Spiti Valley
Adventure Tour Package
from Chandigarh
7 Days / 6 Nights
Spiti Valley Package from Chandigarh
Duration : 7 Days 6 Nights
Route Plan : Chandigarh - Manali - Kaza - Komic - Hikkim - Langza - Kaza - Key Monastery - Kibber - Chicham Bridge - Kaza - Tabo - Dhankar - Lhalung - Chandra Taal - Manali - Chandigarh
An oasis of gleaming blue and pristine white, enclosed by spectacular mountains and festooned with colorful prayer flags fluttering in the wind - Spiti Valley is pure magic. The term Spiti means 'The Middle Land', as Spiti Valley separates India from Tibet.
Embark yourself on a journey to Spiti Valley in Himachal and loose yourself in the bliss of mother nature. The sheer beauty of this destination has endowed it with the title of ‘Little Tibet’ in India. Surrounded by Lahaul Valley, Kinnaur Valley, Tibet and Kullu Valley, Spiti offers adventure, natural beauty and peace in plenty. Just imagine you and your loved ones spending some quality time in the lap of nature amidst majestic snow clad mountains, picturesque landscape, fresh air and wonderful flora and fauna. The very thought is so tempting!
A road trip through this enchanted land will have you cruising upon some of the highest motorable passes in the world while basking in the warm tranquility of postcard-pretty Tibetan Buddhist monasteries that cast a shadow upon a landscape that displays only the best that nature has to offer and promises to be nothing short of being unbelievably exhilarating.
Tourists from all parts of the globe visit Spiti Valley to soak in peace, beauty and adventure. The famous English Author Rudyard Kipling aptly said a wonderful line about this place: “It is the world within a world and a place where the Gods live”. The nature has festooned this enchanting place with unsurpassed beauty of mountains, streams, valleys, rugged terrain and rivers. Also interact with the people here to know about their culture. It is truly fun.
Itinerary
Day 1: Chandigarh - Manali (195 Kms / 5 - 6 Hours via New 4 Lane Highway)
On your arrival at the Chandigarh Airport / Railway Station in the morning, you will be met by our local representative / cab driver at Chandigarh. We will start driving in the morning from Chandigarh to reach Manali by evening. The drive is superbly scenic as lush green mountains present a welcome sight once you cross Bilaspur. We would halt for lunch during the daytime, followed by another quick halt for tea and refreshments later. On arrival at Manali, check-in to the hotel and relax as the first day of this inspiring journey culminates. The upcoming days are going to be challenging as we make our way past numerous mountain tops that promise a vision of unparalleled beauty. Overnight stay at hotel in Manali.
Day 2 : Manali - Kaza (Approx 190 Kms 9-10 Hours via Atal Tunnel)
We will leave Manali in the morning at 8AM and drive towards Gramphu passing through Solang Valley, Atal Tunnel & Sissu via National Highway No 3. From Sissu we will drive towards right on National Highway 505 towards Kaza. After passing Gramphu, we are suddenly led into no man’s land as we drive towards Kaza. Civilization and hustle bustle of the everyday world is left behind and completely forgotten in its silence. There are no houses, no people, no vehicles to give way to or anything to remind of the world we have left behind.A narrow road that splits the mountains reminds that we are still connected with the world, and also gives us access to the terrain that almost feels uncharted. Spiti is a desert region in the higher ranges of Indian Himalayas, where nothing more than tiny grass a few inches tall grows. Stark mountain slopes stretch as far as the eyes can see, and the peaks keep growing taller and taller as we look ahead.
We drive along the valley of Chandra River, passing through the heart of the Himalayas and stopping frequently to gawk at unbelievable views and capture images that would keep you excited about the upcoming journey.
