A blend of Spiti's rich cultural heritage and natural splendours, this trail provides a unique insight into the Spitian way of life (their
irrigation practices, livestock grazing
mechanisms, homes, cuisine and sleeping
arrangements) balanced with the opportunity to explore the habitats of some of the worlds rarest species
of wildlife including Blue Sheep, Tibetan
Wolf and Snow Leopard.
You can also add a twist of excitment and adventure by traversing part of this trail on yak back, for a small local payment.
Surrounded by the Kullu Valley in the south, Ladakh in the north and Tibet in
the east, the twin valleys of Lahaul and Spiti are examples of nature at its
wildest. This land duplicates and in many ways exceeds the beauty and mystery of
the Leh and Zanskar valleys of Ladakh due to its remoteness and less explored
terrain. This region is inaccessible for most of the year due to snowed out
mountain passes and extreme cold temperatures. The landscape is characterised by
glaciers, 6000 m peaks, broad valleys and pastures with a minimum elevation
exceeding 3000 m.
This is a high altitude trip (max, height 4740 m). Please contact us to discuss the implications of this and your own personal fitness.
On arrival to India you will be met at the airport. Depending on your personal itinerary you will be transferred to the train station, or hotel.
Day 1: Delhi to Manali (2050 m): 12 hrs
Our journey begins on the train leaving
Delhi at 7.40 am arriving at Chandigarh at
11.00 am. We then drive further north into
the mountains to Manali. Manali, a former
British hill station is located in the
Alpine lower reaches of the Himalaya. It is
now a vibrant market town with a great
atmosphere. Explore the town before an
overnight in the hotel.
Day 2: Rest day Manali
Have a relaxing day after yesterdays long day of travel. Visit Manali market, Hadimba Temple, and walk around town. We also drive to Naggar and Solang, to visit Roerich's art gallery. Overnight hotel.
Day 3: Manali to Kaza (3686 m): 8/9 hrs
We start early and drive further north over the Rohtang pass and into
the Mountains gaining more altitude. Over these two days of driving the
landscape changes from flat agricultural land, to alpine meadows, sharp
peaks and evergreen forests, and the barren mountain deserts of Spiti:
a slow but interesting journey. Overnight hotel in Kaza. Day 4: Around Kaza:
Today we visit some of the amazing sights in the surround area. We drive to Kye village and gompa which is the largest monastery in Spiti. From there we continue to Kibber, Gette and Tashigang villages before reurning to Kaza in the evening to explore the market there.
Day 5: Kaza to Langza (4400 m): 1 hr
A relatively easy day in order to acclimatize to the increase in altitude. No need to wake up early this day. One can start after a leisurely breakfast and reach Langza by noon in order to pay a visit to the Lang (temple). The Lang is regarded to be the headquarters of all the deities of the valley and houses some beautiful old frescoes and thankas (paintings on silken canvas). Dinner and overnight in a home-stay.
Day 6: Langza to Jureley (4740 m): 5/6 hrs
We start early as it is the first long day of trekking and should be taken slowly, as exercising at altitude can be very draining. The trail traverses along a natural fossil centre with the opportunity to spot some rare relics of Spiti's geological history.
Most of the route takes us past impressively
constructed irrigation channels, getting an
insight into the laborious and intricate
system of water management. The route runs
along side the amazing Pasham Range who’s
main peaks Chau Chau Khang Nilda (6380 m)
and Chau Khang Namo (5964 m) form a
beautiful backdrop. If you're lucky, you may spot Blue Sheep along this route, as well as a host of native flora. Overnight camp.
Day 7: Jureley to Mulchay (4560 m): 4/5 hrs
The trail slowly winds itself over pasture lands and the day is spent marveling
at the grazing yaks and wild horse. The night is spent camping at a summer settlement of the villagers. Every year a few of the villagers shift to these settlements along with the village livestock for the purpose of grazing the animals and collecting winter fodder and fuel.
Overnight camp.
Day 8: Mulchay to Demul (4357 m): 2/3 hrs
Today we have the option of taking the yak ride to a high vantage point for great views of Demul and the surrounding areas. As one leaves Mulchay, there is a sense of anticipation that builds before approaching Demul. Located in one of the most remote areas of Spiti, this village has a very interesting legend associated with its foundation, which you will learn on arrival. After a warm lunch in a home-stay, we take a look around the village and meet the local people. The local villagers are a good source of information, not only for the sights but also for the unique history surrounding the village. Overnight homestay.
Day 9: Demul to Lhalung to Dhankhar (3758 m): 4/5 hrs
The route is primarily all downhill today. Lunch is at a village called Saglung, housing all of two houses. This village, apart from having such a small population, is amazingly picturesque and the people are very friendly. Lhalung, which is not too far, also has plenty to offer. The oldest temple and possibly one of the oldest trees (dating back over a millennium) in Spiti are found here.
From Lhalung we drive to Dhankhar arriving in the evening. Dhankhar village is hard
to describe as it balances precariously
across the geological relics of mud stone
pillars and high cliffs. Overnight Homestay / Monastery.
Day 10: Dhankhar to Kaza (3686 m): 5 hrs
We rise early and hike to Dhankhar lake. The waters in lake are crystal
clear and they often reflect a perfect image
of the surrounding landscape. When we return to Dhankhar one can visit the Fort and the museum of cultural artefacts. After lunch in the homestay we drive to Tabo, famous for the 1012 year old Monastery located there. From Tabo we take the short trip to Kaza. Overnight hotel. Day 11: Kaza to Manali (2050 m): 8/9 hrs
We drive to Manali, enjoying the landscape as it transforms back to the lush
alpine lush alpine terrain of the Kullu
valley. Overnight hotel in Manali.
Day 12: Manali to Delhi: 12 hrs
Drive back to Chandigah and board the train to Delhi arriving in the evening. Trip ends.
Note: Please contact us for sightseeing in Delhi, or a trip to the Taj Mahal at the start or end of this trip. We can also tailor this trip with a rafting expedition or wildlife safari.
All itineraries exclude international flight days. The duration of this trip is calculated from Delhi back to Delhi again.
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