Tag Archives: spiti valley

10 days Itinerary for Lahaul Spiti Road trip

Ask anyone in India, which is your dream destination, and for the sure, the majority will say road trip to Leh Ladakh and only a few will answer Lahaul Spiti. A year back; the same notation was true for us too. So, we did both a 13-day road trip to Leh Ladakh and a 10 day Lahaul Spiti road trip. Honestly, both the God lands left us speechless and Lahaul Spiti valley became our favorite. It is raw, lesser commercialized, lesser densely populated, and more enigmatic than Ladakh – land of high passes; where only wind and water play at their best to carve and decorate the valley.

10 Days travel Guide For Lahaul Spiti Road Trip

The word “Spiti” means middle land between India and Tibet. So, Spiti Valley is the extension of mesmerizing landscapes of Tibet with challenging terrains and adventurous hairpin bend roads everywhere. The place has calming vibes and also can see the perfect combination of Hindu and Buddhist culture.  A true tourist or traveler, photographer, and adventurist cannot delight his eyes and soul just by traveling through this mystical land once. Indeed, he will long for more and start planning his next visit. Take a second visit and still, you will feel the valley is new and it will be exactly like a first visit.

The route for Lahaul Spiti Road trip

There are two routes to reach Spiti Valley. One can enter from Shimla and exit from Old Manali or vice versa. We did a complete circuit, starting our journey from Manali and taking an exit at Shimla.

Route AllGudThings followed: Delhi – Chandigarh – Mandi – Manali – Rohtang Pass – Gramphu- Kunzum La- Kaza – Tabo – Nako – Sangla – Rampur – Shimla – Chandigarh – Delhi

Route: Lahaul Spiti Road Trip
Route: Lahaul Spiti Road Trip

Total time to reach Kaza in Spiti Valley from Delhi

The total time to reach Kaza in Spiti Valley from Delhi 17 -18 hrs. We advise you to break this journey into 3 days and halt at first Chandigarh or Mandi and if not here in-between, then Manali.

Condition of Lahaul Spiti Roads

Just forget the highways after Manali. There are bumpy and mud roads with potholes all around, most of the journey is like off-roading. At the passes ice will be melting down so additionally the roads will be wet too. Expect huge traffic jams from mid-July to August as there is apple crop transportation too.

Best time to take Lahaul Spiti Road Trip

The best time to do Lahaul Spiti road trip circuit starting from Manali and exiting at Shimla is between June-September. During this period both Rohtang Pass (opens in May) for which you need Rohtang Pass Permit and Kunzum Pass (opens in June) get functional. Whereas the other route via Shimla till Kaza is open throughout the year. Traveling to Spiti Valley in winters to the valley is extremely adventurous but surely tough too. 

Way to Kaza from Manali: Travel guide for Lahaul Spiti Road trip
Way to Kaza from Manali: Travel guide for Lahaul Spiti Road trip

Itinerary for Lahaul Spiti Road trip

While taking the Spiti Valley road trip, vistas change at every turn. If you think to blink your eyes or relax for a while, you will surely miss something worthy. So be awake during the whole journey to get soaked in the adventure.

Day 1 (Delhi – Chandigarh or Delhi – Mandi / Manali)

Leave early morning from Delhi to reach Chandigarh/ Mandi or Manali, according to your driving skills and capacity. From Delhi, Chandigarh can be reached in just 5 hrs and further till Manali it will take another 8-9 hrs, so totally journey coming to 13- 14 hrs. The terrain is plain till Mandi and changes after that. From here, the route becomes worth admiring. After reaching Manali rest in your hotel room, and walk to old Manali to enjoy scrumptious dinner.

Evening at Old Manali: Travel guide for lahaul Spiti Road Trip

We usually start our drive from Delhi in the late evening and reach Manali by next morning. After resting for some time, we go to Manali DC office to take the permits for next day.

Attractions on the way: Anandpur Sahib Gurdwara and Rewalsar Lake in Mandi district.

Must try: Do try Siddu and famous Bedawi Chapati / Puri in Mandi.

Day 2 (Manali to Chandratal Lake)

Leave around 7:00 am from Manali for Chandratal Lake. The Lake of Moon lays just 140 km from Manali but it takes almost 7-8 hrs to reach the place. The road to Chandratal Lake has only dirt and stones and no sign of tartar anywhere. On the way, you get to see waterfalls and the so-called Pagal Nallas (unexpected water comes through these). So, be really cautious.

