Spiti has been a dreamland for many travel enthusiasts for a long time now. The moment the news of the opening of Rohtang Pass comes, travelers flock to this barren paradise to feel at home with Spiti's energies. But what if we told you that this dreamland is no more just a summer destination? What if you could see Spiti in winters, in a completely different picture, far beyond what your imagination can give you?
With snow as deep as your knees and the temperatures dropping well below minus 10 degrees even during the day, Spiti is at its adventurous best during winters. Where no vegetation grows, and the valleys are flanked by tall, naked and barren mountains with snow-capped peaks, where very few vehicles make it because there are no roads, just rubble, and boulders, where there is raw beauty wherever you look, this remote valley is a true gem of India, making it the most perfect destination to celebrate the magic of winters! Not for the fainthearted, come join us for an epic adventure in sub-zero temperatures as we traverse through a whitewashed valley while having unforgettable experiences and making new memories across this magnificently barren yet equally enchanting land called Spiti!
Route: Shimla – Kufri – Kalpa – Nako – Chango – Kaza – Hikkim – Komic – Langza – Key – Kibber – Chicham Bridge – Sangla – Shimla
Tour Type: Road Trip
Altitude: 4,587 m
Total distance covered: 1000+ km (approx)
Duration: 6 Nights/ 7 Days
Batch Size: 16
Trip Itinerary:
DAY 1: SHIMLA – KUFRI – KALPA
This epic Road Trip will start from ISBT Shimla (7 am) in a comfortable Tempo Traveller. Our first stop is the enchanting village of Kalpa, home to the mighty Kinner Kailash Range. via mesmerizing places like Kufri, Theog, Fagu, Narkanda, and Rampur. Kalpa is one of the biggest and most beautiful villages in the Kinnaur district. It is very famous for its production of high-quality apples, and pinus gerardiana, also known as chilgoza. Kalpa also offers a spectacular view early in the morning as the rising sun touches the snowy peak and paints the sky with crimson and golden light.
DAY 2: KALPA – NAKO – CHANGO
We start our morning by going around exploring parts of Kalpa and Reckong Peo to enjoy the stunning views of the Kinnaur – Kailash mountains, visit the sacred temples, monasteries and get an insight into the local way of living.
From here, we depart for Nako while crossing the treacherous Malling stream. At Nako, the most picturesque hamlet of Kinnaur, we visit the frozen Nako Lake which also serves as an ice skating rink for local villagers!
From Nako, we drive further towards Chango for dinner and a night's stay.
DAY 3: CHANGO – TABO – DHANKAR – KAZA
From Chango, we now enter the vast Spiti Valley, while crossing the check post at Sumdo. Our first stop in Spiti is at the village Tabo. At Tabo, we explore the oldest monastery in the world, which is also the favorite of the Dalai Lama. From Tabo, we drive ahead to Dhankar Monastery. Dhankar used to be the administrative capital of Spiti before Kaza. We explore the village and visit the Dhankar Gompa situated asymmetrically atop a steep cliff. This hill-top fort that overlooks the Spiti Valley also once used to serve as a jail in the olden days. After spending some amazing moments in this peaceful monastery, we head towards Kaza, the administrative capital of Spiti District.
DAY 4: KAZA – HIKKIM – KOMIC – LANGZA – KAZA
This day we explore some of the highest inhabited regions of the world. We first visit Hikkim, home of the highest post office in the world. From Hikkim, we proceed to Komic. Komic – which literally translates to ‘eye of a snow cock’. Komic is the highest motorable village in the world at a height of 4,587 meters! After spending some time taking in the beauty of this enchanting village, we head towards the fossil village of Langza, situated at an altitude of 4,400 meters. Once at Langza we can stroll around and visit the ancient Lang which is a 1000 years old temple and spot the marine fossils found here in the sedimentary rocks along with a huge Buddha statue flanked by the mighty Chau Chau Kang Nilda Peak. After a day packed with adventure and exploration, we drive back to Kaza and prepare for the adventures that await the next day.
DAY 5: KAZA – KEY – KIBBER – CHICHAM BRIDGE – KAZA
At Kaza, we wake up bright to the sun shining above us and head for our adventures after breakfast. This day we head to Key, known for its magnificent Key Monastery situated at the foot of steep ridges, it is also the Biggest Gelugpa Sect Monastery in Spiti. This monastery is also known to have a training centre for the Lamas. Overlooking the Spiti River, looking down at the valley from any spot of this upland country is a great sight. Spending some time in the peace and quiet of this monastery can really be a soulful experience, something to remember for a lifetime. We then proceed to visit the famous Chicham Bridge, the highest bridge in Asia, and hear stories about the ancient method of using pulley trolleys. We will return back to the Kaza market.
