Duration: 4 Night/5 Days
Best season: May to November
Region: Himachal Pradesh
The Spiti Valley in the north eastern corner of Himachal Pradesh is a region of nature at it wildest. Dry and very cold, it is surrounded by high mountains on all sides. There are many glaciers, the biggest is Bara Shigri. Spiti is a fascinating area for Buddist art and culture. The monasteries of Spiti are rich repositories of ancient murals, thankas, wood carvings and golden images of the Padmasambhava. The people are charming, friendly and hospitable with their own traditional dances, ballads, folk tales and legends. The Valley lies at a height of 2745 meters above sea level. Summers here are cool and pleasant with green grass, alpine flowers and an abundance of crops. There is no Monsoon, only sunshine and dry crisp air.
Day 1 Manali to Kaza 200 km
Having a nice view of magnificent Himalayan Peaks we drive uphill over the Rohtang pass (3950m), the gate way of Lahaul, Spiti and Kullu and then through the Chandra valley. In the evening we reach Kaza. Kaza is situated on the feet of steep ridges. It has a population of 781 and a traditional fair is celebrated every year in August. A short trail leads from Kaza to Hikim and to Langza Village situated in the Shila Valley.
Day 2 Visit of Ki, Kibber and Comic
Let's visit the famous Kye gompa. The gompa is placed high on a mountain looking like a pyramid. It belongs to the Gelugpa sect of Tibetan Buddhism. Kibber, one of the highest permanent inhabited villages is located in a semi bowl-shape. The small Gompa is worth to visit, later we go to back to Kaza, the head quarter of Spiti Valley.
Day 3 Kaza to Kabo via Kungri and Dankhar Monastery 97 km
Dhankar is the ancient capital of the Spiti king; the most incredibly Gompa is situated high on the barren rocky mountain slopes. Kungri Gompa, built around 1330 A.D., provides unmistakable evidence of that time.
Day 4 Tabo to Losar 104 km
Losar, the last habituated spot, which tourist can find after ascending through the course of the Peeno Stream, is worth a visit because of its location on 4079 m. The population of that Village is 242. There are 4 shops, a school, a Post office and a health center.
Day 5 Losar to Manali via Kunzum Pass (4551 m) and Rothang Pass 153 km
We drive through several villages of Spiti over the Kunzum pass, (4551 m). From here the Shigri Glacier is seen in front in all its grandeur. The crest of the pass has been marked by a chorten of stones erected ages ago. A temple has been built on top dedicated to Lord Geypan. Every vehicle has to go around the temple to get the blessings of God. In the Evening we arrive in Manali. End of tour.