Winter Spiti – Snow-Covered Himalayan Wonders From Mumbai

Winter Spiti Tour from Mumbai and Pune: Embark on an extraordinary Spiti Valley circuit tour starting from Mumbai or Pune, venturing into the heart of the Indian Himalayas. This captivating journey promises a tapestry of rugged landscapes, mystical vistas, and rich cultural encounters across a sequence of enchanting destinations.

Spiti Valley, located in the Indian state of Himachal Pradesh, is a remote and stunning mountain desert region. It’s known for its barren landscapes, ancient Buddhist monasteries like Key Monastery, and picturesque villages like Kaza and Tabo. The valley offers unparalleled opportunities for trekking, exploring Tibetan culture, and enjoying the raw natural beauty of the Himalayas.

Key Attractions: 

• Key Monastery: One of the largest and oldest monasteries in Spiti, situated on a hilltop near Kaza. It houses a valuable collection of Buddhist scriptures, thangkas (paintings), and artifacts.
• Tabo Monastery: Known as the “Ajanta of the Himalayas,” Tabo Monastery is renowned for its ancient frescoes and sculptures dating back to the 10th century.
• Dhankar Monastery: Perched dramatically on a cliff overlooking the confluence of Spiti and Pin rivers, Dhankar Monastery offers stunning views and a glimpse into Buddhist heritage.
• Kibber Village: One of the highest inhabited villages in the world, Kibber offers insights into traditional Spitian culture and lifestyle.
• Cultural Heritage: Spiti Valley is predominantly inhabited by Tibetan Buddhists, and their culture and traditions are well-preserved in the monasteries, festivals, and local customs.

Experience the transformation of Spiti Valley from remote wilderness to a must-visit destination! Discover its unique attractions like the world’s highest post office in Hikkim, Asia’s highest suspension bridge in Chicham, and more. Begin your journey from Shimla, passing through picturesque Kalpa and reaching Tabo with its ancient monastery. Explore Ki and Dhankar Monasteries, soaking in breathtaking views and rich history. End your adventure at Chitkul, the last border village, and savor local delights at Akhiri Dhaba. Don’t miss out on this unparalleled journey in the Himalayas

Winter Spiti Valley Circuit Tour Highlights:

• Visit the region where the scenery throughout the trip is drop-dead gorgeous and calls for a life-changing experience
• Experience the traditional blend of Buddhism and Tibetan culture and interact with the locals of Himalayan villages
• Relive your adventurous side by taking a drive through one of the World’s Most Dangerous Roads
• Send a postcard from ‘Highest Post Office’ in the World to your loved ones and make them proud
• Lean on to the edge of Asia’s highest suspension bridge – Chicham Bridge, to capture the sight of a truck that appears ant like
• Drive to the ‘World’s Highest Motor-able Village’ – Komic and feel like you are on top of the world
• Capture a time-lapse of the changing colors of Kinner Kailash mountain peaks as painted by the sun-rays
• Travel to the Last Village of India at Chitkul and plan your lunch at ‘Hindustan ka Aakhri Dhaba’

Winter Spiti Tour Itinerary:

Day:1 – Delhi Arrival and transfer to Shimla by Volvo

• Upon afternoon/evening arrival at Delhi Airport or Railway Station, you can hire an Ola or Uber cab to reach Kashmiri Gate ISBT (Inter State Bus Terminal) at your own expense.
• Once you reach Kashmiri Gate ISBT, our representative will meet you at the Volvo stand. You will then board a luxury Volvo bus to Shimla between 8 P.M. to 10 P.M. The Volvo bus is equipped with semi-sleeper (push back seats) for your comfort during the overnight journey.
• The overnight journey from Delhi to Shimla by Volvo bus usually takes 8 to 9 hours. Relax and enjoy the scenic drive as you head towards the beautiful hill station of Shimla.

Day:2 – Shimla Arrival and transfer to Kalpa

• On arrival in Shimla in the morning, you’ll meet our group captain and fellow group members. After a warm welcome, you’ll be assigned your seats in the tempo traveler, and we’ll begin our journey towards Sangla Valley.
• En-route to Sangla Valley, we’ll make stops at scenic spots including Narkanda, Rampur Bushahr, where you can soak in the breathtaking views and capture memorable moments.
• Continuing our journey, we’ll head towards Sangla Valley, arriving in the evening. Upon reaching Sangla, we’ll check into our hotel at kalpa and unwind after the day’s travel, enjoying our first night amidst the tranquil Himalayas. Get ready for an unforgettable experience in this picturesque valley.!

Day:3 – Kalpa – Nako – Tabo 

• After enjoying your morning bf, we’ll depart from our hotel and head towards Kalpa, a charming village in the Kinnaur district.
• Passing through the Khab bridge that marks the confluence of Spiti and the Satluj River.

  Enroute to Tabo, a road goes towards the Gue Village, 8 kms off the main track.

  Experience the scenic view of the Gue Monastery and a 500 year old mummy sitting with skin and nails intact.

