Mantalai Trek
Follow the Parvati river to its glacial source at Mantalai Lake, through forest, meadow and moraine.
- Duration
- 7 days
- Altitude
- 14,100 ft
- Grade
- Challenging
From₹30,000per person
Parvati Valley to Spiti, Himachal Pradesh
Pin Parvati Pass Trek
An 11-day expedition from the Parvati Valley to Spiti over a glaciated 17,457 ft pass. For experienced trekkers.
- Duration
- 11 days
- Max altitude
- 17,457 ft
- Difficulty
- Tough
- Best season
- July to September
- Starts from
- Kasol
- Price from
- ₹45,000
About the Pin Parvati Pass Trek
Pin Parvati Pass is one of the Himalaya's great crossover treks, a demanding high-altitude expedition that links the lush Parvati Valley to the cold desert of Spiti, crossing a glaciated 17,457 ft pass along the way.
Highlights
- A true Himalaya-to-Spiti crossover trek
- Source of the Parvati river at Mantalai Lake
- Glacier crossing at 17,457 ft
- Dramatic shift from green valley to cold desert
- One of India's most demanding classic treks
Pin Parvati Pass Trek itinerary
- Day 1
Kasol to Barshaini, trek to Nakthan
Drive to Barshaini and begin trekking along the Parvati river to the Nakthan campsite.
- Day 2
Nakthan to Thakur Kuan
Continue upriver through forest and meadow to Thakur Kuan, gaining altitude steadily.
- Day 3
Thakur Kuan to Odi Thach
Trek through changing terrain as the valley opens up, camping at Odi Thach.
- Day 4
Odi Thach to Mantalai
Reach Mantalai Lake, the source of the Parvati river and base for the pass crossing.
- Day 5
Mantalai, acclimatization
A rest and acclimatization day at Mantalai before the glacier crossing.
- Day 6
Mantalai to Pin Parvati Base Camp
Trek across moraine towards the base camp for the pass, with views of the surrounding glaciers.
- Day 7
Base Camp to Pass Camp
A short but technical day moving closer to the pass across glaciated terrain.
- Day 8
Pass Camp to Pin Valley via Pin Parvati Pass
Summit day: cross Pin Parvati Pass (17,457 ft) onto the glacier, descending into the stark Pin Valley of Spiti.
- Day 9
Descent through Pin Valley
Continue down through the Pin Valley towards the first villages of Spiti.
- Day 10
Pin Valley to Kaza
Reach Mudh village and drive on to Kaza, the main town of Spiti.
- Day 11
Departure from Kaza
Trek concludes; onward travel from Kaza.
Timings and campsites can change with weather, trail conditions and the pace of the group. Your trek leader makes the final call on the day.
Difficulty and fitness
Tough
Pin Parvati Pass is graded Tough: a long, technical, high-altitude expedition involving glacier travel, sustained days above 14,000 ft, and a demanding pass crossing. Prior high-altitude trekking experience is essential, along with strong physical conditioning.
Experience needed. This is a tough route. We will ask about your previous treks and fitness before confirming your place.
Altitude and safety
The highest point on this trek is about 17,457 ft. At this height many people feel the thinner air: headaches, poor sleep or loss of appetite are common early signs of altitude sickness. Drink water, walk at a steady pace and tell your trek leader straight away if you feel unwell. The usual first response to worsening symptoms is to stop climbing or descend.
Your trek leader or guide may change the plan, wait out bad weather or turn the group around if conditions or anyone's health make it unsafe to continue. Please tell us about any medical conditions or medication when you enquire, and carry a personal first-aid kit.
Best time for the Pin Parvati Pass Trek
Best attempted from July to September, once the pass is clear enough for a safe crossing. Conditions on the glacier vary year to year and are assessed by the trek leader before the summit push.
- Best season
- July to September
- Duration
- 11 days
- Max altitude
- 17,457 ft
- Difficulty
- Tough
Pin Parvati Pass Trek price and inclusions
Starting price₹45,000per person
Included
- Camping stays
- All meals on the trek
- Trek permits
- Certified trek leader
- Specialised crossing equipment (ropes, and crampons where needed)
Usually quoted separately
- Transport to Kasol and onward from Kaza
- Personal trekking gear
Prices and inclusions can vary with dates, group size and itinerary. We confirm the final price and a written list of inclusions before you pay.
How to Reach Pin Parvati Pass
Kasol, in the Parvati Valley, is the starting point, reachable by road from Bhuntar (nearest airport) or by overnight bus/cab from Delhi via Manali. The trek ends in Kaza, Spiti, from where onward travel to Manali or Shimla can be arranged.
What to pack
- Insulated, waterproof mountaineering boots
- Down jacket rated for sub-zero conditions
- Multiple thermal layers
- Waterproof shell jacket & pants
- Gloves, warm cap, buff, snow goggles
- Trekking poles
- Gaiters for glacier and snow sections
- Sunscreen & high-altitude sunglasses
- Personal first-aid & altitude medication if prescribed
- Headlamp with spare batteries
Pin Parvati Pass Trek FAQs
Is Pin Parvati Pass suitable for beginners?
No, this is an expedition-grade trek recommended only for trekkers with prior high-altitude experience.
Is technical climbing gear required?
Basic crossing equipment is used on the glacier section; your trek leader will brief you on technique before the crossing.
How is the route different from a standard trek?
It links two very different regions, the green Parvati Valley and the cold desert of Spiti, in a single continuous trek.
What's the biggest risk on this trek?
Weather on the glacier and sustained high altitude are the main risks. The itinerary includes acclimatization days to manage this.
Keep exploring
Other treks in Himachal Pradesh
-
-
Khirganga Trek
A forested trail from Barshaini to the natural hot spring at Khirganga. A good first Himalayan trek.
- Duration
- 2 days
- Altitude
- 9,500 ft
- Grade
- Easy
From₹3,500per person
-
Bhun Bhuni Top Trek
A short, steep climb from Rashol to a viewpoint above Kasol, looking across the Parvati Valley.
- Duration
- 2 days
- Altitude
- 11,800 ft
- Grade
- Moderate
From₹4,000per person
Enquire about this trek
Plan your Pin Parvati Pass Trek
Tell us your preferred dates, group size and trekking experience. We will confirm availability, the itinerary and what is included for the Pin Parvati Pass Trek.