Stay updated with the latest updates from Himalayan Frontiers
Subscribe to our Newsletter Pay Online
Chang-Thang to Spiti
Ancient trade route between Tibet and India
Gallery
Duration
Duration

23 days (14 Days trek)

Region
Region
  • Chang-Thang
  • Spiti
Activity
Activity

Trekking

Season
Season

Jul – Sep

Get in Touch with our Trek Expert
Monday - Saturday: 10 Am to 6 Pm (GMT +5:30)
Request a Quote

Description

Nomadic land and ancient route of merchandise One of the most fascinating trek start from Rumtse, you will cross several passes, traverse the grand plateau of Chang-Thangwhere lives the Nomade (Changpas) with their live stocks. Plateau is home to native wildlives as of Kyang, âthe Tibetan wild Donkeyâ Marmots and elusive snow leopard. Grand lakes of Tsokarand Tsomoririare the home to rare and exotic birds as Bar headed Goose and black necked crane. After Chang-thang route will orient toward the south of plateau and will follow the ancient bartered trade route between Tibet and Spiti (India). Spiti or Little Tibet is reached by crossing the highest pass of the trek Parangala elevating 5600m.You will explore Spiti valley known for its mineral landscape and its ancients Buddhist monasteries. Journey between Spiti to Manali will be conducted by scenic road, Alpine landscape and snow caped mountain are just stunning. Once in Manali, landscape change dramatically from the dry and mineral landscape to the lush green vegetation. You will appreciate to visit some of fascinating cultural heritage site of valley before heading to Delhi.

Itinerary

Itinerary

Arrive Delhi by evening, reception at airport, transfer to your hotel, and night in hotel.

Transfer to the domestic airport to take the flight to Leh over majestic Himalayas. You will be landing at 3500 mtrs from the sea level. On arrival at Leh airport our representative will transfer you to the hotel. To get acclimatized, you will relax till the mid-day and leave for excursion after the lunch in the hotel. Walk to Shanti Stupa dominate the Leh town, Royal Palace built by 5th Dalailama in 17th century which looks like a little Potala of Lahasa. Stroll in the Bazzar and night in the hotel.

Leave to Likkir in the direction to west of Leh following the Indus valley. Here you will visit majestic monastery of 7th century of Gylukpa sect (Red hat). Way back take bifurcation to visit the Phyang Monastery which was founded 446 years ago (reckoning from 1977) by TashiChozang. There are sacred shrines and various wall paintings to be seen which dates back from the royal period. The protected deity of the monastery is ApchiChoski Dolma. After visiting the monastery, stroll in the village and drive back to Leh, night in the hotel.

Leave to visit the summer home of the royal family of Ladakh, Stok Palace is built in 1820by King TsepalNamgyal, reflects the rich history and lifestyle of the royal family, its architecture is a fine meld of the traditional and the contemporary architectural styles, library that houses 108 volumes of the Kangyur (collection of teachings of Lord Buddha) The in-house museum contains precious objects, it has a notable library including all 108 volumes of the Kangyur. Later take a stroll in the village to have glimpse of the local people’s life. Drive to Matho located opposite of Thiksey monastery, Gompa of Matho is found in early 15th century (1410) and belong to the Sakaya order of Tibetan Buddhism which is known for a 600 years old Thangka and for its annual Oracle MathoNagrang Festival. Monastery house small chapel on the top story containing images of Sakayascholar and other lamas, adjoining museum precious Thankaout of which some are said to brought from Tibet during15th century .Evening back to Leh, night in hotel

Leave earlyto the starting point of the trek,on the way visit known monasteries of Indus valley named Shey-Thiksey and Hemismonasteries. Shey, once the capital of Upper Ladakh before being supplanted by Leh, monastery houses rich murals painting,well restored and represents the 18 Arhats (disciples of Buddha who attained enlightenment). Thiksey, a majestic monastery perched on a rocky outcrop built in the 15th century during the first wave of expansion of Gelugpa sect in Ladakh. At the entrance, there are painting of protective deities and the great masters of the sect. Hemis monastery, built by Namgyal dynasty in1630. The monastery belongs to Drukpa sect of Buddhism, its mural painting represents the different divinities dated back to 18th sanctuary. Further drive to Rumtse the starting point of trek where you will meet the trekking crew who will accompany you throughout the trek, night in camp.

