Winter Spiti Tour

duration Duration 9 Days / 8 Nights
visit Best time to visit October to March
Camp Thrill Level Extreme
Camp Tour type Group Tour
Camp Accommodation type Hotel

Spiti is a cold desert valley. It is in the middle of large desert mountains in the northeastern part of Himachal. Rightly named, Spiti means “middle land”. On your Spiti tour, you will find it sitting between the borders of stunning territories like Ladakh, Tiber, Kullu valley, and Kinnaur. The blue water bodies are more vibrant since the desert background creates a blank canvas for the pastel blue water. It’s so clear that you can see your face clearer in the pond than in a mirror. Vast Grasslands and meadows stretch out to distances. Long winding roads will expose you to views so surreal that you’d feel like stopping and clicking pictures every second. Spiti is famous not only as an excellent cold desert valley, but it’s also as a splendid amphitheater to the Himalayas. So this is the time to explore Winter Spiti Tour, Spiti In Winter .

Also See: Spiti Jeep Safari

Places you will see on this trip. This trip is filled with places to see, so let’s get started.

 

Check off the World’s Height list -

  • World’s highest petrol pump
  • World’s highest post office
  • World’s highest village
  • Asia’s highest bridge (Chicham Bridge)

 

  • Hatu Peak

Hatu peak height is 3400 m (11,152 ft) above sea level. On top of the peak, you will find a beautiful wooden temple dedicated to Kaali Ma. The temple has an interesting story behind it. It has a stove-like structure on the outside of the temple. It is suspected that the Pandavas used to prepare food there at the time of their Agyaat Vaas.

 

  • Nako Village

Let’s visit the highest village in the Hanging Valley at a height of 3,625 meters (11,893 ft). Stationed close to the Indo-China border, the village gives a crisp view of  Reo Purgyal, the highest mountain in Himachal. The most essential part of the village is the Nako village. As the sun sets in the evenings, exotic birds fly to the shore of the lake and it’s a beautiful sight to behold.

 

  • Tabo Village

Time to explore the banks of the river Spiti on the Spiti tour. The Tabo village sits on its banks. The town worships an ancient thousand-year-old monastery. It’s said to be so pure, that even the Dalai Lama has expressed a desire to retire to Tabo to be around the sacred monastery. The divine dwelling has a variety of paintings and sculptures.

 

  • Key Monastery

12 kilometers from Kaza, this monastery has a mystical charm. It is at an altitude of 4,166 meters (13,668 ft) above sea level. It’s a religious training center for lamas. It’s the oldest monastery in Spiti and hence is greatly respected. Key Monastery Spiti awaits your arrival.

 

  • Pin valley

In 1987, The Pin Valley was declared a national park due to its diverse flora and fauna. It’s got over 20 species of animals and birds. It’s is popular for its protection for the endangered species of Snow-Leopard. The place has more than 400 species of plants including herbs containing medicinal properties.

 

  • Chitkul village

Let’s visit the bank of river Bapsa. Welcome to Chitkul village, the last village on the old Hindustan-Tibet trade route. IIT Delhi concluded in a recent study that this village has the purest air in India - all the more reason to visit it. This also marks the last place in India you need a permit to visit.


What is the weather like?

This factor greatly depends on what you’re looking for. On one hand, you can view the grand deserted mountains of Spiti if you come in the summertime. On the other hand, you can see the whole landscape covered in snow if you go in the winters. The favorable time is a little towards the winters since the temperature cools down to quite an extent.


The culture and people of Spiti

You will learn a lot about the locals on the Spiti valley tour. Being the middle land, Spiti experiences a cultural mix of India and Tibet. Spiti is dotted peacefully with many monasteries that deserve a visit. In fact, it’s a Buddhist research center due to its abundance of temples and mandataries. The heritage of this secluded valley has revolved around its monasteries for a long time, as will become evident when you find colored worship flags fluttering in the cool Spiti wind. Explore the concept of worship wheels. You’re supposed to turn them over with your hands to release the prayers ingrained in them in the air. The locals of Spiti are welcoming and friendly. They believe in the divine power of mother Nature. Many monks are known to possess magical powers.

Let’s check out what happens on the Spiti Valley tour.

DAY 01: Delhi to Shimla

  • Arrive at Delhi and assemble at RK Ashram or Majnu ka Tila(Tentative) by 9 pm and board the Volvo bus for Shimla. Travel distance and travel time 350 km/10 hrs approx.
  • Overnight in Volvo bus.

