Bunbuni Pass Trek

Overview:

The Bunbuni Trek is a beautiful and peaceful trek located in the Parvati Valley of Himachal Pradesh, India. It is perfect for beginner and intermediate trekkers who are looking for a short adventure in the mountains without too much difficulty.

This trek takes you through thick pine forests, open meadows, colorful wildflowers, and stunning mountain views. It offers a quieter and more offbeat experience compared to the popular Kheerganga trek. In fact, the trail to Bunbuni diverges from the Kheerganga route, but instead of heading to hot springs and crowded campsites, you walk into calm, untouched nature.

One of the best things about this trek is the Bunbuni Top, a wide and open grassy ridge surrounded by snow-covered peaks, making it an ideal spot for camping under the stars.

Trek Highlights:

✅ Less crowded and peaceful – perfect for nature lovers.

✅ Stunning views of the Parvati Valley and surrounding snow-capped peaks.

✅ Walk through dense pine and rhododendron forests.

✅ Scenic meadows (Bugyals) that look magical, especially during sunset.

✅ Ideal for beginners – short and doable in 2 days.

✅ Amazing campsite at Bunbuni Top with 360-degree Himalayan views.

Why You’ll Love the Spiti Valley

🌿 1. Peaceful and Offbeat

Escape the crowds of Kheerganga and enjoy a quiet, uncrowded trail through beautiful forests and meadows. Bunbuni is perfect for a peaceful nature getaway.

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🏞️ 2. Stunning Views and Scenic Camping

Camp on wide, open meadows with 360° views of snow-capped peaks. Watch magical sunsets, stargaze at night, and wake up to Himalayan beauty all around you.

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🎒 3. Easy, Short, and Rewarding

A beginner-friendly weekend trek with a moderate climb, rich forest trails, and a grand payoff at the top—ideal for those looking for a quick mountain escape.

🗓️ Detailed Itinerary – Bunbuni Pass Trek (4 Days / 3 Nights)

📍 Start & End Point: Kasol, Himachal Pradesh
🥾 Total Trek Distance: ~18–20 km (round trip)
⛰️ Max Altitude: ~10,500 ft (3,200 m)
🎒 Difficulty Level: Easy to Moderate
🚶‍♂️ Best For: Beginners, nature lovers, and slow travelers

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📍 Day 1: Kasol → Barshaini → Kalga Village

• Drive:
  • 🚕 Kasol to Barshaini – 18 km, ~45 minutes drive
  • Scenic ride along the Parvati River with mountain views
• Short Hike:
  • 🥾 Barshaini to Kalga Village – 1.5 km (~30–40 min hike)
  • Trail is easy and goes through apple orchards and pine forest.
• Explore Kalga:
  • Check into a guesthouse/homestay in Kalga
  • Spend your day relaxing, exploring the quiet village, and adjusting to the altitude.
  • Visit nearby villages (Pulga/Tulga) if time permits.
• Stay:
  🏡 Overnight stay in a homestay at Kalga
  🍽️ Dinner at a local café or guesthouse

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📍 Day 2: Kalga → Bunbuni Top (Camping Day)

• Start Trek:
  • 🥾 Begin your ascent toward Bunbuni Top (approx. 6 km)
  • 🕒 Duration: 5–6 hours at a relaxed pace
• Trail Highlights:
  • Beautiful pine forests, rhododendron patches, occasional waterfalls
  • Gradual climb with scenic rest points
  • Likely to see wildflowers (spring/summer) or golden meadows (autumn)
• Reach Bunbuni Top:
  • Wide open meadow surrounded by snow-covered peaks
  • Peaceful campsite with panoramic views
  • Enjoy sunset, bonfire, and stargazing at night
• Stay:
  🏕️ Overnight in tents at Bunbuni Top
  🍲 Hot dinner at the campsite

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📍 Day 3: Explore Bunbuni Ridge and Relax

• Leisure Day at Altitude:
  • No rush—wake up late and enjoy morning tea with a view
  • Optional hike to surrounding ridgelines for better views and photography
  • You can spend the day journaling, sketching, meditating, or just unwinding in nature
• Optional Short Hike:
  • Explore nearby shepherd trails or small ridges (1–2 km loops)
• Enjoy the Sunset:
  • The golden light over the snowy peaks is magical
  • Campfire and storytelling with the group or your guide
• Stay:
  🏕️ Second night of camping at Bunbuni Top

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📍 Day 4: Bunbuni Top → Kalga → Barshaini → Kasol

• Descent Begins:
  • After breakfast, begin your descent back to Kalga
  • 🥾 Distance: 6 km
  • 🕒 Duration: 3–4 hours
• Short Break at Kalga:
  • You can grab a light lunch at a café or relax briefly
• Return to Kasol:
  • 🚕 Drive from Barshaini to Kasol
  • Reach Kasol by evening, trip ends

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📌 At a Glance: Itinerary Summary

Day	Route	Activities	Stay
Day 1	Kasol → Barshaini → Kalga	Drive + Short hike, Acclimatization	Homestay in Kalga
Day 2	Kalga → Bunbuni Top	Trek through forest, reach meadow campsite	Tent at Bunbuni Top
Day 3	Bunbuni Ridge	Explore surroundings, relax, photography	Tent at Bunbuni Top
Day 4	Bunbuni → Kalga → Barshaini → Kasol	Trek down and drive back	–

✅ Inclusions — What’s Included in Your Tour Package

At The Peak Freaks, we aim to provide a seamless, safe, and immersive tour experience. Your tour fee includes:

