Lahaul & Spiti – the largest dist of Himachal Pradesh
Table of Content
Additional info :
Overview
Far from the city life, there is a world within a world. A world so enchanting that whichever direction you look into, you get a glaze of mountains crowned with snow. There is this cold breeze that touches your cheeks and this beautiful vision that refreshes your tired mind. There ain’t any city homes, no. There are mud houses locking a paradise within. It’s that winters feel that you get when you are sipping on tea while you are covered in a blanket amongst a dozen snow-capped mountains, and right in front of you is a flowing river making that naturistic sound; a whole heaven. So up and cold, when you are feeling scared for your life, when you are feeling burdened from the work that you’ve left back home, there is this spiritual aura that the place carries that makes you feel warm and protected; makes you feel peace.
Highlights
Mountains, thick jungles and wildlife, waterfalls, Buddhist Culture, Architecture and more
Suitable For
Nature lover, history and cultural enthusiast, Architecture, group of Friends, Family, Students, Couples
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1 – Chandigarh to Shimla
Today, we will arrive at the Chandigarh Airport/ Railway station. Over there, you will be received by our tour representative who will take you to the Himalayan Foothills which have also been considered as the summer capital of India in the British era.
If upon reaching we find enough bandwidth available , we will go visit the Mall road which gets breathtakingly beautiful during and after sundown. After that, we will have dinner and rest.
Overnight stay at Shimla
Day 2 – Shimla to Narkanda
Today, after an early morning breakfast, we will head towards Narkanda and we will take the route that goes through Kufri. The scenic beauty from the hilltop is one of the strong reasons why one wouldn’t want to miss visiting Kufri when visiting Shimla. On our way, we will also visit the Zoo and the amusement park – Kufri Fun World.
After spending some time over there, we will resume our journey to Narkanda. Narkanda is the region where Asia’s first Apples were planted by a Britisher. It is quite a different feeling of stepping on the very ground which defines agriculture of the whole state today.
Upon reaching Narkanda, we will visit the TanniJubbar lake. After clicking some pictures, we will head towards your stay for the day.
We will be staying in a eco-friendly accommodation closer to nature. Make the best you want of it and explore nature at its best
Overnight stay at Narkanda
Day 3 – Narkanda local sightseeing
Today we will start early after having some delightful breakfast. We will head towards the hatu Peak but not by our vehicle. We explore the whole region by taking a short trek to the Hatu peak and enjoy the first ray of the sun by watching it rise. To cherish the beautiful valleys of Narkanda, we will descend and go for some regional sightseeing like the lake, Thanedar and Kotgarh travelling through our vehicle. After that, we will make the trip more interesting by doing some Cherry picking in the orchards at Narkanda (If season permits) After learning about how to do it and finally collecting some of our own, we will come back to our hotel and spend the rest of the evening relishing the sweet memories that we made today.
Day 4 – Narkanda to Sarahan
Today, we will wake-up early to start our safari towards a town once the summer capital of Bushahr Dynasty – Sarahan. We will have finger- licking breakfasts.
Away from the Sutlej river to the summer capital of Bushahr Dynasty – Sarahan. Also known as the Gateway to Kinnaur district i.e. the end of Shimla district.
Upon reaching Saharan, we will check- in and spend the rest of the evening in leisure.
Overnight stay at Saharan
Day 5 – Sarahan to Sangla
Today we will take a move from Sarahan to reach Sangla after visiting the ancient Bhima Kali temple and the old Himachali museum. On our way, as we drive along the Sutlej river, we will visit Karcham, Chitkul and Rakcham.
The engineering skills of our armed forces can not be missed at any cost while traveling through these roads. We’ll get to observe many hydro electricity generation plants. Karcham is a village and parallel to it is the Wangtoo village. Lying in between is the Wangtoo hydroelectric plant, the construction of which started in the year 2005. It is located on the confluence of Baspa Sutlej.
Chitkul is the last village of India and to reach Chitkul, we will come across the village, Rakcham which comes in the way of a lush green valley. After this, we’ll get to relish lip smacking parathas and rajma-chawal at the famous India ka Aakhri Dhaba which overlooks the Baspa river.
