The Spiti Valley: an Himalayan Kaleidoscope

Arrival at Delhi airport. Transfer to the hotel for some rest. Around 10am, after breakfast, guided tour of Old Delhi. In particular, the visit includes the Red Fort (visit from the outside only), a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2007, built in 1639 by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan (the creator of the Taj Mahal), the Jama Masjid, one of the largest of India, where an ancient copy of the Holy Quran written on deer skin is conserved. Visit the small back streets of this part of the city like Chawri Bazar which is one of the busiest streets in Old Delhi. Later, visit Raj Ghat, the cremation site of Mahatma Ghandi. After lunch you will visit New Delhi with its luxurious buildings, such as the India Gate, an arch erected in memory of the Indian soldiers who lost their lives fighting for the British army during the First World War, and the Parliament. In the late afternoon the tour will continue to the Gurudwara Bangla Sahib, one of the most important Sikh gurdwara, or Sikh house of worship in India, known as the “Sarovar”. Then transfer to the hotel.
Overnight in Delhi

After breakfast transfer to the airport for the flight to Kullu. Transfer to Naggar (approx. 1 hr jeep drive) and check in the hotel. We spend the rest of the day exploring Naggar which is home to the famous art gallery of the Russian Painter and Tibetologist, Roerich. The Naggar castle is another attraction here, which is now a government run hotel. Overnight in Naggar.(B)

After breakfast we head an hour drive to Manali. Manali was once a small village is now a bustling hill station crowded with tourists lining up to visit the Snow point (Rohtang pass). The history of the place has major significance in Indian mythology as this is the center of the universe and the name of the town is derived from Manu the great Hindu sage who gave the Hindu Law – “Manusmriti”. After exploring the village return to Naggar for the night.
Overnight in Naggar.(B)

Today we will move towards Spiti valley, following the Spiti river all the way up to its origin. We will drive over the Rohtang pass (separating Kullu from the Lahaul valley), from where trasnsition from the Trans- Himalayas to the Greater Himalayas. A stark contrast and a pertinent lesson in geography as we see first hand the transition from a leeward (rain-shadow) side to a rainfed area. The lush green meadows, the striking flora and the pine, cedar and oak trees make for a welcome scenery change form the stark rugged back country terrain of the Trans-Himalayas to the verdure of the Greater Himalayas. We will reach Chandratal, following the graphic valley of the Chandra river. Here we will break the journeys to the Spiti valley for one night in a tented campsite in an enchanting meadow (about 1 ½ km before the lake). You should be here by early afternoon. Do a hike of about 1 ½ hrs each way to see the exquisite Chandratal or the Moon Lake, the name in itself is mysteriously enchanting. The lake glitters like a turquoise pendant against the cold-barren mountains of Spiti valley. It is surrounded by the expansive grassy land which was a glacier in ancient times.
Overnight in Chandertal camp.(B, D)

Today we drive around 3 hours out of Chandra Tal to Pangmo. We will reach a nunnery where we will spend the day with the Nuns and experience the life of a Spiti nun up close. We will learn of the difficult conditions under which the nunnery was formed while the day will be spent accompanying them during their prayers, while they cook, while they debate Buddhist philosophy and while they study. We will also learn a bit of Bhoti (Tibetan script) and witness Buddhism in practice.
Overnight in Pangmo Monastry (B,L,D)

Spend the day immersing yourself in the daily chores of a nun. Meditate, relax, cook, learn and just be. Overnight in Pangmo Monastry (B,L,D)

After breakfast we will head onto Chicham village (2 to 3 hours). Chicham is a unique village and perhaps one of the greenest villages in the Himalayas. A number of initiatives ranging from decentralized green energy to solar passive houses to greenhouses to various livelihood, conservation and education initiatives to name a few. Later in evening we retire to our Homestays for the night.
Overnight in Chicham. (B,L,D)

Today we spend the day at Chicham. We have the option of hiking to a spectacular vantage spot close to 5000 mts from where one can get a panoramic view of the Spiti and spot close to 18 villages on a clear day. If you are interested, you can volunteer with village activities like farming, cattle herding, construction etc. or explore the village and understand more about development works in Spiti. In the evening we will experience an evening folk expressions which give us an insight into Spiti’ culture. The village folk will showcase their traditional form of dance accompanied by songs played by the musicians using their unique traditional instruments. We are promoting these art forms to ensure their conservation and as a source of income generation for the local community especially the women and musicians (who belong to the lower castes) as well as to enable an enhancement in their social status.
Overnight in Chicham. (B,L,D)

