Incredible Himachal Tour

If a landscape had the powers of casting spells, then the Sangla valley would be a magician extraordinaire.

Sangla Valley, also known as the Baspa Valley, is located in the greater Himalayan Range. It extends from Karchham to Chitkul and beyond, with Chitkul being the last village on the Indo-Tibetan border. The Baspa River flows through the valley, with glacial streams rich in trout. Surrounded by lush, forested slopes of cedar and pine, the valley abounds in orchards of apple, apricot and walnut.

The word ‘Sangla’ in Kinnauri language means a ‘Pass of Light’. Sangla travel guides are full of references to the mesmerizing sceneries and picturesque spots.

About Kinner Camps

Kinner Camps, Sangla (2800 m) is a camp nestled in Sangla valley of the Kinnaur Himalayas. Home to one of the oldest tribal societies. Kinnaur, presents an enchanting experience through its uninhibited adherence to traditional lifestyle, custom, and costumes. Sangla Valley is surrounded by lust green slopes & offers stunning view of the high Himalayan snow-capped mountains.

Kinner camps is a 25 Swiss Style Luxury Tented accommodation & the first camp in the valley to be run by local professionals. It sits comfortably amidst apple orchards. Kinner camps is a five minutes’ walk from the stunning Baspa River which flows through Sangla Valley & eventually meets the mighty Satluj at Karcham.

The camp opens for the season from 15th April to 15th November with 25 Swiss luxury tents furnished with attached bath & all amenities, multi cuisine restaurant serving Indian, Chinese and continental food and a multitude of other activities like Rock climbing, rappelling, nature trails, bird watching, river crossing and many more! We also customize tours as per your requirements.

17N/18D Incredible Himachal Tour by Kinner Camps Sangla

DAY 1:    CHANDIGARH TO NARKANDA (179kms,5hrs)

Arrive at Chandigarh & drive to Narkanda, a drive of around 5 hours. Overnight at hotel. Narkanda is a hill station located just 1.5kms from the famous Hatu peak. (3,400 M)

DAY 2:    NARKANDA TO SANGLA (160kms, 5hrs) 

After B/F, drive to Sangla. Check in at Kinner Camps Sangla. Explore the surroundings around the camp. Enjoy soup around a campfire followed by dinner. Overnight at Kinner Camps Sangla

DAY 3:    DRIVE TO CHITKUL

After breakfast, 9.30 drive to Chitkul, (23km) the last Indian village on the Tibet border & walk/drive to Nagasti, the last civilian point ,2.5km. Come back to camp for lunch. Post lunch, go for a leisurely visit to Sangla village and market. The Bering Nag Temple is dedicated to the snake of Lord Shiva. Overnight at Kinner Camps Sangla.

DAY 4:   SANGLA

Post breakfast drive to Rakchham village and trek to the campsite through the beautiful jungle trails (3 to 4 hours). This jungle trek is parallel to the Baspa River and this magnificent river is almost your constant companion through the trek. One can experience the less explored part of the valley while walking through the woods. The forest is dense with Pine and Betula utilis (locally known as Bhojpatra), which is a birch tree native to the Himalayas. On the way visit Batseri village, with its modern wooden houses and the beautiful wood carvings of lord Badrinarayans temple. En route enjoy a packed lunch along the way by the river at a spot where you can view the magnificent Kinner Kailash Mountain which is said to be the winter home of the Hindu God, Lord Shiva. Overnight at Kinner Camps.

DAY 5:    SANGLA KANDA OFF ROADING/HURBA – TROUT FARM VISIT

Sip your morning tea with breath-taking views. If you are a bird enthusiast you can try to spot the many birds around the campsite like Himalayan whistling thrush, sun birds, oriels, flower peckers etc.  You can choose to meditate in this ideal setting or can simply get ready for a quick morning trek or off-roading to Sangla Kanda.

Sangla Kanda excursion is done with a 4×4 Vehicle at an additional cost. The drive takes about an hour, to reach atop the meadow. Here, you can enjoy the spectacular views of the entire valley & the majestic Kinner Kailash Peak. Since Kanda is the route that the shepherds take to Uttaranchal, you may come across heard of sheep spread across the lush green meadow. You are sure to spot majestic Yaks in these meadows.

You can walk with the shepherds, sit by the lake, meditate or simply enjoy the packed lunch alongside the beautiful view. Post excursion, return to the camp. Evening is free for leisure & relaxation. Dinner & Overnight at the Camp.

