Assemble in Shimla early morning (7 AM) and board your vehicles for the journey to Kafnu, which is the start point of the Pin Bhaba Pass trek. The distance between Kafnu to Shimla is 205 km and the drive is about 7 hours long. Kafnu is a quaint village in Kinnaur district of Himachal Pradesh. As soon as you reach the village, you can see the astounding views of Bhaba Valley. Spot India’s first underground Hydel Project on Bhabha River. The large dam located in the middle of the green lake looks spectacular. Spend the night in one of the local guest houses in Kafnu. The trek begins from Kafnu next morning.

On this day, begin your trek from Kafnu to Mulling. From the open parking area in front of the Lake View Resort follow the dirt service road and then head up towards the valley to a bridge. Cross the bridge and immediately turn left on the good trail. The valley narrows quickly as you walk upstream on the true left bank. Pass the few homes of Musrang and enter a forest that leads to a set of switchbacks climbing for 150m or so to a level trail in pleasant pine forest that leads to open pasture and then descends back to the river. Once beside the river you begin climbing you will walk in the thick pine forest and sometimes cross a tributary or streams for a couple of hours. Cross another grassy pasture before winding through a large gully cut around an ancient terminal moraine, climbing on an easy gradient the entire time. At the end of the gully the trail climbs very slightly into a magnificent broad alpine valley, called Mulling, where there are many good campsites. Camp overnight in Mulling.

Continue up the Mulling valley, which looks like the mountain Gods have landscaped it to make the most of surrounding mountain scenery. Beyond the pasture you enter a boulder field and then sparse forest. The valley narrows near the junction of the Yuchdiun river and after the confluence you cross a step-sided gully via a boulder bridge at 11,056 ft. Then climb steeply for about 200 m before traversing to another stunning alpine valley and an extensive pasture popular among the shepherds at Kara. Set up camp next to a small lake. You might be able to buy fresh goat milk and meat from some of the shepherds here.

The Pushtirang Nala heads northwest from Kara, and you will need to find a convenient crossing point near the confluence with the main valley before climbing the true left (north) bank. The trail climbs rapidly up a grassy spur before the gradient eases as you cross gently undulating pastures with many boulders. There are many herder shelters in the valley but the best campsites are at the base of the pass-climb. There are two main camps, a lower site, and after a short climb an upper site that offers an easier start for the following day. One can witness the magnificent views of Hansbeshan Peak (19,160 ft) from here.

Begin your day in the direction of Bhabha Pass. The trail climbs a scree-covered spur that heads steeply up the centre of pass-approach valley.  After about 350 m of ascent the trail crosses a melt-water stream and then climbs steeper ground for another 150 m to reach a plateau at 15,190 ft, which some groups use as a high camp. Traverse around a shallow basin to your north (right) and ascend a rocky moraine hillock to reach another, larger basin. The pass is the lowest point on the surrounding ridge to your north and is reached by crossing the basin and climbing directly upwards. The vistas and sceneries visible from this point are jaw-dropping. The desert mountain valleys of Pin contradict the green valleys of Bhaba which you left behind. The arid landscape marks your entry in Spiti region. If snow conditions permit, make a direct descent into the valley below, but if avalanche is a danger you will have to traverse left and take a less steep route. Reach the flat-bottomed valley and long lake (14,189 ft) in less than 1 hour. The trail winds around the true right (north) side of the valley floor, which is mostly lake or wet ground. From the lip of the valley you look down on the confluence of three rivers at Tiyaand a trail junction. We will camp near the junction at Mangrungse.

On this day, we begin our return from Mangrungse to Mudh via Pharka Village. Follow a trail that traverses north (right) before the last descent and wind around scree-covered hillside. Then descend a little before traversing above the Pin river to Bara Boulder. The trail to Pharka Village is well paved and gradual, following the true right bank of the Pharka Nallah. You will walk through a number of small settlements and flock of sheeps. Cross the Pin River and Mudh village, last village in Spiti region. Drive from Mudh Village to Kaza, the traditional capital of Spiti. The trip ends here.

Kaza is famous for spectacular monasteries and local shopping souks. Kibber, Komic, and Dhankar Village are few of the famous villages in the capital. In case you are interested in staying for longer in Kaza or want to avail the transport back to Manali can contact our team on 7838148127 and get your special request registered. If you are heading straight back to Manali, the it is going to be a long yet scenic drive from Kaza to Manali passing through the two spectacular high mountain passes; Kunzum La and Rohtang Pass.

This day will only be used if the need arises during the trek. You are advised to keep a buffer day in your travel plan. If the buffer day is used, you have to pay Rs. 2,300 per day (INR) +5% GST / per person. The amount will be collected by the Trek Leader.