Spiti literally means “middle land”, so called because it is surrounded by mountain ranges on all sides. Located in the “Trans-Himalayan” region of main range of Himalayas, it also lies between major former empires of Bushair, Kullu, Ladakh and Tibet.
People
Spiti is pre-dominantly a Buddhist region populated with people of Tibetan stock. The valley is one of the least populated regions of the country with average population density of 2.3 people per square kilometres. The Gompas are sights to behold by virtue of their locations. Their position in the society is unique and are major guiding forces of people’s daily life. Ki and and Tabo monasteries are one of the oldest monasteries in the world.
Rudyard Kipling in Kim called Spiti "a world within a world" and a "place where the gods live" - a description that holds true even today, except the presence of Internet Cafe, German Bakery and Bank ATMs
Terrain
Spiti is a land of contrasts. With negligible annual rainfall but heavy snow, the patch of green fields in the middle of this barren landscape are a feast to the dreary eyes of a traveller. Apart from mountains and valleys, Spiti has a unique storehouse of shales and an unmatched geological collection of fossils. Some of the rock faces are veritable storehouses of geological history of the Himalayas. In some valleys, the effects of tectonic thrust, which created Himalayas, can be seen and studied.
Weather
The Spiti valley experiences severe winter from November to May with Arctic like wind conditions and heavy snowfall. The treacherous weather permits visitors to tour only between the months of June to October, when the roads and villages are free of snow and the high passes (Rothang La and Kunzum La) are open. Rest of the time, it remains cut-off from mainland.
Flora and Fauna
The valley is blessed with the good population of snow leopards, ibex, Himalayan Brown Bear, Musk Deer, Himalayan Blue Sheep etc. which serves as the boon for the wildlife lovers. There are two important protected areas in the region that are a home to snow leopard and its prey including the Pin Valley National Park and Kibber Wildlife Sanctuary. Due to ardent religious beliefs, people of Spiti do not hunt these wild animals. Apart from the exotic wildlife, the Valley of Spiti is also known for its amazing wealth of flora and the profusion of wild flowers. Then there are more than 62 species of medicinal plants found here.
Day 1: Arrive at Bhuntar Airport (50km, 1 Hour)
Landing at this airport is an experience on its own. We'll be waiting for you at the Arrival Gate. Transfer to Manali in cab or bus. Enjoy a quick breakfast and settle in the hotel.After a hectic schedule of past few days, you might like to rest a while. In the afternoon, join us for a Test Ride of the town and get used to your machine.
Meals: B/D
Day 2: Manali to Gushaini (100km, 4-5 Hours)
Ride along the left bank of river Beas. Gushaini is a small village situated along Thirthan river in Banjar. It is the entry point to Great Himalayan National Park (GHNP), famous for its rich Himalayan bio-diversity. Thirthan valley is popular for trout fishing. Stay at comfortable guest house with homely atmosphere.
Meals: B/L/D
Day 3: Gushaini to Sarahan Via Jalori Pass (150km, 6-7 Hours)
Leave the valley Tirthan valley and ride along the GHNP. Enjoy the steep climb up towards Jalori Pass (3,120m) through picturesque Deodar jungles. This is a challenging part of the day’s journey. Road conditions become bad to worse towards the top and some nasty curves are tricky to negotiate. Advised to go slow in First gear. Reach beautiful town of Sarahan, famous for Bhimakali Temple, by evening. Enjoy the great view of Mount Srikhand peak.
Meals: B/L/D
Day 4: Sarahan to Kalpa (100km, 4-5 Hours)
Today, you are riding on famous Hindustan Tibet Highway along River Sutlej. This is a tarmac road with easy driving conditions. But the deep gorges and sharp turns might unnerve first timers. Kalpa is the head-quarter of Kinnaur district, the Valley of Gods, producers of delicious Kinnaur Apples.
Meals: B/L/D
Day 5: Kalpa to Nako (100km, 5-6 Hours)
After an early breakfast, we continue riding upwards along the narrow valley of Sutlej river, in awe of Himalayan shadows and with newfound respect for the Border Roads Organisation (BRO). Halt for permit checks at Akpa and Sumdo. Reach the picturesque village of Nako by early evening and enjoy the sunset.
