Trekking in Indian Himalayas

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Trekking in Indian Himalayas

You can trek for one day or one month; backpack all your gear and wonder off in the wilderness or stroll comfortably with just a shoulder bag, water bottle and camera whilst animals transport your camping gear, heavy baggage and logistic loads.

You may set a challenging pace and go over difficult grades and high passes or just amble along, enjoying the wild flowers, magnificent scenery, uncomplicated lives of people staying close to nature, stopping when you please, chatting with your companions, forging new relationships and hoarding a fund of fascinating memories to cherish. India is the ultimate destination for a trekking holiday, offering everything from short and easy excursions to the long challenges of the snowy peaks, invoking
visions of the spectacular Himalayas, the lush meadows, green woodland and fragrant orchards. The captivating landscape, with an incomparable diversity of flora and fauna: India is regarded as the 'trekkers' paradise' and, indeed, is a refreshing treat to the trekkers.

Make sure you do enough research and are adequately prepared for the trek. A good guide on unknown routes is much of a blessing. Many agencies will organise treks and complete logistics if you plan with them a little in advance and an organised trek leaves one time to enjoy the trek in totality.

The Youth Hostels Association of India offers many trekking holidays - www.yhai.org.

Indian states offering treks are Jammu Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Uttaranchal and Sikkim.

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Jammu Kashmir

Kashmir : Sonamarg - Wangat, Srinagar- Daksum- Kishtwar, Pahalgam to Kolahoi glacier & Tar Sar, Panikhar to Heniskot via Kanji la, Pahalgam to Sumbal via Sonamous Pass, Pahalgam - Sonamarg, Pahalgam to Suru valley via Boktol Pass, Sonamarg - Amarnath

Leh & Ladakh : Markha valley, Singge la and Lamayuru, Phugtal Gompa and Shingo la, Phitse la and Baralacha la, Kang la and Miyar glacier, Umasi la, Kanji la and Shilakong gorge, Padum to Leh via Cha Cha la, Rubrang la & Markha valley, Padum to Daracha via Shingo la, Padum to Daracha via Phitse la & Baralacha la, Padum to Lamayuru Via Singge la, Padum to Manali via Umasi la, Lamayuru to Chilling via Dung Dung la, Padum-Thonde-Zangla-Karsha Gompa- Padum Roundtrip, Spitok to Hemis via the Markha valley, Padum - Phutchal Gompa, Chadar ice trek, Indus valley trek, Spiti to Ladakh, The Rupshu trek, The Great Salt Lakes of Changtang, The Nubra valley trek, Manali Ladakh trek.

Himachal Pradesh : Hampta Pass and Lahaul, Deo Tibba base, Chandrakhani Pass and Malana, Pin Parvati and Spiti, Bara Bhangal, Indrahaar Pass, Kareri lake, Mani Mahesh Kailash, Kugti Pass and Lahaul, Chandratal and Baralacha la, Tarik la and Kinnaur, Bachleo Pass, Kinner Kailash.

Uttaranchal : The Kuari Pass, Gaumukh and Tapovan, Har ki Doon and Ruinsara Tal, Rupin Pass and Kinnaur, Roop Kund - Hom Kund - Ronti pass, Dodital and Yamunotri, Kalhindi Khal (Trans Himalayan), Valley of Flowers, Kaakbhishyundi Tal, Pindari, Kafni and Sunderdunga glaciers, Chandra Shilla summit, Milam glacier and Nanda Devi sanctuary, Darma valley (Trans Himalayan), Chotta Kailash, Bander Poonch Peak, Khatling glacier, Vasuki Tal, Panch Kedar.

Sikkim/ Darjeeling : Dzongri and Guicha la, Singalila ridge and Phalut.

Karnataka : Kudremukh, Yana caves.

Maharashtra : Trekking in Sahayadris, Waki Woods.

Orissa : Gandhamardan hill trek, Mahendragiri hill trek, Nilgiri hill trek.

Kerala : Agastyarkoodam, Chembra Peak, Pythal Mala.

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Mt. Kamet 7,756 m (25,447 feet) is the second highest mountain in the Garhwal region of India, after Nanda Devi, 7,816 m (25,643 ft). It lies in the Chamoli District of Uttarakhand, close to the border with Tibet. It is the third highest mountain in India, and the 29th highest in the world. In appearance it resembles a giant pyramid topped by a flat summit area with two peaks.

