Spiti the middle land

Spiti, often referred to as "The Middle Land," is a breathtaking valley located in the state of Himachal Pradesh, India. Nestled between Tibet and India, Spiti is renowned for its rich Tibetan culture, ancient monasteries, and dramatic high-altitude landscapes.

Key Features of Spiti:

1.⁠ ⁠Tibetan Culture: The region offers a glimpse into Tibetan heritage, evident in its traditions, architecture, and monasteries.

2.⁠ ⁠Ancient Monasteries: Spiti is home to several ancient monasteries, some dating back to the 10th century, such as:

Key Monastery: A famous 1,000-year-old monastery.

Dhankar Monastery: Perched atop a cliff, offering panoramic views.

Tabo Monastery: Often called the "Ajanta of the Himalayas," known for its exquisite frescoes and murals.

3.⁠ ⁠High-Altitude Region: Situated at an average altitude of over 12,000 feet, Spiti experiences extreme weather conditions, with harsh winters and relatively mild summers.

4.⁠ ⁠Tourism and Adventure: A popular destination for trekkers, photographers, and travelers seeking solitude amidst nature. The rugged terrain and clear skies make it ideal for stargazing and exploring remote landscapes.

Road Connectivity:

1.⁠ ⁠Via Kunzum Pass:

Open only during the summer months (June to October).

Closed in winter due to heavy snowfall.

2.⁠ ⁠Via Shimla:

Day 1

Flight Home → Delhi

Day 2

Flight: Delhi → Gaggal Transfer to Dharamsala

Your guide, will meet you at Gaggal. Drive to Dharamsala.
Afternoon: sightseeing in Dharamsala: the residence of the 14th Dalai Lama and the capital of the Tibetan government-in-exile.

Day 3
Dharamsala

Visit the residence of the 14th Dalai Lama since his 1959 exile from Tibet.
Continue to the Tibet Museum and Mentsekhan.
Visit Norbulinka and Gyuto Monastery.
Afternoon: free time to stroll through the Tibetan bazaar.
elevation 1,450 m.

Day 4
Dharamsala → Manali

After breakfast, drive to Manali.
9 hour drive (239 km)
Note: Numerous roadworks may extend travel time.
at ~2,050 m .

Day 5
Manali

Today is a rest/reserve day. Option: visit nearby Nagar village.
Hike into the forest of Manali. Manali has good day hike treks.

Day 6: Wed, 31 May 2023
Manali → Kaza

Drive over the Kunzom la the gate way into the Spiti valley.
Landscape shifts from lush green to stark alpine, with mud houses, Buddhist prayer flags, and snowy peaks.
Overnight guesthouse / Hotel in Kaza (about 8  hours / 185 km).
elevation ~3,650 m.

Day 7
Kaza – Excursion to Kibber Langza,Kumik,Hikkim and Ki Monastery

Drive northeast to Kibber (4,205 m)—the highest settlement in Spiti.
Kibber is popular for the grey ghost of mountain The snow leopard specially in winter .
Visit Ki Gompa, the largest monastery in Spiti.
Overnight: in Guest house/ Hotel in Kaza elevation ~3,650 m.

Day 8
Kaza → Dhankar Monastery → Lalung →Tabo

Visit the 16th-century Dhankar Monastery perched on a rocky cliff at 3,890 m.
Today we are visiting the Ajanta of HImalaya Tabo and Lalung village one thousand year old monastery.
Continue to Tabo and overnight in Guest house/ Hotel in Tabo elevation ~3,280 m.

Day 9
Tabo → Pin Valley → Tabo

Visit Kungri Monastery, the second-oldest in Spiti and Mud village the last village of pin valley.
Overnight: in Guest house/ Hotel Tabo elevation ~3,280 m.

Day 10
Tabo → Kalpa via Nako Lake

After breakfast, drive towards Kinnaur valley stopping at Nako Lake.
Arrive in Kalpa, a picturesque village on a hill, offering views of the sacred Kinnaur Kailash peaks.
Kalpa is the traditional center of the Kinnaur region.
Travel time: about 6/7 hours / 170 km.
Overnight: Guesthouse/Hotel in Kalpa; elevation ~2,950 m.

Day 11
Kalpa → Sarahan

Morning drive along the India–Tibet border, following the Sutlej River, to Sarahan.
Sarahan, a small village above the Sutlej Valley, is famous for the ancient Bhima Kali Temple.
Distance: about 4 hours / 68 km.
Overnight: Hotel in Sarahan elevation ~2,320 m.

Day 12
Sarahan → Narkanda → Shimla.

Continue on to Shimla.
Explore Shimla on foot: population ~190,000; named after the Hindu goddess Shyamala Devi (a form of Kali).
Overnight: in Shimla elevation ~2,120 m.

Day 13
Shimla → Delhi → Return Flight to home.

After breakfast, drive back to Delhi ( 8 hours / 352 km).
Arrive at Delhi airport in the evening.

Program adjustments

The detailed schedule and hikes may be customized according to your preferences, weather and road conditions, and other influencing factors.