Lahual-Spiti and The Sangla Valley
Home to ancient monasteries perched at dizzying heights; this is a journey through barren deserts, dense forests and turbulent rivers.
Lahaul, Spiti and Kinnaur, valleys tucked away unknown for centuries, reveal their unexplored secrets to the outside world for a few months every year, when the weather gods are kinder. Emerging from thick snow, the frozen glaciers, rivers, valleys, high mountains and lakes create a mesmerizing scene for the spirited explorer. We also visit the peaceful hill town of Dharamsala, the Dalai Lama's home in exile. The accommodation in the remote regions is mid-range or basic and we reach heights where healthy lungs are a must.
Recommended Itinerary
Day 1 Flight
Fly to Delhi
Day 2 Delhi
Arrive into Delhi, transfer to an airport hotel for the night (or stay in the city if staying longer).
Day 3, 4 Shimla
Take a train to Shimla; stay at the Clarks or Cecil Hotel for 2 nights; you can visit the mock Tudor Library, Christ Church, Gaiety Theatre, and the Viceregal Lodge.
Day 5 Sarahan
A pleasant drive climbing up to Narkanda, and then descending to the Sutlej for a drive along the river, before the short climb to Sarahan, surrounded by apricot orchards. Stay the night at Hotel Sikhand. Visit the Mahakali Temple.
Days 6 & 7 Sangla
A short drive gets you to Sangla, stay at the Sangla Valley Camp & Retreat for two nights; at leisure in the beautiful valley with the Baspa River running through it. A trek in the vicinity, around Chitkul, can be arranged.
Day 8 Sangla Nako
Drive to the small and quaint Nako Village. Go on a village walk; visit Nako Lake; stay at Kinner Camps.
Day 9 Tabo
Visit Gyu Mummy; Cross over to Spiti Valley and stay at the Dewachen Retreat; visit Tabo Monastery, the oldest functioning Buddhist monastery in India.
Day 10 & 11 Kaza
Drive to Kaza visiting Dhankar and Lalung monasteries. Stay at the Banjara Retreat; visit Ki Monastery, and the villages of Gete and Kibber – highest permanently inhabited villages in the world, at 14000 feet.
You have the option of adding a night in a village homestay in Langza or Kibber; stay with a local family, cook and dine with them. These villages are amongst the most remote in world, and offer a unique insight into the lifestyle of its inhabitants.
Day 12 Chandertaal
A bumpy ride to the surreal moon lake. Short trek to the lake; circumambulate the lake if you like. Spend the night at a campsite, away from any light pollution; the star-studded sky is a sight to behold.
Day 13 & 14 Manali
A long drive to Manali, stay two nights at the Banon Resorts; visit Old Manali and Hadimba Temple.
Day 15 &16 Dharamshala
Drive to Dharamsala, stay two nights at the Norbu House or Chonor House. Visit Mcleodganj and the Norbulingka Institute.
Day 17 Dharamshala Delhi
Fly back to Delhi, transfer to an airport hotel for the night.
Day 18 Return
Transfer to the airport for the flight home.
Gallery
Testimonials
“I took my girls to Kinnaur and Spiti, courtesy of Harji’s company. Everyone knows Shimla, the erstwhile capital of the Raj, but when we were transported via the 9,000 ft Narkanda pass into the valley of the Sutlej and into the Baspa valley, also known as the Sangla valley, we were in a beautiful medieval world of Indian mythology. Afterwards, we visited Chitkul, a village close to the Chinese border, at above 12,000 ft. The moonscape of Spiti with its monasteries of Tabo and Dhankar literally drove us over the moon. Our thanks to Harji for knacky co-ordination, efficiency and comfort, in opening our eyes to a world we never imagined existed.”