Day-Wise Itinerary
Participants arrive at Narkanda, a charming Himalayan town surrounded by dense pine forests and panoramic mountain views. The group gathers at Tethys Ski Resort, where the expedition begins with a briefing session, introductions, and vehicle checks. The evening is spent relaxing, getting to know fellow travelers, and preparing for the journey ahead. The overnight stay is at Tethys Ski Resort, Narkanda.
The drive begins as we descend towards the Sutlej River and enter the spectacular Kinnaur region. The road winds through dramatic cliffs and scenic valleys before reaching the beautiful Sangla Valley. Known for its apple orchards and picturesque villages, Sangla offers breathtaking views of the Kinnaur Kailash range. Thereafter we’ll stay at Banjara Camps & Retreat, Sangla.
Today we drive to Chitkul, the last inhabited village near the Indo-Tibetan border. Surrounded by towering peaks and the Baspa River, Chitkul is one of the most scenic villages in the Himalayas. After exploring the village and enjoying the peaceful surroundings, we return to Sangla for the evening. Overnight stay will be reserved at Banjara Camps & Retreat, Sangla.
The journey continues deeper into the Himalayas as we leave Kinnaur and enter the stark landscapes of Spiti Valley. Passing through Nako village, perched above a small high-altitude lake, the drive offers constantly changing scenery, from lush valleys to barren high-altitude deserts.
By evening we reach Tabo, home to one of the oldest Buddhist monasteries in the Himalayas. We’ll stay overnight at Spiti Mud Huts (or equivalent), Tabo.
The day begins with a visit to the ancient Tabo Monastery, often referred to as the “Ajanta of the Himalayas.” We then drive to Dhankar Monastery, dramatically perched on a cliff overlooking the confluence of the Spiti and Pin rivers.
From here we explore the stunning Pin Valley, known for its rugged beauty and remote villages, before continuing onward to Kaza, the administrative capital of Spiti.
Today we explore some of the highest motorable villages in the world. The drive takes us to Langza, known for its fossil-rich terrain and giant Buddha statue overlooking the valley.
We continue to Komik, one of the highest villages accessible by road, and then to Hikkim, home to the world’s highest post office. After soaking in the dramatic views and peaceful surroundings, we return to Kaza.
This day is dedicated to exploring the cultural and spiritual heart of Spiti. We visit the iconic Kye Monastery, the largest monastery in the valley, perched dramatically on a hilltop.
We then drive across the famous Chicham Bridge, one of Asia’s highest suspension bridges, offering breathtaking views of the deep gorge below. After a day filled with exploration and photography, we return to Kaza.
The final driving day is one of the most adventurous sections of the journey. We drive through Losar, the last village of Spiti, before ascending to the high mountain pass of Kunzum La.
Weather permitting, we take a detour to the stunning Chandertal Lake, known for its crescent shape and surreal beauty. The journey then continues through the legendary Atal Tunnel, bringing us into the lush green valleys of Manali. We retire for the night at Anantmaya Resort, Manali.
After breakfast, the expedition concludes in Manali. Participants bid farewell to fellow travelers and depart with unforgettable memories of the Himalayan adventure.
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Travelling to Narkanda is now a breeze, since the Kalka-Shimla road was upgraded into a four-lane expressway. Barring traffic congestion in Shimla city, the journey offers spectacular views of the valleys of the lesser Himalayas.
Narkanda is an archetypal Himalayan hill town located amidst the thick Deodar cedar forest. Upon arrival, the team at Tethys Resort will greet and introduce you to our team. We are sure the stunning views of the Deodar forest and the lush apple orchards will transport you to another world.
In the evening, the soothing aroma and warmth of the bonfire will make the exhaustion of the long drive vanish instantly. We promise you a one-of-a-kind experience with us after a delectable dinner!
The drive from Narkanda to Rohru town of Pabbar valley is a scenic — though long, winding and weary drive with steep down-slopes and upward gradients. A journey that takes you through the primeval and dense forests of Baghi and Sungri. We’ll be travelling through time, as the Narkanda-Sungri road section falls under the British-era Old Hindustan-Tibet Road. The drive distance is about 62 kilometers, and it takes about 3 hours to reach our campsite, La-Himalaya camps right by the side of the Pabbar River.
Buckle up wanderlusters, because Day 3 is all about chasing epic views and capturing memories. We’ll be trading the bustle of the Rohru town for the breathtaking heights of the Chanshal Pass — the highest peak in the Shimla district of Himachal Pradesh.
This 4,520 meters high of pure mountain majesty connects Rohru town to the charming twin villages of Dodra and Kwar. On one side, the pass offers some of the best views of the legendary Swargarohini peak of the Garhwal Himalayas. On the other, cascading valleys of the lower Himalayas stretch out like a green velvet carpet waiting for any adventuring soul.
The drive distance (between our campsite and the pass) is about 50 km, and it takes about 2 hours to reach the Chanshal Pass summit.
The first leg of the journey is on Rohru-Sungri-Rampur Bushahr. The Road conditions are okay, but some sections are narrow, winding, and have steep up/down gradients. The stretch takes about 3 hours to cover the distance of 70 km.
In the second leg of our day 4 drive, we’ll be driving on National Highway 5 and National Highway 305, from Taklech to Sainj Chowk on NH5 and Sainj Chowk to Shoja on NH305.
The second leg of day #4 will take approximately 4 hours to cover the 100 km distance. Depending upon the availability of the hotels, we’d book the stay in either Sojha or Janjehli.
Sojha village is a haven for backpackers and road-trippers seeking solace and adventure in equal measure. Serolsar Lake, Jalori Pass, Raghupur Fort, and Jibhi Waterfall are the places for our day excursions. In Janjehli, we can drive to Shikari Mata Temple and camp on the nearby meadows.
Day 1 of this Pabbar Valley road trip kicks off with an easy drive from your home city to Farmville by Tethys at Prem Nagar. This lovely property is conveniently located just 15 minutes away from Kumarhatti town on the Chandigarh-Shimla highway. Not only does Farmville offer free private parking, but it also provides complimentary Wi-Fi to keep you connected throughout your stay.
The drive from Shimla to Rohru town of Pabbar valley is a scenic — though long, winding and weary drive with steep down-slopes and upward gradients — journey that takes you through the valleys of Lesser Himalayas of Himachal Pradesh. The drive distance is about 100 kilometers, and it takes about 5 hours to reach our campsite—located by the Pabbar river.
On Day 3, where we’ll hit the road to explore the most Instagrammable place of Pabbar valley. We shall be visiting the Chanshal Pass—the highest peak in the Shimla district of Himachal. This 4,520 meters high pass connects Rohru town to the twin villages of Dodra and Kwar. This pass also forms a drainage divide between Rupin river of Garhwal, Uttarakhand and Pabbar river of Himachal Pradesh. The pass offers a panoramic view of the peaks of Garhwal Himalayas (like Swargarohini) on one side and wide-angle view of cascaded valleys of lesser Himalayas on the other. On a clear day, peaks as far as Kinnaur and Spiti valley are visible from this pass.
