In addition to the spectacular views of the snow-clad peaks, Kinnaur and Spiti Valley introduce visitors to the diverse culture and traditions of the Spitian and Kinnauri people. Kinnaur – notably known as the land of fairy tales and fantasies, has an amazing terrain of lush green valley, orchards, vineyards, snow-clad peaks and cold desert mountains. The old Hindustan–Tibet Highway, runs northeast from Shimla through the Kinnaur Valley, providing access to its rich flora and fauna. Being the border district of Himachal Pradesh, the culture and language is different from other parts of the state.
‘Spiti’ means the ‘middle country’ – a name given as a result of its ties with both India and Tibet. With freckles of green over a dry weather-beaten face, the cold deserts of Spiti are characterized by stark beauty, narrow valleys and high mountains. A century ago, Rudyard Kipling in Kim called Spiti “a world within a world” and a “place where the gods live” – a description that holds to the present day!
Experience how nature can enthrall you with mountains, snow, natural lakes and also the fact that it beautifully moulds us in the mix too. Fill your memory with exclusive events of history that have splendidly carved out temples, monasteries and houses for all to experience.
Shimla – Sarhan
Sarahan is a small village in Himachal Pradesh, India. It is the site of the Bhimakali Temple, originally known as Bhimadevi Temple, dedicated to the mother goddess Bhimakali, presiding deity of the rulers of the former Bushahr State. The temple is situated about 170 kilometres from Shimla and is one of 51 Shakti Peethas. The village is known as the “gateway of Kinnaur” it being near the old Indo-Tibetan Road. Seven kilometers below (17 km by road) Sarahan is the river Satluj. Sarahan is identified with the Shonitpur mentioned in Puranas. Sarahan Bushahr has been the summer capital of Bushahr kingdom, with Rampur Bushahr considered the winter capital.
Evening will pay our visit to the famous Bhimakali temple.
Sarhan-Sangla
Chitkul (1 hrs.) which is the last village on Indian side on the Indo–Tibetan border. The village of Chitkul is like something from a fairy tale, and you will have a chance to walk slowly around it. The landscapes are stunning, and you will have plenty of time to enjoy them and talk to the local people. We will return to Sangla for lunch and the rest of the day is free or if you like you can walk to another of the nearby villages with your guide. We will have this second night at the same guest house/ hotel / luxury tented accommodation at Sangla.
The Sangla Meadows Also Known As Sangla Kanda Is Another Natural Sightseeing Attraction In Sangla. This Place Is Completely Covered In Greenery And Surrounded By Snowcapped Mountain Ranges Of The Himalayas. It Also Forms A Perfect Site To See The Kinner Kailash In An 180 Degree View. This Place Will Also Provide A View Of The Local Huts Of Himachal Along With The Sustoms And Lifestyle Of Its Local People.
The Baspa River Is A Fast Flowing River That Passes Through The Hills Of Sangla. The Surroundings Of Baspa River Provide An Opportunity To View Timely Rainbows And Brown Trout. It Is Also An Angler’s Paradise For Being Home To A Vast Variety Of Fishes. Crossing This River Is Also Quite An Attraction Amongst The Visitors As This Process Involves Ride In A Basket Along The Way. Its Surrounding Areas Also Stand Appropriate For Campers And Trekkers.
Sangla – Nako
Enter to cold desert terrain (also known as Trans Himalayan Terrain). As we leave Kalpa, you shall notice the change in terrain where you shall find fewer trees, greenery and increasingly rocky, dry kind of mountains-this is when you know that you are entering cold deserts. We shall take a 10-minute break at Khab- the confluence of Sutlej and Spiti river which is a beautiful scenic spot for photography. From here we head into the high mountains and climb to a beautiful village called Nako, on arrival check in at hotel. Evening walk through the village and spend sometime next to the lake.
Nako-Tabo –Dhankar
Head to the entry point of Spiti from the southern side- Sumdo where we make our entries and head to Gue- where a 550 year old Mummy of a Monk is kept in the sitting position. It is one of its kind in the entire Himalayan region and was found a few years back after an earthquake. You can spend sometime wondering and looking at the Mummy and then move to Tabo, visit the Ajantas of Himalayas- Tabo Monastery. A 1000 years old monastery and not even a single day has passed since it inception that prayers have not been offered. The murals, wall paintings and thankas will leave you speechless- especially the wall of the 1000 Buddhas in the main sanctum. We shall walk to the other side of Tabo where we shall visit the caves where the monks used to meditate in the ancient times.
Afternoon we head out to Dhankar, on arrival check in at homestay over there. Evening we will visit Dhankar Monastery- a 1000 years old monument whose setting is like none other. Dhankar Monastery hangs on a cliff overlooking the confluence of Spiti and Pin River. Dhankar used to be the seat of the King in ancient times and the monastery used to follow the sect of the King.
Dhankar – Pin Valley
Dhankar lake which is a 45 minutes hike from Dhankar village. The non-adventurous ones will walk around the village and get ready for early Lunch. Post lunch we head to Pin Valley- the home of Snow Leopard and Siberian Ibex. On our way to Pin Valley- we shall visit Khungri Monastery in Sagnam which is the strong hold of Buchen Lamas of Nyingma sec of Buddhism.
Pin Valley- Kaza- Kye- Khibber
Mudh is the starting/ ending point of 2 very famous treks- the Pin Parvati Pass trek and Bhaba Pass trek. Early morning we shall take a walk inside the park and head to Kye and Khibber after breakfast. We shall head to spend sometime next to the river near Kaza over the lunch- all picnic style. Visit one of the most famous monastery of Spiti valley- The Kye Monastery, have a cup of tea with the monks and understand their life. Kye Monastery is the biggest monastery in Spiti valley and is home to a young monks who come here to follow Buddha’s path. After spending some time at the Monastery, we head to Khibber village which use to be highest village in the world some time back before Komic took that position. Walk and hike around this beautiful village which is also part of a sanctuary. Evening stay with local family.
Khibber-Komic-Langja
Head out to Langza this morning after breakfast. Langza is the 2nd highest motorable village after Komic and is home to Fossil search in the country. If you are lucky then you shall surely find some beautiful fossils while you take a stroll here. To make it a little more interesting at this altitude, the interested ones can hike from Langza to Komic via a small stop at Hikkim. In order not to forget our loved ones, visit the world’s highest post office in Hikkim and post a few post cards to your loved ones. Trust me you will be amazed looking at the post office here. Head to our last point for the day, Komic and enjoy the spectacular view of snow capped peaks around over a cup of tea and chat with the monks. The monastery in Komic is functional in winters when temperatures dip down to -30 degrees and roads get blocked and it will be very interesting to understand life and survival of such happy souls at this altitude. Head back to Langza for a homestay with a local family. The life in Spiti might be harsh but every aspect of it has a cosy side and you will feel that while sharing space with a local family.
Langja- Lohsar- Kunzum Pass- Chandrataal Lake
Chandrataal Lake.is another location where you will find it hard to stop clicking photographs. This lake is a landscape photographer’s dream come true, changing its appearance almost with every passing hour, each look as stunning as the other. Tonight we camp in proper adventure style; excellent dome tents set up to protect you from the cold and biting night winds.
Chandrataal- Batal- Chatru- Gramphoo- Rohtang Pass- Manali
We leave early this morning to Manali after an early breakfast. We shall take a small break at Batal and admire the view of nature with a cup of tea. We will try to reach Rohtang pass by early afternoon and spend some time at the passon arrival at Manali we have some free time, latyer board overnight Volvo bus to Delhi or Chandigarh.
