Bhaba Pass Trek

Spiti is located on the Tibetan border enclosed on the South East by Tibet, North West by Ladakh, and West by Lahaul and Kullu. Geologically and archeologically Spiti valley is a living museum. Spiti valley is formed by the Spiti River, which rises on the slopes of Kunzum La 4551 m and ends at the river confluence with Pare-Chu near Sumdo. The length of the valley is about 150km. En route, the Spiti River receives the water of many streams: Guindi Nala, Parilungbi Chu, Pin River, and Lingti River. There are two routes to Spiti, one over Atal Tunnel Rohtang and Kunzom La and other via Shimla, Rampur and Kinnaur. 

There are 4 passes that connect Pin valley with Kinnaur and Kullu – Bhaba pass, Shakarog Khango, Lartsaway, and Pin Parvati pass. To the southwest lies the Bhaba pass which connects Pin valley with the Bhaba valley of Kinnaur. It’s named also Tari Khango and it’s more popularly known as the Bhaba pass. Spitian people have long been used Bhabapass 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 Bhaba 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 these rare animals, 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.

ITINERARY
Day 1: Arrive Manali 2040 m.

Day 2: Manali – Atal Tunnel Rohtang – Kunzom la (4551 m) – Losar – Rangrik Camp / Kaza.
Today an early departure from Manali, we drive 3 hours to Rohtang pass (3,978mt.) Which is the gateway to Lahoul & Spiti, Pangi, and Zanskar.16km down to the foot of the pass a small place called Gramphu. A dusty and rugged path leads towards Batal. Along the left for 17km to Chatru then on the right bank of Chandra River to Batal. After Batal road winds up to Kunzum La at 4551 m, we enter in Spiti valley. An hour drive to reach the first village of Spiti called Losar. Leaving the most picturesque village in Spiti valley at an altitude of 4000m. We pass many villages along the route Kiato, Pangmo, Hal, Rangrik. Arrive at Rangrik campsite. Overnight camp.

Day 3: Acclimatize hike

Day 4: Drive to Mudh (3750 m), Trek to Mud Pharka (3780 m). 4-5 hrs. Camp.
Today leaving Rangrik campsite, we continue to drive to at first Kaza and along the Spiti River to Attargo where Pin River meets Spiti River. A 20 km. the road will take you to the pin valley, known for the land of Ibex and Snow Leopard. Arriving at Mud, a short visit to the village. Mud is situated at the doorstep of a long winding valley of Pin. Leaving Mud behind we descend to Pin River Bridge and a short distance to Mud Pharka for overnight camp.

Day 5: Trek to Base camp / Mangrungtse (3900 m), 6 hrs. Camp.
Leaving Mud Pharka the trail is relatively easy from Mud Pharkha to Paldor. At the end of our trail, the valley separates from to main Pin River. To the right, the trails go towards Pin Parvati pass to Parvati valley in Kullu and to the left to Bhaba pass. Vegetation becomes less and less as we move forward, 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.

Day 6: Trek to Kara (3580 m) over Bhaba pass (4865 m) 7-8 hrs. Camp.
Today an early departure recommended in order to accomplish the pass at a right time, yet this could be a long day. At first, the trail is rugged, then walking over moraine, scree, and boulder fields. Finally over patches of snow ice fields at the top of the pass, crossing the pass we descend steeply to the campsite. Now the landscape changes dramatically to green pasture land at first, wherein summertime we could meet with shepherds of Kinnaur, who spend summer in this Rupin Bhaba wildlife sanctuary, looking after their flocks of sheep. The valley widens slowly as we set camp at Kara on the banks of Wanger.

Day 7: Trek to Mulling (3100 m). 6-7 hrs. Camp.
Today leaving Kara behind at first we cross some streams, then thickly flower meadows. The trail descends steeply at some points, finally to the magnificent campsite of Gulling, where the valley at its best.

Day 8: Trek to Kafnu (2500 m), 14 km, 5-6 hrs. Drive to Rampur Bushahr (1021 m), 74 km, 3 Hrs.
Today leaving Gulling, we trek through the forest heavily thick with pine, cedar, and birch. Our trek route was mainly through thick forest cover, mostly we walked looking at the stumps of those huge fir and spruce trees. The trail descend along the Wanger River. Kinnauri style houses will start to appear before Kafnu. We arrive at Kafnu our vehicle will be waiting for us, upon arrival we drive to Rampur Bushahr.  Rampur is known for its Lavi fair that held during November month, where traders of Spiti, Tibet, Lahaul, Kullu, and Shimla trade abundantly and massively. Rampur is also significant when we speak of the Himalayan kingdom from its art and architectural point of view.

Day 9:  Rampur Bushahr to Shimla (2275 m), 128 km, 4 Hrs.
Continue to the route we pass Narkanda, Kufri, and some touristic points to reach Shimla.
Trip Ends.

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 with in 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 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 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 to others interested tourists in my friends 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.
Cooking staff has also exceptional. ”
Mrs S. Sunder – MUMBAI – 01 Aug – 08 Aug

“Very good staff, Ravinder is a super hero.  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, feels 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