Overview
Region: Himachal & Spiti
Duration: 10 Days
Level:Difficult
Base Camp:Kheerganga
Distance: 78 Kms
Altitude:5298 mts
Pickup Point:Manali
Drop Point:Manali
Best Season: Monsoons: July & August
Brief ITINERARY
Day-1
Manali/Bhuntar - Pulga - Khirganga /2810m / 6 hours
Day-2
Khirganga – Tunda Bhuj /3333m / 6 to 7 hours.
Day-3
Tunda Bhuj - Pandu Pul /3712m/ 6 to 7 hours.
Day-4
Pandu pul - Mantalai Lake /4133m / 8 hours.
Day-5
Rest day in Mantalai
Day-6
Mantalai - Base of Pin Parvati Pass / 4940m -/5 to 6 hours.
Day-7
Base of Pin Parvati Pass over the pass - Camp I /5298m -/7 hours.
Day-8
Pin Parvati Camp I to Camp II -/4456m / 6 hours.
Day-9
Camp II - Mud - 3970m -/5 hours trek - kaza by taxi.
Day-10
Kaza - Manali.
DETAILED ITINERARY
ABOUT THE DESTINATION
The Pin Parvati Pass is a mountain pass in Himachal Pradesh, India. It was first crossed in August 1884 by Sir Louis Dane in search of an alternate route to the Spiti valley. This pass connects the fertile and lush Parvati valley on the Kullu side with the Pin valley on the Spiti side. It is a popular trekking route today though still rarely visited. This trans-Himalayan trek is the shortest route between the Kullu and Spiti Valleys. Once over the Pin-Parvati pass (5319m), there is a complete change in landscape – the mountain slopes immediately turn barren and rugged. The prevalent culture of the inhabitants also changes from Hinduism on the Kullu side to Buddhism in Spiti. Often referred to as the most challenging trek in the Indian Himalaya, it’s more than worth the effort.
Day 1 -Day 1 - Bhuntar - Pulga - Kheerganga
Altitude - 2810m.
Time taken - 6 hours.
Himveer Tour & Trek advises to reach Manali a day before. It should be noted that it takes almost 12 to 13 hours to reach Manali from Delhi.
You will be greeted by Himveer Tour & Trek personnel’s at Manali bus stand at sharp 7.00 AM and start the journey from Bhuntar to Pulga in a shared taxi. After initial round of briefing we will start trek from Pulga. Today we trek along Parwati river. The gushing sound of river will amaze you. We will halt for a while at Rudranag waterfall on the way. The trail ascends though forests and after passing a cliff we emerge into a large meadow with a small temple beside a milky white hot spring. This is Kheerganga. Khirganga is a beautiful inclined meadow surrounded by lush forest and waterfalls. It is one of the most popular weekend hiking destination these day. There are several café’ & restaurants serving a variety of cuisines. We set up camps in Kheerganga for the night. Use the evening time to take a dip in the hot water spring of Kheerganga.
Day 2 - Khirganga - Tunda Bhuj
Altitude - 3333mts.
Time taken - 6 to 7 hours
After breakfast at the campsite we walk along without much effort while capturing the wild with your eyes and cameras both. As you travel through the dense forest you will be surprised to find families settled in this wilderness managing herds of their callous buffaloes. The last phase is a steep rise full of muck and mire that is followed by a short walk through a meadow with an enchanting view of couple of huge foamy waterfalls off the rich green cliff on the opposite side of the river. This is Tunda Bhuj. We will camp here for the night.
Day 3 - Tunda Bhuj - Pandu Pul
Altitude - 3712m
Time taken - 6 to 7 hours.
Have breakfast at the camp and start trekking towards Tunda Bhuj. After about an hour of walking downhill from the camp we will reach the first of the showstoppers. The bridge seem to have been decently built when it was first built, however, time seemed to have taken its toll and whatever is remaining is held together by ropes. All the ropes have left the bridge leaning on one side, which earned it its name “TedhaPul”. One by one we will cross it safely. The bridge is followed by a steep hill. After that it is a decent walk among lush green grass and clear water brooks and rocky spots in between to rest on. After about an hour and half’s trek we will be crossing a river which involvs ropes but without the usual platform. This one will be a completely new experience for most since it involves sitting in a cart and pushing and pulling to finally make it to the other side. Horses grazing in the grasslands is a picturesque sight here. Dealing with the marshes and negotiating the many wet fields of wild flowers we will trek till we reach the third bridge. The inconspicuous presence of the 3rd showstoppe make it very difficult to notice. It looks just a dull lazy rock lying in the midst of nowhere. The bridge comprises of a huge rock which we have to ascend to the top and then slide down to a spot where a narrow path of rocks lead to the hill on the other side. We will cross it safely one by one. Only after we have crossed the PanduPul 1 that the presence of the second Pandupul is revealed. Pandupul 2 comprises of an even bigger rock than Pandupul 1, to whose base we had to scale using again one of the pebble stairs and from then on climb the steep face to the top and then climb down a stone staircase with no proper footing or holding. We will safely cross it one by one. Today’s campsite is just after crossing the Pandupul.