Day start walking along the road side for a while, later follow the river and has to cross later.The valley you are walking in get wider at the places and narrowing at certain places, finally at the point it turns to the north toward nomad settlement where camp site will be established. Night in the camp

As it is a long day so the early start is advised, Trail goes up following the River, gradual ascent to Kumur la 4900m, enjoy the spectacular view on the Chang-Thang range, then steady descend to river bank, wade through river and again ascent to the next pass Mandachandla, Now easy descend toward the Camp site on pasture land of Tisaling. Night in the camp.

2 hours trek till the pass, again spectacular view of the surrounding Himalaya, descend to Shibuk, where Marmot can be seen playing hide and seek. Now easy flat track on the large valley to the Nomadeheadquarter atTukche, on arrival in Tukcheestablish the camp, later visit the village and smallgompa perched high on the top of village. Stroll on the shore of lake to watch the birds and lake changing its color frequently while sun setting. Night in camp.

Trail goes beside the lake,we cannot stop gazing the astonishing reflection of the arid mountains on lake and its banks are adorned by the crest of white salt, just are breath-taking. Time to time nomad setting is seen while traversing plateau. Wild life as of solitaire kyang (Wild Donkey) or in herd can be seen. Day ends up at the southern direction of the lake, night in camp.

Gradual walk for1h.30 to the pass, enjoy the view of surrounding hills and mountains of Chang-Thangs, take easy descend followed by a long walk to the beautiful campsite locate near the stream. Night kin camp.

As it’s not a long day, Morning at ease, followed by easy climb of 2 h. toward the pass, breath for a while to admire the surrounding, later descend gradually and follow the easy trail that leads to the campsite. Night in camp.

Day is going be long, hence advised to start bit early than previous day, once at the top of the pass, you will enjoy the excellent view of turquoise colour lake Tsomoriri and surrounding Himalaya peaks close to the Indo-Tibetan frontiers. Long descend till Karzok village the headquarter of nomad, visit KarzokGompa and nomadic village which are most outstanding features of this lake. its circumference is around 36 kms., if time allows stroll on the shore to get the opportunity to observe the different species of birds and to experience the reflection of the colorful mountains while sun set (in clear day). Night in camp.

Leave Karzok, walk along the TsomoririLake toward south direction, magnificent reflection of the mountain on lake can be witnessed, at the end of the lake your will cross a Phertsepho river which merge to the lake. Campsite will be set at meadow on idyllic place. Night in camp.

Pleasant walk on the meadow, wildanimal as of Rabbits anddonkey, occasionally visible wild wolves, the ducks in the Chhumik Shade spring can be spotted. After a while you will cross the Pare Chhu River at the large span to avoid the current of flow and meander toward Tibet territory. Camp site of Sumdo is set beside the stream. Or one can camp before river and cross it by next morning. Night in camp.

You have joined the ancient barter trade route which once was popular among Monks and merchants while Tibet was free and there was prosperous exchange relations of culture and goods between two countries. You will walk alongside of river following the opposite flow on beneath of high mountain range. Valley get narrower as compare to vast plateau of Chang-Thang. Camp site set on the green patch. Night in camp.

Second day along the river in same direction, more you approach toward base camp valley get bit wider and altitude rise higher. You will face multiple rivulet crossing which are really chilled. Camp site will be set at the foot of glacier at the base of Parangala. Night in camp.

The day is tough for pony (horses), it can worsen in early season when fresh snow layer is thicker and not frozen. It plays same role for trekkers as well. Therefore it’s advised to start earlier as possible. Follow the guide instruction while walking in glacier, it will take around 2 to 3 hours of time to reach at the top. Once at the top a vast horizon opens in front of you toward the Spiti valley and to the East you just came across. Easy descend to other side of base. Camp site is smaller as compare to previous site. Night in camp.

