Overview

The Pin Valley Trek, also known as the Pin Parvati Pass Trek, is one of the most challenging and rewarding high-altitude treks in the Indian Himalayas, connecting the lush green Parvati Valley of Himachal Pradesh with the stark, cold desert landscapes of Pin Valley in Spiti. This epic 11-day crossover trek is designed for experienced trekkers seeking raw adventure, extreme terrain, and dramatic changes in scenery.

Starting from Manikaran/Barshaini near Manali, the trail ascends through dense pine forests, alpine meadows, glacial streams, and sacred sites like Kheerganga hot springs and Mantalai Lake, the source of the Parvati River. As the trek progresses, the terrain becomes increasingly rugged, culminating in the crossing of the Pin Parvati Pass (5,300 m / 17,450 ft)—a demanding yet unforgettable highlight of the journey.

Beyond the pass, the landscape transforms dramatically into the arid beauty of Spiti Valley, characterized by wide valleys, barren mountains, and ancient Buddhist culture. The trek concludes in Mud Village and Kaza, offering insights into Spiti’s monasteries and traditional mountain life. Best undertaken between May to early July and September to November, the Pin Valley Trek is a true test of endurance, acclimatization, and determination, rewarding trekkers with unmatched Himalayan grandeur, solitude, and a deep sense of achievement.

Ideal for seasoned trekkers, this expedition blends high-altitude adventure, spiritual landscapes, glacier travel, and cultural exploration, making it one of India’s most iconic long-distance Himalayan treks.

Tour Highlights - Pin Valley Trek

Duration: Maximum - 11 Days
Trekking Season : May to early July and again from September to end-November (or late if there is no fresh snow over the Pin-Parbati Pass). The Dushera Festival in Kullu in October is worth attending.
Getting There : You can easily reach there and options are: in the tourist season there could be several flights a day to Bhunter airport, a two hour drive from Manali. And easily by road can possible to reach Manali.
Altitude : Manikaran at 5,600 ft. is the starting point and the highest altitude is at Pin-Parbati Pass, (17,452 ft/5,319m.), The highest camp is at (15,150ft/4,617m).
Highlights of this trek : Pin Parbati Valley full of wild flowers, waterfalls and scenic campsites; the hot spring at Khir Ganga. Excellent views of the green Parbati Valley to the stark Pin Valley. And visit in monasteries of Spiti Valley.
Medical Assistance & Emergency : Manali and Shimla are the last stops. The spiti valley is connected by phone but once on the trek, no medical or rescue facilities is available.
Support Services on the Trek : Only porters can cross the Pin-Parbati Pass and these are available in Manikaran and in Pulga. Other camping services are available only in Manali. For the rest of the trek, one must be self-equipped.

Day 01 :

Manali – Barshaini | Trek to Kalga

Altitude: 2,300 m / 7,600 ft
Drive: 4–5 hours
Trek: 1 km | 30 minutes

Your journey begins with a scenic drive from Manali through winding mountain roads, apple orchards, and riverside villages to reach Barshaini—the last motorable point of the Parvati Valley. From here, a short and gentle uphill walk takes you to the quiet hamlet of Kalga, surrounded by dense pine forests and traditional wooden homes.

The rest of the day is for relaxation and acclimatization. Enjoy panoramic valley views, interact with locals, and prepare your body for the days ahead. Overnight stay in camps or guesthouses.

Day 02 :

Kalga to Kheerganga

Altitude: 2,800 m / 9,200 ft
Trek: 10 km | 6–7 hours

Today’s trek takes you deeper into the Parvati Valley. The trail passes through forests, wooden bridges, waterfalls, and narrow ridgelines with stunning river views. The climb is gradual but steady, testing your endurance.

By afternoon, you arrive at Kheerganga, famous for its natural hot water spring. After a long walk, soaking your tired muscles in the warm pool with snow-clad peaks around is a magical experience. Overnight camping under the stars.

Day 03 :

Kheerganga to Tunda Bhuj

Altitude: 3,350 m / 11,000 ft
Trek: 13 km | 7–8 hours

The landscape begins to change as you leave Kheerganga. The trail becomes more remote, crossing alpine meadows, rocky sections, and glacial streams. Human settlements disappear, replaced by vast open valleys and towering mountains.

