Himachal Tour: "The Land of God"

From thousands of years, India has continued to fascinate the entire world with its exotic and unimaginable aura, rich culture, mythological monuments and temples. And in India, Himachal Pradesh justifies the above. The meaning of Himachal Pradesh is `The Lap of Snowy Mountains`. Himachal is famous as Devbhumi which means `The Land Of God`. The trip promises you would witness Peace, Adventure, Exciting at times and a stint of fear all together. The entire itinerary would cover five major districts of the state. And the surprising element is none of them has a single similarity. Solan is more of a developing city but with some beautiful scenic locations as well. Shimla as per survey is one of the most travelled hill station, if we talk of Kinnaur it’s surrounded by Tibet to the east. Lahaul and Spiti considered as one of the most unexplored destinations has age old monasteries and one of the world’s highest villages witnessing world’s second longest glacier. Kullu known for his world famous apples and vegetation.

Tour Itinerary

Day 01: Depart from New Delhi to Shimla via Chandigarh.
Shimla as claimed is one of the the most visited hill stations in India. Picturesque beauty, breezy climate, fun filled surroundings and mesmerising views of nature's art leave you standing in awe and admire the place. Shimla has a history associated with itself. During the British Era it was a summer capital. Reaching Shimla is the most important highlight of this place. Discover the beauty and charm of Shimla is through Kalka mail. The famous Kalka - Shimla toy train running between these two cities is one of the prime attractions in Shimla. This train passes through a total of 102 tunnels on its way including Asia's second largest tunnel. Explore the splendid views of snow-clad ranges of the Himalayas, covered with thickly populated forests of pine and oak.
Evening free for leisure. Dinner and overnight.

Day 02: Shimla - Sarahan.
After early breakfast Sightseeing in Shimla. If a person is fond of walking, Shimla has such unhidden potential which one can unfold. The famous Institute of advanced studies is one such historical building which amazes the traveller in many aspects. The building was actually built as a home for Lord Dufferin, Viceroy of India and was called Viceregal Lodge. State Museum is one of the prestigious Museums of India. It’s open all the days except Monday and national holidays. The tourist would see various galleries such as Pre-Historic, Wood Carving, Archaeology, Numismatic and Pahari Painting gallery. Shopping lovers would be happy to stroll on the Mall and renowned Lakkar Bazaar.
Drive to Sarahan and lunch on route.The road takes you to the top of the mountain, absolute retreat for the tourist. The drive towards Sarahan promises one of the most exotic locations on the way. A beautiful town Narkanda is the gateway to the famous apple orchids of Himachal Pradesh. A few miles stretch and you would enter in one of the major town of the state, Rampur, Once the capital of the princely State of Bushahar.
Evening free for leisure. Dinner and overnight.

Day 03: Sarahan – Sangla Valley.
After early breakfast Sightseeing In Sarahan. It's commonly said that God has shown its extreme presence while setting the layout for Sarahan. It`s a place of pilgrimage which is the base for various treks. What makes Sarahan more interesting and legendary is the famous Bhimakali Temple famous as one of the Fifty One Sacred Shaktipeeths. The temple`s extraordinary architecture, sculptures and carvings make it special and uncommon example of Indo- Tibetan Art. Few miles to the temple is Bird Park which has the State bird Monal, Khalij, Western Tragopan and lot many varieties.

Drive to Sangla Valley after lunch While driving towards the valley, you will come across a small but beautiful town named Recong Peo. It`s the headquarter of district Kinnaur. As you will move further, you will see yourself moving with the rushing water of Baspa River. The entire stretch is speechless and surely it’s a place that can never be forgotten.
Evening free for leisure. Dinner and overnight.

Day 04: Sangla – Chitkul – Sangla.
early breakfast sightseeing in Sangla and Chitkul At a distance of 2 kilometres stands the Fort of Kamru. The fort gives a resemblance of Bhima Kali Temple as its architecture and the building is very closely articulated to the temple. The fort has a very interesting history associated because of the fact that it’s the origin of the Bushahar Dynasty in India. Another place of interest in the valley is Chitkul Village.

