Bhaba Pass - Feasibility in Sept End???

engti

Hi All,

Planning my first high altitude trek across the Bhaba pass next week (sept 09 end)

From Mud to Kafnoo side. How feasible do you think it is, regarding the weather situation? Been snowing a bit in HP now I hear.

Am going with a few friends. How much in support do you think is neccesary?

I prefer to travel with bare essentials and in small groups. Big groups are very painful for me. So I was thinking just a guide would do.

But some of my friends may need help because they are in the area for quite some time, so they have a little bit of excess weight to carry. Camera bags, day packs kind of thing.

Is it possible to hire like a porter or a pony kind of thing in Mud? Was thinking just one should be enough.

Also would good guides be available in Mud at this time? And just how clear is the route?

Anything else I should keep in mind? Thanks a lot.

trooooon

It may be a bit late in the season, as the snow seems to have started falling as you note, but it isn't an unduly tough or long trek, and you should probably manage to make it. At any rate you'll find out for sure at Mudh, the locals use the route regularly as the alternative is a really long bus journey.

Guide, tents even some pack animals are available at Mudh.

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what if . . . maybe . . . say . . . suppose!

trooooon

I would suggest doing it the other way round to avoid acclimatisation problems, Mudh is quite high (around 4000m), be sure to do some day ascents before you start the trek to get yourself ready otherwise!

engti

Great thanks a lot. Am hoping this would be a good introductory trek in the Himalayas. Been mostly walking around mostly in the western ghats till now.

Yes, we're planning on reaching Mud, and then doing like a short day trek to a higher altitude for acclimatisation.

I was in Spiti last year too, did the whole Langza, Komic, Demul circuit by myself. Profoundly unsatisfying. So thats one of the main reasons why I am back this year

engti

Also, would you have any information on Larang La or Killung La. Just wanting to keep some options open for passes around Mud. Any other passes we can do in the rain shadow side? in case of bad weather in the Bhaba Valley.

Gracias

trooooon

That is a beautiful walk, I had the good fortune of doing it in January, very satisfying Specially the descent from Daimul to the Lingti!!

By the way, the chang in Mudh is really good!

trooooon

I'm afraid I haven't heard of those two passes, though I did the Pin Parvati a few months back, and that was unreal!!

You could try Parang la, far away from the monsoon, and not techinically difficult, though storms do brew up unexpectedly pretty much anywhere in the high mountains!

engti

Will note that down. Anyway, if the weather just holds for another 10 days, we should be good for the Bhaba trek.

The pass I was talking about I saw it on the map right next to Mud. So i was wondering if that was a doable option. Haven't seen any other info about it on the net, so I am guessing its not something people on any kind of regular basis.

Yes, the langza-lingti trek was amazing when I started, but by the end I was too full of ambitions Unfortunately, this year was not kind in terms of work scheduling so I wasn't able to get time off until now.

Seriously wondering about how I can quit my job and yet have money

trooooon

You should get a good stove, tent and sleeping bag, then it suddenly becomes really cheap to go walking in the mountains! Dispose of guides and paraphernalia and go it alpine style

Will look up on those passes, I have a veritable map collection of the area!!

trooooon

Just checked out, they're two names for the same pass, looks very interesting, opening into a tributary of the pin . . . not long at all, though the mountain which they ascend looks most daunting from Mudh. The guides in Mudh never mentioned them to us, but I'm sure they would know about the pass, so if Bhaba is closed you could inquire when there!

engti

Exactly, it doesn't seem too long but very interesting.

I am not a big fan of travelling in large groups. So alpine style is something I am working towards. Got myself a good sleeping bag and tent. Not exactly rated for -degrees but with some warm inners it should suffice for now.

So a stove and a good collection of maps I need to hoard.

Any recommendations for stoves, what kind I should look for? here in the ghats scavenging for deadwood is the way to go. but obviously not something practical above the tree line.

trooooon

A multi fuel MSR or Primus is the way to go, but they're impossible to get here in India!! I got someone to get me one from abroad!

engti

Hmm.... what are friends/relatives for after all, esp. the loaded kinds

Thanks muchly, you have been on great help.

p.s. also won't forget the tip on chang in mud. last year in demul, there was this high ranking lama who came down for some ceremony. got wasted with him and the villagers there..... really great night.....

here's a picture of the aftermath
http://www.flickr.com/photos/engti/2...7606760104111/

trooooon

Looks like you had a good time!!
The chang at mudh isn't strong at all, its just got a great flavour and is very rejuvenating after a long walk, but the arak is killer!!
Cheers

trooooon

Just saw your pic of Daimul, just had to share this one with you!!