There’s a reason we say Pin Bhaba Pass is a trek like no other. “No other trek has been able to match such dramatic changes in scenery,” says Arjun Majumdar, our founder. That is a very bold statement to make, knowing that there are so many treks with such rewarding views in our country. 

But this trek has left a lasting impression on almost every trekker that has tread through its landscape. 

This difficult, but highly rewarding trek has one of the most dramatic crossovers that you can imagine. The landscape is remarkably diverse, transitioning from dense forests to meadows reminiscent of Kashmir's, and culminating in the barren yet colourful valley of Spiti. 

Originally a remote route used by shepherds to travel from Spiti to Kullu, it has now become one of the greatest trekking routes to be discovered in India.  

In the words of one of our trek leaders Diptarka Gupta, “The trek gives you the essence of both Kashmir and Ladakh without actually going to either of them.”  

We believe that this trek will provide terrains and views like no other and leave you awestruck every step along the way. Here is a photo story, highlighting the grandeur of the Pin Bhaba Pass trek. 

Step into the heart of the dense forest of Bhaba Valley

We have always wondered why the jungles of Bhaba valley were said to be so different from other forests. But our trek leaders and founders were in extreme praise of what it has to offer. The first day of the trek takes you through some of the greenest and densest Coniferous forests you will come across, with apple, oak, pine, maple and silver birch trees carpeting the entire landscape. 

When I spoke to Nitesh Kumar, a trek leader at Indiahikes, he was spellbound by the intensity of the jungle and said, “usually you can see the jungle ahead of you for a couple of kilometres at least, but here it was so thick that you could barely see even 100 metres. That’s how dense and full of life this jungle was.” 

Another element which adds to the splendour of this valley, is the powerful Bhaba river making its way through the forest across the Bhaba Valley. No wonder our founder Arjun Majumdar said that “it was the best day one of a trek that I have done.”

Witness views right out of a story book at Mulling Campsite

The Mulling campsite is a picturesque campsite right of a story book. Right by the river bank surrounded by the mountains of the Kinnaur region, with the tree line just beginning to recede, it provides the perfect backdrop to pitch a tent. It’s as if the scenic drawings you created as a child have come to life.

Experience Kashmir like meadows in Himachal

The mesmerization doesn't just stop with the forests, in fact it is just the beginning of something even more dramatic that is yet to come. Remember how earlier we boasted about walking and camping in Kashmir like meadows? Well, here are some of the most breathtaking lush meadows of the Bhaba Valley with endless trails marking the landscape. 

With over 10 river crossings across the valley, be prepared to dip your feet in cold, glacial water! Photo by Sayandeep

Imagine Camping at a river delta at 13000 ft! 

The Phustirang campsite is one of a kind. It is not often that you have the chance to camp by a river delta, but on this trek at Phustirang, that is a possibility.

The fact that you will be spending a whole day here to acclimatise is an additional bonus to explore the delta and flora of the Bhaba valley. 

Speaking of flora, during the month of August, the valley is lit with beds of beautiful wildflowers such as the Yellow Marsh Marigold, Purple Lilies and the Himalayan Bistort. 

The campsite also serves as a vantage point from where you can get a glimpse of three beautiful mountain passes: Nimish Khango (16,185 feet), Tari Khango (17,318 feet) and Pin Bhaba Pass a.k.a Wang Khango (16,105 feet). 

A thrilling and adventurous climb to the pass, where you will be at loss for words

The day you cross the pass is one of the most exciting days on this trek. You start the day at 3am, with a mammoth of an ascent to the pass ahead of you. Navigating through these steep slopes before the sun comes out is a thrill in itself. 

At a certain point if you turn around and look down the slopes, you can see the Phustirang campsite as a tiny little speck in the distance. A small reminder of how far you have come. 

As you keep gaining altitude, you enter the pass that connects the Pin Valley and the Bhaba valley. “Standing there at 16500 ft and then seeing on either side of the pass, is the most dramatic thing you will ever see,” says Arjun Sir. On one side you have the Bhaba mountains with its lush green grasslands and on the other side, the dry, barren, warm shades of the Spiti valley. 

For Nitesh Kumar, one of our veteran trek leaders, the drastic crossover in the landscape resembled and described the drastic transformative shift in his life. Hence, standing at the pass and witnessing that crossover in front of him was truly a special moment for him. He said that, just as the landscape showed the two extremes of nature, it also represented the two extreme sides of his  mind. 

