WHITE SPITI
White Spiti | 6Nights /7Days
Overview
Winter, which embraces Spiti Valley in the first week of November, and stays on until the fourth week of March, is a cold, harsh and tough time in the valley. While it may not be the easiest time to travel through Spiti Valley valley, it certainly is the most rewarding time to come visit. Everything – every house, hamlet, road and village – dons a cloak of white. The cottony snow is constant - stretching on for as far as the eye can see. The horizon is a myth, for you can never tell where land ends and the skies begin. As winter sets in, Spiti Valley assumes a timeless nature – like an enchanting postcard waiting for you to dive right in. With temperatures going below -20 degrees centigrade, the Spiti river has more or less frozen up. A few defiant streams tirelessly cut through the ice, giving a surreal glazed feel to the basin.
Day Wise Itinerary
Day 1 -Drive from Shimla to kalpa/Rampur: 241 kms 10-11 Hr
We begin this Spiti Valley Winter Expedition by hitting the road from
Shimla.
We pass through popular towns of Sarahan and Rampur-Bushahr before entering the spectacular Kinnaur Valley.
Before entering Kalpa at 7549 feet, we catch a glimpse the famous KinnerKailash Peak – said to be the summer adobe of Lord Shiva.
At Kalpa, you will warm up with a piping cup of tea before checking into your warm hotel room.
Overnight at a hotel in Kalpa.
Day 2 – Drive from Kalpa-Nako-Tabo 149 Kms 9-10 Hr
After a comfortable night rest at Kalpa, we set off on the famous Hindustan-Tibet Highway.
Famed for its spectacular views and proximity to Tibet, this road snakes north into Nako, the last hamlet of Kinnaur district.
We have a steaming hot lunch at Nako, before entering the magical Spiti Valley.
Here, we spend the night at a comfortable and authentic homestay in Tabo.
Overnight at a homestay in Tabo.
Day 3 – Drive from Tabo-Pin valley-Mudh-Kaza 115 Kms 5-6 Hrs
We start the day with a visit to the 1021 – year old Tabo Monastery,
UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Walk around this sacred site and gain a deeper understanding of Buddhism. Unlike other monasteries in Spiti Valley, the Tabo monastery is located at the bottom of the valley.
From Tabo, we drive to the spectacular Pin Valley. We first visit the Kungri Monastery and then the beautiful hamlet of Mudh – the last motorable village of the Pin Valley.
Overnight at a homestay in Kaza.
Day 4 -Drive from Kaza-Key Monastery-Kibber-Kaza 39 Kms 3-4 Hrs
We begin the fourth day, with a drive to renowned Ki Monastery. This
monastery is famous as a prominent center of learning as well as a refuge for Tibetans.
Then we will move further up the valley to the picturesque village of Kibber.
Located at a height of 4205 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. We drive back to Kaza for the night.
Overnight at a homestay in Kaza.
Day 5 -Drive from Kaza-komik-Hikkim-Langza-Kaza 40 Kms 3-4 hrs
On the fifth day of this Spiti Valley Winter Expedition, 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 4513 meters. This farming village has a population of 84 people, living in utter isolation, mostly cut-off from the rest of the world during this part of the year. Later, we drive to Hikkim where we visit the world’s highest post office in the world. After sending out a postcard, we drive to Langza. Langza village is situated at an altitude of 4400 meters and belongs to the Sakyapa sect of Tibetan Buddhism.
Overnight at a homestay in Kaza.
Day 6 – Drive from Kaza-Kalpa/Rampur 196 Kms 10-11 Hrs
The sixth day marks the beginning of the end of this expedition. We
make our way south towards Kinnaur Valley.
Along this journey, you can get to capturing some scenic visions that you might have missed out on your camera.
After a scenic and memorable drive, we will end the journey at Kalpa. Overnight stay at a hotel in Kalpa.
Day 7 – Drive from Kalpa- Shimla 241 Kms 10-11 Hr
The last leg of this 7 Day Winter Expedition is here.
We drive for Shimla with a bag of delightful memories and exciting stories to recount
INCLUSIONS
- Hotel Accommodation with breakfast and dinner in Kalpa / Rampur on double sharing basis.
- Homestay Accommodation with breakfast, lunch and dinner at Tabo and Kaza.
- Transfers by Non-AC Force Traveller (12 seater) shared by ten people for all days as per the itinerary (Day 1 – Day 7).
- Reliable, experienced and adept English-speaking local driver cum guide with great knowledge of the area and the terrain.
- Driver charges, driver accommodation, fuel and inter-state toll.
- All Applicable Monastery / Museum Fees
EXCLUSIONS
- Any Personal Expenses / Tips / Permits
- 5% GST (Tax)
- Guide / Porters
- Meals in Transit / Lunch in Kalpa or Rampur / Any Beverages / Any meals that are not mentioned in the itinerary.
- Sightseeing in Shimla / Any accommodation, activities or transfers other than what is mentioned in the itinerary.
- Any cost arising out of unforeseen circumstances including medical emergencies and acts of God.
- Anything that is not mentioned in the above list of inclusions.
MANDATORY CHECK LIST
- Government Id cards
- Tyre Inflator
- Puncture Kit
- Gear oil,Engine oil, Coolant
- Spare bulbs
- Duct Tape
- M-seal (3 Packs)
- Tool kit (Jack & Spanner)
- Tow Strap
- Jerry can
- Torch
- Jump starter
- Basic first aid kit in your vehicle
- Sunglasses & sun blocker
- Power bank