Adventure Spiti

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.

Today we head to Spiti valley which will take around 9 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.

Take the morning easy and walk through Kaza village if you are feeling up to it. Today is a light travel day after the gruelling journey yesterday. 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 the 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 or car ride from Khibber is Chicham bridge which is known to be the highest bridge above sea level in Asia. Head back to Kaza for a late lunch at one of the many cafes and some shopping in the local market.

Get ready for an adventurous day. 1st stop is Pin Valley - home to Snow Leopards, Siberian Ibex and a stronghold of Buchen Lamas. We shall visit Khungri Monastery on the way to Mudh (last village in Pin Valley). Next, we visit Dhankar Monastery – Seat of the King in ancient times – the most beautiful setting for 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 it is a steep hike and not for everyone, but the views from the top are worth it. Have lunch in Dhankar before heading to Tabo.

Last stop and your stay for the night is Tabo. Visit the “Ajanta of the Himalayas' '- The Tabo Monastery which is currently close to 1000 years old. The murals, thangkas and paintings are believed to have been made in a single night by the Gods themselves. You can also hike to the nearby meditation caves, if time permits. If not then attempt it early in the morning the next day.

A day of high altitude villages today. First village on your journey being Langza. Langza at 4300 meters is famous for its fossils and the statue of Buddha overlooking the mountain ranges. Next we visit Hikkim. Hikkim has the highest post office in the world. Visit the post office and revive the art of writing again by sending out some postcards to your loved ones. Your last stop for the day is Komic village, one of the highest motorable villages in the world. The village is also home to the Sakya Tangyud monastery. If you are visiting Komic, this monastery is worth the visit. You can choose to have lunch in Komic or head back to Kaza.

Early morning, we drive to Chandra Tal or 'moon lake’. On our way will cross Lohsar village and Kunzum Pass. The hike to Chandra Tal lake is 20 mins or 500 mtrs from the barricade. This lake is not as big as the ones in Ladakh, but it is sure to leave you speechless. It is one of the best parts of your Spiti Visit. The camps are set up 2 kms before the lake in order to maintain cleanliness around the lake as it is a spiritual site for the locals. Enjoy your camping experience tonight and share your Spiti stories with fellow travellers over dinner.

This is the last day of your trip in the secluded beauty of Spiti before you see civilisation again. Gaze at the vast landscape as we approach the hustle and bustle around Atal Tunnel and Manali. You can spend some time at Koksar for lunch before heading to Manali. Stay in Manali or take the late evening bus back.