Itinerary

Day 1 : Drive Delhi to Manali(1960m) 10-12 hrs

Day 2 : Sight-Seeing around Manali
Manali is a small little hill station bustling with tourists. We start the day early with a drive on the left bank of the Beas to the village of Naggar, which is famous for the Russian artist Roerich’s gallery. Naggar also has a famous castle and the views around the area are spectacular. We come back to Manali and drive to Solang, which is the paragliding and skiing zone of the area.


Day 3: Drive Manali to Kaza (3686m) 8-9 hrs

Day 4: Kaza to Langza (4400m) 1 hour

A relatively easy day in order to acclimatise to the increase in altitude. No need to wake up early this day. One can start after a leisurely breakfast and reach Langza by noon in order to pay a visit to the Lang (temple), before lunch. The Lang is regarded to be the headquarters of all the deities of the valley and houses some old frescos and thankas (paintings on silken canvas). Dinner & Overnight in the homestay.

Day 5: Langza to Jureley (4740m) 5 to 6 hrs

It is advisable to start early as it’s the first day of trekking and should be taken slowly. The trail traverses along a natural fossil center with the opportunity to spot some rare relics of Spiti’s geological history. For most of the way we follow carefully laid out irrigation channels, getting an insight into the laborious and intricate system of water management. The trail runs parallel to the stunningly striking Pasham Range with the peaks of Chau Chau Khang Nilda and Chau Chau Khang Namo forming a beautiful backdrop. If lucky spotting of the Blue Sheep is likely along this route, besides a host of floral variety.

Day 6: Jureley to Mulchay (4560m) 4 to 5 hrs

The trail slowly winds itself over pasturelands and the day is spent marvelling at the magnificence and imposing stature of the grazing yaks and horses. The night is spent camping at a summer settlement of the villagers. Every year a few of the villagers shift to these settlements along with the village livestock for the purpose of grazing the livestock and the collection of winter fodder and fuel.

Day 7: Mulchay to Demul (4357m) 2 to 3 hrs

As one leaves Mulcahy, there is a sense of anticipation that builds before approaching Demul. Located in one of the most remote areas of Spiti, this village has a very interesting legend associated with its foundation. After a warm lunch in a homestay, there are lots of unique spots close to this village which shouldn’t be missed. The village guides are a good source of information for not only the places but also the unique history surrounding this village.


Day 8: Demul to Lhalung (3758m) 4 to 5 hrs

The route is primarily all downhill. Lunch is at a village called Saglung, housing all of 2 houses. This village apart from having such a small population is amazingly picturesque and for a minute its hard to believe one is in a cold desert.
Lhalung which is not too far has plenty to offer as well. The oldest temple and possibly one of the oldest trees (dating back to over a 1000 years) in Spiti are found here.

Day 9: Lhalung to Dhankhar (3890m) 4 to 5 hrs

This route winds itself along the road for a while before a gradual ascent up the mountain side brings one to one of most picturesque spots in Spiti. Dhankhar Lake has its own story to tell cradled in the lap of stark mountains reflecting heaven and earth in its crystal clear waters. Packed lunch can be had here and thereafter a steep descent brings one to the ancient capital of Spiti. Sketched along stone-mud pillars and cliffs, its hard to describe Dhankhar as words are inadequate for this village, balanced precariously amidst geological relics.

Day 10: Dhankhar to Kaza (3686m) 1 hr 30 mins

One can spend the morning visiting the old & new monasteries, the remains of the Dhankhar Fort and a museum of cultural artifacts. Lunch may be had back in the homestay. A pick up to take you back to Kaza shall arrive shortly after lunch.

Day 11: Drive Kaza to Manali

Day 12: Drive Manali to Delhi.

More information from Aquaterra Adventures:

• View trip on provider's website
  www.indianhimalayas.net/trip.php?id=37&flag=1…
• Company profile, experience, and history
• View all of their trips