Cultural Tour Kinnaur Spiti
$3200 per person
Trans-Himalayan Cultural Tour: Manali to Spiti and Kinnaur via Shimla
A Journey Through Sacred Landscapes
Embark on the Trans-Himalayan Cultural Tour, a spiritually enriching and culturally immersive journey across the Indian Himalayas. This circular route begins in Manali and passes through the untouched regions of Spiti and Kinnaur, eventually ending in Shimla. Not only does it offer surreal landscapes, but it also reveals centuries of preserved traditions.
Explore Monasteries and Temples
Along the route, you will explore both Buddhist and Hindu spiritual sites. For example, the monasteries of Key, Tabo, Dhankar, and Kungri invite you to experience Tibetan Buddhism in its purest form. Additionally, the Bhimakali Temple in Sarahan and Mathi Temple in Chitkul provide a glimpse into Kinnaur’s syncretic belief systems. Therefore, this journey offers a harmonious blend of both religions.
Village Life and Cultural Immersion
In addition to the grand monuments, this tour includes immersive village stays in Langza, Kibber, Tabo, and Kalpa. Here, you will meet monks, local farmers, artisans, and storytellers who carry forward centuries-old customs. As a result, you will gain an authentic understanding of Himalayan life. Moreover, these interactions allow for deeper cultural engagement beyond sightseeing.
Scenic Diversity and Soulful Moments
Furthermore, the terrain varies dramatically—from cold deserts to apple orchards, and from deep valleys to glacial lakes. A visit to Chandratal Lake, for instance, offers moments of reflection amidst untouched nature. Even the drives between destinations are rich with breathtaking views, making the journey itself a memorable part of the experience.
Cultural Highlights of the Tour
Ancient Monasteries: Visit iconic Buddhist sites including Key Monastery, Tabo Monastery, Dhankar Gompa, and Kungri Gompa—each with unique architecture, murals, and spiritual ambiance.
Historic Temples: Experience the spiritual depth of Bhimakali Temple in Sarahan, Mathi Temple in Chitkul, and Roghi Temple in Kalpa, showcasing Kinnauri Hindu traditions.
Cultural Village Stays: Stay in traditional homes or guesthouses in Langza, Kalpa, Tabo, or Kibber, and learn about mountain life, agriculture, and local customs.
Local Interactions: Meet and engage with monks, nuns, farmers, artists, and storytellers who preserve the region’s ancient wisdom and practices.
Spitian Buddhism & Kinnauri Culture: Learn about Spitian Buddhism, mask dances, oral myths, and Kinnauri tribal beliefs through guided sessions and village walks.
High-Altitude Exploration: Visit stunning places like Chandratal Lake, high-altitude villages like Hikkim, Komic, and Langza, and seasonal monastery festivals that bring the valleys to life.
Day 01: Arrival in Delhi – Airport Pick-up & Hotel Stay in Delhi
Day 02: Arrive at Bhuntar Airport
- Meet & Greet: Our representative will receive you at Bhuntar Airport.
- Transfer to Manali (Distance: 50 km / 1.5-2 hours)
- Scenic drive along the Beas River.
- Check-in to pre-booked hotel in Manali.
- Light meals recommended.
- Relax and let your body adjust to the mountain air.
- Avoid strenuous activity on Day 1.
