BHABA PASS TREK

Amongst Buddhists and Hindus there is a tradition of circumambulation (walking around in a circle). The form of worship, called parikrama, is always done from left to right in a clockwise direction so that the deit y, statue or icon is always on the right. There are several places in Himalaya where pilgrims complete such circuits. The parikrama, around the Kinnaur Kailash, considered to be the home of Shiva, is an age-old tradition. Lamas and pilgrims cross the Charang Ghati to complete the circuit around this range, whose highest peak is Jorkanden (6373 m/20408 ft). Since 1994, when the area was opened to tourists, this has become a popular trek. A great variety of scenery, local temples and the culture of the Kinnau ris can be seen along the route.

A look at the map of Himanchal Pradesh shows that the road from Kinnaur makes a 200 kms detour to reach the valleys of western Spiti, traveling along the Satluj and Spiti rivers. Spitians from these fertile and populated valleys have always taken a 70 kms short cut by crossing the Bhaba pass, which directly descends to Wangtu in Kinnaur. Even today many Spitians studying in or with business to conduct in Shimla prefer to take this route instead of unreliable bus connections, encountering road blocks and expensive travel, while theshepherds on the both sides cross by similar traditional passes
on the ridge.

Sarahan (2165 m/ 7100 ft) is a lovely place to stay and the temple of Bhimkali attracts worshippers from all Kinnaur. More over, it is a place where one can acclamitsze before starting the trek and enjoy the entire Kand Mahadev Range.

From Sarahan, descend to national highway at Jyura and drive 65 kms to Kafnu,a small village off the main road near the Wangtu bridge. Mules and porters required for the trek are hired from here.