The Spiti Valley Backpacking Trip (9D/8N)
Spiti Valley
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All About It
- 9 Days 8 Nights
- 10 Slots
- Difficulty - Easy
- For 7+ years
Hello Roadtrippers!
Surrounded by snow-capped mountains and majestic valleys all year, the “middle land” called Spiti Valley between India and Tibet is a dream of every traveler. Winding roads, bumpy rides, pointed peaks, sudden changes in climate, the purest form of air, millions of stars, flowing rivers in all directions, warm welcoming locals, colorful monasteries and the rustic setting present a unique combination that cannot be described, but can only be felt and experienced with your own senses.
On this road trip, we will take you on a journey to all important places in Spiti like Kaza, Hikkim, Koumik, Nako, Dhankar, Tabo, etc. Along with unmatched beauty and wilderness of mighty Himalayas, Spiti gives us a great opportunity to immerse ourselves in the local Buddhist culture that is so peaceful and welcoming. For instance, Key – the biggest monastery of the entire valley, built in the 11th century, is home for many monks and nuns. It’s the biggest training center for Lamas. Strike a conversation with one of the elderly lamas to get a pinch of wisdom, and your heart will feel light.
The great heights of this place combined with sparsely populated landscapes intrigue and charm you at the same time. Spiti will make you stand still, will slow down the pace of time, and will make you appreciate one of the most important aspects of life called Peace.
Spiti will leave an imprint on your mind, body, and soul. It’s not just a road trip, but a journey of complete joy and fulfillment. It’s a journey that’s called life in its full ecstasy.
Come, live it.
Highlights
- Chitkul – The Last Village of India
- Key monastery: The grandest view
- Koumik: World’s Highest Village connected with a motorable road
- Hikkim: World’s highest post office
- Langza: Giant Buddha statue in amphitheater setting of Himalayas
- Kalpa: Captivating sunrise views
- Gue Monastery famous for 500 year old Mummy
- Chandratal – The most beautiful Lake
- Tabo, Kaza & Nako: The cold desert of Spiti valley
- Dhankar Monastery
- Confluence of Spiti, Pin rivers
- Chicham Bridge – Travelers favorite
- Sissu Waterfalls
- Manali Atal Tunnel
- Road trip from Delhi, Shimla to get acclimatized to high altitude
Important note about PDF download:
The trip details are constantly evolving, and may change based on new learnings, local factors or for reasons that are very dynamic. So, it's better to download PDF again before you book the trip.
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- We will board our Bus at Kashmiri Gate or Majnu ka Tila (exact point will be mentioned in the trip whatsapp group), overnight journey to Shimla.
- We shall board our private tourist vehicle at Shimla Bus stop, and stop by at a restaurant to freshen up, have breakfast. Note that there is no shower facility as of now. After getting briefed on important aspects of the road trip, we will formally begin the road trip on Hindustan Tibet Road towards Sangla, a town in Kinner Kailash range.
- Shimla to Sangla is one of the most adventurous roads in India. We will pass by famous places like Kufri, Narkanda, and Rampur, drive through a famous tunnel between Wangtu and Karcham.
- Enroute we will encounter the famous Rock Tunnel of our Spiti Valley trip.
- Sangla: We will reach Sangla, which is the base of Kinner Kailash mountain range, by early evening. This magical place tends to change colors based on reflections of light throughout the day.
- Today we will witness jaw-dropping Sunrise at Sangla with gigantic Kinner Kailash mountain – an abode of Lord Shiva – as a backdrop. This location is called “Land of Gods” and is the district headquarters of Kinnaur. Pine trees, Apple Orchards and Deodars fill-up the slopes around.
- Chitkul: We will then go on a drive to Chitkul which is called “The Last Village of India”, about a 3-hour drive one way. The drive to Chitkul is an adventure in itself, with a narrow, steep road gaining high altitude in less time. This route doesn’t have a mobile network.
- Chitkul village is located right at the footsteps of snow-capped mountains. We will take a stroll around the village dotted with wooden houses, go down to Chitkul bridge, breathe the cleanest air, enjoy the sight of the beautiful Baspa river, tall trees and the hues of nature.
- Reach Kalpa stay by late evening, finish Dinner and rest.
- Today we will drive towards Tabo, in the heart of the cold desert region of Lahaul and Spiti valley, on the banks of the Spiti River. On our way, we will make a pit stop at Khab, the confluence of Satluj and Spiti rivers. One can clearly see the difference in the color of the water as the rivers meet.
