Kinnaur & Spiti Valley Road Trip with Chandratal

10 Nights /11 Days

Fixed Departure

High Altitude Road Trips

Starting from

INR 27,656

+91 86966 85905

Starting from
INR 27,656
Starting from
INR 27,656

+91 84484 45051

+91 98187 03891

tours@holidaymoods.net

Overview

Spiti Shimla Kalpa Sangla Chitkul Package

One of the Highest Jeep Safari the World - The roads of Kinnaur, Spiti & Ladakh is open only for 2-3 months, between July and September, every year before the snows cover it up or wash away the road. This overland route had become an increasingly popular way to go to Leh. The advantage of the road route is that one sees an amazing panorama of natural beauty and also gets gradually acclimatized to breathing in the high-altitude atmosphere. 

An unforgettable experience as the road traverses a variety of landscapes and one can hardly put the camera away. Along the way, nature impresses with awesome mountain passes of 17-18,000 ft., long stretches of the flat, cold desert without a trace of vegetation, amazing natural rock formations, and deep gorges of the rivers Sutlej, Beas, Chandra, Bhaga, and finally Indus. From the snow-clad mountains, when the snows melt, one sees beautiful waterfalls and gurgling crystal clear mountain streams. Along the streams and rivers are human habitations with pockets of rich cultivated green fields, fruit orchards, and wild exotic plants used for preparing herbal medications.


Best Time to Visit Lahaul Spiti Valley

The best time to visit Spiti, Lahaul & Kinnaur Valleys is between mid-May to September. These months the temperature here is around 0 to 15 degrees celsius. Snow leopard expeditions are popular during these months. Know the best time to visit Spiti and during which months as below.


Over Kunzum La Pass

Mid-May to September End - The Kunzum Pass opens from the end of June to the end of September. Between July and October, the Kunjum Pass temperature ranges from 1 degrees celsius to 10degrees celsius Celsius. These months are the best time to visit Spiti & Kinnaur Valleys. The weather is clear these days. The day temperature drops to around 25 degrees celsius during the day and at night it is chilly around 0 degrees celsius C. Some of the activities here in this season are very popular trekking, camping, mountain biking, and hiking, you can also enjoy them. 

One cannot access the Spiti Valley from Mid October to mid-June as the passes are blocked with snow. Spiti & Kinnaur Valley can be accessed from the Shimla side throughout the year though.

Highlights

  • One of the highest Jeep Safari in the world
  • Beautiful landscapes
  • 17-18000 ft High Mountain Passes
  • Crystal clear streams, rivers & waterfalls
  • Camping / Homestays
  • Monasteries

Itinerary

Day

1

Arrival at Chandigarh Airport to Shimla (by Road Appx. 135kms/ 3-4 Hours Drive)
Shimla

Arrival at Chandigarh Airport & transfer to Shimla
On Arrival check in to the hotel. Later free to walk down the Mall, with its quaint bazaar with ice-cream parlors, shawl shops, Chinese cobblers and handicrafts shops.
Overnight Stay in Hotel at Shimla


Day

2

Experience Heritage & Guided Walks in Shimla
Shimla

Shimla (also spelt as Simla) derives its name from goddess Shayamla Devi, which is another manifestation of Goddess Kali. The capital of Himachal Pradesh came into light when the British discovered it in 1819. Till then, it was a part of the Nepalese kingdom. In 1864 Shimla was declared as the summer capital of India. After Independence, Shimla became the capital of Punjab and was later named the capital of Himachal Pradesh. In 1903 a rail line was constructed between Kalka and Shimla.

PRIME ATTRACTIONS

Christ Church & St. Michaels Cathedral:
Built in 1846-1857, Christ Church is the second oldest church of Northern India. Himachal State Museum & Library The museum is located 2.5-km west of the scandal point and opens daily except on Mondays and public holidays.
Viceregal Lodge & Botanical Gardens: On the Observatory Hills is located Viceregal Lodge, which is also known as "Rashtrapati Niwas".
Himalayan Institute Of Advanced Studies: Housed in the former Viceregal Lodge,
The Ridge: The large open space in the heart of town
The Mall: This is the main shopping centre of Shimla with restaurants.
Prospect Hill: Crowned by a temple dedicated to Kamna Devi
Jakhu Temple: Dedicated to Lord Hanuman,
Summer Hill.

