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Mural Danda Trek
Mural Danda Trek
This is one of the most amazing short treks in the Himachal Himalayas. The trans himalayan Baspa ranges start from these mountains. The trek a dense frorest and open meadows and when you eventually reach the 14000 feet top you get an amazing 360 degrees view of the snow clad mountain summits contrasting with the dense green forests below. Being in the mountains is the purest form of exploration, as this area has not been ventured into commercially. Every mountain and every trek look and feel different as is this region which is renouned world wide for its exotic plants and Herbs. There are various routes to climb this mountain, but the most beautiful and approachable is from Sungri. Sungri is a small village situated at a La which connects the Satlej and the Pabbar valleys.
Day 1. Chandigarh to Sungri ( 200 kms).
You drive along the Himalayan express highway and then cross the stations of Solan and Shimla. After Shimla the road goes through dense green forests and apple plantations with wonderful views of the snow clad peaks in the background. The small town of Narkanda falls on the way, after which we enter a more denser forest of Rhododendron, Oak and Pine. In the evening we reach the tranquil Hill station of Sungri. Overnight stay and dinner will be at a Camp/ Homestay/ Rest House at Sungri.
Day 2. Sungri to Ropra ( 7 Kms)
Get up to a wonderful morning in Sungri. After breakfast, we start our trek through a forest of Cedar and Oak trees. There will be many clearings in the forest, which resemble small meadows. There is a big grazing ground known as Gujjar Channi. This place is also used as a Camping ground. The gradient towards Ropra gets a bit steep. Ropra is a small clearing in a forest with a water source and is a ideal camping ground. Overnight stay in Tents.
Day 3. Ropra to Mural Top and back to Ropra (2 Kms up and 2 kms Back)
After breakfast the last walk up the mountain starts. You are treated to wonderful views of the Basra range and the Satlej Valley. It’s about two and half hours walk to the top. The top is a wide area which is green and has a 360 view of the adjoining mountains. The entire Mural Mountain is known for its herbs and exotic wild species. You will be able to see them on the way. Its a one and half hour walk to the top, and at initially though a jungle, and then the tree line diminishes to give way to a greener open space. The final climb is a moderate one. The is relatively flatter and wide. There are two temples dedicated to local deites here. Spend some time on the top and return back to Ropra for Lunch.
Day 4. Ropra to Sungri and drive to Dutt Nagar
We have to descend to Sungri today. It takes about 5 hours to descend to Sungri. From Sungri, we drive towards Dutt Nagar, where we check into a Hotel. Stay and Dinner at the Hotel.
Day 5. Dutt Nagar to Chandigarh (200 Kms)
After Breakfast drive back to Chandigarh.
Spiti valley 8N/9Days
Spiti is the land of monasteries and open landscapes preserved deep in the mighty Himalayas. Spiti and Pin Rivers making their way through the desert mountain valley positioned north-east in the hilly state of India. Spiti has entirely a different terrain as compared to its better half Lahaul. You might see a lot of greenery all around when in Lahaul, but as soon as you cover few kilometers beyond Kunzum Pass, an open valley with extended cold desert and beautiful landscapes start revealing itself to its visitors. If you didn’t ever get a chance to visit Ladakh in your lifetime, you can taste its culture and landscape in Spiti, because culturally and geographically this place isn’t very different from Ladakh.
Cultural and traditional heritage this place holds is more than 1000 years old. Monasteries and stupas that stand unmoved in their places since centuries are the witnesses of great natural turmoil that took place in the Greater Himalayas to give origin to this heavenly place. Snow-capped peaks rise on both banks of Spiti and Pin Rivers to spear the sky and protect its inhabitants from all uncalled for travesties. The priceless gift of mother nature in the form of pure environment, crystal clear water, fertile land, picturesque landscapes, century-old glaciers, and snowfields make Spiti a must-visit place on earth.
