests to stark Spitian landscapes.

✅ High-Altitude Adventure: A thrilling 5,319m pass crossing.

✅ Hot Springs at Kheerganga: Natural geothermal springs for relaxation.

✅ Glacier & River Crossings: Exciting rope-assisted crossings over icy streams.

✅ Pin Valley National Park: Spot Himalayan Ibex, Snow Leopards (rare), and unique flora.

3️⃣ Detailed Pin Parvati Trek Itinerary

🔹 Day 1: Manali to Barshaini to Kheerganga (2,950m) – 12 km, 5-6 hrs

• Drive from Manali to Barshaini (4-5 hrs).

• Trek through dense oak & rhododendron forests.

• Kheerganga Hot Springs – Natural sulphur springs for a warm bath.

🔹 Day 2: Kheerganga to Tunda Bhuj (3,270m) – 12 km, 5-6 hrs

• Walk through alpine meadows & waterfalls.

• Spot wildflowers & grazing sheep.

• Camp near the Parvati River.

🔹 Day 3: Tunda Bhuj to Thakur Kuan (3,560m) – 12 km, 6-7 hrs

• First river crossing over log bridges.

• Trek past Mantalai Valley with massive boulders.

🔹 Day 4: Thakur Kuan to Odi Thach (3,810m) – 9 km, 4-5 hrs

• Cross the Pandu Pul (Boulder Bridge).

• Enter vast grasslands & glacial moraines.

🔹 Day 5: Odi Thach to Mantalai Lake (4,110m) – 12 km, 6-7 hrs

• Reach the holy Mantalai Lake, source of the Parvati River.

• Breathtaking glacial lake views.

🔹 Day 6: Mantalai Lake to Base Camp (4,700m) – 11 km, 7-8 hrs

• Steep climb through moraine and scree slopes.

• Acclimatization at high-altitude base camp.

🔹 Day 7: Base Camp to Pin Parvati Pass (5,319m) to Pin Valley Camp (4,400m) – 16 km, 10-12 hrs

• Summit Day – Crossing Pin Parvati Glacier.

• Use ropes & ice axes for crevasse navigation.

• Descend into the cold desert of Spiti.

🔹 Day 8: Pin Valley Camp to Tiya (3,900m) – 14 km, 6-7 hrs

• Enter Pin Valley National Park, home to rare wildlife.

• Reach Tiya, the first village in Spiti.

🔹 Day 9: Tiya to Mudh (3,740m) – 12 km, 5-6 hrs

• Final trek through barren Spitian landscapes.

• Stay at Mudh Village, famous for Buddhist culture.

🔹 Day 10: Mudh to Kaza (3,800m) – Drive 50 km, 2-3 hrs

• Drive to Kaza, the capital of Spiti Valley.

• Explore Key Monastery, Kibber Village.

🔹 Day 11: Kaza to Manali – Drive 200 km, 8-9 hrs

• Cross Kunzum Pass (4,551m).

• Drive via Chandratal Lake (optional detour).

4️⃣ Challenges of the Pin Parvati Trek

⚠️ High Altitude & AMS Risk – Requires proper acclimatization.

⚠️ Glacier Crevasses – Use of ropes, ice axes & crampons needed.

⚠️ River Crossings – Strong Parvati River currents.

⚠️ Extreme Weather – Snowfall, rain & sudden drops in temperature.

⚠️ Remote & No Network – No rescue facilities after Kheerganga.

5️⃣ Best Time to Trek

✔️ July to September – Best for stable weather, clear passes.

❌ Pre-July: Heavy snow, difficult river crossings.

❌ Post-September: Extreme cold, risky glacier movement.

6️⃣ Gear Checklist for Pin Parvati Trek

🔹 Clothing & Layers

✅ Waterproof GORE-TEX Jacket & Pants (For Rain & Snow)

✅ Insulated Down Jacket (-10°C to -20°C)

✅ Thermal Base Layers (Merino Wool)

✅ Trekking Pants (Quick Dry, 2-3 Pairs)

✅ Gloves (Waterproof, Insulated, Liner Gloves)

✅ UV-Protected Sunglasses & Sun Hat

🔹 Trekking & Camping Gear

✅ High-Ankle Waterproof Trekking Boots

✅ Backpack (50-60L) & Daypack (20L, for essentials)

✅ Sleeping Bag (-10°C to -20°C Comfort Rating)

✅ Trekking Poles (Adjustable)

✅ Microspikes (For Glacier Sections)

🔹 Essentials & First Aid

✅ Diamox (AMS Prevention, Consult Doctor)

✅ Electrolyte Powders & ORS

✅ Water Purification Tablets (For Streams)

✅ Protein Bars, Chocolates, Dry Fruits

7️⃣ Cost & Permits

💰 Trek Cost: ₹35,000 – ₹50,000 per person (Including guide, food, tents, transport)

📝 Permits Required:

✔️ Great Himalayan National Park Entry Permit (From Kullu)

✔️ Pin Valley National Park Permit (For Spiti Entry)

8️⃣ Who Should Do the Pin Parvati Pass Trek?

✅ Experienced trekkers (Completed at least one 4,500m+ trek).

✅ Strong endurance & fitness (10+ km trekking per day).

✅ Willing to handle extreme weather & remote conditions.

Final Thoughts

Pin Parvati is a true adventure for experienced trekkers, offering a high-altitude glacier crossing, stunning valley transitions, and challenging river crossings. The contrast from the lush Parvati Valley to Spiti’s cold desert makes it one of the most beautiful but demanding Himalayan treks.