- Safety protocols
- Route overview
- Emergency & backup plans
- Document verification
Day 03: Manali To Jibhi
- Before starting our tour visit Hadimba Temple(Manali ) and Vishnu Temple (Duwara)
- Drive or hike to Chehni Kothi, a 17th-century fortress built in Kath-Kuni style
- Visit Shringa Rishi Temple, an important deity in Seraj Valley
- Traditional lunch at a village café or homestay
- Optional: Learn about traditional weaving or woodwork from locals
- Overnight: Jibhi
Day 04: Jibhi to Sarahan
- Distance: 115 km
- Drive Time:5 to 6.5 hours (with scenic and cultural stops)
- Best Season: April to November
- Jalori Pass – Optional short hike to Serolsar Lake (5 km one way)
- Ani / Khanag – Small villages with great local food stalls
- Rampur Bushahr – Visit Padam Palace (exterior) or local market
- Jeori hot springs – Natural sulphur springs near Sarahan (optional)
At Sarahan:
- Visit Bhimakali Temple Complex – a blend of Hindu and Vajrayana architecture
- Cultural Walk – Explore Sarahan village, traditional Kinnauri homes, and apple orchards
- Viewpoint – Sunset over the Shrikhand Mahadev range
- Overnight Stay – Heritage guesthouses or PWD rest house available
Optional Add-ons:
- Attend evening or morning Aarti at Bhimakali Temple
- Visit Bird Breeding Center (Sarahan Pheasantry) for Western Tragopan
- Local meal at a Kinnauri family-run dhaba
- Stay in Sarahan or Rampur
Day 05: Sarahan to Chitkul
- Distance: 100 km
- Drive Time:5 to 6 hours
- Road Conditions: Mix of smooth highway and narrow mountain roads
Jeori
- Quick tea stop; optional detour to Jeori hot springs
Wangtu to Karcham
- Drive along the Satluj River and the massive Karcham Hydroelectric Dam
- At Karcham, take the left turn into the Baspa Valley
Sangla
- Traditional Kinnauri village known for Kamru Fort, Bering Nag Temple, and apple orchards
- Optional: Short cultural walk in the old village lanes
- Lunch break recommended here
Rakcham
- A beautiful hamlet in the valley surrounded by forests and open grazing meadows
- Optional 20-minute riverside walk to see local shepherd culture
Arrival at Chitkul (3,450 m):
- Explore Mathi Devi Temple, the guardian deity of the valley
- Walk along the Baspa River to the Indo-Tibet road viewpoint
- Interact with locals from the Rang community, who live here during summer
- Try local rajma-chawal or buckwheat rotis at a dhaba
- Overnight Stay: Homestays or wooden cottages with stunning views
Cultural & Travel Tips:
- Chitkul remains closed in winter (Dec–Mar) due to heavy snow
- The Mathi Devi Temple is over 500 years old and central to village faith
- Respect local customs: photography inside the temple may not be allowed
- This region has strong Hindu–Buddhist cultural fusion, unique to Kinnaur
- Short hike to Nagasthi ITBP post (civilian last point allowed)
- Sunset photography of Chitkul village and Baspa valley
- Local craft demo (shawls, wooden temples) on request in Sangla
Day 06: Chitkul to Kalpa
- Distance: 60 km | Drive Time: 3–4 hrs
- Descend from Chitkul via Sangla, reconnect with the highway at Karcham
- Drive to Kalpa, one of Kinnaur’s most culturally important towns
- En route stop at Reckong Peo market for local handicrafts & tea
- Explore:
- Suicide Point & Roghi Village for views of Kinnaur Kailash
- Hu-Bu-Lan-Kar Monastery (founded by Rinchen Zangpo)
- Optional walk in Kalpa Old Village (traditional homes, Kinnauri dress, apple orchards)
- Overnight: Kalpa (heritage hotel or homestay)
Day 07: Kalpa to Tabo via Gue Monastery
- Distance: 160 km | Drive Time: 6–8 hrs
- Early morning departure. Drive along the Satluj River till Khab, where the Spiti River joins
- Stop at:
- Khab Bridge & Confluence Viewpoint
- Nako for a tea break or quick lake visit
- After Sumdo, take a detour to Gue Monastery
- Visit the Gue Mummy, a 500+ year-old naturally preserved monk in a glass shrine
- Short cultural interaction with lamas
- Continue to Tabo (3,280 m), check-in to guesthouse
- Evening visit to:
- Tabo Monastery (est. 996 CE), known as the “Ajanta of the Himalayas”
- Monk caves and murals (UNESCO tentative site)
- Overnight: Tabo
Day 08: Tabo to Kaza via Dhankar & Lalung Monasteries
- Distance: 50 km | Drive Time: 3–4 hrs with exploration
