Kinnaur Spiti Exploration Tour

Journey 11: Explore Kinnaur & Spiti valley from Shimla till Manali

Region: Shimla, Sarahan, Rampur, Sangla, Kinnaur Valley, Lahaul & Spiti, Kunzum pass, Rohtang Pass, Rangrik, Kibber and Pin Valley.

Season: First Week of June to mid October.

Max. Altitude: (4510m.) Kunzum pass.

No. of days: 08 days.

High passes: Over 02 strenuous stages Kunzum Pass (4510m.) and Rohtang Pass (3948m.)

Exploration of isolated Kinnaur & Spiti situated on Indo – Tibet border, a spectacular road leads from Shimla in the gorgeous Sutlej valley to scenic semi desert valley of Kinnaur dominated by mighty Kinner Kailash range, whereas wider desert valley of Spiti surrounded by high mountains, practicing Tibetan Buddhist culture and housing several ancient monasteries in its lap.

As climate changes rapidly, one can see the difference of culture by changing the valley. Kinnaur adopted both Hindu and Buddhist culture and it rain lesser, Spiti where Tibetan Buddhism is flourished, landscape is dry & arid, summer is hot and autumn is fresh. Ending the tour in Manali also known as “valley of god” and is an important tourist destination of north India. These most exotic sights of Himalayas are dotted with ancient temples, monasteries, stupas and inhabited by cheerful peoples who are friendly and hospitable. The highest point of the tour is Kunzum Pass 4551 Mts. Suitable for age group of 15 to 65 years and required the good physique.

Suggested Tour Program:

Day 01 : Arrive Shimla

On arrival at Shimla meet and greet by our representative and transfer to hotel. After lunch explore the mall and shops. Shimla was the summer capital of India under British rule. Presently it is the state capital of Himachal Pradesh. Shimla has seen many historical events such as the famous Shimla Pact between India and Pakistan which was signed here. The place is also famous for its natural beauty, architectural buildings, wooden crafts and apples. In the evening join for dinner and overnight stay at hotel.

Day 02: Drive Sangla (238 kms/ 8 hrs)

Sangla is also known as Baspa valley is one of the most beautiful valleys of Kinnaur. It starts from Karcham 1899 Mts. Where the Baspa river coming from the east joins the Sutlej river. The road for Sangla Valley branches from the Hindustan Tibet road at the river junction and after turning south crosses the Sutlej over a bridge to reach Karcham. The valley open up beyond Sangla and is full of wooded slopes as far as Chhitkul at 3450 Mts. Sangla is like a fairyland situated at an average height of 2700 Mts. It is a place where you can unwind in style as you wake up to the chirping of birds. One can enjoy the breathtaking views of Himalayan Peaks and snow covered mountains, go for a walk in a valley bursting with exotic fruits, flowers, birds, butterflies and Himalayan wildlife or walk to a nearby villages and meet the local inhabitants, the Kinnauris. The quaint little houses, temples, monasteries and the people of Sangla valley conjure up a perfect image of “Shangri-La”.

Day 03: Drive Kalpa (48 kms/ 2hrs)

Kalpa has all the makings of an Indian fairyland. It is located at a height of 10900 feet, at the base of the imposing Kinner Kailash ranges and Shivling peaks which rise up to 20000 feet, towering above the clouds, kissing the heavens, encircling the area around. Kalpa itself is spread amidst pine nut forests, apple plantations and the holy deodars. In the evening arrive Kalpa for dinner and overnight stay at hotel

Day 04: Drive Tabo (170 kms/ 6 -7 hrs)

Tabo is situated at 3050 Mts. At the right bank of Spiti River, is an ancient village named Tabo, flanked on either side by lofty brown hills and sun burnt, is the seat of most famous Buddhist monasteries. Large number of scriptures and pieces of art, wall paintings– ‘Thankas’ and ‘Stucco’. Tabo has been declared a world heritage site by UNESCO. Tabo is famous for its 1012 years old monastery. In 1996, the Tabo monastery celebrated its thousand years with a Kalachakra ceremony, which was presided by his holiness the Dalai.

Day 05: Drive Kaza (47 kms/ 2 hrs/3700 mts)

En route visit Dhankar the ancient capital of Spiti king, the most incredibly situated gompa, perched high on the barren rocky mountain slopes. Lalung: The second most interested monastery of Spiti afternoon reached Pin valley known for its national park (house of the snow leopards, and ibex) Kungri gompa is the main centre of Nyingmapa sect in Spiti.

Day 06: Explore Kaza & around

Leave to visit the famous. Kye gompa perched high on a pyramid like mountain belongs to the Gelugpa sect of Tibetan Buddhism. Kibber one of the highest permanent inhabited village in the world, situated at the elevation of 4200 m located in a semi bowl-shaped narrow valley. Evening return to Kaza the sub divisional headquarter of Spiti. Explore the tiny town, night in guest house.

Day 07: Drive Manali (200 kms/10 hrs/ 2050 mts)

Drive to Lossar through the several villages of the Spiti valley, last village of the valley. Lossar is the last village of the Spiti valley, Short uphill drive till Kunzum pass (4551 m.) which offer extensive view of the C.B., Shigri range. There is a small temple dedicated to the Goddess Kunzum Devi at the top of the pass with the prayer flags fluttering high over it, Drive through Chandra valley over Rohtang pass (3978 m.) the gateway between Lahoul/ Spiti and Kullu “valley of the God” Descending by the snake-curved road through the pasture of wild flowers and forest of silver Oak, Fir, Popular and waterfalls will accompany till Manali.

Day 08: Manali – New Delhi (500 kms/)

Departure transfer by STI Manali to Pvt Bus stand. Journey overnight in Volvo A.C. luxury coaches.

Duration: 14 hours

PACKAGE COST (PER PERSON IN INR)

HOTELS INCORPORATED

Package includes

• Assistance upon arrival at Shimla & upon Departure at Manali
• Tea / coffee on arrival
• Accommodation on twin sharing basis
• Ac Volvo fare from Manai to Delhi or Chandigarh
• All meals (bed tea, breakfast, hot / pack lunch, evening tea & dinner)
• Return airport transfers and sightseeing tours by non-ac vehicle
• Inner line permit to restricted / protected areas
• Monument & museum entrance fees
• Currently applicable taxes and service charges
• Any future taxes levies will be charged extra

Package does not include

• Any Services to Shimla or out
• Any kind of personal expenses or optional tours / extra meals ordered
• Tips, insurance, laundry, phone calls
• The services of vehicle on leisure Days & optional tours will be extra
• Any kind of drinks (alcoholic, mineral, aerated)
• Guide fee, camera fee
• Anything not specifically mentioned under the head “package includes