Day 1: Arrival in New Delhi. Transfer to Hotel.
Day 2: Departure for Manali. Overland journey. Transfer to hotel in Manali.
Day 3: We spend the day in Manali visiting the local places of interest.
Day 4: Manali - Kaza 3600m 240 kms
Overland journey by Jeep over the Rohtang Pass 3978m. Rohtang Pass is the gateway to Lahaul & Spiti, Pangi and Zanskar. Passing through the Chandra Valley get magnificent views of Himalayan snow capped mountains especially the C.B. ranges and the Bara Shigri glacier. These ranges are part of the Pir Panjal range of lower Himalayas. Passing through the Kunzum-la Pass (4551m) we reach the first village of Spiti - Losar. By evening we reach Kaza. Kaza is a beautiful small town and sub-headquarters of the Spiti region.
Day 5: Kaza - Kibber 4205m
It takes about ½ day for procuring inner line permits to visit Tso-Moriri. Afternoon overland journey by jeep to Kibber enroute we stop to visit the Ki Monastery. Ki Monastery is the biggest in the Spiti Sub Division. More than 260 young monks receive religious training here. After visiting Ki we climb up to Gete (4400m) village, which is the 2nd highest village in Asia. Easy descent towards Kibber. O/N Camp near Kibber.
Day 6: Kibber - Thaltak 4550m 6 hours
First day of trek. Descend 500m to the narrow Parilungbi gorge. Cross the Parang Chu by a small bridge and follow a small stream for 400m. until Dumla Village. Dumla village is the last inhabited village on the route. Now a 900m gradual climb, takes us to a ridge, from where splendid and spectacular views of Shilla Peak 6303m to the southeast can be had. A ½ an hour walk downhill takes us to our campsite at Thaltak.
Day 7: Thaltak - Jugthang 4850m Base Camp 5 hours
Now the trail descends 400m down to the Parang-la Chu. Climb to Sagthag and walking over a moraine stretch take a gradual but exhausting climb to reach glaciated valleys, one to the north and one to the south. Follow the moraine stretch towards the north and arrive at the campsite of Jugthag at an altitude of 4850m.
Day 8: Jugthag (Base Camp) - Karsha Gongma (4800m)
Over Parang La 5450m - 6 hours. An eventful day for those who never climbed this height before. From camp climb up gradually to Parang-la on patches of snow. Panoramic views of Ladakh, Lahaul & Spiti peaks. Far below in the northwest you can see the Parechu, which originates from this Pass and flows towards the southern part of Tibet and again enters Spiti to join Spiti River. 4 kms descent through crevasses and glacier. Then following the left bank of the river arrive at the Karsha Gongma campsite.
Day 9: Karsha Gongma - Dokpo Phirtse (4700m) 5 hours)
60 kms stretch goes through Kharas, Dokpo Phirtse, Dakar Kuru and Thaktote. Gentle and easy walking along the Parechu River, which has to be crossed before arriving at the Dokpo Phirtse campsite.
Day 10: Dokpo Phirtse - Lukung 4515m 5 hours
Today again easy walking along the right bank of the Parechu River. Now the valley becomes wide as you follow the Parechu. At different places you come across patches of grass home to nomads during the summer.
Day 11: Lukung - Norbu Sumdo (4300m) 5 hours
A short stretch along the right bank takes us to a place where a stream joins the Parechu. The trail goes further to Chulnar village in Tibet. Parechu continues southeast and again enters the Spiti Valley to join the Spiti River. Parechu River is to be crossed at this point and we trek up to the valley on the right. Walk through the valley upward as the landscape changes from dusty plains to green pasture ground. Here you will be welcomed by the Changpa (Tibetan Nomads). O/N Camp at Norbu Sumdo.
Day 12: Norbu Sumdo - Kiangdom (4573m) 4/5 hours.
A wonderful and exciting day of trekking. Here the landscape changes dramatically. Walking through pasture, and sand patches, the valley becomes broader and broader we go on via Chumik Shailfo and crossing a stream finally arrive at the beautiful pearl shaped Tso-Moriri Lake containing large mineral deposits. This is a 24 Km long and 6 kms wide lake and the summer grazing ground to the Changpa who can be seen with their flocks of sheep, goats and Yaks. Kyang (Tibetan Wild Ass), birds like the bar headed goose, and other migratory birds including the black-necked duck are also found on this lake in the Changthang region.
Day 13: Kiangdom - Thargang over Manechan-la (4765m) 6 hours
Today follow the trail, which goes upwards to the Phirtse-phu River. In the beginning the valley is very narrow with rugged rocks. The altitude makes no difference as you follow the left bank of the river. Crossing streams a gentle climb takes us to Manechan-la and to the campsite at Thargang.
Day 14: Thargang - Lanyar la - Lanyar 7 hours
Leaving the campsite behind today again we follow the left bank of the stream. The small pass of Lanyar la has to be crossed. This region is inhabited by Ladakhi Changpas (nomads) seeking summer grass for their sheep. 2 hours later arrive at the campsite of Lanyar. Splendid views of the Zanskar range around the campsite.
Day 15: Lanyar - Thelakong la - Khalad 6 hours
Long and exhausting day beginning with a gradual ascent to the pass from where you get extensive views of the barren Kyangchu thang plateau After crossing the Thelakong la you follow the Zara Chu. The Zara Chu rivulet has to be crossed several times. By evening arrive at the campsite of Khalad.
Day 16: Khalad - Pang (5 hours)
Now trek downwards following the Zara chu and crossing some time on left, some time on right. Lastly arrive at Pang Tented summer camp on Manali - Leh highway.
Day 17: Option 1: We drive to Manali by Jeep/Bus from Pang on the Manali Leh Highway. Option 2: We can continue by Jeep/Bus on to Leh crossing the Tanglang La pass. From Leh take your flight back to Delhi.
