Spiti Valley Expedition

Your journey to the breathtaking Spiti Valley begins as we assemble at our designated departure point in Delhi, either Kashmiri Gate or Majnu Ka Tila. Excitement builds up as we board our comfortable Tempo Traveller, ready to embark on an adventure of a lifetime. As the vehicle rolls through the night, you’ll get to enjoy the changing landscapes from the city lights of Delhi to the scenic roads leading towards Himachal Pradesh. The overnight drive is filled with fun, travel stories, and anticipation for what lies ahead.

By morning, we reach the charming town of Manali, surrounded by lush green valleys and the majestic Himalayas. After freshening up and grabbing breakfast, we begin our drive towards Chandratal Lake, a stunning high-altitude lake that is nothing short of a dream. The journey takes us through the Atal Tunnel, leading into the barren landscapes of Lahaul Valley.
The rugged terrain, the breathtaking views, and the transition from green hills to brown mountains make the drive truly unforgettable. By evening, we arrive at Chandratal, one of the most mesmerizing lakes in the Himalayas, situated at an altitude of 14,100 ft. The lake is famous for its pristine, crescent-shaped water body that reflects the sky like a mirror. As the sun sets, we prepare for overnight camping near the lake. Enjoy a warm dinner under a star-lit sky, and if you’re lucky, you might witness the spectacular Milky Way stretching across the horizon.

After an early breakfast, we bid farewell to Chandratal and begin our journey towards Kaza, the heart of Spiti Valley. The route takes us through some of the most remote yet beautiful landscapes of the Trans-Himalayan region. Our first stop is Key Monastery, a centuries-old Tibetan Buddhist monastery perched on a hilltop. This monastery, with its traditional murals, prayer wheels, and monks engaged in their daily rituals, offers a serene and spiritual experience.

From here, we continue to Kibber Village, one of the highest inhabited villages in the world, known for its incredible views and the rare snow leopard sightings in the winter. We also cross the Chicham Bridge, which is the highest bridge in Asia, offering an adrenaline rush as we look down into the deep gorge below. By evening, we reach Kaza, the headquarters of Spiti Valley, and check into our cozy accommodation for a relaxed evening and a delicious dinner.

Today, we set out to explore some of the highest motorable villages in the world. Our first stop is Hikkim, home to the world’s highest post office at an altitude of 14,567 ft. You can send postcards to your loved ones, stamped from this legendary location. Next, we head to Komic, one of the highest motorable villages in the world, where you’ll be greeted with stunning panoramic views of the Himalayan peaks.

Our journey then takes us to Langza, also known as the fossil village, where you can find ancient marine fossils embedded in the rocks, evidence of Spiti’s prehistoric past when it was submerged under the Tethys Sea. The iconic golden Buddha statue in Langza sits peacefully overlooking the vast valley, making it an ideal spot for capturing breathtaking pictures. After a day of sightseeing, we return to Kaza for an overnight stay.

After breakfast, we begin our journey toward Tabo, one of the most culturally significant villages in Spiti. En route, we stop at Dhankar Monastery, a fascinating ancient monastery perched dramatically on the edge of a mountain cliff. For those feeling adventurous, a short trek leads to Dhankar Lake, a serene high-altitude lake with unparalleled views of the Spiti Valley.

Reaching Tabo Village, we visit the Tabo Monastery, which is over 1,025 years old and is often referred to as the Ajanta of the Himalayas due to its intricate frescoes and ancient murals. We also explore the monastery caves, where monks once meditated in isolation for years. As the day ends, we settle into our guesthouse in Tabo/Nako for the night.

Today, we make our way towards Chitkul, the last inhabited village near the Indo-Tibetan border. The journey is long but rewarding, as we pass through stunning valleys and remote Himalayan terrain. Upon reaching Chitkul, you’ll be welcomed by the mesmerizing beauty of the Baspa River, wooden houses, and a breathtaking landscape of snow-capped peaks.

We explore Mathi Temple, an ancient temple believed to protect the village, and visit The Last Dhaba of India, where you can enjoy a delicious plate of Maggi or tea while taking in the spectacular views. As the sun sets, we check into our cozy hotel in Chitkul/Sangla for a peaceful night’s rest.

After an early breakfast, we bid farewell to the mountains and begin our return journey to Delhi. Our route takes us through Shimla, where we may take a short halt if time permits. By evening, we continue our drive back to Delhi, reaching the city the next morning with a heart full of memories and a camera full of stunning pictures.