Spiti Valley Culture Tour
15 Days
Suitable for families with young children
Kunzum La (4590 Mts)
Highest point/ Max altitude
Fitness Grade
Moderate
5-7 hours activity per day with steep uphill and downhill sections or high passes. Some days at high altitudes, good level of physical fitness recommended.
In his novel Kim, Rudyard Kipling called Spiti “a world within a world” and “a place where the gods live.” Located in the Himalayan rain-shadow between high, barren mountain ranges, this is a fascinating land of ancient Buddhist monasteries, remote villages and cultural traditions going back centuries. Our tour guides you to the best of this spectacular part of India.
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Tour Highlights
- The dramatic landscape, from lush sub-tropical greenery to barren mountains
- Kaza, Spiti’s colourful capital
- Shimla, a delightful hill station with colonial buildings and great views
- Awesome Chandratal lake at 4,220 metres
- Narrow-gauge train journey through the mountains
- Flexible tour options
- Flexible tailor-made booking options
Best Season
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
Tour Details
A popular journey into some of the remotest regions of northern India. We will start by travelling from from Delhi into the lush foothills and Shimla, the enchanting hill-station that was once the summer capital of British India. A two-night stay gives the opportunity to explore the town and its beautiful surroundings, with an optional trip aboard the local ‘toy’ train, a narrow-gauge line that winds through the forested hills.
Next we will step back in time as we journey north into the remote valleys of Kinnaur and Spiti along the Hindustan-Tibet highway, with the first stop at Sarahan and its imposing Bhimakali temple. In the days ahead we will visit isolated settlements including Kibber, the highest permanently inhabited village in the world, the otherworldly Buddhist monasteries of Ki, Tabo, and Dhankar, and follow the mountain road through narrow gorges and across high mountain passes: we’ll traverse Kunzum La (‘La’ means Pass in Tibetan) (4590m) and Rohtang La (3979m), with spectacular views of snowcapped peaks, rugged terrain and hanging valleys.
Towards the end of our journey we’ll reach Chandratal (means Lake of the Moon) (4220m), an unforgettable sight with its crystal-clear water and amazing mountain vistas. The scenery changes dramatically as we descend into the green and fertile Kullu valley on our way to Manali. Here we will explore the ancient wooden Hadimba temple and other local attractions. Our journey draws to a close as we drive south to Delhi via Chandigarh.
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Flexibility Guaranteed
Please note: You can use this itinerary as a guide to fully customise this tour as per your budget and requirements. Flexible options include travel dates and duration, places, activities and experiences, hotel category (star/rating) and any specific requirements that you may have.
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DAY 01 - Delhi
Arrive Delhi and transfer to hotel
Arrive at Indira Gandhi International Airport, Delhi our KVT’s representative will meet and would assist you there, later board the vehicle and transfer to hotel for check-in. Rest of the day is free for you to relax at hotel or can explore the surroundings by own.
Overnight Hotel
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DAY 02 - Shimla
Train to Shimla
Early morning after breakfast we load our luggage then drive to Delhi railway station to catch an early morning day express train to Kalka, onwards catch we can enjoy the mountain train Journey from Kalka to Shimla by himalayan queen. Reach Shimla by late evening and check-in to the hotel. (2205m | distance: 380km approx.)
Overnight Hotel
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DAY 03 - Shimla
Full day exploration of Shimla
Shimla is the capital city of the Indian state Himachal Pradesh; it is the popular tourist destination in summers and in winters as well. Shimla is well known for its Victorian architecture which is reflected in the areas of the Mall and The Ridge. Today we process for the full day exploration of Shimla visiting the mall road, the Vice regal Lodge, the ridge, state museum. You can also visit the local view-points such as Jakhu Temple. (2205m)
Overnight Hotel
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DAY 04 - Sarahan
Drive to Sarahan, visit Bhimakali temple
This morning after breakfast we will be transferred to Sarahan (2313m) by road, Sarahan is a remote mountain village and the gateway to the Kinnaur Valley. Sarahan has the famous Bhimakali Temple which is a fusion of Hindu as well as Buddhist architecture. Sarahan is surrounded by mountains and snow-capped peaks. Later reach Sarahan and check-in to the hotel. (2313m | distance: 180 km appx; 6-7Hrs)
Overnight Guest House
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DAY 05 - Sangla
Drive to Sangla, visit Kamru fort
Today we head towards Sangla (2710m), it is a beautiful village located on the banks of river Baspa and from Sangla village one can have an amazing view of Kinner-Kailash peak (6500m). In Sangla we visit Kamru Fort a famous old fort in Himachal Pradesh (2710m | distance: 95 km approx.)
Overnight Guest House
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DAY 06 - Sangla
Sangla, excursion to Chitkul
Today we proceed for the excursion towards Chitkul (3450m); it is a beautiful small village located on the banks of Baspa River in Baspa valley and the last inhabited village near the Indo-China border. It also offers mesmerizing views of the snow-capped peaks of Kinnaur region. After spending some time at Chitkul we return back to Sangla. (2710m | total distance: 60km approx.)
