Move over the much hyped and now crowded Leh Ladakh. If Cold desserts, clear turquoise blue water lakes & rivers, epic landscapes and far off monastariesare your thing, then Spiti lies much ahead in the race than Ladakh!! Spiti is rightly called a travelers muse. Be careful though- the colossal sky, vast mountains, and glittering stars might have such a long lasting effect on your heart that you might never want to leave this heaven!  

Drive through one of the most beautiful picture-perfect roads in the world while halting along in dreamy mountain villages. This Spiti Valley road trip from Shimla goes through Kalpa of the Kinnaur Valley and finally enters Spiti through the village of Nako. Explore ancient thousand-year-old monasteries, trek to hidden lakes, ride a Yak, live in authentic homestays and spend time in some of the highest villages in Asia. Dubbed as The world's most adventurous road, the Hindustan-Tibet highway is a visual masterpiece. Dont let that misnomer frighten you because despite its hairpin curves and steep drops, this road has been safely ferrying travelers since the 1850s. 

We can go on and on raving about this "Traveler's mecca and a virgin paradise", but we'd rather leave it up to you; to come explore this mystic land with us and go back with a thousand reasons as to why going to this week-long exploration into the unknown could be a life-changing trip for you

Location:

Spiti Valley, Himachal Pradesh (Shimla-Kalpa-Tabo-Dhankar-Kaza-Key Monastery-Kibber)

Trip Duration: 7 nights - 8 days (ex- Delhi)

Highlights

Roadtrip on the Hindustan-Tibet Highway

Visit Key Monastery & 1000 Year Old Tabo Monastery

Experience life at Asia's highest village

Trek to Dhankar Lake

Send out a postcard from the World's highest Post Office

Explore some of the highest inhabited regions of the World

Itinerary:

Day 1: Delhi - Shimla (343 km, 7 hrs)

Since everybody will have their own stuff to sort out before they disappear for more than a week, we meet directly at Delhi at 09:45 pm.(At Majnu ka tilla). From here, we board a direct bus to Shimla saying goodbye to our city lives. 

PS: We can also guide you with travel assistance to Delhi and back.

Day 2: Shimla - Kalpa (225 km, 6-7 hrs)

We reach Shimla early in the morning. Thereon, we board our private vehicles (Comfortable Non AC Innova/ Scorpio, because who needs AC?) and gear up for the first day of the road trip as we drive through Narkandha and head towards the apple-orchard dotted town of Kalpa

According to legends, this is the winter abode of Lord Shiva. With the majestic views of the Kinner Kailash and Jordan Peaks, this enthralling village has spectacular sunrises with the crimson sunlight glowing on the snow-capped peaks. 3 kilometers away from Kalpa at Kothi, is a temple dedicated to the goddess Chandrika. An exquisite image of the goddess is enshrined in this sanctum.

Overnight at a hotel in Kalpa.

Day 3: Kalpa - Nako - Tabo (150 km, 4-5 hrs)

On the third day of this exciting trip, from Kalpa, we continue driving on the famous Hindustan Tibet Highway or the NH 22 This stretch is famously known as one of most adventurous roads of the world by the Lonely Planet in a visual spectacle. Don't let that little piece of information deter you because your local drivers are highly skilled and experienced while driving on these roads. As you begin embracing the jaw-dropping views, watch the mountains change their colors from the lush greens of the Kinnaur valley to the many hues of brown.

After a quick halt at Puh, we proceed to Nako the last hamlet of Kinnaur, before we enter the gates of Spiti Valley. After lunch at Nako, we drive through Sumdo, the first village of Spiti Valley, to Tabo, which would be our first stop in the glorious, mystical Spiti Valley.

The second largest village of the Spiti Valley, Tabo is known worldwide for its 1020-year-old 'Tabo Monastery'. Walk around this UNESCO world heritage site and gain a deeper insight into Buddhism. Unlike other monasteries in the Spiti Valley, the Tabo monastery is located at the bottom of the valley.

Overnight at a hotel or a Homestay in Tabo.

Day 4: Tabo - Dhankar - Dhankar Lake Trek - Kaza (48 km, 2 hrs)

On the fourth day of this Spiti Valley road trip, we drive to the charming and high villages of Dhankar and Lhalung before finally arriving at the heart of the Valley- Kaza 

Dhankar, the former capital of the Spiti Valley, offers panoramic views of Spiti Valley. Dhankar stands perched above the confluence of the Spiti and Pin river. Perhaps there must have been a fort here once, but today Dhankar is renowned for its 1200-year old monastery balanced precariously on a rocky precipice. We shall also do an easy 45-minute trek to the stunning turquoise colored Dhankar Lake.

