TRIP FACTS
- Region: Kinnaur & Spiti Valley.
- Duration: 9 Days.
- Season: June to September.
- Grade: Moderate.
- Group Size: 10 Persons.
- Maximum Altitude: 4865M.
- Passes: Bhabha Pass (4865m) / Kunzum La (4551m)
- Accommodations: 6 Nights In Camp / 2 Nights In Guest House / Home Stay.
- Activities: 5 Days Hiking & 4 Days Drive.
- Meals: 8 Breakfasts / 9 Pack-Lunch / 8 Dinners.
- Trip Begin: Shimla.
- Trip End: Manali.
INTRODUCTION
This trek offers a captivating blend of the lush greenery of Himachal Pradesh's Kinnaur region with the stark, barren beauty of Spiti Valley. Starting at Kafnoo in Kinnaur, the trail ascends alongside the Wanger River after crossing a footbridge, weaving through single crop fields of Mustrang village and a mixed forest of conifers and broad-leafed trees. As the path climbs through potato and buckwheat clearings, it reaches the meadows of Muling (3350 meters/11,000 feet), adorned with birch and wild cherry trees. From Muling, the trek leads to Pistrang, a tranquil glade with a spring, followed by a steep ascent to the pass. The descent is gradual, leading into the Pin Valley and contrasting sharply with Kinnaur's verdant landscape due to the boulder-strewn glaciers. This trek is uniquely complemented by a drive through Spiti, showcasing its important monasteries and charming villages. Notably, it is one of the rare Himalayan treks suitable for the monsoon season, offering a distinctive experience of both Kinnaur and Spiti Valleys.
HOW TO REACH SHIMLA
- Jubbarhatti Airport (SLV) is 23 kilometers from Shimla, but flights can be limited and weather-dependent.
- Alternatively, fly into Chandigarh International Airport (IXC), about 120 kilometers from Shimla, then drive or take a bus to Shimla.
- Shimla Railway Station connects to Kalka, with a scenic 5-6 hour toy train ride from Kalka to Shimla. You can take a train to Kalka from major cities like Delhi or Chandigarh.
- Shimla is accessible by road from Delhi (350 km), Chandigarh (120 km), or other Himachal Pradesh areas. Private taxis, car rentals, and regular bus services are available.
- The Himachal Road Transport Corporation (HRTC) offers ordinary and luxury bus services, including Volvo and semi-sleeper options. Choose based on your schedule, budget, and preferences.
- A medley of stunning new landscapes greets you every single day.
- Bask in the serenity of the river delta of Phutsirang, which makes for an unbeatable campsite. Coming across river deltas is very rare in Himalayan treks.
- Pin Valley National Park & Rupi Bhaba Wildlife Sanctuary.
- The pride of Spitian – Chamurthi Horses.
- Climbing to the pass is a lovely challenge. The higher you get, the more you tower over the rest of the scenery.
- The snowcapped peaks are now almost at eye level.
- Drive to Ancient Monasterary of Spiti Valley.
- Visit the Chandrataal Lake below Kunzum La.
- A wonderful opportunity to get to know the locals and their culture.
DAY 01 - SHIMLA – KAFNOO (2400M) DRIVE 282 KM, 8 TO 9 HOURS.
Early morning drive to our roadhead - Kafnoo, with the gorges of the Satluj River on our left. The drive will take us to the main town of Wangtoo, where we cross a bridge and drive further to Kafnoo, the last village in the Kinnaur Valley and the start point of our trek. There is a hydro electric dam project nearby. We camp next to a beautiful lake.
Overnight in The Tent
Meal: Lunch + Dinner
DAY 02 - KAFNOO - MULING (3200M) 4 TO 5 HOURS.
We start walking through a dusty track passing the village of Homti on our left. The valley initially becomes narrow before opening up to wide spaces as we reach camp. We start the trek with the Bhabha River on our right. In between we crossover and trek high up through coniferous forests before descending back to the river. We then enter the forest area once again to finally reach the wide meadow at Mulling with the river on our right. We also witness some beautiful waterfalls and melting glaciers on the Bhabha River.
