Mantalai Lake-Pin parvati Pass Trek

Period of Operation : Mid July to September.
Rating : Strenuous.
Duration : 12 Nights / 13 Days.

Demanding but rewarding trek, going through thick pine forest and fields of wild flowers - a profusion of iris, buttercups, poppies, phulumises and eidelweiss. As you gain altitude, the scenery gets more dramatic and you have spectaacular views of the mountains. The changing colours of the mountains is unique and the evening sunlight makes the surroundings even more beautiful. Few high passages across the main Himalayas spine provide the variety and rewards of high level trek as does the Pin Parvati, connecting the tributary of the Beas which it joins near the Bhunter and the Pin which flows into Spiti. With extreme difference in climate, Pin valley is much more rugged and barren than the Parvati valley. This cold desert valley with its snowy crags, cliff and crevasses, jagged rocks and other fossils make Pin valley a unique geological lab. Winter plays havoc here as ferocious blizzards and snowstorms send the glaciers cracking, ravaging the valleys rugged moonscape.
The Pin Parvati valley of Spiti is considered the most beautiful in the region. The trek route crossing over from the Kullu valley takes you through most spectacular landscapes, and provides an experience to remember for life. The trek begins at Manikaran and winds along the raging Parvati River till the glaciated Pin-Parbati Pass (4900m). After crossing the pass the trail winds along the Pin river which is a tributary of the Spiti river. There is a dramatic variation in the scenery and also culture on crossing into Buddhist land of Spiti. We are now in a Buddhist region and here you will be able to visit some of the oldest monasteries like Ki Gompa, Tabo monastery & Kibber village and drive across the Kunzumla pass (4551m) to Manali.

Travelers note : A minimum of 03 days acclimatization is recommended for this trek at a height of 2000 m or more.

Day 01 : Manali – Manikaran – Pulga (100 kms)

Travel by car/jeep from Manali to Manikaran (85 kms). Manikaran is a holy place for both Sikhs and Hindus alike and also has the World’s hottest Sulphur Spring. Start the trek from Manikaran to Pulga (15 kms) through the forest road. Overnight in tents at Pulga (2290 m).

Day 02 : Pulga – Khirganga (10 kms)

Gradual ascent through villages, fields and forest. Khirganga (2960 m) is a holy place with Hot water springs. Overnight in tents.

Day 03 : Khirganga - Tunda Bhuj (18 kms)

Through forest level walking to reach Tunda Bhuj (3285 m). The trail crosses several delightful pastures supporting a variety of wildflowers in the summer. Overnight in tents.

Day 04 : Tunda Bhuj - Thakar Kuan (16 kms)

Through birch forest crossing rocks and dense vegetation. This section of valley is difficult at places as the trail frequently skirts rock faces that are difficult for laden porters. Reach Thakur Kuan (3560 m) above the cliff section. Overnight in tents.

Day 05 : Thakar Kuan - Pandu Bridge (12 kms)

Beyond Thakar Kuan, the trail passes several Gaddi encampments before crossing a side river by a natural rock bridge. Trek for 12 kms to reach Pandu Bridge (3700 m). Overnight in tents.

Day 06 : Pandu Bridge - Mantalai Lake (15 kms)

Trek for 15 kms to reach Mantalai lake (4116 m), the source of Parbati river. There is a choice of grassy camp- sites just beyond Mantalai. Overnight in tents.

Day 07 : Mantalai Lake - Camp I (12 kms)

Walk over the glacier & moraine and cross small lakes & streams to reach Camp I on the base of Pin Parvati Pass. Overnight in tents (4573 m).

Day 08 : Camp I - Camp II (12 kms)

Cross over the Pin Parvati Pass (5319 m) and enjoy the view of several peaks of Kullu & Spiti region. The descent from the pass is gradual, over a snowfield. Camp near the confluence of Pin river with other small streams. Overnight in tents (4450 m).

Day 09 : Camp II - Chinpatta Maidan (14 kms)

Trek down the valley along the left bank of Pin river. Overnight in tents at Chinpatta Maidan-3955m.

Day 10 : Chinpatta Maidan – Mud (15 kms)

From here trek down to the first village of Pin Valley, Mud (3811 m). Overnight in tents.

Day 11 : Mud – Sagnam (16 kms)

Sagnam is a big village on the confluence of Pin and Parahio rivers. Overnight in tents in Sagnam (3650 m).

Day 12 : Sagnam – Dhankar - Kaza (45 kms)

Travel from Sagnam to Dhankar Monastery. This monastery rests high over the valley and is a stupendous example of local architecture. Overnight in tents in Kaza.

Day 13 : Kaza - Manali (225 kms)

Travel from Kaza to Manali by jeep.