Kinnaur and Spiti Valley Adventure (10 Days)

After breakfast, we will proceed for Sangla/Chitkul. The route will pass through beautiful scenic Deodar Forests, snow-capped peaks of the mountains, and the sun playing hide and seek with the ever-present clouds. We will reach Sangla in the evening, overnight stay will be in Sangla.

On this day after breakfast we will visit Chitkul, the last village of Indian Territory and move to Kalpa.

Chitkul: It is nestled on the banks of Baspa River in surreal surroundings along with great views of Kinner Kailash ranges. Chirping of birds and fresh breeze will greet you. It boasts of beautiful cafes and ancient temple. It is at the altitude of 11,330 feet.

Kalpa: Kalpa is a town in Kinnaur District with an altitude of 9721 feet. In the morning, as the sun rises, it is quite an experience to watch changing colors of snow-covered Holy Kinner Kailash. The peaks of Kinner Kailash are red in the morning, greenish in the afternoon, and orange in the evening. This spectacle is visible from every nook and corner of this beautiful settlement. It changes color from white to pink in the morning and then to orange in the evenings.
Life at this hamlet is slow and relaxing, with followers of Hinduism and Buddhism residing in perfect Harmony. It is much greener than Spiti as one can see apple orchards, Pine nuts trees, and plum trees in abundance. Still, in winter, it also engulfs itself in the cloak of pure white snow. Looking at white snow-covered peaks is an experience of total amazement at Kalpa. Overnight stay will be in Kalpa.

In the morning after breakfast, we will be moving towards Tabo, and on the way, we will visit Nako and Gue Monastries.

Gue Monastery: People generally do not grant proper attention to this tranquil Monastery. Mummy is preserved naturally in this Monastery. When we think about mummies, only the Egyptian mummies come to our minds. Here, the mummy is preserved without using any chemicals and is more than 500 years old. A young Lama died due to the avalanche. Due to snow, the body didn’t get affected, and the process of mummification took place naturally.
Villagers still believe that the mummy brings prosperity to the village and guards the village against climatic vagaries.

Nako: Nako is a small scenic village located near the Indo-China Border. The Nako Lake, 11,500ft above sea level, surrounded by a group of trees in the backdrop of prayer flags fluttering on rooftops of the houses, provides an exciting spectacle.

Tabo: Tabo is home to Tabo Monastery that is a thousand years old. It is the second-largest Monastery in this region and is a Tibetan religious center for the natives. It is a museum with rare pages of history. We’ll be visiting this Monastery shortly after the arrival and take a quick stroll around. We’ll be calling it a day by staying overnight at Tabo.

After breakfast, we will be moving to Mudh Village, and on the way, we will visit Dhankar Monastery.

Dhankar Monastery: A village and a Buddhist temple, Dhankar Gompa/Monastery is situated 12774ft in Spiti Valley above Dhankar Village. It’s a fort-like structure on a cliff giving the most spectacular view of the rivers Spiti. The magnificent location and topography of this Gompa can have an everlasting impression on anyone.

Pin Valley: We will be moving further 50km away to Pin Valley. Located in the cold desert habitat of Spiti Valley, within its unexplored slopes and colorful mountains is the famous Pin National Park. There lies much rare wildlife like Snow Leopard and Siberian Ibex. The landscape changes from Barren Rocky Mountains to lush green fields of the natives with enchanting views all around. Pin valley wraps itself with many varieties of flowers in the background of Turquoise blue waters of the Pin River. The number of streams coming down from the colorful mountains is a sight to never-ending delight.

Mudh: 14,500ft in Pin Valley, where the Pin River flows in the form of mesmerizing blue ribbons, lies a small village with minimal population called Mudh. It’s known for its arid immersing landscape. We will undertake a walking tour of this peaceful hamlet. One can chit-chat with the natives to learn about their way of life in this surreal, picturesque hamlet. Overnight stay will be in Mudh.

On this day, after breakfast, we will be moving towards Kaza, and on the way, we will visit Langaza, Hikkim, and Komic. These hamlets are the highest villages in Asia and provide a panoramic perspective to the Spiti Valley.

Langaza: This 15km drive to Langaza is one of the most scenic drives ever you have undertaken. We’ll be experiencing some of the most beautiful scenes, such as snow-covered mountains in the backdrop of magnificent Buddha statue and a sprawling swath of barren land. It is famous for the marine fossils found here in abundance. We will stop at this place for some time to appreciate the rustic beauty of this place. After that, we will continue our adventure.
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Hikkim: Just a half an hour drive, Hikkim is the nearest village connected to the road. The simplicity and quietness of this village stand out. People here use stones and wood to build houses and structures themselves, which is quite impressive. It also has the world’s highest post office to send greetings to one’s loved ones.