The drive from Daranghati to Narkanda as scenic (and equally challenging) as our Day 4 drive. We’d be negotiating near infinite hairpin bends, steep down-slopes and upward gradients. Such drives are best done in all-wheel drive powered vehicles.
Drive back to our basecamp, Farmville by Tethys at Prem Nagar.
On the first day of this glamping road trip, drive from your home city to Farmville by Tethys at Prem Nagar, just a 15 minutes drive from Kumarhatti town (on Chandigarh-Shimla highway). This property offers free private parking and free Wi-Fi service.
The day 2 is dedicated to exploring the Pabbar valley. The valley is named after Pabbar river — a right side tributary of the Tons river, which is a right side tributary of river Yamuna.
Some most bucket-listed places of the day 2 includes:
Hatkoti village and temple: Hatkoti is a small village located by the Pabbar river. The village has become synonymous with Hateshwari Durga Mata temple. The temple is built in Pyramidal root style of architecture. Inside the temple, there is a shrine dedicated to lord Shiva and 5 shrines believed to be built by the Pandavas.
Chirgaon: Famous for trout fishing and angling, this small town is less than 15 minutes drive away from Rohru.
Larot village: A scenic village on Chirgaon – Chanshal pass route.
Summerkot fort: Located on a hillock by the Summerkot village, this is the oldest temple fort of Pabbar valley. It is built in indigenous Kath-kuni architecture. Kot means a castle in the vernacular language of this region.
Drive over Bakhirna Bridge: This recently opened bridge connects right bank of river Pabbar to its left bank.
Chanshal Pass (4520 m high above mean sea level): This pass forms a drainage divide between Rupin river of Garhwal, Uttarakhand and Pabbar river of Himachal Pradesh. The pass off a panoramic view of the peaks of Garhwal Himalayas (like Swargarohini) on one side and wide-angle view of cascaded valleys of lesser Himalayas on the other. On a clear day, peaks of as far as Kinnaur and Spiti valley are visible from this pass.
Daranghati was designated by the government of Himachal Pradesh as wildlife sanctuary in 1999. Its 171 km square area hosts some spectacular places like Sharai Koti Temple, Mural Danda, Daranghati peak and dense and biodiversity rich forest expanses.
After breakfast, we set off on the most strenuous (but thrilling) drive of our itinerary.
The day is a test of your driving skills on broken and unpaved road stretches with many steep climbs and sheer descends.
But all this is worth the mesmerizing views that await us. We’d also be covering some parts of the legendary Old Hindustan-Tibet Road. The place is famous for sightings of the western tragopan.
In the evening, we will enjoy a bonfire under the stars and constellations with the 360-degree view from a hilltop in the vicinity of Daranghati peak. Overnight stay in cozy abodes of glamping tents set-up by Lahimalaya.
The drive from Daranghati to Narkanda as scenic (and equally challenging) as our Day 4 drive. We’d be negotiating near infinite hairpin bends, steep down-slopes and upward gradients. Such drives are best done in all-wheel drive powered vehicles.
Drive back to our base camp, i.e., Farmville stay by Tethys via Shimla and Kumarhatti.
Arrive at “Tethys Ski Resort” situated in Narkanda at a height of 9000 feet. Built in old colonial style, the hotel is covered with thick forests and apple orchard on all sides. It takes 9 hours from Delhi and 5 min from Chandigarh to reach Narkanda. Welcome drinks are offered at the time of arrival followed by bonfire and dinner.
After breakfast, we leave for Sara Meadow. We will experience the snow drive in the shadow of tall, snow-covered pine trees, and enjoy getting stuck in the snow. The area is remote, which makes you feel connected to nature. After reaching Sara Meadow, you will feel a gush of freshness coming from the mountains covered in fresh snow. You will feel like not coming back.
A day filled with thrill and adventure comes to an end as we head back on the same road to reach the hotel by evening. Upon reaching back at the resort, tea and snacks are served by the bonfire, followed by a delicious dinner. Next day, we explore a new road, a new location lost in the remoteness of the snowy hills.
This day is going to be special and challenging. After breakfast, we drive on Bagi road. Yesterday’s drive was just a teaser; today we put our off-road driving skills to test. We will enjoy cars dragging in the opposite direction as we maneuver curves on the narrow road.
We march ahead as tires get stuck in the snow, and mud flaps and car doors are covered with snow and mud. Of course, you are not on your own – our lead car and backup team stand guard all the time while our convoy moves ahead on the snowy trail.
By dusk, we move back on the same road to reach the hotel to enjoy a hot and delicious dinner. We have food, drink to the adventure and share our experiences of driving in snow. This is how we call it a day and cozy up in the warm bed and drift away in the dreamland of adventure.
The group photo is taken after breakfast and it’s time to say goodbye. We take home good memories and adventure tales from this off-roading experience of our lifetime.
Arrival at Narkanda. Our team at Tethys Resort, Narkanda will welcome you. Freshen up and unwind in the cozy rooms of Tethys Resort and soak yourself in the beauty of deodar forest and apple orchards.
Narkanda is about 6 hours’ drive (185 km) from Chandigarh airport. Followed by briefing and drinks, cozy up around flickering flames and the fragrance of the bonfire wood logs. We call it a day after dinner.
Today, we will drive into the very heart of the outer Siraj valley of Kullu. Drive is easy and beautiful until Dutt Nagar – a small town located on the left bank of Sutlej River on NH05 near Rampur Bushahr. A single lane road connects Dutt Nagar to Baga Sarahan. Bagipul-Baga Sarahan drive will be the hardest part of today’s journey. By eveninng, we reach our destinaton – Baga Sarahan.
Dinner and overnight stay arrangements by Tethys on the move.
We’ll drive back on the same route (Bagipul-Nirmand-Dutt Nagar) to return to NH05. We continue the drive on Hindustan-Tibet road. A two-hour drive on the HT road takes us to Tranda Dhank (cliff) – a kilometer-long stretch carved in rock face by Britishers along the deep Sutlej River gorge.
We drive on the same route until Powari. From here, the caravan will leave the highway and drive up on a series of hairpin bends on Powari-Kalpa connecting road.
Our fatigue and weariness (owing to 140 km-long drive) will vanish as soon as we watch a glorious sunset over Kinner Kailash range. By evening, we check-in to a hotel, and go off to sleep after a delicious dinner.
Day 4 will be a long haul. We will drive a distance of around 210 kms to reach Kaz by evening. Before reaching our destination for the day, we will either stop at Nako or Tabo to take a breather. Nako village is located near the Indo-Tibet border in Kinnaur district. The high-altitude hamlet is adorned by a small, beautiful lake and a monastery. Another gem in the remoteness of Spiti Valley is Tabo, which is famous for its century-old monasteries and Buddhist caves.
