Kinnaur and Spiti Valley Tour

Entering Kinnaur at Chora village and following as straight-line road constructed in a vertical rock cliff and its a rare treat to travel on this road, which is a great engineering feat. Along the road are the villages of Niugal Sarai and Bhawanagar where the famous Nathpa- Jakhri power project is located. After Bhawanagar, you reach Wangtu where you cross the Satluj River. From this point, you can visit the famous Bhaba village and also undertake the famous adventurous trek from Bhaba valley to Pin valley in Spiti. Following Satluj River in the deep gorge for 77 km. You will visit Sangla in Vaspa valley, one of the most beautiful high valleys in Himachal. Visiting Kamru fort, we drive to Chitkul village the last inhabited village in the valley. Surrounded by fields, apple orchards, and high peaks we drive back to the confluence of Satluj and Vaspa rivers.

ITINERARY
Day 1:  New Delhi / Chandigarh – Shimla 2200m.
Arrive at Chandigarh or Delhi airport, pick up and drive to Shimla. Overnight in hotel. (If you wish to take train from Delhi to Shimla by Shatabdi train to Kalka, Kalka – Shimla Himalayan queen train, Kalka – Shimla Himalayan queen train)

Day 2:  Shimla – Rampur – Sarahan 2165m.
Setting off from Shimla, we start at 176 km. With a scenic route running through Kufri and Narkanda. En route not to be missed is the famous apple belts of Kotgarh and Kumarsain, descending to the Satluj valley. After reaching Rampur Bushehr- famous for the trading town, café Satluj is an ideal stop for refreshment. From Rampur, the beautiful village of Sarahan is 44 km. The major attraction is the century-old Bhimakali temple. Overnight at hotel.

Day 3:  Sarahan – Sangla – Chitkul 3480m.
Entering Kinnaur at Chora village and following as straight-line road constructed in a vertical rock cliff and its a rare treat to travel on this road, which is a great engineering feat. Along the road are the villages of Niugal Sarai and Bhawanagar where the famous Nathpa- Jakhri power project is located. After Bhawanagar, you reach Wangtu where you cross the Satluj River. From this point, you can visit the famous Bhaba village and also undertake the famous adventurous trek from Bhaba valley to Pin valley in Spiti. Following Satluj River in the deep gorge for 77 km. You will visit Sangla in Vaspa valley, one of the most beautiful high valleys in Himachal. Visiting Kamru fort. we drive to Chitkul village the last inhabited village in the valley. Surrounded by fields, apple orchards, and high peaks. Explore the village and ancient temple just above the village. Overnight at tented accommodation near Vaspa River.

Day 4:  Chitkul – Recongpeo – Kalpa 2960m – Nako 3660m
Leaving Chitkul to drive back to the confluence of Satluj and Vaspa rivers at Rakcham and along the Satluj river to Recongpeo and continue up to Kalpa village, which is a beautiful village overlooking Kinnaur Kailash, after exploring the village drive to Nako village. Overnight at tented accommodation.

Day 5:  Nako – Tabo 3300m – Dhankar 3684m – Lalung – Mud – Kaza 3500m
Leaving Nako and entering in Spiti landscape changes from rocky mountain to deserted mountains.
Tabo – Arriving Tabo (3050m.), which is the biggest monastic complex in Spiti, has since been declared as a protected monument under the control of the Archeological Survey of India. Built-in 996 A.D., by Rinchen Tsangpo, Tabo is known as; Ajanta of Himalayas.
Dhankhar – En route Dankhar monastery (3980m.) located on top of a small hill is 25 km. From Tabo. Dankhar the traditional capital of the Spiti kingdom, however, Dankhar’s main attraction is a natural lake situated 2.5 km. above the village. Now road continues up and broadens up to Lingti village, where Pin and Lingti River join the Spiti.
Lalung – En route visiting Sherkhang monastery at Lalung, drive towards Pin valley crossing the bridge at Attargu.
Pin valley – Pin valley is a national park known as the land of Ibex and Snow Leopard. The most interesting to see is Chamurti horses, which are popularly called the camel of a cold desert. The lifeline of this difficult terrain, Spiti, and Chamurti are among the six recognized finest breeds of horses in India. Pin valley is a protected area, with Rupi Bhaba wildlife sanctuary to its south and Great Himalayan National Park to its southwest. Overnight at hotel.

