To ensure a successful trek to one of the most dramatic passes, you must know the best time to do Pin Bhaba Pass trek. As this crossover trek has a brief window suitable for trekking, one needs to be updated about the ideal month to plan your trek. The best time to do Pin Bhaba Pass trek is from July to September.
This cross-over trek is best done during monsoon as snow at higher campsites subsides, and the trail becomes comfortable to explore. Pin Bhaba Pass receives extreme snowfall in winter. The accumulated snow at the pass recedes by late June or early July, paving the way for trekkers to cross over to the other side.
If you trek in early July, lush green grasslands covered with abundant flowers allure you in the Kinnaur region. The vegetation and landscapes entirely alter as you advance towards the pass to cross over to the Spiti side.
Here is a comprehensive guide on the best time to do Pin Bhabha Pass trek, the months to avoid and other factors to consider before embarking on the thrilling cross-over trek.
Pin Bhaba Pass Trek in June
The Pin Bhaba Pass trek welcomes trekkers when many of its contemporaries remain closed due to the monsoon. The trekking season of Pin Bhaba begins in July when other Himalayan treks in Uttarakhand and Himachal remain inaccessible due to heavy rain.
Trekking to Pin Bhaba Pass in June offers the verdant Kinnaur region. However, it becomes challenging to cross the pass if there is a high amount of winter snow at the pass. If you are trekking to Pin Bhaba in June, consider this situation before finalising your dates.
Pin Bhaba Pass in July
July is the best time to do Pin Bhaba Pass trek. The sceneries you encounter on the trail amaze you. Luxuriant valleys come to life as wildflowers bloom in varying shades in July.
The snow recedes from the trail, and the verdant valleys in Bhaba Valley transform into a different realm. Greens of the forest and the meadows become a shade or two brighter. Trekking season kicks off in Pin Bhaba Pass in July. Trekkers embark on this journey to immerse themselves in the wilderness during this season.
Although it is peak monsoon season in most of the country, Pin Bhaba Trek remains dry during monsoon due to being in the rainshadow region. Hence, the trail remains comparatively dry during monsoon in Pin Bhaba and trekking during monsoon is a comfortable affair, unlike other treks in the state. Expect mild afternoon showers if you are trekking in July – August.
You witness enchanting coniferous forests when you begin from its base camp in Kafnu. The exquisite forests charm you with the utmost wilderness. Add the soothing sound of chirping birds, and you feel most alive to be amidst the rawness of nature’s beauty. As you advance towards the pass to cross over to the Spiti side, the vegetation and landscapes change entirely.
Pin Bhaba Pass Trek in August
Expect a sporadic shower if you are attempting Pin Bhaba Pass trek in August. Keep your rain gear handy if you are trekking in August.
August is an ideal time to bask in the raw beauty of Pin Bhaba Valley. The valley preserves the lushness of July, and you will find the remains of wildflowers in vibrant colours. The campsites of Phutsirang and Karah welcome trekkers with pleasing colours on the grasslands and the mountains. Spending an evening at these campsites calms you from within with their sheer beauty. At Karah, you will be in awe to discover bright pink flowers sprouting in abundance with snow-patched mountains in the background. And in Phutsirang, tiny yellow flowers grow abundantly, adding life to the meadows.
You are in for a treat of the most dramatic landscapes when you stand at the Pass. On the one side, the lush green Kinnaur region sprawls, while on the other side, the beauty of Spiti piques your interest.
Pin Bhaba Pass Trek in September
September is one of the most beautiful times to visit Pin Bhaba Valley. The floating clouds on Rohru’s side of Himachal vanish, making way for a clear blue sky.
September is also a perfect time to indulge in photography. The weather remains clear, and the contrast in the landscape just keeps getting brighter towards the end of September. September is an ideal month to be amazed by stargazing at night.
Autumn hues become visible on the trail. Pin Bhaba embraces a hint of orange, red and brown as the greens of summer transform into autumn hues.
If you prefer a solitary trail, plan the trek in September.
Pin Bhaba Pass Trek in Winter – December to March
Pin Bhaba in winter months is not accessible. It starts snowing in Pin Bhaba by September end. It is riskier to access the pass due to heavy snowfall post-September.
Pin Bhaba Pass Trek Highlights
Pin Bhaba is a challenging trek suitable for seasoned trekkers. The trek takes nine days to complete and traverses some strenuous climbs, tricky patches, and a high pass. It starts at 8,275 ft from its base camp, Kafnu, and climbs to the highest elevation of 16,100ft when you reach Pin Bhaba Pass.
On this trek, you cover a total distance of around 50 km.
Located in Himachal Pradesh, the Pin Bhaba trek is one of the most dramatic cross-over treks. You discover a drastic change in scenery as you trek from the Kinnaur region to the Spiti side. The Pin Bhaba Pass trek starts with the lush green valleys of the Kinnaur region and concludes on the Spiti side. Trekkers are in for a treat when they witness the arid and desert-brown landscapes on the Spiti side. Although the trek is on the bucket list of many trekking enthusiasts, you must be in good physical condition to attempt the Pin Bhaba Trek.