We go sightseeing and exploring places around Kaza for the next two days. The Tangyud monastery, Key (also pronounced as Ki) monastery, the Kibber village, the Komic village, the Gette village, and the Langza village – well known for its marine fossils, are some of the Instagrammable places around Kaza we will explore today.
On day 6, we explore more places around Kaza town:
● Hikkim – the highest post office in the world
● Komic village
● Kaza monastery
● Chicham bridge
● Kaza market
On day 7, we drive to Kunzum Pass (the gateway to Lahaul Valley) and take a jeepable road 3 km short of Batal. The narrow road leads to one of the most beautiful places in Spiti Valley – Chandratal. Chandratal is a Himalayan Lake tucked deep in the mountains. Breathtaking views and crystal-clear water of the lake will wash all your worries away. After enjoying beautiful views at the lake, we return to the camps for an overnight stay.
Today we drive back on the same road to reach Batal. Batal is a vast flatland in Lahaul Valley. It is also a popular milestone and halting place for people coming either from Kaza or Manali. Beyond Batal, we’ll come across the worst stretch of road on the Kaza-Manali route. It takes around 5-6 hours to cover a 100 km odd distance from Batal to Manali. Road conditions are poor till Gramphoo. Beyond Gramphoo, barring a few patches, the road is in good shape until Manali.
Finally, the day has come when we say goodbye to our friends and beautiful landscapes that accompanied us this entire week and treated us well. It feels as if our trip started just yesterday. We have made so many good memories that are going to stay with us for life.
Narkanda at a height of 8,100 feet is around 440 kms away from Delhi and is a two hours drive from Shimla. Narkanda is famous for its snow skis, Hatu peak, abundant nature and much more. We will be staying at the colonial style built Tethys Himalayas perched amidst a thick cover of forest and apple orchards. Located in the midst of the apple belt of Himachal, 65 Kms beyond Shimla on NH 22, en-route to the Sangla valley (Kinnaur), this Narkanda resort offers a fairy-tale setting of nature and views of Himalayas. Welcome drink on arrival thereafter allotment of accommodation. Evening Bonfire and 2×2 snacks at Club Tethys followed by dinner.
Post Breakfast we set off into the most strenuous drive of our itinerary. The day is the test of your driving skills on stone laden roads with many steep climbs. But all this is worth the mesmerizing view in stored. Daranghati once the game reserve of Bushahr dynasty, also popular for the legendary Old Hindustan-Tibet Road that traverses through its expanse. Thanks to DaranGhati Sanctuary’s geographic condition, it’s one of the best reserves in Himachal Pradesh to observe wildlife. The subtropical wilderness in the Himachal Pradesh makes Daranghati Sanctuary a thrilling wonderland. The place is famous for spotting the western tragopan. Evening on the hilltop with 360-degree view in the vicinity of young Deodar forest. We will stay the night at our campsite at Daranghati enjoying the Glamping by Tethys on the move.
Today we set up early for Shraikoti Temple, dedicated to Godess Durga and is situated on the top of Shraikoti peak, at about 11,000 ft. The location of the temple is sufficient to get one relieved from the hassles of the world around, the panoramic view around the temple is worth and most important and the highest of all is the divinity that engulfs. Packed lunch will be served and yes bonfire and overnight camping awaits you back at camp Tethys
Post Breakfast we head into the eco-zone of Great Himalayan National Park to reach the majestic vale of Baga Sarahan, perched high above Bagipul. Its more of a goblet than a vale in fact, lying high above the valley below- a world within a world, an enchanted territory. Today we leave you to enjoy the silence of the mountains and to experience tranquility of mind.
Like all good things, this trip too comes to an end and we bid goodbye to the majestic mountains. We return to the normal, shower, rest, party, bonfire, music.
Narkanda at a height of 8,100 feet is around 440 kms away from Delhi and is a two hours drive from Shimla. Narkanda is famous for its snow skis, Hatu peak, abundant nature and much more. We will be staying at the colonial style built Tethys Himalayas perched amidst a thick cover of forest and apple orchards. Located in the midst of the apple belt of Himachal, 65 Kms beyond Shimla on NH 22, en-route to the Sangla valley (Kinnaur), this Narkanda resort offers a fairy-tale setting of nature and views of Himalayas. Welcome drink on arrival thereafter allotment of accommodation. Evening Bonfire and 2×2 snacks at Club Tethys followed by dinner.
Post Breakfast we set off into the most strenuous drive of our itinerary. The day is the test of your driving skills on stone laden roads with many steep climbs. But all this is worth the mesmerizing view in stored. Daranghati once the game reserve of Bushahr dynasty, also popular for the legendary Old Hindustan-Tibet Road that traverses through its expanse. Thanks to DaranGhati Sanctuary’s geographic condition, it’s one of the best reserves in Himachal Pradesh to observe wildlife. The subtropical wilderness in the Himachal Pradesh makes Daranghati Sanctuary a thrilling wonderland. The place is famous for spotting the western tragopan. Evening on the hilltop with 360-degree view in the vicinity of young Deodar forest. We will stay the night at our campsite at Daranghati enjoying the Glamping by Tethys on the move.
Today we set up early for Shraikoti Temple, dedicated to Godess Durga and is situated on the top of Shraikoti peak, at about 11,000 ft. The location of the temple is sufficient to get one relieved from the hassles of the world around, the panoramic view around the temple is worth and most important and the highest of all is the divinity that engulfs. Packed lunch will be served and yes bonfire and overnight camping awaits you back at camp Tethys
Like all good things, this trip too comes to an end and we bid goodbye to the majestic mountains. We return to the normal, shower, rest, party, bonfire, music.
On the first day of the trip, you will reach Manali for an overnight stay at a hotel. Manali is a place that needs no introduction. As you make your way to the tourist hotspot of Himachal, you start getting those beautiful vibes of the beautiful, open valley that lays right under the famous Rohtang Pass. Manali is a perfect place to live near mountains and glacial rivers. The place is ideal for adventurous activities, rejuvenating your mind, and savouring lip-smacking local delicacies. We call it a day with tasty dinner and lovely music.
After breakfast, there will be a small briefing session before we hit the road. We will start making ascent towards Rohtang Pass. We will spend some time here and then head towards our next beautiful destination – Chhatru. BonFire and delicious food awaits our arrival at an offbeat camping location organised by “Hospitality on the move by Tethys Himalaya” at Chhatru.
After driving through difficult terrain and narrow paths, you must need a day’s rest. So our day 5 will be a resting day so that you can rejuvenate and ease up yourself by taking short walks around the river bank. For those who would like to explore Udaipur, we will go to Triloknath and Myad valley and come back to our Campsite by the river Chenab.
