Explore the isolated Kinnaur-Spiti region, situated on the Indo-Tibetan border, on this amazing tour! A spectacular drive leads from Shimla into the gorges of the Sutlej Valley, to the scenic semi-desert valley of Kinnaur, dominated by the mighty Kinner Kailash peak. Then comes the wide high-altitude desert valley of Spiti, with a landscape similar to Ladakh’s; after which is Kullu Valley, famous for its apples and its many temples. End the tour in Manali, an important tourist destination of North India. The highest point of the drive is Kunzum La (4700 m); the tour is suitable for the age group of 15 to 65 years.

The climate and landscape change rapidly along this route: from verdant Shimla, which gets plenty of rainfall in summer; to the combination of greenery and desert landscape in Kinnaur; to the dramatic starkness of Spiti with very little rainfall throughout the year; and back to lushness in Kullu Valley. The culture and religion of the inhabitants also vary: Simla and Kullu Valley are predominantly Hindu, with plenty of temples; Kinnaur a mixture of Hindu and Buddhist; while Spiti is almost entirely Tibetan Buddhist, dotted with gompas and stupas. Explore these exotic Himalayan sites, mix with the friendly, hospitable folk – and go back home with wonderful memories!

DAY 1: Arrival in Delhi
Transfer to and O/N in hotel.

DAY 2: Delhi to Shimla (1900 m): Train: 10 hrs
(Train timing:- Departure from Delhi at 07h40 & Arrival shimla at 17h20)
Early morning departure to Simla by train. Simla, “the queen of the hills,” is the capital of Himachal Pradesh and one of India’s most famous year-round hill destinations. O/N in the hotel.

DAY 3: Exploring Shimla
After breakfast climb up to Jhaku Hill to visit the Hanuman temple (the Monkey God). Also visit the museum at the former Vice Regal Lodge, which now houses the Indian Institute of Advanced Studies. Afternoon free to visit the Mall. O/N in hotel.

DAY 4: Shimla to Sarahan (1920 m): Drive: 190 km
After breakfast, drive via Kufri and Narkandha, and descend to Rampur, erstwhile Himalayan kingdom of Rampur Bushahr. Continue to Sarahan, the summer capital of the Rampur Bushahr dynasty, which offers a magnificent view of the Shrikhand peak. Visit the unique 1500-year-old Bhimakali temple. O/N in guesthouse.

DAY 5: Sarahan to Sangla (3450 m), via Chitkul: Drive: 140 km
Leave for the gateway to Kinnaur, Sangla. Sangla Valley, also called the Baspa Valley, is one of the most picturesque areas of Himachal. En route, visit the villages of Chitkul and Rackchham, with their typical Kinnauri architecture. On reaching Sangla, visit Kamru Fort and explore the village. O/N in guesthouse.

DAY 6: Sangla to Recongpeo (2290 m): Drive: 38 km
Recongpeo is the district headquarters of Kinnaur, with superb views of the majestic Kinner Kailash Range. Visit the monastery in town, and head back to campsite or guesthouse.

DAY 7: Recongpeo to Tabo (3050 m), via Nako: Drive: 167 km
You will now be entering a restricted area, and inner line permits and passports will be checked at Jhangi. Drive toward Spiti via Khab, where the Satluj joins the Spiti River. The charming town of Nako has superb views all round. To the north of the village is a monastic complex belonging to the Drugpa order. After another checkpost at Sumdo, drive through several villages to reach Tabo. Its famed gompa was founded in 996 AD, and is replete with magnificent thangkas and statues. In trans-Himalayas Buddhism, Tabo monastery’s sanctity is next only to Tibet’s Tholing gompa.