🏠 Accommodation

• Day 1: Stay in a guesthouse/homestay in Kalga Village
• Day 2 & 3: Camping in tents at Bunbuni Top
  • Waterproof alpine tents (double/triple sharing)
  • Sleeping bags and foam mattresses
  • Toilet tents and washroom facilities

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🥘 Meals

• Day 1: Dinner (at Kalga homestay)
• Day 2 & 3: All meals – Breakfast, Lunch, Evening Tea, Dinner
• Day 4: Breakfast and packed lunch (before descending)
• Meals are freshly prepared – vegetarian and nutritious
• Energy snacks (biscuits, juice, etc.) provided during the trek

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🧭 Trek Logistics

• Experienced Trek Guide with knowledge of local terrain and safety
• Porters/Mules to carry camping equipment and common gear
• Camp setup and pack-up done by the trek crew
• Cook and kitchen team to manage meals at the campsite
• Basic medical kit (band-aids, ORS, painkillers, etc.)
• Trek permits (if applicable)

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🔧 Equipment Provided

• Sleeping bags (clean and warm)
• Foam sleeping mats
• Tents (alpine/3-season)
• Kitchen and dining tent (as required)
• Toilet tents (with dry pit system)

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🚕 Transportation (Optional – Depends on Package)

• Some packages include shared transport from Kasol to Barshaini and back
• Otherwise, this is a self-arranged part (see exclusions)

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❌ Exclusions — What’s Not Included

🚗 Transport

• Travel from your city to Kasol and back
• Local transport between Kasol ↔ Barshaini (unless specified in package)
• Private cabs or personal vehicle fuel/driver charges

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🧳 Personal Expenses

• Meals/snacks purchased in cafes at Kasol/Kalga
• Bottled water, cold drinks, or personal beverages
• Tips to staff or guides (optional, based on service)

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🎒 Trekking Gear (Personal Use)

• Trekking shoes, jackets, walking sticks, gloves, etc.
• Personal backpack (carry your own 20–30L daypack)
• Headlamp/torch, water bottles, sunglasses, etc.
• Personal medicines or specific medical needs

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☔ Other Exclusions

• Insurance (travel/accident/medical)
• Emergency evacuation charges (if any)
• Any stay, transport, or meal outside the planned itinerary
• Any cost due to unforeseen conditions (landslides, strikes, weather delays)

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📌 Note for Trekkers

• Drinking water is usually sourced from mountain streams. You can carry a filter bottle or purification tablets.

• Porters to carry personal bags are usually not included. You may hire one at an extra cost (~₹400–₹600/day per porter).

• Some agencies offer a luxury upgrade (extra sleeping bag liner, heated tents, etc.) at an additional charge.

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🧳 Things to Carry for Pass Pass Trek

Packing smart is key for a safe and comfortable Himalayan experience. Here’s your complete checklist:

🧥 Clothing (Layering is essential)

• 2 full-sleeve quick-dry t-shirts (one for trek, one spare)
• 1 light fleece jacket or pullover
• 1 heavy down or padded jacket (for high-altitude cold)
• 2 pairs of trekking pants (preferably quick-dry; avoid jeans)
• Thermal innerwear (top & bottom) – 1 pair
• 3 pairs of woolen/trekking socks + 2 regular socks
• 1 woolen cap + 1 sun cap or hat
• 1 pair of gloves (1 woolen, 1 waterproof if possible)
• Raincoat/poncho (a must for sudden showers)
• Buff or scarf (for neck/head protection)

🥾 Footwear

• Sturdy trekking shoes with good grip and ankle support (already broken-in)
• 1 pair of slippers/sandals for campsites

🎒 Bags

• 1 backpack (50–60L) with rain cover
• 1 daypack (10–15L) for water, camera, and essentials (if you’re offloading main bag)

🧼 Toiletries & Hygiene

• Toothbrush, toothpaste, face wash
• Biodegradable soap or wipes
• Quick-dry towel
• Toilet paper & tissues
• Hand sanitizer, lip balm, moisturizer, and sunscreen (SPF 50+)
• Menstrual hygiene products (if applicable)

💊 Personal Medications & First Aid

• Personal medication (if any)
• Basic medicines: Crocin, Combiflam, Avomine (motion sickness), Digene, ORS, antiseptic cream
• Band-aids, crepe bandage, cotton, Dettol
• Diamox (only after consulting your doctor) for altitude sickness

🔦 Accessories

• Headlamp/torch with extra batteries
• Sunglasses (UV-protected, wraparound preferred)
• Water bottle (1L) or hydration pack
• Energy bars, dry fruits, ORS packets, glucose
• Trekking pole (optional but helpful for beginners)

📱 Miscellaneous

• Power bank (mobile charging is not available on trail)
• Camera/GoPro (optional)
• Small notebook & pen (for journaling)
• Identity proof (Aadhaar card or passport photocopy)

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⚠️ Important Trekking Tips

Make the most of your Himalayan adventure with these helpful tips from The Peak Freaks team:

🧠 Before the Trek

• Prepare physically: Cardio, squats, and leg strengthening exercises 3–4 weeks before the trek.
• Avoid alcohol and smoking at least 1 week before — they affect your oxygen levels.
• Get a medical check-up if you have existing health conditions or are above 45.

🌄 During the Trek

• Hydrate constantly — drink at least 3–4 liters of water daily.
• Pace yourself — slow and steady wins the mountain! Avoid racing ahead.
• Don’t skip meals — your body needs fuel for high-altitude hiking.
• Inform your trek leader immediately if you feel dizzy, breathless, or nauseous.

🛑 Safety & Environment