
Difficulty
Difficult | Level 1

Duration
9 Days

Highest Altitude
16,105 ft

Age
13 to 62 years
Duration
9 Days
Age
13 to 62 years
Difficulty
Difficult | Level 1
Highest Altitude
16,105 ft
Pin Bhaba Pass Trek
The Grandest Crossover Trek in Our Country
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.
Later, towards noon, you burst out of this enchanting forest into a surprise you’re least expecting — the grasslands of Mulling — a sight that makes you catch your breath.
This is the first day of the trek. For a page-turner, it can’t get more dramatic than this.
And the drama continues day after day as you hike to the Kashmir-like meadows of Karah. If ever there is a debate about one of the prettiest settings for a camp on our treks, then the grasslands of Karah would be right on top.
And the day after when you camp in the river delta of Phutsirang, it is a once in a lifetime experience. River deltas on a trek are extremely rare and here you are camping right on one.
Such stunning vistas and each day an experience different from the previous day. You can’t help but drop your jaws at the surprise that the trail throws every day. Every day the scenery changes completely, so much so that it is like doing a new trek every day!
When compared with its riskier cousin, the Pin Parvati Pass Trek, where your life is at stake, the Pin Bhaba not only is a great alternative, but a more beautiful one.
Pin Bhaba Pass Videos
Watch these videos to plan and prepare for your trek.
Quick Itinerary
Study this chart to know how much altitude you would gain/lose every day on the Pin Bhaba Pass trek.
Day 1
Drive from Shimla to Kafnu
Drive Distance: 203 km | Drive Duration: 6-7 hours | Pick up point for Indiahikes trekkers: Old Bus Stand, Shimla
Transport will be arranged at 6.30 AM. This cost has to be borne by trekkers and paid directly to the driver. Cost of the cab – Rs. 9,500 Trex per vehicle, shared among 5-6 trekkers & Rs 14,000 Tempo Traveler, shared among 10-12 trekkers.
Day 2
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 3
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 4
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 5
Acclimatization and rest day at Phutsirang
Day 6
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 7
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 8
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
The transport costs Rs 15,000 for a 6-seater and Rs.20,000 for a Tempo Traveller (12-seater). Expect to reach Manali by 7.00 PM..
Day 9
Buffer Day
It is mandatory to have this extra day as any bad weather or rain will delay your pass crossing. If buffer day is utilized, you will need to pay Rs.2,500 + 5% GST. This amount is to be handed over to your Trek Leader.
Please note: The distance between campsites may vary by 100 meters depending the weather conditions and the route you take. The altitude may also vary by 100 feet for similar reasons.
IMPORTANT POINTS
- It is mandatory for trekkers to carry a copy of their photo ID for entry at forest check posts on the trek.
- At the base camp, your stay will be arranged in lodges.
- On the trek, you will be staying 3 in a tent.
- We do not have a cloakroom facility at the base camp. Do not carry excess luggage other than what is required for the trek.
Please note: Twin sharing tents may not be available in May, June, July and August. This is because raw materials for making tents are sourced from different countries. But their export has been affected due to international unrest. This has led to a global shortage of tents. Having said that, you'll still have comfortable space as these tents have been designed to accommodate three trekkers.
Study this chart to know how much altitude you would gain/lose every day on the Pin Bhaba Pass trek.
PRO-TIPS
Onward Travel
There are two ways to reach your pick-up point -- reach Shimla by taking a bus from ISBT, New Delhi. Or take a train to Chandigarh or Kalka and then take a bus to Shimla from either of these places. If you cannot reach the pick-up point before 6.30 AM on Day 1 of the trek, plan your travel in such a way that you reach Shimla the previous day (Day 0) and stay for the night.
Return Travel
While returning, you will reach Manali by 7.00 PM. Plan your travel the next day from Manali after a good night's rest.
Campsites at a Glance
At Indiahikes, we are very particular about choosing terrific campsites. For the Pin Bhaba Pass trek too, after a lot of back and forth, we have settled on these terrific campsites, which trekkers have come to love.
Why I Believe Everyone Must Trek: A Note from the Founder
Trekking transforms lives. It has changed my life completely. When I see my colleagues at Indiahikes, all of them have been impacted greatly. The transformations have been profound and irreversible.
I see it in our trekkers too. I have seen them change professions, careers or start a new life. I have seen them get in and out of relationships, and start new projects. These are life-changing experiences.
