Majestic winter Spiti valley Trip 8 Days

Upon arrival at Chandigarh Airport or Railway Station, you will be greeted by your representative for a scenic journey to Narkanda.  The drive from Chandigarh to Narkanda covers approximately 180 km and takes about 6 hours.

En route sightseeing spots:

• Kufri: A popular hill station known for its panoramic views of the Himalayas and adventure activities like hiking and skiing during winter.
• Theog: A quaint town famous for its apple orchards and scenic landscapes, perfect for a quick refreshment stop and some photography.

After exploring these stops, continue your drive to Narkanda, a serene hill station nestled at an elevation of 2,708 meters. Narkanda is renowned for its apple orchards, lush pine forests, and spectacular mountain views.

Sightseeing in Narkanda:

• Apple Orchards: Stroll through vast apple orchards that dot the landscape, especially vibrant in the harvesting season.
• St. Paul’s Church: A charming colonial-era church known for its architecture and peaceful ambiance.
• Wildlife Sanctuary: Nearby forested area ideal for nature walks and spotting local fauna.

Upon reaching Narkanda, check in to your hotel and unwind. The evening is at leisure to relax, enjoy the cool mountain air, or explore the local town markets.

Before beginning your drive, ensure any remaining sights in Narkanda, such as the panoramic views from Hatu Peak (if not visited previously), are completed. Today, embark on a picturesque journey from Narkanda towards the stunning Sangla Valley, a drive renowned for its dramatic landscapes and cultural stops.

Your first leg takes you from Narkanda to the spiritual town of Sarahan, approximately 90 km away, which will take around 3 to 3.5 hours due to winding mountain roads. The route descends through verdant hillsides, offering glimpses of the Sutlej River valley.

En route to Sarahan, consider these stops:

• Sarahan: Visit the iconic Bhimakali Temple, a magnificent example of Himachali architecture and a revered Shakti Peeth. Explore its intricate woodwork and spiritual ambiance.

After your visit to Sarahan, continue your onward journey to Sangla, covering the remaining 65 km, which will take approximately 2.5 to 3 hours. This part of the drive is particularly scenic as you enter the Kinnaur Valley.

En route to Sangla from Sarahan:

• Wangtu Bridge: Pause for a photo opportunity at this impressive bridge spanning the Sutlej River, marking your entry into the more rugged terrain of Kinnaur.
• Karcham: Witness the confluence of the Sutlej and Baspa rivers and catch views of the massive Karcham-Wangtoo Hydroelectric Project from the road.

Upon arrival in Sangla, check into your accommodation and unwind. The evening is free to explore this beautiful valley. Nestled beside the Baspa River, Sangla is famous for its natural beauty and unique culture.

In Sangla, explore these charming attractions:

• Kamru Fort: A multi-storied tower-like fort with a rich history and a temple dedicated to Kamakshi Devi.
• Bering Nag Temple: An important local temple dedicated to Lord Jagas, offering insights into local religious practices.
• Sangla Meadow (Batseri Village): Take a leisurely stroll through the lush green meadows alongside the Baspa River, soaking in the serene mountain views.

Enjoy a delicious local dinner before resting for the night, concluding your scenic single-day journey through the heart of Himachal Pradesh.

After breakfast, check out from your hotel in Sangla. Before departing, ensure that any remaining sightseeing in Sangla is completed, as no sights will be revisited. Begin your scenic journey towards Kalpa via the breathtaking Baspa Valley region.
 

The distance between Sangla and Kalpa is approximately 50 km, and it would take around 3 to 4 hours to reach by road, excluding sightseeing stops.

En-route Sightseeing:

• Kamru Fort – Historic fort known for traditional Kinnauri architecture and ancient temple structures.
• Batseri Village – Charming wooden village surrounded by apple orchards and mountain scenery.
• Chitkul Mata Temple – Traditional local temple reflecting Kinnauri wooden craftsmanship.