Trekking through the barren, yet vibrant and colourful Pin Valley

After days of walking in lush greenery, to suddenly be devoid of it, is a drastic change. After crossing the pass you enter the Pin Valley, where shades of yellow, pink, purple and orange leave you confused. Why confused? Because you expect it to be just brown and deserted, similar to the landscape of Ladakh, but what you see on this trek are so many bright colours across the valley slopes. Each stone is tinged with a different colour and will leave you in awe. “I couldn't believe my eyes or imagine that I would see whole slopes filled with purple and pink rocks! It was really an amazing sight!” says Nitesh.  

The Pin Valley is also a very important geological location. This region was once part of the Tethys Sea, therefore making these rock formations even older than the Himalayas! Now imagine, you get the chance to walk through these rock formations that are millions of years old!

You trek ends at the “peas-ful” and secluded village of Mudh

Mudh is a very remote village in the Spiti Valley and hence it takes you aback when you find such a thriving, green village in this region. 

There is something very unique about Mudh village. A sudden green patch filled with life in a valley of barren brown lands. As Nitesh puts it, “ Punjab ka ek khet beech mei aa gaya!” The people of this village grow and harvest peas, hence throwing in shades of green to the landscape. 

The Tibentian structured houses are perfectly in harmony with each other and become one with the landscape. Photo by Sayandeep

“Treks are thrilling, treks are adventurous, treks are beautiful, but this combination of high adventure with high beauty and variety, I think Pin Bhaba is the trek. That's why it is such a rare gem,” says Sandhya ma'am, our founder. 

Pin Bhaba Pass is a must-do trek in India, offering some of the most breathtaking landscapes you'll ever witness. However, it demands a high level of fitness. Ensure you're well-prepared before going on this trek.

This brings us to the end of the Pin Bhaba photo story!

This article talks about the highlights of the Pin Bhaba Pass trek and encompasses photos taken by Indiahikes members.

A Photo Story of Pin Bhaba Pass - Tread through one of India’s most dramatic landscape changes

There are very few ridge treks that we know of. Most treks have short ridge walks, but you rarely come across a trek where the main highlight is the ridge. That's why we love the Phulara Ridge trek. 

We love this trek not only for its ridge walk, but also for the endless views of the Garhwal Himalayas. On your left, the Thamsa valley stretches from Sankri to Har Ki Dun, and on your right, meadows roll in several layers to Yamunotri.  

When I went on this trek, the ridge walk completely blew my mind and stirred so many overwhelming emotions within me. It was truly a surreal feeling to be at eye-level with the mountains. 

Rich in beauty and culture, the Phulara Ridge trek offers the most rewarding experience. Here are some of our favourite aspects of the trek that we would like to share with you through this photo story. 

1. Your trek starts from Kotgaon, one of the most unusual villages you'll visit

The peaceful village of Kotgaon welcomes you after a long and exhausting journey from Dehradun. A small, simple, yet very warm town holds the most mesmerising views on clear sunny days. 

Beware though, what looks this charming, can be equally harsh. Our team has named the village "Coldgaon" because of how cold it gets. The sun touches the village for barely a few hours a day, giving it this infamous name.

Kotgaon is situated in a place where the Garhwal ranges meet the Kinnauri region. Hence this village has a blend of traditions from Uttarakhand as well as Himachal, giving it a unique character. 

The Rangnala and Swargarohini peaks stand tall as the sun sets. The alpenglow can be seen on clear days, making it a picture perfect postcard. Photo by Jothiranjan

When the evening winds set on the town of Kotgaon, all the children come out to play and have a gala time. You may come across locals playing cricket, offering you the chance to join in. When I was at Kotgaon, I enjoyed a fun game of cricket with the locals and we played till we could see the last light of day. Photo by Jothiranjan

2. Visit the Someshwar Temple, an ancient temple with fascinating stories

This Someshwar temple is the heart of the village. The temple, which the Swargharohini massif overlooks, is a significant component of Kotgaon's culture and beliefs. It is also among the most photogenic temples you’ll see. 

When you’re here, notice the architecture of the temple. It is made by alternating wood and stone, following what is called the “Kathkuni” style of architecture. Ask locals about their traditions and stories and they will happily share their stories with you. 

