Itinerary -
DAY 01: Kullu – Kasol (1539m) – Barsheni – Khirganga (2707m) Drive/2 hrs & Trek/3-4 hrs
We will meet at a pre designated spot in Kullu and be driven to Barsheni, start point of the trek and from here hit the trail leading to Khirganga. Today’s walk is through a wooded region and is not very demanding. Khirganga is a beautiful meadow with sulphur springs and a few dhabas (eating joints). Overnight in tents.
DAY 02: Khirganga (2707m) to Thunda Bhuj (3100m) Trek/5 hrs
Today you walk through meadows negotiating several ascents and descents. The trail for most parts is through forested area and then you come out into open meadows of Tunda Bhuj. Here you can’t miss the massive granite cliffs overlooking the meadows and beautiful waterfalls around you. Overnight in tents.
DAY 03: Thunda Bhuj (3100m) – Thakur Kuwan (3320m) Trek/3-4 hrs
The first half an hour of the day is through the tree line and beyond it are the medows of Thakur kuwan where we need to cross the Parvati river on a make shift wooden bridge. The walk is gradual uphill hike with lot of flowers all around. Towards the end of the day’s trek we will cross over the Parvati river on a pulley bridge and reach our camp site, on the Beautiful meadows of Thakur Kuwan.
DAY 04: Thakur kuwan(3320m) – Ody Thach (3600m) Trek/4-5 hrs
Today we will have to make a couple of tricky river crossings before reaching our destination for the day. First river crossing is over an exposed boulder on a side stream and then over the Parvati river over the Pandu bridge which is a gigantic boulder with a stone staircase on one side. One will need to move carefully and with assistance from our guides and we might put ropes, if required. Ody Thach is again a massive meadow with the majestic Kullu Eiger peak overlooking it. Here you are sure to meet a few shepherds and get first-hand information on the condition of the trail leading to the Base camp. Overnight in tents.
Day 05: Ody Thatch (3600m) - Mantalai (3930m) trek/4-5hrs
Today the trail is flattish and along the river. Towards the end of the trail there is a climb up a lateral moraine which can take some effort. After the climb you reach a small temple very scenically located. We will spend some time here and then walk down through a maze of small rivulets to reach our campsite. Overnight in tents.
DAY 06: Mantalai (3930m) to Pin Parvati Base camp (4450m) - Mantalai trek 6 – 7 hrs
We will get up early in the morning and proceed towards Pin Paravati Base camp. This is going to be a great day for trekking. We get to hike in a completely different terrain and you one is sure to get a very good feel of high altitude environment. We get to see at a close distance the Pin Parvati Glacier and our guides can take you safely over it. After spending time here and taking lots of pictures we have lunch and head back to our camp at Mantalai. Overnight in tents
DAY 07: Mantalai (3930m) – Thakur Kuwan (3300m) Trek/7-8 hrs
Today the walk is little longer as there is a steep decent for the first hour towards Ody thatch meadows and after that it is going to be a beautiful and gentle walk towards Thakur kuwan where we will have to pass the Paravti river twice (natural bridge and rope Bridge)Over night at Thakur Kuwan
DAY 08: Thakur Kuwan(m)-Barsheni(m)-Drive to Kullu (2707m) Trek/8-9 hrs
Again a long day where we are going to reach the tree line at Thunda Bhuj. The is walk is very beautiful with few river crossings, majestic views of the mountains, waterfalls and beautiful flowers all around. Once we reach khirganga we can have a hot cup of tea or coffee at the local dhaba and continue towards Barsheni. Today we will join at the road head and board the jeeps and drive to Kullu.
Trip Ends With Sweet Memories !!!
TRANSPORT OPTIONS (Delhi – Kullu – Delhi)
For travel from Delhi to Kullu & back, one can choose between air, rail & road. For air travel, the closest airport is Bhuntar (Kullu) airport. There are a couple of flights that link this airport to Delhi airport
Train travel though not very popular is available to cover a certain distance. One can either take a train to Pathankot or Jogindernagar (narrow gauge). From both these places one will need to drive to Manali. For train details, you could log on to www.indianrail.gov.in and for online railway ticket bookings you could log on to www.irctc.co.in .
There are frequent Public Transport buses including Volvos available from Delhi to Kullu that cost about Rs. 1300 per person. They take about 14 hrs to cover the distance. A private vehicle could also be arranged for if you require the same.
Weather Details
Season for this trek is from early June to mid-October. In the early days of the season we will catch a lot of snow on the higher reaches which reduces considerably by end of June. As the season proceeds we might catch rain towards start of July on certain days. Days are generally going to be sunny and warm (12-20 °C) while the night temperature at the highest campsite would be in the range of 0 to 6 °C
In the latter part of the season (Sep – mid-Oct) there is very little snow on the trail and good weather throughout but with possibility of snowfall. The days are sunny with temperatures hovering around 12-18 °C and the evenings start getting cold with the onset of October and nights are comparatively colder (- 2 to 4 °C).
Please keep in mind that the above information is not exact and does not account for sudden changes. Whatever the temperatures and conditions rest assured we will be prepared to handle it with ease as we use equipment of very high specifications.
