Spiti(India)
Spiti Valley is formed by the Spiti River, which rises on the slopes of Kunzum La (455m.) and ends of the river’s confluence with the pare Chu near Sumdo (3230 m). The length of the valley from Kunzum pass to Sumdo is about 150 km. On its way, the Spiti River receives the waters of many streams, of which Guindi Nala, Pari Lungbi Chu, Pin triver and Lingti River are the most important.Paris Lungbi valley. Pin valley and Lingti valleys sre only partly inhabited. Besides these, there are other side valleys that, due to their high elevation and rigorous climate, are not inhabited at all.
Spiti is also called “Piti” a veritable Shangri-la is a cold mountain desert, located on the Tibetan border and flanked on the south-east by district of Kannaur north-east by Tibet, north by Ladakh, west Lahaul and to the south by district of Kullu.
Best Season:
July – August – Sept.
Itinerary:
Day 1 - Delhi
Arrive Delhi. Transfer to a quiet guest house.
Day 2 - Mandi
Transfer to the railway station for Shatabdi A/C chair car train to Chandigarh and then drive to Mandi (189km). Referred to as the gateway of Kullu Valley, Mandi is situated at the confluence of the Beas with a small rain fed tributary. Once the capital of the princely state of Mandi, the small but busy market located in a sunken garden in the centre of town functioned as a vital link between the hill communities. The market still remains very interesting. There are many temples with beautiful stone carvings all round the town. Overnight in lodge.
Day 3 - Manikaran
After a leisurely breakfast, drive to Manikaran (75km) where we meet our trek crew. Overnight in camp.
Day 4 - Pulga
Begin trek to Pulga(2715m). Follow the left bank of the Parvati river and trough a lovely valley wooded with deodar, oak and rhododendron trees. Camp is in a meadow with a good view of the village and snow capped peaks ahead. ( 5 hrs).
Day 5 - Khiranga (3260m)
The trail climbs up through a forest and traversing some rock and cliff to camp in a large meadow with a little temple and a wonderful hotspring. - 5 hrs
Day 6 - Tunda Bhoj (3285m)
Continue climbing through a lovely forest with meadows carpeted with wild flowers. Camp is again in a meadow near a roaring stream with waterfalls cascading down sheer rock faces. (6.5hrs).
Day 7 - Pandu Pal (3741m)
As we get above the tree line, the terrain changes to rock and morraine. Camp is by the river close to a Gaddi shelter. (6.5 hrs).
Day 8 - Pandu Pal
Rest day. (If the group is going well, we will continue to Mantalai taking the rest day there on the 9th day.)
Day 9 - Mantalai (4074m)
We cross the Pandu rock bridge after which the valley widens. Cross some streams and then on morraine and scree to camp by a rock cave or we can continue further for another 2hrs to Mantalai ( 8 hrs if going to Mantalai).
Ascend a steep snow gully which offers excellent views of the surrounding mountains, lakes and glaciers. Continue to the base of the pass. (7.5) hrs.
Day 11 - Pin Parvati Pass (4802m)
Make an early start for the Pin Parvati Pass. The climb itself is not very difficult but the snow makes the going slow. The pass offers spectacular views of the Pin valley and mountains on both sides of the pass. Camp is a little further down after crossing the pass or we can continue a little further down near the Pin river
Day 12 - Pin Parvati
A fairly long day of walking on scree and morraine crossing several streams to camp in a meadow by the river. 8 hrs.
Day 13 - Mudgaon (3900m)
Crossing the river early, the terrain changes as we walk in a wide open valley with streams and colorful landscape to the village of Mudgaon.
Day 14 - Gulling
Cross the Pin river on a rope bridge and continue along a fairly undulating trail to Theling, a small village. Cross the river and continue to camp at Gulling where camp is near the Gompa
Day 15 - Tabo
Drive to Tabo. The Choskhor Gompa is the oldest living Buddhist institution in the whole region, founded in 996 and laid out in the form of a mandala round the central assembly hall. There are 60 lamas in residence, a good collection of scriptures and above all wonderfully colourful frescoes, some as old as the monastery itself.
Day 16 - Kaza
Drive to Kaza visiting the emblematic Ki monastery on its conical hill. Camp.
Day 17 - Kaza/Manali
After a visit to the local hospital, funded by Spiti Projects UK, we leave to drive on the spectacular road through the western Spiti panorama across the Kunzum La, haul up to the Rohthang Pass before driving down to Manali. Overnight Mayflower Hotel
Day 18 - Manali
Free day to catch our breath and explore Manali. Overnight Mayflower hotel.
Day 19 - Chandigarh
Drive down through hill country to Chandigarh the city of Le Corbusier. Overnight in a simple hotel.
Day 20 - Delhi
Shatabdi Express in 2nd A/C Chair Class. On arrival in Delhi we will repair to a top hotel to live it up and enjoy a Farewell Meal together. Overnight in hotel.
Day 21 - Delhi/Your destination
Transfer to Indira Gandhi International Airport for check-in and departure Your destination same day.
Tour Notes:
Trek Grade: Moderate to Strenuous. Ideally for people who are habitual walkers sustaining 6-7 hours.
Inclusive of Palaquin Trek Leader, International flights in Economy Class. Airport and railway station transfers, Train reservations. Delhi hotel 1 night on Bed and Breakfast basis, Mandi hotel 1 night on full board basis, Manali hotel 2 nights on full board basis, Chandigarh hotel 1 night on full board basis, camping 14 nights with full trek services – tents on twin sharing, mattresses, kitchen tent, dining tent, toilet tent, cook, helpers, Sherpas, ropes, porters , porters equipment, porter common sleeping tent, transport to and from trek point, local guide and entrance fees for monuments.
