Rimo Expeditions, India

Lahaul, Spiti and Kinnaur

The dry and arid Lahaul valley has its borders with Zanskar and Ladakh hardly receives any rainfall. Spiti which means "Middle Country" lies between Tibet, Ladakh, Kinnaur, Lahaul and Kulu and share the same dry terrain. The rugged and rocky mountain slopes sweeping down to the riverside give this landscape a moonlike appearance. Steep rocky mountains rise to several thousands of feet and are cut through by fast moving rivers. These two valleys and Kinnaur which lies to the south of Spiti.The simple inhabitants of this mountain region follow mainly Buddhism in great faith as can be seen from the ancient monasteries that these regions have. Due to its inaccessibility all year round, and tourism being fairly new, these regions remain unspoiled and most of these beautiful valleys still remain unexplored.

Lahaul, Kinnaur and Spiti Jeep Safari

The Lahaul, Spiti and Kinnaur region is a land of legends and mythology. Due to its proximity to Tibet, the lifestyle and religion of the inhabitants have been influenced by Buddhism. Almost every village has a gompa or temple. There are imposing monasteries at Moorang, Kyi, Tabo, Lalung; each one containing their own beautiful sculptures and wood carvings. The old Hindustan - tobet road, which was the main trade route to and from Tibet passes through the Kinnaur valley.

Because it receives very little rainfall, most of the land consists of rugged barren mountains. Nature here is awe-inspiring with villages and lakes situated against the backdrop of snow capped peaks.

This tour gives you an insight into the peaceful lives of these people still untouched by changes and you get a chance to visit some of the oldest and best Buddhist monasteries.

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Delhi. Transfer to hotel.
Day 2: Transfer to domestic airport for flight to Shimla.
Day 3: Free day in Shimla.
Day 4 to 13: Drive through Lahaul, Spiti to Manali.
Day 14: Free day in Manali.
Day 15: Fly to Delhi from Kulu. Evening transfer to airport for International flight.

Grade: Travelling over rugged terrain.

Into Spiti via the Pin Parvati Valley

This region was opened to tourists only in 1992. We fly into Kulu, a lush green valley with plenty of apple orchards. Beginning our trip here, we drive to the roadhead at Manikaran (45 mins), a religious place for the Hindus. Going through villages and rich forests of deodar, oak, and rhododendrons we camp by streams and in beautiful meadows. The trail quickly leaves the tree line as we walk on more rough terrain across rocks and scree, the scenery changing drastically as you go on to glacial area cross the snowy Pin Parvati pass (4802m) with spectacular views of the Pin Valley and mountains on both sides of the pass. Across the pass the landscape again changes as we approach the dry and arid Spiti valley. We are now in a Buddhist region and here you will be able to visit some of the oldest monasteries like Kyi Gompa. The trek ends in Gulling Gompa from where we visit Tabo monastery, Kaza and Kibbar villages and drive across the Kunzumla pass (4551m) to Manali and fly to Delhi from Kulu.

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Delhi. Transfer to hotel.
Day 2: Transfer to domestic airport for flight to Kulu. O/N hotel in Kulu.
Day 3: Drive to Manikaran and begin trekking to PULGA (2791m).
Day 4 to 13: On trek ending at Gulling Gompa.
Day 14: Visit Tabo monastery.
Day 15: Kaza
Day 16: Excursion day.
Day 17 & 18: Drive across Kunzumla to Manali. O/N hotel.
Day 19: Drive to Kulu (45mins) and fly to Delhi. Evening transfer to airport for late night flight

Grade: Moderate to Strenuous. Driving across high passes and rough terrain.
Maximum altitude on trek: 4802m.