Nature Knights: Malana-Spiti-Ladakh

The Amazing Explorer’s Journey

(Traveling into the mysterious land to remote places in Spiti; and Ladakh.)

Experiences - Trans-Himalayan Jeep Safari through rugged regions in Lahaul Spiti; Camping in Offbeat Locations; (Mountains; Meadows; Lake Sides; and Above the tree line). Includes an overnight trek to mysterious and less explored place “Malana” where till 20 years ago entry was forbidden and even today this locality is a republic, governed by the local parliament called KORAM. Travel across the highest passes in the world during this offbeat Trans-Himalayan Safari.

Jeep safari in Lahaul Spiti, Himachal is for those who would like to travel the rugged paths inland to explore the unexplored Himachal. