We’re addicted to Himalayan travel, so we’re thrilled to bring you this great classic road trip. The ancient kingdom of Guge, also known as Spiti—once part of western Tibet—is a fascinating Buddhist enclave that historically has had little contact with the outside world. Indeed, even the famous Himalayan caravan routes didn’t pass this way, since snows keep Spiti’s high passes inaccessible during the harsh winter months. It still lives in another century, an ancient world that begins where the paved road ends.
Our adventure takes us past green fertile valleys to moonscapes of stark yet evocative beauty, where you’ll ride over high passes marked with fluttering prayer flags, see Buddhism practiced in its purest form, and admire an arid landscape brightened by shimmering willow groves and glacier-irrigated fields of yellow buckwheat and green pea patches. Along the way you’ll meet the handsome Kinnauri & Spitian people, among the most colorfully dressed of Himalayan inhabitants, and follow trails lined with some of the most exquisitely carved mane stones in the Himalaya.
The trip is essentially designed as an overland safari, with elements of adventure sewn in, to keep the adrenalin oozing. So one will get to hike to some of the most exquisite locations, bike through trails which have not seen two wheels as yet, descend down Himalayan Rivers and camp among the wilderness. Also learn about age old Himalayan Buddhist traditions, visit 1000 year old monasteries and dwell in some meditation and yoga when the activities take some toll.
KINNAUR
Occupying the northeast corner of Himachal Pradesh, Kinnaur is a region of high mountain ranges, enclosing the narrow valleys of the Sutlej and its tributaries. In the south, The Dhauladhars, ascending eastward to meet the Greater Himalaya, divide the Sangla valley of Kinnaur from the Uttarkashi district of Uttaranchal and Shimla district of Himachal Pradesh. To the east, the vast reaches of Tibet lie across the Zaskar mountains. Between the Zaskars and the Dhauladhars, the Greater Himalaya passes through the heart of Kinnaur and the Srikhand mountains screen of Spiti on the northwest and along a short stretch on the southwest mark the border with Kullu.
The River Sutlej, entering India from Tibet at Shipki la, pierces through a seemingly impregnable series of barriers in its tumultuous journey to the plains of India. Dropping almost 2000m over 100 odd kms, as it traverses southwest through Kinnaur, the River pays scant regard to the impressive credentials of the Zaskar, Greater Himalaya and Dhauladhar Ranges. The Sutlej forms a narrow, steep sided valley which tapers into more gradual slopes, part way up the high mountains on either side. Villages are located either on these gentler slopes or in the valleys of the more substantial tributaries joining the Sutlej in the course of its journey through Kinnaur.
Kinnaur finds a fit expression in its abundant delicacy “The Pine nut”, like the tasty kernel of the nut, it may take some effort to get to the core of Kinnaur however once you are there, the experience is truly rewarding. Legend has it that Kinnaur with all its beauty and splendor fell from the clouds to take its place in the Himalayas. The place and its people find mention in many ancient Hindu texts. The ancient people of this land were Kinner and Kirats tribes – also referred to as “Gandharvas” in Vedic literature. About 2000 B.C a branch of the Aryans, called “Khashas”, penetrated the Himalaya through the Kashgar and Kashmir and dominated this whole area. Later, in the 13th and 14th centuries, “The Bhutias” came from Tibet to the region.
Due to its proximity to Tibet the lifestyle and religion of inhabitants have been influenced by Buddhism, though majority of the people practice Hinduism, Buddhism is prevalent in Northern and Central parts of Kinnaur. Imposing monasteries at Morang and Namgia have beautiful sculptures and wood carvings. The people are god fearing and honest. Some places in Kinnaur practice polyandry. Polyandry may have been a natural societal response, to limited arable land and the multifarious occupations of the men folk. However it is disappearing rapidly.
We invite you to visit this beautiful land and soak yourself in its beauty, culture and people. Our trip runs extensively through Kinnaur and takes you into the interiors, uncharted, unspoiled and untouristed.
