DAY 1 Drive from Manali to Kaza (11,980 feet / 8-10 hours)
Upon reaching Manali, you will be greeted and aided before being taken to Kaza. Upon arriving in Kaza, please check-in at your hotel. The rest of the evening is yours to enjoy as you wish.
As we make our way to the district capital of Spiti Valley, Kaza, this morning, the craggy and serrated foothills tower above us on either side. Along the route, we will stop at Rohtang Pass for breakfast at Maddi. Our drive will take us through a breathtakingly isolated landscape of brown badlands before we reach Batal for lunch. The chill in the air may catch you off guard as we pass through Kunzum Pass at an impressive altitude of 14,931 feet. From there, we will descend into Losar Village, the first settlement in the Spiti Valley.
Enjoy a delightful dinner and spend the night at a hotel in Kaza.
DAY 2 Drive from Kaza to Tabo to Dhankar.
After breakfast, head to Tabo, nicknamed the 'Ajanta of the Himalayas'. This village is home to the 1010-year-old Tabo Monastery, a UNESCO world heritage site. Inside the monastery, you can admire ancient paintings depicting the life of The Buddha and intricate depictions of gods and demons. You'll also see life-size effigies of bodhisattvas that blend western Tibetan, Indian, and Kashmiri styles. After spending a few hours at Tabo, continue your journey towards Dhankar. This tiny village sits at a high elevation near the Spiti and Pin rivers. In the past, it was the capital of the rulers known as Nono who governed the dusty wildernesses of Spiti Valley. Immerse yourself in history by exploring the 1200-year-old Dhankar Gompa, which stands precariously on a cliff's edge. If you're feeling energetic, take an hour-long hike above the village to reach Dhankar Tso or Dhankar Lake. From there, you'll have stunning views of the valley and Mane Rang's twin peaks (which stand at 6593 meters). Dinner & Overnight stay at hotel in Kaza.
DAY 3 Drive from Kaza to Komik to Langza to Kaza.
After breakfast, you will be taken to Komik, the highest village in Asia. Its name, meaning 'eye of a snow cock', is situated at an altitude of 4513m. This small agricultural community has a population of 84 people who live in isolation without much contact with the outside world for most of the year. There, you can visit Komik Lundup Chhemo, one of the highest monasteries globally, with a picturesque backdrop. Later on, continue your journey to another high village in Spiti - Langza. It stands at an elevation of 4400 meters and follows the Sakyapa sect of Tibetan Buddhism. The village has a population of 137 people residing in 33 households. Take a leisurely walk around and see the ancient Lang (temple), estimated to be over 1000 years old. In Langza, you can go back in time to when Spiti was covered by the Tethys Sea and explore this land filled with fossils from millions of years ago. Dinner and overnight stay will be at a hotel in Kaza.
DAY 4 Drive from Kaza to Ki Monastery to Kibber.
After having breakfast, depart from the hotel and travel to Kibber, a small village known for its motorable roads and functioning polling station. Upon arrival, settle into your home stay located on a limestone rock at an altitude of 4205m. From there, head to ki Gompas to see the residences of many Buddhist monks and nuns as well as grab a bite at the on-site cafeteria. Next, embark on the first leg of your journey to Langza hamlet, where you can witness relics from the Tethys Sea that were once inhabited by humans. End the day with dinner and spend the night at your home stay in Kibber.
DAY 5 Drive from Kibber to Chandratal Lake.
Following breakfast, depart from the hotel and be transported to the breathtaking Chandratal Lake. Along the way, make a stop at the temple located at Kunzum La. Upon arrival at Chandratal, settle into your campsite. The serene blue waters of the lake are sure to mesmerize you and reverberate with the impressive snow-covered mountains. Take in the vibrant hues of Chandratal before heading to our camping site for a delectable dinner under a blanket of stars and the Milky Way. Retire for the night and spend it in your cozy camp at Chandratal.
DAY 6 Drive from Chandratal Lake to Manali.
Enjoy a delicious breakfast before departing from the hotel and heading to Manali. The scenic drive around the lake offers breathtaking views, from lush green to fiery reddish orange. As you make your way towards Manali, be sure to take in the beauty of Rohtang Pass. Upon reaching Manali, check-in at your hotel. Dinner will be served at the hotel and you will spend the night there as well.
DAY 7 Depart from Manali / Take an overnight bus to New Delhi.
Following breakfast, it is time to check-out from the hotel in Manali as you prepare for your departure to Delhi. Before leaving, take some time to explore the town and perhaps purchase some items to remember your visit. Later in the afternoon, you can either take a bus or car for your journey back to Delhi. You have the option of paying directly or allowing us to handle the arrangements for you.