- We will visit a very interesting place called Gue Monastery now that is famous for a Mummy of a Tibetan Monk. The villagers came to know about the mummy since 1975 after an Earth quake.
- Tabo: The Tabo monastery which is the second oldest monastery after Patola Palace in the capital city of Tibet Lhasa. There is a tradition of serving Tea to the people visiting this place. If possible, we can interact with Lamas which is a great spiritual experience. Buddhists consider Tabo monastery to be one of the holiest, so Dalai Lama actually wishes to retire here.
- Taking a stroll through the Pea plantations, soaking some sun and chilling out by the free-flowing Spiti river make way for another magnificent sunset.
- We will take a night’s rest at our guesthouse in Tabo. If we are lucky to have a clear night, this is the place to gaze at millions of stars in the Milky way galaxy. How about a time-lapse?
- Interested people can take a small hike to Tabo meditation cave, where monks meditate during winter. From here one can get a birds-eye view of Tabo village and surrounding valley.
- After Breakfast, we shall start our journey towards Dhankar.
- Dhankhar Monastery: Dhankhar means fort in the local language. It exists in a unique location almost hanging on the tip of a peak and overlooking beautiful valleys. One wonders how monks chose such places to build such monasteries. The view of the confluence of Spiti and Pin rivers from the small windows that are located right above the cliff is simply spectacular.
- Kaza: By evening we shall reach Kaza, a serene little place on the plains of Spiti valley, which is also the capital. We will head straight to the most famous hilltop “Key” monastery which is easily the biggest and most picturesque one in Spiti valley. The monastery complex has lots of prayer wheels lined up. These wheels are always spun clockwise so the mantra ‘Om Mani Padme Hum’ is written on them. One can try the famous Butter Tea here.
- The cold desert, crystal clear lakes and rivers, majestic snow-capped mountains, monasteries, all have made mark another dream destination on our road trip.
- Overnight stay at our Kaza guesthouse.
- Come the night, as far as the number of stars is concerned, the sky’s the limit!
- Today we will explore the famous village circuit of Spiti – Koumik, Hikkim, and Langza.
- Each village offers something unique.
- Komic: Komic is a very high altitude village in Spiti valley and therefore very few people live there. It is also one of the oldest monasteries in the valley. This monastery is situated on the edge of a canyon and therefore has a really unique look.
- Hikkim: As we make our way to the world’s highest post office, we will see a few young guys and girls from Spiti set up tables with colorful markers, pens, and postcards. Make sure you get postal addresses of near and dear ones who will feel really special when they receive postcards from the world’s highest post office!
- Langza: This place is famous for its Buddha statue located at a place from where it seems like he’s taking a view of a breathtaking spectacle of an infinite valley. There are few cafes here where we can sip a hot tea
- Chicham: We will also visit the most famous landmark of Spiti Valley and travellers facourite – Chicham Bridge – the world’s highest suspension bridge.
- Overnight stay at our Kaza guesthouse.
- After very early Breakfast (sometimes we shall pack and start) we will head to the most beautiful Chandratal Lake. Today’s route is most challenging of our Spiti trip.
- In order to reach Chandratal, we will need to cross high mountain pass Kunzum La which is closed for most part of the year because of heavy snow. We will have a small pit stop at Chandratal view point.
- Words cannot describe the beauty of Chandratal lake. The color of the water and the surrounding mountains makes this place so picturesque. This beauty is situated at a height of 14100 feet. The name of the lake originates from its crescent shape.
- We will resume our long journey towards Lahaul district after visiting Chandratal.
- Overnight stay at a homestay in Koksar or Sissu.
- On the last day of our road trip we will visit very pretty Sissu Waterfalls.
- In order to reach Sissul waterfalls, one has to cross river by Zipline & do a small hike. The route is fairly simple. There are food stalls all along the trail.
- After spending good amount of time at falls, we shall move towards Manali via Atal Tunnel.
- Manali: Coming from the remotest locations, we will suddenly find lots of people everywhere in Manali. Time permits, we can take a stroll on the famous Mall Road, indulge in some shopping.
- Finally, by late evening, we shall board our return Bus back to Delhi.
- The Bus drops us at Kashmiri gate or Majnu ka Tila. You may book a cab or take Delhi metro to catch your flight.
- You are safe to book flights after 12 PM (afternoon).
- Good bye, one last time with loads of beautiful Spiti memories.
