Spiti Valley Road Trip from Manali
Spiti valley
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A road trip to Spiti Valley is no less than a boon for people who are craving peace of mind as well as travelers who want to experience the thrill that comes with off-roading on impassable roads and jagged terrains. This road trip to Spiti valley from Manali is the perfect opportunity for people to have a closer look at the many distinct cultures the state of Himachal has to offer which is also why we believe that the best way to reach Spiti Valley is via Manali. The word "Spiti" means "The Middle Land", and is itself the perfect depiction of the union between India and Tibet. Also known as The land of the Lamas, the cold desert mountain valley of Spiti is nestled between India and Tibet with rich cultural history dating back to the 17th century. With ancient monasteries, monks chanting the name of Buddha, nomadic sheep grazing in the fields and quaint villages, life in Spiti moves at a slow pace with tranquility filling the stillness that is omnipresent in the valley. At the same time, the majestic grandeur of the great Himalayas, wicked trekking trails, slanted slopes and chilly breeze make it a land full of opportunities for adventure enthusiasts, to satiate their incessant need of exploring the unknown. In this Spiti valley road trip starting from Manali, we start from the verdant terrains of Manali where we make a brief stop to recharge ourselves before we start the long journey that lies ahead of us. There are two routes to reach Spiti, one is from Manali and the other is from Shimla. Most people prefer going on a road trip to Spiti valley from Manali as the route is shorter and also gives ample opportunity for adventure. The roads are tough to drive upon especially when you’re headed towards Kunzum Pass, and the water crossings make conditions even tougher, but the journey becomes ten times better when you are traveling to Spiti valley from the Manali route, not to mention that even though the roads are extremely hostile, they are less susceptible to landslides, and the entire journey is less time consuming. The Manali to Spiti route is also more accessible to people compared to others, public buses run from Manali to Kaza every morning and are also relatively cheaper. Since the Manali route is often the road frequently taken, there is also a sense of security that travelers feel whenever a vehicle passes them by. Also, the best part of driving to Spiti from Manali is that you get to see the iconic Kunzum Pass which contributes to making your road trip to Spiti more memorable. The distance from Manali to Spiti stretches to an expanse of about 200kms making it an ideal road trip where it ends neither too soon nor too late, with scenic views of clear blue skies and majestic mountains keeping you company. Our first halt is the town of Kaza that serves as the binding force and connects different parts of the valley, making it the ideal base camp for trekkers, mountaineers or campers who are partaking in a Spiti Valley road trip. Overlooked by lofty mountain ranges, Kaza is one of the coldest towns in the country and is known for its rich culture, festive celebrations and age-old monasteries. Kaza is also the commercial hub of Spiti valley and even spending a few moments in this beautiful town brings travelers immense peace. In the treasure chest that is Spiti valley, there is an abundance of gems that one can find. One of them being the beautiful Pin Valley, a cold desert region popular for its wildlife reserve Pin valley National park. The reserve is surrounded by alpine forests and due to its slanted slopes and inaccessibility has managed to preserve many endangered species including the snow leopard. Apart from the sanctuary, Pin valley holds Kungri monastery in its embrace. Built in 1330, Kungri is Spiti Valley’s second oldest monastery and is known for the sword dance performed by buzhens, which is a tantric cult known throughout the Buddhist regions of Himalayas. Nestled at the base of Pin Parbati ranges and on the bank of Pin river, our next stop, Mud village is a hamlet that gives you a closer look at the slow paced life that people of Spiti live. From meditation caves, shelters and Buddhist nunneries, there are many unexplored spots in this village alone and it just shows how Spiti holds many wonders in its embrace. We will also visit the Tabo Monastery to pay our reverence.. Founded in 996 C.E, the frescoes displayed on each and every wall of this monastery narrate the tales of the early Buddhist pantheon. Many unique