parvati valley trek kheerganga - Mantlai - Pinparvati

Parvati Valley is situated in the northern

Indian state of Himachal Pradesh. From the

confluence of the Parvati River with the River

Beas, the Parvati Valley runs eastwards,

through a steep-sided valley from the town of

Bhuntar , in the Kullu district of Himachal

Pradesh in Northern India.

The precipitous valley road climbs past a side

valley leading to the village of Malana,

Himachal Pradesh. From here, the road passes

through the Sikh and Hindu pilgrimage town of

Manikaran and terminates at Pulga, where the

construction of the Parvati Hydel Project , a

hydroelectric dam, dominates the landscape.

From Pulga, the footpath climbs to a temple

and small dhaba at Rudra-Nag waterfall,

apparently after its resemblance of a water

snake. Beyond Rudra-Nag waterfall, the trail

ascends further through thick pine forests to

the spiritual site of Khir Ganga temporary

village (Kheer Ganga), a meadow at 2960m

where Shiva is said to have meditated for

3000 years. The hot springs at Khir Ganga

are extremely important for Hindu and Sikh

pilgrims as well as many others who believe

the waters have sacred healing properties.

From Khir Ganga to the site of Tunda Bhuj

village (3285m) the Parvati Valley cuts a

steep-sided gorge through the mountains and

as the altitude increases, the thick,

coniferous forest gradually makes way for

patches of meadowland scattered with

boulders. Several tributaries join the

main Parvati River and numerous waterfalls

cascade down the steep valley sides. Beyond

Tunda Bhuj, the conifers continue only as far

as the Basuki Nal tributary but groves of

silver birch continue to line the valley, quickly

becoming sparse as the altitude increases.

At Thakur Kuan village (3560m), the Parvati

Valley meets the valley of Dibibokri Nal river

which is a tributary of Parvati River, which

climbs towards the Northeast to the Dibibokri

Glacier and Dibibokri Pyramid mountain peak

(6400m). The area is characterised by

abundant alpine flowers and rocky outcrops

glittering with mica . Beyond Thakur Kuan

village, the Parvati Valley ascends gradually to

Pandupul village (Pandu Pul) where two

natural, rock bridges cross the Parvati River

and a southern tributary. According to

legend, these bridges were created by the

massive strength of the mythological Pandava

brothers.

From Pandupul, the wide valley of the upper

Parvati valley climbs gradually through the

wide, high-altitude meadowland of Odi Thatch

to the sacred site of Mantalai Lake (4100m),

the source of the Parvati River. Continuing

east from Mantalai lake, it is possible to

cross the Pin Parvati Pass (5319m) into the

Pin Valley National Park and on to the Mudh

village in the Lahul and Spiti district of

Himachal Pradesh. 

Parvati Valley's scenic trekking routes are a

popular destination for trekkers and tourists.