Bhaba Pass Trek

TRIP OVERVIEW
There are 4 passes that connect Pin valley with Kinnaur and Kullu – Bhabha pass a.k.a. Tarikhango, Shakarog Khango, Lartsaway, and Pin Parvati pass. To the southwest lies the Bhabha pass which connects Pin valley with the Bhabha valley of Kinnaur. It’s named also Tari Khango and it’s more popularly known as the Bhabha pass. Spitian people have long been used this pass as a trade route between 2 valleys. Especially the requirement of timber to the Spitian house building. The geographic contrast between these two valleys is evident after descending to the lush green meadows of Bhabha carpeted in wildflowers, while Pin valley is situated in the high cold desert region of Spiti and it remains moist during summertime and having a high winter snowfall. Numbers of plant species can be found in the valley, it is declared as a Pin valley national park in the year 1987, known as the land of Ibex and Snow Leopard. Though rare in sightings this rare animal, it’s a prime time to visit Pin valley in winter when these rare species descend to low altitude. The Chamurthi horses are the pride of Pin valley people and are one of a kind among highland horses. During the summer months, the yaks roam free in the vast pastures of Pin valley. Buchen of this valley is the only remaining sects performing ancient rituals.
On our tour, we set off from the lush green town of Shimla to Kafnoo at Kinnaur. We trek through dense forest and cross Bhabha pass and enter in high mountain desert of Spiti. We traverse through Pin valley.

TRIP FACTS
Activity – Trekking & hiking, Region: Spiti Kinnar, Himachal, Difficulty level – moderate, Max Altitude – 4865 meters, Max sleeping altitude – 4000 meters, Lowest trek altitude – 2500 meters, Trip Length – 9 days Delhi to Delhi, 8 days Shimla to Manali, 6 days trekking, 6 nights camping, Best time – Mid June to Oct

ITINERARY
Day 1: Shimla to Kafnu (2500m). 205 km, Drive 7-8 hrs.
Day 2: Trek to Mulling (3100m), 10 km, 6 hrs.
Day 3: Trek to Kara (3580m), 5 km, 4- 5 hrs.
Day 4: Trek to Phustirang (4000m), 5 km.
Day 5: Acclimatization
Day 6: Trek to Bhabha pass (4865m) – Mangrungtse (3900m), 12 km, 7-8 hrs.
Day 7: Trek to Mudh (3750m) 17 km, 5-6 hrs, Drive to Kaza – Rangrik river camp. 2 hrs.
Day 8: Kaza to Manali via Atal Tunnel.

COST INCLUDES
– All ground transportation to & fro as per the itinerary.
– all camping facilities. 3 men spacious 4 season tents for 2, sleeping bags, foam mattresses, dining tent, trekking poles & safety gears.
– All meal during trek – starts with bed tea to breakfast, lunch, 3-course dinner, tea /coffee, snacks. from Indian, Tibetan, Chinese to continental cuisine.
– Support staff: Qualified trekking guide, cook & camp crew.
– Trekking mules/horses or porters for porterage of your luggage and trekking gear.
– Camping fee, trekking permits.
– Goods and services tax.
– First aid medical kit.

COST EXCLUDES
×     Domestic flight.
×     Delhi – Shimla or Manali – Delhi transfer. (Transfer by a vehicle on request)
× Hotels in Shimla & Manali. (Hotel booking on request)
×     Travel insurance.
×     Soft or hard drinks.
×     Entrance fee at monasteries.
×     Personal tipping to staff: Guide, cook, camp crew, horsemen, porters, driver.
×     Any unforeseen cost arises by natural hazards rain, snow, roadblock which cost extra lodging & boarding beyond trip Schedule.

ITINERARY
Day 1: Shimla to Kafnu (2500m). 205 km, Drive 7-8 hrs.
Setting off from Shimla, we start with a scenic route running through Kufri and Narkanda. En route not to be missed is the famous apple belts of Kotgarh and Kumarsain, descending to the Satluj valley. After reaching Rampur Bushehr- famous for the trading town, café Satluj is an ideal stop for refreshment. Continue to drive to Wangtu and after crossing the bridge, the road winds up to Kafnu village.