Day 6:  Kaza – Langza – Komic – Demul – Kaza 3500m
Today after breakfast departure to Langza, Hikkim, and Komic villages, situated at a height between 13500 ft. and 14400 ft. is a favorite place to find fossils. The high plateau where Chau Chau Kang Nilda dominates the area. After visiting Tangyud gompa at Komic continue to drive to visit Demul village, situated high above Lingti valley. Exploring the village back to Komic from here is possible that you hike to Kaza town which will take 1:30 hrs. with fascinating view of Spiti River valley.

Day 7:  Kaza – Kee – Tashi Gang – Kibber 4205m
Leaving Kaza, drive to Kee. Exploring around, Kee monastery is the next place to be visited. Situated on a steep ridge on the left bank of the Spiti river belongs to the Gelukpa sect of Tibetan Buddhism. 10 km. above driving up to Kibber village (4205 m.) we visit – Tashi Gang village (4400m.) the 2nd highest village in the world and finally drive back to Kibber for an overnight stay.

Day 8:  Kibber – Losar – Kunzom la 4551m – Chandra Tal 4270m
Leaving Kibber drive to Kunzum la pass passing through the beautiful hamlets of Rangrik, Hal, Pangmo, Kiato, and Hanse you’ll arrive at Losar the last village in the valley. After Losar road climbs up to Kunzum la pass (4551m), which connects Lahoul with Spiti. The panorama as viewed from the top of the pass is enthralling and inspiring. 8 km. One can make a trek to Chandratal if not drive to Chandratal. Walking gradually downwards to the lake of the moon-Chandertal lake. Vast meadows around the lake carpeted with alpine flowers is an ideal place for camping. A magnificent view of the Samudra Tapu glacier and Moulkila range is obtainable from here.

Day 9:  Chandra Tal – Chhatru – Rohtang La – Manali 2050m
Now driving along the Chandra pass Chota Dara and Chatru and finally crossing Rohtang pass, 51 km road winds down to Manali.

Day 10:  Manali – Chandigarh – New Delhi. Fly home
Based on your flight schedule departure from Manali either morning or evening departure to Chandigarh / Delhi. Arrive at Chandigarh / New Delhi, continue to the airport, and fly back home.

REVIEWS
Spiti Tour – Himachal Pradesh – India
“Thanks for all the arrangements. The driver from Delhi to Manali was a very experienced one. He drove fast in an experienced way. Me and my team really liked Tenzin from Dhankhar. He is very friendly, kind and a good driver. We were lucky to be with a local driver. Thanks again and hope everything is in good health and happiness with you. Thanks and kind regards.”
Mrs. Lydia – NETHERLANDS – 19 Aug to 31 Aug

Trans – Himalayan Jeep Safari to Tribal regions of Himachal Pradesh – Lahaul Spiti & Kinnaur – 10 days
“In general satisfactory and we enjoyed the whole trip. The staff worked hard and looked after us very well. Amar Singh and Jeevan are excellent drivers and Jeevan stopped after for our photo shoots. Prem + Anil were cheerful and whatever food we asked for. No complaints.”
Ms. Indi Singh – NEW DELHI – 22 July – 31 July

“Lovely and nice staff, Amar Singh is always helpful and knowledgeable.  Prem a fabulous cook, Jeevan, wow, very patient and what we can say about Anil, the most sweetest and helpful guy, always smiling. All these characteristics made our journey very blissful and fun.”
Mr. Baldave (On account of 3 pax) – MALAYSIA – 22 July – 31 July

Tour name:  Kinnaur Spiti Tour  ( 18 May – 02 June ) 15 nights 16 days.
“Our tour to Kinnaur Spiti was a grand success. Everything was well planned and well organized.
Staff: 1) Diggu ( Driver cum staff ) – very hard working well mannered. Safe driver and also a very nice and humble person. 2) Prem cook – Very hard-working, an excellent cook who made our trip enjoyable. Very nice and polite person.
3) Dinesh – helper also very hard working.  Ever smiling – ready to help anytime and very sincere and very polite.
We would like to thank Mr. Prem, Mr. Tenzin, Mr. Diggu, Prem, and Dinesh for making our trip memorable. It was a lifetime experience for us”.
Mr. Bharat Shah & family  – Mumbai   18 May – 02 June