THE SPITI VALLEY SOJOURN 10DAYS

Spiti has been the land of pilgrims. It’s mystical beauty for time immemorial has captivated one and all. There are those who are enamoured by its terrain. There are some who reach there in search of inner discovery and find hermitage. There are some who carry their big lens to catch the rare glimpse of the wild cat. Some come to find solace, some to absorb the serenity. To all its pilgrims Spiti gives back wholeheartedly.  Come and let’s take this journey of a lifetime together!

Itinerary:

Day 01: Shimla – Kalpa (210 Kms)

Travel from Shimla to Kalpa. On arrival check in hotel. Overnight at hotel.
Day 02: Kalpa – Kaza (211 Kms) (3600 Mts.)  

After breakfast we drive to Kaza through majestic and awe-inspiring views. We will stop briefly at Nako for acclimatization. We will stop over Gue Monastery which houses 500 y/o mummy. Overnight stay in a hotel.

Day 03: Kaza – Kye Gompa –Kibber (4270 Mts.) – Langza (4400 Mts.) 5/6 Hrs.

We start our journey early in the morning after breakfast by vehicle. En-route to Kibber we will visit Kye Monastery located on the top of the hill. It is a breathtaking ancient monastery in the region. After visiting the monastery we will further proceed to Kibber, the take off point for a trek to Langza. Langza is considered to be the abode of deities of the region and is said to be over 1000 years old. You can find a lot of ammonite, belemnite and fossils of the billion years. Overnight stay in the camp.

Day 04: Langza – Hikkim (4,400 Mts.) – Komic (4513 Mts.) 4/5 Hrs.

The trek from Langza to Komic begins from Lang (Temple) at Langza. This trek runs through the natural fossil centre and substantial distances covered while exploring this ancient heritage. As the fossil centre culminates, the trek continues with a gradual ascent along a ridge before reaching Hikkim. Spend some time at Hikkim and can interact with local inhabitants. The Post office of Hikkim (4400 Mts.) is the highest post office in the world and if you so desire can post the postcards from here to your loved ones. The journey further continues to Komic and overnight stay in the camp.

Day 05: Komic – Demul (4350 Mts.) 6/7 Hrs.

After having a nice & healthy breakfast, it is advisable to start this day early. The route stretched eastwards over the grazing lands of the Spitian highlands along the Pasham range. En-route we will get some of the most amazing and beautiful views of the mountains such as Manirang (6593 Mts.), Yulsa, Cho-Kula, Hull, Sishupang and Pin peaks. Save the camera batteries for this day to capture the serene beauty of the Himalaya. Reach Demul and visit the farm lands of locals.

Day 06: Demul – Lahlung (3658 Mts.) – Dhankar (3894 Mts.) - Tabo (3280 Mts.) 

Early mornings in Spiti are the appropriate time to start any walks. From Demul to Lahlung is relatively easier trek with a steep initial descent through a narrow gorge about 2 hours to the valley floor. The village of Lahlung is also a home of 1000 yr old monastery, known as the Sherkhang Monastery. Some people say that this monastery is as old as the Tabo Monastery. The trek from Lahlung to Dhankar is another relatively easier trek. The trek runs along the road and then gradually climbs up the hillside towards the direction of Dhankar after crossing over the ridge the rock and mud pillars of Dhankar come into view. Dhankar was the earlier capital of Spiti and was adorned by a stunningly unique and precariously balanced fort. Spend some time in Dhankar and head to Tabo by vehicle. Tabo is the historical and oldest monastery of the region. Overnight stay at hotel.

Day 07: Tabo – Kaza (3600 Mts.) – Takcha 4/5 Hrs.

Today early morning we start our journey by vehicle to Takcha which is approximately 10km ahead of Losar village. The total distance from Tabo to Takcha is approximately 115 km. Overnight stay in the camp.

Day 08: Takcha – Chandertal Lake (4270 Mts.)

As the sun rises, we have a healthy breakfast and start our journey to Kunzum Pass by cab. From here we will trek to Chandertal which is approximately 5-6 km. Its an easy descend to Chandertal. Chandertal – ‘The moon lake’.  Chandertal (Alt. 4270 Mts.) is a high altitude lake located in the Lahaul valley of Himachal Pradesh. It is so breathtaking in its beauty… that it seems to be a like a jewel set in the crown of the Himalaya. Ensconced between lofty mountain ranges whose snow-mantled peaks find a near perfect reflection in its emerald waters, Chandertal is a magical place and one feels like spending an eternity here. Overnight camp near  Chandertal.

Day 09: Chandertal – Manali (2050 Mts.)

After breakfast we drive back to Manali via Batal and Chattru through the Chandra valley and over Rohtang pass. Overnight stay in a hotel.

Day 10: Depart Manali

Programme concludes after breakfast.