Spiti Valley -A Road Trip

ROAD TRIP ITINERARY DAY 1; Manali –Rohtang Pass – Kunzum La –Loser-Kaza (202 Kms -9-10 hrs) Meet your guide and driver at Manali to begin your journey to Spiti Valley. We begin this tour by hitting the road from Manali. We pass through the popular adventure-haven Rohtang Pass. Then we drive into the desolate and stunning brown-badlands landscape and approach Chattru and Batal. At 14,931 feet, we catch our first chill at the august Kunzum Pass and then descend into Losar Village, the first in Spiti valley. Having warmed up with cup of chai (tea), we continue driving through the stunning landscapes and reach Kaza where we spend the night with dinner at a comfortable hotel. Includes (D)

DAY 2; Kazan-Langza –Hikkim-Komik-Ki Monastery –Kibber –Getty-Kaza (26 Kms- 6-7 hrs) Morning after breakfast, we drive to some of the highest inhabited regions of the world. The highest village in Asia, Komik, which literally translates to ‘eye of a snow cock’, is situated at a height of 4,513 meters. This farm-village has a population of 84 people, living in utter isolation, cut-off from the rest of the world for most parts of the year. This little hamlet brings you thousands of miles away from your familiar settings to a place of soft brown pastures and snow-white mountain peaks. Some of the common animals of the region are the Tibetan wolf, blue sheep, red fox, hare, snow cock, Himalayan griffin, rock pigeon etc.

Later, we drive to Hikkim where we visit the world’s highest post office in the world. If possible, you may even meet the post-master and hear his stories. After sending out a postcard, we drive to Langza. Langza village is situated at an altitude of 4,400 meters and belongs to the Sakyapa sect of Tibetan Buddhism. Langza houses a population of 137 in 33 house-holds. Once you are here, you can walk into the village and visit the ancient Lang (Temple) which is estimated to be around 1000 years old. At Langza, walk back to the prehistoric era when Spiti was submerged by the Tethys Sea, as you explore a land very rich with fossils of Marine animals and plants which were here millions of years ago.

We drive back down to Kaza for lunch. After that, we visit the world famous Ki Monastery. The car will first stop at the base of the monastery hill for the ultimate photo opportunity of this remarkable structure. With over 1000 years’ worth stories to tell, the Ki Monastery situated at a height of 13,668 feet was founded by a disciple of the famous Atisha, in the 11th century CE. Belonging to the Yellow Hat or Gelugpa sect of Tibetan Buddhism, this monastery is famous as a prominent center of learning as well as a refuge for Tibetans. Being remotely located atop a hill overlooking endless plains, the Ki Monastery is an obvious choice for those seeking peace and calm.

Then we will move farther up the valley to the picturesque village of Kibber. Located at a height of 4,205 meters and 18 km from Kaza, this formerly highest, permanently inhabited village in this region, is also a popular base camp to embark on adventure and treks to adjoining mountains of high altitude. The expanses of beautiful landscapes and immeasurable beauty of the snow-tipped mountains make the place a haven for nature-lovers and photographers alike. From Kibber, you can trek to Chicham Village, located across a sharp and precipitous canyon traversable only by a suspended wire cable basket system known as a Jula. We drive higher up to the secluded village of Gette where we absorb stunning aerial views of Kaza and tie a prayer flag. We drive back to Kaza in the evening and spend the night with dinner in a comfortable and warm Kaza hotel. Includes (B & D)

DAY 3: Kaza-Pin Valley –Mudh-Kaza (49 Kms-4-5 hrs) Morning after breakfast, we drive towards the beautiful Pin Valley. A national park with an abundance of animals and birds, with some rare plant varieties, a river that gushes when it isn’t frozen and trekking opportunities for the adventure-seekers. The Pin Valley promises all this and more. We first visit the Kungri Monastery and then the beautiful hamlet of Mudh – the last motor able village of the Pin Valley.

Declared a national park in 1987, Pin Valley has altitudes ranging from 11,000 to 20,000 feet and is home to at least 12 endangered snow leopards. In addition, other animals indigenous to the region and park are the Siberian ibex, bharal, weasel, red fox, and marten. Birds such as the pika, griffon, golden eagle, bearded vulture, Chukor and Raven paint the skies a pretty picture.

