LAHAUL & SPITI VALLEY SELF-DRIVE TOUR

The convoy will assemble in the dream city of Chandigarh where everyone will meet our representative at the designated hotel. Afterward, a briefing session will be conducted where all travelers will be given a gist of what to expect in the next 7 days as we embark on this thrilling off-roading Lahaul Spiti road trip. After a delicious lunch, we will start driving towards Narkanda.

The highways turn into winding roads amplifying the excitement of the drive and as you ascend the Shivalik range, the small town of Narkanda renowned for its apple orchids beckons you closer.

By the time we reached our destination for the day, it would be time for dinner. 

The next morning we embark on a thrilling drive towards Sangla. En route, we’ll be traversing the Hindustan Tibet Highway, notorious for being one of the country's deadliest roads. The drive consists of navigating some treacherous Himalayan routes, the occasional breeze caressing your hair along with the sound of the Baspa River keeps you company. 

The gateway to many exhilarating treks has earned Sangla the title of being a trekker's paradise. Still, the valley is also bestowed with eden-like forests, alpine meadows, and snowscapes that are to die for. 

Finally, we will reach our luxurious camps for a surreal glamping experience and to have it as our not-so-humble (and we say it with utmost delight) abode for the next two days.

Navigating the jagged terrains of one of the most iconic Himalayan routes, and experiencing the true thrill of offroading, our convoy will head towards Chitkul which is a significant stop in this Lahaul Spiti itinerary. Renowned as the last village in India, this charming hamlet is also considered to have the cleanest air in the country providing you, quite literally, a breath of fresh air. 

The trails here are adorned with apple orchards and quaint wooden cottages which provide a delightful sight especially because of their juxtaposition against the majestic Himalayas that stand gloriously in the backdrop.

Chitkul is also home to the iconic “Hindustan Ka Aakhri Dhaba” where we will stop for lunch and after spending some peaceful moments in this quaint town, we will head back to Sangla.

As we move closer to our destination on our four wheels, we’ll be exploring the hidden gems that serve as the very foundation of the centuries-old heritage and culture of the valley.

Traversing the impassable trails that lead us to Spiti with the Himalayas beckoning us closer on every turn, we’ll be witnessing the vibrant town of Kalpa and the majestic Kinner Kailash peak, and snowscapes of Nako en route.

After conquering some particularly tricky terrains, the ones that are bound to give you the best kind of adrenaline rush, we will reach Tabo which is perched on the banks of the Spiti River.

Often referred to as The Ajanta of Himalayas, the Tabo Monastery is a national historic treasure containing thangka paintings and other relics that have been preserved since the 9th century making it one of the most revered places in Spiti. 

On the other hand, the Dhankar Monastery which sits gloriously atop a spurring rock is a sight to behold as well. But it’s the journey that makes the destination feel more rewarding as the terrain to Dhankar monastery is completely beaten, full of bumps, and will surely give you the adrenaline high you crave.

As we continue our road affair, we’ll conquer many wicked Himalayan trails on our Lahaul and Spiti expedition to discover the picturesque landscapes that have remained hidden for ages before reaching Kaza.

On our sightseeing tour of the day, we will first visit Langza, home to the thousand-year-old Buddha statue that overlooks the entire village and is believed to ward off all kinds of evil like a rightful protector. 

The charm of Spiti lies in all the “highs” it has to offer. From the world’s highest post office in Hikkim to the highest motorable road in the world, Komic, this offroading Lahaul Spiti expedition is all about making you embrace the raw beauty of the middle land. 

Along with that, we’ll also traverse the iconic Chicham Bridge, which at an altitude of 13,244 ft has the title of being Asia’s highest bridge. The valley of Spiti is the embodiment of postcard-worthy landscapes and one of the most prominent scape that it is known for is the Key Monastery. The largest and oldest gompa in Spiti that also serves as the training center for young Lamas, Key is an iconic landmark that we’ll be ticking off at the end of the day.

Today we will leave Kaza and start our return journey. To say that the drive to Manali is exhilarating would be an understatement as the route consists of sharp hairpin bends that will turn you dizzy in the best way possible. En route, you’ll be conquering the famed Kunzum Pass as well as crossing the iconic Atal tunnel which is the longest tunnel in the world to be perched at such a high altitude. The drive would be full of twists and turns and conquering them in your sturdy 4x4 vehicles would be an adventure of a lifetime.

In the evening, a farewell dinner will be organized where the entire group will come together to share not just a meal but stories that they will carry for the rest of their lives.

A 7-day escapade to the Himalayas will come to an end in Manali and the group will part ways with the promise of seeing each other on the road again!