A Mesmerising Journey through Lahaul and Spiti (2nd-28th May 2022)

Introduction: Join me on an exhilarating adventure as we embark on an overlanding journey through the breathtaking landscapes of Lahaul and Spiti with my better half Madhumita and my 12 years Son Swapneel along with our Overlanding Vehicle (OV) which is a TOYOTA Innova with Roof Top Tent (RTT). We stayed most of the days in our RTT and have carried all out food along with all other necessary survival tools and essentials in our car which is equipped with 80 liter fridge as well. Since I've been to HP & J&K many times from my hometown Bangalore, so driving all the way no longer excites me anymore. Its as long and takes nothing less than 7 days in either direction which can be better utilized by extending the trip by a few days. In response, we flew from Bangalore to Chandigarh and instructed my driver to drive to Chandigarh.

Starting from Chandigarh, we'll traverse through charming towns, serene valleys, ancient monasteries, and high-altitude lakes, experiencing the unparalleled beauty of this region. Our trip will take us through Shimla, Reckong Peo, Kalpa, Chitkul, Tabo, Nako, Kaza, Chandratal, Shishu, Tsokar, TSO Moriri, Leh, Kargil, Sonmarg, Srinagar, and Amritsar, before returning to Chandigarh. So fasten your seatbelts and get ready to explore this enchanting part of India!

Day 1: Landed in Chandigarh from Bangalore on the 2nd May in the afternoon and my driver reached along with my OV sometime in the evening. We remained in Chandigarh and finished our last minute preparation for the trip. My driver began his return trip that very evening.

Day 2-5: Chandigarh to Shimla Our adventure begins in Chandigarh early in the morning, where we'll make our way to Shimla, the capital of Himachal Pradesh. Shimla's colonial charm, pleasant weather, and panoramic views make it a favorite among travelers. We'll spend 3 days exploring the Mall Road, Ridge, Kufri, and Naldeora, while enjoying the serene beauty of the surrounding hills.

Day 5-7: Shimla to Reckong Peo and Kalpa Leaving Shimla, we'll drive towards Reckong Peo, the district headquarters of Kinnaur. The scenic journey will take us through winding mountain roads, apple orchards, and quaint villages. In Reckong Peo, we'll witness the majestic views of the Kinner Kailash range. We'll then proceed to the charming village of Kalpa, known for its traditional Kinnauri architecture and apple orchards.Reached Kalpa by night and stayed there for a day to acclimate to altitude which is 2960 meters from the sea level. We also explored Kalpa during our stay to witness the cultural heritage of Kalpa and went to the ancient Narayan-Nagini Temple, dedicated to Lord Vishnu and the serpent goddess Nagini. The temple's unique architectural style and peaceful surroundings make it a must-visit. Take a short hike to the nearby Roghi Village, known for its traditional wooden houses and terraced fields, offering panoramic views of the Kinnaur Kailash range. Exploring Chini Village and Suicide Point Embark on a short excursion to Chini Village, known for its unique earthen houses with intricate designs. These houses, locally known as 'Kothi,' are a distinctive feature of the village. Afterward, we'll head to Suicide Point, a viewpoint that offers breathtaking views of the deep gorges, the Sutlej River, and the surrounding mountains. Take in the awe-inspiring vistas and capture memorable photographs

Day 7-9: Kalpa to Chitkul Today, we'll drive to Chitkul, the last inhabited village near the Indo-Tibetan border. As expected, we met two more families from our overland group halfway to Chitkul. These families will be with us for a week and we will explore the landscape together for a while. Chitkul offers breathtaking views of snow-capped peaks, lush green meadows, and the Baspa River. Chitkul is also known as the Zermatt of India.Take a leisurely stroll through the village, interact with friendly locals, and soak in the pristine beauty of this remote Himalayan gem. We camped deep into the green valley next to the river and could not move our eyes from this beautiful celestial landscape for the next two days.

Day 10: Chitkul to Tabo Continuing our journey, we'll drive to Tabo, a small village known for its ancient monastery, Tabo Monastery. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is one of the oldest functioning Buddhist monasteries in the Himalayas, dating back to the 10th century. Explore the intricately painted murals, ancient scriptures, and peaceful ambiance of this spiritual haven. Another family from our group joined us on the way to Tabo. We are four families now.

Day 11-13: Tabo to Nako Our next destination is Nako, a picturesque village located by the banks of Nako Lake. Surrounded by barren mountains, Nako offers a serene atmosphere and stunning vistas. Visit the Nako Monastery and take a walk around the tranquil lake, immersing yourself in the natural beauty of the surroundings. En route to Nako, we also explored the monastery of Gue and the mummy of a Buddhist monk.

Day 13-16: Nako to Kaza Today, we'll head to Kaza, the administrative capital of Spiti Valley. The journey will take us through rugged terrains, high mountain passes, and barren landscapes. Kaza is a vibrant town, offering various attractions such as the Key Monastery, Komic Village (one of the highest inhabited villages in the world), Chicham Bridge, Hikkim (World's highest post office) and the picturesque Langza village.

