The Spiti Valley is a desert mountain valley located high in the Himalaya mountains in the north-eastern part of the Indian state of Himachal Pradesh. The name “Spiti” means “The Middle Land”, i.e. the land between Tibet and India. Home to some of the oldest monasteries in the world and the most stunning landscapes you’ll ever see, the Spiti Valley, at an average elevation of 4000 meters, is a rugged, unexplored gem in Himachal Pradesh.
This 5 day Spiti Valley Homestay trek to the various villages of Spiti Valley, gives you a peek into the lives of the people living in some of the highest Himalayan villages of the world. Prepare to be awestruck with the remarkably striking snow-capped mountains, savour architecture of ancient civilisation and play hide-and-seek with exotic endangered wildlife.
This moderate Spiti Valley trek, involves walking for 4-5 hours a day, staying at homestays with local families and can be undertaken by anyone with a love for nature, beauty, history and culture.
Daily Tour Itinerary
Day 1 – Arrive Delhi
- Group arrives late evening Delhi International airport.
- Group Tour leader to meet and greet group at airport and transfer to hotel in private vehicle.
- Evening supper will be provided in hotel (dependent on flight arrival time)
- Group orientation meeting with Group leader of upcoming journey. Time will be spent with currency exchange and any miscellaneous needs
- At approx. 11am. There will be a sightseeing tour of Old & New Delhi highlights, including Jama Masjid, a cycle rickshaw ride through Old Delhi spice markets, and a visit to the memorial of Mahatma Gandhi, the leader of the Indian independence movement in British ruled India.
- Group dinner and meals will be provided at hotel
Stay 2 nights Delhi
Day 2 – Delhi/ Agra
- After group breakfast, transfer in private vehicle to Agra to visit Taj Mahal (approx. 3-4 hour drive)
- Arrive , Hotel check in, lunch
- Afternoon local sightseeing including a scenic walk along the Yummna Riverside to view the Taj Mahal
- Evening visit to the cultural Emporium for music and culture event
Stay 1 night Agra – Hotel TBA
Day 3 – Agra/Delhi
- Sunrise entry into the Taj Mahal, (approx. 6am) then back to hotel for breakfast,
- Check out of hotel and enroute back to Delhi, stop for guided tour of the majestic Agra Fort
- Return to Delhi. Dinner at hotel
Stay 1 Delhi
Days 4 & 5 – Delhi |Manali
- Transfer at approx. 5:00am to Delhi domestic airport for early morning flight to Kullu airport
- Private vehicle pickup and transfer to Manali Hotel(approx. 1.5hr drive)
- Afternoon orientation/sightseeing, followed by dinner in hotel
- Next day getting organized for trek in Manali and local sightseeing
Stay 2 nights in Manali
Day 6 – Manali/Kaza /Spiti Valley
- After early breakfast depart at approx 7:30am for drive to Spiti valley via the scenic
Rohtang Pass (220 kms)- approx. 5-6 hr drive
- Arrive Spiti check into guest house, relax and group dinner
Stay 1 night in Kaza/Spiti Valley Guest House
Detailed Trekking Itinerary - 5 days
Day 7: Drive from Kaza to Ki Monastery – Kibber to Langza. Overnight at Langza Homestay
(14,435 feet / 5-6 hours)
The first day of the Spiti Valley Homestay Trek begins with a drive to the picturesque Kibber village.
En route to Kibber, stop by the 1000-year-old Ki Monastery. Set at an altitude of 13,667ft the Ki Monastery is the largest in the Spiti valley. This fort like structure stands overlooking the winding turquoise green Spiti River with stunning snow-capped mountains in the backdrop. Built in Pasada style, it houses nearly 250 monks in its premises. We can witness the divine prayer offering ceremony by these monks and nuns. From the monastery, we take a short drive to the village of Kibber. Around 80 families live in magnificent whitewashed mud homes making Kibber one of the highest continuously inhabited Himalayan villages in the world.
Agriculture forms the backbone of this village and the lush green pastures are a welcome change from the barren desert terrain of the rest of the Spiti valley. Spend sometime exploring this village, which serves as a base camp for many Himalayan treks. Driving on further, we reach Langza, a region which holds immense appeal to the history-lover. Extremely rich in fossils of marine life and animals, Langza takes you back to a prehistoric era, when Spiti was submerged in the Tethys Sea. Pay tributes at the 1000-year old Lang (temple), and wander around the prehistoric archaeological excavations found here. Spend the night in the comforts of an authentic cozy homestay.