Today you have a chance to experience a Yak safari (5 to 6 hours) across the alpine grazing pastures of the village livestock and the hunting ground of the snow leopard. Visit the Komic monastery and head to the Komic village (Asia’s highest village). Once your settled in and if your keen you can explore the Komic village and take a walk down to the fields to get a better understanding of the intricate irrigation systems and agricultural practices in the highest villages of Asia. After the visit trasfer to Kaza and check in the the hotel.
Overnight in Kaza.(B,L,D)

If you’re an early riser take a walk down to the fields if you didn’t get the time the evening before. After breakfast head onto Hikkim – Asia’s highest post office and send off a postcard to family back home. Visit Langza village and head back to Kaza for the night. Back in the days, Langza used to be a village specialized in Pottery. But nowadays, there is only one potter left. Allow yourself a visit to this last surviving potter, and try out the potter’s wheel yourself! You can play with clay and learning the basics of traditional Spiti pottery, make your own Spiti Souvenir! Visit Kee monastery and Kibber if time permits. Head back to Kaza subsequently. If you wish (optional cost) you can sign up for a cooking class. Learn how to cook delicious momos or other Spitian delicacies with Dolma, our very own local chef! Take a little bit of Spiti back with you, literally :)
Overnight in Kaza (B,L)

After breakfast we head to Dhankhar. Dhankhar was the erstwhile capital of Spiti. Dhankhar also houses an ancient Monastery perched precariously between unique wind eroded structures. Remnants of the Dhankhar Fort, which housed the royal family of Spiti, still remain. A visit to the monastery, fort and other subsidiary temples leaves one spell bound at the traditional architectural marvels. The monastery has some interesting wall murals and thangkas, which are in an urgent need for restoration. The Dhankhar Monastery was recently declared as one of the 100 Most Endangered sites in the World, by ‘The World’s Monument Fund’. We with our partners have been working closely with the monastery to try and raise funds for its restoration. Today you will have a rare chance to assist to a Bhuchens performance. The Bhuchens are a unique sect of minstrel lamas who were the followers of Tholdon Gyalpo (a Buddhist mystic) who invented this art form in the 11th century in Tibet. It is a rare Tibetan Buddhist tantric performance to get rid of evil spirits and is now only found in the Spiti valley. Later we head into the Pin valley and further to the buffer of the Pin Valley National Park to a unique village dedicated to meditating monks and nuns!!
Overnight in Pin Valley National Park. (B,D)

Today we visit the Kungri monastery in pin valley. Later trasfer to Tabo (around 2 hrs). Tabo is famous for its monastery, popularly known as the Ajanta of the Himalayas that celebrated 1000 years in 1996. Explore the village for the rest of the day.
Overnight Tabo. (B)

Early morning drive to Kalpa (approx. 7 hrs. drive). The journey today takes us from the start desert landscape of the Spiti valley into the lush Satluj Valley. The drive is spectacular as we drive along what is commonly known as one of the World’s Most Dangerous Roads. We will cross Nako enroute and if keen, we can stop for a quick visit of the Nako lake. Kalpa offers some beautiful views of the Kinner Kailash Range.
Overnight in Kalpa. (B)

Today we travel from Kalpa to Tattapani (around 8 hours drive) via the apple growing belt of the State to the Satluj valley. From Kalpa we start the descend through some lovely sections of forests following the Satluj. After this long journeys we will reach a beautiful resort, located in a small village in the foothills of the Himalayas in the state of Himachal Pradesh, one hour from Shimla. This is is a popular mountain tourist destination near a lake. The village located 60 km from Shimla on the banks of Sutlej River is famous for rafting and for its hot sulfur spring, that is believed to have healing properties for health ailments like stress, joint pain, fatigue and many skin diseases. After this long fatigue spend the eving in the hot thermal waters pool of the resort.
Overnight in Tattapani. (B, D)

During last day of this tour you will have the chance to relax before returning back to your Counntry. It is possible to have a wider range of treatments (Ayurvedic, Naturopathic and Beauty). There will be daily yoga sessions, good and healthy food, you can experience a healing bath in the sulphurous thermal waters and enjoy the wonderful view of the lake. This center is the ideal place for a complete holiday designed to take care of our health at 360 degrees.
Overnight in Tattapani. (B, D)

We get up early today and transfer by car to Shimla. Shimla is a bustling hill station set up on seven hills and was regarded as the Queen of the hills due to its natural beauty and architectural character. It served as the summer capital of the British during the days of the Raj who desired to re-create the British environs and cultural life here. The weather, surroundings and the general mood of the place fitted well with their tastes. The town has grown exponentially after it became the capital of the state of Himachal Pradesh, which was formed in the year 1968 after it was split from Punjab. After a short visit to the town transfer to Chandigarh airport for your flight to Delhi in connection with your return flight.