 

DAY 02: Shimla-Chitkul/Sangla (Kinnaur valley)

  • Arrive at Shimla by morning and proceed to Sangla/Chitkul. With mesmerizing glimpses of mighty vistas and dense foliage, the road to Sangla/Chitkul in winter is covered in fog and snow, especially in the mornings.
  • Along the way, the river Satluj follows the trail, flowing in the opposite direction. As the day progresses, the clouds clear up slightly, revealing towering mountains and deep valleys. After some time, we will come across a small waterfall by the roadside.
  • Spiti Valley in winter is a majestic sight, sprawling across misty forests and furrowed trails marked by sodden soil. After that, we proceed toward Karcham Wangtoo dam before absorbing the transcendent beauty of the towering snow peaks that follow the path until Sangla/Chitkul.
  • Overnight stay in guest house/homestay.


DAY 03: Sangla/Chitkul-Kalpa

  • Kalpa lies almost 65 kilometers away from the pristine village of Chitkul and the entire journey takes approximately 3 hours by road.
  • Spiti Valley Winter Road trips are one of the best and most popular in the region, as travelers get a glimpse of numerous villages on the way without spending too much time at once.
  • The exhilarating adrenaline rush and the thrill of passing through rugged trails, half-tunnels, cascading waterfalls, and snow-capped mountains persists throughout the journey.
  • The entire drive is quite smooth and the road remains primarily good. Before entering Kalpa, we catch a glimpse of the spectacular Kinner Kailash Peak at 7549 feet. Kinner Kailash is the major attraction of this place.
  • As you draw closer to Reckong Peo and further up to Kalpa, the magnificent peaks do not fail to astound the passing onlooker.
  • Overnight stay in Kalpa hotel.

 

DAY 04: Kalpa -Nako Lake-Tabo

  • We start our day early as we proceed with our road trip en route over Hindustan Tibet Highway.
  • The road is famous for its magnificent views and proximity to Tibet, snaking through the northern parts of Nako, the last village in the Kinnaur district.
  • After visiting the alluring Nako Lake, we proceed to Tabo by crossing a bridge over the Spiti River after Sumdo. From here, we advance towards Tabo, a tiny hamlet in Lahaul and Spiti district of Himachal Pradesh.
  • You will notice a drastic change in landscape as you enter Spiti Valley. Tabo Monastery is one of the highlights of the village.
  • Overnight stay at Tabo.

 

DAY 05: Tabo - Dhankar monastery-Kaza

  • At the break of dawn, we proceed to Dhankar. Spiti valley roads are easy to maneuver, divulging at various junctions.
  • At 3500-6000 meters, the pristine valley is carpeted with copious snow overlooking the snow-capped mountains rising in the background.
  • On the way to Kaza, the next stop is Dhankar Monastery. This beautiful monastery is mounted at the top of a cliff in the beautiful hamlet of Dhankar village.
  • We proceed on our journey to Kaza, the largest township and commercial center in Spiti Valley. The scenic hamlet is situated on the banks of the Spiti River. Frozen icicles are deposited on the terrace of houses as the sun shines brightly, and water drips down from the roofs onto the ground, creating small pools.
  • Night Stay at Kaza.

 

DAY 06: Kaza-Key Monastery- Hikkim-Komik-Langza-Kaza

  •  In the morning, we continue our Spiti Valley Road Trip by driving to the renowned Key Monastery. Key is predominantly the largest monastery in Spiti Valley and presumably one of the oldest in the region.
  • Hikkim is one of the most captivating villages in the region- with its snow-capped peaks and green and brown patches of soil covered in snow during winters. At an altitude of 4600 meters, the village of Komic has popularly known for housing the highest motorable monastery in the world, the Tangyud Monastery.
  • The last village on our journey is Langza, a popular spot for hunting marine fossils and catching a glimpse of the Chau Chau Kang Nelda peak sitting at the top of the village.
  • Drive back to Kaza for an overnight stay.

 

DAY 07: Kaza-Kalpa

  • We continue our journey from Kaza to Kalpa.
  • A long drive through jagged trails and tunnels against a backdrop of snow-capped mountains. Spiti Valley Winter Tour Packages offer a drive through the numerous villages on the way.
  • We shall spend this night in the beautiful village of Kalpa overlooking the Kinnaur Kailash mountains.
  • Overnight stay at Kalpa.


