Day 01: Arrive in Delhi.
Arrival at Delhi International Airport, where you will be met by our representative. After providing you with any assistance that you may require, we will transfer you to your hotel to rest and sleep off the jet lag.
Day 02: In Delhi.
After breakfast, take a sightseeing tour of world heritage listed historical monuments of Delhi. We will visit the magnificent Red Fort built by the famous Mughal Emperor Shah Jehan( he also built the Taj Mahal), we wander down the famous silver street of Chandani Chowk, Rajghat( memorial to Mahatma Gandhi), India Gate(war memorial arch raised in honour of the Indian soldiers killed during the disasterous British Afghan wars). We visit the magnificent tomb of the Mughal Emperor Humayun and then move on to the famous Qutub Minar tower built by the Slave emperor Qutub-ud-din, view the parliament house, Rashtrapati Bhawan(one time imperial residence of the British Viceroys and at present housing the President of India) and the famous Connought Place markets. Overnight in Delhi.
Day 03: Delhi to Shimla via Chandigarh.
Morning transfer to railway station to board Shatabadi train to Chandigarh at 7.40 AM. Arrival at Chandigarh at 11.05 AM. Pick up by SUVs and drive north to Shimla, Check into hotel. Overnight at hotel.
Day 04: In Shimla.
Shimla was the former summer capital of British India. Spread across 12 km, along a ridge that overlooks terraced hillsides and cultivation, this bustling town is magnificently robed in thick forests of oak, pine, fir and rhododendron.
After breakfast we head to the magistrate’s office to get,” Inner line Permits,” for entry into Tibetan borderlands. Afternoon ride on world heritage listed,” Toy Train” for one hour. Later on we drive to the impressive Viceregal Lodge, the erstwhile viceroy’s residence and at present the prestigious Institute of Advanced Studies. Then its up the Jakhoo hill to the Monkey Temple (highest point in town offering superb views of the mountain ranges. Later return to hotel for overnight stay.
Day 05: Shimla to Sarahan.
After breakfast we head for Sarahan via Fagu, Narkanda and Rampur. The jeep drive through beautiful valleys and colourful mountains along the Old Hindustan Tibet road is fantastic. From a distance the Great Himalayan Range with more than 50 km of snow capped mountain ranges is truly a sight to behold. At the charming village of Sarahan, we visit the old Bhimkali Temple, an architectural wonder that is the 800 year old. Overnight in Sarahan.
Day 06: Sarahan to Rakcham via Sangla Valley.
Before breakfast, we take an early morning walk around the village (good time to take some great pics) Breakfast at 9 AM and then drive to the spectacular Sangla valley ( 5 hrs). At Sangla we explore the Kamru Fort on foot and then drive onto Raksham. Check into camp for overnight stay.
Day 07: Rakcham. Excursion to Chitkul.
After breakfast we drive to the end of the Sangla valley to the idyllic village of Chitkul, which borders Tibet and is famous for its traditional wooden houses. Spend all day in Chitkul. Return to Raksham for overnight stay in camp.
Day 08: Rakcham to Kalpa.
After breakfast, drive onto Kalpa via Powari, visit famous Buddhist monastery at Reckong Peo. Enjoy the beautiful view of the Kinner Kailash mountain peak (sacred to both Hindus and Buddhists). Later walk or drive to Rogi village and back, followed with a visit to Chini and its monastery. Return to Kalpa (entrance to the magnificent alpine valley of Kinnaur) for overnight stay.
Day 09: Kalpa to Nako.
Following breakfast, we drive to Nako via Khab and Kah. Nako is a beautiful village located by the banks of a mountain lake and it is the first of the traditional Tibetan culture villages, ahead is the hidden valley of Spiti. At Nako, we visit the impressive Nako lake monastery, His Holiness the Dalai lama performed the Kalchakra Ceremony here a few years ago. Nako also has a footprint impression ascribed to the Great Founder of Tibetan Buddhism, Padmasambhava. Overnight at Nako.
Day 10: Nako to Tabo.
After Breakfast, we drive to Tabo via Giu. At Giu we visit the famous, “Mummy,” (mummified remains of a Buddhist monk, it is reputed to be over 600 years old and it is claimed that the hair and nails are still growing!) reach Tabo by the afternoon. We spend the day at the Tabo Monastery, which is the most important monastery in Tibetan Buddhism after the Tholing Monastery in Tibet. Founded in 996 AD by the great Translator Rinchen Zangpo, Tabo is renown for its breathtaking murals and stucco images and is often called the,” Ajanta of the Himalayas,” Around the monastery, there are several caves adorned with frescoes. It is at this monastery that His Holiness The Dalai Lama has expressed his desire to retire. In the evening we join the monks in chanting and prayers. Overnight in Tabo in a Camp Retreat.
Day 11: Tabo to Komic Village via Kaza.
Morning breakfast and then drive onto Kaza (largest town in the Spiti valley) and Komic village via Langza village and Hikkim village, three villages in extremely beautiful surroundings , the slopes around Komic are scattered with fossils in abundance and with luck one can pick an ammonite or two. At Komic, we visit the splendid Tangyud Monastery. Overnight homestay at Komic village (highest village of the world connected by road).
Day 12: Komic Village to Demul Village.
After breakfast we drive to Demul and traverse the wonderful Chame meadow on foot or yak safari. In these serene surroundings stop and have a yarn with the Dokpas( shepherds) At Demul we join another local village family for a homestay.
Day 13: Demul to Dhankar.
After breakfast we drive to Lahlung monastery via Sanglang(a picturesque hamlet) and later drive onto Dhankar monastery, this monastery stands high over the valley and is a stupendous example of local architecture. In earlier times it was the fortified palace of the Nano (governor of the Spiti valley). Overnight in Dhankar.
Day 14: Dhankar to Madh via Pin Valley.
After breakfast, we drive onto explore the Pin valley home of the wandering Bhunchen Lamas (the most ancient sect of Tibetan monks, their numbers have sadly depleted over the past decades, with the younger generations unwilling to undertake their austere lifestyle. The Pin valley is also home to the endangered Snow leopard. We spend the whole day in the Pin valley, visiting the villages of Guiling, Mamik and Madh. Overnight at Madh.
Day 15: Madh to Kaza.
After breakfast we travel towards Kaza via the splendid Kungri monastery in the Pin valley. Later we visit the Kye monastery, built in dramatic settings, the Kye monastery is home to priceless Thangka paintings and is the largest as well as the richest monastery of the Spiti valley, during the long winter months, as many as 300 monks reside here. Continue onto Kibber, which is one of the highest permanently inhabited villages in the Spiti valley and provides great views of the Kanamo peak. Overnight at Kaza.
Day 16: Kaza to Manali.
After breakfast we start on the long drive out of the Spiti valley, this is one of the most exciting part of our journey, crossing the high mountain passes of Rohtang La (3980 m) and Kunzum La(4550). Along the way we visit several hamlets and remote villages. Arrive at Manali for overnight stay.
Day 17: Manali to Mandi via Naggar.
Half day sightseeing tour of this popular alpine hill station, visiting ancient Hindu temples. In the afternoon we leave for Naggar, where we visit the famous Nikolai Roerich art gallery and the Naggar castle (great work of Himalayan architecture). Then its onto Mandi town for overnight stay.
Day 18: Mandi to Delhi.
Drive from Mandi to Delhi. Overnight at hotel in Delhi.
Day 19: Mandi to Delhi.
After breakfast, checkout of hotel and transfer to Delhi International airport for flight home.
Date and price to suit individual arrangements based on 2 people sharing. Breakfast included. Private air-conditioned car and driver with English speaking guides for sightseeing.
