Spectacular Spiti with Kinnaur

The undisturbed land of Lahaul-Spiti is blessed with some of the most spectacular and beautiful landscapes – high altitude snow-clad mountain ranges, narrow valleys, pristine rivers, enchanting natural lakes, and beautiful monasteries steeped in time.

Situated in Trans-Himalayas, Spiti literally means 'land in between' borders Tibet in the East and Ladakh in the North has stark cultural and geographical similarities to its neighbors. Spiti often known as Little Tibet is a high-altitude cold desert with stunning beauty and is accessible only 4-5 months a year. We traverse through some of the highest inhabited settlements, adorned with great Buddhist monasteries dating back to over 1000 years and wrapped in legend and folklore.

Home to some of the oldest Buddhist monasteries globally, this trip is suggested for a unique and authentic understanding of the Spitian lifestyle, culture, and Buddhist heritage. We would be staying with the local Spitian people in their homes in several places to enhance our sojourn.

Take a break and experience the mystical land, its people, its rich cultural heritage, and its diverse flora & fauna. Discover the magic of the Spiti valley in the Himalayas.

DAY 01 | ARRIVE IN CHANDIGARH. TRANSFER TO SHIMLA (No Meal)

Reach Chandigarh in the morning by 11 AM. You will be received personally by WANDERING SARATHY and the epic journey to Lahaul-Spiti begins as we leave Chandigarh to reach Shimla by late afternoon. 

Spending a night in Shimla helps as the body gets acclimatized to the mountainous terrain. Enjoy a leisurely evening by exploring the cafes on Mall Road. Overnight stay at Shimla. 

DAY 02 | SHIMLA - SANGLA (Breakfast, Dinner)

We start early from Shimla and drive about 8 hours through the breathtaking gorges of the Greater Himalayas to reach Sangla, a quaint picturesque village with the Baspa River running alongside it that will take your breath away. 

Explore the historic Kamru Fort and Temple dedicated to the Goddess Kamakhya Devi. Overnight stay at Sangla. 

DAY 03 | SANGLA - CHITKUL - KALPA (Breakfast, Dinner)

This morning we travel to Chitkul, India's last inhabited settlement on the old Indo-Tibetan trading route. After spending some time at Chitkul, we turn around and travel to Kalpa, a little village dotted with apple orchards. 

According to legend, Kalpa is said to be the winter abode of Lord Shiva. He couldn't have chosen a better location for himself, with enticingly stunning views of the Kinner Kailash and Jorkandan Peaks towering over the settlement. Kalpa will be your home for the night.

DAY 04 |  KALPA - NAKO - GEYU - TABO (Breakfast, Dinner)

Drive to Tabo (approximately 7 hours) along the cascading Sutlej river and then from Khab along the Spiti rivers and continue driving through the dramatic landscape to Tabo. We travel on one of the world's "most treacherous roads". 

En route, we stop by Nako Temple and Nako Lake for a quick look. We also make a detour to Geyu village to see the 500-year-old mummy. Overnight stay in Tabo.

DAY 05 | TABO - DHANKAR - MUDH - KAZA (Breakfast, Dinner)

Head to the 1000-year-old UNESCO World Heritage site of Tabo Monastery, also known as the "Ajantha of the Himalayas," which is located at the valley's bottom. We visit Dhankar which is home to a 1200-year-old monastery perched precariously between a rocky cliff (eroded probably due to wind). Dhankar Monastery, fort, and subsidiary temples were recently designated as one of the world's 100 most endangered sites.

Then we proceed to Kungri Monastery and later to the beautiful village of Mudh – the last motorable village of the Pin Valley. By evening, we reach Kaza, the headquarters of Spiti valley. Overnight stay in Kaza. 

DAY 06 | KAZA EXPLORATION (Breakfast, Dinner)

Today we make our way to Komic, the highest inhabited village in Asia situated at 14,800 feet above sea level. Take a walk up to Komic's Tanggyud Monastery, the highest monastery with a motorable road in the world. Then, go to Hikkim Post Office, Asia's highest post office, and send a postcard home.

Later we visit Langza village, one of the world's most fossiliferous areas, a must-see for history buffs. Then to Ki Monastery, the largest monastery in Spiti valley. A scenic drive from Ki takes us to the Kibber which is one of the world's highest continuously inhabited villages, with around eighty families living in magnificent whitewashed mud homes. Finally, visit Asia's Highest bridge, Chicham Bridge connecting the high-altitude villages of Kibber and Chicham at 13596 feet ASL.

