Spiti Valley - A Road Journey

Spiti Valley - A Road Journey

The experience at Spiti Valley can be best described through Rudyard Kipling's words, “Surely the Gods must live here, and this is no place for men.”
Located at an average height of 12,500 feet above sea level, Spiti Valley consists of stark high alpine lands, scattered with small postcard-perfect villages of whitewashed mud-homes and monasteries. Prepare to travel to a world where villages appear like a mirage after miles of trailing a turquoise green river nestled between snow-capped barren mountains and blue lakes; a world which has the coldest winters you’ll ever see, but therein reside the warmest people you will meet.

This comfortable and carefully curated seven-day Spiti Valley Innova Jeep tour is designed for travelers looking for an authentic Spiti Valley experience in a week’s time.Tour includes travelling to some of villages of Spiti Valley including Komik and Kibber. Marvel the Ki Monastery & Tabo Monastery – a 1020 yr old UNESCO WHS.Camp at the beautiful Chandratal Lake.

Itinerary

Day 1: Manali –Rohtang Pass – Kunzum La –Losar-Kaza (202 Kms -9-10 hrs)

Pass By: Kaza, Kaza, Lahaul and Spiti District, Himachal Pradesh
Meet your guide and driver at Manali to begin your journey to Spiti Valley. We begin this tour by hitting the road from Manali. We pass through the popular adventure-haven Rohtang Pass. Then we drive into the desolate and stunning brown-badlands landscape and approach Chattru and Batal. At 14,931 feet, we catch our first chill at the august Kunzum Pass and then descend into Losar Village, the first in Spiti valley. Having warmed up with cup of chai (tea), we continue driving through the stunning landscapes and reach Kaza where we spend the night with dinner at a comfortable hotel. Includes (D)

Meals included:
• Dinner
Accommodation included: 3 / 4 Star Deluxe Hotel

Day 2: Kaza-Langza –Hikkim-Komik-Ki Monastery –Kibber –Gette-Kaza (26 Kms- 6-7 hrs)

Stop At: Kaza, Kaza, Lahaul and Spiti District, Himachal Pradesh
Morning after breakfast, 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 4,513 meters. This farm-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 brings 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 may even meet the post-master and hear his stories. After sending out a postcard, we drive to Langza. Langza village is situated at an altitude of 4,400 meters and belongs to the Sakyapa sect of Tibetan Buddhism. Langza houses a population of 137 in 33 house-holds. Once you are here, you can walk into the village and visit the ancient Lang (Temple) which is estimated to be around 1000 years old. At Langza, walk back to the prehistoric era when Spiti was submerged by the Tethys Sea, as you explore a land very rich with fossils of Marine animals and plants which were here millions of years ago.

We drive back down to Kaza for lunch. After that, we visit the world famous Ki Monastery. The car will first stop 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 center of learning as well as a refuge for Tibetans. Being remotely located atop a hill overlooking endless plains, the Ki Monastery is an obvious choice for those seeking peace and calm. Then we will move farther up the valley to the picturesque village of Kibber. Located at a height of 4,205 meters and 18 km from Kaza, this formerly highest, permanently inhabited village in 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 make the place a haven for nature-lovers and photographers alike. From Kibber, you can trek to Chicham Village, located across a sharp and precipitous canyon traversable only by a suspended wire cable basket system known as a Jula. We drive higher up to the secluded village of Gette where we absorb stunning aerial views of Kaza and tie a prayer flag. We drive back to Kaza in the evening and spend the night with dinner in a comfortable and warm Kaza hotel. Includes (B & D)
Duration: 1 day

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Dinner
Accommodation included: 3/4 star Deluxe Hotel

Day 3: Kaza-Pin Valley –Mudh-Kaza (49 Kms-4-5 hrs)

Stop At: Kaza, Kaza, Lahaul and Spiti District, Himachal Pradesh
Morning after breakfast, we drive towards the beautiful Pin Valley. 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 motor able 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.

