The Pin Bhaba Pass trek is a classic high altitude crossing. It links two very different valleys in Himachal Pradesh. You start in the green, rich Kinnaur valley. You finish in the stark, cold desert of the Spiti valley. This dramatic change is the main reason to do this trek. You go over a high pass that sits at about 16,108 feet. It is one of the most famous and beautiful routes for Himachal Pradesh trekking. This is an honest challenge. It is one of the true best treks in India.
Best Time to Do Pin Bhaba Pass
The window for this high pass is short.
Mid June to Early July: The pass has a lot of snow. The views are great. But the snow crossing makes the trek much harder and slower. You will need special gear like crampons.
August to Mid September: This is the best time. The snow has melted mostly. The trail is clearer. The monsoon rains do not hit Spiti very hard. But the Kinnaur side can get some rain.
Do not try this trek in late autumn or winter. The pass closes completely due to heavy snow.
Difficulty Level of Pin Bhaba Pass
This trek is rated Difficult.
It is a long trek. The altitude is very high. You need to walk for many days. The pass crossing day is very challenging. It involves a steep climb and a steep descent. You must have experience walking on rocky terrain and possibly snow. Good fitness is essential. You need to be ready for big changes in weather. You should have experience with high altitude trekking before attempting this. It is a big test for any trekker.
Highlights of Pin Bhaba Pass
The main highlight is the extreme contrast in scenery. The Bhaba Valley side is green. It has flowers and thick grass. The Spiti side is a barren, cold desert. The shift from one to the other across the pass is stunning.
You will see grand peaks of Himalayas such as Pir Panajal and Dhauladhar.
You walk through traditional Kinnauri villages like Kafnu. They offer a good look at the local culture.
The Pin Valley is a protected area. Rare wildlife such as snow leopard and Siberian Ibex you might spot.
This pass is a traditional trade route. It is one of the most historically significant best treks in Himachal Pradesh.
Itinerary
The Pin Bhaba Pass trek usually takes about eight to nine days from road head to road head. The classic route starts in Kafnu and ends in Mudh.
Day 1: Drive from Shimla to Kafnu village
- The total 200 km drive takes 8 – 10 hours.
- Kafnu is the starting point in the Bhaba Valley. You stay there overnight to rest.
Day 2: Trek from Kafnu to Mulling
- The trekking distance is 11 km which takes7 hours.
- The trail goes through thick forests. You walk beside the Bhaba River.
Day 3: Trek from Mulling to Kara
- Trekking distance is 6 km which takes 3-4 hours
- The valley opens up here. You see clear views of the high peaks. The walk is steady.
Day 4: Trek from Kara to Fustirang
- Trekking distance is 5 km which takes 3-4 hours
- The trail goes above the tree line. You start to feel the altitude.
Day 5: Acclimatization at Fustirang
- Trekkers need rest in Fustirang for acclimatization.
Day 6: Cross the Pin Bhaba Pass and descend down to Baldar
- The trekking distance is 18 km which takes 10-12 hours.
- This is the hardest day. You climb steeply to the pass. The ground is often snowy and scree. From the pass, you see the sudden change to the Pin Valley. Then you descend steeply to the lower base camp in Pin Valley.
Day 7: Trek from Baldar to Mudh village, and drive to Kaza
- Kaza is the main town in Spiti. From here, you can drive back to Manali or Shimla the next day.
Day 8: Drive back to Shimla or Manali from Kaza
Conclusion
The Pin Bhaba Pass trek is a major achievement. High altitude trek can be done in Himachal Pradesh such as Parang La, Baralacha La and Pin Parvati pass. It is a beautiful trek. But it is difficult. It demands good preparation and respect for the mountains. Crossing from green Kinnaur to desert Spiti is an unforgettable experience. This is one of the top trek for serious Himachal Pradesh trekking.
FAQs
What is the highest altitude of the Pin Bhaba Pass trek summit?
The pass itself is at about 16,100 feet or 4,900 meters.
Is the Pin Bhaba Pass Trek harder than the Hampta Pass trek?
Yes. The Pin Bhaba Pass is higher. It is a longer trek. The pass crossing is more technically challenging than Hampta Pass.
Do I need a local guide?
You should definitely use a local guide or an agency. The trail over the pass can be tricky to find. Weather changes fast up high.
Where does the Pin Bhaba Pass trek end?
The trekking part ends in Mudh village in the Pin Valley of Spiti.
What kind of gear is needed?
You need good trekking boots. Warm layers are a must. Bring snow gear like gaiters if you go early in the season.