Then after finally reaching Sangla, we will check- in our stay and spend the rest of the evening in leisure.
Overnight stay at Sangla
Day 6 – Sangla local sights
Today after a tummy pampering breakfast, we will begin our sightseeing in this beautiful valley. We will head to Kamru fort, an ancient fort on the hilltop that proudly exhibits Himachali architecture. We will then stop by the Sangla meadows and relax amidst this amazing photogenic stop for a while before we pay a visit to the Tibetan Wood Carving Center, a place where one can see some amazing local craftmanship. We will then head back to our accommodation for the evening
Day 7 – Sangla to Tabo
Today, we will head towards Tabo. On our way, we will visit various villages like that of the Pooh, Khab and the other tourist attractions as well like the Koh loops and the Nako monastery and lake. Upon reaching Tabo, we will spend some time roaming around, visiting a few places and then finally check- in the hotel to spend the rest of the evening in leisure.
Pooh- Also known as Spuwa, this region is home to rivers surrounded by high peaks that are known for their lush green nature.
Khab- It is the confluence of the Satluj and the Spiti river where the Satluj river enters in India from China.The confluence has a beauty that cannot be defined.
Koh Loops- For every adrenaline junky and nature lover, Koh Loops are like a dream come true. These hairpin turns are so thrilling that one shares its stories only as one of the trip’s bests. With every turn, there comes a serene landscape making all the goosebumps worth it. These loops are very sharp and alongside, they are also quite beautiful. Brown mountains covered in snow sheets getting discovered by passing through sharp loops/ turns is all Koh Loops about.
After Khab, we will enter the Hangrang valley through Koh loops. The Hangrang valley starts to give the vibes of Spiti valley. After spending some time over there, we will head towards the Nako village. Nako village is the first culturally Spitian village that we will come across today. It houses a beautiful monastery and breathtaking lake both of which we will visit.
Onwards, we will enter the Lahaul-Spiti district in Sumdo village in Tabo.
Overnight stay at Tabo
Day. 8 – Tabo to Dhankar monastery & lake trek, Pin valley – Kungri, Mudh
Today, we will travel from Tabo to Pin valley. Pack your shoes for the day because we might also take an optional lake trek. Beauty of this route and the adventure cannot be expressed in words. On our way to Pin valley, we will explore the villages and the monasteries of Tabo and then head towards the Dhankar monastery and lake where we will take our optional trek plan into action. We will also visit Kungri on our way. Upon reaching Pin valley, we will check- in our stay and spend the rest of the evening mesmerized by the serenity that we experienced throughout the day.
Tabo- Tabo houses an ancient monastery which is known to be one of the holiest. It is known to be a thousand years old and it is also where monks used to meditate. The aura of this place is so positive that one can feel relaxed the moment one has stepped in the village.
Dhankar Monastery- This monastery is located atop a hill and overlooks the confluence of Spiti and Pin rivers. The beauty of this monastery itself is quite splendid.
Dhankar lake- Dhankar lake is a 1.5 hours trek at a higher altitude. The lake is surrounded by gigantic brown coloured mountains and gives a feel of a bowl carefully preserving glacial melted water. To sit beside the lake on a rock and take in the splendid landscape is a bliss in its own.
Kungri- Over here, we will visit the Kungri Gompa which is the second oldest monastery in Spiti valley. Established in 1330 the Gompa is noted for its sword dance by the buzhens of Mudh village on the right bank of the Pin River.
Overnight stay in Pin valley.
Day 9 – Pin valley to Rangrik
Today, we will head to Rangrik. Enroute, we will stop by Kaza- a happening little village in Spiti Valley-Kaza, where we can relish lunch is some of the best cafes of Kaza. You will also get a chance to visit the Highest Post Office in the World where you can write a short postcard to your loved ones from the ‘Top of The World’
Overnight stay at Rangrik
Day 10 – Spitian highlights
After a back breaking and bumpy road trip so far, we need to refuel ourselves with energy for the next phase of our journey. Hence a day in and around for sightseeing. We will start in the morning after having our breakfasts.
We will leave from Rangrik and move towards the village called Langza.