Range : Zaskar Range, Himalaya
First ascent : June 21, 1931 by Frank Smythe, Eric Shipton, R.L. Holdsworth and Lewa Sherpa.

Due to its position near the Tibetan Plateau, Kamet is remote and not as accessible as some Himalayan peaks. It also receives a great deal of wind from the Plateau. However, by modern standards, it is a relatively straighforward ascent for such a high mountain. Early explorers of the region faced long approach marches of around 200 miles from Ranikhet through dense mountain forest; access is easier today.

While attempts to climb Kamet began in 1855, the first ascent was not made until 1931 by Frank Smythe, Eric Shipton, R.L. Holdsworth and Lewa Sherpa, members of a British-Nepalese expedition. Kamet was the first summit over 25,000 ft (7,620m) to be climbed, and was the highest summit reached until the first ascent of Nanda Devi five years later. (However, far higher non-summit altitudes had been reached on the north side of Mount Everest in the 1920s.)

The standard route begins from the East Kamet (or Purbi Kamet) Glacier, ascending via Meade's Col (c. 7,100m/23,300 ft), the saddle between Kamet and its northern outlier Abi Gamin. From Meade's Col the route ascends the northeast edge of the north face. The ascent to Meade's col involves steep gullies, a rock wall, and several glacier climbs. Five camps are usually placed en route. The final ascent to the summit involves steep snow, possibly icy.

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Mt. Kangchenjunga 8,586 m is the third highest mountain in the world (after Mount Everest and K2). Kangchenjunga is the highest mountain in India. Kangchenjunga translated means "The Five Treasures of Snows", as it contains five peaks, four of them over 8,450 metres. The treasures represent the five repositories of god, which are gold, silver, gems, grain, and holy books. Kangchenjunga is also called Sewalungma in local Limbu language and considered sacred in Kirant religion.

Three of these five peaks (main, central, and south) are on the border of North Sikkim district of Sikkim, India and Taplejung District of Nepal, while the other two are completely in Taplejung District. Nepal is home to the Kangchenjunga Conservation Area Project run by the World Wildlife Fund, in association with the Nepal Mountaineering Association and HMG in Nepal, the sanctuary is also home to the Red Panda and other snow animals, birds and plants. India's side of Kangchenjunga also has a protected park area called the Kangchenjunga National Park .

Until 1852, Kangchenjunga was assumed to be the highest mountain in the world, but calculations made by the British Great Trigonometric Survey in 1849 came to the conclusion that Mount Everest was the highest and Kangchenjunga the third-highest. Kangchenjunga was first climbed on May 25, 1955 by George Band and Joe Brown of a British expedition. The British expedition honoured the beliefs of the Sikkimese, who hold the summit sacred, by stopping a few feet short of the actual summit. Most successful summit parties since then have followed this tradition.

The five peaks of Kangchenjunga are as follows :

Name of peak : Height (m)
Kangchenjunga Main : 8,586
Kangchenjunga West (Yalung Kang) : 8,505
Kangchenjunga Central (Middle) : 8,482
Kangchenjunga South : 8,494
Kangbachen : 7,903

The huge massif of Kangchenjunga is buttressed by great ridges running roughly due east to west and north to south, forming a giant 'X'. These ridges contain a host of peaks between 6,000 and 8,000 meters. On the east ridge in Sikkim, is Siniolchu (6,888 m/22,600 ft). The west ridge culminates in the magnificent Jannu (7,710 m/25,294 ft) with its imposing north face. To the south, clearly visible from Darjeeling, are Kabru North (7,338 m/24,075 ft), Kabru South (7,316 m/24,002 ft) and Rathong peaks (6,678 m/21,910 ft). The north ridge, after passing through the minor subpeak Kangchenjunga North (7741 m/25,397 ft), contains The Twins and Tent Peak, and runs up to the Tibetan border by the Jongsong La, a 6,120 m (20,080 ft) pass.

Kangchenjunga is known for its famous views from the hill station of Darjeeling. On a clear day, it presents an image not as much of a mountain but of a white wall hanging from the sky. The people of Sikkim revere Kangchenjunga as a sacred mountain. Permission to climb the mountain from the Indian side is rare, but sometimes allowed.

Because of its remote location in Nepal and difficult access from India, the Kangchenjunga region is not much explored by the trekkers. It has, therefore, retained much of its pristine beauty. In Sikkim too, trekking into the Kangchenjunga region has just been permitted. The Goecha La trek is gaining popularity amongst tourists. It goes to the Goecha La Pass which is located right in front of the huge southeast face of Kangchenjunga. Another trek to Green Lake Basin has recently been opened for trekking. This goes to the Northeast side of Kangchenjunga along the famous Zemu glacier.

