Image Source: Northern Trails
About Mud Village
Mud, located at an altitude of over 3,700 meters, sits at the entrance to one of India’s most remote and ecologically significant protected areas , the Pin Valley National Park.
The park is a cold desert sanctuary that spreads over an area of 675 sq. km. It provides habitat to the following flora and fauna.
* Unique alpine and tundra vegetation
* Rare and elusive species like the snow leopard , Himalayan ibex , blue sheep (bharal), and Tibetan gazelle.
* High-altitude medicinal herbs used in local and Tibetan medicine.
Many Wildlife researchers and conservationists visit the park for Himalayan ecology and preservation. Part of the Great Himalayan cold desert biosphere reserve, it’s important for part of the Great Himalayan Cold Desert Biosphere Reserve.
Buddhist Culture and Monasteries
Buddhism is quite prevalent in village mud. People here follow the Nyingma tradition , one of the oldest schools of Tibetan Buddhism. Historically, the spread of Buddhism through the Spiti valley acts as a culture bridge between India and Tibet.
In and around Mud, you’ll find:
* Prayer flags fluttering on rooftops and passes.
* Mani stones (engraved with prayers and mantras).
* Traditional whitewashed mud-brick homes with flat roofs .
* Elderly villagers spinning handheld prayer wheels .
Nearby attractions
Kungri Monastery , the second-oldest gompa in Spiti, is located a short drive away. It was built in the 14th century and is still an active monastic centre with young monks and vibrant religious ceremonies. Any tourist who visits the monastery can witness Tibetan Buddhist rituals firsthand.
Trekking Hub
Mud is the starting (or ending) point for two of the most iconic Himalayan treks :
Pin Parvati Pass Trek (5,319 m)
* Links the lush Parvati Valley (Kullu) to the stark Pin Valley
* Crosses glaciers, alpine meadows, and wildflower-covered trails
* A high-adventure trek requiring endurance and preparation.
Bhaba Pass Trek (4,865 m)
* Starts in Kinnaur’s Bhaba Valley and descends into Mud.
* Offers an exceptional shift from green meadows to barren highlands .
* Known for stunning transitions in scenery and geology.
Due to these treks, Mud has now developed a small but growing trekking community and infrastructure, including homestays, guides, and mules .
Unique High-Altitude Desert Ecosystem
Mud is a cold desert —a place where rainfall is extremely rare and temperatures can plummet below -20°C in winter. The village looks similar to parts of Tibet and Ladakh. The landscape is marked by
* Steep pink, beige, and brown cliffs .
* Sparse alpine vegetation like Caragana and Edelweiss .
* Glacial rivers like the Pin River that cut through deep valleys.
* Minimal tree cover , making the vastness even more surreal
Stunning Landscape & Stargazing
Mud is one of the few places in India where you can see the Milky Way with the naked eye. With zero light pollution , thin air , and high elevation, it becomes a dream destination for:
* Astrophotographers capturing the stars and constellations.
* Night trekkers and meditation groups.
* Travelers simply wanting to lie back and watch shooting stars in peace.