This picturesque village is blessed with ancient monasteries and buildings of the prehistoric era. It is surrounded by green pastures, snow-clad mountains and barren landscapes that awe-struck every person who visits this stunning location, which is certainly one of the best places in the whole Spiti Valley.
After Langza, we will head towards Hikkim. Hikkim is one of the highest year-round inhabited locations in India hosting the HIGHEST POST OFFICE in the WORLD.
After Hikkim, we will move towards Komik. The picturesque Lahaul and Spiti Valley embraces several treasures in its vicinity and Komik is one such place, which is set beautifully amid the stunning mountains in the state of Himachal Pradesh in North India.
Komik Village is the highest village in Asia. After Komik, we will head towards Ki.
Also known as Kye Gompa or Key Monastery, this monastery is a Tibetan Buddhist Monastery and is located atop a hill at an altitude of 4166 metres. The views of and from the monastery are breathtaking and one can never have enough of the sight. The monastery has been featured in the Bollywood movies like Highway and the aura that it spreads are peaceful and positive. The monastery is home to 250 Lamas and is the training ground for the respective. The splendid architecture of the monastery will make you spell- bound and the vibes spread by the prayer wheels are so soothing that you won’t feel like leaving.
We head for Kibber – the village at the entrance of Kibber wildlife sanctuary. Nestled at such high altitude, this village is known for its rich wildlife ie ibex, mountain goats, himalayan wolf, red fox, wild ass and even the elusive glamorous ghost of the mountain – snow leopards.
People plan their winter visits to witness the majestic animal as it descends down to lower altitudes during winters. Chances of spotting those increase significantly.
Chicham bridge is also one of the highest bridges in asia which connects kibber with the road. We witness the depth of the gorge on which the bridge is made and head back after an eventful day.
Overnight stay at Rangrik.
Day 11 – Rangrik to chandra tal
After an early morning breakfast, we will start the day by heading towards the snow leopard village – Kibber via Chicham pass which is the world’s highest bridge at 4037m(13,244ft) from sea level. Crossing the infamous Kunzum pass, we will take an off road to Chandratal along the river Chenab.
It is one of the most beautiful lakes of Himachal. Spending evening at the bank of lake or offering respects by taking a walk through the periphery of the lake (Pradakshina) not only gives the Spiritual feels but also gives the serenity of different areas around the lake – from mountain slopes to marshes to streams bringing glacial melted water into the lake. Herds of sheep, goats and yak grazing around, hunter birds like Himalayan Griffon, Lammergeier, Golden Eagle, and many more signs of wildlife are present in the protected region of Chandra tal.
Places that we will visit:
- Kunzum pass
- Kunzum mata temple
- Stupas
- Chandra tal
Overnight stay at Chandratal in a campsite a few kms away from the lake.
Day 12 – Chandra tal to Sissu
Today, we will head to a cute hamlet of Himachal- Sissu. This journey goes through Batal, Chhatru and Gramphu is a back breaking journey. It goes through the most rough roads and one cannot even imagine the kind of thrill and adrenaline rush this route gives. Crossing through streams flowing through the road, one has to literally balance the vehicle in such a way that it does not get swept in and washed off the river flowing parallel to the route. We will be visiting,
Batal- Surrounded by mountains, Chenab flows right through the middle of this little settlement located in the Pir Panjal valley.
Chhatru – Chhatru is the place where you can stop and take a lunch halt with a spectacular view or rather, spectacular views all around you. It is also an internationally recognised Bouldering site. Many legends and champions have dreamt of practising Bouldering here.
Gramphu- Snow- clad mountains, 50 shades of greys, browns, maroons and other colors of the mountain, shades of green in form of vegetation like bushes, meadows… The region again feels same same but different. It is also where the split for Spiti, Ladakh and Manali can be found.
Day 13 – Sissu to Jispa enroute visiting Keylong
Today, we will move towards the next phase of our journey i.e. to Jispa and enroute we will visit the capital of Lahaul and Spiti valley – Keylong. Keylong faces the famous Kardang Monastery, the largest and most important monastery in Lahaul. We will enroute visit Gemur Khar as well before we check in to our hotel in Jispa. Spend the rest of the day at your leisure.
