Arrive at Chandigarh - ‘The City Beautiful’. It is India's first planned city, quite distinct from the rest of the country and considerably better organized. It is also one of the cleanest cities in India. The most striking thing about the city is the expanse of resplendent blue sky with the mountains in the backdrop. On arrival check-in at the hotel on arrival and relax. In the late afternoon visit the famous Rock Garden which is a sculpture garden built in the year 1957 by officer Nek Chand single-handedly in his spare time and has become a long-standing symbol of imagination and novelty in the city. This massive 40-acre garden displays sculptures made from urban and industrial wastes. Later visit the beautiful Sukhna Lake that lies in the foothills of the Shivalik range. One can enjoy the cool breeze and the beauty of nature here. You could indulge in a pedal boat ride at the lake. Overnight stay will be at the hotel in Chandigarh.

Accommodation:

• Comfort Level (3/4 star hotels, camps & homestays): Lemon Tree Hotel, Chandigarh

After breakfast check-out from the hotel and head towards Manali, located at an altitude of 2,050 m (6,726 ft) in the Beas River Valley. Nestled in between the snow-capped mountains of the Pir Panjal and the Dhauladhar ranges, Manali is one of the most popular hill stations in India. With jaw-dropping views, lush green forests, sprawling meadows, meandering river, and a persistent fragrance of pines and freshness - Manali has been blessed with astounding scenic beauty. It is going to be around 8-9 hour’s journey but a beautiful driving experience through the Himalayas. The closer you get to Manali, the more energetic and ecstatic you will feel. You will be driving on the road running aside the meandering Beas River. On the way, you will also see lots of farms & apple orchards. Reach Manali by evening hours. Check-in at the hotel on arrival and relax. The evening is at your leisure. Dinner and overnight stay will be at the hotel in Manali.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Accommodation:

• Comfort Level (3/4 star hotels, camps & homestays): WelcomHeritage Urvashi's Retreat

After a nice breakfast, set out for exploring Manali. Start with a visit to Vashisht. This beautiful village is famous for its sulfurous hot water springs and Vashisht temple, built just next to the springs. The water from this spring is believed to have great healing powers, which can cure many skin diseases and other infections. Then visit “HADIMBA TEMPLE” built in 1553 with a superbly crafted four-tiered pagoda roof, it is famous for its exquisitely carved doorway and the jungle park in which the temple is built. Afterwards, visit Old Manali. This quaint little village lies very close to the Manali main-town, but it is as if you have crossed into another world. This hippie land is a strange blend of Indians & foreigners. Old Manali looks like it is out of a retro movie. Perhaps it is because of the fresh air or water, but you feel a spiritual energy around you. Later in the evening visit Mall road, the heart of the town. Lined with multiple hotels, restaurants and bars, this busy commercial center also houses numerous shops and emporiums. You can hang out and shop for local stuff and souvenirs. Dinner & overnight stay will be at the hotel in Manali.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Accommodation:

• Comfort Level (3/4 star hotels, camps & homestays): WelcomHeritage Urvashi's Retreat

You will check-out from the hotel early morning (by around 5:00 am) and will leave for Chandratal via Solang Valley, Atal Tunnel, Gramphu, Chatru and Batal. The distance is about 100 km and it will be around 7-8 hours journey. After Gramphu the road actually disappears and the path gets really bumpy and adventurous. On the way you will witness numerous beautiful waterfalls, sheep and horses grazing in the green fields, tiny little wildflowers, snow peaks. The landscapes change from green mountains to dry rocky mountains covered with snow and you will see and feel the beauty around. The wind gets really chilling at Batal and sky looks clear blue. At Batal you will take a short break for lunch at the famous Chacha Chachi Dhaba (roadside local restaurant). Reach camping grounds by evening and check-in at the camps on arrival. The evening is at your leisure. Spend your time walking around the heavenly lake or just relax in your camps. Dinner & overnight stay will be at the camps overlooking the Chandrabagha peak and a mind-blowing night sky.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Wake up early and experience the best sunrise of your life. The silica in dry mountains at ChandraTal gives a silver sparkle shine. The view is amazing from the camp site. Hike to Chandratal Lake; it will be around 1hr moderate walking. Sit by the lakeside and gaze at the changing colors of the lake. You will find beauty in every moment. The banks of the lake are carpeted with hundreds of kinds of wildflowers. The legends say this is the site where fairies descended from the heavens. Return back to camps, have breakfast and check out from the camps. Then you will head towards Kaza crossing Kunzumla Pass which is the highest Pass (14,928ft or 4550 m) in the region and offers spectacular views. The capital of Spiti, Kaza is about 77kms from ChandraTal and sits on the eroded flood plain of the Spiti River; it is the biggest settlement you’ll encounter in this empty corner of the planet. Kaza is also the starting point for trips to Ki Gompa and the villages of Kibber, Langza, Hikkim and Komic, high on the east side of the valley. The landscapes between Losar and Kaza are the most beautiful and captivating. For the whole of the time, you will be looking out of the window admiring the mesmerizing, pure and untouched beauty of Mother Earth. Dinner and overnight stay will be at the hotel in Kaza.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Accommodation:

