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3 Star Hotel
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Shimla
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Breakfast and Dinner
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UPI/Card
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SUV
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Winter
Experience the raw, untouched magic of the Himalayas on the Winter Spiti Expedition — a journey through snow-covered valleys, frozen rivers, ancient monasteries, and the world’s highest inhabited villages.
This expedition takes you deep into the Spiti Valley, known as “The Middle Land”, where adventure meets peace, and every curve of the road opens to a new wonder. From the colonial charm of Shimla to the mystical beauty of Kaza, and from the spiritual calm of Komik to the icy serenity of Chitkul, every moment on this route is a memory in the making.
Overview
Experience the raw, untouched magic of the Himalayas on the Winter Spiti Expedition — a journey through snow-covered valleys, frozen rivers, ancient monasteries, and the world’s highest inhabited villages.
This expedition takes you deep into the Spiti Valley, known as “The Middle Land”, where adventure meets peace, and every curve of the road opens to a new wonder. From the colonial charm of Shimla to the mystical beauty of Kaza, and from the spiritual calm of Komik to the icy serenity of Chitkul, every moment on this route is a memory in the making.
1. Location & Geography
State: Himachal Pradesh, India
District: Lahaul and Spiti
Altitude: 3,000–4,500 meters (9,800–14,800 ft)
Landscape: Cold desert, barren mountains, deep valleys, high-altitude rivers, and scattered villages.
Climate:
Summer (May–Oct): 15–25°C during the day, 0–10°C at night
Winter (Nov–Apr): Can drop to -30°C, heavy snowfall, most roads closed
Best Time to Visit: May to October
2. How to Reach Spiti
By Road:
From Manali: ~200 km via Rohtang Pass and Kunzum Pass
From Shimla: ~470 km via Kinnaur; scenic but longer
Tips: Always check road conditions; landslides are common
By Air:
No airport in Spiti
Nearest airport: Kullu–Manali Airport (~200 km)
By Train:
Nearest major stations: Shimla or Chandigarh, then by road
3. Key Destinations
Monasteries:
Key Monastery (Ki Monastery): Largest monastery, perched on a hill, amazing valley views
Tabo Monastery: Ancient, famous for murals, UNESCO tentative list
Dhankar Monastery: On cliff above Spiti and Pin rivers; scenic and historic
Villages & Culture:
Kaza: Main town, hub for exploring the valley
Kibber & Langza: High-altitude villages, Langza famous for fossils
Hikkim: Home to the world’s highest post office
Komic: One of the highest villages in the world
Natural Attractions:
Chandratal Lake: High-altitude, moon-shaped, great for camping and photography
Pin Valley National Park: Wildlife sanctuary for snow leopards, ibex, Himalayan flora
4. Activities
Trekking: Pin Parvati Trek, Chandratal Lake trek
Camping: Lakes and high-altitude plains
Cultural experiences: Visiting monasteries, interacting with locals, festivals
Photography: Rugged landscapes, villages, wildlife
Adventure sports: Mountain biking, river crossings
5. Travel Tips
Acclimatize: Avoid altitude sickness; drink water, rest, ascend slowly
Fuel & Cash: Petrol stations are scarce; ATMs limited
Packing Essentials: Warm clothes, trekking shoes, sunscreen, gloves, hat, water bottles, power banks
Connectivity: BSNL works best; others may be patchy
Permits: Indians don’t require special permits; foreigners may need an Inner Line Permit
6. Photography & Experience Highlights
Stark desert landscapes contrasted with snow-capped peaks
Vibrant monasteries with ancient murals
High-altitude lakes reflecting mountains
Traditional Tibetan-style villages and festivals