Day 4 - Pandu pul - Mantalai Lake
Altitude - 4133m .
Time taken - 8 hours
The trek today is quite a comfortable one with a nice path leading through green grasslands that are used by the shepherds to graze their liveStok by paying a nominal fee to the government. Slow and steady and with a break or two now and then we reach Udithatch, a great plain among the craggy Himalayas, a rare sight at such height. The day offers various picturesque sights and photographers can make good use of it. Next we come upon Khadapatthar, which as the name suggests is a rocky area with many small streams. Be careful while crossing them as rocks can be very slippery. After crossing Khadapatthar we reach the great swamp which we safely negotiate by going around rather than through it and thus we reach mini Mantalai. Its a beautiful grassland of myriad flowers and diverse hues, rocks laden with bright coloured algae and fungi and a plethora of flora complementing each other and with the river meandering along innumerate twists and turns through this beautiful grassland. It is a spectacular view indeed. After scaling a rocky mountain which in itself seems unending we finally reach our destination, Mantalai. Mantalai is a big lake formed by the blocking of melt waters from the Mantalai glacier by a mountain that runs across the valley leaving only a small opening which results in a small yet highly noisy waterfall. Here is a temple of Lord Shiva. Today we will camp near the lake.
Day 5 - Rest day in Mantalai
It’s a day at your leasure. Spend the day exploring the place, taking photographs & taking the much needed rest for the trek ahead is challanging.
Day 6 - Mantalai - Base of Pin Parvati Pass
Altitude - : 4940m .
Time taken - 5 to 6 hours.
As we leave Mantalai Lake behind we cross the river lane which is a little steep. Then we walk through high rocky areas and glaciers. This high altitude region is surrounded by snowy mountain peaks & glaciers. Today we will camp at the base of the Pass. Camping here is some experience to look forward to.
Day 7 - Base of Pin Parvati Pass over the pass - Camp I
Altitude - : 5298m .
Time taken - 7 hours.
This is a strenuous day of this trek. After 3-4 hour of steady trekking we will reach the pass. From here you can have a bird's eye view of the pin valley towards Srikhand mahadev. Depending on the weather we will spend some time here to cherish the view. You can feel proud of yourself having reached 5298M after trekking through a variety of terrains. From the pass we start the descend to pin valley. Lookout for ranges of Dibibokri and Kulu Makalu which look fascinating. Walking through high rocks & ice fields we will reach our campsite for the day.
Day 8 - Pin Parvati Camp I to Camp II
Altitude - : 4456m .
Time taken - 6 hours.
Today is a long day. The trail goes over scree and moraine and we cross a number of small streams to finally reach a meadow where we set up camp.
Day 9 - Camp II - Mud
Altitude - : 3970m.
Time taken - 5 hours trek - kaza by taxi
The trail today enters a wide-open valley with numerous streams and leads into the ancient Mud village in the Pin valley of Spiti. From mud village we drive in taxi to reach Kaza. We will spend night in a hotel. Rooms will be on twin or triple sharing basis. About kaza : Kaza is popular with tourists and adventure seekers during summer months because of its central location and connections to rest of the valley and outside. This central location also makes Kaza an ideal base camp for trekking, mountaineering and tours directed to other parts of the valley. Some of the major tourist attractions in and around Kaza beside Tangyud Monastery are the Key Gompa, Kibber village at an elevation of 4205 m. above MSL, Gette Village at an altitude of 4270 m above MSL, Langza village famous for presents of marine fossils, the Pin Valley National Park, a protected area for himalayan high altitude wildlife and the Losar village 40 km to the north of Kaza at an altitude of 4079 m above MSL.
Day 10 - Kaza - Manali
After breakfast get ready for a long road journey to Manali .Drive in taxi from Kaza to reach Manali by the evening. The trip ends here.
Cost Terms
COSTS INCLUDES
All transfers in shared taxi right from PICKUP POINTS to DROP POINTS
Permits and Entrance fees.
