Kinnaur to Pin Valley · Himachal Pradesh
Pin Bhabha Pass Trek
A challenging Himalayan adventure through lush forests, alpine meadows, and high-altitude landscapes connecting the Bhabha and Pin valleys.
Duration7D / 6N
Highest pointPin Bhabha Pass
DifficultyModerate to Challenging
Trail lengthAwaited
Base villageShimla
Pin Bhabha Pass Trek
The Pin Bhabha Pass Trek is a spectacular Himalayan trekking journey that connects the Kinnaur side with the Pin Valley of Spiti. The route begins with a scenic drive from Shimla to Kaafnu, followed by a gradual trekking approach through Mulling, Kara and Phutsirang. The journey reaches its highlight with the crossing of Pin Bhabha Pass before descending towards Bawalder and Mud Village. After completing the main trekking section, the journey continues by road from Mud Village to Kaza.
Trail highlights
Shimla to Kaafnu
Scenic drive from Shimla to Kaafnu through beautiful mountain roads and valleys.
Himalayan Forests
Walk through dense forests and changing mountain terrain as the trail climbs higher.
High-Altitude Camping
Experience peaceful nights surrounded by remote Himalayan landscapes and towering peaks.
Bhabha Valley Views
Take in expansive views of the Bhabha Valley and its dramatic mountain surroundings.
Pin Valley Transition
Witness the striking change from the green Bhabha side to the dry, rugged Pin Valley.
Mud Village to Kaza
Drive from Mud Village to Kaza after completing the trekking section.
Detailed itinerary
Day 1Shimla to Kaafnu – Drive & Stay
The Pin Bhabha Pass adventure begins from Shimla with a scenic drive towards Kaafnu, the starting point of the trek. The journey takes you through the beautiful mountain landscapes of Himachal Pradesh before reaching Kaafnu. On arrival, check in and settle down at the accommodation/campsite. Spend the evening preparing for the trekking days ahead and rest well for the start of the trek the following morning. Overnight stay: Kaafnu.
Day 2Kaafnu to Mulling – Trek
After breakfast, begin the trek from Kaafnu towards Mulling. The trail gradually takes you deeper into the Himalayan landscape as the surroundings become more remote and mountainous. Continue at a steady pace with suitable breaks along the way. Reach Mulling by afternoon or evening, settle into the campsite and relax after the day's trek. Prepare for the next day's journey towards Kara. Overnight stay: Mulling Campsite.
Day 3Mulling to Kara – Trek
After breakfast, begin the trek from Mulling towards Kara. The trail continues through the mountain terrain, with the landscape gradually changing as you gain altitude. Continue towards Kara at a comfortable pace and enjoy the surrounding Himalayan scenery. Reach Kara by afternoon or evening, settle into the campsite and rest for the next stage of the trek. Overnight stay: Kara Campsite.
Day 4Kara to Phutsirang – Trek
After breakfast, begin the trek from Kara towards Phutsirang. This is the approach day before the Pin Bhabha Pass crossing. The trail continues through high mountain terrain as you move closer to the pass. Reach Phutsirang and settle into the campsite. Rest well and prepare for an early start the following morning for the major pass-crossing section. Overnight stay: Phutsirang Campsite.
Day 5Phutsirang to Bawalder via Pin Bhabha Pass – Trek
Today is the major and most demanding section of the Pin Bhabha Pass Trek. Start early after breakfast and begin the ascent towards Pin Bhabha Pass. The trail climbs towards the pass before continuing across to the Pin Valley side. After crossing Pin Bhabha Pass, begin the descent towards Bawalder. The route can include steep, rocky and high-altitude sections, so careful walking and a steady pace are important. Reach Bawalder by afternoon or evening, depending on trail and weather conditions, and settle into the campsite after the long pass-crossing day. Overnight stay: Bawalder Campsite.
Day 6Bawalder to Mud Village – Trek & Drive to Kaza
After breakfast, begin the final trekking section from Bawalder towards Mud Village. Continue through the changing landscape of the Pin Valley and complete the main trekking route at Mud Village. From Mud Village, board the vehicle for the drive towards Kaza. Reach Kaza, check in and relax after completing the Pin Bhabha Pass Trek. Overnight stay: Kaza.
Day 7Kaza – Trek Ends After Breakfast
After breakfast in Kaza, the Pin Bhabha Pass Trek itinerary comes to an end. Guests can continue with their onward travel arrangements from Kaza. Trek completion after breakfast.
How to Reach Shimla
How to Reach Shimla
Shimla is the starting point of the Pin Bhabha Pass itinerary. The journey begins with a drive from Shimla towards Kaafnu, where the trekking section starts.
Best Time to Visit
The Pin Bhabha Pass route is seasonal, and conditions around the pass and higher sections can vary considerably. The trekking season and accessibility depend on weather, trail and local conditions.
