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Monasteries, Spiti and Pin Valley
Fully Escorted Tour - 17 Days / 16 Nights

Delhi - Nalagarh - Manali - Rohtang Pass - Kaza - Tabo - Mikkim - Sarahan - Shimla - Delhi

BEST SEASON - May / June Sep to Nov

MODERATE TREK - not strenuous

Himachal Pradesh , the land of the eternal snow peaks , is rural and mountainous, stretching from the outer fringes of the Shivalik range in the south to peaks exceeding 6,700m in the north. The heavily forested valleys of Kulu, Chamba and Kangra bear little resemblance to the barren and remote regions of Lahaul, Spiti and Kinnaur. Here we visit some monasteries and threk through Spiti and Pin Valley.

Day 1 - Arrive Delhi. Stay at the Imperial. Day at leisure or sightseeing Old and New Delhi.

Day 2 –Drive to Nalagarh (about 6 hours), via Chandigarh-Pinjore. Nalagarh is the gateway to Himachal Pradesh in North India, offering a panoramic view of the Shivalik Hills. The famous Naina Devi Temple is 60 Kms from Nalagarh. Nalagarh Fort was built in 1421 during the reign of Raja Bikram Chand. The Chandela Rajputs who originated from Chanderi in the Bundelkhand region of Central India ruled it. The fort is located on a hillock at the foothills of the mighty Himalayas. Stay at Nalagarh Fort.

Day 3 -Drive to Manali (about 8 hrs) - set amongst pinewoods with high mountains towering above it, also known as ‘Queen of Hill Stations’ at an altitude of 1829 m. Manali offers a mountain holiday with hikes, climbs and picnics. There are many apple orchards and fruit gardens nearby. Visit Hadimba Temple. Stay at Bennar Resort or similar.

Day 4 – Drive to Losar , 3800 m. (about 8 hours) - over Rohtang pass - 3980 m, and Kunzum la - 4590 m. before descending down to Spiti valley. Overnight in tents.

Day 5 – Drive to Rangrik, 3500 m, (about 2 hours). Visit Kibber and Ki monasteries. Overnight in tents.

Day 6 - Drive via Kaza to Suchling (about 2 hours) , the head Quarter of Spiti. Overnight in tents.

Day 7 – Drive to Tabo , 3050 m. (about 1 hour). En route visit Dhankar and Lalung monasteries. Also visit Tabo Monastery. Overnight in tents.

Day 8 - Drive to Mikkim, 3400 m. (about 2 hours). Visit Gungri Monastery. This is the entry to Pin Valley. Overnight in tents.

Day 9 - Mikkim - Farkha (3650 m) - 5 hours walk -Descend down on the right side from the main road and cross Pin River over a wooden bridge, a gentle climb of one hour to a small pass. From here the trail flattens until Tumling Village. Here we cross the river in a JULHA (Wooden box fixed in rope) and turn right side of the stream till we reach Mud village. Cross the stream over a wooden bridge and after a steep climb of 20 minutes we arrive at Farkha - 3650 m. Overnight in tents.

Day 10 - Farkha - Baltipulu (4050 m.) - 7 hours walk. - Immediately after leaving camp the valley opens, easy walk until Balder. Here we turn towards left side gorge and climb for one hour. Descend down on your right side to camp at Baltipulu - 4050 m. Overnight in tents.

Day 11 - Baltipulu - Bawa pass - 4800 m. - Futi - 4000 m. - 7 hours walk.

This is a long day. We leave camp and climb for 2 hours till we reach an open meadow. After easy walk of 20 minutes the trail climbs gently and then becomes steep till we arrive at a small pass. Here we turn right and again climb for one hour and arrive at Bawa Pass. A sharp descent of 2 hours will take us to our camp at Futi - 4000 m. Overnight in tents.

Day 12 - Futi - Molling -3200 m. - 5 hours walk.
Descend down and follow the stream till we cross this over a big wood log and arrive in a small valley. Here we turn right and cross couple of streams. After a short climb we descend down to the bridge. After crossing, we enter a thick forest of pine, birch and rhododendron trees. After another easy one hour walk, we reach our camp at Molling - 3200 m. Overnight in tents.

Day 13 - Molling - Kafnoo - 4 hours walk

This is an easy day. We descend down leaving stream on our right till we reach a flat path. From here after an easy walk of 2 hours we arrive at Kafnoo. Overnight in tents.

Day 14 - Kafnoo - Sarahan -2165 m. (about 5 hours drive)At Chitkul we meet our pre-arranged transport and drive to Sarahan. Sarahan presents a magnificent spectacle of snow covered peaks and is a picture of unspoiled pastoral life. Sarahan was once the ancient capital of Rampur Bushehr. Traders from Bhutan, Ladakh. Overnight in tents.

Day 15 – Drive to Shimla -2205 m. (about 6 hours). Stay at Oberoi Cecil or similar.

First visit famous Bhima Kali temple. Bhimakali Temple complex is a blend of Buddhist and Hindu architecture. The many storied temple is sacred to both communities. The Bhimakali goddess of the idol is about 200 years old. In the olden days human sacrifice was prevalent here but now only goats are sacrificed.

Day 16 - Toy Train to Delhi. Stay at the Imperial.

Shimla was founded in 1819 by the British and served, for a long time, as the summer residence of the British Viceroy in India. The main road between the observatory and the base of Jakoo hill, houses many shops in a half timbered building of English style, as well as a post office and a Christian church. Shimla is now capital of Himachal Pradesh, and has over the years developed into an important tourist center. Board the toy train for a leisurely ride up to Kalka , and then change to normal gauge train for Delhi.

Day 17. In Delhi. Sightseeing or day at leisure. Flight to onward destination.

Option – Stay on in Shimla and spend a few days at the Wildflower Hall, Mashobra. Extend your stay in Delhi OR visit other parts of India.

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