There are several tents nearby the lake for accommodation. We stayed with Tenzin at Tenzin camps which lays almost 3 km from the moon lake. From here the lake can be reached by trekking or driving till one point.

Attraction: Rohtang Pass, also known as the pass of dead corposes and Chandratal Lake

Must Try: Chandra Dhabha at Batal run by a couple Chacha Chachi

Day 3 (Chandratal – Kaza)

After having breakfast and good tea, leave for Kaza which lies almost 100 km. Kaza is the headquarters of Spiti Valley. Along the way, you will cross Kunzum pass, located at 15,600 feet and village Losar.

Kunzum Pass: Travel Guide for Lahaul Spiti Road Trip
Kunzum Pass: Travel Guide for Lahaul Spiti Road Trip

Attractions: Kunzum Pass on the way, Key Monastery in Kaza, Sakya Tangyud Monastery, and the surrounding villages.

Must Try: Hotel Deyzor for its awesome food and worthy location

Day 4 (Kaza)

Stay at Kaza and explore the surrounding villages like Kibber, Tashigong, Langza for fossils, Gette and Kaumik / Komic village. Also plan to visit the Pin Valley National park, which comes under protected area for wildlife.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BQVywmNFyB6/?taken-by=suruchimittal

Day 5 (Kaza – Tabo)

Start your day early from Kaza and head towards the green village Dhankar (34km) known for one of the oldest monasteries and palace on the hilltop. From there 34 km ahead lays the beautiful village Tabo. Roads are both good and bad and with sightseeing, you will reach by evening.

Village Dhankar: Travel Guide for Lahaul Spiti road trip
Village Dhankar: Travel Guide for Lahaul Spiti road trip

Attractions: Dhankar Village, Dhankar Monastery, Dhankar Lake, Dhankar Palace, old and new Tabo monastery, Tabo caves, Tabo Helipad.

Must-Try: Stay at Tabo Monastery. They have mud lining rooms that are super cozy and dirt cheap. You can spend one night here in just Rs 500/-.

Day 6 (Tabo – Kalpa via Village Gue, Nako & Rekong Peo)

This day is going to be long as you will be covering 3 -4 attractions on the way before reaching Kalpa. The village Gue lays 8 -10 km inside from village Sumdo (24 km from Tabo) and is known for the sitting 500 years old mummy.

The Village Nako lies 33 km ahead from Sumdo. It is the highest village in the Hangrang Valley and here the bumpy road ends and the perfect tarred road starts. Do read the complete post a walk to the Nako village, to know more.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BVKLlz3hcRU/?taken-by=suruchimittal

Kalpa & Rekong Peo lies 103 km from village Nako, which is almost a journey of 3-4 hrs. There is nothing much in Rekong Peo but for sure you will be mesmerized by the views of Kinner Kailash and apple orchards in Kalpa.

Kalpa Village : Travel Guide for Lahaul Spiti road trip
Kalpa Village: Travel Guide for Lahaul Spiti road trip

Attractions: Mummy at village Gue, Nako monastery, Nako Lake, Chango Gompa, Kinner Kailash from Kalpa, Suicide point, Narayan Nagini Temple, Kalpa Monastery, Sapni fort, and Kamru fort.

Must try: Stay with Himachal tourism guest house at Kalpa, for the best views and food.

Day 7 (Kalpa – Sangla)

After watching the first ray of sunrise at Kinner Kailash and having filling breakfast, leave to check the attractions of Kalpa. By afternoon leave for Sangla, which lays 40 km ahead of Kalpa. Check into your hotel and get lost in the evening beauty of Sangla Valley, Kinnaur. Listen to birds chirping and the flowing Baspa River along.

Sangla Village: Travel Guide for Lahaul Spiti Road Trip
Views from Sangla village

Attractions: Kinner Kailash, Suicide point, Narayan Nagini Temple, Kalpa Monastery, Sapni fort.

Must-Try: Tents at Kinner Camps, Sangla. We really enjoy staying with them because of their extraordinary hospitality and comfort.

Day 8 (Sangla – Chitkul- Sangla)

The next day, after breakfast drive 22 km from Sangla to the village Chitkul.  It is the last Indian village and the first glimpse of it is enough to leave you transfixed and speechless. On one side you can see the snow-capped arid mountains while on the other side there is a lush green valley with the Baspa River flowing in between.