Accommodation in tents on share basis during trekking.
All meals, { from BASE CAMP to BASE CAMP} Breakfast, Packed Lunch, Tea, Coffee, Sneaks, Soup, Dinner, after dinner hot Chocolate, lemon tea. etc!
All camping gear including tents and sleeping mattress. Liner,Kitchen tent, Dining tent and toilet tent.
Good Experience Hindi/ English guide, cooks and porters, mules.
Insurance of Himveer Tour & Trek staff.
COSTS EXCLUDES
Personal Insurance.
Personal toiletry Items
Personal Medicine kit
Meals during transit.
Charges of mules/poerters carrying extra luggage. (Rs 300/per bag payable to Himveer Tour & Trek Personnel at the base camp )
PAYMENT POLICY:
A) 46 days or more before date of departure: 25% of total cost.
B) 31- 45 days before date of departure: 50% of total cost.
C) 30 days before date of departure: 100% of total cost.
IMPORTANT: The booking stands liable to be cancelled if 100% payment is not received less than 30 days before date of departure.
REFUNDS:
No refund (Partial or otherwise) will be made if you voluntarily leave or drop out of a trip for any season after the trip has begun. No refunds will be made for any accommodation, transportation, sightseeing, meals or services not utilized.
In case, Himveer Tour & Trek cancels the trip due to unforeseen circumstances/climatic emergencies it would be happy to suggest an alternative trip/dates. You shall be notified of same. You may accept the alternate trip suggestion, voucher (with one year redeemable limitation) or request another trip of your choice. The difference in cost, if applicable, will have to be borne by you. Himveer Tour & Trek shall, under no circumstances, be liable for any additional costs, credit card charges, TAC(s), travel arrangements including but not limited to flight cancellation, railway, hotel, visas costs, onward arrangements coinciding with this trip etc. Refunds in such a scenario will happen as per our cancellation policy.
*Refunds are not possible for any missed or unused services including voluntary / involuntary termination of tour on account of sickness, death of a family member, late arrival on the tour etc.*
*Himveer Tour & Trek is also not liable to pay any compensation for any loss arising as a consequence of trip curtailment, alteration, extension or cancellation due to any reasons. However, you expressly agree that, in any event, the maximum liability of Himveer Tour & Trek will be limited to the trip cost paid to Himveer Tour & Trek.
Himveer Tour & Trek must receive notification of cancellation in writing. At the time we receive your written cancellation, refunds based on the total fare are as follows:
CANCELLATION POLICY
For the cancellation of trek services due to any avoidable / unavoidable reasons, we must be notified of the same in writing
*CANCELLATION CHARGES PER PERSON
a) 30 days or more before the departure date: 25% of the total cost.
b) 29 - 20 days before the departure date: 50% of total cost.
c) Less than 20 days before the departure day: 100% of the total cost.
d) Cancellation less than 10 days to the start of the trek: Transfer your trek (same trek, same batch) to your friend. No cash refund.
*IF WE CHANGE OR CANCEL YOUR HOLIDAY
We do plan the arrangements in advance. It is unlikely that we will have to make any changes to your travel arrangements.
Occasionally, we may have to make changes and we reserve the right to do so at any time. If there are any changes, we will advise you of them at the earliest possible date. We also reserve the right under any circumstances to cancel you travel arrangements by assigning reasons to you.
If we are unable to provide the booked travel arrangements due to reasons beyond control ( e.g. bad weather, insufficient bookings) we shall first try to offer alternative dates for the tour if the tour has'nt already commenced. If the alternate arrangement does not suit you, we will refund the amount in full.
NOTE:-
1)- Change of trek batch is dependent on the availability of seats in the batch.2)- In case of transferring a trek to a friend, he/ she should satisfy all the mandatory requirements put forward by Himveer Tour & Trek.
3)- Himveer Tour & Trek holds the right to change/cancel the policies, without prior notice.
Cancellation is processed only by email intimation. Please email any cancellation requests to :- sonunix7077@gmail.com or call us @ +91-7500124928 Itineraries are based on information available at the time of planning and are subject to change. "Himveer Tour & Trek" reserves the right to change expedition dates, people or itineraries as conditions warrant. If a trip must be delayed or the itinerary changed due to bad weather, road conditions, transportation delays, government intervention, airline schedules, sickness, or other contingency for which Himveer Tour & Trek or its agents cannot make provision, the cost of delays and/or other changes are the responsibility of the participant. Himveer Tour & Trek reserves the right to decline, or accept, any individual as a trip member for any reason whatsoever.
