White Spiti | Winter Spiti | Fixed Departures | Spiti Valley in Winters | Himachal Pradesh in snow | Snow adventure in Spiti | Snow Spiti | Snow Drive| Chandigarh to Chandigarh
Guys! Winter / White Spiti is one of my favorite experiences in the Trans Himalayas. Its an emotion to be honest and not a road trip. It's been 6 years that i have been curating this experience and you can trust me, this trip might leave you either speechless or a story teller!
SNOW SPITI EXPEDITION 6.0
10 -16 Feb
8 - 15 March
7n8d | ex - Chandigarh | 3* Accom. w/ heating | SUV Drive
Chandigarh - Narkanda - Sarahan - Chhitkul - Rakcham - Khab - Nako - Tabo - Dhankar - Kaza - Key - Komik - Langza - Hikkim - Kibber - Chicham - Rekon Peo - Kalpa - Shimla - Chandigarh
Winter gives these Trans Himalayan belt of Spiti an added dose of mysticism. The pristine white landscapes forms a mantle of purity that leaves you with a blank canvas and challenges you to absorb what lies beneath. Explore the life in the time frozen raw & wild Spiti. Join us on this inward journey as we feel the nature at its harshest and yet it’s finest. White Spiti is not only mesmerizing but a different “trip” altogether. We call out all nature, adventure, travel and photography enthusiasts to experience the unexplored and hidden Spiti culture this winter.
On this tour we are going to drive through Shimla hills, the valley of Sutlej, the valley of Spiti and the valley of Baspa/ Tukpa / Sangla!! Join us for this incredible road trip with super fun hosts now.
What to expect from this trip?
The Trans Himalayan region of Spiti in one of its most beautiful forms of landscape, covered in snow.
The lifestyle and architectural marvels created to survive in these cold deserts are a must to be experienced.
The road trip! Imagine driving towards the blur horizon between snow covered ground and the white sky.
On a lucky day, one can witness wild predators like Himalayan fox, vultures and the ghost animal - Snow Leopard.
Experience how your body acclimatizes as we drive from the plains to the altitude of 4000mts.
Witness ever changing cultures, religions, beliefs and landscapes from Shimla hills to Kinnaur to Spiti and back to Punjab.
Along with all the fun and adventure, expect temperatures to drop to -15* to - 20* C
Your stays would be cozy homestays and hotels with heating, soulful food and great hospitality to ease you in the context :)
Are you ready for a Snow Spiti adventure?!
Trip Overview
Day 1 - Chandigarh to Sarahan via Narkanda o/n Sarahan, Homestay
Day 2 - Sarahan to Sangla Valley, Sight seeing in Chhitkul o/n Rakcham, Guesthouse
Day 3 - Sangla to Tabo, Sight seeing in Khab, Nako o/n Tabo, Homestay
Day 4 - Tabo to Kaza and rest, Via Dhankar Moanstery o/n Kaza, Homestay
Day 5 - Key, Hikkim, Komik, Langza, Kibber, Chicham day trip o/n Kaza, Homestay
Day 6 - Kaza to Kalpa via Reckon Peo o/n Kalpa, Hotel
Day 7 - Kalpa Sight seeing, Transfer to Shimla o/n Shimla, Hotel
Day 8 - Drop to Chandigarh Airport
Trip ends
The itinerary is designed with utmost care and creativity after your trip leaders made grueling recce trips and spent long time in these regions, with the locals and by themselves to provide with the best, starting from stays, to picnic spots, to local folklore and lifestyle, to some off roading. So embrace yourselves and get ready for an epic adventure!
Day 1 - Chandigarh to Sarahan | 283kms - 8/9 hrs
What better way to enter Himachal, the Dev Bhoomi, if not halt the first night in Sarahan, right above the River Sutluj! The abode of Goddess Kali, people say, the aura of Sarahan is purifying and calming. Sarahan was the Summer capital of Rampur Bushhar in the olden days owing to its location on the trade routes. People from far and wide, travel to Sarahan, the Gateway of Kinnaur, to worship Goddess Bhimkali and take its blessings before starting a new task. And hence we too, decided to drive through this landmark as a good omen before we delve into the wild.
Transfer from Chandigarh airport to Sarahan (Himachal Pradesh).
Stop at Narkanda for refreshments.
Check in at homestay in Sarahan and rest.