Overnight Guest House
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DAY 07 - Nako
Drive to Nako en-route visit Khab village
This morning after breakfast we head towards Nako village (3662m) our next stopover point for the night. (“Foreign visitors” are required inner line permits to visit the areas ahead of Kalpa), on the way we visit Khab village (2438m) to watch the confluence of Spiti and Sutlej Rivers. Later we drive to Nako village which is a small village situated beside Nako Lake (3662m), it is a high altitude lake and surrounded by trees. (3662m | distance: 180km approx.)
Overnight Guest House
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DAY 08 - Tabo
Drive to Tabo, visit Tabo monastery
We leave Nako village in morning and drive towards Tabo (3280m), another beautiful town in Spiti valley located on the banks of Spiti River. On the way to Tabo we will be crossing the Malling Nallah (Major water crossing) then follow mountainous road. Reach Tabo and visit the famous Tabo monastery where the 14th Dalai Lama held the Kalachakra ceremonies. (3280m | distance: 70km)
Overnight Guest House
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DAY 09 - Kaza
Drive to Kaza en-route visit Dhankar monastery
This day we drive towards Kaza (3650m) but before that on the way we will visit Dhankar monastery (3894m), it is located on the cliff in Dhankar village which used to be the capital of Spiti Valley. From the monastery one can have a beautiful view of the confluence of Spiti and Pin rivers, after the visit we will continue our drive to Kaza. Kaza is the sub-divisional headquarters of the Spiti valley; it is the largest town and commercial center of the valley. (3650m | distance: 70km)
Overnight Guest House
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DAY 10 - Kaza
Kaza, visit Ki monastery and Kibber village
Today in the morning we visit Ki monastery (4166m) situated on a hill top close to Spiti River. It is the largest Buddhist monastery in Spiti valley and biggest centre of Buddhist learning. Ki monastery is founded in 11th century and a religious training centre for Lamas (monks). After that we will visit a high mountain inhabited village that is Kibber village (4270m). It has a Kibber Wildlife Sanctuary and a monastery; it is a small village with houses painted in white with red rooftops. After spending sometime at the village we will return back to Kaza. (3650m | total distance: 50 km)
Overnight Guest House
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DAY 11 - Chandertal
Drive to Chandratal en-route crossing Kunzum La (4590m)
Morning we leave Kaza and head towards Chandratal (4220m) on the way we will be crossing a high mountain pass that is Kunzum La (4590m) which connects Kullu and Lahaul valley with Spiti valley. After crossing the pass we drive to Chandratal which means Lake of the Moon, we reach at a point from where vehicles are not allowed and camping is no longer permitted near the lake. We trek to the beautiful Chandratal, reach there and walk around the lake (from Chandratal one can do a trek for 4-5 days to reach Baralacha La (4890m) which is a high mountain pass on the Leh-Manali highway) then we head back to the camping point and relax at the camp. (4220m | distance: 100 km approx.)
Overnight Camp
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DAY 12 - Manali
Drive to Manali en-route crossing Rohtang La (3979m)
Early morning we board the vehicle and drive towards Manali our next stopover point but the drive will be challenging today because of the road condition there is no proper road and there will be water crossing at some points. The drive is loaded with breathtaking views along with Chandra River running beside the road. At Gramphoo we will take the Leh-Manali highway and drive towards Rohtang La (3979m) which is a high mountain pass which closes in every winter due to heavy snowfall. Cross the pass and head towards Manali the landscape here is totally different as compare to Lahaul and Spiti valley, reach Manali and check-in to the hotel. (2050m | distance: 125km)
Overnight Hotel
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DAY 13 - Manali
Manali sightseeing
Today after the breakfast we will proceed for the sightseeing of Manali, visiting Hadimba Temple is an ancient cave temple which is surrounded by a beautiful cedar forest. It is a famous temple in Manali and visited by many tourists every year. Then drive to Naggar visit Naggar Castle which runs as a heritage hotel, it was built by Raja Sidh Singh of Kullu. Here we also visit Nicholas Roerich Art Gallery who was the reputed Russian artist and the gallery houses his rare paintings. Later after the visit return back to Manali and relax at the hotel. (Distance: 55 km)
Overnight Hotel
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DAY 14 - Delhi
Drive to Delhi
Early morning we drive from Manali to Delhi this will be a full-day drive and late evening we reach Delhi and check-in to the hotel. (Distance: 580km approx.)
Overnight Hotel
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DAY 15 - Delhi
Departure from Delhi
Today you will be transferred to the Indira Gandhi International Airport to board the flight for back home.
Tour Map (Only key areas marked)
Send an enquiry
Flexibility Guaranteed! Using the above itinerary as a guide you can fully customise this tour as per your budget and requirements. Flexible options include travel dates and duration, places, activities and experiences, hotel category (star/rating) and any specific requirements that you may have. On receiving your enquiry we will respond with prices and work with you to create a truly personalised holiday experience that is in your budget and personal style.