and priceless collections of thangka paintings, ancient relics and murals are preserved in the monastery making it a national treasure. Overlooking the confluence of Spiti and Pin river, sitting atop a huge spur is the Dhankar Monastery that consists of a cosmic Buddha statue known as Vairocana as well as many thangka paintings and a small museum. Other places that you will get to see on this Spiti valley road trip include Hikkim, Komic and Langza. All of them offer a unique experience exclusive to their premise. For example, Hikkim is the world's highest post office and is situated at an altitude of 14,400 ft. You can write a letter to people you cherish and the experience is quite like no other. You get to relive the old school nostalgia that was an integral part of communication before the digital age while experiencing the unique feeling that comes with being that high. Komic, nestled at an altitude of 15,500 ft is the highest village in the world connected by a high motorable road while Langza is known as the village of gods as well as for its abundance of fossils. However, what puts this village on the radar of tourists is the 1000 year old Buddha statue that overlooks the village as if with vigilance. Kye Gompa, more popularly known as Kee Monastery is the training center for the Lamas who grow up to follow the path of Buddha. It is also the largest as well as the oldest monastery with relics and images of Buddha still preserved within the walls of the monastery. A trip to Spiti valley is incomplete without visiting the Kee monastery and it’s only when you have spent some peaceful moments there, will you realize why it's an integral part of this road trip to Spiti valley. Traversing through the Chicham Bridge, which is Asia’s highest bridge at an altitude of 13,500ft and Kibber, one of the highest inhabited villages in Spiti Valley elevated at an altitude of 14,200 ft. above sea level, we will make our way towards Chandra taal. Also known as the Moon lake, Chandra taal is a crescent moon shaped lake overflowing with crystal clear blue water and serenity and is the perfect place to conclude this trip before starting our return journey. Spiti valley provides one of the most phenomenal views that one could get, even when it’s not necessarily covered in a blanket of snow as the natural beauty of Spiti is unmatched and eternal. In the summertime, you get to witness Spiti through a different eye as people are indulging in farming. You can always spot herds of Himalayan sheep grazing and the green landscape that is exclusive to spring time is also a visual treat for the eyes. Hence, the best time for a road trip to Spiti valley from Manali if you are not a snow fanatic is definitely from March to June. In a nutshell, Spiti is a beautiful destination that is perfect for a road trip for thrill seekers and nature lovers alike.
The group will assemble at the pick-up point by 06:00 PM. We'll meet the team captains and a small tour briefing session will be conducted. After which, we’ll head out on an overnight journey to Manali.
We will reach Manali early in the morning. Post-check-in, the rest of the day is at leisure. Travelers are advised to indulge in cafe hopping, local sightseeing, and more. Dinner will be served in the evening followed by an overnight stay in Manali.
After early morning breakfast, we will head out to Kaza. En-route, we’ll be traversing through Kunzum Pass. We will reach Kaza by late evening and check in to our designated stays. Dinner will be served in the evening followed by an overnight stay in Kaza. 4
Post breakfast, we will head towards Kungri Monastery in Pin valley followed by a visit to Mudh Village. En-route, we will make a brief pit stop and visit the Tabo Monastery. Our next stop in the sightseeing tour would be Dhankar where we will visit the thousand year old Dhankar Monastery. We will head back to Kaza where we will have dinner followed by an overnight stay in Kaza.
After early morning breakfast, we will go sightseeing and visit Hikkim (the highest post office in the world). We will also visit Komic village, Langza (where the iconic Budhha statue is situated) and then head towards Kee Monastery. Finally, we’ll head back to Kaza where we will have dinner and spend the night.
Post-breakfast we will head towards Chandratal or Batal. En-route, we will make brief stops at Kibber, Chicham Bridge (Asia’s Highest Bridge), and Kunzum Pass. Post-check-in, we'll relax for some time before visiting the Chandratal Lake. Dinner will be served in the evening followed by an overnight stay in Chandra Taal or Batal.
