destination, Kalpa Again backtracking to the NH-22 at Karchham you’ll continue on the road towards Recong Peo, nestled 7 km above which is the village of Kalpa.
Day 6: Kalpa
You’ll most likely be spending this day absorbing the stunning views of the “Kinner Kailash” and reminiscing the past few days after you left Shimla. or perhaps, taking walks around this lovely village & its apple orchards. We, on the other hand, will be busy arranging your Inner-line permits which are required by “foreign visitors” for visiting the areas ahead and giving the motorcycles a thorough check-up for the journey ahead. You’ll be heading further up the NH-22 tomorrow and soon enter a region devoid of certain amenities (cell phone networks & provision stores, among other things) so its your last chance to make long distance phone calls & stack-up on toiletries & whatnot.
Day 7: Kalpa - Nako Lake (120 KM)
As you further ride up the Hindustan-Tibet highway, the mountain landscape starts to change from green to rocky & barren. Still riding along the Satluj you’ll reach Spello where your permits will be checked at a Police check-post. Another 35 km ride will bring you to Khaab, a small village at the confluence of the Spiti & Satluj rivers. Leaving Satluj, from this point on you’ll be riding along the Spiti river to reach Nako, a village situated near the small but beautiful Nako lake (3660 M).
This is first of the many high altitude lakes visited by you on this tour. The location of this village is remote & infrastructure is basic. Accommodation here is in comfortable tented camps/Rest House inclusive of all meals.
Day 8: Nako - Tabo - Kaza (115 KM)
Today’s ride will take you further up into higher mountains (& across the infamous “Maling Nala”, your first major water crossing) and down to Chango where you’ll enter Spiti Valley. Your first destination is Tabo where you visit the historic monastery. After having lunch at a restaurant nearby you’ll embark on the day’s second leg, a 47 km ride along the Spiti river to Kaza.
Day 9: Kaza
Kaza is the head-quarters of the Spiti sub-division and you’ll be staying here for two consecutive nights. You’ll be able to use facilities like Internet & long distance phone calls again, “luxuries” you left behind at Kalpa. You’ll also be visiting the Key Gompa and Kibber village (4205 M), considered to be one of the highest villages in Asia, on your motorcycle.
Day 10: Kaza - Chandra Tal (100 KM)
Continuing up the Spiti Valley & further into higher Himalayas, today you’ll arrive at the second High Altitude Lake on your tour (enjoying a packed lunch, en route). After crossing a high pass (Kunzum La, 4550 M) and a couple of streams (glacier melts) you’ll reach a pasture land 4 KM short of the beautiful & desolate lake of Chandra Taal (Vehicles are not allowed beyond this point & camping is no longer permitted near the lake shore). The supports staff will help set up our own camp here and cook the evening’s dinner while you can take the walk up to the lake. Accommodation will be 2 persons in one 4-man tent. Nature’s call will have to be answered in a small toilet tent with a folding camping toilet Although an “awkward” experience, besides being eco-friendly its a lot better than having to find an inconspicuous spot in the open, flat & barren surroundings of the lake at 4200 M
Day 11: Chandra Tal - Manali (125 KM)
After breakfast, you’ll say goodbye to the “Moon Lake” and head down into the Lahaul Valley, along the Chandra, a river originating from a glacier near Baralacha La. The road (or the lack of it) from Chandra Taal all the way to Gramphu (where it meets the popular Manali-Leh “highway”) offers some of the most thrilling riding experience you’ll have on this tour. This stretch of the journey has several big & small water crossings challenging enough to test your grit & determination. After Gramphu you leave the Chandra river behind as you ride up to Rohtang La (3978 M). The scenery starts to turn a lot greener as you head down the Rohtang pass to the town of Manali. Situated along the banks of River Beas at the northern end of the Kullu valley, Manali is a popular tourist destination attracting thousands of Indian tourists in the summers who want to beat the heat of the plains.
Day 12: Manali
Another day for relaxation, exploration or contemplation depending on your inclination.
Here you also can visit Manali and take bath in hot water spring.
Day 13: Manali - Shoja (110 KM)
Heading south from Manali, along the banks of the Beas, today's ride takes you through some beautiful scenery. Riding down the Kullu valley past Naggar, you'll leave behind the Beas and turn south-east towards Banjar at Aut. From here, a 38 kilometer long path lined with apple orchards leads you to your destination, a small hamlet called Shoja, right on the edge of "The Great Himalayan National Park”. outer Seraj area.
Day 14: Shoja - Shimla (155 KM)
You’ll saddle-up yet again and for the last time on this tour for your journey to Shimla, the capital of Himachal Pradesh & the erstwhile “summer capital” of India. The evening can be spent taking a stroll on The Mall, soaking-in the charm of “the queen of hills” & its surrounds and visiting the Christ Church on the Ridge.
Day 15: Shimla - New Delhi (By Car/Train)
It’s time to say your good-bye’s to fellow travelers & the Himalayas. You’ll be taking a 3 hour Car/MUV ride down the Shivalik range to its footsteps at Kalka from where an Express Train will take you to New Delhi (in about another 4 hours). Dinner is served in the train & is inclusive in the fare. At the New Delhi Railway Station you’ll be met by Travels Himachal rep that will transfer you to a convenient location which shall be the “end” of your tour.
Package Exclusions
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Personal Expenses |
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Train/Air Fare |
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Entry Charges |