Continue your drive towards Kalpa via Reckong Peo, the district headquarters of Kinnaur. Kalpa is situated at an altitude of approximately 2,758 meters, and is famous for panoramic views of the sacred Kinner Kailash Range. During sunrise and sunset, the snow-covered peaks glow beautifully with golden and crimson hues. Upon arrival in Kalpa, check in to your hotel and relax for the evening.

After breakfast, check out from your hotel in Kalpa. Before departing, ensure that any remaining sightseeing in Kalpa is completed, as no sights will be revisited. Begin your adventurous drive towards Tabo, entering the spectacular cold-desert landscapes of Spiti Valley.

The distance between Kalpa and Tabo is approximately 165 km, and it would take around 6 to 8 hours to reach by road, depending on road conditions and sightseeing stops.

During the journey, witness the gradual transition from the lush green valleys of Kinnaur to the barren Himalayan desert terrain of Spiti.

En-route Sightseeing:

• Khab Sangam – Scenic confluence point of the Sutlej and Spiti Rivers.
• Nako Village – Traditional Himalayan village known for its peaceful atmosphere and mud-house architecture.
• Nako Lake – Serene high-altitude lake surrounded by willow trees and mountains.
• Nako Monastery – Ancient Buddhist monastery with spiritual and historical significance.
• Gue Village – Remote Himalayan village famous for the naturally preserved 500-year-old mummy of a Buddhist monk.
• Gue Monastery & Mummy Temple – Small monastery complex housing the sacred mummy and offering panoramic valley views.

Continue your drive towards Tabo. Upon arrival, check in to your hotel and relax for the evening.

Start your day with an early breakfast in Kaza. After checking out from your accommodation, prepare for a captivating journey through the rugged and beautiful landscapes of the Spiti Valley, heading towards Nako via the ancient village of Tabo. Any remaining sightseeing in Kaza should ideally be completed the previous day or very early this morning before departure.

The first leg of your journey takes you from Kaza to Tabo, covering approximately 50 km and taking around 2 hours to drive, depending on road conditions and stops.

En route, you will visit the following attractions:

• Dhankar Monastery: Perched dramatically on a cliff overlooking the confluence of the Spiti and Pin rivers, this ancient monastery offers breathtaking panoramic views. Explore its old prayer halls and admire the unique architecture.

Upon arrival in Tabo, immerse yourself in the spiritual heart of the region.

• Tabo Monastery: A UNESCO World Heritage Site, often referred to as the "Ajanta of the Himalayas." This 11th-century monastery complex is home to stunning ancient murals, stucco sculptures, and numerous temples that have been remarkably preserved over centuries. Spend time exploring its sacred chambers and feeling its profound tranquility.

After your visit to Tabo, continue your scenic drive towards Nako. This segment covers approximately 65 km and typically takes around 2.5 hours, offering more spectacular vistas of the cold desert mountains.

En route from Tabo to Nako, make sure to stop at:

• Giu Monastery (Mummy Temple): Take a short detour from the main highway to visit this unique monastery which houses the remarkably well-preserved 500-year-old mummy of Sangha Tenzin, a Buddhist monk.

Finally, arrive at the picturesque village of Nako, nestled on the edge of the Kinnaur district.

Upon reaching Nako, the rest of your day can be spent exploring its serene beauty:

• Nako Lake: A tranquil high-altitude lake, surrounded by willow and poplar trees. Take a leisurely stroll around its perimeter and enjoy the serene reflections of the surrounding mountains.
• Nako Monastery: Explore the ancient monastery complex within the village, which dates back to the 11th century and features several temples with intricate artwork.
•  

Check into your accommodation in Nako for an overnight stay, reflecting on the day's incredible journey through Spiti's cultural and natural wonders.

Note: No Sights will be visited twice even though mentioned twice in the itinerary, and no alternative sight would be covered. We might have mentioned the multiple so that traveller does not miss it.