INCREDIBLE HIMALAYAS

Lahaul - Spiti Trek

The district of Lahaul-Spiti is one of the most beautiful valleys in Northern India. These breath-taking valleys are located in the Indian state of Himachal Pradesh and are the largest district in the state. It consists of the two formerly separate districts of Lahaul and Spiti. Lahaul is much greener and more fertile, whereas Spiti is a sheer desert with large barren lands.
The valley is most inviting between the months of May and October when the weather is very pleasant and comfortable. One can enjoy the bright sunshine with a gentle breeze blowing, keeping the temperatures well within 20 degrees. This is also the blooming period when the valley is filled with greenery and vibrant flowers, which further add to the scenic beauty. The valley receives very scanty rainfall during its monsoon. The duration between November to April is when the valley is most prone to snowfall and the temperatures go well below 0. Transportation is largely affected during this period and the valley is largely blocked from the rest of the country as there is no other way of entering it. During these spells of winter, the locals have to go through great hardships and survive on stocks preserved during the summer.

Duration: 12 Days
Best time to Visit: May to October.

ITINERARY

Day 01: Delhi to Shimla

After breakfast proceed to Shimla. Check in Hotel, Evening visit Mall road.

Day 02: Shimla – Sangla

Start our epic Himalayan road trip today and start driving to Sangla. With the Bapsa river magically weaving itself through the forested slopes, this exquisite 95 kilometre stretch of the Sangla Valley is a sight to behold. Known predominately for its agriculture, every house in Sangla will have cultivations of apples, pears, walnuts, apricots or potatoes. Overnight at Sangla enjoy tent Stay.

Day 03: Sangla – Chitkul- Nako

After breakfast, we head towards Chitkul, Chitkul can be described as one of the most scenic settlements in the valley and the last inhabited village before the India-China border. This short drive from Sangla to Chitkul will be one of the most scenic drives you’ll take with plenty of opportunities to take stunning photographs. Walk around the Bapsa river and pay tributes to the Mathi Goddess at the temple in the village. After spending time in Chitkul, we turn around and head to Nako. we proceed to Nako – the last hamlet of Kinnaur, before we enter the gates of Spiti Valley.

Day 04: Nako – Tabo – Dhankar – Dhankar Lake trek – Lhalung – Kaza

We drive to the high villages of Dhankar and Lhalung. Continue driving on the famous Hindustan – Tibet Highway or the NH 22 – This stretch famously known as one of “most treacherous roads of the world” by the lonely planet in a visual spectacle. Visit Dhankar which is renowned for its 1200-year old monastery balanced precariously on a rocky precipice. If time and energy permit, we do the easy 45 minute trek to the stunning turquoise coloured Dhankar Lake. After Trek we proceed to Lhalung , visit the Lhalung Monastery famous for its statue of the three cornered Buddha which symbolizes the Buddha looking in all directions at one time. Later Proceed to Kaza - the commercial capital of the Spiti valley and spend the night in a hotel.

Day 05: Kaza -Pin Valley – Kungri – Mudh – Kaza

After breakfast we drive towards the beautiful Pin Valley. Imagine a national park with an abundance of animals and birds, with some rare plant varieties, a river that gushes when it isn’t frozen and trekking opportunities for the adventure-seekers. The Pin Valley promises all this and more. We first visit the Kungri Monastery and then the beautiful hamlet of Mudh – the last motorable village of the Pin Valley. Declared a national park in 1987, Pin Valley has altitudes ranging from 11,000 to 20,000 feet and is home to at least 12 endangered snow leopards. In addition, other animals indigenous to the region and park are the Siberian ibex, bharal, weasel, red fox and marten. Birds such as the Pika, Griffon, Golden eagle, Bearded vulture, Chukor and Raven paint the skies a pretty picture. By evening, drive back to Kaza.

Day 06: Kaza – Langza – Hikkim – Komik – Kaza

We drive to some of the highest inhabited regions of the world. The highest village in Asia, Komik, which literally translates to ‘eye of a snow cock’, is situated at a height of 4513 metres. This farming village has a population of 84 people, living in utter isolation, cut-off from the rest of the world for most parts of the year. This little hamlet ensures to bring you thousands of miles away from your familiar settings to a place of soft brown pastures and snow-white mountain peaks. Some of the common animals of the region are the Tibetan wolf, Blue sheep, Red fox, Hare, Snow cock, Himalayan griffin, Rock pigeon etc. Later, we drive to Hikkim where we visit the world’s highest post office in the world. If possible, you can even meet the post-master and hear his stories.