Zig-Zag descend to the gorge, after a short walk through gorge steep trail goes up to the plateau of Thaltak. After hard days of the crossing the pass and spend two nights in higher altitude at both side base of the pass, its worth to relax by afternoon at this idyllic place. As this area belongs to the ancients Tethys Sea one can collect the fossil or stroll around. Night in camp

Last day of trek. Easy trail traverse the slope and descend to the Tumlay, here you will join the road head, walk to Kibber by crossing the scenic bridge built over the deep gorge is said to be the home to elusive snow Leopard. Reached to one of the highest permanently inhabited village of Kibber. Visit village and drive down to Kaza, the administrative headquarter of Spiti region. On the way visit Kye monastery magnificently built on the top of the hill. Evening stroll in the tiny town of Kaza which gives the impression of an ancient era market place. Night in hotel.

Leave to Manali, road leads through several villages of Spiti valley, the last village of the valley is Losar. Short uphill drive till Kunzum pass (4550 m.) offers extensive view of the snow caped mountains. Temple located at pass is dedicated to the Goddess Kunzum adorned by prayer flags, pay homage to the goddess and continue driving by alpine Chandra valley under beneath of sheer mountains to join the lush green valley of KulluManali. Night in hotel.

Walk through the alleys of old Manali to explore the life of mountain people, Temple dedicated to the saint Manu, further to visit pagoda shape wooden temple of Goddess Hadimba that is famous for its association with Mahabharata, located in middle of giant cedar forest. Further to Nagar castle is a mountain architecture example of the valley. Over view on another wooden temple of Pagoda shape dedicated to Goddess Tripura sundry, if you are interested visit the well-known art Gallery of Russian painter Nicolas Roerich, Stroll in typical Himalayan village. Evening back to Manali. Night in the hotel.

Early morning Leave to Chandigarh, your journey will be passing by several villages and tinny hamlets. Major part of drive across the Himalayan foot hills is scenic adorned by terraced field and remaining is the plain of Punjab and Haryana, grows varieties of crops round the years. Subject to the time availability visit rock garden of Chandigarh built by Neck Chand by the waste of construction material when this modern city was being build. Evening train to Delhi. On arrival in Delhi, transfer to hotel, Night in hotel.

Early morning Leave to Chandigarh, your journey will be passing by several villages and tinny hamlets. Major part of drive across the Himalayan foot hills is scenic adorned by terraced field and remaining is the plain of Punjab and Haryana, grows varieties of crops round the years. Subject to the time availability visit rock garden of Chandigarh built by Neck Chand by the waste of construction material when this modern city was being build. Evening train to Delhi. On arrival in Delhi, transfer to hotel, Night in hotel.
For Inquiry

Cost

Dates Availability Price
No fixed departure dates available yet.

Dates don't fit?

Create a Private Trip
If you have your own group, talk to us about turning this itinerary into your own private adventure.

What's Inside the Package?


Inclusions

checkGround transport as per itinerary

checkAirport/Railway Station & Bus Stand transfer

checkManali to Delhi AC Volvo bus ticket

checkEnglish speaking local Guide

checkTwin sharing room in a three-star hotel

checkAll hotel on BB basis (bed & breakfast)

checkTwin sharing specious tent & foam mattress

checkDinning tent for 4 person onward, 2/3 person will eat in kitchen tent.

checkAll meals during trekking-lunch will be served as packedli

checkDuring the trek transport by jeep/pony, mule or porter

checkKitchen team with all necessary items

checkCamping fee / permit

checkMedical box with oxygen cylinder

checkGST 5%

Exclusions

closeLunch & Dinner in Delhi/Manali/Leh

closeDinner during night bus travel

closeLunch & dinner in Delhi

closeBeverage

closeMicropur pills to purify the water

closeInternational & Domestic flight ticket

closeMonument fees

closeVisa and airport tax

closeInsurance

closeSleeping bag

closePersonal expenses

closeMedical expenses and evacuation

closePorters to carry your personal gears

closePersonal gears used for trekking / expedition

closeTipping

closeAny expanses occur due to unforeseen circumstances such as nature calamities, which are beyond human control

closeRefund to any unused services·

closeExtra charges arose on dropping the trek in the middle

Highlights

  • Monasteries of Ladakh and Spiti
  • Vast plateau of Changthang where Nomads lives with their flocks
  • High altitude lakes sheltered the varieties of migrated and local birds.
  • Trekking on old trade route between Tibet and Spiti
  • Crossing high pass parangala (5560mtrs)
  • Mountainous terrain and snow caped mountains
  • Meadows of wild flowers
  • Verdant kullu valley and Hindu culture

