General
Spiti Valley is a cold desert mountain valley located high in the Himalayas in the north-eastern part of the northern Indian state of Himachal Pradesh. The name “Spiti” means “The middle land”, i.e. the land between Tibet and India
The Spiti River originates from the Kunzum range. Tegpo and Kabzian streams are its tributaries. Water draining the famous Pin valley area is also a part of the Spiti river system. Its position across the main Himalayan range deprives it from the benefit of the South-West monsoons that causes widespread rain in most parts of India from June to September. The river attains peak discharge in late summers due to glacier melting. After flowing through Spiti valley, the Spiti River meets the Satluj near Khab and Namgia in Kinnaur district traversing a length of about 150 km. from the North-West.Steep mountains rise to very high altitudes on either side of the Spiti River and its numerous tributaries. The mountains are barren and largely devoid of vegetative cover. The main settlements along the Spiti River and its tributaries are Hansi and Dhankar Gompa.
: Day1: Chandigarh – Shimla – Kufri – Narkanda: 6-7hrs:
Arrive in Chandigarh and head towards Narkanda. Take appropriate breaks on the way and enjoy the beauty as you leave the hustle and bustle of the city behind. View the lush green valleys and apple orchards on both sides of the road. Stay in the midst of nowhere in Narkanda. Visit the Hatu Temple at the Hatu Peak.
Overnight in Narkanda.(Dinner)
: Day2: Narkanda – Sangla – Chitkul:6-7hrs:
Check out of hotel & travel onwards. Stop for lunch at Tapri at the famous Himachali Dhaba. As you head towards Sangla you shall meet the Sutlej river at Sainj and from there on it will be with you till Kalpa. Sangla is one of the most beautiful valleys in India. Visit the Batseri is a beautiful, rustic village with traditional local architecture worth exploring. You can visit the Badri Narayan Temple in Batseri and the Tibetan wood carving centre. Later head to Chitkul- the last village on the Indo-Tibet border.
Overnight in Chitkul. (Breakfast & Dinner).
: Day3: Chitkul – Rakcham – Kalpa: 3-4hrs:
Morning, we recommend a walk to Baspa river. Later check out of your hotel. We take a stop in Rakcham, a picturesque village in Sangla valley known for its pink fields of buckwheat. Spend some time taking photographs before we head to Kalpa. Stop in Reckong Peo, the headquarters of Kinnaur district. It is a buzzing town full of shops and a market for you to pick up souvenirs and have lunch. The next stop is Roghi village and the famous suicide point at Roghi which has become a popular tourist attraction for its views and Instagram worthy pictures. Reach Kalpa and rest. You can go for a village walk in the evening and visit the local monastery and temple in Kalpa.
Overnight in Kalpa. (Breakfast & Dinner).
: Day4: Kalpa – Nako-Gue-Tabo: 6-7hrs:
Go for a walk to the Old Shiva temple and Buddhist monastery in Kalpa, in the morning. Have an early breakfast and head to Tabo this day. The terrain will change after Pooh and you will see the end of tree line. See the confluence of Spiti and Sutlej river at Khab. Lunch at a beautiful village called Nako and visit the Nako lake. Visit the 550 yr old mummy of a monk in meditating pose at Gue. Reach Tabo and rest.
Overnight in Tabo. (Breakfast & Dinner).
: Day5: Tabo-Pin Valley – Dhankar-Mudh-Kaza: 5-6hrs:
Get an early morning start today. Visit the “Ajanta of the Himalayas’ ‘- The Tabo Monastery which is currently close to 1000 years old. The murals, thangkas and paintings are believed to have been made in a single night by the Gods themselves. Next, we visit Dhankar Monastery – Seat of the King in ancient times – the most beautiful setting for a monument which hangs on a cliff and overlooks the confluence of Spiti and Pin River. You can hike to Dhankar lake, if your lungs permit it is a steep hike and not for everyone, but the views from the top are worth it. Have lunch in Dhankar before heading to Pin Valley. Final stop for the day is Pin Valley- home to Snow Leopards, Siberian Ibex and a stronghold of Buchen Lamas. We shall visit Khungri Monastery on the way to Mudh (last village in Pin Valley). Spend some time around Mudh before heading to Kaza.
Overnight in Kaza.(Breakfast & Dinner).
: Day6: Kaza – Kye-Khibber-Chicham-Kaza: 2-3hrs:
Take the morning easy and walk through Kaza village if you are feeling up to it. Today is a light travel day after the gruelling journey yesterday. After breakfast we shall head to Kye Monastery and Khibber Village. Kye monastery is on top of a mountain overlooking the Spiti valley and a huge river bed. It is also the main learning centre for Lamas following the Geluk sect of Buddhism. Kye houses approximately 100 odd monks. We shall climb a little further and visit Khibber Village- which was once the world’s highest village. A short hike or car ride from Khibber is Chicham bridge which is known to be the highest bridge above sea level in Asia. Head back to Kaza for a late lunch at one of the many cafes and some shopping in the local market.
Overnight in Kalpa. (Breakfast & Dinner).
: Day7: Kaza- Lohsar-Kunzum-Chandrataal: 4-5hrs:
Early morning, we drive to Chandra Tal or ‘moon lake’. On our way will cross Lohsar village and Kunzum Pass. The hike to Chandra Tal lake is 20 mins or 500 mtrs from the barricade. This lake is not as big as the ones in Ladakh, but it is sure to leave you speechless. It is one of the best parts of your Spiti Visit. The camps are set up 2 kms before the lake in order to maintain cleanliness around the lake as it is a spiritual site for the locals. Enjoy your camping experience tonight and share your Spiti stories with fellow travellers over dinner.
Overnight in Chandrataal. (Breakfast & Dinner).
Day8:Chandrataal – Manali via Atal Tunnel: 6-7 hrs:
This is the last day of your trip in the secluded beauty of Spiti before you see civilisation again. Gaze at the vast landscape as we approach the hustle and bustle around Atal Tunnel and Manali. You can spend some time at Koksar for lunch before heading to Manali. Afternoon at rest. Evening visit the Hidimba Temple & visit the mall road for some last minute shopping in Manali.
Overnight in Manali. (Breakfast & Dinner).
Day9: Manali: 5-6hrs:
You have the morning free to visit the Rohtang pass on own. You will have to book a separate vehicle as only union vehicles are allowed. (This is not included in the package is entirely at your discretion & at your own cost.
Or the we can do the below itinerary.
We leave after a leisure breakfast at the hotel. Later head to Solang Valley and go up on the ropeway or even indulge in some paragliding and other adventure activities. On your way back visit the village of Vashisht and its famous hot springs. If time permits, you can even attempt to hike to the popular Jogni waterfall from the village. Call it an early night.
Overnight in Manali. (Breakfast & Dinner).
Day10: Manali – Chandigarh: 8-9hrs:
Head back to Chandigarh this morning after breakfast and catch your flight back home. Trip ends today. (Breakfast)