Day 2: Trek to Mulling (3100m), 10 km, 6 hrs.
From the open parking area in front of the Lake View Resort, we follow the dirt service road around the storage lake for a small hydro scheme and then head up-valley to a bridge. Cross the bridge and immediately turn left on a good trail. The valley narrows quickly as you walk upstream on the true left bank. Pass the few homes of Musrang and enter the forest that leads to a set of switchbacks in 45 minutes. The trail climbs up in pleasant pine that leads to open pasture and then descends back to the river. We begin climbing in thick pine forests and sometimes crossing tributary streams. Cross another grassy pasture before winding through a large gully cut around an ancient terminal moraine, climbing on an easy gradient the entire time. At the end of the gully, the trail climbs very slightly into a magnificent broad alpine valley, called Mulling, where there are many good campsites.

Day 3:  Trek to Kara (3580m), 5 km, 4- 5 hrs.
Continue up the Mulling valley. Beyond the pasture, we enter a boulder field and then sparse forest. The valley narrows near the junction of the Yuchdiun river and after the confluence, you cross a step-sided gully via a boulder bridge. A steep climb before traversing to another stunning alpine valley and an extensive pasture popular with shepherds at Kara. There are many fine campsites here.

Day 4: Trek to Phustirang (4000m), 5 km.
The Phustirang Nala heads northwest of Kara, and we will need to find a convenient crossing point near the confluence with the main valley before climbing the true left. The trail climbs rapidly up a grassy spur before the gradient eases as you cross gently undulating pastures with many boulders. There are many herder shelters in the valley but the best campsites are at the base of the pass-climb. There are two main camps, a lower site, and after a short climb an upper site that offers an easier start for the following day

Day 5:   Acclimatization
Rest and acclimatize or hike

Day 6: Trek to Bhaba pass (4865m) – Mangrungtse (3900m), 12 km, 7-8 hrs.
The trail climbs a scree-covered spur that heads steeply up the center of the pass-approach valley. After about 350m of ascent, the trail crosses a melt-water stream and then climbs steeper ground for another 150m to reach a plateau, which some groups use as a high camp. Traverse around a shallow basin to your north and ascend a rocky moraine hillock to reach another, larger basin. The pass is the lowest point on the surrounding ridge to your north and is reached by crossing the basin and climbing directly to Bhaba Pass. Reach the campsite at Mangrungtse.

Day 7: Trek to Mudh (3750m) 17 km, 5-6 hrs, Drive to Kaza – Rangrik river camp. 2 hrs.
Leaving Baldor the trail is relatively easy. At the end of our trail, the valley separates from the main Pin River. To the left, the trails go towards Pin Parvati pass to Parvati valley in Kullu and to the right to Bhaba pass. Vegetation becomes more and more as we move forward to Mud, yet this valley is home to numbers of wild animals, the rarest and finest of them is an elegant snow-leopard. We could cross domestic animals i.e. yak and Dzo grazing. Pin valley makes different from other valleys of the Himalayan region by its sedimentary rock formation. Arriving at Mud, we drive to Kaza. Overnight hotel.

Day 8: Kaza to Manali via Atal Tunnel.
Leaving Kaza, we drive along the Spiti river and cross numerous villages along the route. And cross the Kunzum La and enter in Lahaul valley and drive goes along the Chandra River to Sissu before we take the Atal Tunnel Rohtang to reach Manali.

REVIEWS
Trekking in Ladakh Zanskar and Himachal
“I was looking to do some extended trekking in the Indian Himalaya and came across Potala Adventurers’ website more-or-less by accident. But it was a good choice.
I found Prem good to work within settling details for our itinerary and he then proceeded to do an excellent job in organising all the logistics for the trip. We had an great itinerary for a three-week traverse across Ladakh and Zanskar: trekking through Shillakong Gorge was fantastic, the views from Kanji La were superb, I loved trekking above the Zanskar River, it was good seeing the Ladakhi and Zanskari villages, and exiting Zanskar via the Phirtse La route was also a good choice (even if the weather was not so great for the pass itself).
Our subsequent plans for a trekking route from Rupin Pass to Bali Pass were thwarted by changes made by the Uttarakhand state government but Prem did a good job in devising, at relatively short notice, a revised itinerary for the second half of the trip: Hampta Pass-Spiti Valley-Bhaba Pass. There were some great views from the northern side of Hampta Pass and I especially enjoyed a day walk we did from Chandratal to Kunzum La.
The staff employed by Potala were excellent. We really appreciated the hard work they did to make sure everything worked well. The guides, cooks and assistants were all very pleasant people to be with and helped to make this a very memorable experience.
Mr. Ian & group of 8 – Australia – August 2018

