Pin Bhaba Pass Trek: From Surat to Spiti Valley – My 7-Day Himalayan Adventure
Introduction
Some journeys are not just about reaching a destination—they are about discovering yourself. The Pin Bhaba Pass Trek (4,915 m) is one such journey. Stretching between the lush green Bhaba Valley of Kinnaur and the cold desert landscape of Pin Valley in Spiti, this trek is considered one of the most dramatic crossover treks in Himachal Pradesh.
For years, I had seen breathtaking photographs of the Pin Bhaba Pass, but experiencing it in person was completely different. Crossing freezing rivers, trekking through dense forests, camping under countless stars, climbing to nearly 5,000 meters, and finally standing on the pass in snowfall—every moment became a memory that will stay with me forever.
This is not just an itinerary. It is the story of how two friends from Surat completed one of India's most beautiful Himalayan treks.
Day 0 – Surat to Delhi: The Adventure Begins
Every adventure starts with excitement, and ours began at Surat Railway Station.
My trekking partner, Ketan Dangodra, and I met at Platform No. 1, carrying our backpacks, trekking shoes, and a head full of dreams. At around 8:00 PM, we boarded the August Kranti Rajdhani Express (Train No. 12953) bound for Delhi.
As the train slowly left Surat behind, it finally felt real—we were actually on our way to the Himalayas.
The entire journey was filled with discussions about the trek, checking our gear one last time, and imagining what awaited us in the mountains.
After a comfortable overnight journey, we reached Hazrat Nizamuddin Railway Station, Delhi, at around 9:45 AM the next morning.
Delhi to Shimla – A Road Trip Through North India
Our pre-booked cab was already waiting outside the station.
Our driver, Sonu Chahal, greeted us with a smile, loaded our bags, and we immediately began the long drive towards Himachal Pradesh.
The plains of Delhi gradually transformed into the highways of Haryana.
Like almost every traveller heading towards Himachal, our first memorable stop was Murthal.
If you've never eaten at Murthal, you're definitely missing something.
Lunch consisted of freshly prepared:
Dal Makhani
Lachha Paratha
Thick Punjabi Lassi
Earlier on the journey, we had also stopped for hot tea, making the drive even more enjoyable.
As we moved closer to Himachal, the scenery started changing dramatically.
The flat highways slowly disappeared.
Curved mountain roads replaced them.
The air became cooler.
Pine trees appeared.
Every passing kilometer increased our excitement.
By evening, we finally reached Shimla.
Instead of driving overnight, we decided to stay in Shimla so that both we and our driver could get proper rest before continuing toward Kafnu.
Dinner was simple burgers and sandwiches—but after an entire day on the road, everything tasted delicious.
We went to sleep early because another long drive awaited us the next morning.
Shimla to Kafnu – Entering Kinnaur
The alarm rang at 4:00 AM.
Still sleepy but excited, we packed our bags and left Shimla before sunrise.
This drive turned out to be one of the most beautiful road journeys of the entire trip.
As daylight spread across the mountains, we witnessed endless valleys, waterfalls, apple orchards, tiny villages, and the mighty Sutlej River flowing alongside the road.
Every few kilometers forced us to stop the vehicle just to admire the view.
The closer we got to Kinnaur, the more spectacular the landscape became.
Around 12:00 PM, we finally reached Kafnu, the base village of the Pin Bhaba Pass Trek.
Welcome to Bhaba Pin Homestay
Our accommodation was Bhabaa pin Homestay, one of the warmest and most welcoming places we stayed during the trip.
As soon as we arrived, Nayanaben and Dineshben welcomed us with smiling faces and steaming hot tea.
After nearly two days of continuous travel, that cup of tea felt priceless.
The rooms were clean, comfortable, and overlooked beautiful Himalayan mountains.
After freshening up, we enjoyed a delicious homemade lunch before taking a much-needed afternoon nap.
Meeting the Trek Team
By around 5:30 PM, the rest of our trekking group arrived from Shimla in a Tempo Traveller.
It was finally time to meet the people with whom we would spend the next seven days in the Himalayas.
The evening began with a detailed briefing by our trek leaders.
Everyone introduced themselves.
People had travelled from different parts of India, but within minutes we already felt like one team.
The trek leaders explained:
Trek route
Safety protocols
Weather conditions
River crossings
High-altitude precautions
Leave No Trace principles
Listening to the challenges ahead only increased our excitement.
After dinner, we packed our day bags, checked our trekking gear one last time, and went to bed early.
Tomorrow would finally be the day we had been waiting for.
Our Himalayan adventure was about to begin.
Day 0-1 Summary
Route: Surat → Delhi → Shimla → Kafnu
Stay: Bhaba Pin Homestay, Kafnu
Travel Time: Nearly two days including train and road journey
Highlight of the Day:
August Kranti Rajdhani journey
Murthal food stop
Scenic Shimla–Kafnu drive
Warm hospitality at Faba Homestay
First meeting with the trekking team
"Sometimes the adventure begins long before the first step on the trail. It begins the moment you leave home."