3. Your first view of the Swargarohini Massif, a mountain you'll form a close bond with on this trek

As you start your trek from Kotgaon the road twists and turns, but welcomes you with a grand view of Swargarohini and Ranglana peaks with every step that you take.  Photo by Jothiranjan

4. Exploring the Govind Pashu Vihar National Park 

When you step into the jungle, the fallen, dry leaves crunch beneath your shoes. The trail is a steady ascent as the scent of Himalayan cedar fills the air, leaving you quite literally breathless.


You'll encounter towering oak trees so big that it takes a group of four to five people holding hands to fully hug them. Photo by Jothiranjan

5. Juda Ka Talab, where stories come alive

Those who have trekked to Kedarkantha from Sankri have surely encountered Juda ka Talab, a serene lake tucked away amidst pine trees. 

The local guides eagerly recount intriguing stories about the lake's origins, including one that attributes its creation to Shiva, who supposedly formed it by unravelling locks of his hair, and the drops that fell from it, formed the lake. 

After briefly stopping here for a while, you will head towards Sikolta, the first campsite on the trek. 

6. Wake up for a sunrise right out of a movie at Sikolta campsite

Just 500 metres from the campsite, the forest clears up to a lush green meadow with grand views of Swargharohini and Hata Peak. Waking up early in the morning and witnessing the sunrise from here is a must do. Most trekkers sleep in and miss this amazing sight, but not you. Now that you've heard about it, you can witness one of the most beautiful sunrises on this trek.


7. A Grand Welcome To The Meadows of Bhoj Gadi

As you trek towards Bhoj Gadi, the tree line is left behind and you enter the vast meadows sprawling across the mountains. Here you will have the first glimpses of patches of yellow marsh marigold and purple lilies blooming around. 

The Bhoj Gadi Campsite boasts green meadows right by the tree line and sunset views that bring out the different colours of the sky. Here is what Arjun Sir had to say when he camped at Bhoj Gadi.

“We camped at a pretty meadow called Bhoj Gadi. In the evening with a golden light on our backs, a small stream flowing close by, colours of the sky changing to orange, we cooked our meal on the open ground. I couldn’t have asked for a better setting to camp.”


8. Feel On Top Of The World As You Walk Along The Ridge!

Walking on the Phulara Ridge is a surreal experience, especially when you are trekking for almost 4-5 hrs on the ridge! It feels like you are walking on a tightrope. On one side, there's a steep drop into a valley, while on the other, there are these endless green meadows dotted with colourful flowers. 

Walking on the ridge at 12,000ft with the views of Kedarkantha in the backdrop, along with the peaks of Hanuman Top, Sarutal Top, DKD, Bandarpoonch, Kalanag, Swargarohini, Hata Peak, Ranglana, Devkyara valley, Lekha Top and Vijay Top, all standing tall around you, almost makes it feel like the mountains are walking with you. As Arjun sir describes it, “walking on the ridge is almost like a stairway to heaven.” 


9. An Evening Full Of Views And Ghost Stories At Pushtara Campsite

As you walk down from the ridge to the meadows, you'll spot patches of wildflowers, urging you to pause and click a couple of pictures. 

As you continue to descend, you'll reach Pushtara. For many of us at Indiahikes, the Pushtara meadows are in the top highlights of this trek. "The first site of the Pushtara meadows reminded me of Bedni Bugyal on the Roopkund trek. The meadow was curved with folds of green carpet and wildflowers spread out as far as your eyes could see. It was beautiful!" says Suhas Saya, who explored this trek. 

As you descend from the pass you will find patches of snow, making it a little tricky, but adventures. Photo by Jothiranjan

The last few kilometres present views on par with the mountains before descending towards Taluka. Photo by: Jothiranjan

As you descend through the forest, small clearings with meadows emerge intermittently, reminding you of the Pushtara Meadows. Photo by Jothiranjan

You get almost everything on this trek! A perfectly stitched combination of meadows, forest trails, narrow ridges and breathtaking views from all sides throughout the trail. 

We really believe that the Phulara Ridge trek will craft lasting memories and leave you with stories that you'll cherish forever.

This brings us to the end of this photo story of Phulara Ridge!  I hope you got a glimpse of what it would be like to go on this trek. 

This article talks about the Phulara ridge trek and encompasses photos taken by Indiahikes members.

A Photo Story of Phulara Ridge - One of India’s most exciting ridge treks, filled with local lores

A Photo Story of Phulara Ridge - one of India’s most exciting ridge treks, filled with local lores

Kedarkantha is hands down the most popular winter trek in our country. Every year, in the last week of December alone, thousands of trekkers flock to the Kedarkantha peak. 

