Overview
This trek combines the green of the Kinnaur region with the stark desolateness of the Spiti valley. The trek begins at Kafnoo in Kinnaur and crosses over the Pin Bhaba pass at 4865 meters, the most frequently used crossing by the locals.
The trail ascends along the left bank of the Wangar River after crossing a footbridge. The path climbs through single crop fields of Mastrang and passes through a mixed forest of conifers and temperate broad-leafed species. The trail climbs through little clearings of potato and buckwheat till it reaches the meadows of Mulling (3350 meters), fringed by birch and birdcherry, leaving the Wangarriver far below. The trail continues to the alpine meadows of Kara, along the banks of the Wangar (Bhaba) gad where one can find numerous “gaddis” (shepherds). This is an ideal camping site. From here the trail continues to Phustirang, a sheltered glade with a spring at one end, which forms the base for the ascent over Bhaba Pass. It is a steep ascent to the pass, over shale and snow, which is marked by typical prayer flags. The descent to the Pin valley, initially over snow, is more gradual over boulder-strewn glaciers.The barren terrain is a sharp contrast to lush green Kinnaur.
The boulder strewn trail continues along the banks of “TariyaKhad”, which eventually feeds into the Pin River. The barrenness is broken by the lush green pastures called Paldar, along the banks of the Pin River. As one walks along the trail, high above the Pin river one catches sight of the Mud Village, an awesome sight with the mountain vistas forming its backdrop. The multi-hued mountain vistas enroute to Mud will leave an indelible imprint in your memories.
Itinerary
Day 01: Start trek from Kafnu to Muling (4 hours trek, overnight stay in tents).
Day 02: Trek from Muling to Kara (6 Hours trek, Overnight stay in tents).
Day 03: Trek from Kara to Phustirang (8 Hours, Overnight stay in tents).
Day 04: Trek from Phustirang to Chochden over Bhaba pass (8 hours, Overnight stay in tents).
Day 05: Trek from Chochden to Mudh village ( 8 Hours, Overnight stay in hotel in Mudh).
Cost
Cost : ₹ 10,000*/- (per person)from Kafnu to Mudh for group size 9-10 members
Minimum Group Size |
5 |
Group Size of 5-6 |
₹ 12,500/- per person |
Group Size of 7-8 |
₹ 11,000/- per person |
Summiters will try to keep an optimal group size of 9-10 to keep the cost to a minimal. The initial fees could be collected assuming a group size of 9-10 people. However, in case the group size is smaller Summiters will inform the participants a month in advance of the departure date, the group size of the program. The participants would be requested to pay "the difference amount" as per the size of the group.
Cost Includes
- Guides (two) :
- Basic Mountaineering Course qualified Guide from Summiters (one)
- Local Guide who has extensive knowledge of the route (one)
- Vegetarian meals on the trek (Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner)
- Cooks/Helper and other requisite staff
- Porters/mules for carrying common equipments (like rations/tents/utensils/)
- Equipments - Tents on sharing basis / Sleeping bags / Sleeping Mats
- Basic First aid Kit
- Forest Permits and camping charges
- 1 night stay at a tent/lodge in Mudh village & in tents on Kafnu on the day of arrival.
- Dinner and breakfast at Mudh & Kafnu.
Cost Excludes
- Personal trekking equipments – like trekking poles or sleeping ban liners
- Personal Porters for carrying backpacks of trekkers
- Personal insurance or cost of emergency evacuation
- Purchases of personal natures (like mineral water bottles/bottled or canned beverages/chocolates/dry fruits etc)Basic First aid Kit
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Transportation from Shimla to Kafnu and from Mudh to Manali (Refer to additional costs for more details).
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Any other extra expenses incurred on the trek which is not mentioned in the Cost Includes Section.
Additional Costs/Extensions:
Q: How do I get to Kafnu from Delhi?
A: There is an overnight bus from Delhi to Shimla which runs almost every night. You have a range of options when it comes to the types of buses. It takes 10 hours to get to Shimla from Delhi by road. Summiters will be arranging a Sumo from Shimla which will depart from Shimla at a predetermined time, in the morning, a day prior to the start of the trek from Kafnu. The time will be communicated separately through mail. The Sumo costs around Rs 5000/- one way and it can easily accommodate 6 people comfortably. The cost of the sumo is to be shared by the participants and paid directly to the taxi driver.