SPITI
“At last they entered a world within a world. A valley of leagues where the high hills were fashioned of mere rubble and refuse from off the knees of the mountain. Surely the Gods live here……………………beaten down by the silence and the appalling sweep of dispersal of the cloud shadows after the rain. There is no place for men.” Rudyard Kipling “KIM”
It can be a soul journey for those affected by the “mane walls”, fluttering flags, prayer wheels, monks, all beneath an ageless blue sky, in a primordial landscape. For those more physically charged, there is the prospect of thirst filled walks to unexplored glacier valleys and scaling virgin 6000mts peaks.
A Billon years ago, Spiti’s present location was the bed of Tethys sea, separating Asia from the ancient continent of Gondwana. Gondwana joined Asia to form the Indian Subcontinent and in the process, pushed up the intermediate ground of the Tethys sea. Over time the sea dried up and the Himalaya sprang up, inching higher even now as the tectonic plate of the former landmass of Gondwana continues its movement under the Asian mainland.
Ranges of the Greater Himalaya enclose Spiti in a semi circular arc, separating it from Lahaul on the west, Kullu to the south and Kinnaur to the southwest. They also prevent the moisture laden monsoons from reaching the region, thus creating in Spiti, a bleak and arid landscape in common with Ladakh and Tibet, located beyond the Zaskar mountains to the north and east. Lacking vegetative growth, the exposed terrain is a geologist’s paradise. It records every geological age from the Pre-Cambrian to the recent, in pristine formations.
Spiti valley is formed by its synonymous river which rises on the slopes of Kunzum la (4551mts) dividing the Lahaul and Spiti district, and ends at Khab where it meets the Sutlej. From NW to SE the valley extends for 140kms. Along its course the Spiti river traverses beds of clay and rocks, out of which rise peculiar rough monument like masses honeycombed all over with deep holes as if scooped out by a sculptor.
People in Spiti follow Buddhism. Primitive beliefs and superstitions have intermingled with the religion to some extent. Every pious Buddhist has a prayer wheel, and large monasteries have vat-like cylinders that revolve on their own axis. Long lines of low walls called Mani walls are a common sight, often hundreds of meters long and consisting of loose stones on which “OM MANI PADME HUM” is inscribed in Tibetan script. Due to its proximity to Tibet, Spiti has been greatly influenced by Tibetan Buddhism. The valley is also known as the “Ajanta of Buddhist art” because many of its monasteries and Gompas have priceless specimens of Buddhist art. The most important of these are Kye, Dhankar and Tabo.
THE ITINERARY
Day One, July 14th, 2011
Board the evening Volvo Bus to Shimla from Himachal Bhavan (2030hrs). It’s an eight hour journey towards Shimla. Upon Arrival in Shimla, transfer in cabs to your hotel.
Day Two, July 15th, 2011
Explore Shimla by the day and indulge in necessary shopping required for your trip up north. Evening spent by the bonfire and a brief orientation session
Day Three, July 16th, 2011
Shimla – Kotgarh – Sarahan
Catching up with National Highway 22 early morning we head on to Narkanda 2708mts. nestled amidst Sub alpine forests of fir and birch, and also serves as a winter Ski Resort. About 60% of Himachal Apples are grown here. We zig zag our way through the apple country to the Sutlej Valley below and reach Rampur 924mts. the seat of the erstwhile Bushahir Kingdom. Magnificent view await us as we go on uphill towards Sarahan via Darang Ghati and Kinnu, the road which in earlier times used to be a shepherds trail. Crossing some spectacular cliffs enroute we reach Sarahan at 2040mts. the gateway to Kinnaur and famous for its Bhimakali Temple and the Majestic views of the Srikhand Peak 5230mts. and Gushu Pishu 5670mts. of the Srikhand range.
Distance 180kms
Altitude ~ Khadrala 2800mts, Taklech 1600mts, Daranghati 2985mts, Kinnu 1850mts, Sarahan 1920mts.
Highlights: The 3200mts High Hatu peak, the highest in the Shimla region. Tani Jubbar lake, Apple orchards, scenic Vistas, Daranghati Sanctuary, Drive through the century old Hindustan Tibet Road, The Bhimakali temple, Magnificent views of the Srikhand Range.
