Mud Village in Pin Valley is the last inhabited village on the road in Spiti’s only green valley. At an altitude of about 3,800 meters (12,500 feet), this small hamlet of roughly 30 houses sits at the edge of Pin Valley National Park, where the brown desert of Spiti suddenly turns lush green. If you are planning a trip to Mud Village and Pin Valley, this guide covers everything you need to know, from how to reach, where to stay, what to see, treks, and practical tips for 2026.
Let's quickly dive into the details:
What Makes Mud Village and Pin Valley Special?
We all know that Spiti is a cold desert, and most of its landscape is dry, brown, and frigid. Now, imagine discovering an oasis in the middle of a desert. That is exactly what Pin Valley feels like. (Although I loved exploring every inch of the cold desert too!)
Pin Valley is one such verdant green patch in Spiti Valley, and Mud, the last village in Pin Valley, is a charming hamlet that feels like a different world compared to the rest of Spiti. The Pin river flows right beside the village, nourishing the land and enabling healthy crops to grow. This is what gives Pin Valley its signature lush green color that contrasts so sharply with Spiti’s barren landscape.
Mud Village gained popularity among travelers for three reasons. It is a trekking base to Pin Parvati Pass (17,450 ft), the starting point for the Pin Bhabha Pass trek, and the gateway to Pin Valley National Park, home to the elusive Snow Leopard. Scenes from the Bollywood movie ‘Paap’ (2003) were shot here and in Tabo village, which also brought some early attention to this remote hamlet.
Where Exactly Is Mud Village Located?
Mud Village sits at approximately 3,800 meters (12,500 feet) above sea level. It is part of a cluster of 17 villages in Pin Valley, housing around 200 people in its 30 homes. The village is about 50 km from Kaza (the district headquarters of Spiti) and 65 km from Tabo.
Mud’s neighboring village is Sagnam, which is comparatively bigger with a population of approximately 450 people living in 85 houses spread across 127 hectares. Sagnam is a popular stopover in many Spiti Valley itineraries as the village has a PWD Rest House that provides comfortable accommodation.
Practical Information at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Altitude | ~3,800 m / 12,500 ft |
| Distance from Kaza | 50 km (1.5-2 hours by road) |
| Distance from Tabo | 65 km (2.5-3 hours by road) |
| Best Time to Visit | June to September (October for autumn colors) |
| Bus from Kaza | Daily at 4 PM, reaches Mud ~6:15 PM |
| Return Bus | Mud to Kaza at 6:30 AM |
| Taxi from Kaza (day trip) | Rs 3,000-4,000 (private) / Rs 50-70 per person (shared) |
| Homestay Cost | Rs 800-1,300/person with meals |
| ATM | None in Pin Valley. Withdraw cash in Kaza or Manali |
| Mobile Network | Almost no signal. BSNL postpaid may work intermittently |
| National Park Entry | Rs 50 (Indians), Rs 200 (Foreigners) |
| Last Updated | February 2026 |
When Is the Best Time to Visit Mud Village and Pin Valley?
The best time to visit Pin Valley is between June and September, when roads are open and the weather is pleasant with daytime temperatures around 20-25 degrees Celsius.
I always recommend that you choose your time of visit to Spiti Valley depending on the kind of experience you are seeking. Pin Valley adorns different colors during different seasons, out of which my favorite is Autumn. The entire valley turns into a splash of yellow, red, golden, orange, and green. It is also the perfect time to avoid the bitter cold of winter months and yet enjoy the chill of the fall.
Summer months (June to August) are the easiest to cruise through Spiti. Winter covers the entire valley under deep snow, and the connecting road between Tabo/Kaza and Pin Valley via Atargoo gets disconnected due to heavy snowfall. Do not expect luxuries of uninterrupted electricity, hot water, or even clear roads during winter. Temperatures can drop to minus 30 degrees Celsius.