After early morning breakfast we'll start our return journey to Manali. We will reach Manali by late afternoon. Rest of the day is at leisure. In the evening, we will board the bus for our overnight drive to Delhi.
The group will reach Delhi by early in the morning and part ways with fond memories. End of Tour.
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“Main akela hi chala tha janib-e-manzil magar, log judte gaye aur karwaan banta gaya.” - Majrooh Sultanpuri Every brand starts off with a dream and as you walk the path of turning your vision into a reality, overcoming every hurdle and road block the journey has to offer you, you grow in irrevocable ways. Back when we first started JustWravel in 2015, we knew that no matter how high we might fly, we will never forget our roots and today, even after becoming a family of more than 25k people, our core values remain the same and we will make sure they will stay the same for years to come. The reason behind starting this venture was simple, to give people a chance to explore all the wonders this beautiful country has to offer and that meant unraveling hidden nooks and corners that are not as mainstream as other travel destinations. To make sure that passionate adventurers of our country could have a reliable platform that provided them the best traveling experience, be it fixed departure group tours, road trips to Ladakh, or the best treks in India.
Reviews
Shouri Piratla
Spiti trip has been amazing. All the accommodations and services provided by JustWravel were really great and comfortable. Will definitely pick JustWravel for my future expeditions.
Kelay Shah
views. There will be some places that'll make you speechless and you'll want to just sit and appreciate the beauty of nature. Would definitely plan next trips with Piyush and justwravel! :D
Brijesh Daiya
Great Experience! We took Justwravel's road trip package to Spiti Valley. The package is well organized covering main sightseeings and places to visit. All the accommodations and travel arrangements were comfy and included most of the promised amenities. Special thanks to Piyush Rawat, our coordinator, he managed and acted his best in all the situations. His jolliness added more fun to the trip. Although many destinations were covered in a short period of time, the trip was relaxing. Thanks for such memorable moments of our lives.
Pratik Chheda
Spiti valley was a life time experience. Justwravel had been a good choice for the trip. It had managed professionally with minor ups and downs. Most of the places were covered. The hotels and homestays had good hygienic facilities and conditions. Overall it was a good experience!
Priya Chopra
It was my first solo trip with Justwravel and I couldn't Have asked for anything more. They gave me everything beyond expectations. The food, the people, the travel everything was superb. Once I came back I felt like I left my home and family there. Looking forward to more exciting trips with them :)
Shubhra Bharadwaj
I had the pleasure of visiting spiti this time with justwravel accompanied by Mr.Nishant Bhardwaj from the company .It was a nearly organised,well crafted trip where even small things were taken good care of.They add a personal loving touch in addition to the services they provide.I would recommend this to everyone ,whether going on a solo trip like me or going with friends / family .
Inclusions
Transportation in Tempo Traveller from Manali to Manali.
Bus tickets from Delhi to Manali and return.
Accommodations on sharing basis as per itinerary.
Meal Plan: MAP (Breakfast + Dinner, starting from Day 2 Dinner till Day 7 Breakfast)
Trip Lead will be present at all times during the tour.
Mechanical Support
All permits Required
First Aid Kits
Oxygen Cylinders
Infrared Thermometer
Oximeter
Exclusions
Early check-in at the hotel.
Any additional expenses of personal nature.
Additional accommodation/food costs incurred due to any delay in travel.
Any lunch and other meals not mentioned in Package Inclusions.
Any Airfare / Rail fare other than what is mentioned in “Inclusions” or any type of transportation.
Parking and monument entry fees during sightseeing.
Additional Costs due to Flight Cancellations, Landslides, Roadblocks, and other natural calamities.
Any other services not specified above in inclusions.