Day Four, July 17th, 2011
Sarahan – Sangla
Follow the course of the Sutlej River to Karcham 1899mts where it is joined by the Baspa (Sangla) flowing from the east. Enroute we cross Taranda 1800mts cliffs a breathtaking sight, where the road is cut straight through a rock. From Karcham Sangla 2680mts valley is 18kms and the road winds its way uphill through some more amazing cliffs. We reach the top of the road and the valley opens up. Ride to Rakcham 2900mts, 14kms from the main village of Sangla, where our camp is set for tonight.
Distance ~ 108 Kms
Altitude ~ Karcham 1899mts, Wangtu 1830mts, Taranda 1800mts, Sangla 2680mts, Rakcham 2900mts
Day Five, July 18th, 2011
Sangla – Rakcham – Chitkul – Sangla
Today we explore the Baspa valley. From Sangla village to Chitkul it’s a beautiful ride, sometimes along the river and sometimes through mountain trails. Chitkul is a great setting, this side of the border with Tibet. On our way back from Chitkul we walk through through the meadows and a verdant cedar forest to Batseri village. A very refreshing walk indeed. O/N Kinner Camps.
Distance ~ 41kms
Altitude ~ Chitkul 3435mts
Highlights: The drive to Chitkul, The trek from Rakcham to Batseri village, the evening by the bonfire at Kinner Camps.
Day Six, July 19th, 2011
Sangla – Kalpa
Visit the Kamru Fort and Temple early in the morning. Thereafter proceed to Kalpa. This used to be the headquarters of the Kinnaur district and was known as Chini in earlier times. Probably one of the few places in the world where one would sit with coolers in the warmth of their room, appreciating the magnificent view of the Kinner Kailash massif. Also visit the Monastery at Reckong peo. O/N Hotel Kinner Villa/Shangrila
Distance ~ 45 Kms
Altitude ~ Reckong Peo 2290mts, Kalpa 2960mts
Highlights: Reckong peo the district headquarters of Kinnaur, Close views of the Kinner Kailash Massif, The bodhi temple of Kalpa, The monastery at Reckong peo, Chini temple.
Day Seven, July 20th, 2011
Kalpa – Rarang – Jangi – Morang – Labrang – Kanam – Ropa – Puh – Khab – Nako – Malling – Chango – Sumdo – Hurling – Tabo
Our journey today, is to a region which was opened to tourists only a few years ago, from Lower Kinnaur to Upper Kinnaur, it’s a transition in the landscape, beliefs and life styles, a 150 km journey into the history and culture of Kinnaur.
We depart Nako crossing the treacherous Malling stream and the road descends gradually to the riverside and continues up to Chango 3100mts. a sizeable village. Five kilometers from here the National Highway crosses to the right bank of the Spiti rives above which lies Shialkhar. Eight kilometers past Shialkhar the road crosses the river again and Kinnaur is past us. This is Sumdo where the Parechu coming from Tibet meets the Spiti. Here the road (NH) wanders away from the river to end near Kaurik and the Sumdo-Kaza road assumes the role of guiding the traveler up the valley of Spiti. This area of Spiti is known as Sham. Hurling 3125 mts. is the first village of Spiti. From here the pride of Spiti “The Tabo Monastery” 3280mts. is only four kilometers.
