Today we leave Shimla (7 – 9 am) and drive along the famous apple growing belt of the state till we meet the Satluj River Valley which originates in Tibet. We follow the Sutlej River for most of the journey till we start the ascent for Kalpa which is a quaint village offering breathtaking views of the Kinner Kailash range. 

Today we leave Kalpa and the beautiful view of the Kinner Kailash to head to Kaza. The journey today takes us from the lush Satluj Valley into the stark desert landscape of the Spiti valley. The drive is spectacular as we cruise along viewing this gradual transition. Enroute we will visit the serene Nako lake and then head towards Tabo. Tabo is famous for its over 1000-year-old monastery known as the Ajanta of the Himalaya. After a quick visit to the Monastery and the village of Tabo, we head to Kaza. 

Today we head to Dhankhar, the erstwhile capital of Spiti. A treasure of traditional architectural marvels, Dhankhar houses an ancient Monastery (declared as one of the 100 Most Endangered sites in the World) and remnants of the Dhankhar Fort, the former residence of the Royal family of Spiti. While in Dhankhar, we trek to the pristine Dhankar Lake. From here we head to Demul. Demul is a beautiful village set on the highlands of the Spiti Valley and a model of sustainable living. Demul is also well know for the best and purest Arak (local brew) in Spiti and its folk expressions*. Get a taste of both while in Demul. 

Today we will begin our trek into the breath taking vastness of the Trans-Himalayas. We climb above the beautiful village of Demul and into the expansive meadows and pastures of the village livestock and wild herbivores (such as the Blue Sheep & Ibex). We reach our first, charming campsite which, until recently, was used as a summer settlement by a few Demul families where they ran a small, home-scale dairy industry. The yaks would be milked and delicious butter and cheese made and sold to the entire Spiti Valley! 

We hike along sweeping high-altitude meadows following the spectacular snow-capped Pasham Range with grazing yaks and horses for company. This is also the hunting ground for the region’s two apex predators - Himalayan Wolf and Snow Leopard. While spotting them is difficult, chances of sighting the beautiful Blue Sheep and Red Fox are high, and if lucky pugmarks of the 2 predators!

we continue our trek along the beautiful Pasham range, till we reach Komic – the World’s Highest Village. After visiting the monastery we drive to Hikkim – the World’s Highest Post Office, an ideal opportunity to post a postcard back home. From here we head onto Langza village, Spiti’s picture-perfect village with the famous Buddha Statue and the spectacular Cho Cho Khang Nilda peak in the backdrop. Langza is famous for its Fossils and Mud Craft/Pottery. Learn the basics of Pottery* Today we continue our trek along the beautiful Pasham range, till we reach Komic – the World’s Highest Village. After visiting the monastery we drive to Hikkim – the World’s Highest Post Office, an ideal opportunity to post a postcard back home. From here we head onto Langza village, Spiti’s picture-perfect village with the famous Buddha Statue and the spectacular Cho Cho Khang Nilda peak in the backdrop. Langza is famous for its Fossils and Mud Craft/Pottery. Learn the basics of Pottery* and make your very own Spiti Souvenir! From here we head to Kaza. Spend the evening exploring Kaza’s shops and eateries. Do drop into the Ecosphere office at Sol Café. We would love to get your feedback and to share insights into Ecosphere’s initiatives in Spiti and how your trip makes a difference. Do also drop into Sol Café if your keen on unique Spiti souvenirs or the best coffees and cakes in town! Option of a session with the Amchi* today. Adventure lovers can also opt to Mountain Biking* back to Kaza from the highest village in the World! 

Today we start early and head to the iconic Kee Monastery perched beautifully on a conical hill – it is Spiti’s most photographed monastery. From here we head to Kibber and drive over the Chicham bridge – the highest bridge in Asia before heading to one of the most picturesque lakes in the region – Chandratal (Lake of the Moon Goddess). Enroute we cross the spectacular Kunzum Pass, visit the Buddhist shrine and spend the rest of day at Chandratal. 

Today we start our journey to Manali. We drive along the beautiful valley of the Chandra River and cross into the Kullu valley through the famous Atal Tunnel – the longest tunnel in the world.