DAY 07 | KAZA - KUNZUM LA - CHANDRATAL (Breakfast, Dinner)

We drive 7-8 hours to reach Chandratal Lake (Moon Lake), one of the most photogenic spots in the Spiti Valley. To reach the crescent-shaped lake, we pass through the high altitude pass of Kunzum La, which is 15,060 feet above sea level. The Chandra Bhaga mountain range provides an ideal backdrop for the lake's changing colors. 

On a clear night, look up at the sky to see millions of stars. Overnight Swiss tent stay at Chandratal.

DAY 08 | CHANDRATAL - ATAL TUNNEL - MANALI (Breakfast, Dinner)

We're off to Manali after an early breakfast. We return to Manali by about 5 PM via the famous Atal Tunnel, capping off our breathtaking Spiti adventure. Explore old Manali later in the evening for some old-world charm away from the madding crowds of town. Overnight stay at Manali.

DAY 09 | MANALI - CHANDIGARH (Breakfast)

After breakfast, drive towards Chandigarh via Kullu, Mandi, and Bilaspur. Arrive in Chandigarh in the evening and fly back from the Chandigarh Airport/Railway Station/Bust Terminus to reach Delhi. 

It's time to bid goodbye to your new friends. Head back home with a bagful of sweet memories.

Trip concludes!

Start Date: July 27, 2024 (Saturday) 

End Date: August 4, 2024 (Sunday)

Pick-up/Drop at Chandigarh International Airport (IATA: IXC). We will inform the pick-up location for those arriving by train/road in due time.

The trip starts and ends in Chandigarh

INR 29500 per person (Pay INR 10000 to Book Now!)

• These rates are for Indian Nationals only.
• Group Size: Minimum of 6 participants - Maximum of 16 participants (+) WANDERING SARATHY as your Tour Lead. Please make sure that the trip has reached the minimum number of participants before you reserve your flight ticket.
• Even a single member can join this trip. If you're a single-member traveling alone, you'll be assigned to a room with member/s of the same gender.
• A married couple gets a separate room.
• Suitable for members between the age group of 18-50 years. Generally, we have participants between 20-35 years.
• Opt for Zero Cancellation Fee Protection Extension while booking your flight tickets so that you get a full refund in case of cancellation.

INCLUSIONS

• Well-sanitized, comfy stay on a triple-sharing basis for 8 nights/9 days (hotels/homestays/camps). 
• 8 Breakfast & 6 Dinner (Set Menu) at our place of stay. Meal plan as mentioned in the Itinerary.
• All transfers/sightseeing trips by a luxury vehicle (Toyota Innova or a similar vehicle). Exclusive vehicle for the entire trip from Day 1 to Day 9, but not at disposal. 
• Group airport transfer for arrival and departure in Chandigarh airport. If your flight arrival is at a different time, extra charges will be applicable.
• Services of WANDERING SARATHY who personally leads the group and doubles as a storyteller
• Entry tickets to places of interest 
• All Permits, Toll & Parking Charges

EXCLUSIONS

• Airfare to Chandigarh & return
• Food/Snacks other than mentioned above. 
• Camera/Video charges
• Additional requests, orders, and services availed in the hotel/homestay
• Use of transport for personal use and beyond the designated trip route
• GST extra (5% of trip cost)
• Additional costs arising due to mishaps, political unrest, natural calamities like – landslides, road blockage, etc. In such a case, extras will have to be paid on the spot by the participants directly.
• Personal expenses such as laundry, bottled water, soft drinks, room heater, incidentals, porter charges, tips, medicines, etc.
• Any extra expenses due to delays arising from bad weather & circumstances beyond our control.
• Any item not specified in the ‘Inclusions’.

Please confirm your participation by paying INR 10000 to book your seat. Rest to be paid 30 days before the tour start date. 

Please write to us at unusualescapes(at)gmail.com for our Bank Account Details to transfer the Booking Fee (or) pay via Google Pay using UPI ID: unusualescapes@aubank.

Your spot will be confirmed as soon as we receive your Booking Fee.

**If you can find anyone else to replace you, there’ll be NO cancellation charges. We will then refund your money in full including the non-refundable booking fee.