While returning, since your trek ends at Mudh, Summiters can arrange transportation (Sumo) from Mudh to either Kaza or to Manali via Kunzum-La pass. Usually a Sumo costs Rs 7,000/- from Mudh to Manali and can comfortably accommodate around 6 people. The cost of the vehicle will have to be borne and shared by the participants and should be paid to the driver directly. The journey time is around 12-14 hours so the journey would have to begin very early in the morning.
Q: I do not want to carry my rucksack. Can arrangements be made to carry it?
A: We expect the trekkers to carry their own backpack and recommend the same. In exceptional cases where assistance is needed Summiters can help make arrangements for an extra personal porters but this will be extra cost which will be borne by the participants. It is requested that, as far as possible, trekkers inform of this need before the trek.
Q: Will part of my money be refunded if I drop out of the trek mid way?
A: If you drop out of the trek mid-way the money would not be refunded. Also, the individuals would have to bear actual charges that are incurred, like arranging pony/porter/transportation to get you back safely to the trailhead.
FAQ
Q: Who can do this trek?
A: If you can walk on an average of 5 to 6km without a problem, then you can! If you have specific health issues like asthma, heart issues or the likes, consult your doctor.
Q: How cold does it get?
A: It depends on where you come from, but from an Indian context – it can get quite cold. The temperature in the higher regions can touch -2 degrees at night. So be prepared and carry warm clothing. Although multiple layers will serve the purpose, it can get quite heavy and uncomfortable. Your best bet would be to buy a professional high altitude jacket.
Q: What should we carry?
A: The following items are a must-carry:
Shoes: A good pair of shoes is a must - a good pair does not mean your Adidas/ Nike/ Reebok/ Puma sport shoe. You need a pair that can withstand the wear and tear of walking for many days. A bad shoe can ruin your trek by causing blisters. Ask us, we can help you in choosing the right one for your budget.
The other things you need to carry are : gloves, a skull cap, a sun hat/cap, your personal clothes and toiletry kit, a good pair of sun glasses, a water bottle and your personal medicines (if necessary).Your sleeping bag, mat and tents will be provided to you by Summiters.
Q: What food do you provide?
A: We provide simple vegetarian food that is light and suitable for trekking. Don’t expect pizza hut or an Anand Bhavan - nor will you have to go hunting. You will have enough and when you are tired – anything served will taste superb!
Q: Is the mountain water safe to drink?
A: Yes. It’s as pure as it can be. But if you are finicky – you can buy mineral water
Q: Can I charge by phone on the trek?
A: The last point where you can charge it is at Kafnu but this is subject to availability of electricity during your stay.
Q: How can I prepare myself?
A: Take daily long walks or jogs.
T&C
Terms and Conditions
*All about the elusive star*
Here are our conditions:
- Summiters will try to keep an optimal group size of 9-10 to keep the cost to a minimal. The initial fees could be collected assuming a group size of 9-10 people. However, in case the group size is smaller Summiters will inform the participants a month in advance of the departure date,the group size of the program. The participants would be requested to pay "the difference amount" as per the current size of the group.
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Booking must be confirmed 30 days prior to date of departure by paying the full amount – It takes lot of effort, time and money in planning the trek in remote locations. So please give us enough time to make your journey a lifetime’s journey.
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All expenses accruing from change in schedule due to weather conditions or health issues are to be borne by the participants. Summiters will not be responsible for the weather or your personal health issues.
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Cancellation policy – We plan everything for you well in advance, so that your trip is hassle-free and as smooth as possible. This means that porter fees, permits, accommodation expenses are all paid in advance. Any cancellation will mean inconvenience and loss to all the people involved in making your journey successful. Therefore, it is only fair to pass on the accrued costs to you. Our policy is:-
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- Cancellation prior to 30 days from date of departure : Full Refund
- Cancellation between 30 days to 20 days prior to date of departure: 50% Refund
- Cancellation between 20 days prior to date of departure and departure date:No Refund
- No Show : No Refund
- Cancellation has to be confirmed by sending a mail to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.