Winter Spiti Expedition, Frozen Himalayas

Day-by-day itinerary

1. Day 1

   Arrival in Shimla

   Meet the group in Shimla (pickup from Chandigarh is about 4 hours). Evening walk on Mall Road and the Ridge past Christ Church, then a warm dinner. Overnight in Shimla.

2. Day 2

   Shimla to Kalpa via Narkanda and Rampur

   A long scenic drive of about 220 km (8 to 9 hours) along the Sutlej through Rampur Bushahr and Reckong Peo. Kinner Kailash peaks glow at sunset. Overnight in Kalpa.

3. Day 3

   Kalpa to Tabo via Khab and Nako

   See the meeting point of the Spiti and Sutlej rivers at Khab, then climb to Nako village and its frozen lake. Short detour to the Gue mummy. Overnight in a Tabo homestay.

4. Day 4

   Tabo Monastery and Dhankar, on to Kaza

   Morning in the mud-walled Tabo Monastery, founded in 996 AD. Drive past Dhankar Monastery hanging on a cliff above the river, reaching Kaza by afternoon. Overnight in Kaza.

5. Day 5

   Key Monastery, Kibber and Chicham Bridge

   Visit the hilltop Key Monastery and share butter tea with the monks. Continue to Kibber village and Chicham, one of Asia's highest suspension bridges. Overnight in Kaza.

6. Day 6

   Langza, Hikkim and Komic villages

   Fossil hunting below the giant Buddha at Langza, a postcard sent from Hikkim's high-altitude post office, and the old monastery at Komic. Homestay dinner in Kaza.

7. Day 7

   Kaza back to Kalpa

   Retrace the Spiti road down to Kinnaur, about 200 km and 9 hours, with tea stops at Sumdo and Pooh. Bonfire evening if the weather allows. Overnight in Kalpa.

8. Day 8

   Kalpa to Shimla, departure

   Early breakfast and the drive back to Shimla, arriving by evening. Drop at Shimla, or late-night drop in Chandigarh on request. Trip ends.

Timings and stays can be adjusted to your dates on enquiry.