Himachal Tribal Expedition

Day 1: Delhi / Chandigarh – Shimla

Morning pick up from Delhi / Chandigarh railway station / airport & leave for Shimla. Evening free to explore Mall road & church. Overnight in Shimla.

Day 2: Shimla - Sarahan 2,150 metres / 7,055 feet, (170 Kms 9-10 hrs)

After breakfast at hotel, Today it is a drive of 9-10 hrs, driving through the beautiful villages of Fagu, Theog, Matiana, Narkanda and Rampur. Enrooted we will have many stopage and will visit the Apple orchards and Hattu peak (3,400 metres/ 11,154 feet) at Narkanda, from where you can have a spectacular view of the mighty Central Himalayas and will also visit the traditional wodden carved temple of Godess Kali on the top. We will also stop by a small lake on the way to Hattu Peak. Later on we continue our drive to Sarahan via Rampur and enroute we will stop for lunch break and various picture breaks. Sarahan - the tiny village offers the splendid views of Shrikhanda Mahadev Peak (5,155 metres). The major attraction in Sarahan is centuries-old Hindu temple of Godess Bhimakali. Steeped in legend, the temple complex is a resplendent example of hill architecture. Sarahan is also the gateway to Kinnaur valley. Overnight stay in Hotel in Sarahan.

Day 3: Sarahan – Reckong Peo – Kalpa

After breakfast drive to Kalpa village and spend some time in meadows and apple orchards. Reckong Peo is district headquarter of Kinnaur district and the launching pad for most expeditions to Spiti. Out hotel over there is nestled between beautiful orchards of apple and cherry trees in a very quaint and romantic location. Overnight in Kalpa.

Day 4: Kalpa – Puh – Nako – Sumdo – Tabo

After breakfast, From this point, you’ll notice a change in the terrain as the barren cold desert landscape of Spiti becomes visible. Driving through, we’ll reach Nako village and visit the Nako lake and monastery in village to observe rituals of local Buddhist monks. The walk in nearby areas will provide some great views of mountainous scenery. After visit drive to Tabo. Overnight in Tabo

Day 5: Tabo

After breakfast, proceed to visit Tabo Monastery is more than 1000 years old and contains many priceless Thanka paintings and artifacts including Pillar of a Thousand Buddhas. This monastery is listed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. The entry to monastery which is spread over 6300 square meters is made of earthen walls and covered with beautiful frescoes. These paintings depict various lives of Buddha and stories from Jataka tales painted in typical Tibetan style. You can also visit nearby caves which are used by monks to meditate in solitude and introspection. Overnight in Tabo.

Day 6: Tabo – Dhankar – Lalung

After breakfast drive to Dhankar, the ancient capital of Spiti and seat of Spitian Kings. There are ruins of an ancient castle and a monastery constructed in 16th century. It’s situated on top of a steep mountain ridge overlooking the valley. A walk to Dhankar lake takes about 90 minutes, We’ll then drive to Lalung village which is a small picturesque village inhabited by friendly and helpful villagers. Lalung monastery is famous for it’s statue of Three Cornered Buddha made with 3 sides to symblise Buddha looking in every direction. It is believed that Rinchen Zangpo, founder of major monasteries in Spiti planted a willow tree and instructed the locals to construct a monastery of the tree survives. Today, an ancient willow tree stands in front of the monastery constructed in 10th century. Overnight in Lalung.

Day 7: Lalung – Kaza – Langcha

After breakfast drive to Langcha village hangs over Kaza town at an altitude of 4250 meters. The road leading to Langcha village is among the highest motorable roads anywhere in the world. Traveling along this road, the travellers get spectacular views of valley and sparkling waters of Spiti river flowing through it. The route eventually leads to Shilla valley on plateau above which has grazing grounds for local livestock. Langcha village is divided in to Upper and Lower village. We’ll have lunch there in a local house and enjoy authentic delicious cuisine of Spiti . We’ll visit a 900 years old Buddhist temple and then visit Komik. We will then hunt for millions of years old fossils in Langthis Natural Fossil Center. After that, we can visit Komic monastery, which is one of highest monasteries anywhere in world as well as another ancient monastery near Hikkim village which was destroyed in an earthquake in 1975. Overnight in Langcha.

Day 8: Langcha – Kaza – Ki Monastry – Kibber

After breakfast, We’ll travel on road to Kibber and visit world famous Ki Monastery located at an altitude of 4120 meters. We’ll walk around it and see vast collection of ancient paintings and manuscripts contained in the large complex. Ki monastery belongs to Gelugpa Sect of Tibetan Buddhism. After monastery, we’ll move towards Kibber village which is among the biggest villages in Lahaul Spiti region and situated at an altitude of 4250 meters. The surroundings offer a good spot for wildlife sightings. Overnight in Kibber.

Day 9: Kibber – Chicham

After breakfast, trek to Chicham village which is located on other side of a sharp and precipitous canyon. We can also go there by a thrilling ropeway ride (called jhoola in local dialect). It’s not uncommon to spot the elusive snow leopard here. It’s also a good place to spot other wildlife like ibex, blue sheep, golden cock, pika, Himalayan wolf and more. Overnight in Chicham.

Day 10: Chicham – Kunzum La – Chandrataal Lake

After breakfast, drive up to Kunzum La. Kunzum La is a vital pass in the region at an altitude of 4550 meters. There’s also a temple dedicated to Goddess Kunzum. We can either trek to Chandrataal Lake (8 km) from there or drive via Batal. Chandrataal Lake is one of the major attractions of Spiti valley famous for it’s crystal clear water and stunning views. We’ll spend the night in our campsite about 1 km from the lake. Overnight Camping in Chandrataal Lake.

Day 11: Chandrataal Lake – Batal – Chatru

After breakfast drive to Batal, a popular resting stop for vehicles on this route and have tea in hospitable Chandra dhaba. We’ll get close to Chandra River and spend some time soaking in the views. After that we’ll reach Chatru and camp there for the night near river. We’ll see the fields, spend sometime with local Gaddi shephards and enjoy the views of dozens of small streams flowing through mountains and joining Chandra River as it gains more volume. Overnight in Chatru.

Day 12: Chatru – Rohtang Pass – Manali

After breakfast leave for Manali via Rohtang Pass. The drive normally takes between 6 to 7 hours. As we leave valley, the desert landscape of the valley is left behind replaces by greenery all over. We’ll reach Rohtang Pass by noon and visit Beas Kund. After having a cup of tea, we’ll reach Manali in evening. Check in the hotel and walk around The Mall Road Manali. Overnight in Manali.

Day 13: Manali

After fresh up enjoy Manali local sightseeing tour. Start your trip by covering Hadimba Devi Temple and Ghatotkacha Temple. The temples are dedicated to Mata Hadimba (the most worshipped deity in Himahcal) and her son Ghatotkacha. Clubhouse will be next place to visit. Here, enjoy

Recreational activities such as Skating, disco, zipline, TT and much more. Later bathe yourselves in Sage Vashisht’s Hot Springs containing Medical properties. Right across the Hot spring are temples of Lord shiva and Lord Ram where one can pay a visit. Overnight stay will be in reserved Hotel in Manali.

Day 14: Manali – Chandigarh / Delhi

After breakfast drive to Chandigarh / Delhi. En-route visit Kullu. Upon arrival in Chandigarh / Delhi transfer to Airport / Railway station.

***Tour End with Sweet Memories***