Tourism Scouts India

Secrets_of_Spiti_and_Kinnaur_01

Secrets of Kinnaur and Spiti (08 Nights / 09 Days)

Himachal Pradesh
Explore the tempting but challenging terrain of Himachal Pradesh with our Kinnaur and Spiti Valley tour. This adventure will take you through some of the most isolated areas of the state, where you'll witness traditional lifestyles, eternal snowy peaks and breath-taking vistas. In addition to the bewitching natural brilliance, the tour will introduce you to exquisite architectural monuments. These include monasteries, temples, forts, palaces, and conventional houses built with locally sourced materials.
Starting Point Chandigarh
End Point Chandigarh
Destination Covered Shimla, Chitkul, Kalpa, Tabo, Kaza, Key, Hikkim, Chicham, Chandertal, Manali
Maximum Altitude 4551 mtrs
Total Distance 1260 Km
Weather The temperature can drop to -1° and the maximum temperature hardly goes up to 30°c
Early morning arrival at Chandigarh and drive to Shimla. Short halt for lunch on the way. Check-in to hotel. Evening free to explore Shimla, the former summer residence of the British Raj to escape the heat of the plains with stunning views of the foothills of the Himalayas. Overnight at Hotel.
After breakfast, drive to Sangla which is a popular hill town located close to the Tibetan border. Sangla valley in Kinnaur district with its lush green valleys, fruit laden orchards, snow-clad peaks and widespread fields is undoubtedly a magical place and a complete package in itself. Sangla Valley is also named Baspa Valley because of the Baspa River flowing through the valley. Kinnaur however still maintains the age-old culture and social habits. Overnight at Hotel.
Embark on a full-day excursion to Chitkul after breakfast. the last inhabited village on the Indo-Tibetan border, positioned on the right bank of Baspa River. The place offers different landscapes that keep one intrigued in exploring all that there is to be seen. Pastures, Highlands, Views of Glaciers, Steppes, Woods, River, Orchids and beautiful wooden houses this place just possess everything to make one’s trip a remarkable experience. One of the must-visit places here is the temple of the goddess Mathi, a local deity. This temple is renowned for its exceptional wooden craftsmanship. Another prominent landmark is the Bering Nag Temple. The pleasant atmosphere of the village and the mighty Himalayas is a treat for temple visitors. For those interested in history and architecture, visiting Kamru Fort is a must. This fort has been converted into a temple dedicated to Goddess Kamakhya Devi. The temple illustrates the artistic legacy of the region. Later continue drive to Kalpa, nestled at 2,960m, a picturesque village famed for its spectacular views of the majestic Kinner Kailash peak. This 6050-meter-tall peak is believed to be the abode of Lord Shiva. Arrival and check-in to hotel. Visit the Narayan-Nagini temple and Hu-Bu-Lan-Kar monastery is highly recommended to learn more about the customs and spiritual beliefs of the region. Do not miss to to take a walk in Roghi village. Overnight at Hotel.
Begin your day with a luscious breakfast in Kalpa before heading to Tabo. Next, steer to Nako. Tourists flock to this quaint hamlet, which sits at 3,662 meters, to explore its enchanting lake and revered Buddhist monastery. A rock in the village is said to bear the footprint of Guru Padmasambhava, who introduced Buddhism to the region. Nako is also the base for mountaineers climbing Reo Purgyal. At 6,816 meters, it is the highest mountain in Himachal Pradesh. Continue towards Gue Village for a surprising secret. A 500-year-old mummy with its teeth intact. Located in the village of Gue, it is said to be the mummy of a Buddhist monk named Sangha Tenzin, and is one of the most astonishing things you will ever see. After spending some time in this beautiful village surrounded by rugged mountains, proceed towards Tabo, a quiet town on the left bank of the Spiti River. Thousand years old Tabo monastery is the main draw of the place. The monastery was constructed in 996 AD by Rinchensang Po, an accomplished translator and teacher. The artwork in Tabo resembles that found in the Ajanta caves, earning it the title of Himalayan Ajanta.
Early morning walk to the monastery to attend the morning, Prayers. Back to hotel for breakfast. After a hearty breakfast, explore the villages of Dhankar and Lallung on your way to Kaza. One of today's travel highlights, Dhankar Monastery, sits on a cliff edge, commanding a panoramic view of the Spiti and Pin rivers confluence. The dramatic location of the monastery flaunts the impressive building and engineering skills of the Spitians. At 3894 meters, it was initially built as a fort to protect the valley from invaders. The name "Dhankar" means "fort" in the local language, and the monastery served as a castle for Nono, the valley's ruler. The monastery houses a collection of Buddhist scriptures written in Bhoti script. It is a starting point for trips to Dhankar Lake and the Pin Valley. A Hike to Dhankar Lake (an untouched lake at an altitude of 14,000 ft) can also be done, this is a moderate-level, 45–60-minute hike. The trek starts near the car park of new Dhankar Gompa, which is about 2.5Km from the Dhankar Monastery. Lallung, on the other hand, is a small village in the Lingti Valley. Located 6.7 km northeast of Dhankar, the village is enveloped by an eye-catching mountain scape. One of the most striking features of Lallung is the vibrant greenery with various crops, creating a dramatic contrast to the surrounding settings. Often overlooked by travellers, it's a secret treasure that can transform your travel experience completely. After exploring this magical hamlet, continue toward Kaza, the administrative headquarter of Spiti. It is the largest settlement in the valley and an ideal base for exploring the region. Overnight stay in a hotel.