What trekkers are missing out on is that the winter continues in January and February as well. In fact, the trek looks more beautiful and dreamy in these months compared to December. The trekkers who venture in the months of January and February not only get to experience more snow but also less crowd. 

Kedarkantha, as a trek, is known for the thrilling summit climb. In addition, the Indiahikes Kotgaon route offers a variety of forests, serene campsites, stunning sunrises and sunsets, and an immersive cultural experience of the remote Himalayan village. 

This specially curated photo story gives you the real picture of Kedarkantha in January and February. Without further delay, let’s get started with it.  

The ambience of the Indiahikes community campus at Kotgaon, surrounded by vegetation on all sides, makes it very special for all of us at Indiahikes. Photo by Jothiranjan

The location of the Kotgaon campus marks the entrance to the village. Just by sitting outside the campus, you can get a glimpse into the culture of a remote Himalayan village. You get to witness stunning sunsets and sunrises right out of the campus, too. Picture by Caroline Mathews.

Indiahikes campus is isolated from the hustle-bustle of civilization, creating a peaceful environment for trekkers to bond with each other. The wooden structure of the campus gives you the taste of local architecture. Photo by Dhaval Jajal

Soon after you start the trek from Kotgaon, you enter a dense mixed forest filled with oak, rhododendrons, maple, and chestnut trees. Only a few winter treks have forests filled with such variety. Photo by Jothiranjan

When in Kotgaon, make it a point to take a stroll across the village. Today, as most of the villages are getting influenced by modernization, Kotgaon is one of those few villages where you still see the age old traditions being preserved and followed with pride. It’s seen in the architecture, occupation, and attire of the villagers. Here is a picture of a lady happily making threads out of cotton. Photo by Jothiranjan.

A clearing amidst brown oak trees on the way to Khujaai. In winter, the presence of snow reflects the sunlight, bringing out the colours of brown oak leaves strongly. This gives the whole clearing an orangish shade, making it a beautiful experience to soak in. Photo by Rajesh Akkidhasri.

Kedarkantha is known for it’s clearings. No other trek comes close to Kedarkantha when it comes to beauty and the sheer number of clearings. But have you ever wondered how are these clearings formed? These are the patches in the forest where the soil lacks the strength to support the growth of vegetation. Photo by Miraj Jungi.

Let me spill a little secret over here. When you are at Dhoka, the second campsite on your trek, climb up a small distance to witness this view of Mt Swargarohini and other ranges. Photo by Jothiranjan.

The settings of Kedarkantha are so unique that you can clearly see the distinction between the treeline and clearings. In peak winter, the high amount of snow makes it a fairy tale setting to trek in. Photo by Bappaditya Chandra

The sunsets are one of the highlights of the Kedarkantha trek. This is because all the campsites on the trek are located in a clearing opening up to the western side of the sky. After a long day’s trek, when it’s freezing cold outside, all you need is a cup of chai and a view to die for. Khujaai campsite offers you exactly that. Photo by Gaurab Nandy


The sunset views make this trek a photographer’s delight. “As the sun was setting in the horizon, I noticed beautiful layers created by nature, with oak trees in the foreground, the sun in the centre, and the golden sky in the background. I couldn't help but quickly grab my telephoto lens to capture this beauty,” says our inhouse photographer, Jothiranjan.

The location of campsites also makes up for stunning views of the night sky. Make sure you do not miss it. Photo by Jai Pandya.

The summit climb to Kedarkantha is nothing short of a winter expedition. You start the climb as early as 4 am to be able to make it in time for the sunrise. Photo by Jothiranjan

The summit climb is steep and adventurous. This photo taken from the Kedarkantha base gives you an idea of the steepness. Photo by Gurkeet Bagga

The sunrise view from the summit. This makes all your struggles worth it. Photo by Srihari M

The climb to the summit tests your willpower and mental strength. The sense of achievement upon reaching the summit often leaves trekkers teary eyed. Photo by Jothiranjan.

At the summit, you’re surrounded by mountain ranges and valleys. You see the Rupin and Har ki Dun valleys. You see Mt Swargarohini, Mt Bandarpoonch, and Mt Kalanag predominantly, and Jaonli, Gangotri, Draupadi Ka Danda, and Jorkanden peaks at a distance. It’s a view worth spending some time. Photo by Gaurab Nandy

The descent from the summit is as challenging as the ascent. The steepness, verglas, and amount of snow add to the challenge. On the brighter side, Mt Swargarohini accompanies you until the treeline, motivating you all through the tricky sections. Photo by Jothiranjan.