Trek Difficulty
The trek includes several days of continuous high-altitude walking, with the Phutsirang to Bawalder section via Pin Bhabha Pass being the major pass-crossing day. Good physical preparation and appropriate acclimatization are important.
Inclusions & exclusions
Inclusions
- From evening snacks of Day 1 to last day breakfast
- Professional trek team including guide, chef and support staff
- Camping gear including stools, toilet seats, sleeping bags, microspikes and gaiters
- Forest entry fees and necessary trek permits
- Triple & Quad Sharing
- Well-equipped medical kit for emergencies
Exclusions
- Personal expenses such as tips, snacks, beverages and phone calls
- Any extra costs caused by bad weather, trail obstacles or medical evacuation
- Porter or mule services and mule charges unless specifically included in the package
- Travel insurance and personal trekking gear
How to prepare
Preparation details were not included in the supplied PDF.
Things to carry
Clothing
Thermals, fleece, down jacket, shell, trek pants, cap and gloves.
Footwear
Trekking shoes, socks and Crocs.
Essentials
Backpack, headlamp, bottle, sunglasses, sunscreen and trek pole.
Personal care
Medicines, toiletries, lip balm, ORS and reusable waste pouch.
Pin Bhabha Pass Trek gallery
Gallery images will be added after they are provided.
Frequently asked questions
Where does the Pin Bhabha Pass Trek start?
The itinerary starts with a drive from Shimla to Kaafnu, where the trekking section begins.
Which is the most demanding day?
Day 5 — Phutsirang to Bawalder via Pin Bhabha Pass — is the major pass-crossing section of the itinerary.
Is Pin Bhabha Pass a high-altitude trek?
Yes. The route crosses Pin Bhabha Pass and includes high-altitude terrain. Conditions can vary with season and weather.
What makes the trek special?
The route takes you from the Kinnaur side towards the Pin Valley, with a major Himalayan pass crossing connecting the two landscapes.
Where does the trek finish?
The main trekking section finishes at Mud Village. From Mud Village, the itinerary continues by road to Kaza.
What should I carry?
Carry proper trekking shoes, warm layered clothing, a waterproof jacket, gloves, cap, sunglasses, sunscreen, personal medicines, a water bottle, headlamp and a small backpack.
Booking & cancellation policy
Booking Terms
Choose full payment or reserve your seat with a fixed ₹500 booking amount per person. The remaining balance should be paid on Day 1 upon arrival. Trek slots remain subject to availability until payment confirmation.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Advance Payment | ₹500 per person is required to reserve the trek seat. |
| Remaining Balance | Pay the remaining amount on Day 1 upon arrival. |
| Seat / Slot Status | Subject to availability until final booking confirmation. |
| Required Documents | Government-issued ID such as Aadhaar or driving licence, plus personal and guardian contact numbers. |
| Package Route | Current displayed package is Dehradun to Dehradun. |
Important: Final operational decisions on departure flow, weather handling, and on-ground safety remain with the trek leader and operating team.
Cancellation Terms
Cancellation charges may apply depending on the date of cancellation and arrangements already blocked. Last-minute cancellations, no-shows, and unused services are generally non-refundable.
| Cancellation Window | Indicative Policy |
|---|---|
| 30+ days before departure | Low cancellation charge or transferable credit as per operator policy. |
| 15-29 days before departure | Partial cancellation charge may apply. |
| 7-14 days before departure | Higher cancellation charge likely due to blocked arrangements. |
| 0-6 days / No-show | Usually non-refundable. |
Important: Final operational decisions remain with the trek leader and operating team.
Weather & Operational Changes
Treks in the Himalayas are subject to weather, trail conditions, and local administrative regulations. The operator reserves the right to modify timings, route flow, campsite usage, trek pacing, or support logistics in the interest of safety and successful trip execution.
| Factor | Operational Impact |
|---|---|
| Weather Changes | Departure timing, campsite plan, or route order may change. |
| Road Block / Snow | Travel timing may be delayed or rescheduled based on conditions. |
| Administrative Rules | Permissions or movement plans may change as per local instructions. |
| Safety Decision | Final call remains with trek leader and operating team. |
Important: Final operational decisions on departure flow, weather handling, and on-ground safety remain with the trek leader and operating team.
Health & Safety
Every participant should disclose any relevant medical condition before departure. The trek team may refuse participation if conditions are considered unsafe for the guest or group. Personal responsibility, hydration, pace discipline, and following guide instructions are essential during mountain travel.
| Safety Point | Guideline |
|---|---|
| Medical Disclosure | Relevant conditions should be informed in advance. |
| Fitness Readiness | Participants should arrive with basic trek fitness and stamina. |
| Gear Responsibility | Warm clothing, shoes, and essentials should be carried properly. |
| Trek Discipline | Follow guide, stay with group, and avoid risky individual movement. |
Important: Final operational decisions on departure flow, weather handling, and on-ground safety remain with the trek leader and operating team.