Komik Village: Being the highest village globally, Komik, at an altitude of 15,500ft above sea level, is no ordinary village but has a lot more to offer. Just 4 km away is the Komik Monastery. One can visit and talk to the monks and learn regarding their way of life and its challenges in sub-zero temperatures at Komik monastery.

Also, there is an excellent Volleyball Court outside this Monastery where the Lamas play volley ball. One does have a chance to participate in volley ball match.

Overnight stay will be in Kaza.

On this day, we will be visiting some of the highest villages of Spiti Valley. After that night stay will be in Kaza.

Key Monastery: Just fourteen km away is Key Monastery. It is the largest Monastery of Spiti Valley. It does not look like a planned structure. However, still, it is very well integrated into its surrounding mighty, rustic landscape. It is a treat to even an ardent traveler.

It is the seat of learning of Buddhist studies and withstood the onslaught of Mongolian invaders, frequent landslides, and vagaries of climatic conditions with an altitude of 4166 meters.
It has three floors with walls covered with beautiful mural paintings and one story for monks’ residences. It’s famous for the training given to Lamas in Buddhist literature, and the wind chime orchestra is a unique ensemble. After reaching, we will observe and appreciate beautiful Murals, ancient manuscripts, and wind instruments forming the musical orchestra. We’ll then move on to the next spot called Kibber Village.

Kibber Village: A narrow valley on the summit of limestone rock. The Kibber Village is a small village with a small population. Still, the location and surroundings are out of the world, high in Spiti Valley. It is widely famous for its monastery and wildlife sanctuary. After reaching there, we’ll be having a small trek around this cold desert village and visiting Chicham Bridge, one of the world’s highest bridges.

Kaza: Kaza is the sub-divisional headquarters in the Spiti Valley. Kaza is located 11989 ft above sea level and is the highest and largest commercial center of Spiti Valley and boasts of a very ancient monastery and great Café’s. Overnight stay will be in Kaza.

On this day, we will be moving from Kaza to Chandra Taal, the moon-shaped lake passing through Kunzum Pass.
Kunzum Pass: It connects Spiti Valley to Lahaul Valley and is at the height of 15000 feet. It provides 360 degrees of panoramic views of the mighty mountains with snow-covered peaks and waterfalls. There is a temple at the top dedicated to the local deity Kunzum Mata. All the vehicles stop here to pray for their safe onwards journey.

Chandra Taal: The turquoise blue, crystal clear water, multicolor surrounding snow-capped mountains, and carpet of green meadow dotted with numerous varieties of flowers surrounding the parameter of this moon-shaped lake is an incredible lifetime experience. The color of the water of this lake changes at different times of the day, presenting a wholesome adventure. It is at the height of 14,100 feet.

The sunset with the changing colors of snow-capped peaks is an immersing adventure.
Apart from the mesmerizing beauty of the lake, the journey from Kaza to Chandra Taal itself is the most thrilling and exciting adventure full of surreal scenic beauty.
Overnight stay will be in camps.

On this day, we will move early in the morning from Chandra Taal to Manali. The water level rises due to the rising sun, and melting snow makes passing the vehicle through rivulets coming from the mountains peaks difficult hence early morning departure.
Reaching Manali in the afternoon, after taking a rest in the hotel, visit Mall Road of Manali to get the feel of the city. Overnight stay will be in Manali.

On this day, we will leave early in the morning for Delhi, reaching Delhi in the night.

The best time to undertake a journey to Kinnaur and Spiti valleys is June to October. Spiti is high altitude desert where minimal rainfall takes place.

Ans. Yes. It is pretty safe to visit Kinnaur and Spiti valleys as solo lady travelers. The people are helpful, hospitable, and easy to talk to in the Himalayas. There are pretty decent facilities to stay in and for food available throughout the exciting route. It is advisable to contact a reputable travel agency to arrange your transportation, accommodation, and food.

Ans. The availability of ATMs is an issue in Spiti valley. But in Kinnaur valley, it is readily available. Carry sufficient cash for the adventure Spiti valley adventure.

Ans. Only decent vegetarian and non-vegetarian food are available throughout the entire experience.

Ans. Few heavy woolens and other light, loose cotton clothes and raincoat and umbrella to be carried if visiting Kinnaur and Spiti valleys in May-June-September and rich to light woolens to be taken along in October.

Ans. Yes, many neat and clean stay options are available on Kinnaur and Spiti valleys. But please don’t expect luxury.

Ans. Delhi-Shimla/Theog-Sangla-Chitkul-Kalpa-Tabo-Pin valley-Kaza-Kibber-Chandra Taal-Manali-Delhi it takes eight nights and nine days. The real magic is the journey and not the destination.

Ans. Chitkul is the last village of the Indian people in the Kinnaur Valley.

Ans. Chandra Taal is a pristine lake with changing colors at different times of the day.