Finally the day has come when we say goodbye to our friends and beautiful landscapes that accompanied us for an entire week and treated us well. It feels as if our trip started just yesterday. We have made so many good memories that are going to stay with us for life.
On Day 1, we will drive to Manali to discover why this destination is so popular among travelers and backpackers, both in India and abroad. As we enter the lush green landscape of the Kullu district, we’ll ride through pine-scented forests, alongside crystal-clear rivulets, and enjoy distant views of snow-clad peaks. The vibrant panorama of the Pin-Panjal and Dhauladhar Himalayas will captivate us. Situated at an altitude of 6,398 feet in the Beas River Valley, Manali is a hill station worth visiting. After exploring the beautiful Beas Valley surrounded by majestic mountains, we will check into our hotel for an overnight stay.
On Day 2, we will head to Jispa, a small, picturesque Himalayan town located in the Lahaul Valley of Himachal Pradesh. Situated on the right bank of the River Bhaga, Jispa is a two-hour drive from Manali and offers stunning views of the Chandrabhaga Valley. This quaint village, located on the Manali-Leh highway, serves as a pitstop en route to Leh. The calm and serene atmosphere provides a zen-like sensation amid mist-covered mountains and clouds.
Today, we will drive to Padum, named after the 8th-century Buddhist guru Padmasambhava. Padum serves as the administrative center of Zanskar Valley and was historically one of the two main capitals of the Zanskar kingdom, alongside Jangla.
The route from Jispa to Padum via Shinkula Pass is generally good, except for a 30-meter stretch that requires a stream crossing and a rocky section near the summit of Shinkula Pass. The Gonbo Rangjon mountain—one of the most revered and photographed peaks—is located about 9 kilometers from Shinkula Pass and involves a steep descent.
Depending on our arrival time in Purne, we can either stop for an overnight stay in Purne village or continue our drive to Padum. Both Purne and Padum are ideal for travelers seeking peace and solitude away from bustling tourist spots. Here, you can immerse yourself in the barren beauty of Zanskar Valley.
Today is dedicated to cultural exploration and fun activities around Padum. The area is rich in stunning Buddhist monasteries that radiate positive energy throughout the valley. Most of these holy sites were built between 500 and 2,500 years ago, offering an immersive experience with relics of Buddhism. You can also visit Shilla Waterfall, just a short 30-minute drive away, nestled against a towering mountain in the charming village of Shila.
On Day 5, we will travel to Leh, known as the beautiful crown of India in the Indus River Valley within the union territory of Ladakh. This region is characterized by high passes and lakes surrounded by snow-capped mountains. Leh’s unparalleled beauty has made it a favorite among travelers worldwide. We will check into a premium property here and unwind for the day.
On Day 6, after lunch, we will drive to Nubra Valley by crossing Khardung La—one of the world’s highest motorable roads. The four-hour drive will take us to Nubra. Known as a high-altitude desert, Nubra Valley is one of Ladakh’s most picturesque locations. With its postcard-blue skies, snow-clad mountains, lakes, and hospitable people, Nubra Valley invites you to an unforgettable experience. Once a trading route connecting eastern Tibet with Turkistan via Karakoram Pass, Nubra features dunes, monasteries, and ancient palaces amidst thick thorny shrubs and plantations of poplar and willow trees. We will spend the night in camps or a hotel.
Spending another day in Nubra Valley allows us to explore its hidden gems and enjoy the warmth of its people. We will visit:
By evening, we will return to our hotel or camps in Nubra.
This fresh day of our Roof of India drive is dedicated to experiencing some of Nubra Valley’s most bucket-listed attractions—specifically visiting Siachen Base Camp. Our overnight stay will be at the same location.
On Day 9, we will visit Pangong Lake (Pangong Tso), known as the world’s highest saltwater lake. This stunning endorheic lake stretches for 134 km across the Indian Himalayas into China. Situated at an altitude of 4,350 meters, Pangong Lake is one of India’s biggest tourist attractions due to its breathtaking beauty, which has also drawn Bollywood filmmakers. After exploring the lake, we’ll head to Hanle. From Hanle, we’ll take a detour to Umling-La Pass—the world’s highest motorable pass at 19,024 feet above sea level—via Photi La Pass before returning to Hanle village for an overnight stay.
Hanle village is located about 260 kilometers southeast of Leh and over 310 kilometers from Pangong Lake via Tsaga-La and Rezang-La War Memorial. This area has become popular among astrophotographers since the Indian Institute of Astrophysics opened an observatory here in 2001. Hanle is part of India’s first Dark Sky Reserve, covering an area of 1,073 square kilometers. We will visit Hanle Monastery built in the 17th century before heading to Tso Moriri Lake—a 26 km long alpine lake situated at 4,522 meters above sea level. By evening, we’ll return to Leh for an overnight stay at a hotel.
On Day 11, you have the option to either board a flight back to your hometown or join us for a drive back to Manali where we will spend another night.
On Day 11, we’ll be returning to Leh city. En route, we’ll pay a visit to fabled Buddhist monasteries like Hemis, Shey, Thiksey and Stakna.
We set off early today for what promises to be one of the most challenging drives of our trip. On previous journeys along this route, we spotted Tibetan wolves running alongside us for over a kilometer; with luck, we might witness similar rare sightings again. Tonight we’ll check into a premium hotel for an overnight stay in Manali, where we can relax over dinner and drinks while reminiscing about our adventures on this trip.
The next morning, we pack our bags to return to our homes, taking with us all the beautiful memories…
Arrive at Manali by late afternoon and check into a luxurious resort/hotel. In the evening, the convoy meets for the first ice-breaking session over a barbeque and sumptuous dinner
This is the day when we leave the green valleys and enter the Trans Himalayas. After breakfast, we will have a detailed briefing with a round of introduction. Then we start towards the famous Atal Tunnel from where we enter the Lahaul Valley at Sissu. We then cross through beautiful landscapes to reach Tandi which is known for the confluence of rivers Chandra and Bhaga which join at Tandi to form the mighty Chenab. From there we reach Keylong and then Jispa. Jispa is a small settlement on Manali-Leh highway known for its natural beauty. We check in to a premium hotel/resort with a bonfire and barbeque where we dance to the local Himachali tunes.
This day is going to be one of the most adventurous days of the trip. After breakfast, we leave on Manali-Leh highway and from Darcha we take a diversion to Shinkula and then Zanskar Valley. The road is freshly tarred until a few kms short of Shinkula. The last few kms get challenging. Finally, we reach Shinkula which is a high mountain pass situated at ~5091mts can be called the highest mountain pass of Himachal which opened As we descend the pass, we drive on the treacherous roads with caution. We may have to cross a couple of River/Water crossings. We also get to witness the beautiful Gonbo Rongjon peak and cross through villages of Zanskar to reach Padum. Night stay at Hotel/Homestay at Padum
After a long journey on the previous day, we do a relaxed start after our breakfast, where we set out to explore the beauty of Zanskar around Padum. We may choose to visit places like Karsha monastery, Stongdey Monastery, Zangla Fort, the primitive villages of Zanskar Valley. Finally, we end the day at the same hotel/homestay at Padum.
