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Title : Spiti Trek with Homestays
Category : Trek
Duration : 11 Days
Location : Himachal
Season : Monsoon (july - sep)
Grade : Moderate
A blend of Spiti’s rich cultural heritage and natural splendors,
this trail provides a unique insight into the Spitian way of
life (their homes, cuisine, agriculture and irrigation
practices, livestock grazing mechanisms) balanced with the
opportunity to explore the habitats of some of the worlds most
rare species of wildlife such as the Snow Leopard, Tibetan Wolf,
Blue Sheep.
Day 1 : Drive Delhi to Manali(1960m) 10-12 hrs
Day 2: Drive Manali to Kaza (3686m) 8-9 hrs
Day 3: Kaza to Langza (4400m) 1 hour
A relatively easy day in order to acclimatise to the increase in
altitude. No need to wake up early this day. One can start after
a leisurely breakfast and reach Langza by noon in order to pay a
visit to the Lang (temple), before lunch. The Lang is regarded
to be the headquarters of all the deities of the valley and
houses some old frescos and thankas (paintings on silken
canvas). Dinner & Overnight in the homestay.
Day 4: Langza to Jureley (4740m) 5 to 6 hrs
It is advisable to start early as it’s the first day of trekking
and should be taken slowly. The trail traverses along a natural
fossil center with the opportunity to spot some rare relics of
Spiti’s geological history. For most of the way we follow
carefully laid out irrigation channels, getting an insight into
the laborious and intricate system of water management. The
trail runs parallel to the stunningly striking Pasham Range with
the peaks of Chau Chau Khang Nilda and Chau Chau Khang Namo
forming a beautiful backdrop. If lucky spotting of the Blue
Sheep is likely along this route, besides a host of floral
variety.
Day 5: Jureley to Mulchay (4560m) 4 to 5 hrs
The trail slowly winds itself over pasturelands and the day is
spent marvelling at the magnificence and imposing stature of the
grazing yaks and horses. The night is spent camping at a summer
settlement of the villagers. Every year a few of the villagers
shift to these settlements along with the village livestock for
the purpose of grazing the livestock and the collection of
winter fodder and fuel.
Day 6: Mulchay to Demul (4357m) 2 to 3 hrs
As one leaves Mulcahy, there is a sense of anticipation that
builds before approaching Demul. Located in one of the most
remote areas of Spiti, this village has a very interesting
legend associated with its foundation. After a warm lunch in a
homestay, there are lots of unique spots close to this village
which shouldn’t be missed. The village guides are a good source
of information for not only the places but also the unique
history surrounding this village.
Day 7: Demul to Lhalung (3758m) 4 to 5 hrs
The route is primarily all downhill. Lunch is at a village
called Saglung, housing all of 2 houses. This village apart from
having such a small population is amazingly picturesque and for
a minute its hard to believe one is in a cold desert.
Lhalung which is not too far has plenty to offer as well. The
oldest temple and possibly one of the oldest trees (dating back
to over a 1000 years) in Spiti are found here.
Day 8: Lhalung to Dhankhar (3890m) 4 to 5 hrs
This route winds itself along the road for a while before a
gradual ascent up the mountain side brings one to one of most
picturesque spots in Spiti. Dhankhar Lake has its own story to
tell cradled in the lap of stark mountains reflecting heaven and
earth in its crystal clear waters. Packed lunch can be had here
and thereafter a steep descent brings one to the ancient capital
of Spiti. Sketched along stone-mud pillars and cliffs, its hard
to describe Dhankhar as words are inadequate for this village,
balanced precariously amidst geological relics.
Day 9: Dhankhar to Kaza (3686m) 1 hr 30 mins
One can spend the morning visiting the old & new monasteries,
the remains of the Dhankhar Fort and a museum of cultural
artifacts. Lunch may be had back in the homestay. A pick up to
take you back to Kaza shall arrive shortly after lunch.
Day 10: Drive Kaza to Manali
Day 11: Drive Manali to Delhi.
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