• Our journey starts at Chandigarh.
Drive from Chandigarh to Manali (305 km/ 10 Hrs)
• You will be free to do whatever you want on this day, but the most important thing is to relax and acclimatise and not overexert. You can visit the Hidimba or Manu temples or visit Vashisht to have a bath in the famous hot springs. If you want to take it easy you can also sit next to the river and read a book or just chill in one of the many good cafés in Old Manali. We can most definitely make some recommendations if you’d like. In case you have missed packing something then this is the time when you should go shopping as Spiti valley doesn’t have well stocked chemists or many shops where you will be able to get everything you need. Once everyone has arrived by afternoon, we will hold a small briefing session along with the guide. This will also be a good time for you to get acquainted with the rest of the group. We suggest you call it an early night as your body needs proper rest for the long journey ahead. As we will be leaving very early the next day, proper rest will help you in acclimatising.

• 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 café’s 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

Very early morning, today we head to Spiti valley which will take around 10 hours (220 km). We leave early in the morning as we have a long way to go and ascend the mighty Rohtang Pass, to begin with. We shall spend some time at the pass and then head towards Gramphoo for breakfast. From Gramphoo you shall start noticing the change in terrain where you will see less trees and more of steep mountain peaks and beginning of barren landscape. From here we head towards Chatru and face some of the biggest waterfalls crossing the road which can be a nightmare for any non-experienced driver. The terrain will take drastic change from Chatru and all you will see is rocks all over with huge streams crossing the road and converging in the ruthless Chandra river. We shall take regular halts for you to absorb the place, admire it and feel the fresh air. From here we head to Kunzum Pass and pay our regards to the Kunzum Goddess and enter Spiti valley. The jumpy ride with the non-existent road which started from Gramphoo will end in Lohsar. From Lohsar head to Kaza after a small break. It will take another 2 hours of a beautiful journey. Reach Kaza, check-in and enjoy a cup of tea. This tiring day will end with a gaze at the gorgeous sky of a million stars and a prominent milky way.

Start the day easy over the breakfast. We shall head out to spend our afternoon next to the river where we shall serve you lunch picnic style and you just spend time relaxing and soaking in the sun. After lunch, we shall head to Kye monastery, the centre of learning in Spiti valley. The setting of the monastery is on a small hill from where you get a complete view of the valley. We shall have a cup of tea and spend some time at the roof of the monastery from where you can click pictures and videos. From here we shall head to Kibber village, which use to be the highest motorable village in the world before Komic took that place. High mountains around Kibber are also home to the rarest Snow Leopard and Siberian Ibex. We head back to Kaza from here.

After a relaxed breakfast, we shall head to Tabo Monastery in the morning via a short visit to Dhankar Monastery and Lake. Dhankar village uses to be the seat of the Spitian King in the ancient times and the sect of the monastery changed to the sect that the king followed. Dhankar monastery claimed to be 1000 years old, is on the cliff of a mountain over-looking the confluence of Pin and Spiti river. Due to the loose soil that is prevalent in cold deserts, Dhankar monastery is an endangered site and being on the edge it becomes one of the most beautiful monuments in this valley. There can be no better setting of a monument than Dhankar Monastery. We shall hike to Dhankar lake (source of water to Dhankar village) which is a steep walk of 45 minutes. The climb is optional. Spend some time at the lake and head back. We shall make a move towards Tabo monastery, also known as the “Ajanta of the Himalayas”, which is more than 1000 years old. Paintings and murals on the walls of the main sanctum make it a masterpiece and worth visiting. We shall head back to Kaza from here and end the day.

We shall 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. Visit the world’s highest post office in Hikkim and post a few postcards to your loved ones. 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 each and every aspect of it has a cozy side and you will feel that while sharing space with a local family.
(Option of returning to Kaza)

After Breakfast with the local family, we head towards Chandrataal Lake. This 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 looks as stunning as the other. Tonight we camp in proper adventure style; excellent dome / swiss tents set up to protect you from the cold and biting night winds.

We leave early this morning to Manali after an early breakfast. We will take a small break at Batal to say goodbye to Chacha and Chachi at Chandra Dhaba. The aim is to try and reach Rohtang pass by early afternoon and spend some time at the pass. Head to Manali and relax. We will have a small get together in the evening over dinner. Stay in Manali for the night.

Accommodation: hotel/ lodge
Meals: Breakfast

• Transfer to Chandigarh (113kms/ 4 hrs)