Distance ~ 168 Kms
Altitude ~ Ribba 2745mts, Puh 2837mts, Khab 2831mts, Nako 3662mts, Ka 3598mts, Yangthang 3800mts, Chango 3658mts, Tabo Monastery 3050mts
Highlights: Tashi Choeling Monastery at Rarang, Lanin Monastery at Morang, The Kanam Monastery, The drive along the National Highway 22, The cultural and geographical transition from Lower to Upper Kinnaur, Magnificent views of the Reo Purgyal Massif, Nako lake, Nako Monastery, Ka loops, The apple orchards of Chango, Giu Village enroute, with the mummy of a revered Lama, Tabo Monastery 110 years old and a cultural highlight.Day Eight, July 21st, 2011
Tabo – Dhankar – Lallung - Kaza
Almost 20Kms away from Tabo is Sichling 3400mts. from where a 7Km link road climbs sleepily to Dhankar 3700, high up on the left bank. Dhankar was Spiti’s old capital and wedged between the rocky, pinnacles on the eastern face are its old buildings. Manerang Peak 6593mts. is seen to advantage from Dhankar. A stiff climb of less than an hour brings us to Dhankar Lake which seems tiny despite a 2 Km circumference amidst the vast undulating pastures surrounding it. Mirror carp was recently introduced in the Dhankar Lake and are apparently prospering despite the extreme climate and altitude. A few kilometers from Sichling the Pin River flows into the Spiti from the South and almost immediately Lingti comes in from the north. At the Juncture of the Spiti and Pin is a long green peninsula called Pindomor. Willow and Sea buckthorn groves are common here. The district headquarters of Spiti, Kaza is a short while from here.
Distance ~ 60kms
Altitude ~ Dhankar 3890mts, Kaza 3600mts, Lallung 4100mts
Highlights: The Moonscape drive, Dhankar Monastery, The greens of Sichling, Hike to Dhankar lake, The Pin river and the Spiti River Confluence.
Day Nine, July 22nd, 2011
Kaza – Kye – Kibber – Gete – Kye – Langza – Komic - Kaza
Today is the day of exploring Kaza and its surroundings. Along the main road on the left bank the Shilla joins the Spiti just after the confluence with Ratang and there is the Key village 3750mts. on the Kaza Kibber Road. The Key Monastery dominates from its perch, atop a hilltop which points to its post thirteenth century construction. The pasture country gives the appearance of plateaus and of undulating Meadows high above the main Valley. Edged by steep cliffs falling sharply to the main valley, the wide open spaces are cleaved by the narrow gorge-like courses of two left bank tributaries. The Parilungbi and the Shilla. Chicham 4150mts and Kibber 4120 are two main villages of Parilungbi Valley. Further east is Gete 4320mts. and Tashigong 4380mts. This is the Bhar region of the Spiti Valley. There are breathtaking views of the Kanamo Peak 5974mts. from Kibber. Looking down on the main valley from any spot of this upland country is a great sight. Back to Kaza after these meanderings for dinner.
Distance ~ 100kms
Altitude ~ Langza 4400mts, Komic 4350mts, Demul 4200mts, Kibber 4550mts, Gete 4600mts
Highlights: The Gete Plateau and Fossil park, The Kye Monastery, Kibber one of the highest villages in the world, Magnificent views of 6000 mts Himalayan peaks.
Day Ten, July 23rd, 2011
Kaza – Losar – Kunzum pass – Chandtratal Lake
Along the main road 6Kms. from Kaza is Rangrik 3680mts backed by the jagged, rocky cliffs on the right side of the valley followed by the green oasis of Khurik 3750mts Sumling 3750 and Moorang 3775mts after which Gyundi flows into Spiti. We enter the least populated part of the Spiti Valley called Tud shortly after Losar 4079mts the highest village in this part is only 22Km from Kunzum Pass 4807mts. This is the most outstanding sight in Tud, the view from Kunzum top. The peaceful flower bedecked slopes in the foreground are backed by an awesome vista of rocky massifs and hanging glaciers in the Lahaul Valley. Down near Losar the confluence of the three tributaries which form the Spiti is impressive. The way to Chandtratal. The lake of the moon begins from Batal further down Kunzum in the Chandra Valley. This is the Chandra valley and our ride mostly level, except for the road which is gravel.
Distance ~ 83 Kms
Altitude ~ Kiato 3964mts, Hanse 3950mts, Losar 4079mts, Kunzum Pass 4551mts, Batal 3960mts, Chandratal Lake 4270mts.