DAY 8: Tabo to Kaza (3600 m), via Dhankar, Lalung, Pin Valley: Drive: 58 km
Dhankar gompa, the site of the ancient capital of the Spiti rulers, has the most incredible location, perched high on barren, rocky mountain slopes. Lalung is another interesting monastery of Spiti that we will visit en route. In the afternoon we will explore Pin Valley; the Pin Valley National Park is the home of snow leopards and ibex, among others. Kungri gompa in Pin Valley is the main center of the Nyingmapa sect in Spiti. Kaza is the main town in Spiti. O/N in guesthouse.

DAY 9: Around Kaza
Visit the famous Kye gompa, of the Gelugpa sect of Tibetan Buddhism, perched high on a pyramid-like mountain. Also explore Kibber (4200 m), one of the highest permanent inhabited villages in the world, which is located in a bowl-shaped narrow valley. Return to Kaza in the evening, explore this small town. O/N in guesthouse.

DAY 10: Exploring “Hidden” Spiti (4500 m)
Drive to Langza, visit the village; further to Komik, known for one of the highest monasteries in the world and for fossils. You can have fun fossil-hunting! You can also visit local houses to know more about the life of the inhabitants of these high-altitude places. Evening back to Kaza for overnight stay.

DAY 11: Kaza to Manali (2000 m): Drive: 196 km
The road winds its way through villages and deserted stretches of Spiti Valley, giving you the opportunity to marvel again at the dramatic landscape. The last village of the valley is Lossar; drive up to the pass Kunzum La (4700 m), which offers extensive views of snow-capped mountains. Continue along the valley of the Chandra River over Rohtang La (4050 m), the gateway between Lahaul/Spiti and Kullu, the “valley of the Gods.” Descend along the curvy road through meadows of wild flowers and forests of silver oak, fir and poplar, accompanied by gushing waterfalls, till you reach Manali. O/N in hotel.

DAY 12: Exploring Manali
Visit Old Manali village and Manu temple, the pagoda-style Hadimba temple in the middle of a cedar forest, and the Shiva temple. In the afternoon visit Vashisht, famous for its hot springs; evening free. O/N in hotel.

DAY 13: Manali to Delhi: Bus: 570 km/16 hrs
Free day in Manali. Afternoon transfer to bus station; night in comfortable bus.

DAY 14: Exploring Delhi and Departure
Transfer to hotel, half day tour of Jama Masjid, Red Fort, Qutub Minar. Evening transfer to international airport and flight to onward destination.

Cost per person (for groups of 2 persons onward):

We propose:

1. We propose some departures dates to attend the  following festivals: In that case the duration of tour will be one day more than the actual itinerary.
   • La Darcha -- 08/08/10 to 22/09/10
   • Fulaich ----- 30/08/10 to 13/09/10
   • Dussehra --- 06/10/10 to 20/10/10
2. Price up for 4 people minimum charge for 2-3 people see the table below.
3. People can not join a fixed departure dates may still benefit from a service map: see table below:

Departure 2010:

Start	Finish	Cost per person	Number of pax	Cost A la carte
17/6/8	30/6/10	1028 €	From 4 pax on word	2/3 pax ----1230 €
5/7/10	18/6/10	1028 €		4/5 Pax----  1004 €
8/8/10	22/9/10	1087 €		6/10 pax----  940 €
30/8/10	13/9/10	1087 €		11 & more - 792  €
7/9/10	20/9/10	1028 €
6/10/10	20/10/10	1087 €
Single  Suppliment-254  €		360 €		Single  Suppliment-325 €
Additional Surcharges for 2-3 persons.---		148 €

Cost Includes:

• All ground transportation as described in the itinerary
• Train from Delhi to Simla
• Nights in double room in middle class hotel or guest house
• Full board except in Delhi picnic or lunch at local restaurants
• An English speaking guide
• Access Permit Kinnaur.

Cost excludes:

• Flights
• Entries monuments
• Insurance
• Sleeping bag
• Meals in Delhi
• Beverages
• Personal expenses and medical evacuation
• Tips
• Supplement for single room.

The documents necessary for obtaining a permit to the border area with restricted access are:

• Copy of first four pages of passport
• Copy of visa
• Passport photos