DAY 08: Kalpa-Delhi via Shimla

  • On the last day of the Spiti Valley Winter tour, we continue our journey to Shimla.
  • The last drive through the misty roads evokes feelings of nostalgia as you reminisce the road trip through Spiti valley.
  • Leave for Delhi in the evening via an overnight Volvo bus, taking with us memories worth a lifetime and friendships to cherish forever!


DAY 09: Delhi

  • Arrive in Delhi by morning and drop at Kashmiri gate. You may book your return journey anytime after 11 am.
  • End of Winter Spiti road trip.

Air: Book your tickets to the Indira Gandhi International Airport and book a cab to the meeting point. (The location will be made clear 3 days prior to the start date).

Road: Get off at Kashmiri gate or Majnu ka Tila and hire a cab to the meetup-point.

Railways: Get off at Delhi junction, Patel Nagar, or Sadar Bazar. You will be informed of the best option.

  • Shirts / T-shirts –2/3, Jeans / Trekking Pants -2
  • The windproof jacket is of decent quality preferably with a hood
  • Warm and thick Fleece / Full-sleeve Woollen sweater
  • Thermal inner wear (upper & lower), Scarf/muffler (optional)
  • Woolen cap, Woollen gloves, Woollen socks & regular socks (3-4 pairs)
  • Comfortable Trekking/Hiking shoes (Waterproof shoes with a thick sole are recommended)
  • Lightweight floaters/sandals/slippers
  • Raincoat / Poncho, Small quick-dry towel
  • Water bottles (sturdy ones, no empty Bisleri bottles!!)
  • Cap / Hat to keep the strong sun away from your face
  • Sunglasses (polarized/UV Protected), Walking stick / Trekking pole
  • Sunscreen Lotion, Lip Balm, Torch / Flashlight (with extra batteries)
  • Medicines, if requiring any specific medication
  • Personal toiletries
  • Day pack/small bag in case if you are planning to offload your regular backpack
  • Hand Sanitizer
  • Extra face masks
  • Camera if you like (with fully charged batteries)
  • Government ID 

Inclusions

  • Accommodation on Triple/Quad sharing basis as per itinerary in guest house/homestays/camps.
  • Breakfast and Dinner during the trip with Morning & Evening Tea ( 6 Breakfast and 6 Dinner).
  • Innova or Tempo Traveller shared for all days as per the itinerary experienced driver cum guide with great knowledge of the area Driver allowance, Road tax, and Fuel charges
  • An oxygen cylinder 24x7 in the backup vehicle in case of emergency. All drives, sightseeing, and excursions as per the itinerary.
  • All governments’ fees and taxes for normal journeys within Spiti. Great experience & memory of a lifetime.
  • Company of like-minded individuals.

 

Exclusions

  • Meals not mentioned in inclusion.
  • 5 % GST tax on package.
  • Any item not specified under cost inclusions.
  • Expenses of personal nature like laundry, telephone/ fax calls, mineral water, alcoholic beverages, entrance and camera fee at monuments/ museums, medical expenses, gratuities etc.
  • Cost arising due to natural calamities like landslides, roadblocks etc (to be borne by the client directly on the spot).
  • Tips to Driver and tour escort person.
  • Any entrance fees to the monastery and monuments. Travel insurance.

1. If cancellations are made 25 days prior to the start date of your trek/tour/activity, no cancellation fee will be charged.

2. If cancellations are made between 4-25 days prior to the start date of your trek/tour/activity, EITHER 75% of the total booking amount will be returned to the guest (25% of the total booking amount will be charged as cancellation fee) OR whole advance amount can be adjusted against any trek within next 12 months.

3. If cancellations are made within 4 days from the start date of your trek/tour/activity, 100% of the total booking amount will be charged as a cancellation fee.

4. If you book the tour/trek/activity by making a partial payment of the total booking amount and fail to make the 100% payment before 30 days from the date of travel. In this case, your booking will get canceled automatically and can only be reconfirmed once you make the full payment, depending on the availability of slots.

5. In case if your tour/trek/activity remains incomplete or uninitiated because of "force majeure", medical emergency, government policy changes, local strikes, or by personal choice after you arrive at the starting point, you will not be able to get a refund, reschedule or replace any services that remain underutilized by you.

6. Cancellations are strictly subjected to cancellation policies mentioned on the website & are irrespective of the date of booking.

7. The applicable refund amount will be processed within 10 business days.

....

Average Rating 4.5