The Kangchenjunga Conservation Area (KCA) covers 2,035 km² surrounding the mountain on the Nepalese side.

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Leh - Markha Valley trek, Jammu Kashmir (9 days)

Day 01 : Leh - Marteslang by bus. Chokdo (4050m) in 5 hour by trek.

Day 02 : Chokdo - Latza Kongmaru (4800m) in 5 hour. After crossing narrow gorges, we start our ascension towards the Kongmaru la.

Day 03 : Latza Kongmaru - Kongmaru La (5030m) - Nimaling (4650m) in 5 hour. From the pass, there are great views north towards eastern Korakoram and China, whilst the southern view is dominated by the shapely Kang Yatze (6400m) and the Ladakhi range. We take a ridge trail and descend zigzagging across scree. Afterwards, the path meets the Nimaling summer pastures, used by Hankar and Markha shepherds.

Day 04 : Nimaling - Hankar (4000m) in 5 hour. We steadily descend through meadows to Thachutse and cross the Nimaling river. The trail follows the Markha river now, and will do so for the next few days.

Day 05 : Hankar - Markha (3850m) in 4 hour. Several monasteries and ruins are scattered along the trail to Markha. After Umlung the valley narrows and becomes a gorge just before Markha. This large village has a fort and a monastery perched on the northern hill. The gompa is reputed to be one of the oldest in Ladakh.

Day 06 : Markha - Chalok (3450m) in 4 hour. The trail passes through quite lush riverside vegetation . En route, we come across more derelict monasteries, some well maintained shortens and at least one good example of a wolf trap. Wolves become a nuisance during the winter as hunger forces them into the villages.

Day 07 : Chalok - Shingo (4150m) in 6 hour.We criss-cross the Markha river and cross it on bridges set at many of the most difficult crossing places. From a tiny group of stupas, we leave the valley and continue upwards along a river bounded by willows and wild rose bushes.

Day 08 : Shingo - Ganda La (4920m) - Rumbak (3750m) in 7 hour. At the pass, colorful prayer flags flap in the wind, with the Zanskari range in the background. Afterwards, we descend steadily along the Jingchan river. We get great views towards the Stock summit and the Stock Kangri (6121m).

Day 09 : Rumbak - Namlung La (4570m) - Stok (3700m) in 6 hour. Stock is famous for its palace and museum. To Leh by Bus/Car.

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Markha Valley trek via Spitok-Hemis (7 day).

The most popular trek of Kashmir.

Day 1 : Spitok (9 km from Leh)-Rumbak : From Spitok monastery, walk through village Jingchan 3600m to Rumbak 3750m. 6-7 hour.

Day 2 : Rumbak-Yurutse : Spectacular view of Stok Range from Yurutse 4150m. 4-5 hour.

Day 3 : Ganda La-Markha Valley : Gandal la 4920m requires steady ascent and slow pace. Scenic view of Zanskar range. Through village Kaya 3650 m it is gradual walk to Skiu 3700m. 6-7 hour.

Day 4 : Skiu-Markha : Trail crosses the river Markha several times. There are army bridges so no problem in crossing river. Markha village at 3850m is gradual walk. 7 hour.

Day 5 : Markha-Nimaling : Nimaling at 4650m is steady ascending and descending. Nimaling Plateau is green pasture where you can see permanent encampment of shepherds. 7 hour.

Day 6 : Nimaling-Chogdo via Kangmaru la : This is not as strenuous as it looks. Steady ascent to la 5030m will require 2 hour at most. From there you can see scenic view of Nimaling plateau which seems like a land out of dreams as this is only green pasture among brown and gray land of rocks and scree. Chogdo at 4050m is gradual but long descent. 6 hour.

Day 7 : Chogdo-Hemis : Walking besides stream. 5 hour. Travel by road to Leh.

Ladakh Photos

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Pindari glacier, Uttaranchal : The road part of the trip goes through Bageshwar till Song or till Loharkhet. From there, the trek goes till a place poetically named Zero Point, and back. So ordinary hikers go till zero point, and not all the way to Pindari Glacier itself. From Song to Zero Point and back works out to roughly 90 km of walk.