High passes, lowlands, small and long flights of bridges connecting two ends of the open valley at places have been our companions for years on our journeys to this most beautiful land. We have been driving through these picture-perfect roads and Himalayan villages for years. Willing to share one of our most memorable travel experiences with you, we have designed this road trip in a way that you get a chance to explore Spiti inside out. From food to Spiti culture to extended natural landscapes, you will get a chance to live the life of the local people.
Be it standing at ‘the world’s highest village’ or driving through ‘the world’s most treacherous road,’ you will experience it all firsthand and take home lovely memories and myriad adventure stories you have lived in real time.
Tour Highlights
• Drive through one of the most treacherous roads in the world, well-accompanied by extended landscapes and beautiful Himalayan lakes
• Camping, photography and stargazing at Chandra Taal
• Visit 1000-year-old Buddhist monasteries
• Watching confluence of Sutlej and Spiti River
Region: Spiti, Himachal Pradesh
Duration: 8 Nights/9 Days
Tour Cost: Rs 21,890/- per person
Day Plan
Day 1: Chandigarh to Kotgarh (210 km, 7 hrs)
Day 2: Kotgarh To Kalpa (157 kms, 6 hrs)
Day 3: Kalpa To Tabo (150 Kms, 6 hrs)
Day 4: Tabo to Dhankar Monastery to Kaza (60 km, 3 hrs)
Day 5: Kaza to Key to Kibber to Langza (40 km, 2 hrs)
Day 6: Langza to Komik to Demul to Lidang to Kaza (60 km, 3 hrs)
Day 7: Kaza to Kunzum Pass to Chandra Taal (90 km, 3.5 hrs)
Day 8: Chandra Taal to Manali (134 km, 6 hrs)
Day 9: Manali to Chandigarh (290 km, 7 hrs)
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Chandigarh To Kotgarh (210 km, 7 hrs)
Start your journey from Chandigarh in the morning. We will take you on a joyride through the Himalayan Express Highway and NH 22 into the heart of the Himalayas. Initially we drive along the low hills and eventually gain an altitude of 6500 feet. Beautiful road snaking through forests of pine, deodar and oak trees offers glimpses of small beautiful villages on the way. We reach Kotgarh by evening, which is our halt for the night. Overnight stay at a homestay amidst an orchard of apple and cherries.
Day 2: Kotgarh To Kalpa (157 kms, 6 hrs)
After breakfast, we take a narrow road descending through orchards of apples and cherries until we hit the NH 22 to drive along the right bank of Sutlej River. We drive along the Sutlej. The journey is full of excitement and thrill as gushing water paints the muddy river white. The mother nature reveals its first marvel as soon as we reach Taranda to see a deep gorge on the left-hand side of the road. The road roofed by multiple rock tunnels ushers you into Kinnaur Valley. The road takes you to the village of Kalpa. Kalpa is more famous for the views it offers of the Snow covered Kinner Kailash ranges. Overnight stay in a hotel at Kalpa.
Day 3: Kalpa To Tabo (150 Kms, 6 hrs)
Today drive along the Sutlej till a place called Khab. Khab is the place where Sutlej and river Spiti meet. From here the road ascends till you reach an elevation of 12000 feet to a place called Nako. Nako is a picturesque village with amazing views of snow covered Manerang ranges. There is also a lake in the centre of the village. This place is a road head camp for climbing the highest peak in Himachal Rio Purgyal. We then proceed towards Tabo Village for the evening. Overnight stay in a homestay/guest house.
Day 4: Tabo to Dhankar Monastery to Kaza (60 km, 3 hrs)
Tabo has a monastery which is a 1000 years old. Then from a place called Schiling, a road ascends towards Dhankar. Dhankar monastery is perched on the edge of a mountain and the landscape looks just out of a fairy tale setting. After exploring the village and monastery, we head for Kaza and reach there by evening for an overnight stay at a hotel/homestay.
