This trekking holiday with home-stays, in the remote Spiti Valley gives you the chance to experience first hand a Buddhist way of life that has remained unchanged for centuries. You will interact closely with the local people as they go about the daily tasks of farming, water management and cooking. Some of the world’s most endangered species make their home in the Spiti valley and you may be lucky enough to encounter a Snow Leopard, Tibetan Wolf or Blue Sheep.

The valleys of Spiti and Lahaul are bound by Tibet in the east, the Kullu valley to the south and Ladakh in the north. While in some ways these wild valleys are similar to the Leh and Zanskar valleys of Ladakh, they are more remote, mysterious and magnificent. Because of deep snow and subzero temperatures road access to the region is impossible for most of the year. This land lies between altitudes of 3000m and 6000m. At lower altitudes we find wide valleys with rich pastures full of wild flowers. These contrast with soaring peaks and frozen glaciers. It is one of the most impressive and remote areas for trekking in India.

You will be met at the airport and transferred to the hotel. Spend the afternoon and evening relaxing in your hotel room or taking in the sights of Delhi. Overnight Hotel.

We leave Delhi in the early morning and drive north to Manali. Over the next three days the scenery changes from flat arable land, to alpine meadows, wooded mountains, and finally to the barren high altitude landscape of Spiti; a fascinating and adventurous journey. The beautiful hill station of Manali is on the banks of the Beas River on the lower slopes of the Himalaya. Overnight at our hotel.

A relaxing day today offers you the chance to explore this lovely town; you can visit the colourful market and the Roerich Art Gallery. The Hadimba Temple is also worth a visit. Overnight hotel.

Today we drive further north over the Rohtang Pass and continue up into the Himalayas gaining altitude all the time. The drive is through panoramic scenery of immense beauty. Overnight in hotel at Kaza.

A day of relaxation and acclimatisation gives you the opportunity to visit some of the local sights. We visit numerous villages including Kye which has the largest gompa in Spiti before heading back to Kaza for a trip to the local market. Overnight hotel.

After a relaxed breakfast we leave for Langza where we visit the Lang (temple) the main gompa in the area. It houses some impressive frescoes and thankas (paintings on silk canvases) and other local artefacts. Dinner and over night in a home-stay.

Day 7: Langza to Jureley (4740m) 5/6 hours

After the past few days of acclimatisation you are ready to start your first full day of trekking. We set off early moving at a slow pace. When passing through villages we see irrigation systems that have been used in agricultural practice here for generations. We encounter some of Spiti’s geology as we walk through an area rich in fossils. Throughout today’s walk we have amazing views of Chau Chau Kang Nilda (6380m) and Chau Chau Kang Namo (5964m) which are part of the magnificent Pasham range. We will also see a wide range of native flowers making the most of the short growing season. This is Blue Sheep country too, and you may be lucky enough to spot one. Overnight camping.

Today the trail meanders through grazing lands where the yaks and horses browse. The yak, an animal unique to the Himalayas, is an imposing sight. We camp for the night at a summer settlement. Here a few of the villagers move to herd their animals on the short lived summer pastures, saving hay, and gathering fuel for the winter. Overnight camping.

Today you will encounter the legend of Demul which you will learn about during your visit. This village is in one of the most isolated regions of an already remote Spiti valley. Enjoy a hot meal at the home-stay and then meet local villagers who will tell you more about their special history. Overnight in home-stay.

You will notice the increasing richness of the air today as we descend almost 700m to the village of Saglung for lunch. This tiny village of two houses is in a beautiful area where we meet very friendly residents. We then continue on a short way to Lhalung complete with its ancient temple and a locally famous tree, over 1000 years old. From Lhalung we drive to Dhankhar, the prehistoric capital of Spiti, arriving there in the evening. Words are not enough when it comes to describing this early settlement, balanced on cliff edges and mud pillars. Again we have the opportunity to see at close hand, evidence of Spiti’s geological past. Overnight home-stay or monastery.

Day 11: Dhankhar to Kaza (3686m):1/2 hours

Today we relax and are free to spend the morning visiting ancient and modern gompas, the Dhankhar Fort and a museum of early cultural remains. After lunch at the home-stay we leave the area and drive back to Kaza. Overnight hotel.

On our drive south to Manali we can appreciate the changing landscape as it becomes richer, greener and more fertile. Overnight in hotel in Manali.

Today is “namaste” or “farewell” day meaning both “hello” and “goodbye”. As we drive back to Delhi we hope that the memories you take with you(and the photographs) will be lasting and treasured, and that the IntoIndia team will have the opportunity to share some more of this magnificent sub-continent with you and yours in the not too distant future. Transfer to your hotel.

After breakfast depart to the international airport for your flight home. Trip ends.