Spiti Valley with Chandrataal

General Information and Itinerary

A journey though the apple heartland, along the valleys of Sutlej and Spiti into the land of monasteries and spirituality, crossing high passes and a pristine lake to behold in your memories for ever. join me this summer for one amazing journey in the Himachal Himalayas and experience  life like never before.

Day 1. Chandigarh to Kotgarh ( 210 kms, 7 Hrs)

Start your journey from Chandigarh in the morning. We will take you on a joyride through the Himalayan Express Highway and NH 22 into the heart of the Himalayas. Initially we drive along the low hills and eventually gain an altitude of 6500 feet. Beautiful road snaking through forests of pine, deodar and oak trees offers glimpses of small beautiful villages on the way. We reach Kotgarh by evening, which is our halt for the night. Overnight stay at an homestay amidst an orchard of apple and cherries.

Day 2. Kotgarh to Rakchum ( 160 Kms, 6 Hrs)

After breakfast, we take a narrow road descending though orchards of apples and cherries, until we reach the right bank of Sutlej River. We drive along the Sutlej for 80 km. The journey is full of excitement and thrill as gushing water paints the muddy river white. The Mother Nature reveals its first marvel as soon as we reach a deep gorge at a place called Taranda. The road roofed by multiple rock tunnels ushers you into Kinnaur valley. Rakcham is a beautiful village at an altitude of 3050 m. This place has a charm of its own. Green forested mountain beautifies the landscape on either side of blue waters of the Baspa River.

Day 3. Rakchum to Chitkul and then drive to Kalpa. ( 70 Kms, 5 Hrs)

After breakfast we drive to the last village of India along the Tibetan border. We continue our journey for another 20 minutes to reach the last inhabited village near Indo-Tibet border called Chitkul – 13 km from Rakcham. This place is at an elevation of 3450 m. So don’t be surprised to see big snowflakes falling from the sky in the month of May as soon as you raise your head to look up. This place is the starting point for some popular treks leading to Rupin and Lamkhaga Pass. We spend the morning hiking along the river and enjoying a blissful day in solitude. After Lunch drive toward the village of Kalpa. Kalpa is more famous for the views it offers of the Snow covered Kinner Kailash ranges. Overnight stay in a Hotel at Kalpa.

Day 4. Kalpa to Tabo ( 150 Kms, 6 Hrs)

Today drive along the Sutlej till a place called Khab. Khab is the place where Sutlej and river Spiti meet. From here the road ascends till you reach an elevation of 12000 feet to a place called Nako. Nako is a picturesque village with amazing views of snow covered Manerang ranges. There is also a lake in the centre of the village. This place is a road head camp for climbing the highest peak in Himachal Rio Purgyal. We then proceed towards Tabo Village for the evening. Over night stay in a home stay/guest house.

Day 5.  Tabo, Dhankar Monastery, Kaza.

Tabo has a monastery which is a 1000 years old. Then from a place called Schiling, a road ascends towards Dhankar. Dhankar monastery is perched on a edge of a mountain and the landscape looks just out of a fairy tale setting. We reach Kaza by evening. The stay at Kaza will be in a hotel/ Home Stay.

Day 6. Kaza – Ki Monastery – Kibber  – Chicham. (3-4 hours 38 KM)

We start in the morning by visiting the famous Kye monastery. After an enchanting session interacting with the monks at Kye, we drive to the villages of Tashigang, Gette, Chicham and Kibber which is one of the highest inhabited villages in the world. Overnight stay at Kaza at a Guest house or home stay.

Day 7. Kaza  – Langza – Hikkim- Komic -Kaza. (/ 50 Kms, 3 Hrs)

Today we drive though the 4400 metres high Langza Village. the village has a wonderful view of the snow clad mountains and the open valley on the other side. The Chow Chow gun peak stands prominentaly in the backdrop. There is also a huge statue of Lord Buddha above the village. After Langza, we head further to the village  of  Hikkim. Hikkim has the highest Post office in the world. The road continues further and we reach the village of Komic. While following the route there are palces which enable mesmerizing view of handful peaks (all above 6000 meters. Komic is situated at an elevation of 4513 meters is one of the highest villages in the world, and yes the highest village connected by a motorable road,  and literally means the eye of a snow cock.

Day 8. Kaza Kunzum pass Chandrataal.

We start the day early as it’s a journey across the 4550 metres Kunzum pass. Kunzum pass connects the Spiti Valley with Lahaul. Kunzum pass has amazing views of the Chandrabhaga ranges. It has a Hindu temple and a buddhist Chorten dedicated to there same Goddess Kunzum Mata. After a short descend from the pass, we take a narrow road which goes to Chandra Taal Lake. Chandrataal lake also known as the Moon Lake is a beautiful lake at an altitude of 14100 feet nested between mountain ranges of Chandra Bhagha and Kunzum top. This is one of the most beautiful destinations in the Himalayas. Overnight stay in tents at Chandra Taal.

Day 9. Chandrataal to Manali.

Experience the nature at it’s best in the morning at Chandra Taal. Then we drive towards Batal. Here after a short rest we drive along the Chandra River till a place called Gramphoo. Then we drive up though lots of hairpin bends till Rohtang pass. You are treated with some amazing visuals of the snow covered Lahaul ranges on the way. Rohtang pass is 3990 metres high. Manali is 49 Kms from here. We reach Manali by evening. Overnight stay in a hotel.

Day 10. Manali Delhi.

Time to bid farewell. Drive though Chandigarh to Delhi.

INCLUSIONS:

Transport Chandigarh to Manali

Accommodation

Meals (breakfast and Dinner).

Qualified tour leader

Transport will be Innova jeep or equalent vehicle.

EXCLUSIONS

Any thing not mentioned in inclusions.

for further queries call 9817018485