THINGS TO CARRY
Rucksack (60 Liters+)
Daypack
Backpack Rain Cover
Suncap
Woolen Cap
UV Protected Sunglasses
Inner Thermals (2 pairs)
Comfortable Pants (Prefer Cargo/Trek Pants )
Fleece Jacket
Warm Jacket
Down Jacket /Main Jacket
Raincoat/Poncho
Gloves
Socks (2 Woolen/2 Cotton)
Undergarments
Slippers
Sturdy Comfortable Shoes
Towels
First Aid Kit
Personal Medication
Torch
Water Bottle
Power Bank
Mobile Charger/Travel Charger
Hand Sanitizer
Toiletries
Cold Cream
Lip Guard
Deodorant
Sunscreen Lotion (SPF 40+)
Documents – ID (Driver’s License, AADHAR Card, Voter ID:: Passport and Visa copy for Foreign Nationals)
PICKUP LOCATIONS
Go to Google Maps
Policy and Terms
No cancellations will be taken over phone calls or WhatsApp messages. Please reply to the email of the payment receipt that you have received at the time of booking regarding the cancellation.
Free Cancellation up to 60 days before the departure date (Booking amount is non-refundable)
If you're canceling the trip and opting for a refund within 59 days to 45 days of the Departure Date then only 10% of the total trip cost (calculated after subtracting the booking amount) along with the booking amount (non-refundable) will be charged as a cancellation fee and remaining sum would be refunded.
If you're canceling the trip and opting for a refund within 44 Days to 30 Days of the Departure Date then only 25% of the total trip cost (calculated after subtracting the booking amount) along with the booking amount (non-refundable) will be charged as a cancellation fee and remaining sum would be refunded.
If you're canceling the trip and opting for a refund within 29 Days to 15 Days of the Departure Date then only 50% of the total trip cost (calculated after subtracting the booking amount) along with the booking amount (non-refundable) will be charged as a cancellation fee and remaining sum would be refunded.
If you're canceling the trip and opting for a refund within15 Days to 8 Days of the Departure Date then only 75% of the total trip cost (calculated after subtracting the booking amount) along with the booking amount (non-refundable) will be charged as a cancellation fee and remaining sum would be refunded.
If you're canceling the trip and opting for a refund within 7 Days from the Departure Date then 100% of the total trip cost (calculated after subtracting the booking amount) along with the booking amount (non-refundable) will be charged as a cancellation fee and remaining sum would be refunded.
You are not eligible for a refund if you fail to show up on the day of departure under the given timeline that has been provided to you beforehand.
There would be no refund provided in case some problems occur due to government orders, harsh weather conditions, protests, landslides, or any other unforeseen circumstances. On the occasion of any such happenings, we have a backup plan ready most of the time and we'll be moving onto that. There are times when we would have to cancel some activities mentioned in the itinerary but it's only due to the reason that we would be bound by a circumstance that is not in our control.
If a trek is called off at the last moment due to a natural calamity/unforeseen circumstances (like rain, snowfall, earthquake, landslides, strike, bandh, etc.) then the participants would be provided with a travel voucher for the same amount that can be used within 365 days of the issuance date for any package worth the same amount.
If a trek/trip has to be aborted midway due to a natural calamity/unforeseen circumstances (like rain, snowfall, earthquake, landslides, strike, bandh, etc.). In that case, no refund would be provided.
JustWravel will not bear any extra expense due to any natural calamity/unforeseen circumstances (like rain, snowfall, earthquake, landslides, strike, bandh, etc.).
Cancellations policy differs for popular destinations and also during peak season, kindly confirm with your operator once.
Frequest Questions
Q. What Will Be the Group Size for This Spiti Valley Tour?
We prefer a smaller group size consisting of only 15-18 participants. The reason being that smaller batches are better in terms of collaborative group experience and trip coordination as well. You’re more likely to gel up with everybody in a short group as compared to a group that has more participants in number.
Q. Who All Will Be Accompanying The Group During The Spiti Valley Tour?
We have fully qualified and functionally trained Trip Leads, Assistant Trip Lead, Driver accompanying the group during all our journeys. Apart from that, Local Guides and Porters (personal expanse) will also be tagged in if required on a trip/trek.