  Dinner and overnight stay at Tabo

Day:4 – TABO- DHANKAR – PIN VALLEY – KAZA

• Embark on a scenic journey  to Tabo immersing yourself in the captivating beauty and cultural heritage of Spiti Valley.
• Proceed towards Tabo, where you’ll be enchanted by Tabo Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• Discover ancient murals, sculptures, and the historic Tabo Caves used by monks for meditation.
• This journey promises an enriching experience, unveiling the hidden treasures and spiritual essence of Spiti Valley. Immerse yourself in the tranquillity and profound history of these sacred Himalayan landscapes.
• Dinner and overnight stay at Kaza
  

Day:5 – KAZA – LANGZA – KOMIC – HIKKIM

• Awaken to the stunning vistas of Kaza Valley and embark on an exploration of the nearby villages after breakfast, each offering unique attractions and cultural significance:
• Langza (The Fossil Village): Explore Langza, known as the Fossil Village of India due to the abundance of marine fossils found here. Stroll through the village and discover ancient fossils embedded in the rocks, showcasing the region’s geological history.
• Komic (World’s Highest Motorable Village): Visit Komic, situated at a breathtaking altitude and renowned as the world’s highest village connected by a motorable road. Marvel at the panoramic views of the surrounding peaks and interact with the local community.
• Hikkim (World’s Highest Post Office): Discover Hikkim, boasting the world’s highest post office. Send a postcard or letter from this unique location, nestled amidst the Himalayan mountains, and experience the charm of traditional postal services at high altitudes.
• Immerse yourself in the cultural richness and natural splendor of these Himalayan villages, each offering a distinct experience and a glimpse into the unique way of life in the Spiti Valley.

Day:6 – KAZA – KEY – KIBBER – CHICHAM – NAKO

• After breakfast, begin your day by checking out from the hotel in Kaza and embarking on an unforgettable journey through the Spiti Valley.
• Key Monastery (Ki Monastery):Visit the iconic Key Monastery, perched atop a hill and offering panoramic views of the valley. Explore this ancient Tibetan Buddhist monastery, known for its beautiful architecture and spiritual ambiance.
• Kibber Village: Continue towards Kibber Village, renowned for wildlife sightings during winters. Immerse yourself in the rustic charm of this high-altitude settlement and take in the surrounding natural beauty.
• Chicham Bridge: Marvel at the engineering marvel of Chicham Bridge, one of the highest altitude bridges in Asia.
• Immerse yourself in the tranquillity and majesty of the Spiti Valley as you journey through these remarkable destinations, each offering its own unique charm and natural wonders. Cherish the moments and create lasting memories amidst the Himalayan landscapes.

Day:7 – NAKO to SANGLA – CHITKUL

• After breakfast, begin your day by checking out from the hotel in Nako and embarking on an unforgettable journey towards Sangla Valley. Its a Long Journey from Nako to Sangla Valley
• Follow the scenic route along the Sutlej River until Karcham, then turn right towards Chitkul alongside the Baspa River.
• Chitkul, the final inhabited village before the Indo-China border, awaits us. Enjoy an overnight stay and dinner in Chitkul/Sangla.

Day:8 – SANGLA – SHIMLA Departures to Delhi.

• Rise early to witness the captivating morning hues at Chitkul
• After having the breakfast we will head to wards Rampur. We will have a short break in Rampur for Lunch and continue our journey again 
• Reach Shimla by 4-5pm in the evening and then from there evening/overnight
• Board a Volvo bus for Delhi from Shimla, carrying cherished memories of the Himalayan adventure.
• Immerse yourself in the natural beauty and engineering feats of this region as you bid farewell to the mountains and embark on your return journey. Reflect on the experiences gained and the wonders explored during your Spiti Valley circuit tour.
• If you wish to extend your stay in Shimla on last day for an additional day at your own expense, please inform us during the booking process. We will arrange for the next day’s Volvo tickets accordingly, ensuring a seamless transition for your return journey.

Things to carry:

• Performance Clothing Lightweight Long Underwear – 2 pairs of Tops & Bottoms(in case the weather gets cold).
• Should be made of moisture-wicking synthetic material (capilene, polypropylene or Merino Wool.) Snug fit is important. Lightweight is preferable as it is more versatile (worn single in warmer conditions and double layer for colder).
  • Light Fleece Jacket/ – 1
  • Thick Fleece Jacket – 1
  • Wool Trousers – 1
  • Woollen sweater – 2
  • Down Jacket – 1
  • Shirt / T- Shirt-3
  • Insulating Layers
  • Lightweight Insulating gloves – 1 pair of fleece or wool.
  • Wool or Synthetic Socks – 3 pairs of lightweight socks. check fit over feet and inside boots as it might be required to wear 2 pairs of
  socks on some days.
  • Wool/Synthetic Hat -1. Make sure your ears are covered.
  • Sandals / Slippers – 1 pair.
  • Sun Shades / Glasses – 1 pair(important).
  • Strong shoes. Any type preferably lightweight (Good Sports Shoes are also good)- 1 pair.

Personal Equipment

• Sunscreen SPF 25(or more if needed) 2 small tubes.
• Note: Sunscreen older than 6 months loses half of its SPF rating, make sure that you have new sunscreen.
  • Lipbalm – 1 stick.
• 1 Litre Water Bottle – At least one bottle with 1 litre capacity. Bottles should be wide mouth and of hard, transparent plastic BPA free plastic or water bag or bladder systems.
  • Headlamp/small torch with Spare batteries-1
  • Toiletry Bag. Basics: Small Towel, Toothpaste, Toothbrush, Baby Wipes. Include two rolls of toilet paper. ( One can get toilet paper and other basic items in Leh as well)
  • Hand Sanitizer or Other alcohol-based hand cleaners. A small bottle