If time permits, we take a short, traditional Yak safari and also learn how to make steaming hot momos with the locals! 

By evening, drive to Kaza, the commercial capital of the Spiti valley and spend the night in a hotel in either Kaza or the nearby village of Rangrik.

Overnight at a hotel in Kaza / Rangrik.

Day 5: Kaza - Langza - Hikkim - Komik - Key Monastery - Kibber - Gette - Kaza (26 km, 4-5 hrs)

This has to be the most memorable day of our road trip, as we dive deep into some of the highst inhabited regions of the world.

The highest village in Asia, Komik, which literally translates to the eye of a snow cock, is situated at a height of 4513 meters. This farming village has a population of 84 people, living in utter isolation, cut-off from the rest of the world for most parts of the year. This little hamlet ensures to bring you thousands of miles away from your familiar settings to a place of soft brown pastures and snow-white mountain peaks. Some of the common animals of the region are the Tibetan wolf, blue sheep, red fox, hare, snow cock, Himalayan griffin, rock pigeon etc.

Later, we drive to Hikkim where we visit the worlds highest post office in the world. If possible, you can even meet the post-master and hear his stories.

After sending out a postcard, we drive to Langza. Langza village with a population of just 137 people is situated at an altitude of 4400 meters and belongs to the Sakyapa sect of Tibetan Buddhism. You can walk into the village and visit the ancient Lang (Temple) which is estimated to be around 1000 years old. At Langza, walk back to the prehistoric era when Spiti was submerged by the Tethys Sea, as you explore a land very rich with fossils of Marine animals and plants which were here millions of years ago.

We drive back down to Kaza for lunch. After that, we visit the world famous Key Monastery. The car will first stop at the base of the monastery hill for the ultimate photo opportunity of this remarkable structure. The Key Monastery situated at a height of 13,668 feet is famous as a prominent center of learning as well as a refuge for Tibetans. 

Then we will move farther up the valley to the picturesque village of Kibber. Located at a height of 4205 meters, this formerly highest permanently inhabited village in this region is also a popular base camp to embark on adventure and treks to adjoining mountains of high altitude. We drive higher up to the secluded village of Gette where we absorb stunning aerial views of Kaza and tie a prayer flag.

We drive back to Kaza / Rangrik in the evening and spend the night in a comfortable and warm Kaza / Rangrik hotel.

Day 6: Kaza - Kalpa (197 km, 5-6 hrs)

On the sixth day of the Spiti Valley tour, we commence the final leg this magical trip. Today, we set out to return to Shimla across the Hindustan-Tibet highway. The first stop on this leg would be the charming village of Kalpa which we had previously visited on our way up to Spiti Valley.

But hey, worry not! We'll surely make some impromptu detours and try exploring the deepest parts of this breathtaking place one last time.

Overnight at a hotel in Kalpa.

Day 7: Kalpa - Shimla (225 km, 6-7 hrs)

On the final day of this Spiti Valley road trip, from Kalpa, we head back to Shimla. Shimla is an attractive blend of a hill town and holiday resort. With its distinctive retro style, hand-painted signs in bazaars, cars banned in the main town, Shimla has an old-world charm which feels as if the British left just yesterday. Bid goodbye to our sweet drivers & rides for the past week and have the day at leisure.

We keep the entire evening free for shopping & hogging at the streets of this one-of-a-kind hill station.

Overnight at a hotel in Shimla.

Day 8: Shimla - Delhi (343 km, 7 hrs)

Board a semi-sleeper AC Bus to Delhi post breakfast and conclude this trip. Reach Delhi by 04:00 PM. 

Say goodbye to new friends, the magical hills & hello to nostalgia and the mundane city life for a few months! :(

Until next time, Bhatakna! :*

Inclusions:

Bus fares to and from Delhi and Shimla for semi-sleeper AC buses

Accommodation in cozy, rustic and comfortable home stays / hotels with decent amenities on a double or triple sharing basis

Private internal transport throughout the trip as mentioned in the itinerary.

Two meals a day i.e. breakfast and dinner (Except the dinner on Day 7)

Visits to all places & activities as per itinerary

Basic medical and first-aid kit

All permits, tolls and parking charges

Travel insurance

Experienced local guides

Experienced Bhatakna representatives

Exclusions:

Any Personal Expenses / Tips

Lunch / Any Beverages / Meals that are not mentioned in the itinerary.

Sightseeing in Shimla / Any activities or transfers other than what is mentioned in the itinerary.