Day 5: Kaza to Key to Kibber to Langza (40 km, 2 hrs)
In the morning, we explore Kaza market and then head for Key Monastery. After an enchanting interactive session with the monks at Key, we drive to the villages of Tashigang, Gette, and Kibber – which is one of the highest inhabited villages in the world. After walking in thin air and exploring one of the remotest villages in India, we head back on the same road to reach Kaza gate and start ascending on a curvy road towards Langza. Multiple hairpin curves usher us into the village of Langza, which is the place for an overnight stay at a homestay.
Day 6: Langza to Komik to Demul to Lidang to Kaza (60 km, 3 hrs)
Day 7: Kaza to Kunzum Pass to Chandra Taal (80 km, 3-4 hrs)
We start the day early as it’s a journey across the 4550 m (15,060 ft) Kunzum Pass. Kunzum Pass connects the Spiti Valley with Lahaul. Kunzum pass has amazing views of the Chandrabhaga Ranges. It has a Hindu temple and a Buddhist Chorten dedicated to the same Goddess Kunzum Mata. After a short descend from the pass, we take a narrow road which goes to Chandra Taal. Chandra Taal – also known as the moon lake – is a beautiful lake at an altitude of 14100 ft nestled between mountain ranges of Chandra Bhaga and Kunzum top. This is one of the most beautiful destinations in the Himalayas. After enjoying beautiful views we will settle for a lakeside overnight stay in tents at Chandra Taal.
Day 8: Chandra Tal to Manali (134 km, 6 hrs)
Experience the nature at its best in the morning at Chandra Taal. Then we drive toward Batal. After a short halt at Batal, we drive along the Chandra River till a place called Gramphoo. Then we drive up through lots of hairpin bends until we reach Rohtang Pass. You are treated with some amazing visuals of the snow-covered Lahaul Ranges on the way. Rohtang Pass is 3990 m ((13,050 ft) high. Manali is 49 km from here. We reach Manali by evening. Overnight stay at a hotel.
Day 9: Manali to Chandigarh (290 km, 7 hrs)
Time to bid farewell. Drive to Chandigarh.
Enchanting Himachal
Day 1. CHANDIGARH – SHIMLA ( 130 Kms)
Pick up from Chandigarh. Drive via Chandigarh to Shimla. Check into a hotel. Relax for the evening.
Day 2 SHIMLA
After breakfast, Start the day exploring Shimla. Shimla was the summer capital during the British Raj, the imprints of which can be still felt in the upper regions of the town. We start the day by going on a heritage walk starting from Viceregal lodge till the worlds longest shopping arcade called Mall Road.
Day 3. SHIMLA – MANALI (270 kms)
Drive through the towns of Mandi and Sundarnagar and after crossing the 2.8 km Aut tunnel, enter the Beas Valley. You drive along the beautiful Beas Valley and cross the town of Kullu. Manali is 40 Kms from Kullu, and is characterised by a view of a snow covered ridgeline and lots of deodar trees. Check into a comfortable hotel and relax for the evening.
Day 4. MANALI NEARBY
Today visit the Hadimba Mata temple in the morning. This temple is dedicated to Mata Hadimba, the wife of Bheema, on e of the five Pandava. This temple was built 500 years ago by a King named Bahadur Singh. The temple is made of wood and stones, and is located in a dense forest of tall standing deodar trees, providing a very powerful natural ambience. There is no Idol in the temple. There is a foot imprint of Hadimba Devi on a big stone. Then visit the Vashist Village, which ahas a temple dedicated to the great sage Vashist. This place also has natural hot water springs. There are separate bath places for men and women here. Vashisth has its own charm. You get those Himalayan traveler vibes as you travel down its lanes. Then proceed towards Solang which is 14 kms from Manali. Solang is famous for its long meadows and its breathtaking views. In the evening visit the local market and explore the nearby area of old Manali, which has its own exorbitant charm. Return to the hotel for the night.