Trek from Kaza, Spiti to Kedarnath, Uttarakhand
“A long trek in three phases, excellently organized with first-class guides and support team. Even when we reconfigured the third phase at short notice, Prem got everything in place. A tough trek!”
Bhaba pass – Lamkhaga pass – Sahastratal – Mayali pass – Kedarnath
14 Aug to 22 Sept – 40 Days
Mr. Henry E, Cambridgeshire, United Kingdom

“Had the most wonderful 19 days with the team of Potala Adventurers. Pritam, Dharampal and the team of 5 porters were most instrumental in the making this long trek a super success. Sriparna and I will miss them all and these gone days spent in the wilderness.
We promise to be back for more treks in Himachal and Ladakh with Potala.” -Cheers –
Mr. R. Chaudhary and Miss Sriparna G. – NEW DELHI – 31 August – 18 September

U.S. Geological Expedition to Pin Bhaba Pass – 16 May to 23 May
“We enjoyed a wonderful trek for 7 days. The tents were modern and very good for sleeping at high snow – covered pass as well as the lower elevations.
Our cook and guide were excellent. Our day started with morning tea and a filling breakfast. We had packed lunches that provide energy for our long hikes. After a day exploring we reached to camp to find our tents set up and tea waiting.
The pass was covered in snow. The cook and guide had to cut path through very steep snow. This allowed our member …porters to cover this dangerous ground.
The porters were very kind and helpful. We enjoyed hiking with them.
We will miss this great adventure and wish we could make this again. Excellent trip. ”
Mr M. J. Jessup (Geologist – USA) 16 – 22 May

“- Very excellent service 100% satisfied.
– Food was wonderful and ample.
– Guide was very friendly and helpful – he led us through risky situations safely and was very helpful when we asked about
– Porters were very friendly when we approached and struck to a steady path.
– Tents that were supplied were sufficient – even in the snow – sleeping bags and pads too.
– Tents were always set up correctly and would withstand harsh conditions.
– Service – Tea, meal, snacks was excellent.
– Overall I would highly recommend this trekking company to anyone who wanted to explore India.”
Mr. K White (Geologist – USA) 16-22 May

“I have no recommendations for the trekking crew. I was very impressed with both their professionalism and their courtesy. Our guide was very well organized and was a very trustworthy leader, particularly when we were in heavy snow areas. He was always willing to work with our needs, which was important since we were also doing research on our trip.
The cook was also very professional and the food was amazing. He was also very helpful in the heavy snow. Overall i would this crew to others looking for a Himalaya trek experience and i hope to come to do a trek with them in the future. ”
Mr. T. Diedesch (Geologist – USA) 16 – 22 May

“A very positive and proactive organization always wants to improve upon the existing services: Very open to client feedback and suggestions.

Food was very good always – from breakfast to dinner.
Very politely served food with warmth.
Will recommend it to other interested tourists in my friend’s circle.
Wishing POTALA more success in years to come.

Ravinder: Excellent leader & friend always, very helpful always. Never gets irritated. He is the heart of the trip.
Ravi & Inder: Very good food served always tasty, warm/hot, and on time. Ganesh: Very cool & capable guide. Yash: Very courteous & friendly, highly energetic.
Sunil & Raju: Very friendly & well manages the horse even and transportation. ”
Mr. Mahinder N. – DUBAI – 01 Aug – 08 Aug

“We chose Potala again due to an excellent experience last year. This time station with a couple of hiccups, but once we gave feedback the reality of service dramatically improves. We are quite happy at the end.
Excellent, dedicated, courteous staff, Ravinder has been an exceptional guide. He took care of us like he was part of our families. He physically helped people that needed superb, a great man indeed.
The cooking staff has also exceptional. ”
Mrs. S. Sunder – MUMBAI – 01 Aug – 08 Aug

“Very good staff, Ravinder is a superhero. Because of him, we could finish this excellent trek. The other staff also served very well, especially Ravi is an excellent cook and Inder, Ganesh, Yash served very well, overall excellent, feel like coming again and again. Thanks”
Mrs. Bhagya B. – MUMBAI – 01 Aug – 08 Aug

“Very good team, the cook Ravi, helper, horseman were very helpful. Ravinder was most helpful and completely took care of us. Ganesh was also very helpful, good team.
Good staff, helpful, polite & dedicated, my thanks to Ganesh who help me a lot. Thanks to everyone in the team taking care of us, would definitely like to have same staff for my Hamta pass. ”
Mrs. Manisha B. – MUMBAI – 01 Aug – 08 Aug

ITINERARY
Day 1: Shimla to Kafnu (2500m). 205 km, Drive 7-8 hrs.
Setting off from Shimla, we start with a scenic route running through Kufri and Narkanda. En route not to be missed is the famous apple belts of Kotgarh and Kumarsain, descending to the Satluj valley. After reaching Rampur Bushehr- famous for the trading town, café Satluj is an ideal stop for refreshment. Continue to drive to Wangtu and after crossing the bridge, the road winds up to Kafnu village.

