3. Kara (3,550 m)

The next day will take you to Kara, which is famous for its colorful meadows and wide-open valleys. The trail from Mulling is easy, and the air starts to feel cooler.

Things to do at Kara:

• You can see groups of sheep and yaks grazing on the wide grasslands.

• Get the best pictures: this area is full of alpine flowers and streams that are so clear you can see right through them.

• Take a break by the river and enjoy the peaceful views of the mountains.

• This campsite is flat and surrounded by snowy mountains, which makes it one of the most beautiful places to camp on the trek.

• Kara is also a great place to relax and get your body used to the higher altitudes.

4. Phutsirang (4,100 m) - The Base Camp Before the Pass

The trail goes up from Kara to Phutsirang, a high-altitude campsite surrounded by rocky ground and small glaciers. Here, the landscape starts to change. There are fewer trees, the winds are colder, and the mountain walls are breathtaking all around.

Things to do at Phutsirang:

• As the sun sets, the mountains change color from gold to pink to purple.

• Enjoy views of nearby peaks and glaciers, which are often covered in snow even in the summer.

• Take it easy in the evening and get ready for the hardest part of the hike: the climb to the pass the next morning.

• The skies are perfectly clear and full of stars, making this a great place to look at the stars.

• This is the last camp on the Kinnaur side before you go into the Spiti area.

5. Pin Bhaba Pass (4,900-5,000 m) is the highest point.

This is the most exciting and rewarding part of the hike.  You will start your climb to the Pin Bhaba Pass, which is the highest point at almost 5,000 meters, early in the morning.

Things to do at the pin bhaba pass:

• The climb is hard, but the views are the best you'll ever see: snowfields, mountain ridges, and faraway peaks in Kinnaur and Spiti.

• From the top, you'll see an amazing view: the green Bhaba Valley on one side and the empty but colorful Spiti Valley on the other.

• Before going back down, many trekkers stop at the top to enjoy the view and take pictures.

• The way down is steep and takes you into Spiti's brown, rocky land.

• This day really shows what the Pin Bhaba Pass Trek is all about: the moment when nature changes right in front of your eyes.

6. Mudh Village (3,750 m) is the last stop in Spiti.

After you cross the pass, you'll hike down to Mudh Village, which is in the Pin Valley National Park.  The landscape here is dry and rough, but it has a lot of character.

Things to do at Mudh:

• Take a walk through the narrow streets of the old Spitian village.

• Go to the famous monasteries of Lahual Spiti and talk to the friendly, welcoming people of Spiti.

• Take in the views of the Pin River and the wide valleys that look like deserts that go on forever.

• Take a break after the long hike and celebrate your accomplishment: you just walked across one of India's most beautiful high-altitude trails.

Best Time to Do the Pin Bhaba Pass Trek

Because the Pin Bhaba Pass trek is higher than 4,900 meters, there is snow on the path for most of the year.  That's why the time between June and September can be considered the best time. At this time of the year, the weather is stable and the skies are clear, making for a safe and fun trekking experience.

Summer (June)

The snow starts to melt in June, and the trek opens up during this time.  The Bhaba Pass trek route looks as if it is a painting, with green meadows, blooming flowers, and sparkling streams everywhere you can lay your eyes on. 

•  Weather: The weather is soothing during the day and cold at night (5°C to 15°C).

•  Experience: Great for people who like green spaces, flowing rivers, and clear skies

•  Tip: There could still be snow at higher camps like Phutsirang.

 Monsoon (July to August)

During these months, the Kinnaur side gets light rain, but the Spiti side stays mostly dry.  The Pin Bhaba Trek is especially beautiful when the weather is like this: clouds moving through the valley, waterfalls at their highest, and misty forests that look like they came straight out of a dream.

• Weather: Mild rain, cloudy skies, and daytime highs between 8°C and 18°C

• Experience: Great for nature photographers and people who like foggy, dramatic landscapes

• Tip: Bring waterproof shoes and rain gear because the trail might get a little slippery.

Spring ( September)

There are no rains in the month of September, and the skies are mostly clear.  The Pin Bhaba Pass trek route looks its best, with green valleys on one side and golden-brown Spiti mountains on the other side. It makes up for a memorable experience. 

•  Weather: Clear and cool (5°C to 14°C), with cold winds at the pass

•  Experience: Great for hikers who like to see clearly and have calm weather

•  Tip: Bring thermal clothing because nights can get very cold, especially at higher altitudes.

Winter ( October to May)

From October onwards, snow starts to cover the higher sections of the trail, making it unsafe and inaccessible. The Pin Bhaba Pass trek height means that temperatures can drop below freezing even in late September. Hence, winter and spring are not suitable for trekking here.

• Weather: Heavy snowfall, minus temperatures (sometimes below -10°C ), harsh winds

• Experience: Not recommended because all trails become blocked with snow and risk get very high. 

• Tip: Avoid trekking during peak winter months, plan your Pin Bhaba Pass adventure only in safe summer or monsoon window.

Pin Bhaba Pass Trek Difficulty Level

The Pin Bhaba Pass Trek is not too hard, but it still can be challenging enough for many people.  It is better suited for people who are in good shape and have hiked at high altitudes before. The trail starts at 2,400 m (Kafnu) and goes up to 4,900–5,000 m at the Pin Bhaba Pass. 

This is one of the hardest parts because of the high altitude.  Trekkers should be ready to walk for long periods of time (5 to 7 hours a day), climb steep hills, and breathe thin air at higher altitudes.

The first half of the route goes through forests and fields, and the second half gets rocky and snowy as it gets closer to the pass.  It's important to have the right gear because the weather can change quickly. 

To finish this trek safely, you need to be in good shape, have strong mental health, and take your time getting used to the altitude. A local trek guide makes the trip easier and more fun. In short, the Pin Bhaba Pass trek is hard but possible if you prepare and love adventure.

List of Things to Carry on the Pin Bhaba Pass Trek

Packing right is very important for a safe and comfortable journey on the Pin Bhaba Pass Trek. The weather and terrain change quickly, so having the correct things makes a big difference.

1. Clothing

• Quick-dry trekking shirts and pants

• Warm jacket or fleece (temperatures drop a lot at night)

• Thermal innerwear for high camps

• Waterproof jacket and pants

• Woollen cap, gloves, and extra socks

2. Footwear

• Good quality trekking shoes with good grip

• Lightweight sandals for campsites

• Extra shoe laces (optional)

3. Trek Essentials

• Backpack (50-60L) with rain cover

• Trekking pole

• Sunglasses and sun cap

• Reusable water bottle

• Personal first-aid kit and basic medicines

4. Toiletries and Hygiene

• Biodegradable soap, wet wipes, toothbrush, toothpaste

• Sunscreen and lip balm (SPF 30 or higher)

• Hand sanitizer and toilet paper

5. Other Useful Items

• Power bank and flashlight with extra batteries

• Energy bars, dry fruits, and chocolates for quick snacks

• ID proof

• Small notebook and pen (optional)

Conclusion 

The trek is more than just any other mountain path in the world; it's a trip between two worlds. This trek takes you from the lush green valleys of Kinnaur to the stark, quiet deserts of Spiti. The differences between the two are amazing and hard to find on other routes. It can be hard at times, but every step of Pin Bhaba Pass Trek brings something new, like forests, meadows, rivers, snowfields, and skies that go on forever.  Anyone can have this amazing adventure if they get ready, get in shape, and love nature.Get your things together, follow the path, and let the Bhaba Pass trek show you how beautiful change can be.