Please Note
*Written cancellation will be accepted on working days (only). Any cancellation sent on a Sunday or any National Holiday(s), will be considered on the next official working day.
*In the event of any cancellation(s) after trip commencement, there will be no refunds and any costs incurred due to this cancellation will be borne by you.
Irrespective of when a trip is booked, the above condition will hold true.
How to Reach
By Air :-
Bhuntar, which is 52 km away from Manali, is the nearest airport. Taxi services are available from Bhuntar to Manali, which costs about Rs. 700- Rs1000. Bhuntar is well connected to Delhi by air. The airliners that take you to this Airport are Indian Airlines, Kingfisher airlines, MDLR Airlines and Jagson Airlines, operating flights from Delhi and Chandigarh to Kullu.
By Road:-
Manali is well connected to Delhi. Take an overnight bus from Delhi and you will reach Manali in 12 - 14 hours. Tickets can be booked online at www.redbus.in or www.hrtc.gov.in . Tip: Since Delhi Manali is a long journey most Volvo private buses leave Delhi between 5 pm and 6 pm. The last govt bus leaves at 8.30 pm from ISBT Kashmere Gate. Manali to Delhi Like the onward journey, buses leave from Manali to Delhi between 4 and 5 p.m. Your tentative arrival at Delhi may be anywhere between 6 a.m and 10 a.m. Plan your onward journey only post noon giving enough buffer for bus delays.
Himveer Tour & Trek GUIDELINES
DO’S AND DON’TS ON A TREK
1.Alcohols or any other intoxicating products "STRICTLY PROHIBHITED" during the trek.
2.Always pay heed to the trek guides or instructors.
3.Try not to leave the group under any circumstances.
4.Avoid trekking during the nights as it is extremely dangerous.
5.Avoid using earphones as that might hinder your hearing.
6.Do not participate or encourage littering of the places in any form.
7.While visiting the local villages and tourist sites, obey the local guidelines and instructions.
8.Do not harm or interrupt the local sentiments of the places.
IMPORTANT:
Your safety is of paramount concern while travelling with Himveer Tour & Trek.
Please note that your leader has the authority to amend or cancel any part of
the itinerary if it is deemed necessary due to safety concerns.
Since adventure entails travelling in remote mountainous regions, we cannot guarantee that we will not deviate from it. Weather conditions, health condition of a group
member, unexpected natural disasters, etc., can all contribute to changes in the itinerary. The leader will try to ensure that the trip runs according to plan, but please be prepared to be flexible if required
Fixed Departure
SummersS
August:5,12,19,26
September:
2,9,16,23,30
Note
The fixed departure dates are applicable to a group of 8-10 people (minimum), both male and female.
If you are group of 8 or more and don’t find a suitable date, kindly Contact Us:
sonunix7077@gmail.com/
For customised/Tailor made treks ,kindly Contact Us:
sonunix7077@gmail.com
Himveer Tour & Trek advise its clients/travellers to keep a buffer day in hand to avoid inconvenience caused due to unpredictable weather conditions in high altitude regions.
Himveer Tour & Trek Importants Links
Himveer Tour & Trek Basic trek Gear Checklist for client
A) A good quality rubber sole with mid sole and ankle support (Medium or high ankle) shoe. Click here
Himveer Tour & Trek Medical Form For Thr Client
Himveer Tour & Trek treks organised by SHRIDHANT EXPEDITIONS (OPC) PVT LTD. take place in some remote and less-developed regions, without means of rapid evacuation, Click here
Frequently asked questions(FAQs)
Here are answers to a list of generic questions which are asked to us on any treks. We have tried to answer most of them and this list of questions keeps growing with time. If you still have doubts, Contact Us us over phone or email to clear your doubts. We will be happy to help !!
Toilets On Trek: There will be a separate toilet tents. For a bigger group ( more than 8 trekkers ), separate toilet tents for men and women will be provided to keep up with the timings. The toilets will be a dry toilet where a pit will be dug and will contain a hump of mud outside. You can use wet tissue papers. After you finish your business, you need to cover the dump with the mud outside. A small shovel will be kept for the purpose. You should not use water in the toilet pit. When we shift camps, we will ensure that the pit is well covered and the area is clean. For tea house treks, toilets are well maintained by the owners.
We would be carrying all of the camping and technical equipment and the cost of it will be included in the package price. If you had requested a customized trek package, this will depend on what you have asked for.
For a detailed generic list of what to carry on a trek, follow the link click here