Chitkul Village: Travel Guide for Lahaul Spiti Road Trip
Chitkul Village

Attractions: Chitkul, Baspa River, Sangla meadows, 1000 years old Kamru fort, Bering Nag Temple, & Sangla Monastery.

Must try: Evening long walks and apple orchards

Day 9 (Sangla – Shimla)

From Sangla, it is time to cover the last part of the circuit and the last day in hills too. Start early around 7:30- 8:00 am to cover 225 km. Roads are perfectly tarred and in excellent condition. If you have an extra day, do cover Sarahan & Narkanda on the way.

Highway from Sangla to Shimla: Travel guide for Lahaul Spiti Road trip
Highway from Sangla to Shimla

At Sarahan, check Bhimkali Temple and Bird sanctuary whereas in Narkanda visit Hatu Peak, Hatu temple and Jubbar Lake.

Attractions: Karcham Wangtoo Dam & cut out mountains forming ceilings on the highway near Rampur, Kufri.

Must Try: Buy red and golden farm fresh apples and plums.

Day 10 (Shimla – Delhi)

The day 10th is going to be the toughest day as it is the end of a memorable trip. But cherish up as there are so many memories to take back home and plan the next journey. Roads are in excellent condition and you will be covering 345 km in almost 8-9 hrs.

Attractions: Himalayan Expressway, Timber trail resort at Kalka.

Must try: Good Punjabi food on the Chandigarh- Delhi highway.

Driving next to river bed in the valley: Lahaul Spiti road trip
Driving next to river bed in the valley: Lahaul Spiti road trip

Points to Remember before taking Lahaul Spiti road trip

  1. The Rohtang Pass and Kunzum Pass are high altitude passes, so check the weather forecast with locals before heading out.
  2. In the mid-July – August, there are spells of rains in the Lahaul Spiti Valley, although being a rain shadow region. So, the drive can be tough as well as risky.
  3. Always keep a buffer for a day while taking the Lahaul Spiti road trip.
  4. Get your vehicle properly inspected before hitting for a 1600 km road trip.
  5. Carry proper car toolkit along.
  6. Avoid driving at night as the roads are narrow and valleys are deep. Moreover, the whole valley is serene and worth admiring during the day. Spiti valley: Travel guide for Lahaul Spiti Road Trip
  7. Certain places like Rohtang Pass in the Lahaul Spiti Valley can be visited only with permits, so get those arranged timely. The Permit can be taken online or by visiting the DC office in Manali.
  8. Carry the additional photostat copies of a permit with you, during the trip.
  9. There is the last and highest fuel station at Kaza after Manali. The next can be found in Rekong Peo and then in Sangla.
  10. ATM facilities are available in Sangla, Rekong Peo, Kaza, Manali & Shimla
  11. Take time to acclimatize and don’t rush in the valley.
  12. Basic Medical facilities are available at Sangla, Rekong Peo, and Kaza. Advance medical facilities can be availed only in Shimla and Manali.
  13. Don’t expect luxurious accommodation and food in the valley, especially during winters.
  14. The locals are really nice and ready to help. Do respect their traditions and cultures.
  15. Remember to keep the valley clean and don’t litter around. Practice responsible tourism.

 Trip Expert 2017 Awards

Trip Expert Award Badge 2017

We have compiled this post for the nomination in “Travel Expert Awards -2017”.

 

My Travel Book for year 2016! Looking for more in 2017

It’s 31st  December the last day of the year 2016. Everybody is busy planning what to do and where to party tonite to welcome the new year 2017 ahead. But look at me. I am sitting and scrolling through my travel book. I want a glance of the memories and photographs I took in the year 2016.

The year 2016 was a real miracle for me. I was a person who loved traveling but never knew how passionate I was for it. My Love Tashi Aggarwal helped me in finding out my hidden talent. I realized every travel place is unique in itself, each road says its own story, there are natural and so beautiful places where poems are written by itself; people don’t need any music to fall in love, and just traveling together can do all the work.

Anyways, the point is 2016 showed me a path of travel blogging, photography and here I am in front of you all.  I did almost 8-10 long road trips, few weekend trips and 2 air trips in 2016.

Here are few of the glimpses of my travel book 2016.