Any cost arising out of unforeseen circumstances including medical emergencies and acts of God.

Anything that is not mentioned in the above list of inclusions.

Accommodation:

Rooms will be on a double OR triple sharing basis with basic washrooms attached

The home-stays / Hotels will have running hot water facility

These are very basic hotels. There will be no room service

Meals:

Bhatakna Outdoors will provide 2 meals a day (Breakfast & Dinner)

Dinner on Day 7 is not included in the package

For our meals together, we will try out new cafes / local restaurants every day. We will allow you a budget and you can choose to eat any item off the menu

The cuisines will be in various variety like- Indian, Continental and Tibetan. You can try any of these cuisines at the restaurants/home stays we are visiting

We encourage you to go explore the various local dishes that Spiti Valley has to offer

Transport:

We will be travelling from Delhi to Shimla and back in AC semi-sleeper Volvo buses

We will transit within Spiti Valley by private Innova / Scorpio / Tavera 

You could choose to pack the following items for your Spiti Valley road trip:

A backpack of min. 40-50ltr. of storage (Please avoid carrying luggage bags)

Windproof Jackets (heavy / feather)

Pullovers / Sweatshirts / Raincoats

Warmers / Thermals

Woollen caps, mufflers, gloves and socks

Light Cotton Trek Pants / Comfortable Jeans 

Waterproof / snow-proof hiking shoes*

An extra pair of shoes (if you are trekking

Sunscreen (SPF40 and above)

Personal Medicines (As prescribed by your doctor)

Water bottle 

A flashlight

Solar chargers / Power banks

Lip guard

Hat / Cap

Sunglasses

Face Mask

BSNL Prepaid / Postpaid SIM Card

Hand Sanitizer

Toilet Paper

*If you are buying new shoes for your Spiti Valley trip, please remember to use them for at least 2-3 weeks before you commence the trip.

Request you to carry only one backpack per person.

Note:

-Meeting time at Delhi is 09:45pm. We will inform you the exact place well in advance. Please do not be late.

 -On your return journey from Delhi, please book your train or flights post 7 pm (to be on the safer side in case of any delays)

 -Despite this being a backpacking trip, we will be running on a fixed schedule. Punctuality will be appreciated.

 -Spiti Valley home to people from a deep rooted culture. Please honor the local culture and do not be disrespectful.

 -This is not a leisurely trip. Please be prepared for a good amount of walking up and down hills and hilly terrain.

 -Carrying rain wear is very important if the trip is between June-Sept. Take all necessary precautions to keep yourself and your belongings dry.

 -While we're moving in groups to various places, try and stick to the group and not wander off. Even if you do, please inform the group leads.

 -The trip schedule is subject to change. Day of visits to the mentioned places could be shifted back and forth by the Leads.

 -While booking your transport to Delhi, please try and book refundable tickets wherever possible (especially flights)

 -In the scenario that the trip gets cancelled from our end, you will be refunded the entire trip amount.

FAQ's

1) What region of north India are we travelling to?

 -We're travelling from Delhi to Spiti Valley which is a cold dessert valley of Himachal Pradesh.

2) What altitude would we be travelling to?

 -Spiti Valley is at an altitude of approximately 12,500 ft.

3) What will the temperature be like while we're there?

 -Temperatures rise to a maximum of 23°C during the day and can drop to a minimum of 7°C during the night.

4) Is there mobile connectivity in Mcleodganj?

 -Unsure. Better buy and carry BSNL sim cards, they get network coverage almost everywhere.

5) Are there any ATMs where we're travelling?

 -We'll come across a couple of ATMs at Spiti, however, carry liquid cash at all times.

6) Can I smoke/drink on this trip?

 -We do not refrain our participants from smoking or drinking on our backpacking trips. However, there are times you will be disallowed to do so (at monasteries, treks, sacred spaces etc). Indulge in these activities responsibly. 

7) What will the group size be?

 -We will be a maximum of 16-18 travellers including 2 bhatakna representatives.

8) Is there any age limit to join this trip?

 -No, there is no age limit to join this trip. However, the average age group of travellers is usually between 18-32.

9) Can I join this expedition solo?

 -OF COURSE you can! We have a good number of solo travellers on almost every trip.

10) How physically fit do I need to be to join this trip?

 -This trip doesn't have a very high physical requirement. You need to be able to walk long distances on flat plains and be able to do a day trek too. Those who have a low tolerance of cold should be prepared with temperature appropriate clothing.

12) Are there doctors/hospitals in Spiti Valley?

 -Kaza town has a doctors dispensary which is at a convenient distance from our stay.