Maximum altitude: 16,125 feet
Grade: Moderate
Duration: 8 Days
Trekking distance: 48km
Trail type: This is essentially a crossover trail that runs through passes
Rail head: Kalka is the nearest railhead to Shimla
Airport: The nearest airport, Jubbarhatti is about 22 km away from Shimla
Snow Season: Best snow season is between June to October
Service from: Shimla to Manali
Base camp: Kafnu
Best season: If you wish to try the monsoon treks, the best months to go are from July to August.If you wish to go on the Autumn treks, the best months are September, October, and November
Region: Himachal Pradesh
Who can participate: Participants should be above 10 years of age. The expedition involves moderate to difficult levels of trekking and thus any previous experience in Himalayan trekking is welcome. You should maintain a basic level of fitness where you can carry a 10-15 kg backpack. You should also have sufficient stamina that enables you to cover a distance of 5 km in 30 minutes without stress.
Drive from Shimla to Kafnu
Start your day early at around 7 AM and meet your trekking partners at the decided place in Shimla.
Board the vehicle which will take you from Shimla to Kafni. The distance of 208 km from Shimla to Kafnu is covered in approximately 7 to 8 hours by road.
The drive takes you through scenic spots like Narkandaand Rampur all the way to the quaint hamlet of Kafnu in the Bhabha Valley, Kinnaur.
Check in at a local hotel to spend the night at Kinnaur and start your Bhabha Valley trek the next morning.
Carry a medical kit that should include
Diamox
Dexamethasone
Nifedipine
Avomine
Dolo 650
Combiflam
Digene
ORS
Knee Brace
Do not try to cross streams on your own as the flow can be stronger than what it seems. Avoid any form of distractions during this time such as talking to other trekkers or recording your traverse with mobile phones and cameras in this section.
As you will be required to brave heavy snow and difficult trails, you will need appropriate shoes. You will also have to ensure that your microspikes are worn before you step on the snow. Keep an eye out for deep footholds that have been made by trekkers before you. Always put your foot on the footholds as far as possible as opposed to trying to make new paths of your own.
If you feel any symptoms of AMS, take adequate rest at a campsite before venturing further. If the symptoms persist you should head back to Kafnu immediately.
Wear layers as much as possible and include dry-fit t-shirts as they quickly dry your sweat and are easy to wash in case of a rainy day.
Go for pants with zippered pockets as they are quite handy when you need to keep things like phones, snacks, and handkerchiefs.
Do not take off your sunglasses in a snowy section.
Keep your head covered at all times and try to get sun caps with flaps since they cut out almost all UV leaks.