ACTIVITY PHOTOS

DESCRIPTION

                Spring is here ALREADY in the upper Himalayas, and there’s no better time to explore the wonderland of Himachal. On this incredible 7N/8D trip to Spiti, get ready to ride on the world’s most treacherous roads, the Shimla to Kaza highway, live in traditional partnered homestays, visit the world’s highest post office in Hikkim, explore the world’s highest inhabited village, Komic, and chill at the last hostel of the country on the Indo-Tibetan border, Zostel Chitkul all in a SINGLE trip. So, set aside 8 days and get set to board the party bus as it takes you through one of the most outlandish places in India, the Spiti Valley. We are taking 12 participants in each batch.


NOTE: Post booking confirmation, we will reach out to all booked participants via email 21 days prior to the commencement date of the trip with further information. A WhatsApp group will be made for all participants to connect and plan their travel together to the origin and destination points.
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ITINERARY

Day 1- 18 Mar, Sat: Shimla to Chitkul via Kufri & Sangla
  • Gather up at the ISBT Tutikandi bus stand in Shimla by 7 AM. Later, we leave for Rampur with
breaks for snacks, lunch, and sightseeing at Kufri, Tranda mandir, and Sangla.

  • Reach Chitkul and check-in at Zostel Chitkul, followed by a hearty dinner. Stay the night amidst
a thoroughly dreamy Himalayan landscape brushed by the winter, marking quite a fantastic
start to the trip.

  • Chitkul at a glance: The last motorable hamlet on the Indo-Tibetan border, Chitkul is perched in
a dreamlike setting of perennial snow. Charming wooden houses & the Baspa river surrounded
by the Kinnauri Himalayas rule its landscape, bringing incredible valley views your way.
Day 2- 19 Mar, Sun: Explore Chikul
  • Start with a wholesome breakfast at Zostel Chitkul and step out to explore the town on
your own with its temples and gompas.

  • You have the entire day free to relax, chatter or explore Chitkul with fellow travellers.
Day 3- 20 Mar, Mon: Chitkul to Tabo via Spillo
  • Begin your day with a hearty breakfast overlooking the snow-clad Himalayas.

  • Leave to explore the nearby hotspots and then for Tabo, stopping on the way for lunch at
Spillo.

  • Check in at Zostel Home Tabo, a quaint Himachali homestay overlooking the rugged
Spitian mountains.

  • End your day with dinner, games, and chitter-chatter with your newfound travel gang.

  • Tabo at a glance: Home to the world’s second-oldest monastery, ancient caves, and frozen
lakes and rivers, Tabo is old, charming, and unparalleled in scenic beauty.
Day 4- 21 Mar, Tue: Tabo to Kaza via Dhankar, navigating surreal landscapes
  • After having a filling breakfast, visit the Tabo Monastery and leave for Dhankar.

  • Explore the stunningly located Dhankar Gompa and then stop once more for lunch
before you reach Kaza.

  • Check-in at a partnered Homestay in Kaza, which will spare you plenty of time to visit the
colourful market & explore the town before heading back to the property for a hearty
dinner.

  • Kaza at a glance: The heart of the surreal Spiti Valley, Kaza is rough snow-clad mountains,
sparkling blue streams, and colourful little settlements. Perched at an elevation of 3800 m, it is
the gateway to the prolific wonders of the valley.
Day 5- 22 Mar, Wed: Kaza to Hikkim, Komic, Langza
  • Begin your day with a local spread of homemade breakfast.

  • Today, you’ll step out to explore three enthralling villages of the Spiti Circuit, Hikkim,
Komic, and Langza, with a stop for lunch in Hikkim.

  • Come back after an exciting day out just in time for a pleasant dinner. Make sure to gaze
at the starry skies before you fall asleep, a must-do when in the valley of prolific natural
wonders.

  • Your day at a glance: Hikkim is known for its iconic post office, the highest in the world, while
Komic is home to the ancient Tangyud Monastery, covered in historical tales of monks. Langza,
on the other hand, harbours the 1000-year-old statue of Lord Buddha that stuns travellers.
Throughout the stretch, the views are incredible, with hairpin bends, 1000 ft road drops, and
terrific views of prominent Himalayan peaks.
Day 6- 23 Mar, Thurs: Key Monastery & Chicham Bridge
  • Have a wholesome breakfast and enjoy yet another day out exploring the villages of
Spiti Valley.

  • Today, you will cover the two iconic landmarks of Spiti Valley- Key Monastery & Chicham
Bridge with breaks for snacks. The key gompa offers a lovely view of the rugged
mountains and the river beside you while walking through its curious history and culture.

  • Return to the partnered homestay for a filling dinner and a sweet night’s sleep.
Day 7- 24 Mar, Fri: Kaza to Kalpa via Nako
  • After breakfast we leave from Kaza to Kalpa. On the way, we cover Nako, a tiny
settlement with a Gompa, an emerald-coloured sacred lake, and mandatory valley views.