Chose to walk after dinner, in the sleepy town before the morning vibe engulfs you.
o/n Sarahan
Day 2 - Sarahan to Sangla Valley | 100 kms - 4/5 hrs
Sangla is one of the major towns in of Baspa / Tukpa valley, bearing unique culture and lifestyle. The Town lies on the Indo Tibet border road situated on the right bank of the Baspa River. The famous Kamru Fort stands sturdy since 15th century at an altitude of 2600 meters above sea level and is only 2 km from the beautiful Sangla town. The Kamru Fort contains an elegant timber terrace, which is marvelously decorated by timber carvings. Its structural design is noteworthy and should definitely be seen during your trip to Sangla The fort is set at a picturesque location and offers views of the Sangla valley, streams, apple gardens and many more.
This diversion from the route to Spiti, takes you to the very small hamlets and settlements of Kinnaur namely Chhitkul, famous for being the last accessible village by road, Rakcham, where you will be spending the night and Sangla town, the head quarters of this region. The valley is immensely beautiful and his famous for its holi celebrations. Sangla is by far the best place to stop and experience the Kinnauri culture, which is a beautiful fusion of Hinduism and Buddhism & Temples and Monasteries!
Head to Bhimkali Temple for morning arti at 9 am.
After breakfast head for Baspa valley.
Visit Chhitkul village and enjoy a hot bowl of maggi at the last Dhaba of India followed by a small village walk through the temple and monastery complex, around the settlement.
Check in at your artistic homestay at Rakcham with bonfire to warm up for the trip, followed by dinner.
o/n Rakcham
Day 3 - Sangla to Tabo via Nako Village | 202 kms - 5/6 hrs
Today our road trip takes a turn towards Spiti valley, leaving Sutlej and Kinnaur behind. Tabo marks the beginning of Spiti Valley as an entrance to the flat dry deserts. Tabo has always attracted a lot of historians and archeologists due to its second name – Ajanta & Elora of the Himalayas, due to its rich history. The monastery founded in the 996 AD the Tabo Gompa is the Oldest and Largest Monastery in the Spiti Valley, also making it one amongst the places which set the pace for Buddhism in this region.
Nako on the other hand marks the end of Kinnaur and one will find a difference in architecture, art and lifestyle between the former and later lands. Pack up and start your journey towards the “Tabo Village” to get a glimpse of our history.
After breakfast, depart for Tabo via Khab and Nako.
Stop at Khab Bridge to witness the confluence of Sutlej & Spiti River.
Arrive in Nako village by lunch through the Ka Loops. Visit the monastery and the frozen lake and let your child unleash. View the Reo Purgyil amongst the Trans Himalayas.
Enter Spiti! Head towards Tabo.
Check in at your authentic mud homestay and relax next to the fire. Stay with a local family in a this traditional house with local cuisine.
o/n Tabo
Day 4 - Tabo to Kaza via Dhankar | 50 kms - 1.5 hrs
Kaza or Kaja as the locals say is the headquarters of Spiti Valley in the Lahaul and Spiti district. The city is well developed with almost all infrastructures amidst this dry snow covered desert which is ready to host all of us at temperatures lower than -15 degrees! Kaza is also one of the beautiful marvels of humanity and its survival in harsh climate and weather conditions. Experience Kaza in its absolute wilderness covered in snow.
Dhankar, as the name suggests sits on the confluence of River Spiti and River Pin, as a fortress overlooking both valleys and probable invasions back in the time. The monastery is an architectural marvel, built within the complex rocks atop the hill as an illusion.
After breakfast head to Tabo Monastery and soak in the pristine complex vibes.
Head to Kaza via Dhankar. village and monastery.
Check in your homestay in Kaza and take an evening off to relax and walk around the town or choose to coze up in the warm living rooms of the stay.
o/n Kaza
Day 5 - Day excursion to Key, Hikkim, Langza, Komik, Kibber & Chicham
Kaza is surrounded by a bunch of small villages with their unique popularity and survival instincts. Today there is a possibility of witnessing some predators like Himalayan Fox, Vultures and the most famous, the Snow Leopard.
Key, famous for its architecture and planning makes it an amazing view point for the Valley of Spiti.
Langza, also famous as the fossil village, marking its existence with the famous Buddha statue.
Hikkim, stop by to send a post card home to create a memory for a lifestime.
Komik, bears the oldest monastery of Spiti along with Tabo.
Kibber, the village whose visited by the Snow Leopard the most. So be at the lookout!
Chicham village and bridge, said to be the highest bridge in India connecting Spiti with Lahaul.
All these settlements when in snow, add another experience to the presence. Soak in History, Architecture, Art and Lifestyle today!
After breakfast head for a day excursion to Key, Hikkim, Langza, Kibber & Chicham.
