Spiti Valley and Ladakh Tour
Hard Way to Heaven
22 Days / 21 Nights
Price for Spiti Valley and Ladakh Tour is
On Request
Group Rates: on request.
∗ 5-star Rating
The best way to explore the entire stretch of Indian Western Himalayan valleys is to buy this trip. This is a full circumference of the hidden valleys of Indian Western Himalayas that brings you close to the various cultures and classes. Starting from Amritsar – The pool of Nectar and rising up to Ladakh – this world-class Jeep Tour leaves you spellbound. A variety of hill cultures that brings different shocks at different places, leaves your jaws dropped. Your introduction to Sikhism, Buddhism, British Raj, and then to Buddhism sends you back with un-numerable experiences.
Gradually, you enter the hills and become a vagrant to drive along the mighty rivers, narrow valleys, remote villages, high latitude lakes, over the world’s highest motorable roads, and over high passes. The journey is through the spectacular views of snow-capped peaks, rugged terrain and old monasteries.
Everything mentioned here shall be included in the cost when you ask for it.
Accommodation
We use and recommend only homestays or experiential properties where the experience is absolutely different than traditional hotels. It is always subject to their availability because some of them, e.g. Chonor House in Dharamsala, get bookings more than six months in advance. We have given the links to the accommodation units, in the itinerary, that we recommend. You can click on the link and know the place where we are going to put you.
Your Tour Guide / Tour Escort
- This tour is escorted by an English Speaking local Guide who is very well versed with the history of Sikhism, Buddhism, and British Raj in India. He shall remain with for throughout the tour, from arrival at Amritsar till your departure in Chandigarh. The escort keeps a deep knowledge of the area, the incidents, and the present situation of the places that you are going to visit with him. All the walks shall also be conducted by him and he will share a great amount of knowledge with you, about all the things that may surprise you in the temples, on the roads, in the villages and, at any other place while on the trip.
- Language: We do not have Other Language Speaking Guides other than English.
Meals:
Meals shall be included as per the list given below. Any extra meals shall be on a direct payment basis.
- Breakfast: The menu remains North Indian, South Indian, Continental, and others. Porridge / Corn Flakes with milk (hot / Cold) are the essential part of the breakfast, added with toast, butter, jam, honey, marmalade, fruit, a variety of Indian bread such as paranthas and poori with freshly cooked vegetables and pickles, sausages, tea/coffee, all depending upon the quality of the hotel.
- Dinner: Depending on the place to place we prefer to have dinner. For Example, Shimla and Dharamsala have a variety of restaurants so we dine out whereas at other places we prefer to have dinner in the hotel.
- Amritsar: Room + Breakfast + Dinner
- Dharamsala: Room + Breakfast + Dinner
- Shimla: Room + Breakfast + Dinner
- Sarahan: Room + Breakfast + Dinner
- Chitkul: Room + Breakfast + Dinner
- Kalpa: Room + Breakfast + Dinner
- Nako: Room + Packed Lunch + Breakfast + Dinner
- Tabo: Room + Breakfast + Dinner
- Kaza: Room + Breakfast + Dinner
- Kaylong: Room + Breakfast + Dinner
- Sarchu: Room + Breakfast + Pcked Lunch + Dinner
- Leh: Room + Breakfast + Dinner
- Nubra: Room+ Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner
Transport
Like many other tour operators, to keep the cost down, we try NOT to use big coaches or buses. The reasons are that many types of coaches are not allowed inside the big towns. They are allowed to go up to a certain point and then from there, either you are transported to the small cars or asked to walk to the hotel. We use only big cars, preferably, Toyota Crysta or Tempo Travellers which are completely refurbished and fitted with superbly comfortable seats with seat belts and enough leg space.
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- In this tour, we use only Toyota Crysta cars for 2 to 3 passengers traveling together: Toyota Crysta. The tour escort/Guide will also travel with you in the same car. (see the photo in slider)
- All transport services start from Amritsar till Sarchu AC Toyota Crysta. These cars will be with you only till Sarchu.
- At Sachu you will have other cars because cars going from Manali are not allowed to go beyond that point.
- The cars which come to pick you up at Sarchu will remain with you throughout the tour.
Other things Include
- Baggage Handling Charges.