• Comfort Level (3/4 star hotels, camps & homestays): Hotel Sakya Abode

After breakfast check-out from Kaza and head towards Tabo crossing Dhankar. Welcome to the land of famous Buddhist monastery – ‘Tabo Monastery’ which according to legend, is said to be over a thousand years old, founded back in 996 A.D. The land here looks barren and desolate moonscape with no vegetation. Check-in at the hotel on arrival. In the late afternoon visit Tabo monastery, founded in 996 CE. It is noted for being the oldest continuously operating Buddhist enclave in both India and the Himalayas. It is listed by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. There are many priceless collections of thankas (scroll paintings), manuscripts, well-preserved statues, frescos and extensive murals which cover almost every wall. The ancient paintings here depict the life cycle of The Buddha, and legends from the Jataka Tales and were made in the Tibetan style by artists from Kashmir. It is also called the Ajanta of the Himalayas. Dinner & overnight stay will be at the hotel in Tabo.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Accommodation:

• Comfort Level (3/4 star hotels, camps & homestays): Hotel Maitreya Regency Tabo

After breakfast, check out from the hotel and head out for the Gue Village tour. Gue Village is a small indiscreet village at an altitude of almost 3000 meters, houses India’s only known mummy preserved naturally. The mummy has been supposedly identified as that of monk Sangha Tenzin. According to carbon dating, the mummy is believed to be around 500 to 600 yrs old. Now it’s time for taking a U-turn. Head towards Langza village. On the way stop at Key Monastery. It is the most important and the biggest Buddhist center in Spiti Valley. It also serves as a religious training center for Lamas. The monastery is famous for its murals, thankas, rare manuscripts, stucco images, and wind instruments. It was founded in the 11th century. Then continue towards Langza. The village is surrounded by green pastures, snow-clad mountains, and barren landscapes. Langza is adorned by a beautiful golden statue of Buddha which can be noticed instantly and an ancient temple called ‘Lang’ said to be the Abode of the Deities of the region and it is over 1000 years old. Langza is well known for its rich fossil reserves of marine animals and plants. Millions of years ago, Spiti lay submerged under the Tethys Sea. Fossils of sea life can easily be found scattered close to the village. Upon arrival check-in at a homestay & relax. The evening is at your leisure. Dinner & overnight stay is at a homestay in Langza.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Accommodation:

• Comfort Level (3/4 star hotels, camps & homestays): Phan Dhey Home Stay

After breakfast set on to visit Komic Village & Hikkim which lies at an altitude of (14,830 ft) above sea level and is known as the highest motorable village in Asia. Hikkim village has a post office situated at an elevation of 4,400 m (14,400 ft) and this post office is the highest in the world. Visit the highest motorable Buddhist monastery in the world – ‘The Tangyud Monastery’. It is believed that the monastery has 'Matrey Buddha,' or 'the future Buddha,' who looks after the well-being of the people of Komik Village. Return to Langza by evening. Dinner & overnight stay will be at the homestay in Langza.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Accommodation:

• Comfort Level (3/4 star hotels, camps & homestays): Phan Dhey Home Stay

Wake up early morning and head towards Manali. It will be around 8-9 hours journey. Bid farewell to the days spent in the enchanting Spiti valley. We will stop at Batal for breakfast and tea break. Reach Manali by evening hours, check-in at the hotel on arrival. Evening at your leisure. Dinner & overnight stay will be at the hotel in Manali.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Accommodation:

• Comfort Level (3/4 star hotels, camps & homestays): WelcomHeritage Urvashi's Retreat

After breakfast, check out from the hotel and head towards Chandigarh. Reach Chandigarh by evening. Check-in at the hotel on arrival. Evening at your leisure. Overnight stay will be at the hotel in Chandigarh.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation:

• Comfort Level (3/4 star hotels, camps & homestays): Lemon Tree Hotel, Chandigarh

After breakfast, check out from the hotel and transfer to Chandigarh airport for your return flight. Bid farewell with the memories of an amazing and adventurous fun-filled 11 days trip through the Himalayas and Spiti Valley.

Meals: Breakfast