OR

Optionally, choose to visit the Trout fish farm. This leisurely walk is via Hurba. Hurba is famous for its spring water sources. It is also the natural breeding ground for trout. Interestingly, this species was brought from Norway and introduced by Britishers in the Baspa River. The Trout fish does not allow other species to breed as a result they are only species of fresh water fish found in the valley. Owning to this uniqueness Baspa River is also known as the ‘Angler’s Paradise’. The Trout Farm of Sangla is set up by the Himachal Pradesh fisheries department, to protect and raise the Trout fishes. This is a popular tourist attraction in the Sangla region and is visited by a lot of tourists every year. The Trout Farm fosters various types of prized trout. Enroute also visit, Rukti II Power House which is a small unit of hydro-electric power station, supplying electricity to Sangla village. Return to the campsite for dinner and stay.

DAY 6:    SANGLA – KALPA (49 kms, 3 hrs.)   

After B/F, check-out from Kinner Camps, en route visit the Kamroo Fort & drive to Kalpa, via Recong Peo, the District Headquarter of Kinnaur. Kalpa was once a favourite haunt of Lord Dalhousie. Arrive at Kalpa & Check-in to your Hotel. Kalpa was known as Chini back in the days when it was the Regional Capital. It is said that as & when Lord Dalhousie wanted to take a break from his hectic schedule in Shimla, he would come here on Horseback. Each & every corner of Kalpa faces Jorkanden & the Kinner Kailash Peak which is considered as one of the mythical homes of Lord Shiva & by its side is a 79-foot rock formation that resembles a Shivlinga that changes colour as the day passes & is visible to the naked eye on a clear day. Post Lunch rest in the Hotel & in the evening visit a Buddhist Gompa. Dinner & O/N stay.

DAY 7:    KALPA TO CHARANG via THANGI (67 kms, 3 hours)

Post Check out from Kalpa, drive to Charang. Charang and Kunnu are last to Indian villages on the Indo-Tibetan Border. After checking in at the homestay, start exploring the semi desert region of Charang with a visit to the Charang monastery. Legend has it, ‘Tibetan warriors’ or ‘Gorkha warriors’ had invaded Charang monastery. However, with the strong supernatural vibes that place possesses, they had to drop their armoury and escape. The monastery still holds the evidence of the same. The monastery is also unique as it dwells only female monks. Charang is also the base for the Kinnaur-Kailash Parikrama. Post visit, return for dinner & O/N at the homestay.

DAY 8:    CHARANG TO NAKO (94 kms, 5hrs)

After B/F, Check-out, drive to Nako. Nako is slated to be declared a heritage village and is built around a small lake. It has an important Buddhist Gompa which is 1000 yrs. old & a small Temple. A footprint like impression on a rock is ascribed to the saint Guru Padmasambhava. Overnight at Kinner Camp Nako.

DAY 9:    NAKO- PIN VALLEY via TABO (133kms, 5hrs)

We drive further to explore the other side of Spiti in the Pin Valley area. Pin Valley is popularly known as a photographer’s paradise for the vibrant landscapes and beauty it beholds. One can relax in the middle of these majestic mountains.

En route drive to the Giu mummy lama temple. These were the remains of a 15th-century Buddhist monk named ‘Sangha Tenzin’. He was discovered in 1975 when the stupa that was housing him collapsed during an earthquake. Since then, the body has shown little deterioration, despite being exposed to the elements and having no artificial preservation. It was discovered by chance by the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) during a road work.

Next, visit the ancient village of Tabo which is situated on the left bank of the river Spiti. It is the seat of one of the most famous Buddhist Monasteries regarded next to the Tholong Gompa in Tibet. It is also known as ‘Ajanta of Himalayas’. It was constructed in 996 A.D; – not just in Spiti but in the whole of the Tibetan Buddhist world is called Chogs – Khor [‘Doctrinal Circle’ or ‘Doctrinal Enclave’]. It is a complex that holds 9 Temples, 23 Chortens, a Monk’s Chamber & an extension that houses the Nun’s Chamber.

On the sheer cliff-face above the enclave are a series of Caves, used as dwellings by the Monks & includes an Assembly Hall. The monastery contains large number of Scriptures & Pieces of Art, Wall Painting & Stucco. There is also a modern Gompa & Painting School founded by the Dalai Lama.

End the day by checking in at the Homestay in Mudh. Dinner & Overnight at Homestay.

DAY 10:    PIN VALLEY – KAZA (22kms, 2hrs)

After breakfast, check out and visit Mud Village, which is a very small village nested in the Pin valley of Spiti. One can interact and take a walk around the village in order to understand and explore the culture of this region. Later, a visit to Kungri Monastery & Sangnak Gompa.

