This is one of the most spectacular treks in the region that takes one from the lush green Parvati valley in Kullu to the stark and barren Pin valley in Spiti. On the way is the high-altitude Maltalai lake and the Pin Parvati Pass.

The trek's route borders the Pin Valley National Park, known for sighting of the elusive snow leopards and the Great Himalayan National Park that is famous for sightings of rare Himalayan birds like the Western Tragopan.

SEASON: July - September end

MAX. ALTITUDE: 5300m

NUMBER OF DAYS: 13 days

HIGH PASSES: Pin Parvati Pass, Kunzam La and Rohtang Pass

TREK GRADIENT: Challenging

Day 01: Arrive in Bhuntar from where a vehicle will pick you up and drop you to Manikaran.

Day 02: Manikaran - Barsheni - Khirganga (3020m)
Duration: 5 hours

Khirganga is a hot spring where Lord Shiva is said to have meditated. The difference between the spring here and in Manikaran is that after a bath in Khirganga, your skin will feel clammy and greasy whereas after a bath in the spring at Manikaran, your skin will feel dry.

Day 03: Khirganga - Tunda Bhuj (3285m)
Duration: 5 hours

The trek commences through dense forests and flower-strewn meadows. The progress is gradual and slow as it's a steep climb to Tunda Bhuj.

Day 04: Tunda Bhuj - Thakur Kuan (3620m)
Duration: 6 hours

The trail continues through a landscape strewn with waterfalls, lakes and meadows till Thakur Kuan.

Day 05: Thakur Kuan - Odi Thach (3800m)
Duration: 5 hours

It's another day of steep climb to reach the high altitude meadow of Odi Thach. On the path, you will cross the Pandu Bridge, which is made of a single rock on the river Parvati. It is said to made by the Pandavas during their exile in the Himalayas.

Day 06: Odi Thach - Mantalai Lake (4115m)
Duration: 9 hours

The trek up to Mantalai lake is a gradual climb. Once at the lake, you can see the Mantalai Glacier, which is the source of the river Parvati.

Day 07: Mantalai - Base of Pin Parvati Pass (4300m)
Duration: 7 hours

Ascend to the base camp of Mount Parvati which also serves as the base of the pass.

Day 08: Base of Pin Pass - Campsite over Pin Pass (4110m)
Duration: 8 hours

A steep climb takes you to Pin Pass (5300m). At the top of a large snow filled, crevassed hollow leads to the broad rocky saddle of the pass. At the top, one can see a splendid view of the snowy mountains of Hampta region on one side and the Pin valley of Spiti on the other.

Day 09: Campsite over Pin Pass - Tiai (3700m)
Duration: 5 hours

Trek along the Pin river in to the Pin Valley National park. Look out for the elusive snow leopards, musk deer and ibex.

Day 10: Tiai - Mud (3650m)
Duration: 5 hours

Trek through the barren, stark landscape of Spiti to Mud, a pretty village perched on a hillside.

Day 11: Mud - Gulling
Duration: 6 hours

Walk through the rough road up to Gulling with a grand view of the local villages and a barren land of the "middle country". A jeep will be awaiting at Gulling and drive same day to Kaza. Overnight in Kaza.

Day 12: Monastic sightseeing in and around Kaza. Visit the Ki monastery, Kibber village, Dhankar monastery and Tabo monastery. Return to Kaza for the night.

Day 13: Kaza - Manali
Duration: 8 hours

Drive to the Kunzum Pass, which provides the main approach to Lahaul from Spiti. From there head to Manali via Keylong, Koksar and Rohtang Pass.