A short trip that covers the best of Spiti and Manali. Travel through high mountain passes, go off-roading on the river bed, visit some of the oldest Buddhist monasteries in the world, relax on the banks of high altitude lakes like Chandratal & Dhankar and send postcard from the highest postoffice in the world. This trip helps you explore and understand life in this high altitude region of Spiti. Some of the places you shall cover are only accessible through summers and cut off from the world for around 4-5 months of the year during winters.
Embark on an exciting journey through this beautiful and adventurous terrain.
Places Covered
Manali, Rohtang, Gramphoo, Chatru, Batal, Chandrataal, Kunzum, Lohsar, Tabo, Dhankar, Pin Valley, Kaza, Kye, Khibber, Langza, Komic
Best Time to Visit
Mid June to Mid October
Includes
Stay
Breakfast and Dinner
Local experienced driver
Local coordinator
*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 the world’s highest bridge above sea level – Chicham bridge
*Hike to Dhankar Lake (optional)
*Hike to the meditation caves in Tabo (optional)
*Fossil Excursion at Langza
*A local homestay experience in Langza
*An overnight camping experience near Chandrataal Lake
Day 1: Manali and Around
Reach Manali early in the morning by taking an overnight bus from Delhi. Check-in and take rest. This day is to get used to the altitude and to help you acclimatise. You can go for a walk through Old Manali, do some shopping, withdraw money if you need to, eat a good meal and get ready for the adventure ahead. Night’s stay is in Manali.
Day 2: Manali to Kaza via Atal Tunnel and Kunzum pass(7-8 hours)
Today we head to Spiti valley which will take around 7-8 hours (approx. 190 kms), if everything goes as planned. We leave in the morning as we have a long way to go and cross the Atal Tunnel. The tunnel is the longest tunnel in the world at 9km above 10000 ft. Spend some time after you cross the tunnel as you head towards Gramphoo. Once you cross Gramphoo, the stunning beauty of Spiti valley will leave you speechless. High snow capped mountains, dry and rugged terrain, many waterfalls crossing the non-existent roads, the rough Chandra river –these are some of the things that will be waiting for you. Meet Chacha and Chachi at Chandra Dhaba and head to Kaza. Relax in Kaza.
Day 3: Kaza to Key, Khibber and back (2-3 hours)
Take the morning easy and walk through Kaza village if you are feeling up to it. After breakfast we shall head to Kye Monastery and Khibber Village. Kye monastery is on top of a mountain overlooking the Spiti valley and a huge river bed. It is also the main learning centre for Lamas following Geluk sect of Buddhism. Kye houses approximately 100 odd monks. We shall climb a little further and visit Khibber Village- which was once the world’s highest village. A short hike from Khibber is Chicham bridge which is known to be the highest bridge above sea level in Asia.
Day 4: Kaza to Tabo via Dhankar (2-3 hours)
Take the morning easy and head out to visit the “Ajanta of the Himalayas”- The Tabo Monastery which is currently close to 1000 years old. The murals, thankas and paintings are believed to have been made in a single 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. You can hike to Dhankar lake, if your lungs permit. Stay overnight in Tabo.
Day 5: Tabo to Langza via Pin Valley, Hikkim and Komic (4-5 hours)
Take the morning easy and head to Pin Valley- home to Snow Leopards, Siberian Ibex and a strong hold of Buchen Lamas. We shall visit Khungri Monastery on the way to Mudh (last village in Pin Valley). Spend some time around Mudh and head to Hikkim, which has the highest postoffice in the world. Visit the post office and send out some postcards. After Hikkim, we head to Langza for a homestay. Langza at 4300 meters is famous for its fossils and a statue of Buddha overlooking the mountain ranges. Stay in a homestay and see the life of locals at this high altitude.
Day 6: Langza to Chandrataal via Komic and Lohsar (5-6 hours)
Early morning, we drive to Chandra Tal- The lake of the moon after a short visit to Komic- the highest monastery in Asia. We shall cross Lohsar village and Kunzum Pass on our way to Chandra Tal. Hike to Chandra Tal lake is 20 mins from the barricade. This lake is not as big as the ones in Ladakh, but it is sure to leave you speechless. We don’t have words to describe it. The night’s stay is at the Parasol camps.
Day 7: Chandrataal to Manali via Batal and Atal Tunnel (7 hours)
This is the last day of your trip in the secluded beauty of Spiti before you see civilization again. Gaze at the mountains as we approach the hustle and bustle around Atal Tunnel and Manali. You can spend some time at Koksar if your schedule permits. Stay in Manali.
Day 8: Trip ends
Take the morning easy. Have a nice breakfast in the café at Old Manali. You can also visit the Hidimba Temple, Manu Temple or Vashist OR simply relax next to the river. Take an afternoon bus for Delhi. Trip ends here in the afternoon.
Inclusions
*Breakfast and Dinner
*Transport and experienced local driver for 6 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