Full day at leisure to explore the once British hill station
Overnight Stay in Hotel at Shimla


Day

3

Shimla - Sangla (by Road 161 Kms / 5- 6 Hours Drive)
Sangla

After early breakfast by 0700hrs, an 8 hours drive takes us to the valleys largest settlement, Sangla, overlooks the right bank of the Baspa river on the lower slopes of Kinner-Kailash range of mountains.
Enroute, visit the Bhimakali temple - With its unusual architecture and wealth of wood carvings, Shri Bhima Kali Temple at Sarahan is the major monument that is duplicated no where else in the erstwhile hill states. Dedicated to the mother goddess Bhimakali presiding deity of the Rulers of former Bushahr Sate, situated at 2150 mtrs MSL this magnificent temple is about 180 kms. from Shimla.With its capital at Shonitpur this former princely state was extended up to entire area of Kinnaur where for somtimes Lord Shiva disguised himself as Kirat.Today, the then Shonitpur is known as Sarahan. Banasur, the ardent devotee of Lord Siva, eldest among the one hundred sons of great oblative demon King Bali and the great grandson of Visnu votary Prahlad, during the Puranic age was the ruler of this princely state.
Arrive Sangla by noon
Rest of the day spends exploring the nearby village, with its dense vegetation on mildly sloping mountains. The houses in this village rise from the river, one on top of the other with doors decorated with horns of mountain goats. The village also has a Hindu Temple built next to a Buddhist Monastery. The Sangla Valley was opened to visitors only 10 years ago and the inhabitants have many interesting customs and rituals. The area is virgin and is closed to the outside world during the six months of winter.
Overnight Stay in Hotel at Sangla


Day

4

Day Trip to Chitkul and Drive From Sangla Kalpa (by Road 40 Kms 2 Hours Drive)
Kalpa

Go for an early morning walk to Basteri village if you are up for it. Visit the ancient temple there and walk around the village. After breakfast, we take you to Chitkul- last village on Indo-Tibet border.
Visit CHITKUL (3450 m), the last and the highest village in this valley, 28 km from Sangla, is noted for its alpine meadows and snow scapes.
Enjoy the beautiful surroundings and drive back to Sangla.
From Sangla, we continue the drive to Kalpa. The magnificent view of the Kinner-Kailash massif sweeps 4500m up from the valley floor - a rugged ridge of sharp gray peaks flecked with folds of ice and snow. At a height 2960 m, once called Chini, the village came into prominence when it was visited by the British Governor-General, Lord Dalhousie (1848-56AD). Dalhousie was also responsible for the creation of the original Hindustan Tibet Road. There are thick forests of Himalayan cedar, the quite legendary deodar.
Arrive Kalpa by evening and check into hotel/ lodge/ homestay
Visit Hu-Bu-Lan-Kar monastery - It is a perfect place for history buffs! This extremely old monastery was founded by Rinchensang-po (950-1055 AD) and is very ancient.
Visit the Narayan-Nagini temple which is a remarkable example of local craftsmanship.
Overnight Stay in Hotel at Kalpa


Day

5

Kalpa Nako Monastery Gui Mummy Stupa - Tabo (by Road 160kms /5- 6 Hours Drive)
Tabo

After early breakfast by 0700hrs, drive to TaboviaYangthang and Samdho. The scenery along the whole route is breathtaking, changing from dense vegetation to a high mountain desert.

NAKO VILLAGE & MONASTERY -Culturally closer to Buddhist Spiti than Kinnaur, Nakos village centre retains an area of stone and mud-brick houses that has an almost medieval feel. Though backed by steep, arid mountainsides, Nakos remarkable stone-wall terracing allows agriculture to flourish improbably high above the Hangrang Valley (as the lower Spiti valley is called).On the western edge of Nako, NakosGompa combines recent monastery buildings with elements that date back to the 11th century. Inside are some fine murals and sculptures in similar styles to those of Spitis famous TaboGompa, as well as festival dance masks.LikeTaboGompa, this is believed to be one of over 100 monasteries founded by RingchenZangpo, the Great Translator, the key figure in the second propagation of Buddhism in Tibet in the 10th and 11th centuries. (The first was in the 8th century.)