To make it easy for you, we have put together a month-by-month guide to Spiti Valley. It will help you decide when to visit this beautiful place.
If you want to club your visit to Mud with the treks to Pin Bhabha or Pin Parvati, then keep in mind the best times for these treks, which are mentioned later in this article. Do not forget to check our list of must-have things to carry on a trekking trip in the Himalayas.
How to Reach Pin Valley and Mud Village?
Pin Valley is accessible from Kaza (50 km) or Tabo (65 km). Here is how you can reach Mud Village from either direction.
By Road from Kaza
If you are traveling to Mud from Kaza, take the road going towards Tabo and Dhankar Monastery. Follow it for about 20 km until the confluence of Spiti and Pin rivers at a place called Atargoo. Just before the confluence is a right turn which leads to Pin Valley. After taking that right turn over the Atargoo bridge, a drive of almost 30 km along the Pin river will take you to Mud Village. Most of the road is a dirt track, so prepare your vehicle accordingly.
By Bus from Kaza
There is a daily bus to Mud Village from Kaza. The bus leaves at 4 PM from Kaza and reaches Mud around 6:15 PM. You can also board the bus (at approximately 4:30 PM) near Atargoo Bridge if you are coming from a visit to Dhankar Monastery. The same Pin Valley bus leaves for Kaza the next morning at 6:30 AM. Keep in mind that bus schedules may vary seasonally, so verify with HRTC before travel.
By Taxi or Private Vehicle
Shared cabs or private taxis also run on this route from Kaza. A private taxi for a day trip to Pin Valley from Kaza costs around Rs 3,000-4,000, while shared taxis are available for Rs 50-70 per person from both Kaza and Dhankar. If you are driving your own vehicle, keep in mind that the road from Atargoo to Mud is mostly unpaved. A high-clearance vehicle is recommended, though not strictly necessary in good weather. On the same road, 12 km before Mud Village you will see Sagnam village.
By Road from Tabo
If you are coming from the Shimla-Kinnaur side, you would typically arrive at Pin Valley from Tabo. The 65 km drive from Tabo takes about 2.5-3 hours. Many travelers visit Dhankar Monastery and Dhankar Lake on the way before heading into Pin Valley.
How to Include Mud Village in Your Spiti Itinerary?
A trip to Mud can become a part of your Spiti Valley plan in several ways, depending on how much time you have.
Day Trip from Kaza (1 day): If you are staying in Kaza, leave early in the morning to make the most of daylight hours. Explore Mud, Sagnam, and the views along the Pin river. You can be back to Kaza before dark.
Overnight Stay (2 days): If you wish to spend a night at one of the villages and experience their culture, keep two days for this excursion in your Spiti itinerary. I suggest staying the night at Mud and enjoying the green-blue colors of the next morning.
Tabo to Pin Valley via Dhankar (part of Kinnaur route): Generally, we recommend covering the Tabo to Pin Valley distance in a day via Dhankar Monastery. This works really well when traveling to Spiti Valley via the Shimla-Kinnaur route.
Extended Trek Stay (3-12 days): The third option is to stay longer at Pin Valley and venture out to see Pin Valley National Park or go for Pin Parvati Pass or Bhabha Valley treks. For this, you would need to add anywhere between 2 to 11 extra days into your Spiti trip itinerary.
What Are the Best Things to Do in Pin Valley?
Pin Valley offers a mix of easy walks, serious treks, wildlife spotting, monastery visits, and stargazing. Here is what you can do when you are at Mud Village and in Pin Valley.
Walk Around Mud Village and Hike Nearby Trails
Just strolling down the lanes of Mud Village or outside it would reveal many beautiful sights to you. A ten-minute walk after crossing the initial patch of fields on the outskirts of Mud Village will lead you to a river crossing.
A little ahead, you will see a prominent bifurcation in the road. The upper path is the way out of the village to the distant reaches of the valley and is the beginning of the trail to Bhabha Pass or trek into Parvati Valley. The lower path from the fork goes into the fields. On this route, you would cross a makeshift wooden bridge over a stream of the Pin river, and the other side of the bridge gives magnificent views of Pin Valley.