  • Post lunch, we continue our ride to Kalpa. Unwind and dine with a view of the fort, and
then indulge in a pleasant storytelling session before you call it a night.
Day 8- 25 Mar, Sat: Kalpa to Shimla via Rampur
  • The adventure approaches a sweet end today. After the final group breakfast, leave from Kalpa to Shimla, with a break in Rampur for lunch. Bid goodbye to the extraordinary landscape as it gradually changes from a parched brown to a lively green. Reach Shimla and part ways, promising yourself more epic journeys in the future.

INCLUSIONS

  • What to Carry: Packing light is always a good idea! However, you’re venturing into one of the coldest regions of India, so we recommend that you prepare for this trip well in advance and pack as accurately as possible. A few essentials we always suggest you carry are: ● A good pair of hiking shoes. ● Caps/hats and a pair of sunglasses, towel, water bottle, and thermos flask. ● A rain cover and a raincoat/poncho, adequate woolens, and a windcheater jacket. ● Thermal wear that supports 0 to -10 degree temperatures- 2 pairs of socks and gloves, fleece, thermal pants, and t-shirts. ● Finally, a torchlight, an umbrella, sunscreen or moisturizer, personal meds, and toiletries.
  • Inclusions: A total of 15 meals (8 breakfasts and 7 dinners); everyday commute by a 12-seater traveler; accommodation for 7 nights with Zostel and trusted partners; all inner line permits for the trip; driver night charges, toll tax, parking charges; an oxygen cylinder in case of emergency; travel insurance for all participants. * Kindly note, considering the remoteness of the place, the supply of breakfast and dinner might have limited varieties

POLICIES

  • Exclusions: GST (5%); transport to and from Shimla; any kind of food items or beverages that are not included in the package like alcoholic drinks, mineral water, refreshments/lunches on the highway; any personal expenses; any cost arising due to natural calamities; anything not mentioned in the inclusions.
  • Important accommodation disclaimer: Due to extreme conditions in remote areas, travelers may have to adjust to a limited hot water supply, water in buckets, Indian toilets, and dry toilets. The team shall always try their best to make the journey smooth and comfortable for all participants, however, we urge you to accommodate minor inconveniences that are difficult to manage or impossible to change, given the altitude, temperatures, and remoteness of the locations.
  • ● Accommodation will be on sharing basis as follows - 1. Dorm rooms at Zostel Chitkul 2. Double/Triple sharing basis in Private rooms or Dorm beds depending on availability at Zostel Homes Tabo. 3. Double/Triple/Quad sharing basis at a partnered Homestays in Kaza. 4. Double/Triple sharing basis in Private rooms at a partnered homestay/hotel in Kalpa. ● Room upgrade to "Private Rooms" is possible on arrival at the property subject to availability or can be booked directly from our website in advance. (Payable Separately)
  • Cancellation: Due to harsh weather conditions, homestays located in remote regions have to make preparations for your stay much in advance. The booking amount is 100% refundable if a cancellation is made 21 days prior to the commencement date. For cancellations made within 21 days from the date of trip commencement, no refund will be applicable.
  • Who should join this trip - ●We strongly recommend individuals of age 18-35 yrs. ●Heart patients are not allowed to participate in this expedition. ●The trip involves traveling in a 12-seater traveler for up to 6-8 hours. People with back problems or looking to travel by their own vehicle are not advised to book.
  • Zostel will not be responsible in case of delays or alterations in the program or indirect expenses such as natural hazards, accidents, machinery breakdown, weather conditions, landslides, political closure, or any unforeseen incidents. Furthermore, the itinerary is planned according to the weather forecasted much in advance of the commencement date and may involve necessary changes in the schedule in the interest of safety, comfort, and general well-being, which will be informed on the WhatsApp group. To gather more information on weather, we request you to please refer to https://weather.com/
  • Your travel insurance is covered under ASC360-Adventure Sports Cover 360, which provides comprehensive adventure safety assistance services. Participants are requested to reach out directly.
  • Travelers are requested to respect Nature, the culture of the region, and the sentimental values of the locals. They must refrain from acts of littering, intoxication in public areas, and disrespecting people, animals, or any places of worship at all times.
  • This trip begins and ends in Shimla. Travelers need to arrange their travels to and from Shimla on their own.
  • 100% pre-payment is required for the confirmation of the booking.
  • We strictly discourage drinking and smoking on trips due to health & safety concerns. Our trips involve physically demanding activities such as trekking and staying at high altitudes. Hence, we recommend being in the right shape to make the most of them. In case of a medical emergency during the trip, participants are requested to reach out directly to the travel insurance provider. Insurance details will be shared directly with the participants on their respective email IDs. As Zostel is only facilitating the insurance, Zostel will not be accountable for any correspondence for the claim or refund in case you cannot carry forward with the trip.
  • Feel free to reach out to us on whatsapp for any queries - +919289229823

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