Spiti and the Sangla Valley
The Sangla Valley is a deeply carved cleft between burly mountain slopes, where evergreen forests rise to alpine meadows crowned by snowy summits. Village cores here feature temples built in traditional Kinnauri style of timber and stone with heavy slate roofs.Emerging from thick snow, the frozen glaciers, rivers, valleys, high mountains and lakes create a mesmerizing scene for the spirited explorer. Home to ancient monasteries perched at dizzying heights; this is a journey through barren deserts, dense forests and turbulent rivers. We also pay our respects in the peaceful hill town of Dharamsala, the Dalai Lama's home in exile.
- Visit the Dalai Lama's residence
- See the magnificent Key Monastery in Kaza
- Experience life in rural villages of Chitkul, Karchham & Batseri villages
- Ride on the 'Toy Train' to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Shimla
Itinerary
Day 01 - Arrive Delhi
On arrival in Delhi, you’ll be met by your Indus Bound Representative and transferred to your hotel, where you’ll be staying for a night. Spend the remainder of the day recovering from your journey, and perhaps a stroll around the local neighborhood later.
Day 02 - Fly to Dharamshala
Fly to Dharamshala, the current residence of His Holiness The Dalai Lama, in the foothills of the Himalaya. Spend the remainder of the day at leisure, or a stroll around the local street markets.
Day 03 - In Dharamshala
A morning sightseeing tour through the Tibetan Buddhist enclave of Mcleod Ganj with visits to the Namgyal Monastery, the Kalachakra Temple and the Bhagsunath temple. In the area you will notice the Tibetan population and vibrantly robed monks, making it feel like another country. In the afternoon, relax in one of the many inviting cafes or explore some of the smaller local monasteries.
Day 04 - Drive to Manali
Drive to Manali (06-07 Hrs), visiting Baijnath Temple at Palampur enroute. Set in a region of outstanding beauty, Manali is the historic starting point of the spectacular overland route to Leh. Surrounded by apple orchards, Manali is a vibrant mix of Pahari speaking Kullus, Lahaulis, Nepali labourers and Tibetan’s who left Tibet for India during the 1950s.
Day 05 - In Manali
Explore Manali and the areas surrounding the town. Start in the attractive old town of Manali then continue to the village of Dhungri with its carved buildings and rustic Hadimba Devi Temple and Vashisht home to a temple dedicated to Rama and communal hot sulphur springs. Further afield is the Solang Valley, the small town of Naggar and an art gallery showing works of the late Russian artist Nicholas Roerich.
Day 06 - Drive to Kaza
Drive to Kaza (04-05 Hrs), crossing the Rohtang La and Kunzum La mountain passes en route.
Day 07 - In Kaza
Day 08 - Drive to Tabo
Drive to Tabo (01-02 Hrs), visiting the Dhankar and Lalung monasteries en route. Explore the Tabo Monastery in the evening which is the oldest functioning Buddhist monastery in India.
Day 09 - Drive to Kalpa
Drive to Kalpa (04-05 Hrs), visiting the Nako village to see the monastery and Nako Lake enroute.
Day 10 - Drive to Sangla
A short drive gets us to Sangla (01-02 Hrs). Rest of the day at leisure in the beautiful valley with the Baspa River running through it.
Day 11 - In Sangla
Explore the Sangla valley, visiting Chitkul, Karchham and Batseri villages. As an option, a trek in the vicinity, around Chitkul, can be arranged.
Day 12 - Drive to Sarahan
A pleasant drive to Sarahan (02-03 Hrs) surrounded by apricot orchards. Visit a local temple dedicated to the mother goddess Bhimkali
Day 13 - Drive to Shimla
Leaving Sarahan, drive through picturesque countryside ending with a steep and spectacular climb through the Shivalik Hills to the hill station of Shimla (04-05 Hrs). On arrival, take some time to relax at your hotel. You might like to head out in the evening as the shops and restaurants stay open late.
Day 14 - In Shimla
The morning’s sightseeing tour of Shimla includes a visit to the Vice Regal Lodge, Mock Tudor Library and, Jakhu Temple as well as a walk down the busy Mall Road to see the Gaiety Theatre and Christ Church. This afternoon you have the opportunity to spend some time on the famous 'Toy Train' to Kandaghat & back.
Day 15 - Train to Delhi
Drive down to Kalka (02-03 Hrs), or alternatively, take a toy train. Onwards, continue journey with the express train back to Delhi.
Day 16 - Departure Transfer
At time transferred to Delhi Airport for your flight back home, or continue with your onward journey with us
Quick Enquiry
Starting from USD 1260 Per Person
Price is based on double occupancy, and is subject to change based on hotels & dates of travel. Price includes daily breakfast, sightseeing, monument entrance fees, private guides, domestic flights, Toy Train Tickets, transfers, chauffeur driven air-conditioned SUV car & All Taxes.
When to Travel?
Most people travel in summer June-September when there are hot, sunny days and the nights are pleasant. Also, the roads, trekking routes, hotels and restaurants are open, with high passes closing during the later winter months.
Hotel Ideas
These are some of the recommended hotels for your private tour. Let us know for more options you may need, we work with a wide range of hotels in India & Beyond.
The Imperial
New Delhi
OPULENT, HERITAGE
The Claridges
New Delhi
FIRST CLASS, HERITAGE
Colonels Retreat
New Delhi
BASIC, B&B
Chonor House
Dharamshala
MID RANGE, HERITAGE
The Wildflower Hall
Shimla
FIRST CLASS, HERITAGE
The Oberoi Cecil
Shimla
FIRST CLASS, HERITAGE
Why 'Private' Travel?
Full flexibility & Personalized service with your own experienced Private guide
A private Car & Driver at your disposal for your holiday. Set your own pace
Select from Hand-picked hotels; from Luxury Palaces to boutique homestays
Meet the locals & Discover the real 'authentic' experiences of a destination
Our Reviews
Our guests seem happy to tell us about their Indus Bound holidays and we are very happy to share their thoughts with you.
Dear Pankaj, you delivered what we missed in our last 6 trips to India, a true Indian experience!! An advise for all those hesitating working with you, 'If you are tired of cookie-cutter tours and looking for an authentic travel experience in India, you are at the right place'.
Ms Elaine & Mr Wayne Helson, UK
Tailor-made Central India & Gujarat
I wanted to take the time to thank you for all the hard work you put in to arrange a magical honeymoon for us. We had a ball. All the transfers worked like clockwork, the hotels were great and the route planning excellent. We really felt we were spoon-fed all the way through.
You guys were absolutely true to your word, the holiday experience we have been waiting for years. Big thanks for arranging our visit to Ruskin Bond's home, you are certainly more than a holiday provider.
Mr Neil & Mrs Susan Everington, UK
Tailor-made North India & Nepal
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