Day Eleven, July 24th, 2011
Chandtratal Lake – Chattru – Rohtang Pass - Manali
Follow the Chandra River through some of the most beautiful mountain scenery. The road is mostly dirt track. Taking it easy we are headed to Chattru, crossing Chotta Dhara. This place is an interesting geological zone for studies as three mountain ranges meet here and the formations are some of the most amazing in the whole world. Further down the Chandra valley, facing some steep cliff walls is Chattru a temporary campsite erected for the intrepid travelers to this land. Along the side the of the Chandra river we drive past Gramphoo just below the Rohtang pass. Ascend to the Rohtang Pass, and then descend towards Manali. O/N Hotel
Distance ~ 123kms
Altitude ~ Chotta Dhara 3960mts, Chattru 3560mts, Gramphoo 3200mts, Rohtang Pass 3980mts, Manali 2050mts.
Highlights: Chattru, The drive till Chattru, Rohtang Pass, Manali Bazaar
Day Twelve, July 25th, 2011
Manali – Delhi (or your destination)
Explore Manali by the Day, and depart at 1700 hrs in the Volvo bus towards, Delhi and Chandigarh.
Weather
The best time to go tripping in this area is in the summer, when daytime temperatures reach 20-25ºC and there is plenty of sunshine. Obviously, temperatures do get cooler the higher you climb, though it should not freeze. You can expect occasional rain at the start of the trip in the Shimla region as it is affected by the monsoon, but once over Lower Kinnaur and entering Upper Kinnaur and Spiti Valley, you are in a high altitude desert where rain is unusual. Although the trip is to coincide with good weather, you should remember that in any mountain area the weather is never wholly predictable and you should be prepared and equipped to deal with any differences in weather beyond the conditions described above.
Essential Equipment and Clothing
All luggages for the trip should be packed in a soft kitbag or duffel bag. Please ensure that clothing etc is wrapped in plastic bags as kitbags are not 100% waterproof. In addition to your “normal” daily clothes, you will need the following:
Essential: 4 seasons sleeping bag; sleeping mat; 3/4 seasons jacket; leather or waterproof synthetic boots; sunglasses and sunhat; waterproofs, warm hat and gloves; tracksuit or thermal underwear; sun cream(70sp). Please remember to bring a good quality water bottle and iodine or other suitable water treatment kit. Bottled water is not available on trek.
Recommended: old trainers or sandals for river crossings.TRIP HIGHLIGHTS
· An 1119 km journey through the most spectacular landscapes.
· The most beautiful Himalayan valleys – Katrech (Sarahan), Kinnaur, Sangla, Ropa, Spiti, Chandra, Kullu.
· Two High Himalayan passes The Kunzum (4551meters), The Rohtang 3979meters.
· Chandtratal Lake
· Over a 1000 year old Tabo Monastery
· Pin valley National Park
· Lallung Monastery, Kye Monastery, Komic, Kungri, Dhankar Monastery
· Lingti Valley, Highest Villages of Kibber, Gete, Tashigang.
INCLUSIONS
· Accommodation in camps/country inns, home stays and hotels, along the routeon twin sharing basis.
· Transport in Volvo from Delhi to Shimla and from Manali to Delhi
· Transport through the trip in sumo/tavera/scorpio with an occupancy of 4 people in one vehicle
· Breakfast, Packed Lunch (or lunch along the route) and Dinner
· Beverages including Morning, afternoon and evening tea, Mineral Water (excluding alcoholic beverages and aerated beverages)
· Field Expert
· Trekking in Sangla and Spiti.
· Service tax
Excludes
· Any personal expense e.g. Tips, Phone bills, laundry bills, snacks at Hotels
· Insurance
COST
25,000/- Rupees Person (Twenty Five Thousand Indian Rupees)
EVERY PARTICIPANT HAS TO SIGN AN INDEMNITY FORM BEFORE THE TRIP COMMENCES.
FOR MORE DETAILS CONTACT
Dhananjay @ +91-86791-80331
or email your queries to info.travelwithdj@gmail.com
DISCLAIMER
‘Travel With Dj’ takes utmost care to ensure the safety of its clients. However in the case of any unforeseen mishaps, ‘Travel With Dj will not be liable for any injuries caused or for loss of life. All disputes rising due to the above are subject to the jurisdiction of the courts in Himachal Pradesh only. All participants would be required to sign an Indemnity Bond at the start of the trip without which they would not be allowed to take part in the activities/trip.
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