India Himalaya: Lahaul – Spiti Valley Trip

Upon arrival at New Delhi International Airport, welcome by our representative and transfer to the hotel. In the afternoon, we visit the Laxmi Narayan Temple, also known as the Lotus Temple or Bhai Temple (which is closed on Mondays). If time permits, we enjoy a pleasant walk in the tourist district of Connaught Place, the vibrant heart of New Delhi.

Meal: Breakfast included.

After breakfast at the hotel, morning board a train from New Delhi railway station to Chandigarh or Kalka on a comfortable four-hour train ride to Chandigarh. This city, unique in India, was built in the 1960s according to the visionary plans of the architect Le Corbusier. Upon arrival, we explore the fascinating "Rock Garden," an unusual environment, followed by a visit to the largest rose garden in Asia, where hundreds of varieties of roses flourish. After lunch, we drive for a pleasant 117 km drive, approximately three hours, offering magnificent views of the hills of the Himalayan foothills. We arrive in Simla, the capital of the state of Himachal Pradesh and former summer capital of the British Raj, a popular destination for Indians during periods of summer (May-June till mid-July). In the evening, we stroll through the picturesque streets of Simla, soaking up the unique atmosphere of this hill station.

Meal: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner included.

After breakfast, we leave, by road towards Kufri to begin our climb towards Narkhanda, where we enjoy a breathtaking panoramic view. From there, we descend towards Rampur, letting ourselves be seduced by the enchanting landscapes that pass before our eyes. Then, we resume our climb towards Sarahan, located at an altitude of 1,920 meters, where we visit the sumptuous Hindu temple of Bhimakali. This temple, which has stood proudly for more than 500 years, is distinguished by its unique architecture, typical of the Himachali style. Built in granite and wood, it blends perfectly into the landscape, adding a mystical dimension to our exploration.

Meal: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner included.

We start our journey by driving along the Sutlej River. We then take side tracks that take us to the lush and picturesque Baspa Valley. En route, we stop to visit the Kamru Fort, a fortress full of history, and we also explore some typical villages, where we learn about local traditions and meet the friendly locals.

Meal: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner included.

We visit the villages of Rackchham and Chitkul, the latter being the last village in the valley. Here, the inhabitants are distinguished by their adoption of the two main religions, Hinduism and Buddhism.

After this cultural immersion, we take the main road again, whose landscape becomes more and more spectacular, to reach Recong Peo, the capital of the Kinnaur district. We continue our climb through a pine forest to the Buddhist monastery, which offers a breathtaking view of the peaks of Kinnaur Kailash, culminating at 6050 meters. This monastery is a crucial place of pilgrimage for the Shaivite faithful. We then continue our climb to the village of Kalpa, where we wander through its picturesque alleys to the complex of Hindu temples and the large chorten, witnesses to the spiritual and cultural richness of the region.

Meal: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner included.

Today is dedicated to handling administrative formalities, including obtaining permits for movement and access to restricted areas near the Tibetan borders. Once these procedures are completed, we set off to discover the village of Kalpa, famous for its beautifully carved wooden temples, which bear witness to local craftsmanship and the deeply rooted spirituality of the region. Then, we go to the village of Kothi, where we also explore its temples, each with a unique story. To round off this cultural day, we pay a short visit to the Hubu Lanka monastery, founded by the great scholar Rinchensang-po between 950 and 1055 AD, a place full of wisdom and history, which transports us into ancient Buddhist traditions.

Meal: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner included.

We cross a checkpoint where our passports and our "Inner Line Permits" are carefully checked to allow us access to a part of the valley, access to which is restricted due to the proximity of the Sino-Tibetan border.

After this stage, we undertake a short walk to the village of Moorang, before retracing our steps by the same road. Following the tumultuous course of the Sutlej River, we continue our route until reaching the Spiti Valley. There, we visit the hilltop village of Nako and discover its thousand-year-old gompa, witnessing a rich and fascinating history.

Meal: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner included.

We leave early, aware of having to pass the last checkpoints of our permits and passports. On the way, we pass through several picturesque villages located along the Spiti River, each offering striking landscapes and a unique atmosphere.