Day 2: Trek to Mulling (3100m), 10 km, 6 hrs.
From the open parking area in front of the Lake View Resort, we follow the dirt service road around the storage lake for a small hydro scheme and then head up-valley to a bridge. Cross the bridge and immediately turn left on a good trail. The valley narrows quickly as you walk upstream on the true left bank. Pass the few homes of Musrang and enter the forest that leads to a set of switchbacks in 45 minutes. The trail climbs up in pleasant pine that leads to open pasture and then descends back to the river. We begin climbing in thick pine forests and sometimes crossing tributary streams. Cross another grassy pasture before winding through a large gully cut around an ancient terminal moraine, climbing on an easy gradient the entire time. At the end of the gully, the trail climbs very slightly into a magnificent broad alpine valley, called Mulling, where there are many good campsites.

Day 3: Trek to Kara (3580m), 5 km, 4- 5 hrs.
Continue up the Mulling valley. Beyond the pasture, we enter a boulder field and then sparse forest. The valley narrows near the junction of the Yuchdiun river and after the confluence, you cross a step-sided gully via a boulder bridge. A steep climb before traversing to another stunning alpine valley and an extensive pasture popular with shepherds at Kara. There are many fine campsites here.

Day 4: Trek to Phustirang (4000m), 5 km.
The Phustirang Nala heads northwest of Kara, and we will need to find a convenient crossing point near the confluence with the main valley before climbing the true left. The trail climbs rapidly up a grassy spur before the gradient eases as you cross gently undulating pastures with many boulders. There are many herder shelters in the valley but the best campsites are at the base of the pass-climb. There are two main camps, a lower site, and after a short climb an upper site that offers an easier start for the following day

Day 5: Acclimatization
Rest and acclimatize or hike

Day 6: Trek to Bhaba pass (4865m) – Mangrungtse (3900m), 12 km, 7-8 hrs.
The trail climbs a scree-covered spur that heads steeply up the center of the pass-approach valley. After about 350m of ascent, the trail crosses a melt-water stream and then climbs steeper ground for another 150m to reach a plateau, which some groups use as a high camp. Traverse around a shallow basin to your north and ascend a rocky moraine hillock to reach another, larger basin. The pass is the lowest point on the surrounding ridge to your north and is reached by crossing the basin and climbing directly to Bhaba Pass. Reach the campsite at Mangrungtse.

Day 7: Trek to Mudh (3750m) 17 km, 5-6 hrs, Drive to Kaza – Rangrik river camp. 2 hrs.
Leaving Baldor the trail is relatively easy. At the end of our trail, the valley separates from the main Pin River. To the left, the trails go towards Pin Parvati pass to Parvati valley in Kullu and to the right to Bhaba pass. Vegetation becomes more and more as we move forward to Mud, yet this valley is home to numbers of wild animals, the rarest and finest of them is an elegant snow-leopard. We could cross domestic animals i.e. yak and Dzo grazing. Pin valley makes different from other valleys of the Himalayan region by its sedimentary rock formation. Arriving at Mud, we drive to Kaza. Overnight hotel.

Day 8: Kaza to Manali via Atal Tunnel.
Leaving Kaza, we drive along the Spiti river and cross numerous villages along the route. And cross the Kunzum La and enter in Lahaul valley and drive goes along the Chandra River to Sissu before we take the Atal Tunnel Rohtang to reach Manali.

Trekking Gear

What we provide
We provide all the GROUP GEAR included in the following list:

3-4 Person roomy 4 season tents for 2 – 3 people and individual as well, dining tent, toilet tent and other camping accessories.
Sleeping bags and comfortable foam mattresses.
Kitchen tent, Stoves, fuel, cookware etc.
Bed tea, nutritious breakfast, three course meal (dinner), packed lunch, post trek snacks, tea and coffee.
Trekking poles and Duffel bags for your luggage’s.
Basic first aid box and mini oxygen bottles

What you may need – Your personal gear recommended in List :-
Day pack: A bit of bigger size 30 – 40 liters in order to keep fleece, jacket, water bottle, camera, packed lunch

Foot wear :-
Good condition trekking boots – not new used before in your country side for best fit for trekking, water proof.
Camp shoes, light and comfortable as running shoes or sandal ( like Teva ) for river crossing. Its necessity for you to bring sandals for river crossing.
Socks both Woolen and cotton as desire.

