Spiti, which literally means the ‘Middle land’, lies on the Indian border with Tibet. It lies across the main range of the Himalaya, which is known as the ‘trans-Himalaya’. One route from the south, along the valleys from Kinnaur traditionally allowed easy access to Spiti. It travels along the Satluj and later along the Spiti River. This route is now motorable and is kept open almost throughout the year. The route that we take on this tour is from the northwest that links Spiti with Manali and Kullu district. This route goes over two high passes of Rohtang and Kunzum la. This spectacular road is generally open from mid-June till late October depending on snow conditions on the passes.
Day 1: Arrive Manali
Day 2: Manali- Marrhi
Day 3: Marrhi to Chotta Dara
Day 4: Chotta Dara to Chandertal
Day 5: Chandertal to Losar
Day 6: Losar to Kaza
Day 7: Kaza (Rangrik Rest day)
Day 8: Kaza to Kibber and Ki Monastery and back
Day 9: Kaza to Comiz/ Langza- Kaza
Day 10:Kaza to Tabo
Day 11:Tabo to Takcha (drive)
Day 12:Takcha to Manali (drive)
Arrive in Manali in the morning. You will get to meet your guide today and also check out your bikes for the tour. Once you have thoroughly checked the bikes we will ride to Naggar, visit the Naggar Castle and Roerich Art gallery. Not only we get our muscles ready for the ride ahead but we also feast our eyes on the natural delights for which Manali is famous. Evening is free.
Set off from Manali early in the morning and start the climb up the Rohtang pass stopping at our destination for the day- Marrhi and camp for the night. This road is the one which goes to Ladakh and Lahoul & Spiti region. It’s an uphill ride all the way and we will do it in short stages. We will have lunch enroute and reach our destination towards late afternoon.
We start the day by finishing the 18km ascent to the Rohtang Pass at 4060m. From here there are some fantastic scenic views of snow covered peaks and glacial summit of Spiti. Get ready for your first views of the Trans- Himalayan ranges today. The summit of the pass turns into lush green meadow in summers studded with violets and varieties of wild Himalayan and Alpine flowers. Butterflies of numerous and rare kind and variegated hues also draw, the attention of the visitor. From Rohtang pass we will descend 11kms to Gramphoo from where a left diversion will get us into the Spiti valley. The offroad starts from here and riding another 21kms will get us to Chotta Dara.
After breakfast we would ride along the Chandra River towards its source. The route is a complete joy for off road lovers. There will be times when you tackle stream crossing. Thought the ride is going to be demanding today but rest assured you will be treated to sights never seen before. We would stop for lunch at the Chandra dhaba in Batal and then ride further to the base of the Chandertal and set camp there for the night.
After breakfast we will retrace our route back to the main road and then start our climb towards the Kunzum La Pass (4551m). All travellers through here perform a respectful circuit of the stupas strewn with fluttering prayer flags at the top before continuing forward. As we get higher the view just keeps getting better and better, we have breath taking views of mighty glaciers in every direction. After paying our respects at the pass we will move forward on dusty road towards Losar, our first Spitian village on this tour.
The road today isn’t too bad; it has some long stretches of un metalled surface and is dusty but not too many climbs. The journey is very scenic. You will pass through some very beautiful villages like; Kyato, Pangmo and Hull. We camp close to a stream in Rangrik.
You will have a lazy start to the day with breakfast served around 9am. As we are camped close to the stream everyone can do their much needed washing and cleaning today. In the afternoon we can go and visit the nearby town of Kaza.
Ki monastary, is about 15km from the camp at the height of 4100m. This monastery is also dedicated to Maitreya Buddha and the current presiding head of the monastery is Rimpoche Rinchen Zangpo the 19th. Here you can see some magnificent art work and Thanka Paintings brought over from Tibet nearly 600 years ago. After this we will go further 5kms up to the Kibber Village, one of the World’s Highest Motorable village. It is a decent sized village with traditional houses. Once again you are very close to the Tibet border so don’t be surprised if you see army officials around.
Komic is the highest motorable village in Asia. The route to Komic will leave you speechless. The vast barren terrains, spectacular snow covered mountains, tiny villages with prayer flags fluttering around them. A sight that will get imprinted in your mind forever.
Langza – Numerous remains of fishes and sea creatures have been found in this area. This proves that the Himalayas rose from the seas. For this reason, Langza is known as the fossil park.
Today will see us cycling 47 kms to Tabo. Its not a very difficult day as most of the journey is on flat road. In Tabo you can visit the Tabo Monastery which was built in 996 AD by Lochen Rigzin Zangpo, also renowned as the Great Translator of Ratan Bhadgra from Sanskrit to Bhotti. His speciality in monastary building was the provision of a Gon-Khang (Meditation room). Internet is also available here.
