Overview/Itinerary

About Spiti Valley

Spiti valley, also known as the “Middle Land” is a Trans-Himalayan terrain bordering with Tibet at an average altitude of 4000 meters. Spiti valley is home to some of the oldest monasteries in the Himalayan region like Tabo monastery, Dhankar monastery, Sherkhang monastery and Kye monastery, strong hold of Buchen Lamas in Pin Valley, famous for Tibetan medicine system and Amchis, fossils of Langza village, highest motorable villages and passes, scenic lakes, a 1000-year-old culture, tough life, beautiful villages and people and out of this world landscape. Come and explore with us as we travel to a civilization frozen in time. Spiti Fixed Departures have been planned in a way that you explore Spiti like a local and at a pace that helps you acclimatize and enjoy at the same time.

Highlights of the trip

  • Visit Kinnaur and the apple belt of Himachal covering Narkanda, Sangla and Kalpa
  • Stay at the last village on the indo-tibetan border – Chitkul
  • Visit one of the highest motor-able villages in the world – Komic
  • Send post cards from the highest post office in the world – Hikkim
  • Visit Asia’s highest bridge above sea level – Chicham bridge
  • Hike to Dhankar Lake (optional)
  • Hike to the meditation caves in Tabo (optional)
  • Visit Pin Valley and Khibber
  • Fossil Excursion at Langza
  • Visit the 550 yr old mummy in Gue

Kinnaur - Spiti Valley Event Details

  • Duration: 7 nights/ 8 days
  • Cost: Rs. 15,900/- (excluding GST)

Spiti Valley Trip Itinerary

Day 1 - Chandigarh to Narkanda

Everyone reaches Chandigarh by noon and then we head to Narkanda. We hit the lower Himalayas a few kilometers from Chandigarh and head to Narkanda. We shall escape the traffic of Shimla city and enjoy the scenic drive on your way to Narkanda. If time permits, we shall visit the famous Hatu temple and spend sometime there. Relax in the evening.

Day 2 - Narkanda to Sangla via Chitkul

We shall head out early in the morning after breakfast, visit Hatu temple in Narkanda and hit the road to Chitkul, the famous last village on the Indo Tibetan border. After Rampur, you shall see the huge construction site of Wangtoo Karcham Dam and the ruthless side of Sutlej River. Reach Chitkul and spend some time in the village, have a cup of chai. Reach Sangla and rest. You an go for a stroll in the village and even visit relax by the Baspa river.

Day 3 - Sangla to Tabo via Nako and Khab

Wake up to beautiful views of the Kinnaur Valley. You will leave early today as its a long drive to Tabo. As you exit Sangla, you will see some very beautiful apple and apricot orchards lining the landscape. Soon, you will see the terrain slowly change as you you shall find lesser trees, greenery and increasing rocky, dry kind of mountains- this is when you know that you are entering cold deserts. We shall take a 10 minutes 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. Reach Nako in time for lunch. You will meet your guide today, who will be with you during your Spiti visit. Visit Nako lake before heading for Tabo. Reach Tabo and rest. Its been a long day.

Day 4 - Tabo to Kaza via Dhankar

Wake up early in the morning and enjoy your breakfast. After breakfast visit the “Ajanta of Himalayas”- The Tabo Monastery which is close to a 1000 years old now. The murals, thankas and paintings are believed by the locals to have been made in a single night by the Gods themselves. On your way visit Dhankar Monastery, if the road is open - Dhankar used to be the Seat of the King in ancient times- the most beautiful setting for a monument which hangs on a cliff and overlooks the confluence of the Spiti and Pin rivers. Overnight stay at Kaza.

Day 5 - Kaza to Langza, Hikkim, Komic and back to Kaza

This morning we go on a snow drive towards Langza, Hikkim and Komic. On your way, we will make a couple of designated stops for you to take some pictures. Make the most of your homestay experience by learning about local life, festivals and traditions from your host family. Overnight stay at Kaza.

