Pin Parvati Pass Trek: A Journey Through Heaven and Hell

“Some treks are about reaching the summit, some about the landscapes—but the Pin Parvati Pass Trek is about survival, resilience, and the raw, untamed beauty of nature. This was, without a doubt, the most grueling and rewarding adventure of my life.”

🌄 The Beginning: An Idea Turns Into a Challenge

The idea of trekking Pin Parvati Pass (5,319m) first struck me when I read about its lush-to-barren transition—starting from the green Parvati Valley in Kullu and ending in the cold desert of Spiti. But every experienced trekker I spoke to had the same reaction:

“It’s one of the toughest crossover treks in India. You need to be physically and mentally prepared.”

I took the challenge head-on. Months of training followed—long runs, stair climbs with a weighted backpack, and deep breathing exercises to prepare for high-altitude conditions. But nothing could have truly prepared me for what was to come.

Manali to Barshaini to Kheerganga (2,950m) – Easing Into the Wilderness

The trek began with a drive from Manali to Barshaini, the last motorable village. From there, it was an easy 12 km trek to Kheerganga—a gradual ascent through pine forests and waterfalls.

The highlight? Kheerganga’s hot springs. Soaking in steaming natural water with snow-capped peaks in the background felt surreal. It was also the last time we’d feel “comfortable” on this trek.

Kheerganga to Thakur Kuan (3,560m) – Into the Unknown

As we left civilization behind, the landscape transformed—dense meadows, gushing streams, and the roaring Parvati River running alongside us. The forests gradually faded, and we entered open valleys with grazing sheep and wildflowers.

Crossing the Pandu Pul was a heart-pounding moment—two giant boulders precariously placed over a furious river. One wrong step, and you’d be swept away. Holding my breath, I made it across.

At night, temperatures dropped sharply, and altitude sickness started showing up in some trekkers. Hydration, slow pacing, and deep breathing became our survival tools.

Mantalai Lake (4,110m) – The Turning Point

By now, the lush green meadows were gone, replaced by rocky terrain and scree. The air was thinner, making every step an effort. Reaching Mantalai Lake, the source of the Parvati River, was a moment of silence and awe. The glacial lake, surrounded by barren peaks, felt sacred—untouched by time. But the hardest part was ahead.

The next morning, we faced multiple river crossings. The water was freezing, knee-deep, and flowing fast. One of our group members slipped, barely managing to hold onto a rock. We formed a human chain to cross safely.

That night, the reality hit me—this trek wasn’t just about reaching the pass. It was about enduring whatever the mountains threw at us.

Parvati side base camp (4,700m) – The Wall Before the Storm

The climb to Base Camp was a nightmare—steep ascents over loose moraines, ice patches, and boulder fields. Oxygen levels dropped, and headaches became common. We were now at the mercy of the weather, which could change in an instant. Our guide warned:

“If the snowstorm starts, we turn back. No summit is worth a life.”

That night, the temperature dropped to -10°C. Inside my sleeping bag, I could feel my breath condense. The wind howled outside, and the reality of where we were finally sank in.

Summit Day – Pin Parvati Pass (5,319m) – The Ultimate Test

The longest, hardest, and most exhilarating day of my life. We started at 3 AM, roped together for safety against crevasses. Crampons crunched against the ice, and the wind cut through our layers. Every step was slow, deliberate, exhausting.

After six hours of relentless ascent, we stood at the Pin Parvati Pass—5,319m above sea level.

The view was surreal—on one side, the green valleys of Kullu; on the other, the stark, brown mountains of Spiti. It was like standing between two different worlds. There was no celebration, just deep, overwhelming exhaustion and silent gratitude.

But our journey wasn’t over—the descent was just as brutal.

The Spiti Descent – A Different World

As we descended into Pin Valley, the landscape changed dramatically—no vegetation, just vast, cold desert mountains.

Villages like Tiya and Mudh felt frozen in time—Buddhist prayer flags fluttering, ancient monasteries standing firm.

We reached Kaza, the end of our trek, and devoured steaming plates of momos and thukpa. My body ached, I had lost weight, but the feeling of accomplishment was beyond words.

🧭 Lessons from Pin Parvati Trek

✔️ Fitness is everything: You need strong legs, endurance, and mental resilience.

✔️ The mountains don’t care about your ego: Stay humble. If the weather turns bad, turn back.

✔️ Listen to your body: AMS can hit anyone. Hydration, acclimatization, and pacing matter.

✔️ Teamwork can save lives: From river crossings to crevasses, a good trekking team is crucial.

✔️ The best moments are often the hardest: The toughest climbs bring the most rewarding views.

Final Thought: Would I Do It Again?

“Some treks leave you with beautiful memories. Pin Parvati leaves you with a transformation.”

It broke me, tested me, and at times, I wanted to give up. But standing at the pass, staring into the endless expanse of Spiti, I found a part of myself I never knew existed.

Would I do it again?

Maybe. But some journeys are meant to be done just once—so they remain perfect, untouched in memory.

If you’re planning to take on Pin Parvati, prepare well, respect the mountains, and embrace the unexpected. It will be an experience unlike any other.