General Information

Calculate Your BMI
Your BMI value is
--
Calculate your BMI
BMI RangeCategory
Less than 16.5Severely Underweight
16.5 - 18.5Underweight
18.5 - 25Normal
25 - 30Overweight

All the cancellation must be in written and signed by the person who signed the booking form and will be effective from the date of the reception by the company. 1:60 days or more before departure The agency will refund the entire paid amount to his client deducting the registration fee (€ 40 per persons or equivalent in other currency), bank charges subject to the bank policies, when booking domestic flights, the Cancellation fee subject to airline policies at present or if the tickets are non- refundable in that case the full amount of the ticket will be retained. The hotels are reserved and must be paid in advance; the company will apply the cancellation policies of hotels. Cancelation charge for train tickets and other ground transport and related services if needed to be booked in advance. Hence the remaining amount will be refunded after deducting all above cancelling policies applied for different services. 2: 40 Days before departure The agency will refund the 50% of paid amount to his client deducting the registration fee (€ 40 per persons or equivalent in other currency), bank charges subject to the bank policies, when booking domestic flights, the Cancellation fee subject to airline policies at present or if the tickets are non- refundable in that case the full amount of the ticket will be retained. The hotels are reserved and must be paid in advance; the company will apply the cancellation policies of hotels. Cancelation charges of train tickets and other ground transport and related services if needed to be booked in advance. Hence the remaining amount will be refunded after deducting all above cancelation policies applied for different services. Less than 30 days before departure The agency will be obliged to withhold the full amount of the deposit paid by the customer. In this case, the customer must inform their insurance as soon as possible and provide as much documentation to support the cancellation of trip. It is therefore h3ly advised to take out cancellation insurance to cover such expenses.

Chang-Thang lied on Indo- (Tibet) China border. To access this part of Himalayan world we required to obtain special permit called (ILP) Inner line permit. Hence you are requested to send the scanned copies of passport, visa and 4 passport size photos 15 days prior to your arrival which enable us to issue the permit in advance.

Chang-Thang lied on Indo- (Tibet) China border. To access this part of Himalayan world we required to obtain special permit called (ILP) Inner line permit. Hence you are requested to send the scanned copies of passport, visa and 4 passport size photos 15 days prior to your arrival which enable us to issue the permit in advance.

Itinerary / hotels are sub. to change in case of strike, civil war threat, you may be will lose expected places you have prepared for but will explore unexpected and for sure will not disappointed. In case of Vehicle break down another mode of transport will be managed at the earliest possible, In that case you are requested to keep patience and co-operate with the situation, while travelling to rural and isolated area replacing vehicle can take time due to lac of communication. It is very much possible that Pony / Mule can disappear during the night when get scared by wild animal such as snow leopards and wolf and can be impossible to trace out, in that case getting new team of pony / horse cannot immediately arranged. You can loose one or more days to get arranged mode such of transport. In case unavailability of pony / horse tour itinerary can be curtailed or changed completely from the trekking to cultural tour for the remaining days. We need your co-operation to understand the present situation and contribution to cover extra expanses occured due to such circumstance.

Accommodation is based on 3 star category in Delhi, Neat and clean local standards of hotels will be provided in Leh and Manali. While trekking you will be assisted by kitchen with with all necessary items including to men spacious tent, mattress, dining tents from 4 persons onward, toilet tents and all necessary items. Our chef will prepare verities of Indian, Chinese and Continental vegetarian and non vegetarian meals, Chefs on trek are used to cook for the western guest and pay their attention to dose the spice, Breakfast and dinner will be served at camp, lunch is always packed, Afternoon snacks is served with hot beverages as of tea and coffee.

