Manali to Leh: Through the mightiest mountain road in the world.
Season: July to October end.
This once restricted route now takes one across high mountain passes and two extensive plains resembling the prairies of Russia & America . On the way amidst a barren and awesome landscape, tiny streams glisten and the white, large snow clad mountains loom in the distance. While crossing the extensive plains; one is travel ling through the highest plains in the world lying above 10, 000 feet. The snowcapped peaks with a clear blue sky backdrop set beside groges, canyons and deserts offer a wonderful and pure environment for the kiang (wild horse), wolf, mountain hare and rare Himalayan hynx.
Here one is traversing the root of the world, where Buddhism is a dominant factor in mou8lding the lives of the local inhabitants. Tiny villages appear like small oasis in the mountain desert. Here the ageless monasteries cling precariously to craggy hill side which presents a strangly beautiful picture – one of the most memorable jeep safaris one will experience in a life time.
We cross four high passes along the way – Rohtang Pass (13,850), Baralacha Pass (16,000'), Lachlangla (16,610') and Tanglangla (17,582'), this last pass is the highest point reached on this road. We pay special attention to comfort and safely providing superior camping and tasty food in all remote places. We avail comfortable hotels in Manali and Leh with the best provisions.
We then spend time in Leh resting, sightseeing and exploring the bazaars. We'll also take you to the famous monasteries of Hemis and Stok, before we start our return journey.
The daily driving stages allow plenty of time for sightseeing and photography. It is advisable to see your medical advisor to check that you don't feel any kind of discomfort while staying at a height of 11, 000' to 16, 000' for a long period (say 10 days)
Manali – Spiti through Shimla and Kinnaur
Season: July to October end.
Lahaul – Spiti and Kinnaur are the two remote Himalayan valleys in Himachal Pradesh lying on the Indo-Tibetan border These valleys are unsurpassed in the splendour of their snow covered peaks. The climate is dry and very cold. The whole valley is surrounded by High mountains on both sides and the great Himalayas to the North, and Pir Panjal to the South.
Some of the last remnants of the Non religion can be found here while tantric Budhism is also in evidence. Monasteries dominate the daily lives and customs of the people. The important monasteries are at Chango, Tabo, Ki and Dankar. We visit Kibar, reputed to be the highest permanently occupied village connected by road. Leaving Manali we reach Shimla, summer capital of the British Raj and also the capital of Himachal. From Shimla we reach Sarahan and the Bhimakali temple before taking another route to Kinnaur our route follows the Satulj river to Kalpa and then Spiti river. The wall paintings at Tabo are famous for their rich colour and variety. Nearby lies the Pin Valley with a famous temple of Guling . The broad Spiti valley leads to the Kaja-Capital of Spiti. There we cross the two passes Kumzum Pass (15,000 ft.) and Rohtang Pass (13,850 feet) on the way back to Manali.
A short tour to Chandratal ( Lake of Moon – 14,000 ft) can be made on foot from Kunzum Pass. The perfect mirror image of the surrounding mountains may be seen early in the morning as we camp beside the lake.