The descent to Kotgaon is a relaxing one. Soak in the woods to the fullest, as this is your last day of the trek. Photo by Jothiranjan

The stunning view of Mt Swargarohini from the suspension bridge at Kotgaon just before you end the trek. It is captured using a telephoto lens by our chief photographer, Jothiranjan.

The Someshwar Mahadev temple at Kotgaon is located right in the middle of the village. This is of utmost significance to the locals. Every monsoon, a big mela is celebrated in 22 Himalayan villages, including Kotgaon. The deity travels to all these villages during the mela. Photo by Jothiranjan.


I hope this photo story helped you get an idea of how the trek looks in winter. This is just a glimpse. There is a lot more to this trek than what I could share here. I hope you get to experience the trek yourself this winter.

If you have any questions, please comment on this article. I’ll help you out.

A curated photo collection of the Kedarkantha trek in Uttarakhand in winter, photos of real trekkers going through the experience of snow, camping, forest walks, challenging summit climb

21 real photos of Kedarkantha that show you how the trek looks in January and February

Most trekkers think December is the end of winter. But they could not be more wrong. In truth, the real winter sets in the months of January and February. Yet, not all treks are accessible at this time of the year. Brahmatal is those rare few treks that you can do during these months. 

The Brahmatal trek stands out in the winter because it’s the only winter trek that takes you to an alpine lake. To reach the lake, you have to trek for 3 days through a variety of landscapes: the oak and rhododendron forests, an adventurous ridge walk with stunning views, and a thrilling summit climb that tests your endurance. In addition, you camp in some of the most unique campsites of our country. 


I’ll not reveal any more details of the trek; I'll let the pictures do the talking. 

We have curated a special photo story of the trek to show you the real picture of it in winter. So let's dive into it.

The trek starts from Lohajung. The Indiahikes community campus at Lohajung has been voted as one of the most scenic campuses by our team. There is a reason for this. You get to see Mt Nanda Ghunti, a 6000 metres summit, right outside your window. It’s a luxury any mountain lover would die for. Picture by Abhishek Tiwari.

The forests of Brahmatal are layered in such a way that they're not so dense yet not so sparse. You can see for a long distance in between trees, yet they make you feel cosy. In winter, this is how dreamy the forest looks with a dusting of snow. Picture by Vishwas Krishnamurthy.

Have you ever hugged a tree? What better place than the pristine Himalayan jungles to do that! Trust me, it is as powerful and therapeutic as it looks in the picture. Picture by Jothiranjan.

Day 2 of the trek is full of surprises. In the middle of oak forest lies Bekaltal, a picture perfect lake that is so full of life. The lake, though at a lower altitude compared to Brahmatal, freezes in peak winter. Getting to witness two frozen lakes in a single trek is a rarity that only the Brahmatal trek offers. Picture by Jitendra Pati.

By now, you might start thinking that the setting of the forests can’t get any better. But nature doesn’t fail to surprise you. As you climb up, the oak forest slowly starts transitioning into rhododendron forests that are native to the Himalayan regions. The colours of these in the months of January and February are something you must experience at least once in your lifetime. Picture by Jothiranjan.

Tilandi is one of the most celebrated campsites of the Brahmatal trek. We almost never have ridge camps. But this is the only plateau-like ridge that allows us to camp on top, providing the perfect vantage point for the most beautiful sunsets, sunrises, and night skies. Photo by Mandar Nilange

Treks are truly transformative. Often, on treks, trekkers get emotional upon reaching the summit. Here is a picture of a trekker getting emotional while witnessing the sunset from the Tilandi campsite. It’s a testament to the powerful views that the Tilandi campsite offers. Picture by Faizan Shaikh.

The sunrises and sunsets in winter are the most dramatic ones. Here’s a picture of Mt Nanda Ghunti basking in the evening sunlight, as seen from the Tilandi campsite. Photo by Guhanesan Shivalingam.

The majestic entrance to the grand ridge walk! The treeline ends here, and you start witnessing the best of the mountain views the trek has to offer. Picture by Jothiranjan.

