The crossover expedition that links green Parvati Valley to the cold desert of Spiti over a 5,319 m glaciated pass.
The Pin Parvati Pass Trek is the classic crossover expedition of Himachal Pradesh. In nine days you walk out of the pine forests and hot springs of the Parvati Valley, climb past the sacred Mantalai Lake, cross a 5,319 m glaciated col, and drop into the bone-dry moonscape of the Pin Valley in Spiti. Two completely different worlds joined by one pass.
This is not a beginner trek. The route involves glacier traverses, a technical snow section on summit day, a tricky Pin River crossing and long days above 4,500 m. It is graded very difficult and is meant for trekkers who have already completed at least one or two high-altitude Himalayan treks.
Monk Trails runs the route as a 9-day fixed departure starting and finishing at Kasol, with a certified trek leader, oxygen cylinder, first aid and medical equipment, permits and all meals included.
| Duration | 9 Days |
|---|---|
| Total distance | ~96 km |
| Maximum altitude | 5,319 m (17,450 ft) |
| Difficulty grade | Very Difficult |
| Best season | July – September |
| Base / start point | Kasol, Parvati Valley |
| End point | Mud Village, Spiti (via Kaza) |
| Suitable for | Experienced high-altitude trekkers |
| Starting from | ₹24,500 per person |
A natural sulphur spring at 2,960 m on the second day, reached after walking through the waterfalls above Rudranag.
Days 3 and 4 push into a valley with no roads, no phone signal and no villages — only the river, pine forest and the Potra Ghat traverse.
A legendary natural rock bridge over the Parvati River, crossed on Day 5 just as the tree line disappears.
The sacred glacial lake at 4,250 m that feeds the Parvati River, and one of the most scenic camps of the whole expedition.
A 2 a.m. start, a glacier traverse, technical snow, and then the view: green Parvati behind you, brown Spiti ahead.
A long drop to the road head at Mud Village, through the raw high-desert landscape of Spiti.
Distances and timings are guidelines. Your trek leader may adjust the plan for weather, snow or group pace.
Arrival day · Altitude 1,580 m
12 km trek · 6–7 hours · Altitude 2,960 m
15 km trek · 6–8 hours · Altitude 3,250 m
10 km trek · 6–7 hours · Altitude 3,650 m
6–8 hours trek · Altitude 4,150 m
~12 km trek · 6–8 hours · Altitude 4,250 m
6–7 hours trek · Altitude 4,700 m
7–8 hours trek · Altitude 4,900 m · Summit day
~22 km · around 8 hours · Altitude 1,580 m
Exactly what your trek fee covers, and what it does not. No surprises at the road head.
Monk Trails provides: Tent · Sleeping bag · Sleeping mat · Dining tent · Kitchen tent · Microspikes (when required) · Safety equipment · First aid kit
Clothing, footwear, trekking gear, documents and medication — we keep one master checklist for every Monk Trails route, with notes on what to leave at home.
Tents, sleeping bags, sleeping mats, dining and kitchen tents, microspikes and safety equipment are provided by us. You only need to bring personal kit.
Full packing checklist
It is graded very difficult. The trek reaches 5,319 m, includes glacier traverses, a technical snow section on summit day, a Pin River crossing and several days above 4,500 m. Prior high-altitude trekking experience is essential.
The pass sits at 5,319 m (about 17,450 ft), which is the maximum altitude of the trek. Total trekking distance is around 96 km over 9 days.
July to September. Before July the snow on the pass is unstable and the Parvati River crossings are dangerous; after September the pass begins to close.
Nearest airport is Bhuntar (Kullu), 31 km away. Nearest railway station is Chandigarh. Direct Volvo buses run from Delhi to Bhuntar (12–14 hours), then a short taxi to Kasol. By road it is about 520 km and 11–13 hours from Delhi.
You should be able to run 5 km in under 30 minutes comfortably and carry a 10–12 kg backpack for 7–8 hours a day. We recommend at least 6–8 weeks of cardio training before the departure date.
A medical fitness certificate is recommended, and you must carry an original government ID. We also advise carrying a passport-size photograph and cash, as there is no ATM on the trek.
The most dramatic short crossover in the Indian Himalaya: green Kullu on one side, the grey desert of Lahaul on the other.
Moderate
Meadows, a glacial lake, birch forest and then a near-vertical ice wall you rappel down off a 15,000 ft pass.
Moderate – Difficult
The classic Parvati Valley beginner trek, ending in a snow slide that can run a full kilometre.
Easy – Moderate
Altitudes and distances are approximate and vary slightly by route and operator. Trek difficulty: Very Difficult. Best time: July – September.
Small fixed-departure groups. Certified trek leaders. Permits, camps and meals sorted. Tell us your dates and we will hold a slot.
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