Day 6 - Kaza to Key, Khibber, Chicham bridge and back to Kaza

Take the morning easy and stroll through Kaza village. You can chat with the locals over a cup of tea. We shall then head to Kye Monastery and Khibber Village. Kye monastery is on top of a mountain overlooking the Spiti valley and the Spiti river. After Key monastery, we will go a bit further and visit Khibber Village-which used to be one of the highest villages in the world once upon a time. Overnight stay at Kaza.

Day 7 - Kaza to Kalpa via Gue

Leave early in the morning for Kalpa. Its a long drive but an easy one as the roads between Kinnaur and Spiti are very good and getting better as the years go by. If time permits you can make a stop at Gue to visit the 550 yr old mummy of a meditating monk. After a quick stop and a cup of tea later we head towards Kalpa. Kalpa, on the Sutlej river is a beautiful hamlet. The main crop cultivated are apples and if travelling during harvest season you can take home a bunch of fresh Kinnauri apples. Reach Kalpa and rest, you can explore the village and the local temple and monastery if you are upto it. Say goodbye to your guide this evening as he heads back to Spiti.

Day 8 - Kalpa to Shimla drop

Leave early in the morning to catch your evening bus from Shimla back to Delhi/ Chandigarh. Take back memories back of a isolated civilisation and trans Himalayan terrain. Trip ends here

 

Note: There is no single occupancy available for this trip. Rooming will be on double occupancy in hotels or double/ triple occupancy as per the layout of the homestay.

7 Nights 8 Days Available on request
Inclusions/Exclusions
What we'll give/What we won't

What is included in the tour

  • All Transport in a Tempo Traveller from Day 1 to Day 8
  • Local Spitian guide. He will meet you on Day 3 return back to Kaza from Kalpa on Day 7.
  • Local, highly experienced driver who knows the route and the sightseeing places
  • Stay on a twin sharing basis at hotels/ guesthouses on Day 2 and 7
  • Stay in the homestay on Day 1, 3 till Day 6 as per the layout of the home (2-3 people in 1 room)
  • 2 meals on each day (breakfast and dinner) from Day 2 till Day 7.
  • Only dinner provided on Day 1 and breakfast provided on Day 8 
  • Local homestay experiences
  • All activities mentioned in the plan
  • All entry fees to monasteries in Spiti (if any)

What is NOT included in the tour

  • Bus/flight/train tickets till Chandigarh and back
  • Snacks and beverages (except the ones with meals)
  • Any kind of insurance
  • Personal expenses like camera charges, etc.
  • Any kind of cost which is not mentioned in the cost includes above
  • All expenses incurred due to unforeseen and unavoidable circumstances like roadblocks, bad weather, flood, etc.
  • Cost of any medical emergency or other emergency if required
  • GST
Things to Carry
Things to Carry
  • 2/3-liter water bottle
  • Sunscreen
  • Goggles
  • Basic hiking/ training shoes
  • Lip balm
  • Some thermals
  • Woolen socks
  • Woolen cap
  • Muffler
  • Wind cheater
  • Sweat shirt
  • Jacket
  • Woolen gloves
  • Toilet paper
  • Moisturizer
  • Extra camera batteries
  • Identity proof

Cancellation Policy

In case you need to cancel your plans for the trip due to avoidable/unavoidable reasons, please do notify us via email.

The cancellation charges will be as follows:

  • 60 to 46 days prior to date of departure: 20% of the tour cost
  • 45 to 16 days prior to date of departure: 30% of the tour cost
  • 15 to 8 days prior to date of departure: 50% of the tour cost
  • Less than 7 days prior to date of departure: No refund
  • No show No Refund
  • Event Tickets cannot be transferred to another date against cancellation
  • Event Tickets cannot be transferred to another person against cancellation
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the best time to visit Spiti Valley?

