Spiti Valley Tour Ex-Delhi

Delhi - Shimla overnight Journey by Bus

Arrive Shimla and directly proceed to Narkanda via Kufri. You will drive over the foothills of Himalayas on the winding roads of Shimla amidst Pine forests and apple orchards experiencing a breath of fresh air till you reach Narkanda. Overnight at Narkanda. 

Continuing on the windy roads, we descend to the Sutlej Valley near Rampur. The road meanders on the rock-carved picturesque landscape of Kinnaur along the river banks over Indo-Tibet highway till you reach Karcham – the confluence of Sutlej and Baspa rivers, where a huge Dam is constructed for Hydroelectric Power generation. We cross the Dam and continue along the banks of Baspa river to enter Sangla Valley – one of the most beautiful valleys of Himalayas.

Today’s journey will take you to the last village of India before Tibet in this region – Chitkul. The blooms of wild rose during the summers and high mountains along the head of the valley is a treat for nature lovers. From here we retrace back to Karcham and continue along Indo-Tibet highway before turning left and climbing the pine forest slopes till we reach Kalpa. A beautiful Himalayan village which offers one the best views of Snow Peaks right across the valley looming large in front of you. Kinner Kailash peak is one of the abodes of Lord Shiva.  Overnight at Kalpa.

We leave Kalpa to head into the high mountains. After the downhill climb to the highway, we continue upstream of Sutlej witnessing the dramatic change in the landscape with every mile that passes by. With mountains becoming barren you are getting ever closer to Spiti Valley. At Nako you will see the artificial Nako lake before heading to Gue to see India’s own naturally preserved Mummy and continue to Tabo. Overnight stay at Tabo.

Tabo has a monastery 1021 years old which is also a UNESCO world heritage site. This ancient monastery is rich in Murals, Frescos, and Paintings that tell the story of the Buddhist pantheon. Drive to Dhankar Monastery, perched on the edge of a 300m cliff is a sight to behold and looks straight out of a movie set. then drive to Pin Valley – a tributary of the Spiti river, ‘Pin’ originates deep in the Trans Himalayan mountains leading to one of the ancient trade routes and popular trek of Bhaba Pass. It is also home to the magnificent Snow Leopard and several Trans Himalayan animals and rare birds protected under the National Parks of India. You’ll drive through this beautiful valley up to the last village of Mudh before heading towards Kaza – the administrative capital of Spiti.  overnight stay at 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 meters. 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. .Later, we drive to Hikkim where we visit the world’s highest post office in the world.

After sending out a postcard, we drive to Langza. Langza village is situated at an altitude of 4400 meters and belongs to the Sakyapa sect of Tibetan Buddhism. Langza houses a population of 137 in 33 households. Once you are here, you can walk around 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. Then we will move farther up the valley to the picturesque village of Kibber. Located at a height of 4205 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. Overnight at Kaza.

We drive to one of the most photogenic places in Spiti Valley – the Chandratal Lake. Before that, 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 known. At 15,000 feet above sea-level, the Kuzum Pass connects Kullu and Lahaul to the Spiti Valley. From there, we head to Chandratal Lake – A visual marvel, this stunning blue-colored lake is set at an altitude of 4,300 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 colors from crystal clear shades of blue to emerald greens by dusk. Overnight at Chandratal Lake.

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. Drive through the famous Rohtang Pass and return to Manali to end your breath-taking Spiti Valley sojourn. Overnight at a hotel in Manali.

Morning half day city tour visiting Club House, Tibetan Monastery and Vashisht Village, Mall road & Vanvihar. Afterward, evening drops you at Manali Bus stand to catch Volvo for Delhi ....... Tours End