Spiti Valley is often referred to as 'Little Tibet' due to its cultural and geographical similarities with the neighboring region. It comprises two main districts, Lahaul and Spiti, each with its own distinct charm. Lahaul is known for its lush green valleys, while Spiti boasts barren landscapes dotted with ancient monasteries and villages.
One of the highlights of Spiti Valley is its remote villages, seemingly frozen in time. Villages like Kaza, Tabo, Dhankar, and Langza offer a glimpse into traditional Tibetan culture and way of life. Explore centuries-old monasteries, interact with friendly locals, and witness the simplicity and hospitality of village life.
The landscape of Spiti Valley is nothing short of breathtaking. Towering snow-capped peaks, deep gorges, crystal-clear rivers, and vast expanses of barren terrain create a surreal and otherworldly atmosphere. Whether you're trekking through high mountain passes or driving along winding roads, every turn offers a new and mesmerizing vista.
piti Valley is home to some of the oldest and most revered Buddhist monasteries in the world. The Key Monastery, perched atop a hill overlooking the Spiti River, is a symbol of spiritual tranquility and architectural brilliance. Other notable monasteries include Tabo Monastery, known as the "Ajanta of the Himalayas" for its exquisite murals, and Dhankar Monastery, precariously perched on a cliff edge.
For nature lovers, Spiti Valley offers the opportunity to visit pristine high-altitude lakes that are nothing short of magical. Chandratal Lake, also known as the Moon Lake, is a shimmering blue jewel nestled amidst towering peaks. Suraj Tal, the third highest lake in India, is another must-visit destination, revered for its pristine beauty and spiritual significance.
We will start our journey from Delhi/Chandigarh in the morning. Through the Himalayan Express Highway and NH5, we would be reaching Kotgarh by the evening—into the heart of the lesser Himalayas.
Baga Sarahan is a beautiful plain grassland spreading up to miles. Baga Sarahan is about 160 km from Shimla. The open meadow reveals itself to travelers as they traverse through small bridges and narrow, vista roads uphill to finally discover this beautiful gem of nature.
After breakfast at the Hotel go for an excursion tour to monasteries and visit Hemis Monastery to enjoy the festivities. Later, visit the Thiksey Gompa. Evening back to the Hotel. Overnight stay at Leh.
After breakfast, we will drive to the last village of India on the Indo-Tibetan border – Chitkul. The village is at an elevation of 3450m from mean sea level. Don’t be surprised if you see big snowflakes falling from the sky even in the month of May. This place is the starting point for some popular treks like Borasu, Nalgan valley, and Lamkhaga Pass.
Finally, on day 5 of the road trip, we would be driving on lunar terrains of Spiti valley. In the first leg of the trip, we drive along the Sutlej river until we reach a place called Khab.
A 23km long drive on NH505 will take us to a point from where we take a right turn and continue the drive on a serpentine road connecting road (Sichling-Dhankhar Gompa).