- All Assistance from the airports/railway stations.
- Tour Escort/Guide for the entire journey.
- All applicable taxes will be included in the package cost.
- Any airfares.
- Any Kind of Personal Expenses or Optional Tours / Extra Meals Ordered.
- Anything not specifically mentioned under the head “Prices included”.
- Tips, Insurance, Laundry, Phone Calls.
- The Services of Vehicle is not included on leisure days & after finishing the sightseeing tour as per the Itinerary.
- Any Kind of Drinks / Table drinks (Alcoholic, Aerated).
- Camera fee, Soft or Hard drinks, Starters.
- Medical & Travel insurance.
- Additional costs due to flight cancellation, train delays roadblocks, natural calamity, etc.
Tips
In most cases, people ask us about the tips in the restaurants, for the drivers and for the guides. We recommend the following.
- In the restaurants: Normally it is 10% of the total bill.
For the Driver:
- This man works very hard as he drives on the narrow and bumpy road with great care and at night hardly finds any place to sleep. The next morning he has to drive again and so a sound sleep is required. He expects the hotelier to provide him with a comfortable room and some hotels do that but in most cases, he sleeps in his car. The tip recommended to him is Rs. 300/- per day.
For the Guides/ Tour Manager:
- This man is your friend, philosopher, the guide throughout the trip and with his knowledge, he keeps your trip alive and brings different experiences to the front. He takes care of check-ins/checkouts at the hotels /organizes and decided the venue for your meals, organizes local guides for you, takes care of you in case of emergency, helps you with the local language, remains your local caretaker, and remains your friend forever even after the trip is over. He deserves the better portion of the tip and so we recommend a minimum of Rs. 500/- per person per day for him.
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Travel Research
- These trips are for those who enjoy walking & traveling. Although we run these walking programs on fixed itineraries but still we keep the trips as flexible as possible for the convenience and comforts of our clients. On these trips, we offer the opportunity to walk to some remote areas where everyone wishes to go at least once in his or her life but due to certain reasons, such as health, or time sometimes can’t go there.
Physical Rating
- The participant in these Walks should have a certain level of fitness. You may be expected to walk for 3-5 hours a day with your daypack.
- We shall be walking on the trails through the green area. The trails at a number of places are narrow, bumpy, or dusty. At some places, we might be crossing the streams of water flow. So due to these conditions we are likely to walk slowly and might become irritating for you. But only those shall enjoy these treks who know how to enjoy the natural beauty and the landscape around.
- We are dead sure that the Geographical Carvings and the Landscape on these treks is so stunning that it does not give you an opportunity to get irritated and leave your camera.
- Since we remain under the Treeline so the effects of altitude cannot be a problem, but sometimes if the gradient is steep for you then it is suggested to slow down and go gradually.
Group Size
Looking at the comforts of the Travelers and the Staff our group size remains as follows :
- Maximum – 8 pax
- Minimum – 2 pax
Health
- Before you travel to India it is advised that you should consult your doctor for up to date information and prescriptions for vaccinations, anti-malarial requirements, and any reasonably foreseeable illnesses.
- Although a First Aid Box is always a part of our Kit still we recommend that you carry any personal medical requirements if you have.
Cultural Shock
- India is a country that may be very different from something that you may have experienced before. And especially when you in the interiors of the Himalayan Foothills it might be very different from other areas you have traveled to. In most of the villages here, simplicity and poverty can result in initial culture shock. Some villages are still under the poverty line but they follow their traditions and culture strictly. So all this should be seen as an exciting new challenge.
Weather Conditions
- July to September are the monsoon months in India and there could be some unforeseen problems like road blockages due to landslides or road damages. So a change or delay in itinerary could be there or we reach the destination from some other route, however, it is quite unlikely.
- Check out the latest weather condition at accuweather.com.
Safety and Security
- Check with the embassy in your country and follow their advice for their latest travel information.
- It is recommended that you use a neck wallet or money belt while traveling, for the safe keeping of your passport, air tickets, travelers’ cheques, cash, credit cards, debit cards, ATM cards, and other valuable items.
- Leave your valuable jewelry at home as you won’t need it while traveling.
- Keep your baggage under lock and key.