We will drive via unpeopled Lahaul region’s dramatic landscapes and over the high Kunzum Pass before entering the sparsely populated Spiti Valley. Kunzum Pass is nearly 15,000 feet high, and needless to say, offers amazing views on the way up and down. Tiny yellow flowers grow along this landscape surrounded by 20,000 feet high peaks, often turning the ground into a carpet full of colours. Descending from Kunzum, we will leave Lahaul Region and enter Spiti. Spiti is stark, rugged, uninhabited and has its own beauty, while in Lahaul, you will suddenly see patches of greenery, plateaued lands and some human habitation. In some time, you will reach Losar, the first village in Spiti. Now, the road will course along Spiti River, with some interesting formation on the slopes along the way and beautiful views of highlands. In Spiti, besides the breathtaking landscapes under clear sky, we will also visit ancient monasteries and photograph beautiful people of the valley. On reaching Kaza we will check in to our hotel / home stay for night stay.
Day 3 : Kaza - Komic - Hikkim - Langza - Kaza - Ki Monastery - Kibber Village - Chicham Bridge - Kaza
On the third day of the Spiti Valley Tour, we continue to travel through the highest regions of the world where nobody dares to live.
Drive towards Komik (14806 feet), the highest village in Asia, also known as the ‘Eye of a Snow Cock’. There are only 84 villagers , who brave the rough weather conditions to survive in the tiny village which is aloof from the world for most part of the year. Komic is surrounded by mountain peaks covered with snow and brown landscape. You can find Tibetan wolf, Red Fox, Blue Sheep, Snow Cock, Hare, Himalayan Griffin and Rock Pigeon here.From Komic, we will drive to Hikkim to see the World’s Highest Post Office. You can even meet the staff in the Post Office, interact with them and drop a letter in the Post Box to see when it reaches the adressed destination.
Later we will drive to Langza village located at 4400 meters above sea level. The village has Only 33 houses inhabited by 137 people. You can visit the 1000 years old Lang Temple. At Langza can you find a place engulfed by the Tethys Sea centuries ago, and you can also see the fossils of Marine animals and plants that survived for millions of years.
In the afternoon drive down to Kaza for lunch. You can saviour the delicacies of Spiti such as the momos, Thukpa, Tsampa, churpe, buckwheat childas and steamed dumplings.
After lunch drive towards the 1000 years old Ki Monastery (13668 feet). We will drop you at the entrance of the monastery.You can click the photographs of this architectural beauty founded by Brompton, a disciple of the famous teacher Atisha in the Eleventh century. This monastery belongs to the Yellow Hat or Gelugpa sect of Tibetan Buddhism. This is the place where the Tibetans visit for learning and also to take refuge because of its remote location.From Ki Monastery, we will start our journey 7 kms uphill to reach the wonderful village of Kibber (4205 meters).The enchanting view from this village keeps you mesmerized, makes you forget the world, and immerses you in the divine silence. This is ideal for meditation and photographers to get nature’s gifts.
From Kibber, we will drive towards a placid village in Spiti Valley - the barren beauty known as Chicham Village, situated at 4150 m. It is quite famous for the bridge that connects the village with Kibber. Rumors around say it’s the highest bridge in Asia, but it’s not. Although, it presents a picturesque setting for a good photo session. The village was inaccessible before, from the Kibber side as it is now, because of the absence of the bridge. Earlier, people used to travel across the gorge on a basket attached to a metal rope. The bridge is a new addition to the infrastructure of Spiti Valley and thus, enhancing the connectivity between Kaza and Chicham. Later in the evening we will return back to Kaza for night stay.
Day 4 : Kaza - Tabo - Dhankar - Lhalung
In the morning, have breakfast and a warm cup of tea and start the Spiti Valley tour towards Tabo- the final town of Spiti Valley. The other name for it is the Ajanta of Himalayas. The 1020-year-old, spread over an area of 6,300 square meters and encompassing 9 temples, 23 chortens and residences for Buddhist monks.The 10th century Tabo Monastery was founded by the great scholar, Richen Zangpo, and has been declared as the World Heritage Site by UNESCO. By visiting the monastery, you will be able to have a close glimpse of huge collection of scroll paintings, manuscripts, statues, ancient murals etc.From Tabo, we will drive towards Dhankar, situated exactly near the confluence of the Spiti and Pin Rivers. Dhankar is a big village and erstwhile capital of Spiti Kingdom. On top of a hill there is a fort which uses to be the prison in olden times. The Monastery has about 100 Lamas and is in position of Budhist scriptures in Bhoti language. Principal figure is a Statue of “Vairochana” (Dhayan Budha) consisting of 4 complete figures seated back to back. It has relics in the shape of paintings and scriptures.
