Spiti Road Safari

Tour Highlights

One of the most adventurous road trips through one of the most mesmerizing cold dessert mountains of the world. Traversing on High Himalayan Roads, driving by gushing rivers, alpine lakes and meandering through pristine valleys with towering snowcapped mountains all around. Spiti is another planet altogether. Bordering Tibet, Ladakh, Kinnaur & Kullu Spiti is known as the middle land. This is a journey through oceans of solitude while experiencing nature at its raw most.

Itinerary:

Day 1   Stay at Thanedar / Narkanda – Meal included – Dinner and Breakfast

Day Plan: Plan to leave Delhi early by about 5am and reach Thanedar / Narkanda before sunset, normally takes about 11-12Hrs. Enjoy a relaxed evening, by the bon-fire if it’s cold enough. Thanedar / Narkanda is at a height of about 2300mtrs ASL so mornings and evenings can get cold.

Day 2   Stay at Sangla – Meal included –Lunch, Dinner and Breakfast.

Day Plan: Leisurely departure from Thanedar / Narkanda post breakfast around 9-10am. We drive down to river Sutlej and then drive along the river. Today we cover approx.150 Kms in 5 hrs to reach the pristine Sangla valley. We can refuel at Jeori but we have fuel station up till the Sangla town so nothing to worry about. We cross the prospering and bustling town of Ramapur en-route and then via Wangtoo – Karcham drive to Sangla. We will reach close to sunset and the evening will be at leisure. Enjoy the starlit skies and the fresh air from the snowcapped peaks around. Stay warm by the bon-fire and retire after a sumptuous meal.

Day 3   Stay at Sangla – Meal included – Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day Plan: Today we will head out to explore the neighbourhood on foot. Mostly by the river until we choose a picturesque spot to relax. We have an option of carrying packed lunch if desire. Being the first day we will just absorb the nature and scenic splendor and take it easy by being at the retreat and around.

Day 4   Stay at Sangla – Meal included – Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day Plan: This is a day reserved for CHITKUL. The last inhabited village on the Indo-Tibet border at a height of 11300 Ft ASL. It’s one of the most beautiful villages, nestled on the banks of the Baspa River, surrounded by mountains. For the offbeat enthusiast in you this would be a great experience. The drive to Chitkul is about 1hr, one way. The postcard like village with a mere 650 inhabitants has wooden houses and a vibe which tells you that the villagers here are very happy and wouldn’t want it any other way. Enjoy some local food, the regular Tibetan delicacies - Momos and Thukpas are available for you to snack on. The drive to and from Chitkul is not on a very good road but mesmerizingly scenic so you won’t complain.

Day 5   Stay at Kalpa – Meal included – Lunch, Dinner and Breakfast.

Day Plan: After an early breakfast at Sangla we drive to Kalpa which is at a height of 2960 metres above sea level / about 2Hrs drive. Kalpa, the district headquarter of Kinnaur is nestled in the Sutlej river valley, just above Reckong Peo and apart from it’s scenic beauty is famous for it’s apple orchards and breath taking views of the Kinner Kailash. While at Kalpa visit the Ancient Sapni Fort, the Buddhist Gompa - Hu Bu Lan Kar and the Narayan Nagini Temple. Return to your hotel for dinner and overnight stay.

Day 6   Stay at Tabo – Meal included – Dinner and Breakfast

Day Plan: After breakfast we drive to Tabo - 172Kms / about 5 Hrs drive. Tabo is located at a height of 3300 Mtrs above sea level. Spread out along the banks of the Spiti River in the Lahual and Spiti District. Serene and Tranquil, Tabo is famous for the Tabo Monastry which is said to be over a thousand years old. You could also visit the caves which were once inhabited by monks to stay away from the harsh winters.

Day 7   Stay at Kaza – Meal included – Breakfast and Dinner.

Day Plan: Today we drive to Kaza, 48Kms / 1.5Hrs road journey following the river Spiti. The duration might increase as you would love to take regular pit stops enroute . Sitting on the plains of the Spiti river is Kaza. The town is split into Old Kaza and New Kaza, a fine blend of modernity and ancient history and culture. You get some interesting food at local cafes located in the center of the town. Walk and explore. Apart from the town plan your visits to Key Monastery, Komic Village and that should suffice for the duration you’re at Kaza on this itinerary. Return to hotel before sunset for dinner and stay.

Day 8   Stay / Camp near Chandratal Lake – Meal included – Lunch, Dinner and Breakfast.

Day Plan: Post breakfast we depart for the Mystical and Pristine Chandra Taal Lake – 98Kms / 3Hrs. Situated on the Samudra Tapu plateau in the Spiti region of the Lahaul and Spiti district and is the source of the Chandra River. Named after the moon god’s daughter, the folklore goes that fairies visit the lake at night and the king of all gods, Indra, once upon a time came to down to Chandratal to take Yudhishtra, the eldest of the Pandava brothers. This does make the lake sacred for many. Perched at a height of 4300Mtrs above sea level it’s a haven for nature lovers with its turquoise blue water, majestic mountains and serene surroundings. We camp not far from the lake, about 3 Kms away. Trek and explore the surroundings, go crazy clicking pictures because of the scenic splendour thanks to the beautiful, colourful lake, green meadows and the snow-capped mountains towering around.