Travel Light
- During the itinerary, you will be traveling most of the time so pack as lightly as possible (stay under 10 kg/22lb). Most travelers carry their luggage in a backpack, although an overnight bag with a shoulder strap would suffice. Avoid Suitcases.
- The mountains can be cold. Nighttime temperatures can be as low as 5 degrees, so bring a set of warmer clothes; thermal underclothes, being small and light, can be very useful. A warm jumper/jacket, cap, gloves, and sunglasses no matter what time of the year, as we travel at altitudes above 3500m.
Dressing
- It is very important that when you are traveling to India, you kindly dress up keeping in mind the respect for the locale culture, especially Ladies. In some areas, you might have some people gathering around you, touching you, and looking at you for a long time, as you are a foreigner.
- As a general guideline full shirts and full-length skirts or knee covered skirts are recommended. At some places or the religious buildings, shorts are not allowed as it will restrict your entry into buildings.
- At religious places, you shall be required to cover your head. The cloth is provided by the temple. So kindly follow the tradition otherwise the authorities might not allow you to enter the premises.
- In India, before entering all religious places you are required to remove your shoes. You can also bring a pair of floaters footwear that are easily available in the markets in India too, these footwear are easy to remove and wear.
- Women are sometimes not allowed to enter some of the religious places in the hills.
Photography and Interaction with Local
- During our Walks, there will be many opportunities for you to meet and talk with locals. You are allowed to take pictures but it is also suggested that you take permission before clicking their houses, lifestyle, and them. One way to start any conversation is with pictures.
- Children in the villages might ask you to click their pictures. If you have a digital camera you click and show them on screen.
- Also if possible for you to bring some photos/postcards of your family, home, city, or country where you live, animals peculiar to your country to show them.
- People in the hills are very simple and hospitable. They might ask you to come to their house and have a cup of tea as tea is a very common and untimely drink in India. They shall be very happy if you accept their invitation.
Check List
- Travel documents: passport, visa, travel insurance, air tickets.
- Health requirements arranged. 1 photocopy of the above documents, Money: cash/credit card/traveler’s cheques, Money pouch.
- Your personal First-Aid kit including rehydration salts, sunscreen, lip balm, and sunglasses due to harsh sunlight and exposure to high altitudes.
- Wide brim hat or umbrella
- Antibacterial hand gel, when water is scarce.
- Day pack to carry your personal needs during the day.
- Walking Boots – light weight.
- Boot Protector.
- Thin Liner socks : 3 pairs
- Heavier outer socks.
- Tights, for Women. At least one pair.
- T-Shirts. Take several light-weighted.
- Walking pants.
- Rain Pants.
- Warm socks.
- Alarm clock and torch/flashlight.
- Lightweight travel towel.
- Refillable water bottle, for filling from a thermos.
- Earplugs can be useful if avoid someone snoring in the group.
- Your own sleeping bag.
- Warm clothes. It is recommended to bring thermal underwear, and either a down or a fleece jacket.
- A windproof jacket.
- A pair of gloves.
- A scarf or face mask for dust, Sarong for covering up when washing/showering.
- Three pairs are enough.
- For Women, a couple.
- Tampons or Sanitary Napkins. They are easily available in the open market.
- Toilet Kit.
- Insect Repellent.
- Bug Powder.
- A candle, large and small rubber bands, plastic bags, tape extra pens, etc.
Detailed Itinerary
Day 01: Arrival – Amritsar
Arrive at Amritsar airport by morning flight and your Tour Escort and the driver shall be there to pick you up. This Tour Escort cum Tour Guide will remain with you till your departure in Leh.
Amritsar, home of the Golden Temple, is one of the most ancient and fascinating cities in India. It is an important seat of Sikh history and culture. Being the gateway for travelers coming to India on the overland route from Central Asia, it soon became the center of various commercial activities. The Golden Temple was founded by the fourth Guru of the Sikhs, Guru Ramdas, and completed by his successor Guru Arjan Dev. It is famous for its full golden dome, one of the most sacred pilgrim sites for Sikhs. The Mandir is built on a 67-foot square of marble and is a two-storied structure. Maharaja Ranjit Singh had the upper half of the building built with approximately 400 kg of gold leaf. The Golden Temple is surrounded by a number of other temples, such as the Durgiana Temple.