The grandeur of the ridge is hard to explain; it can only be experienced. As you walk on the ridge, on one side you have rolling hills that stretch as far as your eyes can see. On the other side, you are treated to the best views of the celebrated summits of our country - Mt Trishul and Mt Nanda Ghunti. The snow laden landscape in winter elevates the beauty of the whole setting. Picture by Naveen T R

From Jhandi top, you not only get clear views of the mountains but can also see the trail of Ali Bedni Bugyal, a neighbouring trek to Brahmatal. Picture by Jothiranjan.

As you approach the summit, you get closer and closer to Mt Trishul and Mt Nanda Ghunti. The presence of snow in winter makes the climb all the more thrilling. Picture by Sachin Venkatesh.

The sheer size of Mt Trishul as seen from Jhandi Top, makes you realise the true power of mountains and nature. It’s a humbling experience. Picture by Jothiranjan.

A panorama of mountain views starts opening up as you inch closer to Brahmatal top. Not jus Mt Trishul and Mt Nanda Ghunti, you also see Mt Chaukhamba, Mana Parbat, Mandir Parbat, Nilgiri, Neelkanth stretching across the horizon. Photo by Vishwas Krishnamurthy.

A close up view of Mt Trishul from the summit, beautifully captured by our chief photographer, Jothiranjan. Only a handful of winter treks offer close up views of the Himalayan peaks. Brahmatal is one of them. 

A short descent from the summit takes you to the most anticipated section: Brahmatal. Unlike Bekaltal, it’s an oligotrophic lake with no life in it. Such contrasting lakes in a single trek! In the months of January and February, if you are lucky, you even get to witness the frozen Brahmatal - a sight unique to the winter season. Photo by Ashish Bhatt.

This is how dreamy the Brahmatal campsite looks like during winter evening. Photo by Vishwajeet Chavan.

On the last day, you descend through the Khorurai forest, marking the end of a beautiful trek. The forest is aptly named, as Khoru translates to oak in the local language. Photo by Jothiranjan.

I hope this photo story helped you get an idea of the trek. I repeat, the Brahmatal trek in winter is truly an experience you will cherish for the rest of your life. 
If you have any questions about the trek, comment on this post. I’ll help you out. 

A curated photo collection of the Brahmatal trek in Uttarakhand in winter, photos of real trekkers going through he experience of anow, camping, forest walks, challenging summit climb

18 real photos of Brahmatal that show you how the trek looks in winter

Jungle treks are rare. And here’s a glimpse of one such trek with you. It’s the Chhattisgarh Jungle trek. 

“The forests in these regions are untouched and dreamy. I’m not surprised that Rudyard Kipling was inspired by these forests while writing The Jungle Book. They absolutely live up to our imagination of The Jungle Book!” says Arjun Majumdar, the founder of Indiahikes. 

Frankly, these forests are out of bounds for the public. You require special permissions from the forest department to get in. Indiahikes has a special arrangement with the forest department to trek through these forests. As trekkers, it’s a rare privilege to see and feel these near-inaccessible forest reserves.

This photo story gives you a day-wise glimpse of this rare jungle trek.

Himalayan treks usually follow a pattern. You start by trekking through pine, oak, rhododendron forest, pop out of the tree line into the meadows and then trek to a high point in the alpine zone. 

But things are totally different on the Chhattisgarh Jungle trek. 

You trek through dense Sal forest. “The forest is alive with wildlife. You always have this uncanny feeling that you are being watched. There is an invisible omnipresence of wild animals around you. Sometimes it sends chills down your spine,” shares Senior Trek Leader Nitesh Kumar, who was instrumental in designing the current  route of the Chhattisgarh Jungle Trek.

The main gate of Guru Ghasidas National Park. It’s not an ordinary gate, it’s the gateway of the future of trekking in India. Welcome to our Indiahikes Chhattisgarh Jungle trek. Photo by Gourab Nandy

You start by walking into the well-spaced sal forest. Photo by Nitesh Kumar. 

The jungle gets denser as you get deeper into the forest. Photo by Nitesh Kumar. 

These forests are unlike the ones you see in the Himalayas. They are dense, but because trees are well-spaced, your gaze is able to penetrate the depths of the jungle. Photo by Nitesh Kumar. 

“Entering the cave was a different experience. It’s dark. And the walls of the cave have been uniquely patterned by years of erosion,” shares Nitesh. 

Slightly off-trail, you notice an ancient cave in the forest. Photo by Nitesh.

This is a U-shaped cave which opens within 50 meter on the other side. Photo by Nitesh Kumar. 

