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Epic Trans-Himalayan Mountain Drive Adventure

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Duration

16 Nights / 17 Days

Tour Type

Daily Tour

Group Size

10 people

Languages

English

Overview

Embark on a breathtaking driving expedition through the majestic Trans Himalayan Mountains, traversing a route accessible only between June and October. This journey winds through ancient monasteries, glacier-fed rivers, lunar landscapes, alpine lakes, and remote tribal villages tucked into the folds of Himachal Pradesh. From the colonial elegance of Shimla to the stark grandeur of Spiti and Lahaul, each day unveils a new facet of Himalayan mysticism, cultural heritage, and natural drama. Designed for seekers of adventure, spirituality, and raw beauty, this immersive experience offers encounters with centuries-old Buddhist traditions, sacred temples, apple orchards, high passes, and the crystal-clear crescent of Chandratal Lake. The tour concludes via verdant Manali and the structured charm of Chandigarh, bringing you full circle from the plains of Delhi to the divine heights of the Himalayas.

Highlights

  • Explore ancient monasteries of Spiti Valley including Tabo and Dhankar, with roots tracing back to the 10th century.
  • Drive across dramatic landscapes from lush valleys to high-altitude deserts and alpine lakes.
  • Visit remote Himalayan villages such as Sangla, Chitkul, Nako, Kibber, and Kardang, rich in local culture and traditions.
  • Cross high mountain passes including Kunzum La and Rohtang Pass for panoramic views.
  • Discover sacred lakes and sites like Chandratal, Nako Lake, and Trilokinath Temple revered by both Hindus and Buddhists.

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive Delhi

• Assistance on arrival at Delhi airport and transfer to hotel. • City tour of Delhi: • Red Fort – Iconic 17th-century Mughal citadel (closed on Mondays). • Jama Masjid – One of the world’s largest mosques. • Cycle Rickshaw ride through Chandni Chowk and Khari Baoli Spice Market. • Raj Ghat – Memorial of Mahatma Gandhi. • Humayun’s Tomb – UNESCO-listed Mughal garden-tomb. • Qutub Minar – Victory tower and Indo-Islamic masterpiece. • Lotus Temple – Bahá'í House of Worship known for its lotus-like design. • Drive past India Gate, President’s House, and Parliament House. • Overnight at hotel in Delhi.

Day 2: Delhi – Shimla (364 km / 8-9 hrs)

• Breakfast at hotel. • Drive to Shimla via scenic highway. • Arrival and check-in at hotel. • Free time to relax amidst pine forests and colonial charm. • Overnight at hotel in Shimla.

Day 3: Shimla Sightseeing

• Breakfast at hotel. • City tour of Shimla: • Jakhoo Temple – Hilltop shrine dedicated to Lord Hanuman. • Christ Church – Neo-Gothic landmark from British era. • Viceregal Lodge – Historic seat of British viceroys with Indo-Gothic architecture. • The Ridge – Promenade with panoramic views and vibrant shops. • Scandal Point – Historic spot with colonial tales. • Overnight at hotel in Shimla.

Day 4: Shimla – Sarahan (165 km / 6-7 hrs)

• Breakfast at hotel. • Drive through curving mountain roads to Sarahan. • Explore Sarahan: • Bhimakali Temple – Ancient twin-towered wood and stone temple. • Scenic vistas of the Srikhand Mahadev Peak and Sutlej Valley. • Overnight at guesthouse/camp in Sarahan.

Day 5: Sarahan – Sangla (85 km / 3-4 hrs)

• Breakfast at hotel. • Drive to Sangla, famed for Baspa Valley and orchards. • Sightseeing in Sangla: • Kamru Fort – Ancient wooden fortress with shrine to Kamakhya Devi. • Chitkul Village – The last inhabited village near Indo-Tibet border. • Bering Nag Temple – Sacred temple dedicated to Lord Jagas. • Rakcham & Batseri Villages – Known for traditional woodwork and mountain vistas. • Overnight at guesthouse/camp in Sangla.

Day 6: Sangla – Kalpa (50 km / 2-3 hrs)

• Breakfast at hotel. • Drive to Kalpa, village overlooking the Kinnaur-Kailash range. • Visit: • Sapni Fort – Seven-story wooden fort with ancient temples and carvings. • Local monasteries and apple orchards in Kalpa village. • Overnight at guesthouse in Kalpa.

