Pin Parvati Pass Trek

Start early from Manali and drive 97 km via scenic Manikaran, known for its hot springs and Manikaran Sahib Gurudwara, to reach Barsheni (2200 m). From here, trek 9 km through forests, waterfalls, and small villages, crossing a wooden bridge over the Parvati River before the steep final climb to the grassy meadow of Kheerganga, famous for its natural hot springs.

Today, the trail winds through a muddy forest path and climbs steadily out of the gorge. As the valley widens, you'll cross lush pastures dotted with colorful wildflowers. The route then levels out, meandering through dense conifer forests before opening into sweeping alpine meadows. When you reach the Tunda Bhuj campsite (3,250 m / 11,023 ft), you're greeted with stunning views of the valley below and cascading waterfalls on the opposite cliffs. The entire Tunda Bhuj area is adorned with birch forests. Overnight stay in Tunda Bhuj.

After breakfast, set out from Tunda Bhuj along a path that winds through birch groves, rocky stretches, and dense vegetation before gently descending to the riverbank. It's a relatively short trek today, with only a modest gain in elevation. As you rise above the tree line, the trail narrows and becomes a bit more rugged. Your destination, Thakur Kuan, lies beside the Parvati River on a broad meadow ideal for camping. Nearby stands a shepherd's trolley bridge, once the main crossing before a wooden bridge below was washed away by high water. Spend the afternoon exploring the peaceful surroundings and soaking in the river views.

We follow the Parvati River upstream, climbing gently until we reach the first bridge. A brief descent brings us to a striking natural rock bridge, a massive boulder spanning the river, known as Pandu Pul (3,680 m). After crossing, the trail shifts to the river's right bank and rises steadily for about an hour. As the climb ends, expansive green meadows unfold before us. This is Odi Thatch, dotted with shepherd encampments and grazing sheep, “Thatch” meaning “meadow” in the Kulluvi dialect. From our campsite at the meadow's edge, enjoy breathtaking views of the Kullu Eiger (5,650 m / 18,530 ft) rising majestically across the river.

Continuing further on your trekking tour in Himachal Pradesh, we leave the lush Odi Thatch meadows and head for our next campsite at Mantalai. Gaining about 300 m in altitude, the route offers a steady but gentle ascent with no major descents. The trekking trail meanders through vibrant flower-filled meadows and occasional boulder fields carved by streams, following the right bank of the Parvati River to mini Mantalai. Just before reaching the lake, a final 200 m climb over boulders and moraine leads to the stunning Mantalai glacial lake (4,130 m / 13,549 ft). Our campsite sits along the lake's grassy shores, a serene marshland encircled by towering Himalayan peaks and marked by a small temple adorned with cairns and prayer flags, making it an idyllic place to unwind after the day's trek.

Today is a long and challenging trek, with an elevation gain of nearly 800 m. We start early, following the valley trail across muddy stretches, loose scree, and small stream crossings. Keeping to the left, we tackle a steep, steady ridge that marks the start of a demanding ascent. The path winds through boulder-strewn and scree-filled terrain, gradually leaving the main valley behind. After crossing a series of rugged, rocky sections, a final steep climb brings us to the base of Pin Parvati Pass. Our last push along a rocky ridge leads to the edge of the magnificent Parvati Glacier, where we set up camp at Base Camp (4,940 m / 16,207 ft). From here, enjoy breathtaking views of Parvati South and the striking Pyramid Peak shimmering to the west.

We begin early for the big day, crossing Pin Parvati Pass into Spiti. The trek starts across a vast ice and snowfield, carefully navigating crevasses and icy slopes while following the guide's trail. A final steep climb over a rocky ridge brings us to the 5,300 m / 17,400 ft pass in about 3 - 4 hours. Early ascent is crucial, as firmer morning snow makes for safer footing, and clear skies offer sweeping views of Spiti's peaks and valleys. From the top, we descend over snow and loose scree, cross an icy stream, and reach our grassy Pin-side Base Camp at 4,400 m / 14,450 ft by the Pin River.

Today's trek follows the left bank of the Pin River, descending gradually over loose rocks and crossing several small streams. The scenery transforms dramatically, shifting from the lush greens of Parvati Valley to the stark, barren beauty of Spiti. Our campsite lies in a broadening section of the valley, with views of the trail toward Bhaba Pass. We settle here for the night, with Mudh village just a short distance away.

Leaving camp, we trek through a wide, open valley dotted with countless streams. The Pin Valley's dramatic palette of green valley floors set against colorful mountain slopes is breathtaking. After a brief lunch stop, we continue to Mudh, the first village of Pin Valley, where we pause for tea and sample local Himalayan flavors at a homestay. A short time is spent exploring the village's mountain culture before a two-hour drive takes us to Kaza.

On the final day of our Pin Parvati adventure, we drive from Kaza to Manali. The route passes Losar, the last village of Spiti, then ascends to Kunzum La Pass (4,551 m), linking Spiti with Lahaul. From there, the road descends to Batal and follows the Chandra River for several hours before entering the Atal Tunnel, continuing through Dhundi and Solang Nala, and finally reaching Manali, where the journey concludes.