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The Lahul and Spiti valleys epitomize nature at its wildest and best. Virtually untouched by modern civilization, this is where time takes on a different dimension as you discover a land that holds beauty and an ethereal mystique. The Spiti expedition is the finest way to see this picturesque and awe-inspiring land and at the same time experience this diverse culture. Visit Buddhist temples, meet the nomadic herdsmen and stay in their homes. With Ladakh in the North, the Kullu Valley in the South and Tibet in the East, Spiti offers a remarkable location in the Himalayas.
A float river trip with a few grade 3 rapids will take one to places one never dreamed of. The journey will take you past 6000 meter peaks, glaciers and valleys. This is where we will visit monasteries and enjoy the hospitality of the simple and warm people of the valley. Enjoy uncovering the local culture of the nomads, learn their traditional dances and folk tales and get to know them up close.
The early morning train from Delhi will bring you into Chandigarh. Drive to the wonderful hill town of Manali in the lower Himalayas. Overnight stay in a hotel.
One relaxes in Manali and visits interesting sites such as the Hadimba Temple and the local market. Stay overnight at a hotel.
An early morning head start to reach Paldhar plains. The change in the terrain and vegetation is fascinating, three day journey from the plains to the alpine meadows and peaks of the Himalayas. We will find plenty of opportunity for photography and enjoy this beautiful drive. In the late afternoon we will pitch up camp and enjoy a hot meal around the campfire.
One travels to Kiato, an hour’s drive from Paldhar plains. This is where the river trip begins on the Spiti River. After a comprehensive safety brief and basic paddling instructionswe are ready to enter the water. The grade 2 rapids are a great way to start the river expedition. One gets a picturesque view of the glacier and peaks around as we raft past many villages. At Rangrik (3550 meters) we will stay in the homes of the locals and discover local cuisine and culture.
Today is a day for hiking and discovering the Rangrik area. Take a hike to the villages of Kibber, Kaza and Gette to mingle with the locals and experience their land. We return late afternoon and stay in their homes for the night.
A lazy start to Langza after breakfast. One can see fossils and unique features that make Spiti’s geological history special. At Langza, we visit the Lang, an ancient temple that is the home to the gods of the valley. Here one will also see intricately painted thankas (paintings on silk). Overnight stay with the locals and cherish their warm and gracious hospitality.
One gets back on the river and paddles to the Attargo Bridge. This journey will take us close to three hours and has some grade 2 rapids. We stop at Attargo and then drive on to Mikkim. On the way, we will visit the Dhankar Gompa, a Buddhist monastery, before driving to the Pin valley, for a home stay at Mikkim.
After breakfast visit the Kungri Gompa, and then get back on the river. We will paddle for three hours to the sleepy village of Poh. We finish the trip at Poh & drive to Tabo, where we stay overnight in a hotel.
One drives back to Poh and runs the river till Tabo. Get ready for some exhilarating grade 3 rapids on this section. Visit the Giu village in the area to see a mummified monk or you could choose to relax. Stay overnight at the hotel.
The River now offers spectacular white water and has increased in volume. You will encounter some of the biggest rapids on this expedition. We finish at Sumdo, where this river trip ends. Drive back to Tabo and stay overnight at the hotel.
Driving from Tabo, along the Old Hindustan-Tibet road, to Sangla. This journey will take us eight hours. Stay overnight at a camp.
A seven hour drive gets us to the capital of Himachal Pradesh, Shimla. This hill station has a rich heritage and in colonial times it was the summer retreat for the British Raj. Stay overnight at a hotel.
This is the last leg of this trip and we drive 8 hours to Delhi. It has been a terrific fortnight, one that will have you feeling nostalgic every time you think about it.
July, August
Delhi – train to Chandigarh – drive to Manali
Relax/Sightseeing in Manali
Drive from Manali - Paldhar plains & Camp
Drive from Palhdar plains – Kiato Putin on the river – homestay at Rangrik
Hike to Kibber, Kaza and Gette – Homestay at Rangrik
Hike to Langza visit the Lang, an ancient temple – Homestay at Langza
Drive to Rangrik Bridge – raft till Attargo Bridge- visit Dhankar Gompa – Homestay at Mikkim
Visit the Kungri Gompa - back on the river till Poh – Drive to Tabo overnight in a hotel
Drive to Poh- on the river till Tabo – Relax/visit Giu village overnight in a hotel
Raft till the confluence at Sumdo – drive back to Tabo overnight in a hotel
Drive from Tabo – Sangla overnight in a camp
Drive from Sangla – Shimla overnight in a hotel
Drive from Shimla – Delhi
# The above is a suggested itinerary. You can tailor-make the itinerary to suit your interests and time in hand. |
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