We drive back to Kaza in the evening and spend the night with dinner in a comfortable and warm Kaza hotel. Includes (B & D)
Duration: 1 day

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Dinner
Accommodation included: 3/4 star deluxe hotels

Day 4: Kaza-Tabo-Dhankar-Dhankar Lake Hike(Optional)-Lhalung (34 Kms-4-5 hrs)

Stop At: Lhalung Monastery, India
Morning after a delicious breakfast, we continue our Spiti Valley tour and drive towards the only other town of Spiti Valley – Tabo. Also known as the ‘Ajanta of the Himalayas’, Tabo houses the 1020 year-old Tabo Monastery – which is a UNESCO world heritage site and is famous for its ancient paintings that depict the life of The Buddha, and intricate portraits of gods and demons along with life-size statues of Bodhisattva, in a fusion of western Tibetan, Indian and Kashmir i styles.

After spending a couple of hours at Tabo, we drive onward to Dhankar. Perched high above the confluence of the Spiti and Pin River, in a hidden bowl, is the tiny hamlet of Dhankar. The former capital of the Royals of Spiti Valley also known as the Nono who ruled the dust-colored badlands of Spiti Valley. Go back in time as you explore the 1200-year-old Dhankar Gompa which perches precariously between eroded rocky pinnacles on the edge of a cliff. If time permits, do take an hour’s climb above the village to visit the stunning turquoise Dhankar Tso or Dhankar Lake which offers views over the valley and towards the twin peaks of Mane Rang (6593 meters).

Later, we take a short drive to Lhalung – another beautiful high altitude Spiti valley village. The word Lhalung means ‘land of god’ and the village of Lhalung is located at the foot of the Tangmar Mountains which supposedly transforms in color depending on the mood of the deities. Red denotes anger while yellow signifies happiness. Apart from being home to hospitable local families, the village of Lhalung is also home to one of the oldest gompas in Spiti valley. The Lhalung Monastery – also known as Sarkhang and golden Temple – is situated at a height of 3658 meters. We spend the night at an authentic local home stay with a local family, listening to life tales at above 12,000 feet. Includes (B & D)
Duration: 1 day

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Dinner
Accommodation included: 3/4 star deluxe hotels

Day 5: Lhalung-Losar-Kunzum Pass –Chandratal Lake (102 Kms -6-7 hrs)

Stop At: Chandratal Lake, Middle Of Himalaya and Spiti Valley, 175140 India
Morning after breakfast, we commence our journey back home and trace our steps back on the Kaza – Manali road. However, we take one last stop at another Spitian wonder – Chandratal Lake. The mystical and beautiful Chandratal Lake, which translates to Moon Lake, is located at a height of 14,100 feet. The Chandrabhaga mountain range forms a striking backdrop for the lake, which changes appearance according to the pictures painted in the sky. After capturing the colors of the beautiful Chandratal Lake, we drive to our camping site where a hot supper under the gaze of a million stars and the Milky Way awaits us.

Our camps at Chandratal Lake are equipped with camping equipment including tents, high altitude sleeping bags / blankets and a comfortable mattress. Includes (B & D)
Duration: 1 day

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Dinner
Accommodation included: 3/4 star deluxe hotels

Day 6: Chandratal Lake –Batal-Chhatru-Rohtang Pass –Manali (138 Kms -6-7 hrs)

Stop At: Manali, Manali, Manali Tehsil, Kullu District, Himachal Pradesh
Morning after breakfast amidst the stunning Chandratal Lake’s visuals captured in minds and cameras, we continue tracing our steps back, driving on the Kaza – Manali road and after a few hours of driving and some more stunning landscape, we pass through the famous Rohtang Pass and reach Manali where we bid goodbye to our drivers. Balance day is at leisure - You can choose to explore Manali markets in the evening if you are up for it or you can rest in the comforts of your Manali hotel. Includes (B)
Duration: 1 day

Meals included:
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: 4 star deluxe hotel

Day 7: Departure Manali

Pass By: Bhuntar, Bhuntar, Kullu District, Himachal Pradesh
Morning wake up to some hot chai, a sumptuous breakfast and some brilliant views of the Himalayas from the hotel in Manali. You'll be free to explore Manali on foot this day. (Check out time 12 Noon) Later on time transfer to Manali Bus stand or airport at Bhuntar

Meals included:
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: None