I have seen children building resilience. I have seen families come together. When I see those above 55, I see them rediscover passion and a sense of purpose. These are not small gains.
In the mountains new professions, new economies and new businesses have opened up. Our staff no longer go to cities to earn their living. Their income has increased. Above all, they are happiest working in this world. Trekking has been truly transformative.
Everyone must trek. It transforms lives far more than you imagine.
What I Like and Don’t Like About the Pin Bhaba Pass Trek
What I Like About the Pin Bhaba Pass Trek
Pin Bhaba Pass Best Discovered Through Pictures
Know Your Trek
We have always wanted trekkers to be well-informed before they go on a Himalayan trek. Knowledge is the difference between a safe trek and a dangerous one. It’s also the difference between a wholesome experience and a superficial experience.
Use this section to learn about the Pin Bhaba Pass trek. It has in-depth information about each day of the trek, what to expect, and how you need to prepare for it. Many years of expertise have gone into this content. Trekkers find that extremely useful.
PRO TIPS
We recommend jogging as the best routine to get fit for a trek. It works on the same muscles that you use while trekking — your calves, glutes and hamstrings. It helps increase your stamina day by day. It is also an easy routine that does not require any equipment or tools.
Fitness target:
To do this trek comfortably, you must be able to cover 10 km in under 60 minutes. This is the minimum fitness required for this trek.
How to achieve this fitness?
- Start jogging at least 4 days a week
- If you cannot run 5 km immediately, start with 2 km and increase to 10 km over 2-3 weeks.
- Once you’re able to run 10 km, increase your pace day by day.
- Gradually increase your pace and bring it down to 10 km in less than 60 mins.
- You must be able to run 10 km in 60 mins consistently for at least 2 weeks before the trek.
This trek requires at least 6-8 weeks of preparation. The longer, the better. So plan your trek soon and start preparing.
Here's a complete guide to get you trek fit.
Strength training tips:
How to get Fitness Approval from the Indiahikes team:
Every trekker needs fitness approval from the Indiahikes team 20 days before the trek date. Without this, you will not be allowed on the trek.
What to upload?
- A minimum of 3 screenshots of your runs/jogs/walks/cycling
- Monthly summary of your routine
Why fitness matters:
Every high-altitude trek comes with a set of challenges. Steep ascents and descents, uneven terrain, snow walks, stream crossings, pass crossings, and summit climb. Even the easiest of treks have some of these challenges if not all of them. Without fitness, trekkers struggle, get injured easily, lag behind, or simply fail to complete the trek.
At Indiahikes, we take pride in the fact that our trekkers are among the fittest in the country. Those who do not meet the fitness requirements are often sent back. Our philosophy is that trekking and fitness go hand in hand. Without fitness, there’s no trekking.
Trek Trivia
Things Nobody Tells You About Pin Bhaba Pass
Did you know that Pin Bhaba Pass is one of the highest pass crossing treks in the country?
On the Pin Bhaba trek, you don't just cross a pass. You get to a height of 16,200 ft. It's one of the most spectacular treks to be on. You'll be amazed by the variety of landscapes you find on the trek. It goes from lush greenery to snowy areas to a cold arid desert. What more would you need?
Even the campsites on the trek give you the best views. It begins with Mulling – a major highlight of the trek. It's situated across a beautiful river. The lush green valley behind the Karah campsite will also bewilder you.
Bhaba river is a sight to catch. There is a dam under the river, which is one of the major hydroelectric projects in the country. You wouldn't even realize there could be a dam underground.
Did you know there is a beautiful village on the other side of Pin Bhaba Pass?
Locals say that the trek is only 60% complete if you don't visit Mudh village after the trek.
It's a secluded village. The architecture and lifestyle of this village will astonish you. The people are warm and welcoming and will make you feel at home.
You would also enjoy some mouth-watering Tibetan Momos and Thukpa. Tibetan food is unique and refreshing. Although they don't use a lot of spices, the food will delight you. You'll get a chance to delve into the splendid landscapes. Remember to keep a camera handy.
You would be saddened if you did the trek and didn't stay at this village later on. Spending a day after your trek will give you a deeper glimpse into Buddhism and Tibetan culture.
Take back ancient stories, memories, a new cuisine, and amazing photographs from this lovely Mudh village.
Available Dates
Other Treks Like Pin Bhaba Pass
Sign up for our much loved Weekly Mailer
We have terrific trekking tips, trek updates and trek talks to look forward to