Use KMVN facilities and support infrastructure, while not signing up for the package trek. It's quite feasible for you to just get yourself to Bageshwar, and you can sign up porter(s), a pony, staying at any of the KMVN huts on the way.

Porter (can carry 30 kg, and costs Rs 200/day), beds at KMVN huts (Rs 150/night), a guide (who is valuable, unlike porters), transportation to and from Song, etc .The maps identify all KMVN huts. You can landup at a KMVN hut without any advance warning. If they have a bed, you'll get it. If they don't, they'll bring a sleeping bag and accomodate you anyway. They will make dinner for you. It's cool. There are leeches and flies-that-bite. Full sleeves and long pants make sense.

Season : May-June and September - October.
KMVN package : Rs. 3,200/-

Day 1 : Bageshwar - Song - Loharkhet (1760 m), 40 km by bus, 3 km by trek.

Day 2 : Loharkhet - Khati, 19 km by trek.

Day 3 : Khati - Phurkiya,16 km by trek.

Day 4 : Phurkiya - Pindari - Dwali, 21 km by trek.

Day 5 : Dwali - Dhakuri, 19 km by trek.

Day 6 : Dhakuri - Song - Bageshwar, 14 km by trek and 40 km by bus.

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Mountaineering : Mt. Baljuri 5922 m, Uttaranchal

Day 1: Travel from Delhi / Kathgodam to Song (1400m)

Day 2 : Song-Dhakuri by 6-7 hour trek. Gradual ascending to 2300m high Dhakuri Pass requires early start as vital reason of being tired is not altitude but Sun above head. Impressive view of Maiktoli, Trisul, Devtoli & Nanda Ghat from Dhakuri Pass.

Day 3 : Dhakuri-Dwali : Gradual walking through village Khati 2250m which is famous for it's reach to Sunderdunga Glacier also.Dwali is 2650m by 7 hour trek.

Day 4 : Dwali-Phurkia: Walking though dense jungles of Kumaon Himalayas is a experience of it's own type. Phurkia is at 3250m in 4 hour.

Day 5 : Phurkia-Pindari Glacier + Further to BC : 3-4 hour. + 2 hour Offers a unique experience to be in company of such a massive natural body like terminal morains, erosions and huge glacial body of Pindari which is source of Pinder river.

Day 6 : Rest Day

Day 7 : Opening of Camp1

Day 8 : Occupying Camp1

Day 9 : Opening Camp2

Day 10 : Occupying Camp2

Day 11 - 13 : Summit attempt

Day 14 : Back to Dwali

Day 15 : Back to Dhakuri

Day 16 : Back to Song

Day 17 : Back to Kathgodam by jeep.

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Mountaineering : Bhanoti 5646 m, Uttaranchal

Day 1 : Travel from Bageshwar to Song/Lohar Khet

Day 2 : Trek to Dhakuri Pass ( Gradual ascending 5-7 hour)

Day 3 : Trek to Khati village

Day 4 : Trek to Jatoli village

Day 5 : Trek to Kathalia

Day 6 : Rest Day

Day 7 : Opening of Camp 1

Day 8 : Opening of Camp 2

Day 9 & 10 : Summit attempt

Day 11 : Back to Jatoli

Day 12 : Trek back to Song and then travel to Bageshwar.

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Milam glacier trek, Uttaranchal

Munsiari is a most important base for Ralam, Namik, Poting and Milam glaciers. Permit from S.D.M. Munisiari is required for the trek. Season : May-June and September-October. Fare : Rs 4,025/-per Person.

Day 1 : Munsyari - Lilam, 11 km trek.

Day 2 : Lilam - Bugudyar, 15 km

Day 3 : Bugudyar - Reilkot, 10 km

Day 4 : Reilkot - Milam village, 14 km

Day 5 : Milam Village - Milam glacier - Milam village - Reilkot, 18 km

Day 6 : Railkot - Bugudyar, 10 km

Day 7 : Bugudyar - Lilam, 15 km

Day 8 : Lilam Munsyari, 11 km

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Sunderdhunga glacier trek, Uttaranchal

Season : May-June and September-October. Package tour cost : Rs 4000.

Day 1 : Bageshwar - Song - Loharkhet, 40 km by bus, 3 km by trek

Day 2 : Loharkhet - Khati, 19 km by trek

Day 3 : Khati - Jatoli, 14 km by trek

Day 4 : Jatoli - Kathaliya, 13 km by trek

Day 5 : Kathaliya - Sunderdhunga - Kathaliya, 14 km by trek

Day 6 : Kathaliya - Jatoli, 13 km by trek

Day 7 : Jatoli - Dhakuri, 14 km by trek

Day 8 : Dhakuri - Loharkhet - Bageshwar, 14 km by trek, 40 km by bus.