Day 16: Kaza to Chandratal Prepare for an awe-inspiring experience as we drive to Chandratal Lake, also known as the Moon Lake. Situated at an altitude of 4,300 meters, this stunning high-altitude lake mesmerizes visitors with its crystal-clear waters and surrounding snow-capped peaks. This Lake, nestled in the Trans-Himalayan region of Himachal Pradesh. With its crystal-clear turquoise waters, surrounded by towering mountains and a mystical ambiance, Chandratal is a true paradise for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers alike. TThe road to the lake is cleared by the authority during May ends every year before the start of the tourist season, but we got there long before. Therefore, it was a dangerous adventure for us to clear the path and drive across the narrow road and enormous bodies of water. Spend the night camping near the lake with the hope of gazing at the star studded sky and embracing the tranquility of this ethereal location. Instead, we went through an incredibly cold night with the snowstorm. The temperature dropped to negative 19 degrees Celsius by midnight.

Day 17 Chandratal to Shishu Leaving the enchanting Chandratal behind, we'll continue our journey towards Shishu. This small village is nestled amidst lush green valleys and offers breathtaking views of the towering Himalayan peaks. Immerse yourself in the serene ambiance, take leisurely walks, and interact with the warm-hearted locals.

Day 17-19: Shishu to Tso Moriri via Tsokar. Today, we'll drive to Tso Moriri , a stunning high-altitude lake located in the Changthang region of Ladakh. As we ascend through mountainous terrains, the landscape changes dramatically, showcasing rugged beauty and vast open spaces. By the time we reached Tsokar it was evening and was no more safe to drive till Tso Moriri in dark as there is no clear paved road and still 3hrs drive. Hence, we stayed that night in Tsokar and resumed next day morning for Tso Moriri. Arriving at Tso Moriri , be captivated by the serene lake, bordered by snow-capped mountains and surrounded by vibrant birdlife. you'll be greeted by the sparkling blue waters of the lake, reflecting the surrounding mountains and sky. Take a moment to soak in the tranquility and appreciate the untouched beauty of this remote destination. Settle into your accommodation and prepare to embrace the serenity of Tso Moriri. We had set aside a plan for two days, but we realize that it is not enough to explore the beauty of the lake, but we had no choice but to go to our next destination.

Day 19:-20 Somoriri to Kargil via Leh Our journey continues as we make our way to Leh, the vibrant capital of Ladakh. Leh is a melting pot of cultures, known for its Buddhist monasteries, bustling markets, and historic landmarks. Leaving Leh, we continued towards Kargil, a town with a rich historical significance. As we traverse the iconic Khardung La Pass, one of the highest motorable passes in the world, the views will leave you spellbound. Explore the Kargil War Memorial, paying homage to the brave soldiers who fought during the Kargil War, and gain insights into the region's history.

Day 20-22: Kargil to Sonmarg Continuing our journey, we'll drive to Sonmarg, a picturesque town nestled in the Kashmir Valley. Sonmarg is known for its breathtaking meadows, glistening glaciers, and the Thajiwas Glacier, where you can enjoy pony rides or simply revel in the beauty of nature. Immerse yourself in the serene ambiance and capture the picturesque landscapes.

Day 22-25: Sonmarg to Srinagar Leaving Sonmarg, we'll make our way to Srinagar, the capital city of Jammu and Kashmir. Srinagar is renowned for its captivating Dal Lake, where you can enjoy a peaceful shikara boat ride amidst floating gardens and colorful houseboats. Visit the iconic Mughal Gardens, explore the bustling markets, and savor the local cuisine.

Day 25-27: Srinagar to Amritsar Our final leg of the journey takes us to the vibrant city of Amritsar, famous for its spiritual and cultural significance. Visit the magnificent Golden Temple, the holiest shrine of Sikhism, and witness the enchanting Palki Sahib ceremony. Delve into the history of the Jallianwala Bagh massacre and experience the lively atmosphere of the bustling streets.

Day 27: Amritsar to Chandigarh As our incredible Lahaul Spiti tour comes to an end, we'll make our way back to Chandigarh, cherishing the memories of the awe-inspiring landscapes, vibrant cultures, and warm hospitality we experienced along the way. Reflect upon the diverse experiences and share stories of this unforgettable journey with your fellow travelers.

Conclusion: The Lahaul Spiti tour from Chandigarh to Amritsar takes you on an unforgettable expedition through some of the most captivating landscapes in the Himalayas. From the serene valleys of Shimla and Kalpa to the ancient monasteries of Tabo and Key, and the pristine lakes of Chandratal and Somoriri, each destination offers a unique and awe-inspiring experience. The journey encompasses the remote and rugged beauty of Lahaul and Spiti, the cultural treasures of Ladakh, and the spiritual ambiance of Amritsar.

Throughout the trip, you'll have the opportunity to interact with friendly locals, taste delicious local cuisine, and immerse yourself in the rich cultural heritage of the region. Whether it's the tranquil monasteries, the stunning landscapes, or the warmth of the people, every moment of this journey will leave you in awe.

Remember to pack warm clothing, as the region experiences cold temperatures even during the summer months. It's also essential to carry any necessary medications and stay hydrated due to the high altitudes.

So, get ready for an adventure of a lifetime as you explore Lahaul and Spiti's hidden gems, traverse through the mesmerizing landscapes, and create memories that will last a lifetime. Embark on this incredible journey and discover the raw beauty and spiritual essence of the Himalayas.