Day 9&10   Stay at Manali – Meal included – Dinner and Breakfast.

Day Plan: Post Breakfast we depart for Manali – 112Kms / 4Hrs drive. Back into civilization, back to earth. Your stay at Manali should be a rejuvenating one with visits to cafes, bakeries, restaurants to indulge for your culinary desires.

About Destinations:


Thanedar

About 80 Kms from Shimla and after a slight detour from Narkanda comes this quaint little fruit growing village of Thanedar. It is the village that famed Himachal Pradesh into an Apple growing state. It’s at a height of about 2400Mtrs ASL facing the valley and the sunset. It’s a perfect hill station for short relaxing stays with some amazing nature walks. Thanedar is a typical Himachal Village with nets thrown over terraced apple orchards to protect the trees from hail and maybe even birds. It’s a sleepy little single street town with houses and orchards on both sides.

State: Himachal Pradesh

Weather: It’s pleasant days and cold evenings from April to June with max temperatures at 27 DegC and lows at around 16 DegC. Monsoons come by Mid June and stay on until end of August with moderate to heavy showers and chances of landslides. Winters are quite cold with snow expected during December / January when temperatures can dip close to and sub zero. Closest airport: Technically Shimla (96 Kms / 3.15 Hrs) but realistically the only option is Chandigarh airport (197 Kms / 6 Hrs) Closest Railway Station: Technically Shimla (96 Kms / 3.15 Hrs) but realistically the only viable option is Chandigarh railway station (197 Kms / 6 Hrs) Best time to visit: April to November Generally spoken language: Hindi,Punjabi and Himachali. Altitude: 2300 Mtrs ASL approx.

Sangla

One of the most scenic valleys of India, surrounded by snowcapped peaks and the gushing river Baspa meandering through the slopes gurgling across the prosperous apple growing villages located at a height of 2620Mtrs ASL in the Kinnaur District of Himachal Pradesh. It’s another world, full of nature’s bounties, scenic vistas, glacier treks, village walks, apple orchards, star gazing, fishing for trout and more such adventure activities. It is about 17Kms from Karcham and 160 Kms from Narkanda.

State: Himachal Pradesh

Weather: As it’s a valley the weather is enjoyably cold throughout the year except winters as the winters do get to extremes with snow fall and sub-zero temperatures but is has it’s own charm. Summer peaks at 32 DegC with lows of 8-10 DegC. Monsoons - July and August, can receive heavy, regular rainfall and is avoidable as it worsens the road conditions and keeps you indoors mostly. Closest airport: Technically Shimla (245 Kms / 8Hrs) but realistically the only option is Chandigarh airport (334 Kms / 10 Hrs) Closest Railway Station: Technically Shimla (223Kms / 7Hrs) but realistically the only viable option is Chandigarh railway station (330 Kms / 10 Hrs) Best time to visit: March to June the September until November. Generally spoken language: Hindi, Punjabi and Himachali. Altitude: 2620 Mtrs ASL approx.

Chail

45 Kms from Shimla lies this lush green hill station blessed with dense Deodar and Pine forests. Compared to both Kufri and Shimla it is much less crowded, much quieter, more green and has scenic views because of which it is perfect for travelers looking for stays slightly off the beaten track. Rich in Wildlife Chail is popular amongst wildlife enthusiasts who visit the Chail Wildlife Sanctuary, home to the Barking Deer, the Black Bear, the Sambhar Deer, the Leopard and a long list of resident and migrant bird species.

State: Himachal Pradesh

Weather: Pleasant summers with highs of 32 DegC and lows of 16 DegC. Monsoons get cooler with rains coming in in July & August. The hill station becomes very scenic with the greens all washed, dramatic with the clouds around but it also brings in some landslides which do at times create road blocks. Winters can get very cold and you can expect to experience good amount of snow with sub zero temperaures. Closest airport: Technically Shimla (61Kms / 2Hrs) but realistically the only viable option is Chandigarh airport (106Kms / 3.30Hrs) Closest Railway Station: Technically Kalka (83Kms / 3Hrs) but realistically the only viable option is Chandigarh railway station (100Kms / 3.30Hrs) Best time to visit: April to June and then September until November. Generally spoken language: Hindi,Punjabi and Himachali. Altitude: 2620 Mtrs ASL approx.

Kalpa

On the Shimla-Kaza highway is this small but picturesque village, just above Reckong Peo in the Sutlej River Valley. Surrounded by towering mountains this village is well camouflaged and just suddenly appears on approach. Providing scenic views of the Mount Kinnaur Kailash, Raldang, and Jorkanden Peaks it’s haven for nature / mountain lovers, photographers. Experience a homogenous mix of Hinduism and Buddhism, walk around apple orchards, feast yourselves on some delicious Tibetan Food. Enjoy a serene experience.

