Kullu Parbati Valley Trekking
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Trekking in Kullu Valley
Kullu Valley Treks is the most popular amongst trekkers in Himachal Pradesh. Treks in the Solang sub-valley and Kullu-Jogindernagar are easy and short. Hamta Pass, Chandra Tal, Chanderkhani and Tos Nala are hard treks while the trek to Pin-Parbati Pass is long and strenuous.Trek -I Solang Valley Beas-Kund (3540m)
A short, popular and strenuous trek of 5-6 days, entailing steep ascent/descents of hundreds of meters every day, even after crossing the pass. Generally open after the first week of June, the passage becomes easier between 20 August and 30 September, when there is less snow. Cave shelters and rest houses en route; a small group (4 to 6 persons) need not carry tents. The path is well defined all the way and a porter or guide is not necessary but could be helpful. Combining this crossing with a return over the Minkiani Pass makes an ideal circular tour of about 10 days.
Trek -III Manali Hamta Pass (4270m)
A popular excursion and a traditional alternative to Rohtang Pass in days before a road was made over the latter. A guide is recommended as the trail sometimes disappears in vegetation and rocks, while many rushing streams must be forded. Best Period: 10-30June and 10 August to 10 October.
Trek -IV Manali Chandra Tal (4480m)
A glacial lake in a splendid secluded position surrounded by magnificent peaks. This fairly strenuous hike can be done there and back in 4-5 days. Best period : 10-30 June and 10 August to 10 October.
Trek -V Malana Glacier-Chandra River Mountaineering Trek
A serious expedition of no special difficulty in god conditions over several crevassed glaciers and two high passes (Animal Pass 4580m and Sara Umga Pass 4884m), through splendid alpine scenery, descending to Chhota Dara (3760M) in Lahaul, on the road running from Kunzum La towards Rohtang Pass. A few guides and porters in Manali are qualified to undertake this ambitious trip of ten days.
Trek -VI Kasol Khauli Pass
An easy excursion over a fairly high pass. est period : 15 May to 30 June and 20 August to 20 October.
Trek -VII Manali Nagar Chanderkhani Pass
Considerable variations are possible after Chanderkhani Pass, and a number of alternatives are appended. The pass can be crossed between April and November but the best period is 10 May to 30 June, and 20 August to 15 October.
Trek -VIII Pin Parbati Pass (4802m)
Highest altitude - 5319m, Duration - Eight days, Season - August-September, Grade - Very Difficult - Sir Louis Dane first discvered this high pass in August 1884 as entry point to Spiti fom Kullu. It is very difficult pass. Not only because it lies very high and remains under heavy snow for most of the year but also because it involves very long journey beyond habitation. Besides it can not be located easily. Experienced guide is needed on this trail.
Trek -IX Jogindernagar via Bhabu Pass (2874m)
A cross-country alternatively heading W into the Kangra/Dhauladhar region, as opposed to travelling by the much longer road route via Mandi. Soon after the main road crosses Sarbari river S of the town, turn W along a track following the S bank of the Sarbari. After Nehri village the river turns N and in 10km from main road the principal track bears sharp left (SW), away from the river, and ascends a branch valley to Karaun (1951m); Civil rest house. Ahead, follow the winding track with a 900m ascent in 6km to Bhabu Pass in the Daggi Dhar ridge; commanding views behind of the Parbati mountains.
About This Trek
The Pin Parbati Pass, 4,810m, is marked by rock cairns and prayer flags. The alpine views to the snow-capped ranges towards the Kullu Valley contrast with the barren mountain ridges, which stretch east towards Spiti. Trek routes from Manikaran lead to Pulga, Khirganga and Mantalai - and finally to the Pin Parbati Pass, which connects the Sutlej valley and the Spiti valley. Ascent on the Kullu (W) side is described in the Kullu section in which brief historical notes are also given. Destination permit may still be needed.Itinerary
All the treks of Spiti (Himachal Pradesh India) is connected by 'our coach' with Delhi, Chandigarh, Jammu and Srinagar.Day 1 - Sangam-Mud (4150m) 13 km, 5h - Follow trail on W side of the Pin, over two side streams for 7km to where the path steepens and becomes very narrow and slippery in places, with river on the left and sheer rock walls on right. Then a steep section in loose stones leads to a gentle ascent of rock slopes and a final level walk of 3km above the river to the small village of Mud with about 30 houses; no amenities.
Day 2 - Mud -Ghurguru (4450m) 17 km, - Continue up the valley path, dusty and stony for 4h to where the turbulent Larang tributary enters the Pin. Sometimes this side stream is impossible to ford; then it becomes necessary to work up alongside the Larang for as much as 3km before it can be crossed (ice bridge) and a return made down the other side to the valley trail. Now go up more steeply over numerous small side-stream to attain the Ghurguru camping ground on the far side of a junction where three tributaries merge to from the main Pin river.
Day 3 - Ghurguru-Pin-Parbati Pass 16 km, 6-7h - Though not over a big bertical interval, this section is long. Work up left side of the most northerly tributary, aiming WSW over stones, gravel and through boulders to a series of snow tongues. Go up these in the same direction to continuous (usually) snow slopes of moderate steepness and reach after 2h on snow the large rocky saddle ahead, forming the pass. Tremendous views of rock and ice pinnacles all round, flanking the Kullu/Parbati river valley, and rearwards to the East over the Spiti region. Return easily to Sangam in two days.