Day 5. MANALI -NAGGAR – MANALI
Start the day by driving on the left bank of river Beas, though breathtaking sights of The mountains and apple orchards. Nagar is situated on the left bank of river Beas at an altitude of 1851m, Naggar – an ancient town commands extensive views, especially to the North West of the valley. Naggar was the former capital of Kullu. It was founded by Raja Visudhpal and continued as a headquarters of the State until the capital was transferred to Sultanpur (Kullu) by Jagat Singh in 1460 A.D. Today this ancient and beautiful Palace is a popular tourist spot. There is also an Art gallery here which was home to a Russian artist Roerich.
Stroll around the Old Manali lanes and feel the vibrant vibes this charming place can give you. Return to the main market place to pick up souvenirs. Return to the Hotel and relax.
Note : The activities in the Itinerary are flexible and can be made according to your requirements.
Day 6. MANALI- DHARAMSHALA ( 234 Kms)
Start early in the morning for a journey to a beautiful town at the foothills of the Dhauladhars. The Road goes through the towns of Ghagas, Hamirpur, Jwalaji and Kangra. Reach Dharamshala in the evening, and check into a comfortable hotel.
Day 7. DHARAMSHALA AND MCLEODGANJ
Dharamshala has a wonderful location as it has an excellent view of the Dhauladhar mountains. The top of the ranges are mostly covered with snow. It just feels like you can reach them by just walking across. The valley is wide open and is very picturesque. The valley is famous for trekking and there is a world famous Paragliding sight early at Bir and Billing. At about 7 kilometres from Dharamshala is the town of Mcleodganj, which is the home of the Holy Dalai Lama. This is the place from where the Tibetian Government runs in exile. This place is quite a happening place as it is flooded with cafes and hotels. This is the base for all escape routes across the Dhauladhars. Overnight stay in a hotel in Dharamshala.
Day 8. DHARAMSHALA -CHANDIGARH ( Kms)
Time for farewell. After breakfast, start your journey back to Delhi
Inclusions
Transport Chandigarh to Chandigarh
All travel permits
Accommodation
Meals, Breakfast and Dinner
Exclusions
Lunch during journey
Any other personal expenses including things ordered in room service.
Any item not mentioned in inclusions.
Spiti Road journey
A journey though the apple heartland, along the valleys of Sutlej and Spiti into the land of monasteries and spirituality, crossing high passes and a pristine lake to behold in your memories for ever. join me this summer for one amazing journey in the Himachal Himalayas and experience life like never before.
Day 1. Chandigarh to Kotgarh ( 210 kms, 7 Hrs)
Start your journey from Chandigarh in the morning. We will take you on a joyride through the Himalayan Express Highway and NH 22 into the heart of the Himalayas. Initially we drive along the low hills and eventually gain an altitude of 6500 feet. Beautiful road snaking through forests of pine, deodar and oak trees offers glimpses of small beautiful villages on the way. We reach Kotgarh by evening, which is our halt for the night. Overnight stay at an homestay amidst an orchard of apple and cherries.
Day 2. Kotgarh to Rakchum ( 160 Kms, 6 Hrs)
After breakfast, we take a narrow road descending though orchards of apples and cherries, until we reach the right bank of Sutlej River. We drive along the Sutlej for 80 km. The journey is full of excitement and thrill as gushing water paints the muddy river white. The Mother Nature reveals its first marvel as soon as we reach a deep gorge at a place called Taranda. The road roofed by multiple rock tunnels ushers you into Kinnaur valley. Rakcham is a beautiful village at an altitude of 3050 m. This place has a charm of its own. Green forested mountain beautifies the landscape on either side of blue waters of the Baspa River.