Day 8: Trek from Langza to Komik. Overnight at Komik Homestay (14,800 feet / 3-4 hours)
On the second day of the Spiti Valley homestay trek, the real journey begins as we start with a 3-4-hour moderate trek towards Komik – the highest inhabited village in all of Asia! On the way, stop over at Hikkim and send a postcard from the highest post office in the world. After our little highs, we continue walking higher and ascend 15,000ft above sea-level to reach Komik.
If the season is right, gorge on freshly picked peas from the farms, run behind a Yak or sit endlessly watching the locals herd their cattle. Stroll up to the Komik Monastery, whose claim to fame is the being the highest monastery in the world with a motorable road. While the mercury outside continues to drop at nightfall, snug into the comforts of a mud home where the temperatures are always comparably warmer. Enjoy a hot, freshly home cooked local meal.
Day 9: Trek from Komik to Demul. Overnight at Demul Homestay (14,435 feet / 4-5 hours)
On the third day of the Spiti Valley Homestay trek, we will head from Komik to Demul on foot, traversing the Chemai Lepcha Pass. After walking through barren mountains in shades of browns, the lush greens of Demul are a refreshing change. Even more remote and cut off from the other villages, Demul is delightful during harvest season. Take a short, traditional Yak safari or learn how to make steaming hot momos with the locals. Soak in the local flavours and vibe and spend the night in the comforts of the homes of the local residents.
Day 10: Trek from Demul to Lalung. Overnight at Lalung Homestay (12,300 feet / 4-5 hours)
The fourth day of this Spiti Valley homestay trek will take you from the secluded Demul to the village of Lalung. It’s an easy day today as you walk down a steep descent to the Lingti Valley. Literally translating to the “Land of God”, Lalung is located at the foot of the Tangmar Mountains. The locals believe their God lives in these mountains and the mountain changes its colors through wide arrays of reds, yellows, browns depending on the mood of their God. Visit one of the oldest gompas in the Spiti Valley, which the natives say was built by angels one night. Delve even deeper into the local faith and legends as you spend a night hearing about more intriguing stories at your homestay.
Day 11: Trek from Lalung to Dhankar. Drive to Tabo – Kaza (12,800 feet / 4-5 hours)
On the fifth day of the Spiti Valley homestay trek, you will trek across an easy path towards the former capital of the Spiti Valley, Dhankar. Offering a panoramic view of the valley, Dhankar stands perched above the confluence of the Spiti and Pin Rivers. Legend claims, that there must have been a fort here once, but today Dhankar is renowned for its 1200-year old monastery, balanced precariously on a rocky precipice. Slowly start acclimatizing back into the “normal” world, as you drive away from your last trekking point. Visit the 1000-year old Tabo monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Reach Kaza by evening and spend the night in a hotel reliving the unthinkable feats you’ve achieved in the last week.
Day 12 – Transfer to Manali
- After breakfast transfer back to Manali (approx. 2hrs)
- Check into guest house and relax
- Rest of day free to relax and explore the beautiful Old Manali township
Day 13 – Transfer to Kullu airport
- Check out of Manali guesthouse and depart at approx. 9am for drive to Kullu airport for flight back to Delhi
- Taxi pickup at airport and transfer to hotel, relax and dinner
Day 14 – Depart India back to home country
What’s included in Tour Package;
- Group package tour as per above itinerary
- All accommodation on twin sharing basis at hotels & homestays
- Breakfast, lunch and Dinner at all hotels & homestays over 12 days
- All private transport & transfers – in taxi, buses, local jeeps with drivers
- Domestic economy flights from Delhi to Kullu return
- All driver expenses, including fuel, insurances, taxes, applicable road tolls and parking
- English speaking Tour Director for entire group + plus 4 extra staff to assist group
- Trekking guides/staff and porters (approx. 1 porter per 4 people)
- Trekking permit & government fees
- All local sightseeing & entrance fees with local guides in Delhi, Agra, Manali & Kaza
What’s not included;
- International flights tickets Australia to India
- Single Room Supplement $795 AUD per person
- Any additional costs incurred in case of a medical emergency / natural disaster
- Items of personal nature such as Trekking clothing
- Indian tourist visas
- Any Video or camera fees
- Travel Insurance (compulsory group receives 20% discount)