Day 14 – Jispa Shinku La – Gonbo Rangjon/ Gumbok Rangan (night camping)
After an early breakfast, we will begin our adventurous journey where will will get a chance to say ‘hello’ to Ladakh. So we will head Shinku La, a high mountainous pass that connects the Lahaul region of Himachal to the Zanskaar region of Ladakh. There is a small lake under this pass and we will get to see some small isolated but inhabited villages and Buddhist Monasteries. The road to this pass is rough and bumpy so be set for a patchy ride today. From here, we will head to Gonbo Rangjon, a stand alone rocky cliff south of Kargyak village. It is considered to be holy and referred to as God’s Mountain by the local inhabitants who practice Tibetan Buddhism. To add to our adventure, we shall be setting up our camp site here for the night and spend the evening under the starry skies.
Day 15 – Gumbok Rangan to Manali
After an adventurous night, we shall head to Manali, the most awaited destination after out trip through the interiors of this Himalayan State closer to commercial civilization. On our way, we will stop by at Solang Valley, where we can indulge in some adventure activities before we check in to our stay in Manali. Spend the rest of the evening at leisure or take an optional stroll around Mall Road at your own pace.
Day 16 – Manali local
Behold for the day full of surprises. Breath taking sights in the lush green thick pine forest region of Kullu. We shall visit some hidden gems in & around Manali town for even those “who’ve been there before”.
Not to forget some exciting adventure & indulgence activities are planned for you here.
Day 17 – Manali to Bilaspur –
Today we will head towards Bilaspur from Manali and on our way, we will visit the Prashar lake. It’s one of the most beautiful lakes of Himachal in the Mandi district. The lake is situated on the top of a mountain and is known to be a popular trek amongst various adventure enthusiasts. The breathtaking views from the top of the mountain, being above the clouds, layers of Dhauladhar mountain range one after another, the wind, mysterious tiny moving islands in the lake are a few things you can’t get enough of.
After spending some relaxing time near the lake, we will head towards Bilaspur and stay the night over there upon reaching and checking- in.
Overnight stay at Bilaspur.
Day 18 – Bilaspur to Chandigarh drop –
Today, we will bid our goodbyes as we leave from Bilaspur and move towards Chandigarh to catch our evening flight back home in which we will carry great memories and the calmness of the mountains.
Included:
- Accommodation: All stays with base category of rooms unless mentioned otherwise specifically.
- Shimla : Sunnymead estate / Chapslee / similar
- Narkanda : The wilderness resort / similar
- Sarahan : The Srikhand / similar
- Sangla : Sattva Pine resort / Hotel Batseri / similar
- Tabo : Homestay / Spiti mud huts / similar
- Pin valley : homestay
- Rangrik : Hotel Grand Devachen / similar
- Chandra tal : Tenzin camp / Parasol camp / similar
- Sissu : Bulevar Alpine / Aliyas / similar
- Jispa : Lahaul camps & cottages / similar
- Gonbo Rangjon : Overlanding
- Manali : Snow peak retreat & cottages / Solang Diaries / similar
- Bilaspur : m4u / similar
- Food:
- Breakfast at accommodation.
- Food will be veg, simple and locally available freshly cooked.
- Transport
- Tourist vehicle ( as specified, depending on group size and your nature of booking)
- Reliable experienced local resident driver cum guide with intense knowledge of area, terrain, people and culture
- Driver charges, Driver accommodation, fuel, inter-state toll
- Transfers as specified in itinerary
- Toll and Parking inclusive
- Green fee or Environmental fee
Excluded:
- Meals during the journey
- Camera fees, Monument entry charges, Rafting or other activities charges
- All personal expenses, Optional Tours and extra meals
- Medicine, Travel Insurance
- Any Cost arising due to unforeseen circumstances, weather or natural calamity, political unrest etc
- Travel charges to and from reporting point and end point ie any flight, train, bus charges
- Porterage charges, tips, phone calls, laundry, shopping or any such personal cost
- Additional usage of vehicle except mentioned in the itinerary
- Cost of any other services which are not mentioned in inclusions
- Any other charges which are not mentioned in inclusions
- Taxes as applicable