You reach Tunda Bhuj, a high-altitude campsite known for its wide grasslands and dramatic mountain views. The temperature drops noticeably here, marking your entry into the high Himalayas.

Day 04 :

Tunda Bhuj to Thakur Kuan

Altitude: 3,550 m / 11,650 ft

Trek: 11 km | 6–7 hours

Today’s trek runs alongside the Parvati River, with multiple river crossings and moraine sections. Snow patches may appear depending on the season. The route offers breathtaking views of glaciers and massive rock walls.

Thakur Kuan is a beautiful riverside campsite surrounded by steep cliffs and icy streams. Evenings here are peaceful, with only the sound of flowing water and mountain winds.

Day 05 :

Thakur Kuan to Odi Thach

Altitude: 3,800 m / 12,400 ft

Trek: 9 km | 5–6 hours

A shorter yet rewarding trek leads you to Odi Thach, one of the most scenic campsites of the trek. The trail includes glacial crossings and open alpine terrain.

Odi Thach is a vast meadow enclosed by snow-covered peaks and glaciers. The campsite offers jaw-dropping sunset views and a strong sense of isolation, reminding you how far you’ve traveled from civilization.

Day 06 :

Odi Thach to Mantalai Lake

Altitude: 4,150 m / 13,600 ft

Trek: 12 km | 7–8 hours

This is a challenging yet unforgettable day. You walk over glacial debris, snowfields, and high-altitude terrain as the valley narrows. The surroundings become increasingly dramatic.

By afternoon, you reach Mantalai Lake, the sacred source of the Parvati River. Set amidst glaciers and towering peaks, the lake reflects the sky and mountains beautifully. This campsite is spiritual, serene, and one of the highlights of the trek.

Day 07 :

Mantalai Lake to Summit Camp

Altitude: 4,950 m / 16,300 ft

Trek: 11 km | 7–8 hours

Today is all about preparation for the big crossing. The trail climbs steadily over snow and rocky terrain, demanding careful footing and mental focus.

You arrive at Summit Camp, located close to the Pin Parvati Pass. The air is thin, temperatures are low, and the landscape is raw and powerful. Early dinner and rest are essential as the next day is the toughest.

Day 08 :

Summit Camp – Pin Parvati Pass – Pin Base (Bedu Thatch)

Altitude:

Pin Parvati Pass: 5,300 m / 17,450 ft

Pin Base: 4,450 m / 14,600 ft

Trek: 15 km | 10–12 hours

The most demanding and rewarding day of the trek begins before sunrise. The ascent to Pin Parvati Pass involves steep snow slopes and careful navigation. Standing at the pass is an emotional moment—lush Parvati Valley behind you and the cold desert of Spiti ahead.

The descent into the Pin Valley is long and challenging, crossing snowfields and rocky sections. By evening, you reach Bedu Thatch (Pin Base), surrounded by barren mountains and wide open landscapes. A sense of achievement fills the camp.

Day 09 :

Pin Base to Tiya

Altitude: 3,950 m / 13,000 ft

Trek: 12 km | 5–6 hours

The terrain now feels gentler as you walk through the stunning Pin Valley, following the river downstream. The scenery shifts to brown mountains, wide valleys, and unique Spiti vegetation.

You reach Tiya, a peaceful campsite near shepherd settlements. The weather is relatively calmer, allowing your body to recover after the pass crossing.

Day 10 :

Tiya to Mud | Drive to Kaza

Altitude:

Mud: 3,750 m / 12,500 ft

Kaza: 3,650 m / 12,000 ft

Trek: 12 km | 4–5 hours

Drive: 50 km | 2 hours

A relaxed trek takes you to Mud Village, the last village of the Pin Valley. Here, the trek officially ends. After lunch, you drive through Spiti’s stark landscapes, passing monasteries and river valleys to reach Kaza, the main town of Spiti.

Enjoy a warm bed, hot meals, and the comfort of civilization after days in the wilderness.

Day 11 :

Kaza to Manali (Drive)

Drive Distance: 200 km | 9–10 hours

Your journey concludes with a spectacular drive from Kaza back to Manali via high-altitude passes and changing landscapes—from cold deserts to green valleys.

As you return, memories of glaciers, high passes, starry nights, and the thrill of crossing one of India’s most challenging treks stay with you forever.