We leave after breakfast from Kasol for Barsheni (22km/ 1:30hrs). We start todays trek which should take us 4 ? 5 hours. It is a pleasant walk through the forest with one short climb up to Kheer Ganga ? a pleasant little hamlet with a small temple of Lord Shiva and more hot springs. Overnight in a tent.

We begin today with a steady climb up through the gorge before the valley widens and the trail crosses several beautiful pastures with many species of wildflowers. Along the way numerous Gujjar/Gaddi shepherd encampments can be seen; these will be the last settlements we will see till after the Pin Parvati Pass. Overnight in a tent.

Todays trek is 16km and should take 4 ? 5 hours. In this section of the valley the trail is steep and quite hard in places traversing rocks and dense vegetation; however we may be rewarded with sightings of small Himalayan bears and snow leopards before arriving at our cliff top campground for the night at Thakur Kaun. Overnight in a tent.

Leaving after breakfast today we head on the 12km walk to Pandu Bridge ? a natural rock bridge over the River Parvati. The terrain changes from the birch and conifer forests of the last few days to rocks and boulders as we head out above the treeline. Overnight in a tent.

An undulating walk today of 15 km which should take us 6 ? 7 hours to complete - the trail crosses several flowered meadows culminating in a steep 200m climb over boulders to reach the glacial lake of Mantalai - source of the river Parvati. Overnight in a tent.

Today?s trek should take us approximately 7hrs. Primarily crossing a landscape of terminal moraine and boulders and finding our way by following the many cairns - the walk offers excellent views of surrounding mountains, lakes and glaciers. It is a steep final ascent to Base camp but well worth the climb as our campsite is situated in a beautiful open valley and surrounded by glaciers. Overnight in a tent.

An early start is recommended as we climb up from Base Camp through the snowfields ? although not especially difficult the snow can make it quite hard going. After crossing the Pass, which is marked by cairns and prayer flags we enter the Spiti Valley ? one of the highest and remote inhabited places on earth. The initial descent is gradual through snow and ice fields where caution needs to be exercised due to hidden crevasses before we reach our campground for the night situated at the centre of three valleys. Overnight in a tent.

Today?s walk is a gradual descent to the valley floor and the village of Mud - an enchanting little hamlet with a small gompa perched on a hill, which is where our campsite for the night is to be found. Overnight in a tent.

Departure