We drive back to Kaza in the evening and spend the night with dinner in a comfortable and warm Kaza hotel. Includes (B & D)

DAY 4: Kaza-Tabo-Dhankar-Dhankar Lake Hike(Optional)-Lhalung (34 Kms-4-5 hrs) Morning after a delicious breakfast, we continue our Spiti Valley tour and drive towards the only other town of Spiti Valley – Tabo. Also known as the ‘Ajanta of the Himalayas’, Tabo houses the 1020 year-old Tabo Monastery – which is a UNESCO world heritage site and is famous for its ancient paintings that depict the life of The Buddha, and intricate portraits of gods and demons along with life-size statues of Bodhisattva, in a fusion of western Tibetan, Indian and Kashmiri styles.

After spending a couple of hours at Tabo, we drive onward s to Dhankar. Perched high above the confluence of the Spiti and Pin River, in a hidden bowl, is the tiny hamlet of Dhankar. The former capital of the Royals of Spiti Valley also known as the Nono who ruled the dust-colored badlands of Spiti Valley. Go back in time as you explore the 1200-year-old Dhankar Gompa which perches precariously between eroded rocky pinnacles on the edge of a cliff. If time permits, do take an hour’s climb above the village to visit the stunning turquoise Dhankar Tso or Dhankar Lake which offers views over the valley and towards the twin peaks of Mane Rang (6593 meters).

Later, we take a short drive to Lhalung – another beautiful high altitude Spiti valley village. The word Lhalung means ‘land of god’ and the village of Lhalung is located at the foot of the Tangmar Mountains which supposedly transforms in color depending on the mood of the deities. Red denotes anger while yellow signifies happiness. Apart from being home to hospitable local families, the village of Lhalung is also home to one of the oldest gompas in Spiti valley. The Lhalung Monastery – also known as Sarkhang and golden Temple – is situated at a height of 3658 meters. We spend the night at an authentic local home stay with a local family, listening to life tales at above 12,000 feet. Includes (B & D)

DAY 5: Lhalung-Losar-Kunzum Pass –Chandratal Lake (102 Kms -6-7 hrs) Morning after breakfast, we commence our journey back home and trace our steps back on the Kaza – Manali road. However, we take one last stop at another Spitian wonder – Chandratal Lake. The mystical and beautiful Chandratal Lake, which translates to Moon Lake, is located at a height of 14,100 feet. The Chandrabhaga mountain range forms a striking backdrop for the lake, which changes appearance according to the pictures painted in the sky. After capturing the colors of the beautiful Chandratal Lake, we drive to our camping site where a hot supper under the gaze of a million stars and the Milky Way awaits us.

Our camps at Chandratal Lake are equipped with camping equipment including tents, high altitude sleeping bags / blankets and a comfortable mattress. Includes (B & D)

DAY 6: Chandratal Lake –Batal-Chhatru-Rohtang Pass –Manali (138 Kms -6-7 hrs) Morning after breakfast amidst the stunning Chandratal Lake’s visuals captured in minds and cameras, we continue tracing our steps back, driving on the Kaza – Manali road and after a few hours of driving and some more stunning landscape, we pass through the famous Rohtang Pass and reach Manali where we bid goodbye to our drivers. Balance day is at leisure - You can choose to explore Manali markets in the evening if you are up for it or you can rest in the comforts of your Manali hotel. Includes (B)

DAY 7: Depart Manali Morning wake up to some hot chai, a sumptuous breakfast and some brilliant views of the Himalayas from the hotel in Manali. You'll be free to explore Manali on foot this day. (Check out time 12 Noon)

Package Includes

-06 Nights’ Accommodation in standard (Base) category Double rooms on twin sharing basis with private attached toilet & bath in Deluxe hotels / Home stay/ Camps. -Breakfast & Dinner at all hotels, home stays and camps except in Manali -Transportation at all places using 1 Toyota Innova Non AC coach for the entire duration of the tour as per itinerary starting from & finishing in Manali, including arrival / departure transfers, at all places as mentioned in tour itinerary -Entrance charges at Monastery & Museums -Sightseeing & Excursions as per tour itinerary using 1 Toyota Innova Non AC car -Services of an reliable, experienced and adept English speaking local driver cum guide with in-depth knowledge of the area -Camping fees, comfortable Tents & sleeping bags at Chandratal Lake -Transportation cost is Inclusive of gasoline, Driver’s daily allowances, parking charges at monuments, vehicle insurance, Road & state taxes including Toll & services of a personal chauffeur as per the above itinerary. -All presently applicable Central & State Government Taxes on hotels & Vehicle permits. -Service Charges for C'MORE for preparing & Executing the tour program

