Wild Spiti
WINTER SPECIAL
Spiti, Himachal pradesh
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9th-18th January 2026 / 10 Days
This meticulously crafted journey takes you deep into the heart of Spiti Valley, a high-altitude cold desert renowned for its stark beauty, ancient monasteries, and the elusive snow leopard. Combining awe-inspiring drives through diverse landscapes with dedicated wildlife spotting, this expedition offers an unparalleled opportunity to witness some of the Himalayas' most magnificent creatures and their stunning natural habitat.
At A Glance
ITINERARY
Day 01
Your adventure commences with a truly extensive drive from Chandigarh, leaving behind the bustling plains for the captivating embrace of the mountains. This long journey takes you towards the beautiful Kinnaur Valley, reaching Kalpa, a serene village famous for its apple orchards and breathtaking panoramic views of the majestic Kinner Kailash range. Settle into your accommodation after a substantial day on the road, soaking in the ambience and preparing for the grandeur of the Himalayas ahead.
Day 02
Awaken to the spectacular views of Kinner Kailash from Kalpa before embarking on a truly dramatic drive. Today, you'll transition from lush Kinnaur to the stark, arid beauty of Spiti Valley. After a pit-stop at Nako’s small, tranquil lake and ancient village continue to Gue monastery, home to the remarkably preserved 500-year-old mummy of a Buddhist lama, a unique and humbling experience. Afterwards, you'll reach Tabo, home to one of the oldest and most revered operational Buddhist monasteries in the Himalayas, often called the 'Ajanta of the Himalayas' for its priceless frescoes. Spend your evening enveloped in the spiritual aura of this historic site.
Day 03
After absorbing the morning tranquility of Tabo, you'll continue your drive deeper into the heart of Spiti Valley. The landscape here is mesmerising, a stark cold desert dotted with remote villages and ancient monastic sites. The journey offers ever-changing vistas of barren mountains and deep river gorges. We make a pit-stop at Ki Monastery, a sprawling complex perched dramatically atop a hill, offering unparalleled views of the valley and a profound sense of peace. You'll then visit Kibber, one of the highest motorable villages in the world, known for its traditional Spitian architecture. Finally, crossing the impressive Chicham Bridge, one of Asia's highest suspension bridges, you'll reach the remote village of Chicham. This high-altitude settlement will be your pivotal base for the highly anticipated snow leopard sighting.
Day 04
Today is dedicated to the thrilling and patient pursuit of the elusive snow leopard. From your base in Chicham, you'll venture out with experienced local trackers and guides, exploring the surrounding high-altitude terrain. This involves careful observation, scanning the rugged mountain flanks with binoculars and spotting scopes, and tracking subtle signs like pugmarks or scat. Keep a keen eye out for other magnificent Himalayan wildlife too, including the graceful Himalayan Ibex, agile Bharal (Blue Sheep), red foxes, and various birds of prey like golden eagles and Himalayan griffon vultures. In the evening, you'll return to your stay in Chicham, sharing stories of the day's sightings, successes, and the profound beauty of the high desert under a vast, star-strewn sky.
Day 05
After a morning of some more wildlife tracking (optional), bid farewell to the serene wilderness of Chicham and head to Mane village where you will get an introduction to the unique sport of ice climbing and understand its basics.
Day 06
The day is set aside for your ice climbing adventure. Be prepared for a physically demanding but incredibly rewarding activity as you climb frozen waterfalls with expert guidance.
Day 07
Head down to Kaza, the vibrant administrative and commercial hub of Spiti. Spend the day unwinding and exploring this little town. Walk around the Kaza market, trying local produce and learn about local initiatives.
Day 08
Go around to explore the highlights of the area, from the picture perfect villages of Langza and Komic, to the dramatic landscapes of Dhankar including its ancient monastery. We return to Kaza in the evening for a farewell dinner in Spiti to bid adieu to the valley.
Day 09
Drive back through the captivating landscapes of Spiti, taking one last look around. The journey will then take you out of Spiti and into the greener, more vibrant Sangla valley in Kinnaur. Sangla is renowned for its picturesque beauty, the roaring Baspa River, charming wooden houses, and distinct Kinnauri culture. This day will involve extensive driving, covering significant ground across diverse terrains.
Day 10
Breakfast and checkout. As you descend, you'll carry with you the indelible memories of Spiti's raw beauty, its ancient culture, the thrill of the snow leopard quest, and the unforgettable experiences of the high Himalayas.
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