Pin Bhaba Pass is hands down the most dramatic pass crossing trek in our country. That is a bold statement to make. Especially when we have so many pass crossing treks in our country.
But what you see when you stand at the pass is a testament to this bold statement we make.
Once at the pass you see Pin valley below you, in various shades of pink, set amidst the stark and deserted mountains of Spiti. While behind you is the lush green Bhaba valley. That is when you realize how remarkable the changes in the landscape are.
But it is not just on the pass crossing day that you witness this drama. It starts right from day one!
Take for instance the forests of Mulling on day one. Here is the thing about the forests of Mulling. Unlike other treks, the forests here are enchanting! They’re right out of a storybook.
A turquoise blue river gushes through the forest on one side, and little brooks skip and jump through the trees on the others.
Itinary
DAY 1: Trek from Kafnu to Mulling
- Trek Distance: 11 km
- Trek Duration: 8 hours
- Altitude Gain: 8,275 ft to 10,820 ft
- Moderate. Easy walk on motor road for 2.65 km followed by 4.5 km ascent. Level walk for about 1 km then ascend all the way to Mulling.
DAY 2: Trek from Mulling to Karah
- Trek Distance: 6 km
- Trek Duration: 5 hours
- Altitude Gain: 10,820 ft to 11,590 ft
- Moderate. Gradual ascent for 3.3 km followed by 1.5 km of steep ascent, easing off at the last 1.2 km.
DAY 3: Trek from Karah to Phutsirang
- Trek Distance: 5 km
- Trek Duration: 4 hours
- Altitude Gain: 11,590 ft to 13,485 ft
- Moderate. Steep ascent throughout.
DAY 4: Acclimatization and rest day at Phutsirang
DAY 5: Trek from Phutsirang to Mangrungse via Pin Bhaba Pass
- Trek Distance: 11 km
- Trek Duration: 10 hours
- Altitude Gain and Loss: 13,485 ft to 13,635 ft via 16,105 ft
- Difficult. Steep ascent for close to 3 km to reach the pass followed by a river crossing and gradual descent through moraine and scree all the way to the campsite.
DAY 6 Trek from Mangrungse to Mudh
- Trek Distance: 17 km
- Trek Duration: 7 hours
- Altitude Loss: 13,635 ft to 12,420 ft
- Moderate-difficult. Initial easy 4 km trail followed by gradual descent and flat walk through moraine.
DAY 7: Drive back from Mudh to Manali
- Drive Distance: 232 km
- Drive Duration: 7-8 hours
- Drop off point Indiahikes trekkers: Main Bus Stand, Rambagh Circle, Manali