Day 3. Rakchum to Chitkul and then drive to Kalpa. ( 70 Kms, 5 Hrs)
After breakfast we drive to the last village of India along the Tibetan border. We continue our journey for another 20 minutes to reach the last inhabited village near Indo-Tibet border called Chitkul – 13 km from Rakcham. This place is at an elevation of 3450 m. So don’t be surprised to see big snowflakes falling from the sky in the month of May as soon as you raise your head to look up. This place is the starting point for some popular treks leading to Rupin and Lamkhaga Pass. We spend the morning hiking along the river and enjoying a blissful day in solitude. After Lunch drive toward the village of Kalpa. Kalpa is more famous for the views it offers of the Snow covered Kinner Kailash ranges. Overnight stay in a Hotel at Kalpa.
Day 4. Kalpa to Tabo ( 150 Kms, 6 Hrs)
Today drive along the Sutlej till a place called Khab. Khab is the place where Sutlej and river Spiti meet. From here the road ascends till you reach an elevation of 12000 feet to a place called Nako. Nako is a picturesque village with amazing views of snow covered Manerang ranges. There is also a lake in the centre of the village. This place is a road head camp for climbing the highest peak in Himachal Rio Purgyal. We then proceed towards Tabo Village for the evening. Over night stay in a home stay/guest house.
Day 5. Tabo, Dhankar Monastery, Kaza.
Tabo has a monastery which is a 1000 years old. Then from a place called Schiling, a road ascends towards Dhankar. Dhankar monastery is perched on a edge of a mountain and the landscape looks just out of a fairy tale setting. We reach Kaza by evening. The stay at Kaza will be in a hotel/ Home Stay.
Day 6. Kaza – Ki Monastery – Kibber – Chicham. (3-4 hours 38 KM)
We start in the morning by visiting the famous Kye monastery. After an enchanting session interacting with the monks at Kye, we drive to the villages of Tashigang, Gette, Chicham and Kibber which is one of the highest inhabited villages in the world. Overnight stay at Kaza at a Guest house or home stay.
Day 7. Kaza – Langza – Hikkim- Komic -Kaza. (/ 50 Kms, 3 Hrs)
Today we drive though the 4400 metres high Langza Village. the village has a wonderful view of the snow clad mountains and the open valley on the other side. The Chow Chow gun peak stands prominentaly in the backdrop. There is also a huge statue of Lord Buddha above the village. After Langza, we head further to the village of Hikkim. Hikkim has the highest Post office in the world. The road continues further and we reach the village of Komic. While following the route there are palces which enable mesmerizing view of handful peaks (all above 6000 meters. Komic is situated at an elevation of 4513 meters is one of the highest villages in the world, and yes the highest village connected by a motorable road, and literally means the eye of a snow cock.
Day 8. Kaza Kunzum pass Chandrataal.
We start the day early as it’s a journey across the 4550 metres Kunzum pass. Kunzum pass connects the Spiti Valley with Lahaul. Kunzum pass has amazing views of the Chandrabhaga ranges. It has a Hindu temple and a buddhist Chorten dedicated to there same Goddess Kunzum Mata. After a short descend from the pass, we take a narrow road which goes to Chandra Taal Lake. Chandrataal lake also known as the Moon Lake is a beautiful lake at an altitude of 14100 feet nested between mountain ranges of Chandra Bhagha and Kunzum top. This is one of the most beautiful destinations in the Himalayas. Overnight stay in tents at Chandra Taal.
Day 9. Chandrataal to Manali.
Experience the nature at it’s best in the morning at Chandra Taal. Then we drive towards Batal. Here after a short rest we drive along the Chandra River till a place called Gramphoo. Then we drive up though lots of hairpin bends till Rohtang pass. You are treated with some amazing visuals of the snow covered Lahaul ranges on the way. Rohtang pass is 3990 metres high. Manali is 49 Kms from here. We reach Manali by evening. Overnight stay in a hotel.
Day 10. Manali Delhi.
Time to bid farewell. Drive though Chandigarh to Delhi.
INCLUSIONS:
Transport Chandigarh to Manali
Accommodation
Meals (breakfast and Dinner).
Qualified tour leader
Transport will be Innova jeep or equalent vehicle.
Please read our terms and conditions for full details.