State: Kinnaur District in the state of Himachal Pradesh

Weather: Thanks to its high altitude Kalpa has stretched winter from October to May. July to August brings in heavy rains. Temperatures during winters can dip to approx.. minus 15 DegC and there is lots of snow during this time, have heard of snow of up to 5-7 feet. Summers are short and even this period you need warm clothes with max temperatures hovering around + 20-24 DegC. Closest airport: Kullu/ Bhuntar Airport (225 Km) or Shimla Airport (445 Km) are the nearest airports to travel to Kalpa. Closest Railway Station: Nearest rail head for Kalpa is Shimla Railway Station, which is 244 km away. By Road: Kalpa has good road connectivity. Best time to visit: Prefer June but July to September are also doable except the rains can disturb travel plans. Generally spoken language: Hindi,Punjabi and Himachali. Altitude: 2960 Mtrs ASL approx.

Tabo

On the banks of the Spiti River lies this tiny cold desert town called Tabo. It is a part of the Lahaul Spiti District and is situated between Reckong Peo and Kaza at a height of 10000 some feet. Tabo is surrounded by Buddhist Monasteries. It’s actually the oldest Buddhist enclave in this Himalayan Region. Tabo is about the Monastery spread over 6300 Sq.Mtrs. with 9 Temples and Gompas, murals and sculptures on walls depicting the history and culture of the Himalayan Region. Visitors can stay within the compounds of the Monastery. Although Tabo does have private, budget accommodation and basic veg, non-veg meals available.

State: Lahaul & Spiti District in the state of Himachal Pradesh

Weather: Short Summers extending from May to August with max temperatures of around 29 DegC. Winters stretch from mid- September to April with heavy snow falls and temperatures dipping to minus 45 DegC. Climate of Tabo is very unpredictable all round the year, can suddenly go from open and sunny to cloudy and grey. Closest airport: The nearest airport to Tabo is Kullu which is 249 kilometres away. From there, you can take a bus or a taxi. Closest Railway Station: The Kalka Railway Station is the nearest railhead located at a distance of 452 km from Tabo. Best time to visit: May to October Generally spoken language: Hindi and English are understood and spoken Altitude: 3300 Mtrs ASL approx.

Kaza

On the plains of the Spiti Valley, at the corner of Himachal Pradesh sits this sub-divisional headquarters of the remote Spiti Valley. Blessed with Shimmering rivers, streams, scenic landscapes, also some green patches scattered around, surrounded by mountains, Kaza is a magical city with Monasteries, Gompas, interesting cafes, eateries. It’s actually a great blend of the traditional and modern. Split into Old Kaza and New Kaza this amazing city will fill your holidays with a myriad range of experiences.

Chandratal

Tso Chigma, The Moon lake, Chandra Taal. This mystical, crescent shaped, placid lake is surrounded by mountains and meadows perched at a height of 4300 Mtrs on the Samudra Tapu ASL in the Spiti part of the Lahual Spiti. A favourite amongst adventure seekers, trekkers. The treacherous terrain and the harsh weather stops no one from visiting this pristine peace of natural beauty which gets surrounded by wild flowers and some wildlife as well during summers Chandra Taal is a peaceful getaway from any off beat, nature lover.

State: Spiti in the state of Himachal Pradesh

Weather: Due to it’s altitude Chandra Taal remains cold throughout the year. Monsoons bring in heavy showers which cause landslides around disrupting travel both for trekkers and road transport. What needs more emphasis is the impacts of oxygen deficiency, low atmospheric pressures, harsh radiations, extreme cold conditions etc.. The average snowfall recorded is 75cm. The winters dips down to around minus 40°C. making it one of the coldest regions of the country. Closest airport: Bhuntar Airport near Manali is approximately 180 km from Chandra Taal Lake. Closest Railway Station: The Kalka Railway Station is the nearest railhead located at a distance of 370 kms. Best time to visit: Summers – June mainly but travel up to September is possible but not without rains disrupting your travel plans Generally spoken language: Hindi and English are understood and spoken Altitude: 4300 Mtrs ASL approx.

Manali

One of the most dense and popular tourist hill stations of Himachal Pradesh and also the gateway to Spiti from Rohtang Pass, Manali has lots to offer from shopping to cafes, restaurants, adventure activities, sightseeing options and more. It’s a scenic destination with River Beas gurgling through the hill town, blessed with apple orchards, dense green – oak, deodar and pine forests, temples and towering snow-capped mountains. Populated with hotels of all categories and all budgets from the very basic to the ultra-luxurious and even the boutique, unique home stays Manali has a long list of offerings for all kinds of travellers. It is a great place to rejuvenate after a long and asking itinerary through Lahaul-Spiti.

State: Himachal Pradesh

Weather: Warm summers (April- June end) peaking at about 32 degC, Heavy rains during monsoons which start in July and go up to Spetmeber end. October brings in the winter and there definitely is heavy snow fall with temperatures dropping to about minus 7 DegC. Closest airport: Bhuntar Airport near Manali is approximately 10 kms. Closest Railway Station: The Kalka Railway Station is the nearest railhead located at a distance of 260 kms. Best time to visit: Mainly Summers – but can be visited throughout the year with only snowfall during winters as an exception which can block roads. Generally spoken language: Hindi and English are understood and spoken Altitude: 2050 Mtrs ASL approx.