Early morning start. We will drive all the way to Takcha and camp overnight.
Once again retrace our route back to Manali from Takcha.
| Dates | Availability | Trip Guaranteed? | price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sun 20 Aug 2018 to Sun 3 Sept 2018 | Available | Yes | INR 99,850 pp | Book Now |
MTB Manali to Spiti
Spiti, which literally means the ‘Middle land’, lies on the Indian border with Tibet. It lies across the main range of the Himalaya, which is known as the ‘trans-Himalaya’. One route from the south, along the valleys from Kinnaur traditionally allowed easy access to Spiti. It travels along the Satluj and later along the Spiti River. This route is now motorable and is kept open almost throughout the year. The route that we take on this tour is from the northwest that links Spiti with Manali and Kullu district. This route goes over two high passes of Rohtang and Kunzum la. This spectacular road is generally open from mid-June till late October depending on snow conditions on the passes.
MTB Spiti finds its place among the highest mountain biking tours in the world. This tour will take you through the untouched landscapes, 1000 year old Buddhist monasteries, rows and rows of colourful prayer flags and a peace-loving race of people that have been unscathed by modernity. Ride through two Himalayan passes as high as 4551 meters and camp beside the picturesque lake Chandertal in this exhilarating ride.
July to Mid- September
Duration: 12 days
Difficulty Level: Moderate
Included:
Excluded:
*Trek Mountain bikes would be available to rent from us in case you can’t bring your own. Please contact for rates.
ABOUT THIS TOUR
For cyclists unfamiliar with our Himalayan organisation you will be very well catered for. We will select camps away from the road where you will sleep in comfortable two-man tents and be looked after by our crew who accompany us. They will prepare all meals including bed-tea in the morning and will look after all the camping arrangements. You will be expected to pack your gear into your kitbag each day. Of course any help you offer when setting and breaking camp, when there are many tasks is always welcome.
During the day you will be accompanied by a support vehicle which is available if you should not wish to cycle at some stage. You will also be accompanied by an experienced cycle leader who will also assist you in maintaining your bike.
Clothing list for trekking in India
ABOUT THIS TOUR
Himalayan Challenges (HC) is an operator of all Adventure Travel and sports shown on our website. HC is registered with the Department of Tourism and Civil aviation, Government of Himachal Pradesh, India.
1) Insurance:In respect of these Booking Conditions, “We/ Himalayan Challenges” and “You/ Participant(s)”- will be the person(s) whose name and details appear on the online booking form.
Before joining the tour we recommend that you take out travel insurance. This should include adequate cover for baggage, medical expenses, cancellation, helicopter evacuation and emergency repatriation. You must supply documentary proof of it to us before starting the trip. If you do not have travel insurance you must have a credit card with at least a US $5000 limit.
2) Booking Confirmation:Your booking will be confirmed by email once we have received a deposit of 50% and the signed copy of booking form and contract. The balance is due no later than two months prior to departure. If you book a tour less than 2 month prior to departure, you must send the full payment within 7 days of confirmation by us.
3) Terms of Cancellation:(a)All cancellations must be made in writing and signed by the person who signed the booking form and will be taken into account by the agency upon receipt of that letter.
If you cancel, the following scale of charges will apply:
(b)If you do not show up at the meeting point specified on the agreed date, we will assume you have been delayed and will wait for you to contact us with your new expected arrival date. If you do not contact us within 48 hours we will assume you have cancelled the tour. There is no refund of any money paid.
(c) The tour will not be cancelled unless we are forced to do so because of unusual or unforeseen circumstances, such as a major natural disaster, major political unrest or war. If we cancel the tour we will promptly refund all payments made to us including the deposit (less the unrecoverable costs such as air tickets cancellations). We shall not be liable to refund any additional expenses that you may have incurred (such as insurance, visas, vaccinations and other incidental costs).
4) Refunds:(a)In case the journey is broken off early upon the client’s own wish or causes, Himalayan Challenges shall not be liable to any refund of the days not utilized. Clients will have to pay for hotel or any extra costs incurred after leaving the itinerary.
(b)The trek information sheets and the dossier give information and conditions relating to the tour and are deemed to be part of the contract and so you should be fully aware of their contents. However, the itinerary is an indication of what the group should accomplish, but is not a contractual obligation- changes may be made because of exceptional weather, flight cancellations, sickness or other unforeseen circumstances. No refund will be given for unused services or unrealized dreams.
(c)Himalayan Challenges shall not be liable to refund of any Bank charges deducted while making the bank transaction.