After lunch, we visit the Golden Temple of the Sikhs. We will circumambulate the temple, stopping periodically for moments of quiet reflection. The temple complex is like a small community, filled with many different activities. We will visit the kitchen where free meals are prepared by volunteers throughout the day; the temple where the holy book, Aad Guru Sahib, is read aloud from 4 am to 10 pm daily; and observe devotional rituals.
On arrival transfer to hotel and then proceed to visit Golden Temple. Later travel to the border town Wagah to see flag ceremony at dusk.
Day 02 Amritsar- Dharamsala
Stay: John Banon/Banon Resort or similar 
Meals: Breakfast. Dinner Distance: 200 km Driving Time: 5 hours
We enter the hills today and gradually gain an elevation of 2000 meters. Drive to Dharamsala is through the farmlands and villages in the Himalayan foothills.
Dharamsala was originally developed by the British to provide summer accommodation to their officers and soldiers. It is one of the hills stations developed by the British officers as a summer retreat and also as a cantonment. The tiny town of McLeodgunj is named after David Mcleod, the Lt. Governor of Punjab and now is the seat of HH Dalai Lama. A number of visitors from across the world come to visit this place every year.
Evening visit to the Dalai Lama Monastery.
Day 03: Dharamsala
Stay: Chonor House / Hotel Serkong House or similar. Meals: Breakfast. Dinner.
Today we shall visit the Bhagsunag temple, Tibetan Children’s Village, and Norbulingka Institute. This is a Tibetan learning center where artists are educated to make thangka paintings. These paintings are made on canvas with colors, on fabric with embroidery, with patchwork, in wood by carving the wood, and on metal. A doll museum is also there to depict the Tibetan lifestyle in ancient times.
Day 04: Dharamsala - Shimla
Stay: Hotel / Homestay Meals: Breakfast. Dinner. Distance: 250km Driving Time: 7 hours
Shimla came into existence after the Gurkha British wars in 1816. From then until 1947 the British used it at a holiday resort and then as their Summer Capital. Completely developed by the British Officers Shimla takes you back to the bygone era as the town is a Victorian and post Victorian architecture. A large number of buildings built by the Imperial government remain scattered and the climate of the town has a clear resemblance to Europe.
Day 05: Shimla
Stay: Hotel/Homestay Meals: Breakfast, and Dinner.
Shimla is Walker’s paradise. Many people coming to Shimla regret if they miss it, so we keep here two nights for you so that you can walk through the Heritage Lanes of Shimla with your guide. There are beautiful Churches, A Viceregal Lodge now called Institute of Advanced Study, Army Heritage Museum, Annandale Ground, Gaiety theater, and of course The Mall road – a busy street but meant only for the pedestrians.
After breakfast, we proceed for a Heritage Walk of Shimla with your local historian. This is the best way to learn about Shimla and know it better. You will be walking with Sumit, a local historian and a published author of eight books.
Day 06 : Shimla - Sarahan
Stay: Small Hotel/Guest House Meals: Breakfast, and Dinner Distance: 175 km Driving Time: 5 to 6 hrs
The drive is through the Apple orchards, lush landscape, and over Narkanda – a small but busy town at the elevation of 9000 feet.
Early morning breakfast, Sarahan, a beautiful village surrounded by apple orchards and dominated by Shrikhand Mahadev Peak (5155 M/ 16,912 feet) which resembles the “Shivling.” We visit the Bhimakali Temple, a wonderful mixture of Buddhist and Hindu architecture. It is very sacred to both communities. The idol of Goddess Bhimakali is approximately 200 years old.
Day 07 : Sarahan - Chitkul
Stay: Small Hotel/Guest House Meals: Breakfast, and Dinner Distance: 75 km Driving Time: 3 hrs
Chitkul is one place that is not to be missed on this trail. This is the last village in the valley of river Baspa and keeps an amazing landscape with its temple of the village at the backdrop.
Day 08 : Chitkul - Kalpa
Stay: Hotel Grand Shambhala Meals: Breakfast, and Dinner Distance: 45 km Driving Time: 2 hrs
Morning drive to Kalpa. On the way, we shall visit village Batseri and village Kamru. Looming above Kalpa village is the impressive Mt. Kinner Kailash (6050 M/ 19,850 feet).