As it is a long journey, we start the day early for another adventurous day. We take the same route towards Zangla which is freshly built. Post that, we get on off-road trails towards Lingshed. Post-Zangla on the route towards Lingshed, it is majorly offroading with the river flowing by your side. From Lingshed, we start the climb towards Singela pass. This route ahead will take you through small settlements of Fotoksar, after which we climb another mighty pass Sirsila Finally we hit tarred roads at Wanla and then head towards Leh through Khaltse. We may take a small diversion towards Lamayuru if the time permits Finally we check in to a luxury resort in Leh and end the day with a comfortable bonfire, barbeque, and dinner.
As the previous day was challenging, we take it easy on this day. we may explore places like Namgyal Tsemo Monastery, Shanti Stupa, Leh Palace, Thiksey Monastery, and Rancho (3 Idiots) School. We may also visit Sham valley.
We may spend the latter half of the day in the Leh market where they can enjoy the café culture.
After completing the day, we head back to our resort in Leh.
After an early breakfast, we start your travel towards the Khardungla pass which is situated at ~ 5359 mts/18390 feet is the Khardungla Pass, which also happens to be the highest point of our trip. After halting for a while on Khardungla we enter into Nubra Valley.
We explore Diskit village, the headquarter village of Nubra Valley. And the Gompa on the hilltop there,
Then we head to Hunder to enjoy a walk or a 2 hour Camel Safari from Hundar.
Or if time permits, we may do a drive towards Turtuk which is a border village that was recaptured by the Indian Army in 197. This village is inhabited by Balti Muslims. Night stay at a luxury resort at Hunder where we enjoy bonfire and barbeque.
After breakfast at camp/resort, we start for our next destination Pangong Lake (situated at ~4224mts/14, 500 ft above sea level) via Shayok and on to Tang Tse and Spangmik(Pangong). The route follows the Shyok river and then climbs up a mountain before finally descending into Shyok village. We tend to reach Pangong by afternoon.
After having our breakfast, we leave for Tsomoriri via Chushul village and Merak village. This is a beautiful drive alongside beautiful Pangong lake Then we reach Chushul and then cross through Tsaga -La (Pass) and Loma and further towards Maha Bridge and finally reach Tsomoriri. This lake is perched at an altitude of ~4,522 m (14,836 ft) and is the largest of the high altitude lakes entirely within India. After spending some time on the shore, we retire in our campsie at Korzok.
As this is going to be a long d, we start our day early. From Korzok we head back the same way till Mahe Bridge and from there take the diversion, towards Tso Kar. The road from Mahe Bridge is an off-road
After Tso Kar we head to meet the main Leh – Manali highway. We cross through Moore Plains – Pang – Gata Loops Sarchu and Darcha. We also cross through 3 high mountain passes on this day like, Nakeela Lachulung La and Baralachala. Finally, we reach our stay at Jispa where we end the day with barbeque and dinner
On this day we may take the luxury of a relaxed start. After breakfast, we start our journey back towards Manali, we make cover places we missed earlier. Finally, we enter Manali side through the Atal tunnel and check in to our hotel/resort. Finally, we gather for this last night of the trip to celebrate the success of the trip
The next morning, we pack our bags to return to our homes taking with us all the memories to cherish for life
Arrive at Manali by late afternoon and check into a luxurious resort/hotel. In the evening, the convoy meets for the first ice-breaking session over a barbeque and sumptuous dinner
This is the day when we leave the green valleys and enter the Trans Himalayas. After breakfast, we will have a detailed briefing with a round of introduction. Then we start towards the famous Atal Tunnel from where we enter the Lahaul Valley at Sissu. We then cross through beautiful landscapes to reach Tandi which is known for the confluence of rivers Chandra and Bhaga which join at Tandi to form the mighty Chenab. From there we reach Keylong and then Jispa. Jispa is a small settlement on Manali-Leh highway known for its natural beauty. We check in to a premium hotel/resort with a bonfire and barbeque where we dance to the local Himachali tunes.
This day is going to be one of the most adventurous days of the trip. After breakfast, we leave on Manali-Leh highway and from Darcha we take a diversion to Shinkula and then Zanskar Valley. The road is freshly tarred until a few kms short of Shinkula. The last few kms get challenging. Finally, we reach Shinkula which is a high mountain pass situated at ~5091mts can be called the highest mountain pass of Himachal which opened As we descend the pass, we drive on the treacherous roads with caution. We may have to cross a couple of River/Water crossings. We also get to witness the beautiful Gonbo Rongjon peak and cross through villages of Zanskar to reach Padum. Night stay at Hotel/Homestay at Padum
After a long journey on the previous day, we do a relaxed start after our breakfast, where we set out to explore the beauty of Zanskar around Padum. We may choose to visit places like Karsha monastery, Stongdey Monastery, Zangla Fort, the primitive villages of Zanskar Valley. Finally, we end the day at the same hotel/homestay at Padum.
As it is a long journey, we start the day early for another adventurous day. We take the same route towards Zangla which is freshly built. Post that, we get on off-road trails towards Lingshed. Post-Zangla on the route towards Lingshed, it is majorly offroading with the river flowing by your side. From Lingshed, we start the climb towards Singela pass. This route ahead will take you through small settlements of Fotoksar, after which we climb another mighty pass Sirsila Finally we hit tarred roads at Wanla and then head towards Leh through Khaltse. We may take a small diversion towards Lamayuru if the time permits Finally we check in to a luxury resort in Leh and end the day with a comfortable bonfire, barbeque, and dinner.
As the previous day was challenging, we take it easy on this day. we may explore places like Namgyal Tsemo Monastery, Shanti Stupa, Leh Palace, Thiksey Monastery, and Rancho (3 Idiots) School. We may also visit Sham valley.
We may spend the latter half of the day in the Leh market where they can enjoy the café culture.
After completing the day, we head back to our resort in Leh.
After an early breakfast, we start your travel towards the Khardungla pass which is situated at ~ 5359 mts/18390 feet is the Khardungla Pass, which also happens to be the highest point of our trip. After halting for a while on Khardungla we enter into Nubra Valley.
We explore Diskit village, the headquarter village of Nubra Valley. And the Gompa on the hilltop there,
Then we head to Hunder to enjoy a walk or a 2 hour Camel Safari from Hundar.
Or if time permits, we may do a drive towards Turtuk which is a border village that was recaptured by the Indian Army in 197. This village is inhabited by Balti Muslims. Night stay at a luxury resort at Hunder where we enjoy bonfire and barbeque.
