Trans - Himalayan Jeep Safari: Lahoul, Spiti, Kinnaur

Setting off from Shimla on our 10 days tours, we start 176 km. With a scenic route running through Kufri and Narkanda. En route not to be missed are the famous apple belts of Kotgarh and Kumarsain, descending to the Satluj valley. After reaching Rampur Bushehar- famous for trading town, café Satluj is ideal stop for the refreshment. From Rampur the beautiful village of Sarahan is 44 kms. The major attraction is century old Bhimakali temple.

Entering Kinnaur at Chora village and following as straight-line road constructed in a vertical rock cliff and its a rare treat to travel on this road, which is a great engineering feat. Along the road are the villages of Niugal Sarai and Bhawanagar where the famous Nathpa- Jakhri power project is located. After Bhawanagar, you reach Wangtu where you cross Satluj River. From this point you can visit the famous Bhaba village and also undertake the famous adventurous trek from Bhaba valley to Pin valley in Spiti. Following Satluj River in deep gorge for 77 km. You will visit Sangla in Vaspa valley, one of the most beautiful high valleys in Himachal. Visiting Kamru fort, we drive to Chitkul village the last inhabited village in the valley. Surrounded by fields, apple orchards and high peaks we drive back to the confluence of Satluj and Vaspa rivers.

Entering in Spiti landscape changes from rocky mountain to deserted mountains. Arriving Tabo (3050m.), which is the biggest monastic complex in Spiti, which has since been declared as protected monument under the control of Archeological Survey of India. Built in 996 A.D., by Rinchen Tsangpo, Tabo is known as; Ajanta of Himalayas.En route Dankhar monastery (3980m.) located on top of a small hill is 25 km. From Tabo. Dankhar the traditional capital of Spiti kingdom, however Dankhar main attraction is natural lake situated 2.5 km. above the village. Now road continues up and broaden up to Lingti village, where Pin and Lingti River joins the Spiti. En route visiting Sherkhang monastery at Lalung, drive towards Pin valley crossing bridge at Attargu. Pin valley is a national park known as land of Ibex and Snow Leopard. The most interesting to see is Chamurti horses, which are popularly called the camel of cold desert. The lifeline of this difficult terrain, Spiti and Chamurti are among the six recognized finest breeds of horses in India. Pin valley is protected area, with Rupi Bhaba wild life sanctuary to its south and Great Himalayan National Park to its southwest. Passing through Kaza (3600km.) sub- divisional headquarter of Spiti, we visit Langza, Hikkim and Komic villages, situated at height between 13500 ft. and 14400 ft. is favorite place to find fossils. Exploring around, Kee monastery is the next place to be visited. Situated on a steep ridge on the left bank of Spiti river belongs to Gelukpa sect of Tibetan Buddhism. 10 km. above driving up to Kibber village (4205 m.) we visit we visit - Tashi Gang village (4400m.) the 2nd highest village in world. Passing through the beautiful hamlets of Rangrik, Hal, Pangmo, Kiato and Hanse youll arrive at Losar the last village in the valley.

Now road climbs up to Kunzum la pass (4551m.), which connects Lahoul with Spiti. The panorama as viewed from the top of the pass is enthralling and inspiring. 8 km. Walking gradually downwards to the lake of moon-Chandertal lake. A vast meadows around the lake carpeted with alpine flowers, is an ideal place for camping. A magnificent view of Samudra tapu glacier and Moulkila range is obtainable from here.

Now driving along the Chandra we pass villages of Koksar, Sissu, and Gondhla further to Kardang monastery located on the top of hill across the river Bhaga, below Rangcha peak, is the largest monastery in Lahoul. Founded 900 yrs ago, monastery contains largest collection of Kangyur and Tangyur. Exploring villages around valley, we drive back to Gramphu. Crossing Rohtang pass, 51 kms road winds down to Manali.