Overview
Set out for a 7 days hike to Pin Bhaba Pass and embark on a fantastic Himalayan adventure. Uncover the dramatic contrasts between Spiti’s desolate, arid loveliness and Kinnaur’s lush landscape. With its scenic scenery, river crossings and high-altitude pass crossing, this challenging trek presents the unique experience of connecting two different worlds of the Himalayas. By taking care of the campsites, guides and permits, we allow you to experience the pure glory of this remote region.
Trek Duration: 6 Nights 7 Days
Trek Schedule Details:
Day 1: Make your way to Kafnu
Duration: 10 to 11 hours drive
It’s going to be a long journey to Kafnu on this day of arrival. The climb over the Bhaba Pass starts in the village of Kafnu in Himachal Pradesh’s Kinnaur district. Enjoy a long drive is proof of just how far from the starting point it is. The objective for the day is to reach the trailhead. Stay overnight in Kafnu.
Day 2: Kafnu to Mulling
Duration: 5 to 6 hours
Begin the first trekking day early morning. The trek starts along a riverbed with apple orchards and rises through the Janglik Range. Trekkers are faced with a steady 900-meter ascent over 10 kms, including wooden bridges over rivers. It involves ascending through river valleys and forest cover. There’s a campsite along the route called Mulling. The duration indicates a moderate trekking day. Arriving around 3 PM, the Mulling campground has river streams, grazing animals, and wildflowers of every color. Stay in Mulling for a layover.
Day 3: Mulling to Kara
Duration: 4 to 5 hours
At 10 AM, a short hike that follows the river through meadows starts after yoga and brunch. The first challenge is to cross a river with teamwork and cold-water tolerance. A sharp climb of 300 meters challenges heavy pack hikers. The route takes you through the boulder fields and forests with mountain faces to look out over cloud shadows and coloured wildflowers. The hike with challenging parts in between, arrives at the campsite by 2:30 PM, with another crossing of an icy river. Witness the grazing sheep and spend leisure. Stay overnight in Kara.
Day 4: Kara to Pushtirang
Duration: 4 to 5 hours
Today the hike starts with a few cold stream crossings and a steep incline which demands endurance and coordination. Hikers ascend through glacial terrain and a loose-rock, dangerous trail after 30 minutes of ice-cold water. Along glaciers, the landscape transforms into multicoloured meadows, a stunning blend of summer blooms and harsh cold.
In the afternoon, reach the lower or upper Pushtirang campground. Microspikes and gaiters are distributed after the stretch to prepare for crossing the snow-capped pass the following day. Stay relaxed overnight for a challenging trip and knee-deep snow.
Day 5: Pushtirang to Baldar via Bhaba Pass
Duration: 13 to 15 hours
Today is the Bhaba Pass crossing. Layered gear and headlamps are required for the steep, dark climb. Boulder fields, glaciers and scree are all navigated on a relaxed, leader-guided climb. Witness the views of Spiti and Kinnaur are opened at sunrise. Gaiters and microspikes are used for knee-deep snow travel.
The 4915 meter-high-pass offers stunning views and a respite to the dry landscape of Spiti. Next is a treacherous downhill journey over slushy snow. The Pin River runs through and suddenly, the landscape turns into a red and brown desert. The snow ceases at 1:30 PM for lunch. There are gorges and narrow places on the river as the trail goes along. Stay overnight in Baldar.
Day 6: Buffer Day
In case of bad weather or other adversity, this day is reserved as a buffer day. It will only be utilized if last-minute and unavoidable conditions arise.
Day 7: Baldar to Mudh to Kaza
Duration: 5 to 6 hours trek + 2 hours drive
The journey to Mudh Village begins at 10 AM from Baldar and includes the crossing of rivers over wood bridges. After 40 minutes, Mudh can be witnessed in the distance. The landscape is of earth and the paths are narrow and muddy. In the afternoon, there are two hurdles; a strenuous 20-minute hike up to Mudh and a 30-meter suspended bridge over the Spiti River.
Travel two hours to Kaza, the conclusion of the expedition after visiting Mudh. Kaza is the major town of Spiti, has local markets and monasteries.