Spiti Valley Tour

The Spiti Valley is a remote location with limited tourist infrastructure, making this part of the world a little visited but rewarding destination. Voted as one of the top 10 of Lonely Planet’s ‘Best in Travel Regions for 2018’ this tour is a must for adventurers who want to see and experience the extreme beauty, remoteness and never to be repeated landscapes of the Spiti Valley.

This is how Lonely Planet writer John Noble described the Spiti Valley:

“Imagine an arid land set high in the Indian Himalaya, a high-altitude desert punctuated by small patches of green and miniature villages of white, flat-roofed houses perched below stark rocky hillsides and jagged snow-covered peaks. Picture high passes blocked by snow and ice for half the year, and scattered stabs of colour from fluttering prayer flags and precariously perched Buddhist monasteries.”

Don’t just take Lonely Planet’s word for it, come and experience the wonder of the Spiti Valley with Ekno Travels today!

Tour Route:

Shimla-Kalpa-Nako-Tabo-Kaza-Manali, Himachal Pradesh

Tour Highlights:

Shimla – The Queen of Hills
Beautiful Kinnaur Valley
Visit ancient Monasteries at Nako and Tabo
Key Monastery at Kaza
Manali – A beautiful hill station

Tour Cost:

Cost on Application

INCLUDED

6 nights‘ accommodation and breakfast for the duration of the trip on triple share basis

Shared transportation from Shimla to Manali by AC Toyota Innova/Etios or AC Tempo Traveller 9 seater Mini Bus

Driver cum guide

NOT INCLUDED

Personal Expenditure

Domestic flights, Trains

Extra activities and transport not stipulated in the itinerary

Personal expenditure such as drinks, laundry service and souvenirs

Tipping

Donations to Monasteries and Entrance fees

Bottled water and other beverages not included

Day 1 Arrive in Shimla

Arrive in Shimla, check into hotel. After a short rest we will set off on a sightseeing tour of Shimla..Visit Kufri, Ridge Maidan, Mall Road and the impressive Christ Church (If time permits). Shimla is one of the most popular hill stations in India, and with its stunning views, wide boulevards and mist covered mountains its not hard to see why. The town is situated at an altitude of 2276 metres and was initially chosen as a sanatorium for invalid European officers, but soon developed into a big hill town and became the summer capital of the country during the British Raj. Overnight: Hotel, Shimla

Day 2 Shimla to Kalpa

This morning we will leave Shimla and make our way to Kalpa as we head into the beautiful Kinnaur Valley. From Kalpa we can see the spectacular Kinnar Kailash, one of the highest mountains in the Indian Himalayas at 6055 metres. The Kinnaur Valley is known as the gateway to the remote Spiti Valley. Kinnaur is famous for its apple orchards as just about all of India’s apples are produced in this area. The cultural tapestry is rich as modernity has only touched it in the past couple of years. You will be able to observe as people go about their everyday life in their stunning traditional dress. Kalpa is surrounded by snowy peaks for most of the year, which makes for a beautiful sunset backdrop. Overnight: Guest house, Kalpa

Day 3 Kalpa to Nako

The morning is at your leisure to explore Kalpa, before we head towards Rekong Peo. We will stop for lunch and get our inner line permit for the Spiti Valley and head towards Nako, which is located just 60kms from the Tibetan border. Nako is a very picturesque village high in the Himalayas (altitude 3625 metres) which has an ancient monastery dating back to 1025 AD, as well as several Buddhist chortens dotted throughout the town. The villagers are extremely proud of their heritage and the town is well maintained by the local community. A pretty lake also surrounds the town and is a lovely spot for an afternoon stroll. Overnight: Guest house, Nako

Day 4 Nako to Kaza

Today we will take a morning drive to Tabo. Tabo is famous for its monastery, which dates back to 966AD and is a World Heritage Site. The Dalai Lama maintains that the Tabo Monastery is one of the holiest sites in the world. Due to its height at 3280 metres, Tabo has short summers and very cold winters. After sightseeing of Tabo monastery, we will drive to Kaza, stopping off on the way at Dhankar Monastery. Dhankar Monastery was built on a 300-metre high spur overlooking the Spiti and Pin Rivers. It truly is one of the world’s most spectacular settings for a monastery and has many holy stories attached to it. In the afternoon we will bid farewell to Dhankar and head towards Kaza where we will spend the next 2 nights. Overnight: Guest house, Kaza

Day 5 Kaza

We will spend the day around Kaza, exploring the local Sakya monastery and the world famous Ky Monastery. This Tibetan Buddhist monastery is located on top of a hill at an altitude of 4166 metres above sea level and is 11kms from Kaza. The monastery has the distinction of being the oldest and the biggest in the Lahaul and Spiti district as well as being a religious training centre for monks. It is home to around 300 novice monks who receive their religious education here. We will then head to the remote town of Kibber at 4270 metres for lunch and to soak in the remoteness and beauty of the Spiti Valley. With sweeping views of the mountains on one side and the Spiti Valley on the other, it is great place to relax and to enjoy the view. The Kibber area is also home to the elusive Blue Sheep, and if you keep your eyes peeled on the horizon you may see one of these shy creatures in the distance. In the late afternoon we will drive back to Kaza. Overnight: Guest house, Kaza

Day 6 Kaza to Manali

We will leave Kaza very early in the morning for the drive to Manali. You will pass along the valley floor before gradually rising and crossing the spectacular Rothang Pass (3980m) which offers some of the most spectacular mountain views in the world. We will stop at the pass to admire the stunning view, before continuing on to Manali and arriving by early afternoon. Manali is nestled amongst the Himalayas on the banks of the Beas River and offers an exotic charm unlike any other place in India. Old Manali has maintained its old world charm despite modern conveniences such as the many restaurants offering a variety of local and international cuisines. The rest of the afternoon is at your leisure to explore this picturesque town or to take a well deserved rest. Overnight: Guest house, Manali

Day 7 Departure day

Check out from hotel at 12 noon. Take an overnight bus to New Delhi or continue your journey. Tour ends.