The Company cannot be made liable for the consequences of weather condition, flight cancellations, war or threat of civil war, strikes, industrial action, political unrest or any other force majeure, unusual or unforeseen circumstance. The company reserves the right to use alternate transport, or vary the itinerary if breakdown, sickness or any other force major. Any additional that result, such as extra hotel accommodation, flight or road transport will be on your charge and must be paid directly at the spot. Please understand, there are certain hazards involved in your adventurous holidays which you must accept at your own risk. The company will not be liable for any illness major or minor injury, death sustained during neither the trip, nor it will be liable for any uninsured losses of your property and other losses during the trip. It is strongly advised that clients take out insurance to cover the unexpected and cancellation charges.

While driving, sub. to the number of person in group, for 2-4+ guide Toyota Innova, for more than 5 persons Tempo travelers or mini bus. All vehicle will be air-conditioned, except in hilly area air-condition of any vehicle can not be regularly used due to steep uphill drive, So you have to co-operate with. While trekking logistic will be transported by mule or Ponies, you are requested to not carry more than 15 kgs as domestic airline limit the weight till 15 kgs. Exceeding 15kgs of weight will result the surcharges as per the airline law, even excess baggage’s will increase the weight on animal back which we should understand and respect the limit.. ROAD you will use road for sight seen and to reach at the starting point of trek and from the end of the trek to the expected destination, But still you can face land slide due to unusual rainfall in Ladakh / Spiti and in Kullu Manali area, and can be blocked for few hours or for a day. you may miss the places expected to visit, or will visit the unexpected places, to regulate the situation the team at the spot will do the best possible at the moment.

Preparation of relief of sun burn, Lip salve, Anti septic cream, Antihistamine cream (for relief of insect bites), Anti diarrhoea (flagyl or any other), Anti headache (aspirin, paracitamol, zimalgin), Anti vomiting (avomin), For stomach-ache (baralgan,trigan or other diagnose) Dettol, wash proof Dettol plaster, Bandage and cotton, Balm, Anti cramp spray, Pills to purify the water, Scissor and knife are must in the medical kit. According to your physical condition you are requested to consult your doctor to complete your medical kit.

Warm jacket type of gore axe or else ,Pull over, Trek suite, Raincoat, trekking shoes, Sneakers for river crossing, Camp shoes, Gloves, pairs of warm socks + normal socks, Sunglasses / Spare glasses or contact lenses, Sun hat + cap, sun cream, stick to protect the lips, long and short sleeves Shirts- Loose trousers, breathable water proof over , trousers , Washing kit, toilet kit, A small sewing kit, Safety pins, torch or flash light with spare batteries, Camera with spare memory cards and batteries, battery Charger , day sac, water bottle, pair of gaiters , walking sticks if one required, personal medical kit as per your medical advisor. Sleeping bag (-10/-15°C ) small pillow if you required , A light towel, a knife, a role of toilet paper, a plastic bowl for shaving ( for men, a large plastic bag to protect your clothing inside the bag, wet tissue paper, fanny pack to keep safely your important doc as passport, insurance paper, credit cards, money, Multifunctional knife, lighters, wooden pencils and pen, string of 4-55 meters to dry the clothing or other purpose, English –Hindi dictionary to learn the important words to greet and to communicate with locals and a note book can be useful to engrave your memory in it .

You will be guided by a professional Englsih speaking trekking guide. Kitchen team will be at your service with necessary items, Horse/ Ponies or porters in specific route will be carrying the load while trekking. Once reaching at campsite your assistance to team members will be appreciated to establish the camp site.

Generally, vary to different season and regions from Ladakh- Changthang, Spiti and to kullu Manali. Even Ladakh and spiti remain almost rain free part of India due to its arid climate, how ever since few years Ladakh –Spiti has noticed the rain due to climatic change which can cause partial rain or snow in early and late season.

Summer from mid June to August minimum can be recorded 8 to 12°C and maximum can raise till is 20°C -30°C due to its high altitude deserted terrain. In Sep. Temperature descend few degree compare to summer and occasionally in higher regions of Ladakh – Spiti you can notice the fresh snow.

This is very tough ( strenuous ) trek, Pre-travel conditioning is very desirable, as more you are prepared the more you enjoy the trips. For such trekking trips required very good physic. As we gain altitude slowly, so we get acclimatize naturally. And for the vast majority the slow ascent to height will produce minimum effects. The most important attribute for any adventure travel trip is positive attitude.

Join The Newsletter

To receive our best monthly deals