DAY 6: KAZA – SANGLA/KALPA
From Kaza, begin our journey home and head back to Kalpa or Sangla (according to road conditions) to seek the blessing of Lord Shiva by the Kinner Kailash Peak.
DAY 7: KALPA/SANGLA – SHIMLA
At the final leg of our journey, we finally make our way back to Shimla with a warm heart full of happy memories.
BUFFER DAY: It is important to have an extra day as any bad weather conditions or landslides may delay your journey. In case another day is utilized, you need to pay ₹ 2000 for buffer day expenses.
INCLUSIONS
-Accommodation in Hotel/Homestay (6 nights)
-Transportation from Shimla to Shimla in Innova or Tempo Traveller (snow chains)
-MAP meal plan (6 Breakfast and 6 Dinner)
-Experienced and Local Driver cum Guide
-Tour Leader
-First-Aid Kit/Oxygen Cylinder
-GST
EXCLUSIONS
-Anything not mentioned in the inclusion list
-Meals during Transportation (Lunch)
-Expenses of personal nature
-Expenses raised due to any road blockage or natural calamity (The itinerary is subject to change and is flexible due to any circumstances which are not in our control)
Fixed Departure Dates for Winter Spiti Expedition:
20-26 February
13-19 March
20-26 November
11-17 December
28 Dec - 3 Jan
*You may also plan a custom trip to Spiti Valley on any dates of your preference with different pricing plans.
*Tourist is allowed under the following new conditions in Spiti Valley in Himachal Pradesh:
You need to carry a negative Covid-19 test report (72 hours before) or Covid-19 Vaccine Certificate (double doses) or RAT Negative report not older than 24 hours
Cost: ₹ 18,000 p.p (Early-Bird Price)
*This Trip can be arranged from Delhi to Delhi at a total cost of ₹ 19,500 p.p (inclusive of Volvo bus Travel)
Payment Link: https://imojo.in/winterspitiexpedition
Direct Account Transfer:
Trekatribe Tour & Travels
Account Number:37715220647
IFSC Code:SBIN0002490
State Bank of India
Paytm Transfer Number: 9805440456
Google Pay Transfer Number: 9805440456
UPI ID: trekatribe@oksbi
We provide sanitized Transportation, follow Covid norms and provide hygienic Stay. Please ensure to bring sanitizers and masks along.
What should I wear/carry in Spiti Valley?
- Inner Thermals (must-have)
- Down Jacket
- 2x Trek Pants/Jeans
- A fleece jacket or windcheater jacket or windproof jacket to prevent the winds (must-have)
- A good sturdy pair of shoes
- A 50-65 L backpack (Do not carry suitcases or trolley bags please)
- Woollen socks
- Heavy woolens 2-3 sets (Sweatshirts/Fleece/pullovers/warm hoodie)
- Carry a cap and Sunscreen Lotion to protect yourself from direct sunlight as it is too harsh in this region to protect yourself from UV rays
- Sunglasses to protect your eyes from the hard sun
- Hand gloves are a must-have in the months of October to June.
- Wollen Cap (must-have)
- Lip balm
- Carry your own water bottle and refill it
- Powerbank
- Camera Bag if you use DSLR/GoPro
- Any personal medicine for allergies/Medical conditions
- Spare contact lenses or glasses
- Towel especially lightweight quick-dry type
- Reading materials, Games, Cards. (Optional)
- Bsnl/Jio Simcard
- Identification proof like Passport, Driving license, Aadhar card etc.
REFUND & CANCELLATION POLICY
-Cancellation of booking of tour 31 days or more before the date of Departure will result in a 20% deduction from the total cost of the tour.
-Cancellation of booking of tour 21-30 days before the date of Departure will result in a 40% deduction from the total cost of the tour.
-Cancellation of booking of tour 11-20 days before the date of Departure will result in a 60% deduction from the total cost of the tour.
-Cancellation of booking of tour 6-10 days before the date of Departure will result in an 80% deduction from the total cost of the tour.
-Cancellation of booking of tour 1-5 days before the date of Departure will result in a 100% deduction from the total cost of the tour.
Why Travel Alone? Explore with your Tribe!