Road Trips – Travel book 2016

The year starts with winters in North India and it was fun experiencing snowfall at Tosh, Himachal Pradesh. The snowfall seems like cotton candies and it always gives me a thrill all over. I can get lost in this white ceramic natural beauty like I did in the beginning of 2016.

At Tosh village, Kasol, Himachal - My Travel Book for year 2016, Looking for more in 2017

The day trip to the UNESCO’S world heritage sites in and around Delhi, especially during winters, is always exciting. It gives me a chance to click a lot of pictures with sunlight falling on them. And one such trip was to Humayun’s Tomb.

 Humayuns Tomb, Delhi- My Travel Book for year 2016,, Looking for more in 2017

Another Day trip was to the World’s finest Wonder Taj Mahal, at Agra. Here is the picture of white Taj across Yamuna river from Mehtab Bagh.

Taj across Yamuna river from Mehtab Bagh - My travel book of 2016! Looking for more in 2017

The hidden gem and UNESCO’s site – Fatehpur Siki has a splendid architecture.

Fatehpur Sikri, My Travel Book for year 2016!looking ahead for more in 2017

The Longest trip of the year was to Spiti valley. The valley opens it the gateway for tourist around April – May. The wind, land, mountains each one in this valley has its own aura and check the innocent traffic jam. I don’t mind waiting here for clearance as got some time to admire the beauty and click pictures.

Traffic jam on the way to Spiti Valley- my travel book for year 2016! looking for more in 2017

And when there so many long weekends in 2016, so how could I skip the single chance. The first one was for Nainital (Always on my weekend getaway list) and I always enjoy staying at the earls Court, Nainital for their hospitality and courteous staff.

The Earls Court Nainital, My travel book for year 2016! looking for more in 2017

And the next nearby weekend getaway from Delhi is Rishikesh. I enjoy spending time at cafes around the Ganges and dipping feet in the water. In the evening this places seems ethereal.

Laxman Jhula at Rishikesh - My travel book for year 2016! looking for more in 2017

The other closest summer weekend getaway is Danaulti, just 30 km from Mussoorie but much more quite and green. These stairs seem like taking you to heaven and actually at the top you get beautiful views.

Dhanaulti - My travel book for year 2016! Looking for more in 2017

And yes there were two adventure trips too – the first one was to the place where Lord Shiva has meditated for years i.e. a  Trek to Hot water Spring, Kheerganga. (Click to read the complete post)

Kheerganga - my travel book for year 2016! looking for more travels in 2017

The second adventure trip was in the woods of deep forest at Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary.

Binsar - My travel book for year 2016! looking for more travels in 2017

Air trips – Travel Book 2016

Who says Monsoon is not the good time to visit Goa. I was there in July and agree the beaches are rough then, but it was awesome too. Everything was vacant, reasonably priced and got the chance to explore Goa without bumping into crowds. Rains make Goa clean, fresh & green and look how beautiful Hacienda De Goa Resort (Near Vagator Beach) has turned in monsoons.

Haciedna De goa Resort, Goa - My travel book for year 2016! looking for more travels ahead

Last but not the least trip during off seasons was to the amazing beaches of Thailand.

Thailand - my travel book for year 2017! looking for more in 2017

My all the trips were a big celebration in themselves, so big cheers to 2016 and looking ahead for more travel with health and happiness, to create a better travel book for the year 2017.

Wishing everyone lots of fun-filled travels in 2017!! Keep reading and enjoying.

Spiti Valley, in photos, which made me mad for Travel

The “Spiti” means the middle land; that lies between India and Tibet.

The Spiti Valley journey brings you close to never ending landscapes, ancient world monasteries, gushing wide rivers, crystal clear blue lakes, snow-capped peaks, glaciers, and clear blue skies. In the valley, each carved mountain, treacherous roads, and innocent villagers have their own story to tell. The travelers like us (me and Tashi) get mesmerized to become a storyteller, photographer and travel blogger.

The famous story writer Joseph Rudyard Kipling said: “Spiti Valley is a land of god and this place is no place for men. Here the mountains peaks are high enough from the feet and silence has beaten this place” – I completely agree, there is no human/vehicular noise, no pollution, no over development, no industrialization. How silent and ethereal the place is Only wind and water sing their own songs.