- Morning departure from Tabo, drive along Spiti River
- First stop:
- Dhankar Monastery – a clifftop gompa offering a surreal panoramic view
- Optional short hike to Dhankar Lake (~45 mins one way)
- Next stop:
- Lalung Monastery, one of the oldest in Spiti, known for its 3-tiered clay statues and tantric symbolism
- Interact with villagers and local lamas
- Arrive in Kaza, cultural and administrative hub of Spiti
- Evening free to explore Kaza Market, cafes, and local handicrafts
- Overnight: Kaza
Day 09: Explore Hikkim – Komic – Langza | Stay in Kaza
- Distance: 45 km loop | Drive Time: 4–5 hours
- After breakfast, drive to:
- Hikkim – home to the world’s highest post office (send a postcard)
- Komic – one of the world’s highest inhabited villages with the Tangyud Monastery
- Langza – famous for its giant Buddha statue, fossil-rich soil, and traditional homes
- Interact with locals, visit traditional mud homes, explore the Langza museum (optional)
- Return to Kaza by evening for rest or market browsing
Day 10: Kaza – Key Monastery – Kibber – Chicham – Losar
- Distance: 80 km | Drive Time: 5–6 hours
- After breakfast, head toward:
- Key Monastery – participate in monk prayers or photography session
- Kibber Village – explore one of the highest motorable villages in Asia
- Chicham Bridge – the highest suspension bridge in Asia
- After lunch, continue driving along the Spiti River to reach Losar (last village in Spiti before Kunzum La)
Day 11: Losar – Kunzum Pass – Chandratal Lake (Stay near Lake)
- Distance: 60 km | Drive Time: 3–4 hours
- Cross the majestic Kunzum La (4,551 m) – stop for a small temple visit and panoramic views
- Drive to Chandratal Lake parking, then hike or take a short drive (1.5 km) to the lake
- Explore the serene moon-shaped glacial lake — optional parikrama walk (2 hrs)
- Evening stargazing or bonfire (weather permitting)
Day 12: Chandratal to Manali
- Distance: 120 km | Drive Time: 6–7 hours
- Early morning departure via the boulder-ridden Spiti–Manali road
- Tea/snacks at Chacha–Chachi Dhaba in Batal
- Drive past Chatru, cross Atal Tunnel, and enter green Kullu Valley
- Reach Manali by late afternoon
- Tea/snacks at Chacha–Chachi Dhaba in Batal
- Drive past Chatru,
- Reach Sissu by late afternoon
Day 13: Departure day
- Distance: 50 km
- Drive Time:5 – 2 hours
- Early morning drop to Bhuntar Airport (Kullu–Manali Airport) for your flight
- Option for packed breakfast from hotel.
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- Airport transfers (Delhi, Bhuntar, Leh)
- All internal transfers in luxury 4x4 vehicles / premium tempo travellers
- Domestic flight from Delhi to Bhuntar and Leh to Delhi (economy class)
- All permits and inner line permissions
- Premium boutique hotels and traditional homestays
- Heritage properties, monastery guesthouses, and deluxe camps
- Twin-sharing or private-room options
- Daily housekeeping and hot water facilities (where available)
- All meals included (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
- Authentic regional cuisine with special cultural dinners
- Mineral water throughout the trip
- Welcome and farewell dinner in Delhi/Spiti
- Guided cultural tours with local historian or monk guide
- Visits to monasteries, temples, tribal villages, cultural museums
- Participation in morning/evening prayers, pujas, or rituals
- Traditional folk dance or music performance (where available)
- Workshops: Thangka painting, butter lamp offering, or local handicrafts
- Village walks and interactions with elders, artisans, and monks
- Expert English-speaking cultural tour leader
- Local guides in each region
- First-aid trained escort with portable oxygen
- Support vehicle with luggage handling
- Emergency evacuation assistance
- All monument & monastery entry tickets
- Photography permissions (where allowed)
- Government taxes and environmental fees
- International flights to/from India
- Personal travel insurance (mandatory)
- Personal expenses
- Tips for guides, drivers, and porters
- Optional activities not mentioned in the itinerary
- Extra charges for early check-in/late check-out
- Costs arising from unforeseen situations (weather, strikes, roadblocks)