Overnight in The Tent
Meal: Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner
DAY 03 - TREK TO KARA (3560M) 3 TO 4 HOURS.
Today is a short walk to our next campsite at Kara (3 Hrs). We keep walking through the wide green Valley with the Bhabha River on our right. In between we cross the river and walk on flower carpeted pathways with small boulders scattered around. Then we turn right and walk on a narrow path to reach our next campsite in a beautiful meadow. Great chance to bump into Gaddi shepherds along the way.
Overnight in The Tent
Meal: Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner
DAY 04 - TREK TO FUSTIRANG (3975M) 3HOURS.
Fustirang is the base of the Bhaba Pass. A short hike from Kara, we walk ahead to the intersection of two valleys and make an almost U-turn into the Bhaba Valley and walk up gradually on a narrow path with the glacial stream on our right to the base of the pass. We start seeing glaciers and ice and snowy peaks as we near the base of the Pass. This is the trail of the Gaddi shepherds and we'll meet quite a few on the way manning huge flocks of sheep and goat. A little above the campsite is a big grazing ground with horses and sheep loitering the countryside. There is a lot of silt in the river and it therefore splits into a lot of smaller channels. We can go around for a short walk above the campsite for exploring and to help in acclimatization.
Overnight in The Tent
Meal: Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner
DAY 05 - TREK TO BARA BULDER (3963M) 7-8 HOURS.
This is the big Day. We walk over boulders, moraine, scree and rough terrain with no proper path to cross the Bhabha Pass (4865m) from the lush green Kinnaur Valley into the Arid, dry Spiti Valley. On a bright and sunny day, this walk is amazing affording excellent views of the mountains in the pin Valley. We are very likely to find a lot of snow and ice at the pass. Sometimes, we may also be accompanied by the shepherds and their big flocks of sheep. After crossing the pass it is a steep descent all the way to Bara Bulder, the camping place for Gaddi shepherds and yak herders.
Overnight in The Tent
Meal: Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner
DAY 06 - TREK TO MUDH (2.5 HRS) . DRIVE TO TABO (3050M) 2.5 HOURS.
Today, we pack and cross the Pin River to reach the road head at Mudh Village. We hop into our taxis and bid farewell to our Horsemen and drive to Tabo (2.5 Hrs), which has a 1000 year old monastery and small guesthouses. Time for a hot shower and some Tibetan food. We visit the monastery and the local village. Tabo happens to be the last stretch of the famed Himachal Apple belt which extends From Kinnaur all the way to Spiti.
Overnight in The Tent
Meal: Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner
DAY 07 - TABO (3280M) -DHANKAR- KOMIC - LANGZA (4311M, DRIVE 5 TO 6 HOURS).
Early morning, attend the prayer at Tabo monastery (3280m), which is over 1,000 years old and is the oldest and the most important monastery in the Spiti valley. We return to camp after prayers, have breakfast. We then return to explore the monastery. Drive further to the monasteries of Dhankar & Lalung, And very beautiful drive towards Komic and Langza is Abundance of fossils, comprising of Shells etc. takes one 50 million years back when Indian subcontinent drifting northwards across the Ocean of Tethys on its tectonic plate slammed into the stationary mass of Asia and gave birth to the mighty Himalayas.
Overnight in Guest House / Homestay.
Meal: Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner
DAY 08 - LANGZA (4311M) - KI MONESTARY – KIBBER (4270M) – CHANDRATAAL LAKE (4250M) DRIVE 5 TO 6 HOURS.
Today, we will be visiting Ki monastery, the largest monastery in Spiti valley, situated on top of a hill (4116 meters/13,500 feet). This monastery is famous for Thanka paintings and musical instruments. We then continue to the village of Kibber (4205 meters/13,800 feet) On the way visit Kunzum Pass (4500meters ) drive towards Chandrataal Lake is also known as Moon Lake.