The Spiti Valley has its own crazy aura which binds you to sit quietly and get lost in nature. You start planning to stay back,  instead of going. Here in few pictures from our lens, I will describe how the beauty of this “Land of God” turned us to a passionate photographer and travel blogger.

Journey to Spiti Valley, Himachal Pradesh

Our journey started from Rohtang Pass, also known as Pass of the Corpses. This pass connects Kullu valley with the Lahaul and Spiti valley of Himachal Pradesh.

Journey started from rohtang pass for Spiti valley, Himachal Pradesh

We were heading towards Chandratal Lake but each mountain on the way stopped me for a click. I wonder how beautiful each peak is carved naturally. The mountains call me to reach the heights and explore the most unexplored paths.

Heading to Spiti valley, Himachal Pradesh

Before reaching the mesmerizing Lake of the moon, on the way, there are so many crazy valleys. Each valley is covered in hues of golden sand, rocky mountains peaks covered in snow, glaciers, and river flowing in the center of the valley. Such views make me think nothing  else is more beautiful than this place.

on the way to chandratal lake, Spiti Valley, Himachal Pradesh

The complete semi-arid dessert, Spiti valley is a world in itself. There are hardly any humans. The wind, water, and nature have  written their own stories on each wall.

In semi arid dessert, Spiti valley, Himachal Pradesh

The valleys are so wide and mountains peaks are so high; that I and this huge vehicle; Mahindra – Scorpio seems to be like ants in this panoramic view.

In the Spiti Valley, Himachal Pradesh

Driving just next to the river bed, and again mountains have changed their colors. I wish I could count the color hues of mountains in this valley.

At the river bed in Spiti valley, himachal pradesh

Here comes this master place for which the whole journey started. The Chandratal Lake, located at an altitude of 14,100 feet where each mountain changes its color every hour. It is so clean, so quiet and so beautiful. We spent here one day and night. For details check my blog post on Chandratal click here.

At Chandratal lake, Spiti valley, Himachal Pradesh

The best view- I could spot so many yaks grazing together (Check those black dots)

Yaks grazing in spiti valley at Himachal Pradesh

The Kunzum pass located at 15,600 feet is a high mountain pass that connects Kullu Valley and Lahaul valley to the Spiti valley. The fluttering prayer flags have Buddhist mantras and prayers displayed on them produce a spiritual vibration that is activated and carried by the wind across the countryside. Here the wind was at full speed and check my Scorpio has turned gray from Black.

Kunzum Pass, Spiti valley, Himachal Pradesh

The Gateway to Spiti valley (Where Gram Panchayat of Losar village welcomes you)

Gateway to Spiti Valley at Losar Village, Himachal Pradesh

My next stop was at Kaza the capital of Spiti Valley. The Hotel Deyzor, Kaza is an awesome property, where this wonderful caption and calligraphy pulled me to click. Hotel Deyzor represents a true spirit of Spiti Valley for any traveler with a comfortable stay & good Dining Menu. The way in which it has been constructed at such a remote location is really applaudable.

Hotel Deyzor, Kaza, Spiti valley, Himachal Pradesh

 

Next day we started our journey from lush green Dhankar village; an abode in heaven. Dhankar is the old capital of Spiti and lies between Kaza and Tabo. It is built at an altitude of 12,774 feet.  The village seems as a spur or bluff which stands out into the main valley and ends in a precipice.

Dhankar Village, Spiti Valley, Himachal Pradesh

Ahead Kaza, we stopped at Tabo. The  Tabo Monastery lies at the bottom of the valley, unlike the other monasteries perched on the top. The monastery offers you a stay at a mere amount of Rs 500 per person. The rooms have mud lining on the walls and ceiling and are super cozy and comfortable.

Tabo monastery, Spiti Valley, Himachal Pradesh

Oh! Not to be missed! On the way, there is 550 years old mummy of Saint Sangha Tenzin in sitting position at Gue Village. The locals believe that she gave up her life while meditating.

Gue Village, Spiti valley, Himachal Pradesh

Heading towards Kinnaur Valley, at Khab there is a confluence of two rivers –the Satluj and Spiti River. Check whole scene is so picturesque.

Confluence of river Spiti and Satluj at Khab in Spiti valley, Himachal Pradesh

Last but not the least; when roads were that adventurous and nature had so much to show, we got transformed to a writer, poet, travel blogger, storyteller, and photographer.

We say travel to this terrain, even you will explore and get to know more about yourself.