Interestingly, it’s the last and the highest village of the valley and the entire stretch is panoramic. The village is extremely beautiful, it seems like we are viewing two different places simultaneously because on the left bank there are huge snow –clad mountains whereas on the right bank, it’s full of apple orchids and old wooden houses. The Indian road ends here; in fact it’s the last village lying on the Indo – Tibet border.
Dinner and Overnight.

Day 05: Sangla – Kalpa.
After early breakfast drive to Kalpa. Kalpa is one of the biggest and beautiful villages of District Kinnaur. You will observe that the culture, language of this district is entirely different from other parts of the state. Moreover not only the cultural difference, you will witness the drastic change in the landscapes of the area which varies from the green orchards of the scenic Sangla valley. Kalpa is surrounded by snowy peak for almost whole of the year. One gets a clear view of the sacred Kinner Kailash peak. A small village named Roghi, 5 kilometres from Kalpa is one of the most heavenly places in the district. The road to Roghi chills your spine because of its narrow width and height of the slope which seems to be endless when one looks downwards. After the jittery experience of the way towards the village, Roghi seems to be peaceful and isolated from the rest of Kalpa. We will visit local Goddess Temple who according to the villagers protects the entire community.
Dinner and Overnight.

Day 06: Kalpa – Tabo (Via Nako).
After early breakfast drive to Tabo On the way to Tabo in Hangrang Valley, lies a village called Nako famous for its Nako Lake. It`s the largest village in the entire valley. Nako Lake does have boating facilities in summer and during the winters its frozen surface is used for the ice skating. Nako was a very important centre of Buddhism in the region erstwhile. Tabo promises to be the most important and beautiful place for a visit. The Tabo Monastery is considered as the most important monastery after Tholing Gompa Monastery situated in Tibet. It was set up in 996 AD and is 1011 year old. It`s also known as the Ajanta Of the Himalayas. The interesting fact is that the Monastery has been declared a protected and sacred monument under the Archaeological Survey of India.
Dinner and Overnight.

Day 07: Tabo – Kaza (Via Dhanker and Lalung, Pin Valley National Park, Komik).
After early breakfast drive to Kaza While approaching towards Kaza, we would again visit the two most important monasteries of the region Dhanker and Lalung. Both the monasteries are world class archest work. Lalung monastery has a three cornered Buddha Statue as if Lord Buddha looking and protecting the entire valley from all the sides. The route gradually snakes and we enter in Pin Valley National Park, the land of Ibex and Snow leopards. Pin Valley does have a mythological relevance; it does have Kungri Monastery founded by Guru Padmasambhava One of the oldest monastery of the valley. Komik as per survey is one of the highest motorable village. The stretch towards the village is one of the most difficult drives in the world.
Dinner and Overnight.

Day 08: Kaza – Manali(Via Kibber, Hikkim, Key Gompa, and Kunzum Pass).
After Breakfast, sightseeing in Kaza. Kaza is the main centre of Spiti, the scenery is absolute enigmatic. Kaza in earlier times was the capital of Nono, the chief of Spiti. Century ago, Rudyard Kipling in Kim called Spiti `a world within a world`, we can witness the same in Kaza. 7 kilometres to Kaza is the largest monastery in Spiti Valley, Key Gompa is claimed to have been founded by Dromton, a pupil of the famous teacher Atisha in the 11th century. Moving further takes you to Kibber, the highest village in the world at the height of 4205 m. The village is connected with the motorable road and is the highest habitated village in the world with the population of 180 people. Coming downwards from kibber, you will witness the words highest post office Hikkim at the height of 4200 m. Coming downwards and moving from Kaza towards Kunzum Pass is probably the most nail biting experience you would have because of the beautiful yet enigmatic Bara – Sigri Glacier, the second biggest in the world. It seems like we are on the top of the world at the height of 4590 m. There is a temple dedicated to Goddess Durga at the topmost point of the pass. On the way towards Manali, We would again witness one of the world’s famous pass Rohtang Pass. The place has its own charm and charisma.
Dinner and Overnight.

Day 09: Manali – Delhi (Via Chandigarh).