After breakfast at camp/resort, we start for our next destination Pangong Lake (situated at ~4224mts/14, 500 ft above sea level) via Shayok and on to Tang Tse and Spangmik(Pangong). The route follows the Shyok river and then climbs up a mountain before finally descending into Shyok village. We tend to reach Pangong by afternoon.
After having our breakfast, we leave for Tsomoriri via Chushul village and Merak village. This is a beautiful drive alongside beautiful Pangong lake Then we reach Chushul and then cross through Tsaga -La (Pass) and Loma and further towards Maha Bridge and finally reach Tsomoriri. This lake is perched at an altitude of ~4,522 m (14,836 ft) and is the largest of the high altitude lakes entirely within India. After spending some time on the shore, we retire in our campsie at Korzok.
As this is going to be a long d, we start our day early. From Korzok we head back the same way till Mahe Bridge and from there take the diversion, towards Tso Kar. The road from Mahe Bridge is an off-road
After Tso Kar we head to meet the main Leh – Manali highway. We cross through Moore Plains – Pang – Gata Loops Sarchu and Darcha. We also cross through 3 high mountain passes on this day like, Nakeela Lachulung La and Baralachala. Finally, we reach our stay at Jispa where we end the day with barbeque and dinner
On this day we may take the luxury of a relaxed start. After breakfast, we start our journey back towards Manali, we make cover places we missed earlier. Finally, we enter Manali side through the Atal tunnel and check in to our hotel/resort. Finally, we gather for this last night of the trip to celebrate the success of the trip
The next morning, we pack our bags to return to our homes taking with us all the memories to cherish for life
On the first day of the trip, you will reach Manali for an overnight stay at a hotel. Manali is a place that needs no introduction. As you make your way to the tourist hotspot of Himachal, you start getting those beautiful vibes of the beautiful, open valley that lays right under the famous Rohtang Pass. Manali is a perfect place to live near mountains and glacial rivers. The place is ideal for adventurous activities, rejuvenating your mind, and savouring lip-smacking local delicacies. We call it a day with tasty dinner and lovely music.
After breakfast, there will be a small briefing session before we hit the road. We will start making ascent towards Rohtang Pass. We will spend some time here and then head towards our next beautiful destination – Chhatru. BonFire and delicious food awaits our arrival at an offbeat camping location organised by “Hospitality on the move by Tethys Himalaya” at Chhatru.
This is going to be a rough ride as roads heading towards Kaza is bumpy at places. The drive is tiring but beautiful landscapes dotted with streams and meadows make the drive joyful. We will take a connecting road leading to Chandra Taal at Batal. We will reach Chandra Taal during the day. After relishing packed lunch, we will head to Kunzum la driving through tough roads. Kunzum La (4590 Mtr Pass) connects Lahaul with Spiti. The crest presents a majestic panorama of peaks. After some sightseeing, we will head back to our campsite by “Hospitality on the Move by Tethys Himalaya”at Chhatru for Night stay.
After witnessing so much natural beauty and adventure, you might be expecting something subtle, but this place and drive to Shinku La will completely sweep you off your feet. Rather than driving straight on the Manali-Leh highway, we will take an off-road leading to Shinku La. This is completely a new adventure trail that offers you a chance to explore the unexplored high mountain pass. Thereafter, we will descend towards Udaipur driving through Keylong. Keylong has willow- lined water courses, green fields and majestic mountains. We will reach Udaipur by the evening for night stay at the camp Tethys. The campsite will be on a beautiful location by the river Chenab. This charming campsite is a great place to stay as it gives you an amazing treat being an ideal place to feel the beauty of nature and enjoy it at its best. We spend wonderful time under the starry sky beside the river while setting up a bonfire.
After driving through difficult terrain and narrow paths, you must need a day’s rest. So our day 5 will be a resting day so that you can rejuvenate and ease up yourself by taking short walks around the river bank. For those who would like to explore Udaipur, we will go to Triloknath and Myad valley and come back to our Campsite by the river Chenab.
Finally the day has come when we say goodbye to our friends and beautiful landscapes that accompanied us for an entire week and treated us well. It feels as if our trip started just yesterday. We have made so many good memories that are going to stay with us for life.
On the first day of our Trans Himalayan Drive road trip, we’ll drive from Chandigarh to Janjehli, a group of hamlets in the pristine and thickly forested Seraj Valley of Himachal Pradesh. The road distance is about 250 km and to reach Janjehli, the drive on the Chandigarh — Sundernagar — Thunag route will take about 6 to 7 hours.
Driving on the winding roads through the Deodar forested valley of Janjehli is the standout experience of our Live Your Dream Drive (LYDD) expedition. We’ll get to witness dense treeline in the background, triggering a sense of elation and wonder for the natural wonder of the dense forests of Janjehli.
Day 2 of the Trans Himalayan Drive is dedicated to exploring the prominent places in and around Janjehli.
After breakfast, we’ll visit a small water stream flowing near Janjehli. One can relax and connect with nature by taking a dip in the crystal-clear waters of the river pools or simply reclining on the banks of the stream and absorbing the soothing sounds of the flowing stream.
Post lunch, we’ll the hit the road again and head towards, Shikari Devi, a temple dedicated to goddess Shikari and the highest peak (at 3359 meters) in Mandi district.
Another place worth visiting is Bulah Meadows, an emerald green carpet of Himalayan meadows surrounded by Deodar forest. This place is located en route to Shikari Devi.
Today, we’ll be covering about 131 kilometers distance. The drive will take about 5 hours via an 80-kilometer connecting road leading to National Highway 3 at Pandoh Dam. From here, it’ll take us just 70–80 minutes to reach Kullu town. En route, we’ll halt at a village theme park built by the government of Himachal Pradesh to see 3D shows showcasing the cultural heritage of the state. In Kullu, we can explore the market and visit ancient temples of the town.
On Day 4, we’ll finally be able to experience the revelation of the majestic sweep of the Trans-Himalayan ranges. For this 130+ kilometers long drive, we’ll be taking the Kullu-Manali-Atal Tunnel route. The north portal of the tunnel will lead us to several stops along the gorgeous Bhaga River to take in the beauty of the Chandrabhaga valley.
Day 5 will be the most unforgettable leg of our Trans-Himalayan Drive expedition. The drive from Jispa to Shinku-La Pass involves significant altitude gain, starting at 3,200 meters and reaching an impressive height of 5,091 meters at Shinku-La Pass (also called written as Shingo La).
While the distance from Jispa to Shinku La is less than 50 kilometers, be prepared for driving on challenging road conditions. Due to the high-altitude terrain, the thin air at high altitudes can be tiring to you if you have not driven through high-altitude regions of the Himalayas before. If we’re lucky, we can find good snow conditions near the pass.
Once we conquer the summit of the pass, we’ll head back to Jispa and then Udaipur. This round trip on Day 4 will cover approximately 170 kilometers and take an estimated 6–7 hours to complete.
