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Himachal Pradesh Map

Destination Info 

Narkanda / Thanedar
Sarahan
Sangla Valley
Kalpa
Nako
Tabo
Kaza
Manali

Activity Sheets (PDF)

Thanedar

Sangla Valley

 

 

Adventure Itinerary- Thanedar - Sangla - Nako - Kaza (Shimla - Kinnaur - Spiti Valley)

Route - Thanedar (2 nights) - Sangla (3) - Nako (1) - Tabo (enoute) - Kaza (2 nights) - Manali (2 nights)


Highlight - This is a high Himalayan adventure driving itinerary that covers remote regions of Kinnaur, and Spiti valley. Recommended time is after 1st week of June - September for the full itinerary when Rohtang and Kunzumla Pass is open.

Expert Speak - Sangla is Indian equivalent of Grindelwald (Switzerland). Sangla to Nako drive is a high altitude Grand Canyon ride. Nako is a journey back in time. Spiti Valley is joined with Tibetan Plateau and those who have been to either Ladakh or Tibet, perhaps can relate to the high altitude desert like beauty. Compelling and must-do at least once in your life time. No luxury, no touristy things to do. Kids below 10 wont enjoy the grind as much, so allow them to grow up before you take the trip. 

Access - Delhi gets trains and flights all over the country and is an international airport. Chandigarh is a better access point for this itinerary. Bhuntar near Kullu (50 kms from Manali) now gets direct flights from Delhi.

Distances - 
Chandigarh - Narkanda (NH-22) - 180 kms - 5 hours - (Thanedar is few kilometers further inside)
Narkanda (NH-22) - Sangla Valley - 150 kms - 4-5 hours (Sangla is few kilometers off NH-22)
Sangla - Nako (upper Kinnaur) - 110 kms - 5 hours 
Nako - Kaza (Via Tabo) - 110 kms - 5 hours 
Kaza - Manali (Via Kunzumla and Rohtang Pass) - 200 kms - 10 hours
Manali - Chandigarh - 300 kms - 7-8 hours.

Recommended Itinerary (This is an indicative itinerary, Sequence of the activities can be customised as per season and guest preferences)

Day 1 and Day 2 - Proceed from Chandigarh and Reach Narkanda / Thanedar (190 kms - 6 hours). A good idea would be to stay at Banjara Camps, Thanedar, an Orchard retreat known for wooded walks around the area and get also acclimatized a bit. 
Day 3 -  From Narkanda proceed to Sangla Valley is 150 kms and takes about 5-6 hours. At a height of 2,700 mts the Camps here are surrounded by towering mountains on all sides and is set on the banks of the Baspa river that surges through the valley. One can visit enroute to Sangla, Rampur Bushehar and Sarahan (17 kms detour from NH-22). Bhatkali Temple complex at Sarahan is what guests typically visit.  
Day 4 and 5 - Long walks to discover the amazing fauna and flora of the valley, treks to view snow covered Himalayan peaks, angling for trout, experiencing some of the local culture and traditions, rock climbing, rappelling and river crossing are only some of the delights that are on offer. [Activity Sheet (PDF)] Stay at Banjara Sangla for a riverside experience.
Day 6 - From Sangla Proceed to Nako - 110 kms - 5 hours. For the truly adventurous the journey up from Sangla towards the Spiti Valley is a must-do. Nako is the beginning of that. Visit neighboring Kalpa enroute. Take a Walk by the Nako Lake (12000 ft asl) and the monasteries. Overnight at Kinner Camp, Nako
Day 7 - From Nako proceed to Kaza (110 kms) and Visit Tabo and Dhankar Monastery (1000 years) enroute and reach Kaza. You may visit the temple of Mummified Lama at Giu. Stay overnight at Kaza Retreat, which is part of a monastery complex at Kaza.
Day 8 - Enjoy a barren landscape and Explore high altitude treks and one of the highest and most remote monasteries in the world. Visit Ki Monastery, Gete at 4270m and Kibber (at 4205m are known for being the highest inhabited and motorable villages in the world), 
Day 9 : Proceed to Manali (200 kms - 8 hours) via Kunzum-la Pass. Kunzum-la gets fully cleared by June 10th every year and therefore only possible to cross over after that. This drive is the climax of the adventure and passes through riverbeds, glaciers and a route with stunning Himalayan backdrop. .  
Day 10 - After 9 days of remote adventure, enjoy a bit of shopping, wood fired Pizzas etc. If adventure adrenalin is still flowing then you may do a bit of Paragliding at the Solang Valley and Rafting in river Beas.
Day 11 - Proceed back for Chandigarh or Take a flight back to Delhi from Bhuntar (50 kms from Manali)

Extension

  • One night stopover at the end at Chandigarh may be required.

Note

  • Bhuntar near Kullu gets Direct Flights from Delhi and therefore recommended if the guests don't wish to undertake Road travel to Chandigarh (300 kms - oneway - 6-7 hours). 

  • For Guests from Delhi, instead of Thanedar, one can stay overnight at Fagu or Kufri and then proceed next day straight to Sangla (200 kms - 9 hours). 

  • For Angling enthusiasts, trout fishing is possible at Sangla and Tirthan Valley. However they would have to carry their own equipment. Permits will be arranged by respective resorts / camps. Fishing guide availability limited and therefore need to be informed and booked in advance.  

Accommodation Option - Adventure Circuit of Himachal Except Manali - Manali - Chandigarh

Please email to hp08@nivalink.co.in with dates of travel for a firm quote (hotel cost and transportation) with an indicative itinerary. 

- Section Contains Photographs taken by Nivalink Team.