Spiti is a remote valley in the Himalayan mountains of the Indian state of Himachal Pradesh. It is a paradise for people who love adventure and nature. The valley is known for its rugged terrain, pristine beauty, and rich cultural heritage. I recently had the opportunity to explore this beautiful place, and I must say, it was an experience of a lifetime.
To reach Spiti, we had to first take a bus from Manali to the town of Kaza, the capital of Spiti. The journey was breathtaking, with scenic views of snow-capped mountains, gushing rivers, and lush green valleys. The road was bumpy and treacherous at times, but the thrill of the journey was worth it.
Kaza, located at an altitude of 3,800 metres, is a quaint little town with a population of around 3,000 people. Towering peaks encircle the town, which provides breathtaking views of the Spiti River.We stayed at a guesthouse in Kaza that was simple but comfortable, with all the basic amenities.
Our first stop in Spiti was the Ki Monastery, which is one of the oldest and largest Buddhist monasteries in the region. The monastery is perched on top of a hill and offers panoramic views of the valley. We spent a few hours here, exploring the monastery and learning about its rich history and culture.
Next, we went to the village of Kibber, which is one of the world’s highest inhabited villages. It is 4,205 metres above sea level.The village is home to around 80 families and offers a glimpse into the traditional way of life in Spiti. We went to a few houses and talked to the people there, who were friendly and helpful.
One of the highlights of our trip was our visit to Chandratal Lake, which is located at an altitude of 4,300 metres and is surrounded by towering peaks. The lake is famous for its crystal clear waters and is a popular spot for camping and trekking. We spent a night here, camping under the stars, and it was an experience like no other.
Another must-visit place in Spiti is the Pin Valley National Park, which is home to a variety of wildlife, including snow leopards, ibex, and Himalayan bears. We went on a trek through the park, and it was an exhilarating experience. The views were stunning, and we saw a few ibex grazing on the slopes.
Overall, my trip to Spiti was an unforgettable experience. The rugged terrain, pristine beauty, and rich culture of the valley left a lasting impression on me. I would highly recommend Spiti to anyone who loves adventure, nature, and culture. It truly is a gem of a place that should be on every traveller’s bucket list.
Pickup from Chandigarh Airport / Railway Station / Bus Stand by exclusive vehicle. Drive to Shimla, Shimla is 110 Kilometers from Chandigarh and will take 3:30-4:00 hours to reach. Enjoy the Scenic Himalayas from the window of your cab. On the ways, stopover at Pinjore Garden and ropeway at Timber Trail Resort if time permits. Cab will pass through Kalka, Parwanoo, Barog and Solan on the way to Shimla. The British called Shimla the “Queen of Hill Stations”. Shimla is situated in the northwest Himalayas. It was the summer capital of India before independence and it is now the capital of Himachal Pradesh. Shimla derives its name from “Shyamala” the goddess Kali, whose temple existed in the dense forest that covered Jakhoo Hill in the early 19th century. It’s well developed facilities, easy accessibility and numerous attractions make it one of India’s most popular and biggest hill stations. Check in Dinner and overnight stay at Hotel.
After Breakfast, today you will have sightseeing in Shimla visit to the years old Sankat Mochan Temple, visit to Kufri. Kufri is situated at an altitude of 2500 meters just an hour’s drive from Shimla, here you can enjoy adventure activities like Rafting, Fish Bee, Go-Karting Track, Sky Swinger, Kangaroo Jump, Bungy Trempoline, Smash Car, Hounted House, Zipe Line, Bungy Ejection,(at your own cost). Visit to the famous picnic spots around Shimla which include Fagu, Kufri, Naldehra and Mashobra. Enjoy horse / Yak ride, see Himalayan national park at Kufri. See apple orchards at Mashobra, Golf course and Jungle walks in Naldehra. In the evening you will visit the Gothic Christ church. This Christ church is located on the Shimla’s prominent Ridge. Even today, the church has some interesting memorial tablets while the pews still mark the seats of British Viceroy of India, the Commander-in-Chief and the Punjab’s Governor. Later you will visit the Jakhoo Hill. It is the highest point in Shimla and offers a spectacular view of the town, hills and distant mountain ranges. The peak has a temple dedicated to the Lord Hanuman. After visiting the temple you will return back to hotel. In the evening you will visit the Mall and Scandal Point for shopping. In the evening explore Shimla city on foot as vehicle entry is prohibited. You can see prime places of Shimla like, Visit Ridge & Mall Road, Scandal Point, Kali Bari, Gaiety Theater, Lakkar Bazaar, Ridge, Church, Mall road, Scandal Point, Kali Bari temple etc. Ideal time for shopping and eating out at restaurants on the mall road, Dinner and Overnight stay at Hotel. Dinner and Overnight stay at Hotel.
After Breakfast Checkout from the Hotel & drive to Sarahan a beautiful village surrounded by apple orchards and dominated by Srikhand Mahadev peak (5,155m). This resembles a Shivlinga and is famous for Bhimakali temple, Dinner and Overnight stay at Hotel.
After Breakfast Checkout from the Hotel & drive to Kalpa famous for its Apple & Chailgoza plantations. Kalpa offers the best panoramic view of the 6,000 m high kinner Kailash range. Dinner and Overnight stay at Hotel.
After Breakfast Checkout from the Hotel & drive to Nako. Dinner and Overnight stay at Hotel.
After Breakfast Visit Nako Lake and Checkout from Hotel & drive to Kaza, Dinner and Overnight stay at Hotel.
After Breakfast visit Ki Monestry & Kibber, Kibber, Chicham one of the highest motorable village in the world, Dinner and Overnight stay at Hotel.
This is going to be the most exciting day of the trip. Checkout the hotel in Kaza and Travel to ChandraTaal Lake. The beautiful Chandra Taal lake is also known as moon lake, located at a height of 14,000 ft. On the way you will cross Kunzum Pass. Overnight stay at camps at ChandraTaal under the milky way.
Checkout the camps after breakfast in the early morning & start your journey to Manali. Travel to Manali via Atal Tunnel. Overnight stay at the hotel in Manali.
Today after breakfast you will Visit many beautiful locations. Visit to Hadimba Temple, Club House, Vashishth Bath, Monastery, Van Vihar and market famous for its food and shopping. Overnight stay at hotel in Manali Visit Solang valley for adventure activities. Overnight stay in Manali.
Checkout the hotel after breakfast. Drive back to Chandigarh. We will Drop you at Chandigarh.