Clothing :-
Gore tex jacket or similar.
Down jacket/vest is good for cool evenings.
Wind/Rain jacket: (i.e. gore-tex, northface or similar) waterproof and breathable. Its necessity to have jacket while crossing passes.
Trekking pants, light, comfortable, water proof /breathable.
Long sleeve shirt Light weight dry-fast (for sun/insect protection).
Thermal innerwear winter thermal innerwear.
T-shirts for day time.
One mid weight/heavyweight fleece (long sleeve) jacket or warm pullover.
Short pants, underwear.
Sun Hat: cowboy style or baseball style to protect skin from direct sunlight.
Woolen cap for high altitude or while crossing pass or during evenings in camp.
One fleece or sweatpants for cold evenings during dining.
A pair of Hand gloves or woolen gloves.
Scarf to protect from dust or sunlight around neck. This is available in local markets with variety of colors.

Accessories :-
Sun glasses with UV protection. An extra sun glass in case to replace.
Sun screen and lip protection.
Moisturizer cream: In Ladakh the air is dry and sun is harsh and strong during day. There are local moisturizer cream available in market. To avoid somehow skin allergy bring your personal cream.
Water bottle. Minimum I – 2 liter.
Trekking poles or sticks. If you have your own folded poles.
Torch or one head lamp with extra batteries. Petzl or similar.
One toiletries kit, small towel.
Reading and writing materials.
Digital Camera or digital video recorder / solar charger.
Water purification tablets.
Nylon or water proof plastic bags to storage clothes and stuff.
One pocket knife light.

Others :-
Gaiter / personal climbing gear. (Can rent at Manali or Leh or Uttarkashi).
Water purification/filter: we boil water for you in the camp, what its essential you to have a water purification tablets or filter during the day of trekking.
Mosquito repellent cream.
Small Binocular.
First aid kit: We carry basic first aid kit with diamox, aspirin, paracetamol, antibiotics for diarrhea, antiseptic, bandage and band aids, Please you bring your personal first aid kit with medicine you think to need necessity for you.
Vitamin tablets or similar.
Extra passport photos.

Trekking in Ladakh Zanskar and Himachal
“I was looking to do some extended trekking in the Indian Himalaya and came across Potala Adventurers’ website more-or-less by accident. But it was a good choice.
I found Prem good to work within settling details for our itinerary and he then proceeded to do an excellent job in organising all the logistics for the trip. We had an great itinerary for a three-week traverse across Ladakh and Zanskar: trekking through Shillakong Gorge was fantastic, the views from Kanji La were superb, I loved trekking above the Zanskar River, it was good seeing the Ladakhi and Zanskari villages, and exiting Zanskar via the Phirtse La route was also a good choice (even if the weather was not so great for the pass itself).
Our subsequent plans for a trekking route from Rupin Pass to Bali Pass were thwarted by changes made by the Uttarakhand state government but Prem did a good job in devising, at relatively short notice, a revised itinerary for the second half of the trip: Hampta Pass-Spiti Valley-Bhaba Pass. There were some great views from the northern side of Hampta Pass and I especially enjoyed a day walk we did from Chandratal to Kunzum La.
The staff employed by Potala were excellent. We really appreciated the hard work they did to make sure everything worked well. The guides, cooks and assistants were all very pleasant people to be with and helped to make this a very memorable experience.
Mr. Ian & group of 8 – Australia – August 2018

Trek from Kaza, Spiti to Kedarnath, Uttarakhand
“A long trek in three phases, excellently organized with first-class guides and support team. Even when we reconfigured the third phase at short notice, Prem got everything in place. A tough trek!”
Bhaba pass – Lamkhaga pass – Sahastratal – Mayali pass – Kedarnath
14 Aug to 22 Sept – 40 Days
Mr. Henry E, Cambridgeshire, United Kingdom

“Had the most wonderful 19 days with the team of Potala Adventurers. Pritam, Dharampal and the team of 5 porters were most instrumental in the making this long trek a super success. Sriparna and I will miss them all and these gone days spent in the wilderness.
We promise to be back for more treks in Himachal and Ladakh with Potala.” -Cheers –
Mr R. Chaudhary and Miss Sriparna G. – NEW DELHI – 31 August – 18 September