Head back to the stay by evening
o/n Kaza
Day 6 - Kaza to Kalpa | 208 kms - 5/6 hrs
Kalpa is a beautiful settlement in Kinnaur. Legend has Kinnaur with all its beauty fell from the heaven as a gift from the Gods. In the lower areas of Kinnaur the slopes are covered with thick forest and Fruit orchards. Kalpa is also the base for Kinner Kailash trek tot he sacred shiv ling. Kalpa came to prominence when it was visited by British Governor General Lord Dalhousie in 1848. The most beautiful part about this settlement is – how magically the Buddhist and Hindu worshiping complexes were fused together architecturally and in belief. One can see the entire Kinnaur Kailash mountain range in the background of the town.
After breakfast, head to Kalpa along the Taranda Cliff.
Check in and freshen up.
Head to explore Roghi Village and the famous suicide point.
Retreat to stay for dinner.
o/n Kalpa
Day 7 - Kalpa to Shimla | 217 kms - 6/7 hrs
What more needs to be said about Shimla - the Queen of Hills! Visit the the British hangover and essence built in the 18th century as the summer capital for the then rulers. Visit the mall road and surprise yourself with food and luxury!
After breakfast depart for Shimla via Rampur Bushahr, the capital of Kinnaur in the olden days.
Check in and freshen up.
Choose to visit mall road and evening to leisure.
o/n Shimla
Day 8 - Shimla to Chandigarh | 121kms - 3/4 hrs
Drop to Chandigarh Airport by lunch.
You are free to take your flights from here on.
Trip ends
Trip Details:-
1. Land cost - 25,000/- per person (Max group of 7 Pax)
2. A supplement of 11,000/- is applicable for private rooms (with single occupancy)
P.S - All above cost is exclusive of 5% GST
2. Inclusions:-
1. All stays with heating –Guesthouses / Homestays / Hotels
Sarahan - Vasu Homestay / Similar
Sangla Valley - Folktales Guesthouse / Similar
Tabo - Namsay Homestay / Similar
Kaza - Snowflakes homestay / Similar
Kalpa - Alpine echore / Similar
Shimla - Shimla Retreat / Similar
2. All transport ex Chandigarh by Innova / Xylo.
3. Meals – Breakfast and Dinner.
4. All tolls, Permits, parking and fuel
5. Driver allowances and stays
6. An experienced guide and driver from the community.
7. Coordination and management fees
8. Good vibes! 😊
3. Exclusions:-
1. Any Air/ Train / bus fare which has not been mentioned.
2. Any personal shopping of any type.
3. Any other meals / snacks during the journey etc which have not been mentioned above.
4. Any alcoholic or non-alcoholic drinks.
5. Anything which has not been included above.
4. Please Note:-
1. The itinerary is subjected to changes according to climatic and weather conditions during the trip. During any natural calamity or detour, kindly listen to our experienced Trip Leader and follow his directions. Any cost or exchange of cash will be discussed as per situation.
2. Carry your own water bottles which can be refilled at every stay and stop. Try and eliminate buying packaged water bottles to help reduce plastic disposal. (This is a small step from our side as travel partners and is totally dependable on the guest for execution)
3. Carry dry nashta, dry fruits, and chocolates with you always.
4. For self drive vehicle carry your own snow chains and anti freeze for Diesel.
5. Other details on what to carry will be sent in the next mail on confirmation.
4. TERMS & CONDITIONS.
1. To book your trip with us please have 50% of the trip cost+ 5 % gst as advance in the given account details :-
Kanupriya Raniwala
S.B.I. Bank
Current Acc. 32844391790
Chavni Branch, Kota
IFSC - SBIN0001534
Gpay no. – 8172047843
UPI – travel.a.i.p@oksbi
2. Balance payment of 50% + 5% gst to be done 10 days before the trip commencement date positively.
3. In case of covid state isolation (only), we will have your payment retained with us as a credit note, which could be used anytime with 1 year from your trip date.
4. In case you choose to cancel from your side for any reason then -
A. Any date change to be intimated at least 15 days before the trip date.
B. 50% Refund of the trip cost will be generated 30days before the trip date.
C. 25% Refund of the trip cost will be generated 20 days before the trip date.
D. No refund 7 days before the trip date.
CONTACT DETAILS-
Team Travel AIP - Google Link
Sikkim | Spiti Valley & Himachal Pradesh | Zanskar | Ladakh | Kashmir | Rajasthan | Golden Triangle Circuit | Bhutan | Meghalaya
Stay in Manali with us - Tra Boutique Stay (@tra_boutique_stay)
Manali, Himachal Pradesh
8172047843 - Whatsapp / Call
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