List of Essentials
It is very important for this adventure trip that you need to be equipped properly and with a bit of back up. Mountain/adventure travel requires one to be adequately equipped with the right kind of personal gear. Since one is travelling in the wilderness there will be hardly any opportunity to buy anything once you hit the trail so we urge you to carefully pack everything into your bags. Also please keep in mind you can rent out or purchase equipment from our Gear Store, if required.
Shirts / T-shirts – 2/3
Warm shirt/light micro fleece pullover/full sleeve T shirt
Trekking Pants (water resistant/repellent & having inside lining for extra warmth) - 2
Windproof/water resistant outer shell (jacket) of good quality (no flimsy wind cheaters please!) with a proper hood
Thick Fleece / Full-sleeve Woollen sweater
Thermal inner wear (upper & lower)
Woollen cap (Balaclava)
Water proof gloves
Thick woollen socks & regular socks (4 – 5 pairs)
Scarf/muffler (optional)
Comfortable waterproof Trekking/Hiking shoes (shoes with a thick sole and high ankles are recommended)
Camp shoes (these can be easy to slip in sneakers/sport shoes)
Raincoat / Poncho
Small light weight towel
Insulated water bottle & hydration pack (optional)
Cap / floppy hat to keep the strong sun away from your face
Sun glasses with UV protection and ability to cut the glare (imp when traversing through snow)
Sturdy walking stick / Trekking pole
Sunscreen Lotion
Lip Balm
Torch / Flashlight (with extra batteries)
Medicines, if requiring any specific medication
Personal toiletries
Book, if you like reading
Day pack/small bag which you will carry on your back every day and keep your essentials in it
Carry rain cover for your bags
Keep a few poly bags or waterproof bags in your bag in which if required you can put your belongings in case of heavy rain
Camera if you like (with fully charged batteries)
…LOADS OF ENTHUSIASM!! AND A PLEDGE TO LEAVE NO TRACE
Carry your stuff in a duffel bag, soft shoulder bag or a rucksack. Avoid suitcases, trolleys or any other hard luggage. As you will be walking long distances carrying a rucksack, avoid bringing unnecessary items on the trek. Please avoid carrying expensive watches, jewellery and electronic items on the trek.
NOTE: In case you are planning to put your bag on a mule or taking a porter please get a duffel bag or rucksack and keep it in mind that there is a possibility that the bag at times might brush against a rock or a tree and get slightly damaged so don't get very expensive bags. Also in case of damage we shall not be held accountable.
Disclaimer
Great Indian Outdoors (P) Ltd. takes utmost care to ensure safety of its clients. However in the case of any unforeseen mishaps, Great Indian Outdoors (P) Ltd. will not be liable for any injuries caused or for loss of life. All disputes rising due to the above are subject to the jurisdiction of the courts in New Delhi/Delhi only. All participants would be required to sign an Indemnity Form before the start of the program, without which they would not be allowed to take part in the trip/program/activities.
Duration: 8 Days
Season: Jun-Oct
Grade: Moderate +
Sketch Itinerary
Day 01: Kullu Kasol (1539m) Barsheni Khirganga (2707m) [drive/2 hrs & trek/3-4 hrs]
Day 02: Khirganga (2707m) to Thunda bhuj (3100m) [trek/5 hrs]
Day 03: Thunda bhuj (3100m) Thakur kuwan (3320m) [trek/3-4 hrs]
Day 04: Thakur kuwan(3320m) Ody thach (3600m) [trek/4-5 hrs]
Day 05: Ody thatch (3600m) - Mantalai (3930m) [trek/4-5hrs]
Day 06: Mantalai (3930m) to Pin parvati base camp (4450m) - Mantalai [trek 6 7 hrs]
Day 07: Mantalai (3930m) Thakur kuwan (3300m) [trek/7-8 hrs]
Day 08: Thakur kuwan(m)-Barsheni(m)-drive to Kullu (2707m) [trek/8-9 hrs]
Description
The regular Pin Parvati pass trail is surely amongst one of the top trails in Indian Himalayas but it comes with a set of challenges which makes it difficult for first timers and people with relatively less experience in the Himalayas. This is a super itinerary which has been carved out of the regular Pin Parvati pass itinerary and does not require one to scale the pass and yet get to hike in one of the finest trekking landscapes. This trail is suitable for fit first timers wanting to take on something more challenging than a regular trek
The trek offers unmatched variety and excitement. There are too many highlights but one that stands out is the view one gets on reaching the high Himalayan Glacier at the base camp (4450m) with big mountains all around. The trail throughout is through a completely wild & pristine terrain. There are many meadows with wild flowers all over, waterfalls, streams, rivulets, rivers. There are big snow mountains, an inviting glacier and interesting gaddi shepherds for conversation. You name it and it is there on this trail
The trek starts from the beautiful Kullu valley which is known for its lush green landscapes, hospitable people, inviting meadows, apple orchards and rich culture. From here a demanding 5 days walk takes you literally on top of the world where you walk on gigantic snow fields to reach the Pin Parvati base (4450 m). We will camp on the shores of the beautiful Mantalai lake for 2 days and from here hike up to the base camp. On the way back which is mostly downhill we cover the distance in just 2 days from Mantalai
This is going to be a beautiful trip for people who love mountains and the outdoors. The high Himalayan meadows with a wide variety of beautiful flowers, rich forest area with wide species of Himalayan birds and trees is something very special and will ensure you are busy with the camera throughout