Meals: B/L/D
Day 6: Nako to Pin Valley (120km, 6-7 Hours)
After some gruelling stretches of off-roading, water crossings , you enter the barren land of Spiti Valley. The landscape changes from lush green to rocky to absolute barren. Stop at Dankhar and Tabo Monastery on the way. Tabo monastery (3,050m) is famous for its vast collection of priceless frescos & stucco paintings. It known as “Ajanta of Himalayas” and UNESCO World Heritage site. Dankhar (3,800m) is one of the oldest monasteries of the world. It was the capital of Spiti valley until the necessities of modern-life forced it to shift to Kaza. The monastery is built on a high spur overlooking confluence of Spiti and Pin Rivers. Pin Valley is a National Park ranging in the altitude of 3,500m to 6,000m and a natural habitat of various endangered anilams like Snow Leopard and Siberian Ibex. You might spot few Himalayan Snowcock and Snowfinch during summer months.
Meals: B/L/D
Day 7: Pin Valley to Kaza (45km, 3 Hours)
Kaza (3,650m) is the head-quarter of Spiti sub-division. It is a small town with few modern amenities in this region. You can find Internet Cafe and Bank ATMs here.
Meals: B/L/D
Day 8: Kaza-Kibber-Komik-Kaza (45km, 4 Hours)
Today’s highlight is to ride to the village of Kibber (4,328m) and Komic (4,520m), one the highest year round populated villages in the world. The village of Hikkim (4,400m) is the highest Post Office in the world (Pin Code 172114). It’s a good idea to mail a postcard from this post-office as souvenir of your journey. Finally, A visit to the Ki Gompa (Kee, Key), the largest monastery in Spiti, is also due.
Meals: B/L/D
Day 9: Kaza to Moonlake Chandertaal (100km, 5-6 Hours)
Leave early. After a quick pit-stop at Losar village for checking of Permits, continue to ascent towards Kunzam La. Kunzam La (4,587m), is the highest point on the journey. The Kunzam offers magnificent view of Chander-Bhaga Range (CB-Ranges) of mountains. Numerous water-crossings on thy down will test your riding skills to the fullest. After crossing Batal, feast on the amazing sight of Bara-Sigri Glacier, the second longest glacier in Himalayas after Gangotri. Reach the Moon Lake Chandertaal by evening.
Meals: B/L/D
Day 10: Chandertaal to Manali (120km, 6-7 Hours)
Leave the Moonlake behind and ride along Chandra river till Chhatru and start the climb of Rohtang Pass (3,979m). You'll notice the heavy density of tourists, increase in traffic and greenery all around you. Reach Manali town by evening. The ride ends here.
Meals: B/L/D
Day 11: Manali Rest Day
You have earned a well deserved rest. Enjoy the relatively warm weather and touristy glamour of Manali town. A former Hippie town famous for cheap marijuana, has become a must visit station for Indian honeymooners. If you wish to relive the aura of 60s and 70s, visit streets of "old Manali", which still retains some of the old charm. Manali offers plenty of eating options to satisfy all palate.
Meals: B/D
Day 12: Onwards Journey
Leave for onward journey as per your liking.
Meals: B
Inclusions
Accommodation on Double/Twin Sharing Basis. Single room supplement extra
Meals – Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner (as per itinerary)
Tea/Coffee, Snacks on all riding days
Bottled Drinking water (2 bottles per person per day of 750 ml each)
Bikes rental – Royal Enfield 500cc
Tour Leader, Tour Guides and Local Guides
Breakdown Assistance Vehicle with Spare parts
Mechanic(s)
Fuel, Oils and General Maintenance
Transfer from Airport to Hotel on arrival
All travel Permits and entrance Fees for public attractions
Prices inclusive of all taxes
Exclusions
All Flights
Travel/Medical Insurance
Alcoholic Beverages
Room Service, Laundry Services
Medicines and Toiletries
Emergency Evacuation
Tips and Gratuities
Riding Gear
Anything NOT mentioned in Inclusions
