White Spiti Adventure from Shimla to Shimla (7 Days)

In the morning after breakfast, we will be moving towards Tabo, and on the way, we will visit Nako and Gue Monastries.
Nako: Nako is a small scenic village located near the Indo-China Border. We will visit the frozen Nako Lake at 11,500ft above sea level. Trees with icicles hanging from their branches in the backdrop of prayer flags fluttering on snow-covered rooftops of the houses provide an out-of-the-world spectacle.
Gue Monastery: People generally do not grant proper attention to this tranquil monastery. When we think about Mummy, only the Egyptian mummies come to our mind. Here, the mummy is preserved without using any chemicals and is more than 500 years old. A young Lama died due to the avalanche and got buried in snow. Due to snow, the body didn’t get affected, and the process of mummification took place.
Villagers still believe that the mummy brings prosperity to the village and guards the village against climatic vagaries.
Tabo: A small town on the banks of the Spiti River, Tabo is surrounded by Buddhist Monastery that is a thousand years old and is the second-largest monastery in this region. 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 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 to 50 km away from Pin Valley. Located in the cold desert habitat of Spiti Valley, Pin Valley is situated actually in the Cold Desert Biosphere Region. There lies much rare wildlife within its unexplored slopes and colorful mountains like Snow Leopard and Siberian Ibex. At the same time, the vegetation is sparse due to high altitude and harsh weather conditions. The sight of beautiful snow-covered fields of the farmers of Mudh village and frozen springs with icicles hanging down from the snow-covered mountains’ slopes is an absolute treat for our eyes.

Mudh: It is situated at 14,500 ft 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 landscape. We will undertake a walking tour of this snow-covered peaceful hamlet and look for the abundant wildlife like Ibex, Red Fox, and Snow Leopard. Overnight stay will be in Mudh Village

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 White Spiti Valley.
Langaza: This 15km drive to Langaza is one of the most scenic drives ever. Magnificent Buddha figure in the backdrop of majestic snow-covered mountains and a sprawling swath of land covered with a thick carpet of pure white snow is the sights to enjoy. We will stop at this place for some time to appreciate the rustic beauty of the site.

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. It also has the world’s highest post office to send greetings to their loved ones.

Komik: Being the highest village globally, Komik is 15,500 ft above sea level. This village is no ordinary village but has a lot more to offer. Just 4km away, we’ll be visiting the Komik Monastery. One can see and talk to the monks and get enlightened regarding their way of life and its challenges in sub-zero temperatures.
Also, there is an excellent Volleyball Court outside this monastery where the Lamas play Volley Ball in the summer season. Overnight stay will be in Kaza.

After breakfast, we will proceed to Key monastery and indulge in snow hiking. We will visit Kibber, where chances of spotting wildlife are maximum, along with Chicham Bridge.
Key monastery Just 14km away is Key Monastery. Key Monastery or Kye Gompa is a Tibetan Buddhist Monastery located on top of the hill, around 13,668 ft. It’s famous for the training given to Lamas and the wind chime orchestra. 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: A narrow valley on the summit of limestone rock, Kibber is a village 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. The main commercial center of Spiti Valley boasts of a very ancient monastery and great Café’s. Overnight stay will be in Kaza.

On this day, we will embark on a return journey to Recong Peo in the morning and reaching our destination in the afternoon.
Recong Peo: It is the Head Quarters of the Kinnaur district at an altitude of 2670 meters. Snow-capped mountains with changing colors during the day are the main attraction. Kinner Kailash is the Holy Peak and is visible from any part of Recong Peo. We undertake a walking tour of the market to get the feel and vibe of the place.
Overnight stay will be in Recong-Peo.

On this day, we will be moving to Shimla after breakfast. Arrival in Shimla in the afternoon and tour concludes. We will be reaching Shimla by 2 pm.

Ans. The best time to visit White Spiti Valley in India in March-April. During this time, the valley is covered in pure white snow and turns into a wonderland. In March, the ardent wildlife enthusiasts can visit Spiti Valley when wild animals like snow leopards come down from the high mountains in search of food. But in winters, some time temperature can drop to minus 40 degrees. Roads got blocked due to snow during November-April because of the closure of Kunzum Pass. One can undertake this expedition only from the Shimla side during this period.

Yes. It is pretty safe to visit White Spiti Valley for solo lady travelers. The people are helpful, hospitable, and easy to talk to in the Himalayas.

Ans. In Spiti Valley, ATM facility is scarce. It is available only in Kaza, the headquarter of Spiti Valley. One shall carry sufficient cash for this adventure from Shimla itself.

Ans. Most roads are covered with snow due to high altitude. Only a four-wheel-drive SUV is advisable.

Ans. There are very heavy woolens to be carried for White Spiti valley Adventure and sunglasses to avoid glare from shimmering snow.

Ans. There are only a few basic homestays are operational during winters in Spiti Valley. Don’t expect water in toilets as it all freezes during this period. Only basic meals and local tea is available to keep you warm.

Ans. Yes. Spiti Valley, The High Altitude Cold Desert, gets transformed into a fairy tale destination because the white layer of snow wrap all houses, mountains, gorges, roads, monasteries, trees, agricultural fields, and narrow lanes of the villages. The frozen waterfalls and eternal stillness adds intrigue to the white snow-draped Spiti Valley.
It is all white with the contrasting contours of soft brown mountains and clear blue sky wherever the eye roams. The Spiti River looks like a band of turquoise blue, providing companionship to the visitors in the backdrop of high mountains and clear blue sky. The pure air to breathe and super clean water to drink is a bonus of visiting Spiti Valley in winters. The morning prayers of the monasteries with hymns add spirituality to the everlasting silence of nature. The best part is the world-famous hospitality of the local population. The chances to spot elusive snow leopard at this time of the year is maximum, as it comes down in search of food from higher reaches of the Himalayas. All these attractions qualify this paradise of nature must-visit for a lifetime experience during winters. But of course, it is not for the faint-hearted travelers.