The insides of the cave quickly transport you to another world. An ancient world where people would often take shelter within such cave to escape from the wild animals in the jungle. Photo by Nitesh Kumar. 

Notice closely and you'll see peculiar pattern created by water dripping in the cave. Photo by Nitesh Kumar. 

You'll find many fresh pug marks of wild animals on the Chhattisgarh Jungle trail. "These pug marks can be as fresh as a 10-30 minutes ago. And it gives you chills thinking that merely a few minutes prior, a wild animal crossed this path," Nitesh says while sharing his experience of trekking in the jungle. 

These fresh pug marks always remind you about the presence of the wild animals. It's like you are always being watched. 

Suddenly after crossing the river we got to see this on the trail. But Mowgli couldn’t see Bagheera 🙂 Naseeb mein sirf unka pug mark tha (Fate only consisted of his pug mark)

A fresh pug mark of a hyena. You recognise a hyena by how the nails are dig into the soil. Photo by Nitesh Kumar. 

Staying in a tribal village. Camping by the shores of a lake and river

The camping experience of Chhattisgarh Jungle trek is also unique. On the first night you stay in a homestay at a tribal village called Turripani. This experience takes you close to the lives of villagers who stay so deep into the forest. You also get to savour some local delicacies like litti chokha. You'll notice how intimately their life is connected to the forest cycles.  

Our accommodation at Turrapani village. Photo by Gourab Nandy.

The place where villagers bring their crops after harvesting. Turripani is a very rural village inside Guru Ghasidas National Park. Photo by Gourab Nandy. 

After the first night, you shift to staying in tents. What's absolutely a delight is the fact that both the camps from now are stationed by a water body. The first campsite -- Tadiyabaan is by the Tadiya lake. The second campsite, Pandupara is on the banks of the Gopat river.

The Tadiyabaan campsite. Photo by Nitesh Kumar. 

Witnessing the sun setting over the Tadiya lake is a dreamy experience. Photo by Nitesh Kumar. 

The Pandupara campsite by the Gopat river. Photo by Nitesh Kumar. 

There's a stunning silent at night in the forest. Everything goes eerily quiet as stars twinkly above in the sky. Photo by Nitesh Kumar.  

On no other trek do you get this unique experience. "The Gopat river is very gentle, very unlike the roaring, gushing rivers in the Himalayas. This river lazily snakes through the forest. And the water merely comes up to the ankles," Nitesh says while describing the Gopat river. 

A trekker walking in the Gopat river. Photo by Nitesh Kumar. 

Most of the trek on the last day is on the Gopat river. Photo by Nitesh Kumar. 

The river bed is soft, devoid of any pebbles. Walking on this river bed, with gentle cold water flowing is an enjoyable experience. Photo by Nitesh Kumar. 

The trail within the jungle of Chhattisgarh may seem like it's flat. But it's not so. There are good ascends and descends on this trek. You climb to the highest altitude of 2,820 ft on this trek. 

You can see the Guru Ghasidas National Park stretched in front of you from the highest point on the Chhattisgarh Jungle trek. Photo by Nitesh Kumar. 

The landscape is undulating. Here you see trekkers descending from the red plateau. Right in front is the Raja Pahad, the highest hill in the region. Photo by Nitesh Kumar. 

Trekking deep into the jungles of Chhattisgarh is a unique experience. Very different from a Himalayan trek. Do this trek to experience life in jungles in the heart of India. It's a rare experience, not accessible to all. And something that can be savoured only while on a multi-day trek in this region. 

To know more about the best time to do this trek, watch this video. 

Chhattisgarh Jungle Trek: A Photo Story

The Pin Bhaba Pass trek is hands down the grandest pass-crossing trek in our country. Standing at the pass at an altitude of 16,105 ft, you realise how dramatic the change in scenery is. On one side, you see the lush greenery of the Bhaba Valley. On the other side is the deserted Pin Valley, adorned with various shades of pink. 

Our trek leader, Diptarka Gupta, just came back after successfully leading the first group of 2023. In his words, “I couldn't believe my eyes as I trekked from one day to the next. It was my 64th group as a Trek Leader. I have done multiple Himalayan treks, ranging from Kashmir to Himachal to Uttarakhand to Sikkim. But Pin Bhaba Pass is the grandest crossover trek I have done to date. There are very few treks that offer such variety in terms of change in landscapes, thrilling adventures, pretty campsites, and contrasting vistas.”

“The trek gives you the essence of both Kashmir and Ladakh without actually going to either of them,” adds Diptarka. 

