Walking Trails of Little Tibet

Home to some of the oldest monasteries and temples in the world, the Home stay Trail provides the key to those interested in a peek into Spitian life, culture and Buddhist heritage. Set on the highlands of this magnificent valley, the trail traverses along Spiti's (and some of the world's) highest settlements. Unique and ancient Buddhist monasteries and temples dating back to over a 1000 years and encased in legend and folklore adorn each village along this trail. The home stay accommodation along the trail further enriches the experience by giving one an authentic understanding of the life and culture in a Spitian home. Your hosts are the local people of Spiti, accommodating you in their homes to enhance your sojourn in Spiti. The traveler, as per their choice and convenience can also choose to traverse this trail on mountain bikes, astride horses or yaks. Local cultural dances can be organized in the villages.

Day 1: Delhi - Manali - 1 hr flight/2 hrs drive

Fly in to Bhuntar/ Chandigarh airport. Drive to Manali. Check into hotel on arrival. Rest of the day at leisure/sightseeing. Manali is a popular hill station of India thronged by many during summers to beat the heat of the plains.

Day 2: Manali - Kaza (3686M) - 8-9 hrs

Drive for 8-9 hrs over Kunzum La (over 4551 mtrs) and Rohtang La (3978 mtrs) to Kaza. The landscape changes startlingly over a matter of a few hours from lush green forest to meadows to barren moonscape as you move towards cold deserts of Spiti. Overnight stay in Banjara Retreat in Kaza.

Day 3: Kaza

After a leisurely breakfast, visit the Ki monastery and Kibber village. Also visit the Comic village; the highest village accessible by road in Asia should the time permit. Overnight stay in Kaza. Kaza is the capital of Spiti Valley. 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 and refuse from o the knees of the mountains... Surely the Gods live here.

Day 4: Kaza to Komik (4513M) - 3 hrs trek

This is a walk that will test your stamina and grit to trek in some of the most challenging conditions. The steep initial ascent provides a picturesque panoramic view of the Spiti valley with a spectacular aerial view of Kaza. As one approaches the top, the rugged rocky terrain transforms into Rolling Meadows and the stunning peaks of Chau-Chau Khang Nilda and Chau-Chau Khang Namo are a sight to lighten your load. A monastery that has a rather unique legend associated with its foundation adorns the quaint little village of Komic The sunsets from Komic are stunning.

Day 5: Komic to Demul (4357M) - 6 -7 hrs

The longest day on the trail, hence it is advisable to start early and take it slow. Packed lunch will be provided for, however remember to carry enough water. You might want to look around Demul, however if you are too tired you can leave it for the next day. It houses some unique spots close by, to reach which you might want to spend an extra day at the village.

Day 6: Demul to Lhalung (3758M)-4 -5 hrs

The route is primarily all downhill. Lunch is at a village called Saglung, housing all of 2 houses. This village apart from having such a small population is amazingly picturesque and for a minute it is hard to believe one is in a cold desert. Lhalung, which is not too far has plenty to o er as well. The oldest temple and possibly one of the oldest trees (dating back to over a 1000 years) in Spiti are found here.

Day 7: Lhalung to Dhankhar (3890M) - 4-5 hrs

This route winds itself along the road for a while before a gradual ascent up the mountain side brings one to one of most picturesque spots in Spiti. Dhankhar Lake has its own story to tell cradled in the lap of stark mountains re ecting heaven and earth in its crystal clear waters. Packed lunch can be had here and thereafter a steep descent brings one to the ancient capital of Spiti. Sketched along stone-mud pillars and cli s, it is hard to describe Dhankhar, as words are inadequate for this village, balanced precariously amidst geological relics.

Day 8: Dhankhar to Kaza - 1.5 hrs drive

One can spend the morning visiting the old & new monasteries, the remains of the Dhankhar Fort and a museum of cultural artifacts. Lunch may be had back in the home stay. A pick up to take you back to Kaza shall arrive shortly after lunch. Overnight stay at Banjara Retreat

Day 9: Kaza - Manali

Drive back to Manali from Kaza via Kunzum La and Rohtang La. Overnight stay in a hotel in Manali

Day 10: Manali - Delhi

Drive from Manali to Bhuntar airport to y back to Delhi.