Day 7: Kalpa – Nako (110 km / 5 hrs)

• Breakfast at hotel. • Drive to the fairy-tale village of Nako. • Visit: • Nako Lake – Serene lake with spiritual significance. • Buddhist Temples and Padmasambhava’s Footprints. • Rakham Village – Picturesque with terraced farms and stunning sunrise views. • Overnight at camp/guesthouse in Nako.

Day 8: Nako – Tabo (65 km / 2 hrs)

• Breakfast at hotel. • Enroute visit: • Gyu Monastery – Houses 500-year-old mummy of Buddhist monk Sangha Tenzin. • At Tabo: • Tabo Monastery – Known as the "Ajanta of the Himalayas", UNESCO-recognized. • Explore temples, chortens, and murals inside the 10th-century complex. • Overnight at guesthouse/camp in Tabo.

Day 9: Tabo – Kaza (50 km / 2 hrs)

• Breakfast at hotel. • Enroute visit: • Dhankar Monastery – Cliff-edge gompa with panoramic confluence views. • Dhankar Lake – Accessible via a short hike. • Arrive in Kaza, capital of Spiti. • Overnight at hotel/guesthouse in Kaza.

Day 10: Kaza Excursion

• Breakfast at hotel. • Excursion to: • Kye Monastery – Largest and oldest monastery in Spiti. • Kibber Village – Among the world’s highest motorable villages. • Visit local homes, experience Buddhist culture and Tibetan architecture. • Overnight at hotel in Kaza.

Day 11: Kaza – Chandratal (145 km / 6-7 hrs)

• Breakfast at hotel. • Drive via: • Losar Village – Remote Himalayan village at 4,000+ metres altitude. • Cross Kunzum La Pass (4,551 m) – Gateway to Lahaul from Spiti. • Visit: • Chandratal Lake – Stunning crescent-shaped lake, camping near the lake. • Overnight at camp near Chandratal.

Day 12: Chandratal – Gemur (135 km / 6-7 hrs)

• Breakfast at camp. • Drive through the green valleys of Lahaul via Tandi (confluence of Bhaga & Chandra). • Enroute visit: • Sissu Waterfall and Gondhla Fort. • Check in at Gemur, visit: • Gemur Monastery and Jispa Village on the Bhaga River. • Overnight at camp/guesthouse in Gemur.

Day 13: Gemur – Trilokinath – Keylong (70 km)

• Breakfast at hotel. • Visit: • Trilokinath Temple – Sacred to both Buddhists and Hindus. • Mrikula Devi Temple – Wooden temple with tantric carvings from Mahabharata era. • Continue to Keylong, administrative center of Lahaul. • Overnight at hotel/guesthouse in Keylong.

Day 14: Keylong – Manali (115 km / 5-6 hrs)

• Breakfast at hotel. • Visit: • Kardang Monastery – Major monastery housing sacred texts and murals. • Cross Rohtang Pass (3,980 m), connecting Lahaul and Kullu valleys. • Arrive Manali, explore Mall Road in evening. • Overnight at hotel in Manali.

Day 15: Manali Sightseeing

• Breakfast at hotel. • Sightseeing includes: • Hadimba Devi Temple – 16th-century wooden temple dedicated to Bhima's wife. • Vashisht Village – Sacred hot springs and temple. • Tibetan Monasteries – Nyingmapa and Gadhan Gompas. • Manu Temple – Dedicated to sage Manu, mythological creator of mankind. • Old Manali – Peaceful quarter with orchards, cafés, and riverside walks. • Overnight at hotel in Manali.

Day 16: Manali – Chandigarh (280 km / 8 hrs)

• Breakfast at hotel. • Drive to Chandigarh, check in at hotel. • Optional orientation drive in Chandigarh – India’s first planned city designed by Le Corbusier. • Overnight at hotel in Chandigarh.

Day 17: Chandigarh – Delhi (250 km / 5-6 hrs)

• Breakfast at hotel. • Drive to Delhi. • Transfer to airport for onward journey.

Included/Excluded

  • Assistance on arrival at airport.
  • 16 Nights' accommodation in selected price category hotels.
  • Daily breakfast at hotels.
  • Private AC car/van for airport transfers, sightseeing, and excursions as per the program.
  • English speaking tour guide on sightseeing days (local guide in each city), as per program.
  • Monument entrances and activities charges mentioned in the itinerary.
  • Bottled drinking water in car.
  • Government taxes.
  • Any flight tickets.
  • Camera charges at monuments if any.
  • Meals other than mentioned in the inclusions.
  • Expenses of personal nature like liquor, laundry, tips, telephone, fax, internet etc.
  • Gratuities and optional activities.
  • Anything not mentioned in inclusions.

Tour's Location

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