After driving through difficult terrain and high-altitude climes of Shinku-La Pass, you just need a rest day. So day 5 is going to be easy, and we’ll rejuvenate and unwind ourselves by taking short walks by the calm waters of Chandrabhaga River.
We will explore Udaipur and visit the much-revered Trilokinath Temple. Next, we’ll drive to Miyar Valley and return to our campsite by the river Chenab.
Sural Bhatori is a secluded village in the Pangi Valley of Chamba. The fifth day features a tiring, long drive that’s only for those who love adventure, as we’ll traverse challenging terrains with rough roads.
After breakfast, we will leave for Chenab Valley to venture into the remoteness of Killar village. Soak in some breathtaking views that can’t be described in words, but only be cherished.
After spending some time at Killar, we continue to drive towards Sural Bhatori waterfall. Pangi is a subdivision of district Chamba, and Killar is the headquarters. We will reach Sural Bhatori by evening and will stay at a lovely campsite by “Hospitality on the Move by Tethys Himalaya”.
After this nerve-wracking drive, Day 6 definitely calls for rest.
After this nerve-wracking drive, the next day certainly calls for rest. So the next day we’ll cover some unexplored locations around Sural Bhatori. This beautiful valley offers numerous possibilities for day hikes. We will spend some quality time by a stunning Chabi waterfall, which has a height of approximately 100 feet, and it takes about 1 hour to hike from the nearest road head. We reach the campsite by evening and stay the night.
After soaking in the stunning views of lush greenery and pristine streams of Sural Bhatori, we’ll be adequately rested and refreshed for 200+ km of gruelling drive from Sural Bhatori to Dalhousie.
Post breakfast, we drive to Sach Pass, aptly named the ‘big daddy of all mountain passes’. The journey to Sach Pass is something that cannot be put into words, something unforgettable, something that will go down as the most cherished experience of our lifetime, something that we can barely realize having made it through.
Sach Pass is one of the most difficult passes to drive through in North India. At an altitude of 4500 meters, it runs over the Pir Panjal Mountain ranges. The pass connects Dalhousie with Chamba and Pangi Valley.
This mountain pass is famous among travelers and adventure seekers. The pass is also a famous trekking point from Dalhousie. The panoramic views of the valley and snow-clad mountains from the Pass are a never-seen-before experience.
After Sach Pass, the road conditions are almost the same till Tissa. From Tissa, the journey resumes on a familiar roadway to Dalhousie.
When you get to Dalhousie, you can either choose to relax and call it a day, or continue the road trip by driving back to Manali.
Our home cities would be our destination after 9 days of driving through the most remote parts of Himachal Pradesh. After breakfast, we’ll hit the road.
Arrival at Kasauli Hills (Prem Nagar)
One of the premium properties await your arrival at Kasauli Hills offering a beautiful platter of cozy accommodation in a pollution-free environment. Kasauli is an hour and a half away from Chandigarh airport. Followed by briefing and check in, bonfire awaits your arrival with a choice of barbeque followed by dinner.
Driving into Himalayan countryside through Apple orchards and villages we reach splendid Pabbar Valley. Pabbar is one of the most beautiful valley in Himachal. Majestic mountains, splashing streams, natural beauty of shimmering lakes and breath-taking landscapes, Pabbar valley is a travellers dream. Bonfire and delicious food awaits your arrival at an offbeat camping location along the river. The concept we have titled TETHYS ON the MOVE.
Post sumptuous breakfast and briefing, today we drive further into breathtakingly beautiful Chanshal. Rising above the Pabbar valley, Chanshal resembles a resplendent crown. The world below appears like a painting of streams and brooks laden landscape that runs amuck into forest lands. Overnight at Camp Tethys along river Pabbar.
The Daranghati Sanctuary is located in Shimla District Rampur Bushahr, Himachal Pradesh, India. It has undisturbed forest areas. Monal, Tragopan, Koklas and Kalij are the pheasants found here. Some of the common animals found here are Musk deer, Goral and Thar.
Post Breakfast driving through Sungri and later along the grandeur Sutlej through a beautiful and remote region called the Bapsa valley the ride halts at fairy-tale village of Sangla at an altitude of 2700 meters. Check-in to one of the premium properties. Post check-in, we go further into the Kinnaur valley with some of the most breath taking mountain scenery you can imagine. Make sure your camera is charged today. Enjoy peaceful crossways to the valley where one can be in awe of the plethora of flora and fauna including orchards, cedar trees, and fir trees and many more.
Today we drive to Chitkul. Chitkul is the last village of the country before India Tibet border.Located on the banks of Baspa River, it is practically the last point of the famous Kinner Kailash Parikrama as one can start a trek from here.The main attractions of Chitkul are its houses which have either slate or wooden plank roofs. It also houses a small Buddhist Temple and a small tower. There is a monastery called Kagyupa Temple where an age old representation of Shakyamuni Buddha is worshipped. The valley offers an unmatched view of the river Baspa with the view of snow-capped mountains, apple orchards and wooden houses. By evening back to your resting nest at Sangla. Evening as usual.
Next morning, we pack our bags to return our homes taking with us all the memories to cherish for life
Arrival at Narkanda. Our team at Tethys Resort, Narkanda will welcome you. Freshen up and unwind in the cozy rooms of Tethys and soak yourself in the beauty of deodar forests and apple orchards.
Narkanda is about 6 hours (185 km) drive from Chandigarh airport. Followed by briefing and drinks, cozy up around flickering flames and the fragrance of the bonfire wood logs.
After dinner, we’d call it a day.
Today, we will drive into the very heart of the outer Siraj valley of Kullu. Drive is easy and beautiful until Dutt Nagar – a small town located on the left bank of Sutlej River on NH05 near Rampur Bushahr. A single lane road connects Dutt Nagar to Baga Sarahan. Bagipul-Baga Sarahan drive will be the hardest part of today’s journey. By eveninng, we reach our destinaton – Baga Sarahan.
Dinner and overnight stay arrangements by Tethys on the move.
After breakfast, we drive back to Dutt Nagar. A 30-minute drive down the hill will take us to Rampur Bushahr. From there, our caravan will drive along the roaring Sutlej River.
At Karcham, we take a right and drive into the Baspa Valley. The drive halts at the fairy-tale village of Sangla at an altitude of 2700 meters. Check in to one of the premium properties here. Post check- in, we explore some of the most breathtaking mountain scenery breezing past us in Kinnaur Valley.
Make sure your camera is charged to capture the most stunning views and moments of your life.
On day 4, we’d have ample time to explore two most beautiful places of Kinnaur- Sangla and Kalpa. After breakfast, drive to Chitkul. Chitkul is the last village before the Indo-Tibet border. Located on the right bank of Baspa River, it is practically the end point of the famous Kinner Kailash Parikrama trek.
The main attraction of Chitkul is small homes with slates or wooden plank roofs. It also houses a small Buddhist Temple and famous Mathi Temple.