SUNDERDUNGA GLACIER - Bageshwar to Song by bus. Trek to Dhakuri via Loharkhet (14 km), to Jatoli via Umla (15 km), to Kathalia (3206 m) via Dungiadong (13 km), (a) to Sunderdunga glacier (7 km, 3800 m) : 90 km, 7 days. (b) to Sukhram glacier (7 km, 3900 m). (c) Maiktoli glacier (7 km, 3800 m). Tharkot (6100 m), Mrigthuni (6856 m), Maiktoli (6804 m) and Pawali Dwar (6663 m) are nearby peaks.

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Panchachuli glacier 4260 m, Uttaranchal

Travel from Pithoragarh to Sobla via Dharchula (135 km). Panchachuli Glacier is 40 km by trek. 4 km from village Duktu/Dantu leads to the base of the glacier.

Day 1 : 17 km by trek, Sobla-Dar-Sela

Day 2 : 11 km by trek, Sela-Baaling

Day 3 : 6 km by trek, Baaling - Duktu/Dantu

Day 4 : 19 km by trek, Duktu/Dantu - Panchachuli - Duktu/Dantu - Baaling - Nagling

Day 5 : 17 km by trek, Nagling-Bungling

Day 6 : 5 km by trek to Sobla, 35 km by bus Dharchula

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Valley of Flowers & Hem Kund trek, Uttaranchal

Day 1 : Govind Ghat-Ghangaria : Gangria at 3050m is very calm and cozy little place on the famous pilgrmage route of Sikhs. 7 hour trek.

Day 2 : Ghangria-Valley of Flowers and back in 5-6 hour.

Day 3 : Start early to visit Hem Kund and return to Ghangria for night stay. Night stay is not permitted at Hem Kund Gurudwara.

Day 4 : Ghangria-Govind Ghat.

VALLEY OF FLOWERS (3658 to 3962 m) - A world heritage centre and the only flower national park in India with variety of flowers, discovered by Frank Smythe. Season - July to August. Govind ghat (1828 m, 18 km after Joshimath on Badarinath road) to Ghanjhira (3048 m, 15 km, 7 h, Gurudwara/Rest house) by trek. Trek 5 km to Valley of flowers. Take
permit from Govind ghat. There is camera fee and entry fee for this 10 km long route. HEMKUND/LOKPAL (4329 m) : Sikh Pilgrim centre, 6 km trek from Ghanjhira. Lakshman temple and lake. Hem Kund is a glacial lake sorrounded by six high peaks.

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Roopkund lake trek (8 days), Uttaranchal

Day 1 : Traveling from Haridwar to Karan Paryag.

Day 2 : Travel by jeep to Mandoli-trek for Wan. Road for Wan was under construction-if jeep is operating-we will reach camping place/rest house.

Day 3 : Wan-Bedni Bugyal : Walking through jungle, gradual to steep ascending to reach 3350m, 6-7 hour.

Day 4 : Bedni Bugyal- Bhagwa Basa: High altitude walking, Bhagwa Basa 4100m is in footsteps of Roop Kund. There is a shelter which is usually filled with snow and ice which does not melt due to frozen wind, 5 hour walk.

Day 5 : Trek to the mysterious ‘Pond of Beauty’- Roopkund (5029 m), close to the base of the Trishul (7120m) and Nanda Ghungti (6310m) Peaks. An arduous trek for about three hours gets you to Roopkund. The 2 m deep lake presents a magnificent sight and another 30 minutes' walk up to the ridge above the lake will reward you with wonderful views of Trisuli and the surrounding mountains. Night stay at Bhagwa Basa (6 hour walking).

Day 6: Walk back to camp at Wan (7 hour).

Day 7: Back to Mundoli (3 hour).

Day 8 : Travel back to Karan Prayag & Haridwar.


For more info

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Pin Parvati Pass (5319 m) trek, Himachal Pradesh (10 day)

Himachal Pradesh is a trekker's paradise, offering everything from lush wooded valleys to barren snowcapped mountain passes. Monsoon rains in July - August affect the treks. Avoid solo trekking on Pin Parbati route as accidents and disapperances have been occured. This rewarding trek leads up the Parvati valley where Gaddi shepards tend their flocks, and over the snowy Pin Pavati pass to the stark mountain deserts of Spiti.

