Road Trips
Our Road Trips offer you an authentic experience of the Himalayas and traveling to other parts of India in comfort and security, without being insulated from the natural world you came to explore. We emphasize active explorations, including walking trips and hikes from the base camp. Most of our road trips are customized to generate maximum from the journey and explore the many facets of your numerous destinations. We generally travel in rugged “go anywhere” vehicles that allow us to roam the countryside in total freedom.
Though we like to maintain that every journey is an adventure and every adventure an experience, to make things a little easy we do at times like to differentiate between the offerings we make to our guests. Our geographical operational area includes Ladakh, Himachal Pradesh and Uttaranchal, where we offer resonating travels which sparkle just as the Himalayas which we explore. We encourage active explorations through uncharted interiors to let you wander freely, venturing into the great outdoors, enjoying close contact with native people and their customs, getting close up views of wildlife and feasting your eyes on the scenic vistas of the great mountain ranges, rivers, canyons, and deserts of our beautiful planet. We work hard to create adventures that have just the right mix of fun, learning, and challenge, that stimulate your curiosity about the world and leave you better for having ventured into it. Invariably you’ll come back a different person with a whole new perspective on life. We treat you like the rugged individual you are and also provide the benefits of group travel without the regimentation. We provide a more personal experience, and are always poised to take advantage of any serendipitous “happenings” that cross our path.
Sandwiched between the Western Himalayas, the Karakorum and the Tibetan Plateau, lies the high altitude desert of Ladakh, or “Little Tibet”. Once a major halting post on the caravan route through Asia, this Buddhist land is more culturally akin to Tibet than the lowlands further south. The beautiful multi-coloured desert landscapes are arid and awesome and dotted with small villages inhabited by rugged-looking people of Tibetan stock. This is a fascinating and exciting itinerary exploring the Buddhist kingdom of Ladakh and Lahaul with visits to lakes and many ancient monasteries and palaces. This remote corner of India is one of the last bastions of Tibetan Buddhism. Once the crossroads of Asia, Ladakh is now better known as the land of high passes. The scenery is spectacular and we visit colourful Buddhist monasteries set amidst a wonderful pastel coloured mountains. Driving across the highest motorable road pass in the world, the Khardungla, we visit the semi-restricted Nubra Valley before driving to Manali on one of the classic and most spectacular road journeys in the world. Ladakh, the ‘Little Tibet’ of high Asia is one of the last bastions of Tibetan life, culture and religion. Cradled in a niche in the Indus Valley it is surrounded by mountains - the Great Himalaya, the Ladakh and Zanskar ranges and the mighty Karakorums.
Day One : Manali – Keylong (123 Kms)
Depart Early morning from Manali which enables you to reach Jispa by early evening. Stopovers at Marhi, Rohtang pass, Koksar, Sissu, Tandi and Keylong.
Accommodation @ Hotel
Day Two : Keylong – Sarchu (112 Kms)
Again an early morning departure, taking it easy along the open road, which helps us acclimitise better. Stopovers at Patseo, Baralacha Pass, Deepak tal.
Accommodation @ camp
Day Three : Sarchu – Debring – Tsomoriri (220 Kms)
A long day, head out after breakfast, with brief stopovers at Pang, Gata loops, Tso Kar two Passes and moray plains.
Accomodation @ Guest House/Home stay
Day Four : Tsomoriri – Debring – Tanglangla – Upshi – Leh (195 kms)
An early morning rise for great photography and departure thereafter for Leh. Stopovers at Tanglangla, Upshi.
Accommodation @ Hotel/Home stay
Day Five : Rest Day at Leh. Visit Hemis and Thiksey in the latter half.
Day Six : Leh – Khardungla – Nubra Valley – Hunder (130 kms)
A good day of explorations as we ride past the highest motorable pass in the world (The Khardungla) and get on towards Nubra Valley, halting at Hunder for the night.
Accommodation @ Guest House or Camp
Day Seven : Hunder – Leh
Enjoy camel safari in the morning and thereafter proceed back to Leh.
Accommodation @ Hotel
Day Eight : Leh – Chang la – Pangong tso (170kms)
An early morning as we get ready for one of the great highlights of the trip – The Pangong lake.
Accommodation at Pangong camp.
Day Nine – Pangong to Leh
Day Ten : Leh - DhaHanu (235 kms)
A good day as we visit Lamayuru monastery and thereafter continue towards Dha Hanu village.
Accommodation @ Guest House/home stay
Day Eleven: Dha Hanu - Kargil (160 Kms)
eXplore the Suru valley and the Zanskar as we journey from Kargil to Padum.
Accommodation @ Guest House/Home stay
Day Twelve: Kargil - padum (240 kms)
Journey into the Suru and the Zanskar valleys, a grand terrain.
Accommodation @ Guest House
Day Thirteen: Exploring the zanskar valley and Padum
Day Fourteen: Padum to Kargil (240kms)
Day Fifteen: Kargil to Srinagar ( 205 kms)
Journey to Kashmir with stopovers at Drass, Sonamarg.
Accommodation @ Houseboat on dal Lake.
(The same trip can be organised from srinagar. This trip enables fly out from Srinagar on the 16th day. In case you want to start from Srinagar then you may fly in or board a trail till jammu and then drive to Srinagar)
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.
THE ITINERARY
Day One
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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.
Highlights: Losar Village, The Drive through the cold desert of Spiti, Kunzum pass 4551 mts, Chandratal lake.
Day Eleven
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
Manali – Delhi (or your destination)
Explore Manali by the Day, and depart at 1700 hrs in the Volvo bus towards, Delhi and Chandigarh.
