Pin Bhaba Pass Trek

There are infinite reasons to embark on the Pin Bhaba Pass Trek. For starters, the crossover trek across the lush, green landscapes of the Bhaba Valley in Kinnaur to the rugged, desolate, and pink-hued regions of the Pin Valley in Spiti is a journey worth remembering. While you catch a glimpse of the enchanting Chandratal Lake, there is also the turquoise blue river and little brooks that come across your path while you make your way from the forests into the grasslands of Mulling. Hiking through the Kashmir-like meadows of Karah invokes awe. On the other hand, camping in the river delta of Phutsirang could be one of those cherishable memories that enrich your life and gets etched forever. The ancient Himachali culture and traditions in the remotest hamlets and visiting the Buddhist monasteries could be something to look forward to. Thus, you should plan your Pin Bhaba Pass Trek itinerary likewise.

The Pin Bhaba Pass Trek, also known as Tarik La, is one of those crossover treks that takes you across the shepherd’s trails and dense forests of Kinnaur to the barren lands of Spiti. Graded moderate to difficult, this trek should be attempted by those who have previous experience of high-altitude mountain expeditions. The crossover trail has a total trekking distance of 51 kilometers and reaches a maximum altitude of 4910 meters over eight days. Starting from 2400 meters at Kafnu, you reach the maximum elevation at the Pin Bhaba Pass. Since you will be gaining nearly 2500 meters altitude in four days, you need to have superb cardiovascular endurance. You can start with swimming, cycling, and stair climbing without too many breaks in between. Target reaching 5 kilometers in less than 30 minutes before starting this trek and maintaining this consistency throughout the last few days of your fitness regime. Carrying a backpack, however light, across uneven terrain for long hours can be tremendously taxing on your legs and other muscles. Apart from a combination of distance and speed targets, work on strengthening your legs and core by doing regular squats and also work on your flexibility with shoulders, quadriceps, hip flexors, and lower back muscular stretching exercises.

Contrary to other high-altitude expeditions in Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and various parts of the Himalayas, the Pin Bhaba Pass Trek best time lies between late May to late September. We know that most treks open during the summer, remain closed during the monsoon because of the severely unsafe conditions, and reopen in autumn. However, most of the region after the Pin Bhaba Pass to the Spiti valley lies in the leeward side or the rain-shadow region of the Himalayas. Before the Pin Bhaba Pass, the area is definitely drier than the Rohru side of Himachal that lies close to the Rupin Pass. Trekking gets considerably difficult in June as there is a high amount of snow on the trail. July onwards, trekking on this trail gets markedly easier.

Though challenges make life enjoyable, you should consider packing suitably to mitigate them. The primary gear remains the same. It consists of a backpack (50-60 liters) and a daypack (20-30 liters) coupled with rain covers. You need a sturdy walking stick, hydration packs or water bottles, headlamps with spare batteries, torches, a personal medical kit, and a first-aid kit. You can also pack some energy bars, dry fruits, and biscuits as part of your snacks for the trek. When it comes to clothes, prepare for the frigid temperatures as they might reach -7 degrees Celsius at night. Carry full-sleeve, quick-dry t-shirts, thermal inners for the top and bottom halves, fleece t-shirts, fleece jacket, woolen jacket, down jacket or padded/shell jacket, windcheaters, quick-dry, wind-shielding and waterproof track pants, and a poncho. As part of your headgear, carry a suncap, woolen cap, balaclava, sunglasses, and neck gaiter. Take a pair of synthetic gloves and woolen gloves to protect your fists. Now comes your footwear. Apart from carrying extra pairs of cotton and woolen socks, you should have a very high-quality, well-graded, sturdy pair of hiking shoes with a good grip. Your toiletries should include moisturizers, sunscreen, lip balm, hand sanitizers, excess wet wipes and toilet paper, antibacterial and antifungal powder, toothbrush, toothpaste, and quick-dry towels.

Since the trek takes place at an eco-friendly zone, littering at a local site or campsite should not be encouraged. It might also be fined. Paying attention to your trek guides and following them could ensure a safe and sound trek. Since the climatic conditions vary drastically at high altitudes, it is recommended that you take out a suitable time for acclimatization or include that in your itinerary. Try maintaining the ecological balance of the destination by avoiding the use of plastic.