Pin Valley National Park - 4 Things to Know Before Visiting

Mantalai Lake is located at 4200 m on the trail to Pin Parvati pass and is the source of Parvati river. The lake is formed by the melting of snow from the nearby mountains and glaciers. There is a legend associated with a stone crossing at Mantalai and a shrine lined with tridents has been built to this effect. The Parvati river is crossed on Pandu Pul, which marks the route that the Pandava brothers took in an earlier age.

Spiti Valley is a cold desert mountain valley located high in the Himalayas in the north-eastern part of the Himachal Pradesh. The name "Spiti" means "The middle land", i.e. the land between Tiber and India. The valley and surrounding region is one of the least populated regions in India and is the gateway to the northernmost reaches of the nation.

Sakya Tangyud Monastery is built like a fortified castle on the edge of a deep canyon, with massive slanted mud walls and battlements with vertical red ochre and white vertical stripes which make them look much taller than they really are. It is one of the highest altitude gompas (monasteries) in India, at an altitude of 4,520 metres (14,830 ft), on the edge of a deep canyon and overlooking the town of Kaza, Spiti.

Dhankar Lake lies after a steep trek of 45 minutes. Though the trek seems an easy hike, it is quite difficult. The loose pebbles and the crisp mountain air make you breathless within a few seconds. Dhankar Lake can be reached after a quite strenuous trek. You would want to quit and not continue with your climb but the surprise you get once you reach the lake is beyond words. The breathtaking expanse of cerulean waters is set against the backdrop of snow covered peaks.

Regarded as one of the most challenging treks in the northern Himalayan region, Parvati Valley Trek is perfect for those seeking adventure. The mesmerising views all around will not only leave you spellbound by its beauty but also filled with adrenaline by the challenges it throws at you at every nook and corner.

Kheerganga is located amidst the astounding Parvati Valley in the Kullu district of Himachal Pradesh. Parvati Valley is considered the trekker’s paradise. Kheerganga is the most popular trek in Kasol 14 kilometres uphill from base camp. If you are a novice trekker, this is where you want to start.