Afternoon: Also, we need to appear before the State Divisional Magistrate to obtain Permits for the Inner line area. (Please note: If you are a foreigner in India then your this day in Kalpa must be a weekday and a working day).
After lunch, a short walk for three kilometers, along the old road to village Roghi is worth it.
Day 09 : Kalpa
Stay: Hotel Grand Shambhala Meals: Breakfast, and Dinner
After breakfast walk around the villages in and around Kalpa. These are the ancient and exquisite villages of Chini, Kothi, Pangi, and Telangi. Make good use of your camera as the landscape and the architecture attract you repeatedly.
Day 10 : Kalpa - Nako
Stay: Fixed Camp with attached facilities. Meals: Breakfast, and Dinner Distance: 105 km Driving Time: 4 hrs
The village of Nako lies at an altitude of 3625 meters (11,893 feet), high above the last stretch of the Spiti Valley. It was once a very important center of Buddhism in the region. There are different small-sized temples belonging to different periods between the 11th and 12th centuries distributed all over the village, including a monastic complex on its western edge. Boasting four temples and a number of additional buildings, this complex preserves the earliest artistic heritage. The austere and unornamented exteriors of the buildings give little hint of the important artistic and religious legacy that lies within the walls.
Day 11 : Nako - Tabo
Stay: Hotel/Homestay Meals: Breakfast, and Dinner Distance: 70 km Driving Time: 4 hrs
Today we enter the Spiti Valley. Geographically and archeologically, Spiti is a living museum. The mountains are devoid of any vegetation due to erosion by wind, sun, and snow over thousands of years. Our vehicles climb up to the village of Tabo (3050 M/ 10,006 feet). Built in the year 996 AD, the Chos Khor Monastery at Tabo is the largest monastery in Spiti and one of the few remaining examples of the Golden Period of Buddhist Culture in the Himalayan Region. The wall frescos of the monastery are comparable in their antiquity and quality to those of the Ajanta caves, hence they are called the Ajanta of the Himalayas. It houses more than 100 Lamas, a large number of scriptures and pieces of art, wall paintings, thangkas, and stucco. We will reach Tabo for lunch. In the afternoon and evening, we will visit the monastery and village.
Day 12 : Tabo - Kaza
Stay: Hotel/Homestay Meals: Breakfast, and Dinner Distance: 47 km Driving Time: 4 hrs
Rise early if you want to join the monks in morning worship at Tabo monastery (5 min walk through the village).
After breakfast, we drive to Kaza. On the way, we shall visit Dhankar, the ancient capital of Spiti. Dhankar Gompa (3800 M/ 12,467 feet) was built in the 12th century. This hilltop fort dominates the scene, and once served as a jail. It contains more than 160 scriptures of Lamas and Buddhists in the Bhoti language. A statue of Dhyan Buddha consisting of four complete figures seated back to back is the main attraction of this four to five-century-old monastery. Unfortunately, the ancient Gompa, situated on the very edge of the peak, is deteriorating. Entering the interior may be restricted in the very near future. They have shifted the main monastery to a new complex at the entrance of the village. His Holiness the Dalai Lama inaugurated this temple in June 2004.
Before we drive to Kaza, a detour to Peen Valley is strongly recommended for a photographer. Peen Valley was the sea bed of the ocean Tythes from where Himalaya rose up. Commonly known as Geologist’s paradise Peen valley is known for its amazing rock folds and Moonlike landscape. We continue our drive to Kaza.
Day 13 : Kaza
Day 14 : Kaza - Kaylong
Stay: Small Hotel/Guest House Meals: Breakfast, and Dinner Distance:185 km Driving Time: 8 hours.
Drive to Leh, the headquarter and the capital city of the Ladakh region. On the way, we will stop at Chang Thang, the site of the hot springs.
Leh is the headquarter town of Ladakh state and is the only town in this area. At the elevation of 3200 meters, Leh was hit by a cloud burst in 2010 that caused major damage to the town. Also, Leh is the base of many other treks and travels to the other parts of Ladakh.
On arrival check into your hotel and relax.