The Trail to Pin River and the Hanging Bridge
Almost half a kilometer-long road runs across the village, one end of which leads to the village temple (Gompa). A string of fields cover the path to the temple, and the greenery around is mesmerizing. A few minutes of walking along this trail leads to a large but not-so-sturdy suspended wooden bridge over the Pin river.
A walk on the bridge is worth your courage. Standing in the center of the bridge presents splendid sights of Pin Valley and its peaks on both sides. The Pin river’s bank at the other end of the bridge tempts you to spend endless hours there. The sound of the flowing river, the beautiful sights, and the calm in the wind would soothe your body and mind. This walk is a must when you are at Mud Village.
Visit Kungri Monastery and the Nunneries
Kungri Monastery is Pin Valley’s biggest and most important monastery, located in Kungri village within the buffer zone of Pin Valley National Park. Founded around 1330 AD, it belongs to the Nyingmapa sect of Tibetan Buddhism, making it one of the oldest monasteries in Spiti.
The monastery consists of three detached rectangular blocks facing east, with silk paintings of Buddhist deities on the inner walls and over 300 volumes of sacred Tibetan texts (Kenjur and Tenjur). Kungri Monastery is famous for its annual Chham dance festival, a traditional mask dance usually held in July. If your visit coincides with the festival season in Spiti, it is an experience you should not miss. Near Mud, you can also explore two small Nyingmapa nunneries along with meditation caves and shrines on the surrounding hillsides.
Stargazing at Mud Village
One thing that surprised me about Mud Village is the night sky. At 12,500 feet with virtually zero light pollution, Pin Valley offers some of the clearest skies in the Indian Himalayas. On a clear night, the Milky Way is visible to the naked eye, stretching across the entire sky from horizon to horizon. If you are into astrophotography, my friend, carry a tripod and a wide-angle lens. Even if you are not a photographer, just stepping outside your homestay after dinner and looking up is worth the trip. I suggest spending your evening at Mud doing exactly this.
Pin Bhabha Pass Trek
This splendid but not-so-mainstream trek originates from the base of Pin Valley near Mud Village. Stretching between the elevation range of 10,000 to 16,000 feet, Pin Bhabha is a moderate level but challenging trek. It is also a comparatively less trodden one in Himachal Pradesh. Bhabha Pass forms the ridge between lush green Kinnaur and the desert of Spiti, which is why trekkers get to see astonishing changes in topography, landscapes, cultures, and religion along the way.
Most trek operators start the trail from Bhabha Valley (Kafnu village) in Kinnaur and end at Mud Village in Pin Valley. However, you can start the trek from Mud and reach Kafnu after a trek of 6-7 days. Your fitness level should be good to attempt this high-altitude trek. I recommend having prior trekking experience and skills to navigate through this trail. The best time to do this trek is from June to October.
Pin Parvati Pass Trek
Pin Parvati is the more glorified of the two treks, as it is one of the oldest and most challenging high-altitude treks in India, reaching up to 17,450 feet (5,319 meters). It is also the longer one, stretching for 10-12 days. The terrain is more rugged compared to the Bhabha Pass trek and involves long walking days of 6-9 hours, glacier crossings, and slippery boulder sections.
The trail formally starts from Mud Village and ends across the Pin Parvati Pass in Parvati Valley, towards the Kullu side. People also trek from Kasol to Pin Valley National Park using this route. This trek requires solid prior experience in high-altitude trekking and very good fitness levels.
The best time to do the Pin Parvati Pass trek is between mid-July and mid-September. The first week of October onward, winter snow starts falling at these elevations, which can make the trail dangerous. You come across snow meadows on this trek even in July. Trek operator packages for Pin Parvati typically cost Rs 30,000-40,000 per person for a 9-11 day itinerary (as of 2025, verify with operators for current rates).
