A breathtaking journey through the old Hindustan Tibet Road, also known as one of the most dangerous roads in the world. You start the trip in the beautiful apple orchards of Narkanda all the way to Kinnaur (Sangla, Kalpa, Chitkul) before entering the north part of Kinnaur from Khab (confluence of Spiti and Sutlej river) from where the trans Himalayan region of Spiti starts. The valley eagerly waits to show it’s different colors and moods with changing seasons. The trip ideally can be done in the off season, during the months when very few hotels operate in Spiti and hence homestays is one the most preferred choice as they are warm and give you a glimpse into the simple, slow and peaceful life of the people of Spiti. This might be one of the most memorable trips of your life.
This route is recommended when the Manali Spiti road is closed in the months of October & November or April & May.
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Places Covered
Narkanda, Rampur, Sangla, Chitkul, Recong Peo, Kalpa, Khab, Nako, Gue, Tabo, Dhankar, Pin Valley, Kaza, Kye, Khibber, Langza, Komic, Hikkim, Shimla
Best Time to Visit
Mid October – November and May – Mid June
Includes
Stay
Breakfast and Dinner
Local experienced driver
Local coordinator
*Visit Kinnaur and the apple belt of Himachal covering Narkanda, Sangla and Kalpa.
*Visit one of the highest motor-able villages in the world – Komic
*Send post cards from the highest post office in the world – Hikkim
*Visit Asia’s highest bridge above sea level – Chicham bridge
*Hike to Dhankar Lake (optional)
*Hike to the meditation caves in Tabo (optional)
*Homestay experience in Pin Valley
*Fossil Excursion at Langza
Day 1: Chandigarh to Narkanda (7-8 hours)
Land in Chandigarh and head towards Narkanda. Take appropriate breaks on the way and enjoy the beauty as you leave the city crowd behind. View the lush green valleys and apple orchards on both side of the road. Stay in the midst of nowhere in Narkanda.
Day 2: Narkanda to Sangla (6-7 hours)
Have a nice breakfast with a view of the mountains and head to Sangla via Rampur. You shall meet the Sutlej river at Sainj and from there on it will be with you till Spiti. Sangla is one of the most beautiful valleys in India. We recommend a walk to Baspa river from your hotel.
Day 3: Sangla to Kalpa via Chitkul (3-4 hours)
Go for an early morning walk to Basteri village if you want. Visit the ancient temple there and walk around the village. After breakfast, we take you Chitkul- last village on Indo-Tibet border. From Chitkul, we head to Kalpa. Enjoy the stunning view of Kinner Kailash peaks over a cup of tea.
Day 4: Kalpa to Tabo via Nako (7-8 hours)
Have a walk to the Old Shiva temple and Buddhist monastery in Kalpa, if time permits. 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. If time permits then we visit Gue to see the Mummy.
Day 5: Tabo to Kaza via Dhankar (2-3 hours)
Take the morning easy, have your breakfast and visit the “Ajanta of Himalayas”- The Tabo Monastery which is close to 1000 years old now. The murals, thankas and paintaings is believed to have been made in a night by the Gods themselves. You can also hike to the meditation caves, if time permits. Visit Dhankar Monastery- Seat of the King in ancient times- the most beautiful setting of a monument which hangs on a cliff and overlooks the confluence of Spiti and Pin River. Hike to Dhankar lake, if you lungs permit. Stay in Kaza.
Day 6: Kaza to Key, Khibber and back (2-3 hours)
Take the morning easy and walk through Kaza village if you want. After breakfast we shall head to Kye Monastery and Khibber Village. Kye monastery is on top of a mountain overlooking the Spiti valley and huge river bed. It is also the main learning centre for Lamas following Geluk sect of Buddhism housing some 100 odd monks. We shall climb a little further and visit Khibber Village- which use to be highest villages in the world once upon a time.
Day 7: Kaza to Pin Valley via Langza, Hikkim, Komic and Demul (4-5 hours)
Take the morning easy and head to Langza- the main area for Fossils, Hikkim- the highest post office in the world and Komic- one of the highest villages in the world at 4600 meters. Also, visit the Tangyud monastery in Komic. You can see some snow laden peaks during this drive. Visit the postmaster of the highest post office in the world and send some postcards to your loved ones and head to Pin Valley via Demul. Homestay in Mudh (Pin Valley)
Day 8: Pin Valley to Nako (4-5 hours)
Early morning, take a walk inside the Pin Valley National Park- home to Snow Leopards and Siberian Ibex. Pin Valley is also the starting/ ending point for 2 famous treks- Pin Parvati Pass & Bhaba Pass trek. Visit Khungri Monastery in Sagnam and Mummy of a Monk (550 years old) in Gue. Reach Nako and spend sometime walk around the village and spending time next to the famous Nako Lake. Stay in Nako
Day 9: Nako to Narkanda (9-10 hours)
This day will be a long day for travel and hence we leave early from Nako. Feel free to spend sometime around Khab- confluence of Sutlej and Spiti river. Rest in Narkanda.
Day 10: Narkanda to Chandigarh (7-8 hours)
Leave early in the morning to catch your afternoon/ evening flight from Chandigarh back to your hometown. Trip ends here.
Inclusions
*Breakfast and Dinner
*Transport and experienced local driver for 10 days as per the plan
*Stay at the list of hotels shared as per the plan on twin sharing basis
*Driver to act as a basic guide
*All expenses for the driver are paid for, including all tolls, fuel, meals and accommodation
* Local coordinator in Kaza and Manali
Exclusions
*5% GST
*Lunch, snacks and beverages (except the ones with meals)
*Any kind of insurance/ emergency and evacuation cost
*Local Guide
*Bus ticket cost/Monument Entry fee/Cost of permits