EXCLUSIONS
Any thing not mentioned in inclusions.
for further queries call 9817018485 or e mail at [email protected]
Journey to Chitkul Valley
Region: Kinnaur, Himachal Pradesh
Duration: 3N/4D
Season: March to November
A journey through lush green forests and apple orchards along the banks of River Sutlej and Baspa to the place where habitation virtually ends on the Indian side of Indo-Tibet border.
Chitkul, the village with snow-capped mountain ranges overlooking green forests, beautiful waterfalls seeping out of its chest, and thrilling curvy roads leading to the destination every traveler must aspire to be.
Day 1: Chandigarh to Kotgarh (190 km, 6 hrs)
Our person will be there to pick you up at Chandigarh in the morning who will take you on a joyride through the Himalayan Express Highway and NH 22 into the heart of the Himalayas. Initially we drive along the low hills and eventually gain an altitude of 6500 feet. Beautiful road snaking through forests of pine, deodar and oak trees offers glimpses of small beautiful villages on the way. We reach Kotgarh by evening, which is our halt for the night.
Day 2: Kotgarh to Rakcham (160 km, 6 hrs)
After breakfast, we take a narrow road descending though orchards of apples and cherries, until we reach the right bank of Sutlej River. We drive along the Sutlej for 80 km. The journey is full of excitement and thrill as gushing water paints the muddy river white. The Mother Nature reveals its first marvel as soon as we reach a deep gorge at a place called Taranda. The road roofed by multiple rock tunnels ushers you into Kinnaur valley.
We cross a bridge and leave the Sutlej River at a place called Karcham – gateway to the Baspa valley. Now we start chasing the Baspa River upward and reach a beautiful village called Sangla – a place to feel transition in rich and vibrant culture of Kinnaur. Sangla is a broad valley on the left bank of Baspa River. It is surrounded by forest of pine, deodar and Himalayan birch. Cliffy golden mountains toward the north guard the village and its inhabitants. They are so steep that even snow refuses to cling onto them.
To south, snow-capped mountain range overlooking green forests and beautiful waterfalls seeping out of its chest makes your stay an ideal getaway for landscaping under the clear blue sky in the Baspa valley. You will enjoy listening to the story Mother Nature wants to whisper in your ears.
We continue our journey 10 km uphill and reach the picturesque village of Rakcham. This is our halt for the night.
Day 3: Rakcham to Chitkul to Sarahan (108 km, 6 hrs)
Rakcham is a beautiful village at an altitude of 3050 m. This place has a charm of its own. Green forested mountain beautifies the landscape on either side of blue waters of the Baspa River. We continue our journey for another 20 minutes to reach the last inhabited village near Indo-Tibet border called Chitkul – 13 km from Rakcham. This place is at an elevation of 3450 m. So don’t be surprised to see big snowflakes falling from the sky in the month of May as soon as you raise your head to look up. This place is the starting point for some popular treks leading to Rupin and Lamkhaga Pass.
We spend morning hiking along the river and enjoying a blissful day in the solitude. We start our journey back on the same route in the afternoon until we reach a place called Jeori, where we leave NH 22 to take another connecting road leading to Saharan. This place is our halt for the evening.
Day 4: Sarahan to Chandigarh (268 km, 8 hrs)
At an elevation of 2313 m, Sarahan is a small village with a breathtaking view of snow-capped Baspa ranges. The place is famous for a beautiful wooden temple dedicated to goddess Bhimakali. We will make an early morning visit to the temple, have breakfast, and then say goodbye to the mighty Himalayas with a promise to visit them again.
Time to bid farewell!
COST : Rs 14500 per pax.
INCLUSIONS:
Transport
Accommodation on twin sharing basis.
Meals (breakfast and Dinner).
Qualified tour leader
Transport will be Innova jeep or equalent vehicle, and the maximum members in a vehicle will be 4
Please read our terms and conditions for full details.
EXCLUSIONS:
Any thing not mentioned in inclusions.