After Dhankar, we will drive towards Lhalung village. Lhalung means ‘Land of God’, and the village lies at the base of the Tangmar Mountains, which is said to change colours based on the deities. If it becomes Red, you should know that the deities are angry and yellow means happy. You can find ancient Gompas in Lhalung village. Lhalung Monastery is also called Sarkhang, and the Golden temple is located at 3658 metres. You will spend your night at the permissible local homestay.
Day 5 : Lhalung - Kaza - Kunzum La - Chandertal Lake
The most adventurous & thrilling part of the trip is the drive towards Chandertal Lake. This is where you really feel like biting the bullet. Driving until Losar 83 kms away from Lhalung is real fun, good straight road with great scenery. As we drive from Losar the road disappears and the track climbs steeply to reach Kunzum La Pass situated at 4,551 meters, the pass offers spectacular view of the Bara Shigri Glacier. We will have a stop at Kumzum La Pass & offer prayers at the Gompa. The track then continues forwards with all the excitement and heart throbbing action to reach Chotta Dara, 16kms away. Later we will drive to Chandertal Lake also known as the "Moon Lake". This famous attraction at an elevation of 4300 m sits in the upper Chandra Valley with an outlet in the River Chenab. Spend some time admiring the mesmerizing view of the surroundings and you might also get a chance to see migratory birds if you are visiting in summer.
Your stay will be at a camp near Chandra Tal Lake, where we will get camping equipment, tents, sleeping bags, blankets, and a mattress that will withstand the cold.
Please note that visiting and camping near Chandratal are subject to the road being open, as the conditions of the road to Chandratal are unpredictable and changes frequently.
Day 6 : Chandertal Lake - Atal Tunnel - Manali
If your heart is not quenched by an evening in Chandratal, you have the option to brave the morning’s cold weather and make another visit to the lake. It is incredible how the light conditions make the lake appear very different from previous evening.Later, after a good breakfast, we head back to Manali, stopping occasionally for some river-side photography and also to photograph Bada Shigri, the largest glacier in all of Himachal. The landscapes changes as you leave Spiti Valley and zoom into a refreshing and greener surrounding.
On reaching Manali check-in the hotel and complete the formalities. You can take a stroll on Mall road if you wish to. Post an eventful day, tuck yourself in the bed and take a good sleep.
Day 7 : Manali - Chandigarh
You will check out from the hotel after having a filling breakfast. You will then head back to Chandigarh. On reaching we will drop you at Airport / Railway Station or your desired location.
Quick Inquiry Form
Things To Carry
- Warm clothes, jackets, raincoats, fleece jackets and thermals
- Hand gloves, trekking shoes and extra pair of socks
- Water bottles, energy bars and energy drinks
- Caps/hats, sunglasses and towels
- Personal toiletries and medications (if any)
- Backpack with waterproof linings
Advisory
- Climatic conditions in the high altitudes vary from the plains; take adequate time to get acclimatized to high altitudes.
- Pay heed to the tour leaders or instructors in order to enjoy a safe and sound experience.
- Do not consume alcohol or any other intoxicants during the tour.
- Avoid roaming during the nights.
- Carry basic medications and a first-aid kit during the tour.
- While visiting the monasteries, do obey proper dress-code and do not hurt the local sentiments of the places.
Inclusions
- Accommodation at all hotels/camps as per the itinerary on sharing basis.
- Meals : Breakfast and dinner at all hotels and camps.
- Sightseeing as per itinerary
- Reliable, experienced and adept local driver cum guide with great knowledge of the area and the terrain.
- Driver charges, driver accommodation, fuel and toll taxes.
- Camping fees, tents and sleeping bags/blankets
- Transportation : Comfortable non-AC SUV/MUV