Pin Valley National Park: A Quick Guide

While I have been to Spiti many times, the Pin Valley region had remained elusive. I don’t know why, but it was probably because it needed a separate detour of multiple days (as I usually do not hire vehicles and rely on public transport). Anyway, I finally paid a visit to the area. I just stayed at Mud for two nights and did not do much except some local walking/hiking beyond the village. So, let me put together a quick post about Pin Valley National Park to help you plan. You can also book a whole Spiti tour package if that is your style..

Pin Valley National Park, established in 1987, spans over 675 square kilometers and forms a core part of the Cold Desert Biosphere Reserve. Characterized by dramatic Himalayan landscapes, sharp ridges, and an array of brown, purple, and pink rock hues, Pin Valley’s elevation ranges from 3,300 to more than 6,000 meters, giving rise to a combination of alpine meadows, deep valleys, and stark, rugged peaks.

The environments here are harsh, with frigid winters and sparse vegetation—yet Pin Valley shelters some of India’s rarest flora and fauna. Most famous among its inhabitants is the elusive and endangered snow leopard, a flagship species for conservation that draws wildlife enthusiasts from around the globe. Other key mammals found here include the Siberian ibex, Himalayan blue sheep (Bharal), red fox, Tibetan gazelle, and even the endangered Himalayan wolf. The region is also a haven for birdwatchers, with sightings possible of the Himalayan griffon, bearded vulture, snow partridge, chough, and various high-altitude finches.

Vegetation in Pin Valley is low and hardy, primarily consisting of dwarf junipers, Himalayan birches, and a variety of high-altitude medicinal plants, many of which are adapted to the freezing and arid climate. The park is also an area where traditional Pin Valley residents, belonging mostly to the Buddhist community, maintain a harmonious relationship with nature, practicing sustainable agriculture and livestock rearing. Scattered within and around the park are quaint villages like Mud (Mudh), the trailhead for several treks, and Kungri, home to the important Kungri Monastery, both providing a window into the region’s rich Buddhist culture.

Apart from its unmatched wildlife and tranquil beauty, Pin Valley National Park is a gateway for adventurers, trekkers, and seekers of solitude. The village of Mud acts as a base for popular trails such as the Pin-Parvati and Pin-Bhaba passes, linking Spiti to Kullu and Kinnaur. Throughout the park, the Pin River meanders through the landscape, feeding small settlements and creating pockets of unexpected greenery in the cold desert. Treks, homestays, and monastery visits are key highlights for visitors seeking immersive experiences and an understanding of both natural and cultural heritage.

Access to Pin Valley typically begins from Kaza, the administrative center of Spiti, with road journeys offering breathtaking vistas. Best visited from June to October, the park closes for much of the year due to heavy snow. Pin Valley National Park, with its untouched quiet, pristine wilderness, and resilient wildlife, stands as a symbol of conservation and adventure in the heart of the Indian Himalayas.

How to Reach Pin Valley?

Every afternoon, a bus runs from Kaza to Mud at 4 PM. The same bus comes back early in the morning next day. Do note that it will be dark by the time you reach Mud. So, keep at least one extra day.

Check my Spiti Valley Guide for more details about the region.

Understand Pin Valley National Park

The core zone of the Pin Valley National Park lies beyond the inhabited areas. There are many small villages in the outer zone, but well within the Pin Valley. Mud is the last village with a motorable road, where the daily bus from Kaza reaches and stays for the night.

Finding Guides

Exploring beyond MUd into the core zone of the national park is a serious activity that will need local guides. You can ask around Mud but you can also ask the operators in Kaza before going to Mud.

Where to Stay in Pin Valley?

Mud is the major village and the roadhead in Pin Valley. has many hotels/homestays. You can reach Mud and ask around. As connectivity is not good here, do not rely on online booking. It