5) Your Responsibility(5.1)Acknowledgement of Risk:
It is a fundamental condition that you acknowledge that this is an adventure tour. This requires some flexibility. The day to day itinerary is taken as a guideline only. We cannot be held responsible for any delays caused by International or domestic flights, Strikes, Government regulations, weather or natural casualties. In such cases, Wild Himalayan Challenges shall be responsible for suitable alternatives which could be decided upon mutual agreement. If an agreement cannot be made, Wild Himalayan Challenges shall be responsible for refund after deducting expenses already incurred.
(5.2)Physical Fitness:
You confirm that you are in proper physical and mental condition before going on a Challenge/trek/tour with Himalayan Challenges. You confirm that it is your own responsibility to determine the ability to participate. If you are going on an Expedition a Doctors Certificate would be required stating that you are fit for such a tough and demanding experience. You also confirm that you will notify us about any medical condition or the use of prescribed medication that we should know about. It is your duty to notify us beforehand and is your responsibility to obtain medical advice as regards to vaccinations required for the trip.
(5.3)Documents (just a guide)
All participants must bring with them the following paperwork without which Himalayan Challenges may refuse them from joining their expedition:
Himalayan Challenges will take no responsibility if you are not allowed to fly due to inappropriate paperwork.
In alliance with your expedition booking with Himalayan Challenges you agree to give authority to your expedition leader during your travels, where decisions may be needed for the benefit and safety of everyone.
(5.4)Respect:
(a)You agree to abide by the authority of the leader. Signing the booking form implies your acceptance of the tour leader’s decisions which could affect the group or individuals. The tour leader will give you a complete briefing at your arrival about your journey with Himalayan Challenges. The guide or group leader designated by the agency reserves the right to expel at any time a group of person or an individual whose conduct may be regarded as affecting or endangering the safety or well-being of the group. No compensation or refund will be due to such individuals.
(b)The client agrees to behave responsibly in environmental and cultural matters and agrees to follow proper hiking and camping etiquette while in the mountains and to act respectfully towards the people and customs of the region.
6) AccommodationRoom allocations are as per same sex twin-room sharing- double room for couples. Where a single room has been requested, a single room supplement will apply.
7) Our Responsibility:(7.1)It is our duty to ensure to we deliver the trip you have booked with us to the best of our ability and the it precedes in accordance with the itinerary as stated on our website/ tailor made to your requirement, thereafter making sure as reasonable as possible your journey is unhindered en-route. Our itineraries have been designed with consideration to the environments in which we travel its people and its cultures. Participants’ should therefore realize that hygiene and safety standards in countries which you journey are far different to the standards of your own. However, Himalayan Challenges take care when booking locations, should offer the best of the area in which you stay and dine.
(7.2)Any Participant(s) portraying acts of negligence on the expedition will not only risk their own life, but also that of their fellow participant(s) and will be cautioned. Repeated actions of the Participant(s) in question will have their trip terminated immediately and no refunds will be given. No refunds will be given to participant(s) who leave an expedition en-route. Himalayan Challenges will not be responsible for any traffic accidents caused through carelessness.
(7.3)Due to the nature of our adventures and their locations- Himalayan Challenges reserve the right if deemed necessary, to divert the course of an already commenced expedition away from events (deemed harmful) to the safety of an alternative route.
(7.4)Force Majeure- if for any unforeseen reason interruptions cause delay(s) en-route, preventing Himalayan Challenges from fulfilling their expedition obligations. Any additional expenditure incurred during the interruptions will have to be borne by the participant(s). However, we will do our utmost to rectify the situation into continuing on with the adventure.
8) Complaints:Himalayan Challenges endeavors to supply you the best possible service on your journey, ensuring you have a great time. However, if you have a complaint during your expedition, please notify your expedition leader immediately in order to rectify the situation. If your complaint was unresolved, then a written letter should be sent within 25 days from the expedition completion date to: Himalayan Challenges, Hillco Building, Vill. Shuru, P.O. Prini, Manali, Distt. Kullu, H.P.
9) Law and Jurisdiction:The Contract shall be construed in accordance with the Indian Law and the parties irrevocably submit to the exclusive jurisdiction of the Indian Court; Manali, District Kullu, H.P. to settle any disputes, which may arise out of or in connection with this Contract.
10) Currency conversion:All our prices are coated in US dollars. For Client comfort, we forward quotes in their local currency on request. This also depends on the Current Exchange Rate. We will Quote the Exchange rate on the Bill.
11)When making your booking it is implied and accepted that you have read and understood all these booking conditions and agree to abide by them.