Stop at Dhankar Gompa, the traditional Capital of Spiti, which sits pretty on a hilltop. The hill-top Fort that overlooks the Spiti Valley also used to serve as a jail in old days. Today, more than 160 Lamas reside here. A Statue of Dhyan Buddha where four complete figures of Buddha sit back to back is the main attraction of this more than 7^TH Century old Monastery. Continue drive to Kaza – the Capital of Spiti Valley

Welcome to Spiti Valley. This land renders visitors speechless with the harsh raw beauty of its landscape. Rudyard Kipling describes Spiti in “Kim” in these words: “At last they entered a world within a world – a valley of leagues where the high hills were fashioned of the mere rubble & refuse from off the knees of the mountains…surely the Gods live here.”

Arrive at Kaza & check-in to your Hotel. Dinner & O/N stay.

DAY 11:    KAZA

After an early breakfast by 7 a.m., leave for an excursion to the Ki Monastery (approx. 15 km). Situated at the foot of steep ridges & on the left bank of the river Spiti is the Ki Monastery, which is the Biggest Gelupa Sect Monastery in Spiti. Its hilltop position points to a post 13th century construction. The three storied structure consists largely of storage rooms at the bottom level, while the middle floor houses the Dukhang (the Assembly Hall), & the uppermost floor has another temple & the head Lama’s quarters on one side of an open terrace. The greatest wealth of Ki Gompa lies in its collection of ‘Thangkas’. Hundreds of Lamas receive their religious training in this monastery, & it is famous for its ancient murals & books.

From here, a scenic drive takes you into the pasture country of Kibber. From Kibber, the pastures are spread over hundreds of square kilometres. Next, proceed to visit Hikkim, Komic & Langza. Komik is Highest motorable village in Asia at 15,027 feet, 18Kms from Kaza. The village is about 500yrs old. Next, brace yourself to send a postcard to your friends & family from the highest post office in the world at Hikkim 14,400 feet. Last but not the least, Langaz is yet another beautiful village nestled in the picturesque landscape of Spiti. The village is dominated by the majestic Buddha statue right in the lap of the Himalayas.

Post excursion, return for dinner and overnight at Kaza.

DAY 12:    KAZA – LOSAR (57 kms, 4hrs)

After an early breakfast, check-out from Kaza and drive to Losar. Situated at an elevation of approximate 4,000 m. Check in at the homestay with a stunning view of the desert mountain landscape. Dinner and Overnight at the Homestay.

DAY 13:    LOSAR – CHANDRATAAL (32 kms, 3hrs)

Check out from Losar and drive to Chandrataal. via the Kunzumla Pass which, at 4590 mts., is the highest pass on the Spiti Lahaul Road. Further towards Chandrataal, motorable road ends a couple of kms before the lake. After checking in to the camps.  A short trek takes you to Lake Chandrataal. Spend some time at Chandrataal. Dinner & Overnight at Chandrataal.

DAY 14:    CHANDRATAAL – KEYLONG (107 kms, 5hrs)

Post Breakfat at 7.00 am. Leave for Keylong. Most of the Government offices are located at Keylong. This is also the hub-centre of all commercial activity, with a regular bazaar. The landscape is barren all around while the valley floor is lush green with fields of barley, potato & hops, fringed with trees of willow & poplar. Since the altitude is low, apples, walnuts, apricots, etc. are grown in this area. Because of its panoramic setting Lieut. Col., the Hon’ble C. G. Bruce, M. V.O. likened Keylong to a barbaric jewel – a roughly cut emerald in a bronze & silver setting. “It is an Oasis of green fields & willow planted water courses surrounded by brown hills & snowy heights”. En-route, stop at the tiny hamlet of Chattru for refreshment. Arrive at Keylong & check-in to your hotel. Dinner & overnight stay at Keylong.

DAY 15:    KEYLONG

Today, set out to explore Darcha Village in the Lahaul Valley. Darcha is a village on the Bhaga River in Lahaul region in Lahaul. It is the northernmost permanent settlement in Himachal Pradesh along the Manali-Leh Highway. On interacting with the locals here, one can understand the hardships of a life at such high altitudes surrounded by barren mountains.  The village is the end-point of a popular trek beginning in Padum, Zanskar, which, now, is also a motorable road. Dinner and overnight at the Hotel.

DAY 16:    KEYLONG – ROHTHANG PASS – MANALI (115 kms, 6hrs)

After breakfast; check-out from the Hotel & drive to Manali via Rohtang Pass which is 3979 M. highest pass on Spiti Lahaul Road. Check in and O/N Hotel in Manali.

DAY 17:    MANALI – CHANDIGARH (312 kms, 11 hrs)

After B/F, Checkout from the Hotel & departs for Chandigarh. Lunch en-route. Arrive at Chandigarh. Dinner and O/N at the Hotel.

DAY 18:    CHANDIGARH DEPARTURE

Next day, check out and drive to airport to board the flight back home with unforgettable memories and Kinner Camps Hospitality.

— End of Tour —

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