In the morning after breakfast, set out for a full-day excursion to few of the world’s highest villages. Hikkim, Komic, Langza, Kibber and Chicham. The drive from Kaza to Hikkim is 16 kilometers, but the narrow and steep road can take up to 45 minutes to navigate. However, the unparalleled natural beauty along the way makes the trip special. Hikkim, located at 4,440 meters, is home to the highest operational post office in the world. This post office is the lifeline for the locals, providing them with a means to communicate with the outside world. Next, head uphill to reach Komic. At 4587 meters, Komic village is one of the world's highest villages connected by a motorable road, making it an exceptional and exciting destination. Visitors can soak in the awe-inspiring grandeur of the area before heading to nearby Langza village. Nestled at the foot of Chau Chau Kang Nilda Mountain, Langza is an idyllic village. It boasts ancient marine fossils and a giant Buddha statue gazing at the Spiti Valley. Stroll in search of fossils, which make for unique and fascinating souvenirs. Enjoy hearty local lunch in one of the world’s highest village continue towards Kibber at 4270 meters, Kibber is a must-visit destination. Agriculture is the mainstay of the local economy, and lush green fields surround the village. The village is the gateway to the Kibber Wildlife Sanctuary, home to the elusive snow leopard. Kibber is also the starting point for treks to nearby peaks and high passes in the Zanskar range between Spiti and Ladakh. Another notable feature of the area is the Chicham-Kibber Bridge, which spans a deep gorge at 13,596 feet. Before its construction, Chicham villagers had to rely on a treacherous ropeway to cross a steep valley below. With the bridge in place, the journey from Kibber to Losar has been shortened by 40 km, bringing much-needed relief to the local communities. Drive past the Chicham bridge and reach Key Monastery. Positioned atop a mountain, the Key monastery is the largest in the area. This Gompa is home to rare tangkha paintings and antique musical instruments such as trumpets, cymbals, and drums. Enjoy a cup of tea with the lamas at Key. Return to Kaza in the evening and enjoy a memorable time in the Himalayan town on the banks of the Spiti river. Overnight stay at a hotel.
After breakfast, get ready for a thrilling drive to Chandratal Lake. Stop at Losar, a sleepy village near the confluence of Losar and Peeno streams. Resume your journey to Chandratal Lake. At 4,250 meters, this picturesque lake is located north of Kunzum Pass, the gateway to Lahaul from Spiti. Shaped like a crescent moon, the lake glitters against the stark backdrop of the Chanderbhaga Mountain range. Once an ancient glacier, its shores are now ringed with grassy meadows for miles. While there is a Jeepable road leading to the lake, many prefer a 2-hour level walk from Kunzum Pass to fully appreciate the area's beauty. Chandratal is a masterpiece of nature. a high-altitude lake located 6 kms from Kunzum-La (4551m) and the source of River Chandra. It is about 4300m above the sea level and one of the most beautiful lakes of the Himalayas and a great place for the campers and trekkers. There is also a regular outflow of water that keeps on varying depending upon the season. Chandertal is an important site for migratory bird during summer. Overnight in Camps.
Start your day with a gorgeous sunrise and a delicious breakfast in the blissful setting of Chandratal Lake. On your way to Manali, you'll be surrounded by soaring mountains and jaw-dropping natural beauty. The Chandra River flows proudly through the valley, making the landscape even more alluring. Cross world famous Rohtang Pass (3980m) or Engineering marvel Atal Rohtang Tunnel to reach Manali. Arrive Manali and check into a hotel. Evening free to relax. Nestled in the foothills of the Himalayas, Manali is a haven for tourists seeking to bask in nature. Its beauty and pleasant climate make it a popular tourist destination, inviting visitors worldwide. Overnight at hotel.
It's the final day of our tour. Bid farewell to this pretty place and depart for Chandigarh. Take a bag full of amazing stories and memories to cherish forever from the Himalayas.
Inclusions
  • 08-night accommodation on twin share.
  • On half board basis i.e. inclusive of breakfast and dinner at all places.
  • Transport from Chandigarh pickup till Chandigarh drop.
  • Entrance fee to monuments and sites as per programme.
  • Permit fee and environment fee.
Exclusions
  • Any kind of taxes.
  • Items of personal nature such as laundry, table drinks, telephone bills etc.
  • Any kind of insurance.
  • Any Air fares.
  • Any kind of tips.
  • Any meals / snacks / beverages other than the ones mentioned above.
  • Any early Check-in or late check-out.
  • Anything not mentioned in the “Inclusions” column

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