What Should You Know About Pin Valley National Park?
Pin Valley National Park was established in January 1987 under the Cold Desert Biosphere Reserve. It is one of the most scenic national parks in India, with the Pin river flowing through it and snow-clad peaks forming its background. The park spans approximately 675 square kilometers (not the entire 9,700 sq km of the biosphere reserve) and has an average elevation of 15,000 feet.
Flora, Fauna, and the Snow Leopard
With extreme temperatures and sparsely dense vegetation, the national park shelters various endangered animals. Pin Valley National Park is famous for the Snow Leopard, Siberian Ibex, Tibetan Gazelle, Woolly Hare, Chammurti Horses, Snow Finch, Snow Partridge, and Himalayan Snowcock. More than 20 species of animals have been registered in the park.
Technically, the entire area of Pin Valley is a protected biosphere. However, if you want to spot these animals, especially the Snow Leopard, you would have to trek into the interiors of the forest. Many young wildlife professionals from Spiti Valley have been specially trained by the government to spot Snow Leopards, which are extremely tough to see. Hence, hiring a local guide is highly recommended if Snow Leopard tracking is on your list.
How to Reach Pin Valley National Park?
The nearest roadhead to the Pin Valley National Park is at Mikkim village, which is 13 km from Mud and 2.5 km from Sagnam on the road towards Dhankar. It is also the first village of Pin Valley when entering from the Kaza-Dhankar side. Mikkim is a tiny village of about 35 people with a few homestays offering basic accommodation, home-cooked meals, and basic toilets.
The interiors of the park are approachable only on foot. You will have to cross the Pin river over a suspended wooden bridge and hike for about 10 km from Mikkim to enter the national park. The trail is easy and full of alpine trees, mostly cedars, carpeted with lush greenery.
Entry Fee and Timings
Entry to Pin Valley National Park costs Rs 50 for Indian nationals and Rs 200 for foreign nationals (as of 2026). The official timings are 6 AM to 6 PM. The forest department has constructed bunkers inside the park for visitors to stay overnight, but you will need to carry your own sleeping bags and food. It is not advisable to camp in the open for fear of wildlife and extreme cold.
It is best to go along with a local guide who can help you navigate the forest and spot rare animals. Do not forget to check our tips on camping in Spiti Valley.
Travel Tip: Do not forget to read our article on most important tips for beginners on trekking in the Himalayas.
Best Time to Visit Pin Valley National Park
July to September is considered the best time to visit the national park for general trekking and wildlife. However, if you are going specifically in search of the Snow Leopard and still want to avoid bone-freezing cold, then the end of November or the first week of December is your best bet. Keep in mind that the road connecting Pin Valley to Tabo and Kaza can close at any time in winter due to snowfall.
Where to Stay in Pin Valley and Mud Village?
A common question we get on Discover with Dheeraj is, “Are there any hotels in Mud Village?” The good news is that Mud Village has several homestays, guest houses, and a few cafes. Recently, a couple of hotels have also come up in the village, owing to the increasing influx of travelers.
Tara Guest House and Cafe
The most popular accommodation option at Mud is the Tara Guest House, which is the oldest hotel here (over two decades old). Here you will get clean rooms with warm bedding, an attached washroom (hot water and western toilet), and a room heating facility. As of 2025, rooms with attached bathrooms cost around Rs 1,300 per person (including tea, breakfast, and dinner), while rooms with shared bathrooms are around Rs 800 per person for room only. Tara Cafe serves all three meals with an extensive menu including egg preparations, Nutella pancakes, paranthas, thenthuk, and momos.
Sonam Homestay
Sonam Homestay is another well-known option in Mud Village, charging around Rs 900-1,000 per person including meals. For room-only, the rate is approximately Rs 800 with shared bathrooms. The food here is home-cooked and filling.
