REGION : Manali, khirgnga, pin parvati, Lahoul spiti. SEASON : July to August. MAX. ALTITUDE : (5300m). GRADING : Moderate. Duration : 15 DAYS. AGE GROUP : ABOVE 15 YEAR.
Few high passages across the main Himalayas spine provide the variety and rewards of high level trek as does the Pin Parvati trek, 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. But its long rain free summer is a prime time for the adventurers to see wild life in motion when the predatory snow leopard, red fox, marten, weasel, Himalayan Pika, bearded vulture, golden eagle, lynx and Tibetan wolf roam in the park- (area is conserved as a national park since 1987).
On arrival in Manali,you chek in to a hotel,rest for a while if you wish to and then proceed on a sightseeing trip for the day with one of our team members/guides.This could also include a village tour or similar activities,if you so choose.
(Drive by car)
Trek leads through coniferous forests, waterfalls and various villages, camp at Khirganga. An open meadow and hot springs at the distance of 100m up the meadow.
There is a steady ascend out of the gorge, the valley then widens and trail crosses several delightful pastures supporting a variety of wild flowers in the summer. Camp at Tunda Bhuj there are fine alpine views down the valley and waterfalls tumbling down the cliffs on the opposite side of the valley.
Trek through birch grooves, rocks and dense vegetation then trail descends to the riverbank. Cross Parvati River on a newly wooden bridge and climb gently for 1:30 hrs Just before campsite again cross river by cable, overnight camp at Thakur Kuan.
Trail passes through several Gaddi encampments before crossing a side river a natural rock bridge.Just above this natural rock bridge called Pandu Bridge. According to Hindu mythology the bridge commemorates the retreat of the Pandva brothers to the Spiti and Tibet. Our campsite is at just below the Kullu Eiger.
The trail then ascends gradually through a series of flowered meadows intercepted with boulder field brought down by many side streams. Just before Mantalai, 200mt. Ascend over the boulders field to abroad plateau. Camp at Mantalai.
Trek is now through boulder and scree out of the main valley. The trail crosses a series of meadows before a further steep climb leads to base of Pin Parvati pass.
Today steep ascend over boulders to a large snowfield below the pass. Then trail step up to the Pin Parvati pass over snowfield. The pass provides magnificent view snowcapped ranges. Descent from the pass is a gradual over a snowfield initially; it becomes steep in many places, camp by the river.
Today we descend slowly along the left banks of Pin River, walking on the loose rocks and many small streams to cross. Trail then leads small plateau above the valley then it leads down to a grassy campsite of Tiya. Pin valley is a national park known as land of Ibex and Snow Leopard. The most interesting to see is Chamurti horses, which are popularly called the camel of cold desert. The lifeline of this difficult terrain, Spiti and Chamurti are among the six recognized finest breeds of horses in India. Pin valley is protected area, with Rupi Bhaba wild life sanctuary to its south and Great Himalayan National Park to its southwest.
Trail goes down to the valley is gradual walk. Just before reaching Mud it is little bit difficult. Reaching Mud we say goodbye to our porters and drive through Pin River valley crossing villages of Sagnum, Kungri, Mikkim . We drive to visit Dankhar, located on top of small hill. Dankhar the traditional capital of Spiti kingdom, now road continues to Lalung – last village in Lingti valley. We drive back to Lingti where Pin and Lingti joins the Spiti. We continue to drive to Kaza and at first we visit Kee, 10 kms to Kibber and finally we drive back to Rangrik camp.
Today leaving early we drive to Losar – last village in Spiti valley, after Losar road climbs up to Kunzum la pass (4551m.), which connects Lahoul with Spiti. The panorama as viewed from the top of the pass is enthralling and inspiring. 8 km. Walking gradually downwards to the lake of moon-Chandertal lake. A vast meadows around the lake carpeted with alpine flowers, is an ideal place for camping. Crossing Kunzom we drive along the Chandra River to Gramphu and road climbs up to Rohtang pass. Manali is 51 kms from, overnight hotel.
Hidimba devi temple, Manu temple, Vashisht hot spring, Naggar Castle and Nicholas Roerich art gallery.