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Muddie Trails
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At Muddie Trails, we offer offbeat travel experiences like trips and treks to quench your wanderlust. The outdoor activities like backpacking trips, hiking, trekking, adventure, camping, bonfire & road trips are our oxygen. Whether you are looking for awesome weekend trips, your own group trips or corporate outings to beautiful destinations, we are here to help.
Inclusions
- Travel (SUV or Tempo) from Shimla > Spiti > Manali
- Volvo Semi-sleeper Bus from Delhi to Shimla, Manali to Delhi
- Stay: 6 Nights (Homestays & Guest Houses)
- 12 Meals total (6 Breakfasts, 6 Dinners) - All Veg
- Entry Tickets, Special Permits
- Trip Leader (for group size above 6)
- Once in a lifetime road trip
Exclusions
- Lunches, food while traveling
- Any kind of insurance, activities, shopping, party, medical expenses, and anything not mentioned in inclusions above
- Any extra cost arising due to any change in the itinerary/stay/route on account of bad weather, traffic-congestion, landslides/roadblocks, natural calamities, political disturbances and/or any other factors beyond our control.
THINGS TO CARRY
Basic Essentials
- Tooth brush, paste, other toiletries
- Small Bag (20-30 liter)
- Backpack (50-60 liter)
- 1 water bottle (it’s important to drink plenty water and keep ourselves hydrated)
- Personal medical kit
- Original ID Card (Aadhar, DL)
Clothing Essentials
- Thermal Wear
- Jacket (Water proof)
- Warm Inner-wears
- 2-Gloves (1 Woolen, 1 Waterproof)
- Track Pants, Full sleeve T shirts
- Sweater for nights
- Socks (Cotton or Woolen)
- Rain Coat / Poncho (Just in case)
- Handkerchief/towels
Misc:
- Cap/Hat
- UV sunglass
- Sunscreen SPF 50+
- Lip Balm
- Quick Dry Towels
- Body Lotion
- Sanitizer, Handwash for hygiene
- Camera/Go pro (optional)
Medicines
- Consult your doctor and carry medications necessary for fever, acidity, allergy, loose motions, travel sickness, vomiting and other common sicknesses that may occur while traveling to Himalayas and high altitude places.
- Note: To avoid basic ailments, it is advisable to drink plenty water to keep yourself hydrated, avoid alcohol, and get as much rest as possible during the nights of your Ladakh trip.
PICKUP LOCATIONS
Policy and Terms
- 80% refund if a cancellation request is sent 30 days before the trip start date.
- 50% refund if a cancellation request is sent between 29 to 15 days before the trip start date.
- No refund within 15 days, during, or after the trip whatever be the reason.
- No refund on the partial payment done to block your seat for the trip.
Terms and Conditions
- The itinerary is fixed. No special requests to change itinerary/schedule shall be entertained. Do not give advice(s) to the Trip Leader(s) to change the itinerary.
- Cooperate with the organizer(s) in following the schedule set for the day (especially getting up and getting ready in the morning). This will ensure travelers won’t miss out on the real fun part that is traveling.
- Every traveler is responsible for his/her for your own safety. Don’t indulge in any illegal or silly activity that causes harm to you or fellow travelers.
- Do not wander into the forest away from the designated trail for treks. There may be snakes, scorpions, and dangerous animals.
- Unexpected situations: It may happen we do not cover all the places mentioned in the itinerary because of unpredictable reasons like bad weather, landslides, wild animal presence, abrupt blocking of sites by the police/forest department, delay in travel because of an issue with our group itself, traffic conditions, etc. In most cases, if the time permits, the organizer(s) will take travelers to an alternative place. But in some cases, we may have to skip a place altogether.
- Absolutely no littering. We swear to protect our environment.
- No alcohol & smoking during travel, treks, and other outdoor activities. There would be a separate window and space (usually at night) to have these at the campsite/homestay for interested people.
- Travelers are expected to respect each other and help each other. Avoid discussing sensitive matters like sex, politics, and religion/caste/race.
- Using foul or abusive language, eve-teasing, arguing with fellow travelers/organizer(s), and/or involving in the physical assault will not be accepted and will stand a chance of being deserted by the group then and there.
- The event will stand canceled if less than 8 travelers signed up for the trip/trek which will be informed 24 hours before the trip start time.
- Every traveler is expected to sign a liability/waiver form given by the organizer(s) after boarding the vehicle. This liability form will discharge Muddie Trails of any unexpected incident like injury/death/theft etc.
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