Pin Parvati Hotel
This is a relatively newer property and offers modern facilities for a comfortable stay at Mud Village.
Sagnam PWD Rest House
If you prefer a government-run option, Sagnam village has a PWD Rest House which can be pre-booked for a stay. You can refer to our article on How to Book HP PWD Rest Houses.
We have listed all good homestays of Spiti Valley in Good Hotels or Accommodation options in Spiti Valley and Kinnaur Valley
Where to Eat in Pin Valley?
When you are leaving from Kaza or Tabo to Pin Valley, carry some packed meals from your hotel or guest house. When you reach Mud Village, you will find small dhabas and tea shacks where you can grab a meal.
Tara Guesthouse has a restaurant with balcony views, so you can enjoy the food while soaking in the views of Pin Valley. Otherwise, the guest houses or homestays where you stay will serve you meals. Expect simple but filling food, including local dishes like thenthuk (noodle soup), thukpa, momos, dal-rice, and paranthas.
You should always carry your water bottle and refill it as many times as you need water. It will not only keep you hydrated always, but you will also help in saving the Himalayas from plastic garbage. Remember, every tiny step counts and your step in this direction can help save the Himalayas too !! 🙂 🙂
How Much Does a Trip to Mud Village and Pin Valley Cost?
A trip to Mud Village can be done on a very modest budget if you are already in Spiti. Here is a rough cost breakdown for a 2-day Pin Valley excursion from Kaza.
| Expense | Budget (Rs) | Mid-Range (Rs) |
|---|---|---|
| Transport (Kaza-Mud-Kaza) | 150-200 (bus both ways) | 3,000-4,000 (taxi day trip) |
| Accommodation (1 night) | 800-1,000 (homestay with meals) | 1,300-1,500 (guest house with meals) |
| Meals (2 days, if not included) | 300-500 | 500-800 |
| Pin Valley NP Entry (if visiting) | 50 | 50 |
| Total (approx) | 1,300-1,750 | 4,850-6,350 |
These are approximate costs as of 2026. Prices tend to go up during peak season (July-August). For a complete Spiti trip budget, refer to our detailed cost calculator for Spiti Valley.
What Are the Important Tips for Visiting Pin Valley?
- Permits: Foreign nationals need to obtain an Inner Line Permit from the District Magistrate in Reckong Peo or SDM office in Kaza to visit Pin Valley. Indian nationals do not need any special permit.
- Cash: There are no ATMs in Pin Valley. Withdraw enough cash at Kaza, Manali, or Shimla. Even ATMs in Kaza sometimes run out of cash, so carry more than you think you need.
- Mobile Network: There is almost no signal in Mud Village. BSNL postpaid may work intermittently at best. Inform your family before you head into Pin Valley that you will be unreachable for a day or two.
- Road Conditions: The road from Atargoo to Mud is mostly unpaved. It can get tricky after rain. Drive carefully and keep your speed low.
- Acclimatization: Mud Village sits at 12,500 feet. If you are coming directly from the plains, make sure you have spent at least 2-3 days acclimatizing in Spiti before heading here. Start early and sleep early to help your body adjust.
- Clothing: Even in summer, evenings and nights can be cold at this altitude. Carry warm layers, a good windcheater, and a light down jacket. Read our tips on clothing for a Spiti Valley trip.
- Respect the Environment: Pin Valley is a protected biosphere. Do not litter, do not pluck flowers, and do not disturb wildlife. Carry all your trash back with you.
- Fuel: There is no fuel station in Pin Valley. Fill up in Kaza before you head out. In case you are on a motorcycle, consider carrying extra fuel in a jerry can.
Other Villages Worth Visiting in Pin Valley
Pin Valley has 17 villages in total, and while most visitors only go to Mud, there are a few other villages worth your time.
- Sagnam: The largest village in Pin Valley with about 450 residents. It has the PWD Rest House and a branch of Himachal Pradesh Gramin Bank. If you are in Pin Valley for more than a day, Sagnam is a good base.
