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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.
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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
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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
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Note:
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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).
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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).
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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.
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- Section Contains Photographs taken by Nivalink
Team.