Meet at Holiday Inn, Panchkula and drive to Thanedar.
Your first real drive in the Himalayas. The idea today is to acquaint you to mountain conditions, which will be done by driving you through the back roads of Himachal.
Lunch will be arranged enroute.
Thanedar a little hamlet in Himachal, is a part of Kinnaur region, famous for its apple orchards.
Dinner at the hotel.
Hotel: Thanedar
Meals: Lunch & Dinner
After an early breakfast, we make our way to what is known as the Old Hindustan-Tibet Road. The drive is marked with scenic views meandering along River Satluj and is famous for the caved roads as soon as you enter Kinnaur.
We have lunch by the river at our campsite in Sangla. In the afternoon we head out for a walk to explore Himachal Pradesh’s first model village – Batseri. Evening tea will be served in a local village home giving you time to mingle with locals and experience their way of life. We will also visit a century old temple which showcases all religions under one roof.
Dinner at the camps.
Overnight: Sangla
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Today morning starts with a meditation session by the river. Those interested can also head out for a photo walk.
After breakfast, we make our way towards Chitkul, the last village before the India - China border. The drive to Chitkul is a short one, taking us approximately one hour. Once in Chitkul we head out for a walk along the river towards the source of the glacier (time permitting, as per weather conditions and glacier melt rates during the time).
During lunch, you will learn how to cook Indian Food, by the locals, set-up in the outdoors.
Spend the evening around our campfire.
Dinner at the camps.
Hotel: Sangla
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
After an early breakfast, check out and drive to Tabo, enroute visiting Nako and Geu.
As you drive along River Sutlej, the tarmac gives way to narrow broken roads before we take on one of World's most treacherous roads. Today we will have a picnic lunch right next to Nako Lake, a small high-altitude lake at 3,662 M ASL.
Post lunch, we will drive to Geu, where there is a temple which has a naturally preserved 500-year-old mummy. They also say that the mummy still has well preserved hair and teeth! Creepy? You’ll find out soon!
From Geu we take a short drive to Tabo, our halt for the night.
Dinner at the hotel.
Overnight: Tabo
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
We start the day by visiting the Tabo Chos-Khor Monastery,
founded more than a millennium back, and the oldest monastery in the region. Visit the monastery, early morning and experience the tranquility in the morning prayers. Those interested can join the monks for Morning Prayer and meditation.
After visiting the monastery and walking around the village, we hike up to Tabo Caves. It is said that locals stayed in these caves as recent as 30-40 years ago.
Return to the hotel for breakfast,
Late morning, we make our way to Dhankar Monastary. A 1200-year-old monastery perched up on top of the hill. It is one of the most beautiful monasteries in Spiti Valley.
Lunch today will be at the Monastary.
After the lunch, we drive onwards to Kaza, our halt for the night.
Once at Kaza, we explore Kaza Monastery, the local market, as well as a local not-for profit organization where we will learn more about food cultivation in this Himalayan desert!
In the evening, we will do a local Indian BBQ with some Indian BBQ delicacies.
Overnight: Kaza
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
After breakfast, we make our way to the high-altitude villages in Spiti. A quick drive up via the Kaza Gate will lead to Komic - known to be one of Asias highest motorable villages.
We, then drive down to the Highest Post Office in the world at Hikkim, from where you can send postcards all the way back home.
On our way down, we stop at Langza known for fossils, and a huge golden Buddha statue, expected to be 1000 years old. Langzas population: 137!
Lunch will be at a local homestay in Langza.
Overnight: Kaza
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
After breakfast, drive explore the Ki Monastery, Kibber Village & Chicham Bridge.
Ki Monastary is Spiti's largest monastery and most recognizable landmark. Today we will visit the monastery and have a session with head lama where he will tell us about the teachings of His Holiness Dalai Lama.
After spending our morning at Ki Monastery, we make our way towards Chicham, which now boasts of Asias Highest Bridge, and onwards to our homestay. Lost in the lap of nature, the higher villages in Spiti are the best to gaze at the milkyway.
Chicham, is a high-altitude village, at 4140 Meters ASL is one of the most beautiful villages to trek around. Spend the morning hiking and exploring your high-altitude surroundings.
Later, we make our way to Kibber Village, where the lunch will be arranged.
Kibber is a picturesque little village on the higher regions of Spiti Valley in Himachal Pradesh. Also known as Kyibar, Kibber is known for the Kibber Monastery and the Kibber Wildlife Sanctuary. This small, recluse village is made of only 80 houses with approximately 366 residents.
After lunch, drive back to Kaza.
In the evening, enjoy a cultural performance which will immerse you in the local culture followed by dinner.
Overnight: Kaza
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
After breakfast, check out and drive to Kalpa.
Arrive Kalpa by afternoon and check into the hotel.
Kalpa is situated at an elevation of 9711 feet and is located in the Sutlej Valley of Kinnaur district. Often known as the connector of Spiti, Kalpa is also the base of Kinner Kailash, a Shivling peak rising up to 20,000 Ft. Kinner Kailash is visible from all over Kalpa and tends to change colors based on the reflections throughout the day.
Dinner at the hotel.
Overnight: Kalpa
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
After a leisurely breakfast, check out and drive to Narkanda.
Narkanda is a beautiful and serene hill town of the Himachal Pradesh state that has also been blessed with salubrious weather, all throughout the year. Narkanda and its visitors enjoy winters from the month of October till February. During this time, the maximum temperature is around 15°C, which can drop down till -10°C. If you are a snow-lover and have interest in winter sports like skiing, plan your visit at this time.
Arrive Narkanda and check into the resort.
Farewell Dinner at the resort.
Overnight: Narkanda
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Farewell Dinner
End of Expedition