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Title : Spiti Safari
Category : Jeep Safari
Duration : 10 Days
Location : Himachal
Season : Monsoon (july - sep)
Grade : Moderate
Day 01: Delhi to Manali (2050m) 10-11 hrs
An early morning drive in a comfortable car to Manali (570 kms;
10-11 hours). Manali is a picturesque hill town at the head of
the Kullu valley. Overnight hotel Silmog Garden.
Day 02: At Manali
Relaxed day to walk around the town, its mall and to visit the
Hadimba temple. Visit the Tibetan market and take in the sights.
Overnight hotel Silmog Garden.
Day 03: Manali to Kaza (3686m) 8-10 hrs
Today is an early start. we drive over the Rohtang pass
(separating Kullu from the Lahaul valley), and descend into the
valley of the Chandra river and continue past Chhattru, Batal
and over the Kunzum la (pass/4551mts), which divides Lahaul and
Spiti. We spend some time taking in fabulous views of the
Chandrabhaga range of mountains, visit the Buddhist shrine and
get into our waiting jeeps, to reach Kaza by evening (210 kms;
8-10 hours). Overnight at hotel/guesthouse.
Day 04: Kaza -- Day S/S trip to Kye, Kibber and Tashigang
Today we travel to the highlands of the left bank plateau for
altitude acclimatization and return to Kaza for overnight stay.
We visit the Kye village (about a ½ hour drive) and the Kye
gompa, the largest monastery in Spiti. We drive upto Kibber
village (another ½ hour drive away), which at 14,000 feet above
sea level, is the road head for the trade route into Ladakh over
the Parang La. We continue to the village of Gette and Tashigang
(about 1 hour drive), high up in the mountains - this is the
area where the famous Spiti horses are bred for trade with the
nomadic changpas of Ladakh in exchange for the valuable Pashmina
wool. If time permits, on return we could walk down a
spectacular steep downhill trail to Kye gompa, where our jeeps
pick us up for the drive back to the hotel/guesthouse. The
evening can be spent roaming the Kaza market where one may find
interesting local handicrafts. Overnight at Hotel/guesthouse.
Day 05: Kaza to Komik (4513m)
After breakfast, we drive to Langza village (1-1.5 hours),
located in a large high mountain meadow with a beautiful
mountain, Chau Chau Kang Nilda, towering above this village.
Here we find evidence of the Tethys sea before the Indian
mainland collided with the Tibetan plateau and formed the
Himalayas, which are still rising today. Sea fossils can be
found a short trek (1/2-1 hour) away from the village. Langza
village also has a unique temple which is regarded as the
headquarters of all the Gods and Goddesses of the region. On
numerous occasions the Gods are invoked by the villagers to pass
judgments on unresolved issues. From here we visit the ruins of
an ancient monastery deserted a few decades ago, close to the
village of Hikkim (1/2 hour). The monastery has a unique
location and the locals have interesting interpretations and
legends about its location. Thereafter we continue to Asias
highest village, Komic where we spend the night in a traditional
homestay (1/2 hour). Komic is also adorned by a legendary
monastery. The day provides a fascinating insight into the Spiti
way of life.
Day 06: Komic to Dhankar (3890m)
Today, we start early (preferably 7 am) and adopt the local mode
of transport, yaks. We explore the Trans-Himalayan Deserts and
travel into the grazing pastures of the local livestock and wild
herbivores (such as the Blue Sheep). This is also the hunting
ground for the Tibetan Wolf and Snow Leopard. If lucky, spotting
of the Wolf can be possible. We travel to a vantage point from
where 18 villages of Spiti are visible (4-5 hours). This
absolutely spectacular vantage spot was used in the ancient days
as part of a chain of smoke signals to warm the villagers of
oncoming enemies. After returning from this spot, we stop at the
neighboring village of Demul. Demul is famous for its local brew
(arak) and cultural performances. A flavor of both along with
the warm hospitality of these mountain folk, gives us a glimpse
into Spiti culture. From here we head to Dhankar, the erstwhile
capital of Spiti, in our jeeps (2 hours). We spend the night
here in homestays.
Day 07: Dhankar to Tabo (3050m)
Dhankar village which was the erstwhile capital of Spiti, also
houses an ancient Monastery perched precariously between unique
wind eroded structures. Remnants of the Dhankar Fort, which
housed the royal family of Spiti, still remain. A visit to the
Monastery, Fort and other subsidiary temples leaves one spell
bound at the traditional architectural marvels. The Monastery
has some interesting wall murals and thankas. An hours trek
above Dhankar is a spectacular blue-green lake amidst pink-brown
hills. If time permits we can visit the lake. From Dhankar we
drive to the neighboring village of Lhalung (1 hour) and visit
the Sarkhang ( a local temple ). The temple dates back close to
1000 years and has some interesting structures in the inner
Sanctum. Thereafter we drive to Tabo, where we spend the night
(2-3 hours). Overnight in Hotel / Monastery Guesthouse.
Day 08: Tabo to Kaza (3686m)
Tabo is famous for its 1004 years old Monastery. In 1996, the
Tabo monastery celebrated its thousand years with a Kalachakra
ceremony, which was presided by His Holiness the Dalai Lama. We
spend time exploring the Monastery and the numerous temples at
the monastery, before heading to Giu (1 hour). Giu is the
furthest and most isolated village of Spiti, lying close to the
border of Tibet (China). Giu village is also interesting as the
body of an old monk ( a few hundred years old) sitting in
meditation still exists intact till date. It is said that the
hair and nails of this monk are still growing. After having a
look around the village and at this interesting mummy, we head
back to Kaza, where we spend the night. Overnight at Hotel/
Guesthouse.
Day 09: Kaza to Manali (2050m) 10-12 hrs
After an early (7 am) breakfast we drive back to Manali along
the same route that we took to reach Kaza.
Enroute we visit Chandra Tal, the lake of the moon goddess.
After crossing Kunzam La (4551 mts) we take a short detour to
Chandra Tal (4270 mts), time permitting. Chandra Tal is placed
between a low ridge and the main Kunzam range with an outlet
into the Chandra river.
Day 10: Manali to Delhi
Today, after breakfast, we drive back to Delhi (10-11 hours).
Trip ends.
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