Day 07 : Kaza – Ki Monastery – Gitte – Kibber

Today we visit the world famous Ki Monastery. Our first stop will be at the base of the monastery hill for the ultimate photo opportunity of this remarkable structure. With over 1000 years’ worth stories to tell, the Ki Monastery situated at a height of 13,668 feet was founded by a disciple of the famous Atisha, in the 11th century CE. Belonging to the Yellow Hat or Gelugpa sect of Tibetan Buddhism, this monastery is famous as a prominent centre of learning as well as refuge for Tibetans. Later we will move farther up the valley to the picturesque village of Kibber. Located at a height of 4205 metres and 18 km from Kaza, this formerly highest permanently inhabited village of this region, is also a popular base camp to embark on adventure and treks to adjoining mountains of high altitude. The expanses of beautiful landscapes and immeasurable beauty of the snow-tipped mountains makes the place a heaven for nature-lovers and photographers alike. We drive higher up to the secluded village of Gette where we absorb stunning aerial views of Kaza and tie a prayer flag. we will be welcomed by locals in Kibber to enjoy home stay.

Day 08 : Kibber – Losar – Kumzum la – Chandratal lake

We drive to one of the most photogenic places of the Spiti Valley – the Chandratal Lake. On the way we pass through the high altitude pass of Kunzum La. Stop by at the stupa and pay tribute to the local goddess, “Kuzum Mata” as she is called. At 15,000 feet above sea-level the Kuzum Pass connects Kullu and Lahaul to the Spiti Valley. Chandratal Lake – A visual marvel, this stunning blue coloured Lake is set at an altitude of 4300 meters above sea level in the heart of high Himalayas and is a must see on a full moon night. It derives its name, “Chandra” (Moon) and “Taal” (Lake) from the crescent shape of the lake. Watch the lake change colours from crystal clear shades of blur to emerald greens by dusk. Live your dream of camping comfortably in state of the art tents in the Himalayas as you spend your evening gazing at the Milky Way and the millions of stars on a clear night. ( we can plan accordingly so we can stay here on new moon or full moon ) Overnight at a camp 2 kms away from Chandratal Lake.( tent stay)

Day 09 : Chandratal Lake – Chattru – Rohtang Pass – Manali

After breakfast we drive from Chandratal Lake towards Manali. We take a quick stop at Batal for a cup of tea at a small tea-shop run by a beautiful old couple. From there, we continue driving on the Kaza – Manali highway and stop at Chatru for lunch. Drive through the famous Rohtang Pass and return to Manali to end your breath-taking Spiti Valley sojourn.

Day 10 : Manali

After breakfast proceed to explore the ancient temples like Vashisht Kund, Hidimba Mandir and Cultural Museum. Enjoy water rafting in Beas river (Operational). Free day for shopping or leisure activities. Enjoy get together with your travel companions in the evening.

Day 11 : Manali - Chandigarh - Delhi

After Breakfast Proceed to Chandigarh, Arrive late in the evening in Chandigarh.

Trek Highlights :

Spiti valley consists of stark high alpine lands, Scattered with small postcard-perfect villages of whitewashed mud-homes and Monasteries.
Spiti valley is himalayan desert mountain valley situated in Himachal Pradesh.
Get a feel of Glacier water and Mother's natures most beautiful creation.
The most popular villages of spiti valley: Asia's highest located villages - Komik and Kibber.
Marvel at the wondrous structure of the "Ki Monastery".
Spend a night, gazing at the milky way and the millions of stars, while camping near the stunningly beautiful Chandratal Lake.
Chance to encounter with wildlife like family of Blue Sheep,Red Fox, Yaks, wild horse.
Adventurous road drive from Chandratal to Manali via Rohtang pass.
Enjoy river rafting in manali.
Spiti valley tour is an adventurous Road journey,Tent stay full of excitement and surprises of nature on tour