GUI MUMMY STUPA - The Buddhist Mummy at Gue,the remarkably well preserved mummyis in a sitting position with intact hair and nails. That no chemicals are used, the natural mummification just left us marveling. At a distance of about 80 Km and a few kilometers away from the Indo-China border, Gue is the furthest village from Kaza. Situated at an altitude of around 3200 m, Gue is famous for this 500-600 year old naturally preserved mummy of a Lama that was discovered by the army after an old tomb containing the mummified body had opened up following the earthquake in 1975. The mummy is now kept in a separate chamber inside a glass casing just beside the village Gompa. Locals believe that the mummy is of Lama Sangha Tenzin, who had sacrificed his life to free the village from a menace of scorpions. They say when the Lama soul left his body there was a rainbow in the sky and the scorpions had disappeared. Carbon Dating has scientifically established the mummy to be of a 45 year old Lama from the last quarter of 15th century. The Lama apparently belonged to Gelugapaorder who are practitioners of Zogchen, the highest form of meditation. This is the only Buddhist mummy in the world and also the only known naturally preserved mummy in India.


Day

6

Tabo Lalun Dhankar Kaza (by Road 50 Kms 1.5 Hours Drive)
Kaza

After early breakfast, visit Tabo monastery, which has a 1000 old year history. It is one of the simplest arts of temple building. We also visit the villages of Tabo.

We drive on to Dhankar. About 40 km before Kaza, is this group of monasteries. At Dhankar Village you will find two gompas: one the most sought after 1000 years old and the new one recently inaugurated by Dalai Lama. If you have enough time, do visit these monasteries where the lamas are generous enough to show you around.
Drive on to Kaza, the main town in Spiti to reach by lunchtime.
Check into Hotel
Kaza (3600 M) [32o 13N, 78o 05E: Kaza is the sub-divisional headquarters of Spiti sub-division, which was sometime back the head quarters of the Nono, Chief of Spiti. It is known for its asbestos mines, which owing to lack of transport facilities, has since been abandoned. A traditional fair is celebrated here every year in the month of August. Situated at the foot of steep ridges, on the left bank of river Spiti on National Highway is Tehsil of Spiti valley. Ki-monastery is visible right from the road. It is really fantastic view.
Accommodation: hotel/ lodge Meals: Breakfast & Dinner


Day

7

In and Around Kaza Langza / Kibber Village, Hikkim & Komic Village
Kaza

Visit Langza - Set at an altitude of 4400 meters, Langza falls under the Kibber Wildlife Sanctuary and is close to Kaza, the headquarters of Spiti. Langza gets its name from 2 words; Lang which means temple and Za (short for Zama) which means mud craft. Langza once had a large community of artisans skilled in mud pottery. The mud vessels made here were supplied to the whole Spiti Valley. This craft started slowly dwindling over the years and today has only 4-5 people practicing it.
Drive to Kibber, situated at a height of 4320 meters, from where we get a beautiful view of the Spiti Tal.
We also visit Kye Monastery
Hikkim Village - Located at a distance of around 6 km southwards of Langza, on the way to route to Komic, the tiny hamlet of Hikkim is known for being the home of the highest post office in the world, lying at an altitude of 4440 m (14567 feet) above the sea level (listed in the Limca Book of Records also). At the first glance, you might mistake Hikkim for being an extension of Langza or Komic as this village too is bowl-shaped and equally tranquil. The houses in Hikkim, Spiti valley are made up of stones and mud with white colored walls. The houses here are in groups, closely placed, right below the road. Path towards these houses is a steep 65 degrees road. Prayer flags fluttering near the houses is a pointer towards the presence of Buddhism in the village.
Komic Village, situated at a height of 4275m is a location where fossils are found. Villagers might tempt you to buy the fossils, however do not get trapped since buying and transporting fossils is not legal. The village also owns a small monastery where women are not allowed during prayers.
Shopping in Kaza - Kaza, although a small town, is famous or its pure wool shawls, carpets and woolen clothes. Ceramic items and local jewellery is also on the top list of buyers. Lets check out some major shopping outlets of the town.