Day 15 : Kaylong
Stay: Small Hotel/Guest House Meals: Breakfast, and Dinner
Today we shall drive to Pattan Valley known for growing hops, the only place in India. Visit to Trilokinath temple where Hindus and Buddhists worship together and then to Udaipur. The temple of Mrikula Devi in Udaipur is said to have been built by Pandavas. The woodcarving inside the tiny structure is just amazing.
Day 16: Kaylong - Sarchu
Stay: Fixed Camp with attached facilities Meals: Breakfast. Dinner Distance: 110 km. Driving Time: 6 hrs.
Pangong Lake is the largest lake of this region situated at an elevation of 4350 meters, with an area of nearly 900 square kilometers. In 1962 after the Chinese aggression on India, 60% of the lake was captured by the Chinese army. The journey is full of stunning views of this cold desert and rugged mountains. On arrival check into your camp and relax.
Day 17 : Sarchu - Leh
Stay: Hotel Spic N Span or similar Meals: Breakfast, Packed Lunch, and Dinner Distance: 275 km Driving Time: 8 7 hours
Today is going to be the longest drive but the most stunning landscape will come our way. Apart from the passes the other attraction today is Morey plain. This 45-kilometer long plateau used to be a lake in the past. The next major attraction of the route is Tanglang La Pass, the second-highest motorable pass in the world. A short stopover for a click is a must in this area.
Day 18: Leh
Stay: Hotel Spic N Span or similar Meals: Breakfast, and Dinner
Today we spend visiting the monasteries in and around Leh. Visit to Shey Palace, Thiksey Monastery Hemis Monastery and Stok Palace Museum. Hemis is the largest and the richest monastery of Indian Western Himalayas.
Day 19: Leh - Alchi - Likir - Leh
Stay: Hotel Spic N Span or similar Meals: Breakfast, and Dinner Distance: 100 km Driving Time: Fullday Tour
Full-day visit to Likir and Alchi Monasteries. Alchi is one of the oldest monasteries in this region and is known for its wood carvings.
Day 20: Leh - Nubra Valley
Stay: Hotel Lahrimo or similar Meals: Breakfast, and Dinner Distance: 120 km Driving Time: 5 hours
Nubra Valley is one of the most beautiful valleys in the area. The major attraction of today’s journey is the drive over Khardong La – the second highest motorable pass in the world (5600 m). Beautifully carved and decorated by the river Shyok, Nubra is also the entry gate to Siachen Glacier – the highest battlefield in the world, and to Gilgit and Baltistan – Pakistan Occupied Kashmir or generally known as POK. Check-in on arrival and relax for some time.
In the afternoon we shall drive to Hunder to enjoy a camel Safari on double humped Mongolian camel.
Day 21: Nubra - Leh
Stay: Hoel Spic N Span or similar Meals: Breakfast and Dinner Distance: 120 km Driving Time: 5 hours
Drive to Leh that same way. Evening free to stroll in Leh Bazaar.
Day 18: Leh Departure
In the morning after breakfast, transfer to the airport to board the flight to Delhi. Thank you for joining us. Have a safe journey back home.
Highlights
Golden Temple, Monastery of H.H. Dalai Lama, Summer Capital of British India, Moonlike Landscape, Himalayan rural life, Drive over some of the highest passes, Nubra Valley, Spiti Valley, Buddhist Monasteries, Interaction with the locals.
General Information
Pick up for Spiti VAlley and Ladakh Tour
Amritsar
Drop after Spiti Valley and Ladakh Tour
Leh
Time Consumed
22 Days / 21 Nights
Geographical Information
Altitude for Spiti Valley and Ladakh Tour
240 m to 3500 m.
The temperature during the Spiti Valley and Ladakh Tour
- The warmest month of the year is June, with an average temperature of 20.9 °C | 69.6 °F.
- January has the lowest average temperature of the year. It is 5.6 °C | 42.1 °F.
- Click here to check the current temperature.
Terrain
Hilly.
Other Information
Tour Type
Private.
Do not Forget
- Camera.
- Credit / Debit Cards.
- Walking Shoes.
- Sunglasses.
- Sun Screen.
- Umbrella on a rainy day.
- Rain Cover.
- Sun Hat.
- Personal medicine (if any)
- Warm Jacket in Winter.
Pets
Not Allowed
‘Toilets’ & ‘Permanent Toilets’
Yes
Wheelchair Accessibility
No