There is a monastery called Kagyupa Temple, where an age-old representation of Shakyamuni Buddha is worshiped. The valley offers an unmatched view of the River Baspa, towering snow-capped mountains and apple orchards. By noon, drive back to our basecamp at Sangla.
Have lunch and hit the road again. Drive back to Karcham and cross the bridge to get back on NH05 again.
Continue driving on Karcham-Powari road. At Powari, the caravan leaves the highway and drive on a series of hairpin bends of the Powari-Kalpa connecting road.
Our fatigue and weariness (owing to 140 km-long drive) will vanish after watching a glorious sunset over Kinner Kailash range.
Check-in into a hotel, have dinner and we call it a day.
Day 5 will be a long haul. We will drive a distance of around 210 km to reach Kaza by evening. We will either stop at Nako or Tabo to take a breather. Nako village is located near the Indo-Tibet border in Kinnaur district. Nako has a beautiful, small lake and a monastery, whereas Tabo is famous for its age-old monasteries and Budhhist caves.
We go sightseeing and exploring places around Kaza for the next two days. The Tangyud monastery, Key (also pronounced as Ki) monastery, the Kibber village, the Komic village, the Gette village, and the Langza village – well known for its marine fossils, are some of the Instagrammable places around Kaza we will explore today.
On day 7, we explore more places around Kaza town:
• Hikkim – the highest post office in the world
• Komic village
• Kaza monastery
• Chicham bridge
• Kaza market
On day 8, we drive to Kunzum Pass (the gateway to Lahaul Valley) and head for Batal. Batal is a vast flatland in Spiti. It is also a popular milestone and halting place for people coming either from Kaza or Manali. After Batal, we’ll come across the worst stretch of road on the Kaza-Manali route. It takes around 5-6 hours to cover a 100 km-odd distance from Batal to Manali. Road conditions are poor till Gramphoo. From there, barring a few stretches, the road is in good shape until Manali.
Today morning, we pack our bags to return to our homes, taking with us all the memories to cherish for life.
Narkanda is a quintessential small Himalayan town located on a ridge – which is why it is called Narkanda. Kanda in local dialect means a ridge or a high place. Narkanda is snuggled in a thick alpine forest of the lesser Himalayas, about 60 km far from Shimla. Relatively speaking, a few people plan to visit or know this place. For most of the tourists, it is just a halting-place between Shimla and Sarahan. On this road trip, you would realize why at least two days should be spent here.
Today, we’re taking you on a journey to the outer Siraj Valley of Kullu. The drive is easy and smooth until you reach Dutt Nagar, a small town on the left bank of the Sutlej River, about 13 km before Rampur Bushehr. From there, we’ll take a single lane road to Baga Sarahan. This part of the drive can be a bit challenging, but it’s worth it for the stunning views. We’ll end our day with dinner and an overnight stay in camps by Tethys On The Move.
After enjoying a delicious breakfast, we’ll begin our drive back to Dutt Nagar. It’s just a 45 km drive on downward slope until we reach Duttnagar. From there, we’ll continue our journey along the roaring Sutlej River until we reach Karcham bridge. Once we’re there, we’ll take a left, cross the bridge and enter the beautiful Baspa Valley. Our drive will come to a stop in the enchanting village of Sangla, which sits at an altitude of about 2700 meters. You’ll have the opportunity to check in to one of our premium properties and settle in. Don’t forget to charge your cameras and phones. This may be our opportunity to capture the stunning views of one of the most beautiful valleys of Himachal Pradesh.
Today we drive to Chitkul. Chitkul is the last village of the country before India, Tibet border. Located on the banks of Baspa River, it is practically the last point of the famous Kinner Kailash Parikrama, as one can start a trek from here. The main attractions of Chitkul are its houses, which have either slate or wooden plank roofs. It also houses a small Buddhist Temple and a small tower. There is a monastery called Kagyupa Temple where an age-old representation of Shakyamuni Buddha is worshipped. The valley offers an unmatched view of the river Baspa with the view of snow-capped mountains, apple orchards and wooden houses. By evening, back to your resting nest at Sangla. Evening as usual.
Next morning, we pack our bags to return to our basecamp, the Narkanda town.
Arrive in Narkanda, where the warm hospitality of the Tethys Resort team awaits you. Settle into the cozy, inviting rooms and immerse yourself in the traquility of towering deodar forests. Narkanda is approximately a 6-hour (185 km) drive from Chandigarh airport. After a welcome briefing and refreshing drinks, unwind by the flickering bonfire and in the soothing aroma of burning wood. Enjoy a hearty dinner before calling it a night.
Today marks the beginning of the thrilling Spiti Snow Drive as we drive toward the Sangla Valley. Brace yourself for an exhilarating drive along the cliffhanging sections of National Highway 5, the nerve-wracking Tranda Dhank and Kinnaur Gate. The dramatic drops beside the river and the overhanging rock faces on the valley side triggers an uptick in adrenaline, creating an experience that lasts forever. By evening, we will arrive at our campsite in Sangla, where dinner and an overnight stay await, courtesy of Tethys on the Move.
Spend a full day exploring the breathtaking Sangla Valley, one of Kinnaur’s most picturesque regions. After breakfast, we’ll drive to Chitkul—the last village before the Indo-Tibet border. Nestled on the banks of the Baspa River, Chitkul is renowned for its quaint homes with slate or wooden plank roofs, a century-old Mata Devi temple, and a small Buddhist shrine. In the evening, gather around the bonfire at our Sangla campsite and share stories of the journey before retiring early to recharge for the long drive ahead.
Prepare for a long but scenic drive of approximately 190 km as we head to Tabo. En route, we’ll pause at the confluence of the Sutlej and Spiti rivers at Khab and halt for a refreshing break. We’ll also pass through Nako village, located near the Indo-Tibet border in Kinnaur district, before reaching our destination.
Tabo, a charming Spitian village perched on the left bank of the Spiti River, is home to a 1,000-year-old monastery and ancient caves. After exploring the monastery and the village’s narrow lanes, we’ll take a detour to the stunning Pin Valley via Attargo Bridge. We’ll drive to Mud village at the valley’s end, pause to soak in the surroundings, and then return to the bridge before continuing on to Kaza town.
Dedicate the day to exploring the captivating sites around Kaza. Highlights include:
Drive to the opposite (Kunzum) side of the Spiti Valley today. Cross the impressive Chicham steel truss suspension bridge, visit Kibber village—the home of the snow leopards—and explore Losar, the valley’s last village. Return to Kaza for the night.
Begin the return journey, carrying with you unforgettable memories of the drive. Depending on arrival time and road conditions, we will spend the night in either Narkanda or Fagu.
This morning, we bid farewell to the mountains and pack our bags, cherishing the memories of an extraordinary adventure that will stay with us for a lifetime.
