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About the trip: Spiti Cultural Trek
A blend of Spiti’s rich cultural heritage and natural splendors, this trail provides a unique insight into the Spitian way of life (their homes, cuisine, agriculture and irrigation practices, livestock grazing mechanisms) balanced with the opportunity to explore the habitats of some of the worlds most rare species of wildlife such as the Snow Leopard, Tibetan Wolf & Blue Sheep. While spotting the former in the summer months is extremely unlikely, spotting the Tibetan Wolf and Blue Sheep is likely. The trail winds itself along alpine pastures. The fossils that dot this trail offer Glimpses of Spiti’s geological past. Ancient Buddhist monasteries and temples dating back to more than 1000 years adorn these villages and are a reflection of Spiti’s historical and religious links to Tibet. The traveller could also add a twist of excitement and adventure by traversing part of this trail on yak back.
Day 1 Manali: Ex manali . Today we acclimatize to the height . Explore Manali on foot during the day . Overnight in a hotel.
Day 2 Manali to Kaza:
The day long journey takes you through Rohtang pass and descend into the valley of the Chandra river and over the Kunzum. By evening reach Kaza. Entire drive is through breath-taking landscape. Overnight in a hotel.
Day 3 Kaza:
Travel to the highlands of the left bank plateau for altitude acclimatization and return to Kaza for overnight stay. Visit the Kye village (about a ½ hour drive) and the Kye gompa, the largest monastery in Spiti. Drive up to Kibber village (another ½ hour drive away), which at 14,000 feet above sea level, is the road head for the trade route into Ladakh over the Parang La. Continue the journey to the village of Gette and Tashigang (about 1 hour drive), high up in the mountains. If time permits, on our return you could walk down a spectacular steep downhill trail to Kye gompa or mountain bike down back to Kaza. The evening can be spent roaming the Kaza market where you can find interesting local handicrafts.
Overnight in Hotel /Guest house.
Day 4 Kaza – Langza:
After breakfast, drive to Langza village (1-1.5 hours), located in a large high mountain meadow with the spectacular massif of Chau Chau Khang Nilda towering in the backdrop. Visit the Lang (temple), before lunch. The Lang is regarded to be the headquarters of all the deities of the valley and houses some old frescos and thangkas (paintings on silken canvas). After savoring a steaming local lunch at the homestay visit the village fossil centre accompanied by a field expert. Dinner to be served at the homestay.
Day 5 Langza – Camp 1:
The trail traverses along a natural fossil center with the opportunity to spot some rare relics of Spiti's geological history. For most of the way you follow carefully laid out irrigation channels, getting an insight into the laborious and intricate system of water management. The trail runs parallel to the stunning Pasham Range with the peaks of Chau Chau Khang Nilda and Chau Chau Khang Namo forming a striking backdrop. The trail is rich in flora and spotting Blue Sheep is likely. Overnight in camp.
Day 6 Camp 1 – Camp 2:
The trail slowly winds itself over pasturelands and the day is spent marveling at the magnificence and imposing stature of the grazing yaks and horses. The night is spent camping at a summer settlement of the villagers.
Day 7 Camp 2 – Demul:
After breakfast go for a Yak Safari to a vantage spot from where you will get spectacular views of the valley. Way back to Demul village, famous for its local brew (arak). Located in one of the most remote areas of Spiti, this village has a very interesting legend associated with its foundation. After a warm lunch in a homestay, you visit some unique spots close to this village.
Day 8 Demul – Lhalung - Dhankhar:
The route is primarily all downhill and brings us to the valley floor of the Padang River. Follow the Lingti River thereafter which leads us to the village of Lhalung. The oldest Sarkhang temple and possibly one of the oldest trees (dating back to over a 1000 years) in Spiti are found here. Lunch and sample the warm hospitality of our mountain people. Transfer to Dhankhar by jeep for over night. Dhankhar, the ancient capital of Spiti, is one of the most stunning locations in the Spiti valley. Dhankhar houses an ancient Monastery perched precariously betyouen unique wind eroded structures. Remnants of the Dhankhar Fort, which housed the royal family of Spiti, still remain.
Day 9 Dhankhar - Tabo - Kaza :
Early morning hike (1 Hour) up to the Dhankhar lake to get some stunning views of the Spiti and Pin confluence a 1000 mts below. Set amidst stark bronze folds Dhankhar Lake has its own story to tell. After breakfast the Monastery and Fort and to Tabo, famous for its 1012 year old Monastery. Explore the Monastery, meditation caves and the numerous temples at the monastery. In the evening drive back to Kaza.
Overnight in Kaza.
Day 10 Kaza – Manali:
After breakfast you drive back to Manali.
Day 11 Manali : Manali is a small little hill station in Himachal Pradesh. You start the day early with a drive on the left bank of the Beas to the village of Naggar, which is famous for the Russian artist Roerich’s gallery. Naggar also has a famous castle and the views around the area are spectacular. You come back to Manali and drive to Solang, which is the paragliding and skiing zone of the area. You can either take it easy and explore old Manali and surrounding on cycles.
Day 12 Manali . Trip Ends Log out