- Mikkim: The gateway to Pin Valley National Park. A tiny village of 35 people with basic homestay options. The 10 km trek to the national park starts from here.
- Kungri: Home to the famous Kungri Monastery (1330 AD). Located inside the buffer zone of the national park.
- Gulling: A quiet village near Kungri, offering a peaceful atmosphere and views of the surrounding peaks.
Conclusion
Mud is a remote village at the end of Pin Valley, and the entire valley has a special character that is very different from the rest of Spiti. Pin Valley is green where Spiti is a brown desert. The popularity of Mud grew because famous treks like Pin Parvati Pass and Pin Bhabha Pass originate or end here, and because of Pin Valley National Park with its Snow Leopards and rare wildlife.
When you are in Spiti, Pin Valley should definitely be on your list. Whether you go for a quick day trip from Kaza or spend a couple of nights soaking in the green surroundings, Mud Village and Pin Valley will give you a completely different experience from the rest of the cold desert.
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I hope this detailed travel guide to Mud Village and Pin Valley helps you plan your trip better. Feel free to share it with anyone who is planning a trip to Spiti or Pin Valley. If you have any questions, drop them in the comments section below or connect with us on our community on Instagram.
Happy traveling to you! 🙂
Frequently Asked Questions About Mud Village and Pin Valley
What is the altitude of Mud Village in Pin Valley?
Mud Village sits at approximately 3,800 meters (12,500 feet) above sea level. It is the last inhabited village on the road in Pin Valley, Spiti. At this altitude, acclimatization is important, especially if you are coming directly from the plains.
Is there a road to Mud Village?
Yes, Mud Village is connected by road from Kaza (50 km) and Tabo (65 km) via Atargoo. Most of the road from Atargoo to Mud is an unpaved dirt track, but it is drivable in a regular car during summer months. The road closes in winter due to heavy snowfall.
How to reach Mud Village from Kaza?
Take the road from Kaza towards Tabo/Dhankar for about 20 km until Atargoo, then turn right over the bridge into Pin Valley. A 30 km drive along the Pin river leads to Mud Village. There is also a daily HRTC bus from Kaza at 4 PM (reaching Mud around 6:15 PM), and private taxis cost Rs 3,000-4,000 for a day trip.
What is the best time to visit Pin Valley?
The best time is June to September for pleasant weather and open roads. October is great for autumn colors. For Snow Leopard spotting, late November to early December is ideal but the road may close without warning. Winter (December to March) is harsh, with temperatures dropping to minus 30 degrees Celsius.
Are there hotels in Mud Village?
Mud Village has several homestays and guest houses, with Tara Guest House being the most popular and oldest option. A few newer properties like Pin Parvati Hotel have also come up. Expect to pay Rs 800-1,500 per person depending on the type of accommodation and whether meals are included. There is no luxury hotel in Mud Village.
Do I need a permit to visit Pin Valley?
Indian nationals do not need any special permit to visit Pin Valley or Mud Village. Foreign nationals require an Inner Line Permit (ILP) which can be obtained from the District Magistrate office in Reckong Peo or the SDM office in Kaza. The Pin Valley National Park has a separate entry fee of Rs 50 for Indians and Rs 200 for foreigners.
Is Pin Parvati Pass trek safe for beginners?
No. Pin Parvati Pass trek is rated as one of the most difficult treks in India. It reaches 17,450 feet, involves glacier crossings, boulder fields, and 6-9 hour walking days over 10-12 days. This trek is strictly for experienced trekkers with proven high-altitude fitness. Beginners should consider starting with easier Himalayan treks first.
Is there mobile network in Mud Village?
Mobile network coverage in Mud Village is almost non-existent. BSNL postpaid may get a faint signal intermittently, but do not rely on it. There is no internet connectivity in Pin Valley. Inform your family beforehand that you will be out of network for your time in Pin Valley.
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Very good information. Thank you
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