




The Pin Bhaba Pass makes for a thrilling trek in Himachal Pradesh. It is a Himalayan adventure that takes you from the lush, emerald meadows of Kinnaur's Bhaba Valley to the rugged and barren high-altitude desert of Spiti's Pin Valley, a breathtaking transition few trails can match. Over the course of this journey, the scenery transforms like a living storybook: dense pine and oak forests give way to rolling alpine pastures, glacial streams roar through narrow gorges, and finally, vast moonscapes of wind-carved rock open under an endless sky.
This spectacular trekking tour in Himachal Pradesh, which starts from Manali to Shimla via the legendary Pin Bhaba Pass (4,900 m), blends dramatic Himalayan landscapes with fascinating cultural encounters. Your adventure begins with a scenic drive through the starkly beautiful high mountain passes of Rohtang La and Kunzum La, past the Chandra River and charming Spiti villages, to reach Kaza, the vibrant heart of Spiti Valley.
A short drive along the Spiti River leads to Mudh Village in the remote Pin Valley National Park, where the trek begins. Trails wind through barren rock formations, alpine meadows, and isolated settlements to Mudh Pharka and onward to the base camp at Mangrungtse, a region known for rare wildlife such as the elusive snow leopard. The highlight of this challenging trek in Himachal is the ascent to Pin Bhaba Pass, where you're rewarded with sweeping views of both the stark Spiti desert and the lush Kinnaur valley, a striking contrast unique to this route.
Descending into the greener Kinnaur region, the trail passes the camps of Kara and Mulling, through wildflower meadows, pine forests, and sparkling streams. The trek concludes at Kafnu, followed by a comfortable drive through Rampur and Narkanda to Shimla, with its colonial charm. This expedition offers a perfect balance of rugged adventure, high-altitude challenge, and immersive Himalayan culture, making it one of the best treks in Himachal Pradesh.
Arrive in Manali after a scenic 7 - 8-hour drive from Chandigarh or Delhi. Rest, relax, and acclimatize to the mountain air. (Recommended: reach Chandigarh airport/railway station before noon for the transfer.)
Begin early, driving to Rohtang Pass, which is the gateway to Lahaul, Spiti, and Zanskar in Ladakh. Continue past Gramphu and along the Chandra River to Chatru and Batal, then climb to Kunzum La for breathtaking views of the CB peaks, Mulkila (6,400 m), and Bara Shigri glacier. Follow the Spiti River through picturesque villages to Kibber and on to Kaza. Overnight in a hotel or camp.
Drive along the Spiti River to Attargo and into Pin Valley, passing the villages of Gulling and Sagnum. From Mudh, descend to the Pin River and cross the river bridge and a small plateau. Trek through fields to tonight's campsite at Mud Pharka.
Leaving Mud Pharka, the trail to the base at Mangrungtse is relatively gentle. At the valley's end, the path splits, right toward the Pin Parvati Pass leading to Kullu's Parvati Valley, and left toward Bhaba Pass. Vegetation thins as you ascend, yet the area teems with wildlife, including the elusive snow leopard and grazing yak and dzo. Pin Valley stands apart with its striking sedimentary rock formations.
An early start is recommended to cross the pass at the right time, as the day can be long. The trail begins rugged, leading over moraine, scree, and boulder fields, then across snowy patches to the 4,900 m elevation. After the pass, a steep descent reveals lush green pastures where Kinnauri shepherds graze their flocks in summer. The valley gradually widens as you reach the Kara campsite on the banks of the Wanger River.
Today, we leave Kara and begin by crossing a series of sparkling mountain streams before entering lush, flower-strewn meadows. The trail descends steeply in sections, revealing ever-changing vistas. By afternoon, we reach the magnificent Gulling campsite, where the valley unfolds at its most breathtaking.
Today, we depart Gulling and trek through dense forests of pine, cedar, and birch, passing the stumps of towering fir and spruce trees. The trail gently descends along the Wanger River until traditional Kinnauri houses signal our approach to Kafnu. Here, our vehicle awaits to drive us to Rampur, once the summer capital of the Bushahr kingdom. Famous for its lively November Lavi Fair, where traders from Spiti, Tibet, Lahaul, Kullu, and Shimla gather. Rampur also showcases remarkable Himalayan art and architecture. Continuing via Narkanda and Kufri, we reach Shimla to check into the hotel and explore the charming Mall Road.
Depart early for Chandigarh for onward flights, or take the picturesque Shimla - Kalka toy train to connect to Chandigarh and Delhi. This is where your trekking tour in Himachal Pradesh comes to an end.
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