We were mind blown by the photos he shared with us. It’s not an overstatement if I say his photos virtually transported us to Pin Bhaba. We wanted to share them with you too. Here, I have put together a photo story. Without further delay, let’s start with it.

All photos in this photo story were shot by Diptarka Gupta, who is an excellent photographer himself.

You start your trek from Kafnu, a quaint village located in the deep reaches of Southern Himachal. A couple of 100 m into the trail, the trek surprises you with a huge snow bridge. It’s a rare sight at 8,500 ft. 

Soon, you enter a dense forest filled with pine, silver birch, and oak trees. It’s a magical section to trek in.

Watching the sunrise from the Mulling campsite, with alpenglow on the surrounding mountains, is an experience you must not miss.

As the sun goes up, you get to witness the rich colours of Mulling. 

From Mulling to Karah, you cross a natural rock bridge over the subterranean Bhaba river, again a rare experience. 

The meadows of Karah resemble the classic Kashmir landscape. The Himalayan Bistort popping out of these meadows elevates the beauty of the whole landscape.

If there are treks worth doing just for the campsite experiences, Pin Bhaba definitely tops the list. Captured here is the stunning Karah campsite.

By now, you may think you have seen the best of the meadows, but the scenery only gets better as you start ascending towards Phutsirang.

Stream crossings are one of the most challenging sections of the trek. There are close to 10 stream crossings. For many, you have to hop on the boulders to cross. Diptarka has captured one such adventurous stream crossing on the way to Phutsirang.

“Phutsirang is my favourite campsite on the Kinnaur side. It’s one of those rarest of the rare campsites where you get to camp on a river delta,” shares Diptarka Gupta.

The Milky Way as seen from the Phutsirang Campsite. August is the perfect time to witness the Perseids Meteor Shower too.

As you gear up and head towards the pass, do not forget to turn around and take a view of the Phutsirang campsite. You can clearly see the patterns of the river delta.

One of the most exciting yet challenging days of the trek is the pass crossing day. As you ascend to 16,105 ft, the air starts to get thinner. You enter an alpine zone with a mix of snow patches and moraine. 

The descent on the other side of the pass is equally thrilling. This is also when the dramatic change in the landscape starts to sink in. Notice how within the last three photos, the landscape has shifted dramatically!

The hues of the deserty mountain valleys of Pin are a striking contrast to the lush greenery of the Bhaba Valley. The gurgling Pin River is an added bonus.

You can even walk on the river bed as you get closer to Mangrungse. Even on this side, the landscape changes every now and then, making the trek all the more exciting.

The striking view of the Pin river coming from the Pin Parvati side. 

Near Bwaldar campsite, you start observing these rock strata. These are the layers of sedimentary rocks formed due to weathering, erosion, and deposition over repeated cycles of climate.

Rock strata towering upto 5,200 ft above the village of Mudh. This region is a paradise for geologists.

The trail continues to follow the Pin river as you trek towards Mudh. But there is a slight shift in the colours of the landscape.

Take one last view of the Pin Valley from Mudh village - the exit point of the trek.

“Needless to say, the trekkers were also smashed by the beauty of the trek. Even on the last day of the trek, their spirits were high. They were beaming with a high sense of accomplishment and were grateful to have completed the trek successfully,“ shares Diptarka Gupta. 

“I am equally grateful to have gotten this opportunity to lead one of the grandest pass crossing treks in our country. That too, leading the first group of this year to cross over the Pin Bhaba Pass,” Diptarka expresses his gratitude. 

This brings us to the end of this photo story. I hope you got a glimpse of what we mean when we say the grandest crossover trek in our country. 

21 Stunning Photos That Show You Why Pin Bhaba Pass Is The Grandest Pass Crossing Trek - takes you through the trek with photos

21 Stunning Photos That Show You Why Pin Bhaba Pass Is The Grandest Pass Crossing Trek

This is a report by Lay Naik, who went on a recce of the Pin Bhaba Pass trek before the season began. The recce team conducted the recce between July 1st and July 2nd, trekking 50 km over a span of two days. Please note that the recce team is highly acclimatized and trained to cover the trek this quickly. The otherwise recommended itinerary can be found on this page.

Yesterday, I returned from the recce of the Pin Bhaba Pass trek. I was blown away by the mesmerising beauty of the entire trek. I can totally agree that this is The Grand Cross Over Trek 

Photo Story

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