Lahaul Valley Road Trip with Chandertaal

An experience that encompasses both the quiet and the wild side of Manali, Lahaul & Spiti and will transport you into the realm of pure and unadulterated thrill.

The district of Lahaul-Spiti in the Indian state of Himachal Pradesh consists of the two formerly separate districts of Lahaul and Spiti. The two valleys are quite different in character. Spiti is more barren and difficult to cross, with an average elevation of the valley floor of 4,270 m (14,009 ft). It is enclosed between lofty ranges, with the Spiti river rushing out of a gorge in the southeast to meet the Sutlej River. It is a typical mountain desert area with an average annual rainfall of only 170 mm (6.7 inches)

Kunzum la or the Kunzum Pass (altitude 4,551 m; 14,931 ft) is the entry pass to the Spiti Valley from Lahaul. It is 21 km from Chandra Tal. This district is connected to Manali through the Rohtang Pass. To the south, Spiti ends 24 km from Tabo, at the Sumdo where the road enters Kinnaur and joins with National Highway No. 22.

This road trip is where adventure takes on the whole new meaning and becomes synonymous with Himalaya. There is something for everyone in this lovely holiday experience apart from the best memories that all will take away.

Itinerary

Day 0: Arrive Manali and Check-in to the base camp (free of cost on request)

Day 1: Report in Manali and Drive to Miyar Valley (Via Rohtang Pass-Khoksar-Sissu-Gondhla-Keylong-Jispa-Trilokinath)

Report in Manali by 7AM. The way to enter Lahaul Spiti Valley from Manali is through Rohtang Pass. The headquarters of the district, Trilokinath is around 150 km from Manali but would at least take 8 hours to reach. We will set up camp in at an exotic location.

The Sri Trilokinath Ji Temple is in a village of same name 6 km south of the left bank of the Chaṅdrābhāgā or Chenab River, and about 9 km from the village of Udaipur, in the Lahul and Spiti District of Himachal Pradesh, India. It is sacred to both Tibetan Buddhists and Hindus. The glittering white-painted temple is situated on a cliff at the end of a village street. Its altitude is 2,760 metres (9,055 ft).

'Trilokinath' is one of the names of the Hindu god, Shiva, meaning the "Lord of the Three Worlds". but local tradition clearly states that it was originally a Buddhist vihara or monastery, although nothing remains of the original building

Stay in homestay/guesthouse.

Day 2: Explore Lahaul

Start early morning for an exciting ride back to Manali. Visit Guru Ghantal Monastery, regarded as the oldest monastery in Lahaul. The monastery enshrines an image of Goddess Vajreshwari Devi, a wooden image of the Buddha and a marble head of Avalokitesvara. There are a number of small monasteries, around Keylong in Lahaul which could be visited including Kardang monastery, Shashur monastery, Tayul, Gemur monastery, Jispa monastery, Tandi monastery, Shansha monastery and Jalma monastery.

You can also visit Keylong Museum, also known as the Museum of Tribal Art. The museum features archaeological findings, Thangka Paintings and objects of everyday use as they existed before the development of modern mechanised equipment in the district. Apart from this, it also houses manuscripts in Bhoti Scripts and Tankri documents. There is an auditorium within the museum premises for hosting cultural events. The museum is open to general public on all days, except Tuesday, from 10:00 AM to 05:00 PM.

Stay in Hotel/Swiss Camps.

Day 3: Jispa - Chandertal - Kibber

Next day morning, leave Keylong for Kaza (around 188 km away from Keylong) via Kunzum Pass. Kunzum pass connects Lahaul to Spiti valley and is known for its terrain, offering breathtaking views of the Himalayas. This pass is quite famous among adventure enthusiasts, who like to explore the rough terrain in chilly surroundings. Kunzum Pass remains open only from the months of June to October, the rest of the year it remains inaccessible due to heavy snowfall.

Around 6 km away from Kunzum Pass lies Chandra Tal, also known as moon lake, it is surrounded by snow-clad mountains. The beauty of the surroundings is reflected in the azure waters of this lake, a truly magnificent sight to behold.

Kibber village lies around 10 km south of Kaza, it is the highest permanently inhabited village in the region. Kibber acts as the base of many high altitude treks. You can visit Kibber Sanctuary, spread across an area of 1400 sq km, known for blue sheep and ibex. This sanctuary is the only one in the country to be situated in the cold desert area. The sanctuary offers panoramic views of the Shilla Peak.

Stay in guesthouse/homestay.

Day 4: Kibber - Ki - Kaza - Kunzum La - Rohtang Pass - Manali

After an early breakfast, head to Tabo monastery. Often referred to as the 'Ajanta of the Himalayas', this exquisite monastery is perched on a height of 3050 meters. This 10th-century monastery was founded by the great scholar, Richen Zangpo. Declared by UNESCO as the World Heritage Site, the monastery houses more than 6 lamas. Apart from this, it also features a rare collection of scriptures, pieces of art, wall paintings of both Thangkas and Stucco. At a distance of 45 km from the town of Kaza, it is surrounded by mud brick wall with 9 temples, 23 chortens, monk’s residence and a guest house. Other monasteries around Kaza are Dhankar monastery (24 km away) and Ki monastery (12 km away).

Reach Manali by Late Afternoon. Drop to the bus stand will be arranged. Participants are welcome to extend stay in Manali**