Horses can't cross the Parvati pass, so you will need porters. The trailhead at Pulga is easily accessible by bus from Manali. At Thakar Kuan labours are working on a dam across the river. A steep climb takes one to the snowy pass marked by Buddhist prayer flags. The snowfield obscures tracks and the descent is tiring, with much scree. The Pin valley national park is the home to bears, ibex and possibly snow leopards. The trail leads to the hamlet of Mudh from where follow a road to Sangam to catch a bus to Kaza.

For Pin Parbati pass trek and equipment hire at Kaza : Sakya tours and Spiti Holiday adventures (Tent - Rs 75 / day, Sleeping bag - Rs 50 / day).

Most trekking agencies are based in Manali, and offer all inclusive treks. Trek costs around US$ 400 / person.

www.antrek.co.in
www.himalayanadventuresindia.com

Season : Sept to October
Type of trek : Strenous

Day 01 : Manali – Manikaran (1700 m) – Pulga (100 km)
Travel by car/jeep from Manali to Manikaran and then to Pulga. Manikaran is a holy place for both Sikhs and Hindus alike and also has the world’s hottest Sulphur spring. Overnight in tents at Pulga (2290 m).

Day 02 : Pulga – Khirganga (10 km)
Trail gradually ascends to Khirganga which is a scenic place and now supported by a " shelter" which is usually heavily crowded by foreigners. Khirganga (2960 m) is a holy place with hot water springs. 4-5 hour by trek. Overnight in tents.

Day 03 : Khirganga - Tunda Bhuj (18 km)
Steady ascend to the gorge and forest level walking to reach Tunda Bhuj (3285 m). Valley then widens and trail crosses several beautiful pasturs supporting many types of wildflowers. There are some Gujjar/Gaddi shepherd emcampments and this will be last human settlement you will be watching. 5 hour by trek. Overnight in tents.

Day 04 : Tunda Bhuj - Thakar Kuan (16 km)
Through birch forest crossing rocks and dense vegetation. This section of valley is difficult at places as the trail frequently skirts rock faces that are difficult for laden porters. Reach Thakur Kuan (3560 m) above the cliff section. 4-5 hour trek. Overnight in tents.

Day 05 : Thakar Kuan - Pandu Bridge - Mantalai Lake
Beyond Thakar Kuan, the trail passes several Gaddi encampments before crossing a side river by a natural rock bridge - Pandu bridge (12 km, 3700 m). Trek for 15 km to reach Mantalai lake (4116 m), the source of Parbati river. There is a choice of grassy camp- site just beyond Mantalai. 6-7 hour trek. Overnight in tents.

Day 06 : Mantalai Lake - Camp I (12 km)
Walk over the glacier & moraine and cross small lakes & streams to reach Camp I at the base of Pin Parvati Pass. 7 hour trek over boulders. Overnight in tents (4573 m).

Day 07 : Camp I - Camp II (12 km)
Snowy Pin Parbati Pass (5319 m) is marked by cairns and prayer flags. Cross over the pass and enjoy the view of several peaks of Kullu & Spiti region. The descent from the pass is gradual, over a snowfield. Camp near the confluence of Pin river with other small streams. Overnight in tents (4450 m, 5 hour).

Day 08 : Camp II - Chinpatta Maidan - Mud
Trek down the valley along the left bank of Pin river to reach Chinpatta Maidan (14 km, 3955 m). From here trek down to the first village of Pin Valley, Mud (15 km, 3811 m). 9 hour by trek. Overnight in tents.

Day 09 : Mud – Sagnam (16 km) – Dhankar - Kaza (45 km)
Sagnam (3650 m, 4-5 hour trek) is a big village on the confluence of Pin and Parahio rivers.

From here you can catch bus for Manali or Shimla. Travel from Sagnam to Dhankar Monastery. This monastery rests high over the valley and is a stupendous example of local architecture. Kaza hotels and guest houses to stay. Sangam has a guest house and a PWD rest house to stay. A road is currently built as far as Mud. There is an 8 am bus from Kaza to Sangam (Rs 30).

Day 10 : Kaza - Manali (225 km)
Travel from Kaza to Manali by jeep (8 hour). There are two buses to Manali at 6 am (Rs 115, 11 hour ardous bus trip crossing high mountain pass Kunzum la at 4551 m and Rohtang pass at 3978 m).