Hotels Proposed In case of non-availability at time of booking similar standard accommodation will be used. -3 Nights – Spiti Sarai – KAZA -1 Night –Authentic Home stay – LHALUNG -1 Night –Chandratal Lake Camps- CHANDRATAL -1 Night Hotel Mountain Trail, MANALI

Single Room Supplement: US$ 199.00

Package Policies

COST DOES NOT INCLUDE External & Internal Airfares, Transportation cost to Manali & Back, Meals in Manali, Lunches during tour, Guides, Porters, any activity, permits, services, accommodation or transfers other than what is mentioned in the itinerary, Any kind of medical & personal expenses, beverages, tips and gratitude’s, telecommunication charges, WI-Fi services, GST @ 5%, laundry and what so ever not mentioned under “cost Includes

PLEASE NOTE THE FOLLOWING: - # Tour cost is calculated @ US$1 = INRs.72.00 # Tour cost includes presently prevailing State and Government taxes, applicable on accommodation and transportation. In case of any hike in taxes, surcharge will be applicable. # suggested hotels are subject to availability at the time of booking. In case the same is not available, then the best similar category will be provided # Tour cost is not refundable for any cause, once the tour starts # All tours subject to 100% advance payment minimum 30 days prior to start date.

Tour guide reserves the rights to make changes detour or omit any place of visit if it becomes necessary due to bad weather, bad road, strike or shutdown and any security reason. # Tourist will carry their luggage at own risk and responsibility; C’ MORE Travel & Tours or any of its associate agents, do not hold any responsibility for any loss of luggage during the tour

ENTRY / EXIT REQUIREMENTS -All foreign nationals entering India are required to possess a valid international travel document in the form of a national passport with a valid visa obtained on Arrival ( Please check your country in the list) OR from an Indian Mission or Post abroad. As a general precaution, all travelers are advised to carry a photocopy of the photo/bio information page of their passport and keep it in a location separate from the passport

C'MORE "The Company" accepts bookings subject following conditions: On confirmation of the programme from the " Company " a deposit equal to 50% (fifty) of the contracted value of the tour price is required to be sent directly to the "Company's" bankers, vide swift transfer/ credit card with a confirmation copy of the same to the "Company's " headquarters, at New Delhi. The balance of the contracted value 50% (Fifty) shall be paid not less than 35 days before commencement of tour OR a deposit of 100% (Hundred) is required 35 days before commencement of tour.

Please note for FIT and GROUP Travel, Fair period, Luxury Resorts,Luxury Train holidays & during Peak season (October to March) 100% (Hundred) is required minimum 90 days prior to travel date.

CANCELLATIONS: Travel dates may be changed up to 35 days prior to travel without penalty. An administration charge of 10% will be charged, if a confirmed booking is changed or transferred up to 35 days before commencement of the tour. After this time all changes will be treated as cancellation and will be subject to the charges mentioned below. Cancellation charges are calculated from the day, written acceptance of confirmation along with deposit is received by the “Company” and expressed herewith as a percentage of the total tour price including surcharge as follows:

Cancellation Charges: Days Prior to Arrival – up to 35 Days: 10% 34 to 10: Days: 40% Less than 10 Days: 65% Day Tour starts: 100% (No Refund) • All disputes subject to Delhi Courts only.

PAYMENTS We accept credit cards via PayPal and direct bank transfers. All remittances by foreign nationals should be via credit card OR via direct Bank wire -transfer from sender’s bank to recipient’s bank account in New Delhi with copy of confirmation sent to us. Please note there will be 6% surcharge applicable on Total Invoice if paying via Credit Card (PayPal)

GROUP Discounts available on minimum 15 paying pax

Destinations

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India, Asia