Overnight in The Tent
Meal: Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner
DAY 09 - CHANDRATAAL TO MANALI 7 TO 8 HOURS.
Drive back to Manali Across Chandra River most fascinating sight of Samudra Tapu glacier, North Dakka glacier, South Dakka glacier and Silver glacier. Above the glaciers towering mighty peaks of Moulkila and C.B. peaks. We will drive along a dusty and rough road. On both sides are huge boulders which are quite famous among rock climbers. We also get to see the Glacier of Bara Shigri, it extends to about 12kms and is the longest in Himachal. One can also view the magnificent peaks together famous as the “White Sail”. We will go over the famous Rohtang Pass, a wonderful opportunity to look down on to the lush green Kullu Valley.
Meal: Breakfast + Lunch
What is included in the tour
- The services of an educated Himalayan Yeti Adventure representative or escort / guide, well versed with native flora/fauna, topography & culture during the entire trek program.
- During the trek, all camping logistics and mules / porters/ to carry luggage. Participants will be required to carry only their day sacks with their daily essentials etc.
- Camping on twin sharing basis in 2-man tents, with foam mattresses, sleeping bags and kitchen tent, toilet tent etc.
- One Cook and camp helper/s with all necessary kitchen items, utensils etc.
- All transportation as per the itinerary, inclusive of transfers to the roadhead before the trek and transfer from the roadhead to Manali, after the conclusion of the trek.
- Boiled drinking water during the trek and warm water for personal ablutions in the morning.
- All meals during the trek program.
- Wildlife / environmental Permits and Levies, wherever required.
- All camping charges.
- Trek Briefing / debriefing & guides charges.
- Charges for following the global ‘Leave No Trace’ protocol.
- Insurance of the trekking staff
- Good medical / first aid kit with Oxygen Cylinders.
What is NOT included in the tour
- Any accidental, travel or medical insurance. It is advisable for the participants to get themselves comprehensively insured before the tour.
- Any expenses of a personal nature.
- Any and all evacuation charges (medical or otherwise), or hospitalization or physicians consultation charges. Your own insurance policy should also, ideally, cover this.
- . Insulated, waterproof boots are best. They have thick soles, rubber/leather uppers, and insulation.
- . Flip Flops/Crocs.
- . Wool or synthetic socks with wicking liners promote warm, dry feet. (this item is to be bought by the clients themselves)
- . Layer your clothing so it can be adjusted to your activity level and the weather. Avoid cotton.
- . Base layer: Synthetics and wool retain warmth even when wet. Wear long underwear (top and bottom) that wicks away moisture, insulates well, and dries quickly. Choose from microlight, lightweight, or midweight versions based on the temperature and your activity level. A zippered top lets you adjust body heat as you stop and go. (this item is to be bought by the clients themselves, easily available in Decathlon Stores)
- . Upper Insulating layer: Polyester fleece makes a good insulating mid-layer since it retains heat when wet and breathes as you exercise.
- . Outer layer: A waterproof, breathable shell jacket and pants keep you dry and fend off wind.
- . Down feather jacket: Can be used while relaxing or walking outside in the camp area.
- . Hat, Gloves, and Accessories: Keep your head and hands covered to prevent loss of body heat and to protect from sunburn.
- . A wool or synthetic hat, headband, or balaclava retains heat; a wide-brimmed hat or a ball cap can shade your eyes on sunny days.
- . Sunglasses and sunscreen will protect you from burning UV rays which are especially intense when reflected off of snow.
- . Cotton scarf: Good for dust and to protect neck from sunburn.
- . Water bottle and hydration bag.
- . Head lamp & spare batteries.
- . Camera dustproof cover and spare batteries and memory card; GoPro is just great.
- . Money belt or secure portion of bag.
- . Personal toiletries including lip cream, hand wash (alcohol-based), sunscreen, and towel.
- . Penknife, journal, sketch pad, playing cards, book, reading light, sewing kit, etc.
- . Small padlock for stored bag.
- . Trekking day bag up to 65 to 85 liters.