When we arrive in Tabo, we settle into a comfortable guest house before setting off to discover its famous monastic complex. This site, recognized worldwide for its artistic wealth, amazes us with its symbolic statues and magnificent frescoes, particularly those of the Tsug Lakhang and the mandala room, which tell deep and spiritual stories.

Meal: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner included.

We start the day by visiting the Dhankar monastery, majestically perched on a cliff. From there, we can admire a breathtaking panorama, offering a breathtaking view of the Spiti and Pin valleys. Then, we head to the Lahlung monastery, nestled at the bottom of the narrow Lingti valley. Although it is less frequented than Tabo, it is no less impressive, with a mystical aura that invites contemplation. After this visit, we take the main road again and gradually enter the Pin Valley, a real nature reserve known for its wildlife, where you can spot wolves, ibex, and even, with a bit of luck, rare species such as snow leopards.

We stop at Khungri, where we visit the old Nyingmapa monastery and the modern monastery, which houses a school for young monks and artisans, testifying to the cultural vitality of the region. If time permits, we have the opportunity to take a walk above the village to admire the valley, bathed in the soft light of late afternoon, creating a natural tableau of striking beauty.

Meal: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner included.

We leave the valley to reach Kaza, the capital of the Spiti sub-district, where we discover the lively market, a true crossroads of local life and traditions. Then, we continue our adventure to the village of Langza, perched among the highest peaks of the region, offering breathtaking views. For the more adventurous among us, a two-hour excursion on foot (or by car, depending on the road conditions) will allow us to visit the villages of Komik and Hikkim, provided that the weather permits. This day promises to be rich in discoveries and encounters.

Meal: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner included.

We take the main road towards the village of Kye, where we explore the monastery, majestically perched on a rocky peak, offering an impressive panoramic view. Then, we take a track that leads us to the village of Kibber. At 4,205 meters above sea level, Kibber stands out as the highest permanently inhabited and electrified village in Asia, a true feat of human adaptation in an extreme environment.

We then return to Rangrik to continue our chaotic but spectacular drive to Losar. This village, the last in Spiti, nestles at the foot of the Kunzum La Pass (4,590 m). Upon arrival, we explore the village and its small gompa, imbued with the serene atmosphere of the mountains. The day ends with a night in a guesthouse or homestay, where we will have the opportunity to share a special moment with the locals, discovering their way of life and their warm hospitality

Meal: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner included.

After breakfast we commence long route toward Manali via crossing the Kunzum Pass, closed for seven months of the year due to its inaccessibility. We will be rewarded with a breathtaking view of the high snow-capped peaks and vast glaciers, including the Bhara Shigri, one of the largest in Asia, which stretches majestically before us.

We then enter the Lahaul district and cross the Rothang Pass, which opens the doors to the green valley of Kullu, dominated by Hindu culture. Leaving behind us a vertical, mineral, and deeply Buddhist world, we begin a winding road that takes us to Manali, nestled at an altitude of 1,900 meters. Along the way, we pass through idyllic landscapes, between lush green pastures and majestic forests of cedars, poplars, and birches, offering a striking contrast to the arid landscapes we have just left.

Meal: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner included.

Early this morning, we take the road towards Chandigarh, where we will be transferred to the airport to board our evening flight to Delhi.

Upon arrival in Delhi, we are warmly welcomed and driven to our hotel located in the heart of the city. Once settled, we have free time to explore the surroundings at our own pace, enjoy the last hours of the day to discover the hidden treasures of Delhi, or simply relax.

Meal: breakfast, & lunch included. 

We start our day with a visit to the Grand Mosque, an architectural masterpiece that immerses us in the fascinating history of Delhi. In the afternoon, we continue our discovery with a visit to the magnificent Sikh temple, a place full of spirituality and serenity. On the way, we pass the imposing India Gate and the majestic Presidential Palace, witnesses to the city's colonial heritage. Then, we stroll through the lively Connaught Place district, a nerve centre where shops, cafes, and tourist attractions mingle.

Before our departure for onward destination, a room is available to us to freshen up and take a shower, allowing us to comfortably prepare for the return flight.

Depending on the times of our return flights, we will be transferred to the airport in the evening or at night, taking with us the unforgettable memories of our Himalayan adventure.

Meal: Breakfast included.