Overnight Stay in Hotel at Kaza


Day

8

Kaza- Lohsar- Kunzum Pass- Chandrataal Lake (12o Kms/ 5 Hours)
Chandra Taal Lake

Early morning, we drive to Chandra Tal- The lake of the moon via Lohsar village and Kunzum Pass. The drive on this day will be one of the highlights of the trip. Have a cup of tea at the last village of Spiti valley- Lohsar. After this you will just get closer to the high mountains and all you will see is snow capped peaks from Kunzum Pass and beyond. The hike to Chandra Tal lake is 20 mins from the barricade. The lake is a mesmerizing sight that will leave you speechless for sure. We don't have words to describe it. Spend the night at camp close to the lake.
Overnight Stay in Campl at Chandrataal lake


Day

9

Chandrataal- Batal- Chatru- Gramphoo- Rohtang Pass- Manali (120 Kms/ 7 Hours)
Manali

Some people call it tough, some call it adventurous and some call the drive of their life- this is the last day of your trip before you head back to civilization in Manali. The road between Chandra Tal and Manali is the toughest, roughest, most scenic and we guarantee you will skip a few breathes this day. The non-existence of roads, a few water falls, dry and dusty make this terrain difficult. On the other hand, snow capped mountains, Chandra river flowing to meet Bhaga and the vast landscape make your drive memorable. Spend some time at Rohtang if time permits.
Overnight Stay in Hotel at Manali


Day

10

In Manali
Manali

After the spectacular drive through Spiti, Manali would not hold much merit, but it would be a shame not to visit the town as we cross it. It would be worthwhile to visit few places and then there are some amazing cafe which will be a delight after the basic food in Spiti. Visit places like Hadimba Temple, Museum of Himachal Culture & Folk Art near Hadimba temple, Himalayan Nyingmapa Gompa a, nd Gadhan Thekchhokling Gompa and Naggar Castle.
Eating out in Manali - As famous is Manali for its breathtaking beauty and adventures; it is for its places to eat . Of all the street-side stalls and cafes. Try few place like Martin s (Himalayan Sports Club), Casa Belle Vista, Pizza Olive, Blue Elephant Cafe, Dylans Toasted And Roasted Coffee House, La Plage, IL Forno, The Lazy Dog, Cafe 1947, Drifter s Cafe and Johnson s Cafe
Overnight Stay in Hotel at Manali


Day

11

Manali- Kullu- Mandi- Chandigarh (290 Kms/10 Hours)
Chandigarh

After early breakfast, Drive to Chandigarh
Reach by late afternoon


Inclusions


  • Assistance on arrival at Airport/Railway station.
  • Accommodation in Hotels/ Himalayan Lodge /homestays/ tents on twin / triple sharing basis.
  • All meals as specified in the itinerary
  • Transport in a large MUV car from Day 1 till day 11 as mentioned in the plan above
  • All driver expenses, fuel, tolls taken care
  • Driver to act as a basic guide 

Exclusions


  • Drinks, personal expenses, tips, laundry, telephone calls, personal medicines and even expenses incurred due to reasons beyond our control such as bad weather or road blocks due to landslides etc.
  • Anything not specified in the itinerary as above.
  • Any increase in road taxes, diesel, entrance fees or any other govt.-imposed taxes.
  • Evacuation charges, damage of any nature.
  • Insurance
  • Personal expenses of the clients or any other expenses incurred due to bad weather, road closure, landslides etc.
  • Anything not specified under the header Package price includes.
  • Any Air/ Rail ticket.
  • Any monument fees
  • Camera fees
  • 5% GST

Proposed Accommodation/ Similar

Shimla - 2 Nights
Sangla - 1 Night
Kalpa - 1 Night
Tabo - 1 Night
Kaza - 2 Nights
Chandra Taal Lake - 1 Night
Manali - 2 Nights

Activities

Shimla
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Viceregal Lodge & Botanical Gardens

The Rashtrapati Niwas, also known as Viceregal Lodge, is located on the Observatory Hills of Shimla, Himachal Pradesh, India. It w...

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The Ridge

The Ridge, Shimla, Himachal Pradesh, India The Ridge road is a large open space, located in the center of Shimla, the capital cit...