Spiti Valley is best from mid-May to mid-October. Clear skies, mild days, and cold nights define this season. From mid-July to mid-September, monsoons can cause landslides and blockages, making travel difficult. Snowfall closes several routes and passes in the winter. If you want a winter adventure, visit between November and February to see the stunning snow-covered landscapes. But harsh temperatures and road restrictions make travel difficult.

 

Distance from Kinnaur to Spiti Valley

There are many ways to get from Kinnaur to Spiti Valley, so the distance between the two places varies depending on which route you take. The most common way to get from Reckong Peo, the main town in Kinnaur, to Kaza, the main town in Spiti Valley, is to take the NH-5 and NH-505 highways. This route is about 200 to 220 kilometers long and takes about 7 to 9 hours to drive, depending on how the roads are and how much traffic there is.

The Hindustan-Tibet Road is another popular route. It goes from Shimla to Kinnaur and then to Spiti Valley. This route is longer, but the views of the Himalayas and the Sutlej river valley are breathtaking. Shimla and Kaza are about 450–500 kilometers apart. The trip can take anywhere from 2–3 days, depending on how many stops are made and what kind of transportation is used.

 

Is Spiti Valley safe?

Spiti Valley is generally considered a safe destination for travelers. The local people are friendly and welcoming, and the region has a low crime rate. However, it is always recommended to take necessary precautions to ensure your safety while traveling.

One of the main safety concerns in Spiti Valley is the terrain and altitude. The region is located at an average altitude of 4,000 meters above sea level, and the lack of oxygen can cause altitude sickness, which can be life-threatening in severe cases. It is advisable to acclimatize properly before engaging in any physical activity or undertaking treks.

 

What are the major tourist attractions in Kinnaur - Spiti Valley?

Kinnaur and Spiti Valley have several noteworthy tourist attractions. Popular ones are:

  • Tabo Monastery: This 1000-year-old UNESCO World Heritage Site located in Tabo. Its murals and old treasures are famous.
  • Key Monastery: The oldest and greatest monastery in the region is in Kaza. Its architecture and mountain views are famous.
  • Kalpa: Kinnaur's apple orchards and Kinner Kailash mountain views make Kalpa a lovely settlement.
  • Nako Lake: Surrounded by snow-capped mountains, this tranquil lake in Nako is a popular picnic and trekking location.
  • Pin Valley National Park, a wildlife sanctuary in Spiti Valley, is home to various rare and endangered species, including the snow leopard.

 

What are the different modes of transportation available for traveling to Kinnaur and Spiti Valley?

Road: The most common way to get to Kinnaur-Spiti Valley is by road. There are a lot of roads in the area, but they can be hard to drive on because of the high altitude and rough terrain. From Shimla and Manali, you can take a bus to Reckong Peo and Kaza, respectively. There are also taxis and shared Jeeps that you can hire.

Air: The closest airport to Kinnaur-Spiti Valley is in Bhuntar, which is close to Kullu. Major cities in India have flights to Bhuntar, but from there, you have to take the road to get to Kinnaur-Spiti Valley.

Train: Shimla is the closest train station to Kinnaur-Spiti Valley. India's big cities have trains that go to Shimla, but from there, you have to take the road to get to Kinnaur-Spiti Valley.

 

Why doesn't Spiti Valley have any trees?
Since the area is in a rain shadow, it doesn't rain much, so the mountains don't have any plants. The climate has sharp changes in temperature, high-speed winds, an atmosphere at a high altitude, and low humidity. All of these things make the soil dry and almost completely devoid of organic matter.

 

Does Spiti Valley have an oxygen problem?

Spiti Valley is at a high altitude. At this altitude, the air is thin, which can make it hard for some people to breathe because there isn't enough oxygen. Most people, though, can get used to the altitude over time, and altitude sickness can be avoided by getting used to the altitude slowly and drinking lots of water to stay hydrated.

It's important to remember that some people may be more likely to get altitude sickness, like those who have problems with their lungs or hearts. Before going to Spiti Valley or any other high altitude place, people in these situations should talk to a doctor.

 

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