Q. Being The Only Girl In The Group, Will The Journey Be Safe For Me As Well?
Yes! You should board with us on the departure date without any hesitation being the solo girl traveling alone. The reason is that we will make sure to take care of your experience during the whole journey. Additionally, all our trip leads are trained to deal with a number of situations and they’ll be there for you during the trip.
Q. What Necessary Items Should I Pack For The Spiti Valley Tour?
Once your booking is confirmed, an email confirmation will be delivered to you which will include all the necessary information including booking details, trip details, and a brief packing list.
Q. What Type of Ground Transportation Will Be Used on the Trip?
We will make sure that you’re comfortable during the whole journey and that is why we hire the best in class vehicle according to the terrain and need. Some of the on-ground vehicles that you might travel in will be Tempo Traveller or taxis such as Innova, Bolero, Tata Sumo, e.t.c.
Q. Do I Need to Buy Trekking Shoes for the Spiti Valley Tour?
Since we do not have any trekking to do while on the journey, you might not need trekking shoes specifically. But still, a good pair of shoes that have proper soles and are equally comfortable is recommended.
You might need a good pair of shoes when traveling to Dhankar Lake and Chandratal lake. A Quechua or forclaz shoes available at Decathlon will also do.
Q. What Are the Washroom/Toilet Facilities on the Spiti Tour?
We will be staying in Hotels, Camp and Homestays-we have constructed washrooms with proper running water and sanitation facilities.
Q. What Will Be the Type of Accommodation?
It depends on the tour. On the Spiti tour, we are staying in Hotels, Camp and Homestays.
Q. How Many Travelers Will Be Staying in One Room?
We offer both Double sharing and Triple Sharing rooms. Depending on the package you book, you will be provided with the accommodation accordingly.
Q. How Can I Book a Trip With You?
After selecting the trip, you can book by clicking on the book now button or you can contact us and we will guide you through the booking process.
Q. What Type of Food Is Served During the Trip?
We provide nutritious, hygienic, and healthy food during the trip. But in case, you have some preferred food type such as Jain Foods, Only Vegetarian or any other type then we can make arrangements beforehand. But make sure to inform the same to your handler at the time of booking.
Q. How to Get Safe Drinking Water on the Trip?
Himalayan water is considered the purest water and safe to drink. But for safety purposes, we sometimes boil the water and then use it for drinking and cooking.
In case you find any clean water on the trek, make sure to fill your bottles with the same. Do not try out water that is stable, always go for running water.
Q. Can We Change the Itinerary?
Yes, you can give suggestions. We will look into that and if we find it feasible then we will apply it as well.
Q. Can You Customize the Trip According to My Preferences?
Yes, we can customize any trip as per your preferences. Once you show interest in the same, a dedicated handler from JustWravel will be assigned to you for the same.
Q. Do You Prefer I Should Bring Some Medicines With Me?
Yes, it is advisable that you carry your own medication on the Spiti trip. Although, for common symptoms and even more, we have first aid boxes and all our trip leads have basic knowledge about basic paramedics practices.
Q. Diamox Is Advisable or Not?
Well, it totally depends on person to person. Usually, there are no side effects of Diamox but if you are having any prior medical conditions then it is better to consult your doctor for the same.
Our itinerary is designed in a way that we take sufficient time to get acclimatized. In case if you are having problems on the trip then please consult with your trip leader about your condition as soon as possible.
Q. What Will We Do if It Rains?
If it starts raining slowly while trekking then we will continue our trek as per the plan. Your poncho will keep you dry. In case if it is raining heavily then we will try to find any shelter and wait for the rain to stop or slow. If it rains at the campsite then there would not be any problem because all our living tents, kitchen tents, and toilet tents are waterproof. You will stay dry inside.
Q. Can I Take My Child Along on This Trip? What Is the Age Limit?
It depends on the difficulty level of the trek/trip. The minimum age for eligibility is 14 years.
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