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Jakhoo Temple

Jakhoo Temple is an ancient temple in Shimla, dedicated to the Hindu deity Hanuman. It is situated on Jakhoo Hill, Shimla's highes...

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Indian Institute of Advanced Study

The Indian Institute of Advanced Study is a research institute based in Shimla, India. It was set up by the Ministry of Education,...

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Manali
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Hidimba Devi Temple

Hidimba Devi Temple, locally known as Dhungiri Temple, also known variously as the Hadimba Temple, is located in Man?li, a hill st...

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Kaza
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Key Monastery

Kye Gompa is a Tibetan Buddhist monastery located on top of a hill at an altitude of 4,166 metres (13,668 ft) above sea level, clo...

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Tabo
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Tabo Monastery

Tabo Monastery (or Tabo Chos-Khor Monastery) is located in the Tabo village of Spiti Valley, Himachal Pradesh, northern India. It ...

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Sangla
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Bhima Kali Temple

Shri Bhima Kali Temple is a temple at Sarahan in Himachal Pradesh in India, dedicated to the mother goddess Bhimakali, presiding d...

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Buddhist Monastery Sangla

The famous Sangla Buddhist Monastery is located near Reckong Peo in Brelengi Thus, and is also known as Brelengi Gompa, in Sangla....

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Kalpa
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Narayan Nagini Temple

Narayan Nagini Temple is situated on the top of a hill at Chini Village in Kinnaur District, Himachal Pradesh. This magnificent sh...

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Additional Info

Sector Note

Tour Price
On Request
Cancellation Policy


The package price will be deducted as per the following conditions strictly. No refund will be entertained without receiving a cancellation request effective from the date of receipt of the letter. 

  • Notice less than 60-46 days:  25% cost will be deducted
  • Notice less than 45-31 days:  50% cost will be deducted
  • Notice less than  30 days:    No Refund

Note: No refund will be given to people who are unable to complete the trip or abandon it due to any reasons.
Terms & Conditions
TERMS AND CONDITIONS

  • The digital copy of the Indemnity form duly filled, signed and emailed to the company along with the booking amount. 
  • It will be deemed that the booking & payment policy is accepted by the clients while making the bookings with the first deposit amount. 
  • If the client is forced to cancel the booking prior to departure, the cancellation policy will be followed.
  • In case of any delay beyond our control, the client will have to bear extra cost for the extra days as per the option chosen on per day basis.
  • Please  note  and  be  well  informed  that  there  will  be  no  refund  of  money  after the package commences and if one cannot complete activity or gets sick enroute. 
  • The cost is for the entire package and there would be no refunds in case any part of the package is not availed.


COMPANY LIABILITY

  1. It is in the nature of a holiday of this kind to be flexible. The day-to-day agenda and ultimate goal of the tour is taken as an aim and not as a contractual obligation. We shall not be responsible for the delays or alterations in the program or expenses incurred due to conflict, international or internal flight delay or cancellations, strikes, sickness, weather, war, vehicle problems, political closures and disputes.
  2. The  booking  is  accepted  on  the  understanding  that  you  realize  the  potential  risks  and hazards that can be involved in holidays of this kind. The organisor along with our leaders/guides and anyone else working in association with us cannot be held responsible for any death, accident or mishap that may occur in connection with any part of, or services connected with the holiday. 
  3. Before the guests come on a holiday, they must be covered by insurance, which has to include the cost of helicopter rescue, evacuation and cost of repatriation if they become too ill to continue. It is recommended that the travel insurance should cover adventure activities undertaken. We can help you incase required
  4. The Company would not be liable to pay any kind of compensation arising because of any mishap, sickness, accident etc.
Payment Policy
BOOKING & PAYMENT POLICY


  • Booking Amount:     25% of the package price (Non-Refundable)
  • 1st Installment:        25% of the package price on confirmation of all services
  • 2nd Installment:       50% Balance 15 days prior to the departure date
Indemnity Bond
Kindly download the Booking & Indemnity form this link. The digital copy of the Booking & Indemnity form duly filled, signed and scanned must be emailed to us along with the 25% booking amount of the package price.

Departure Dates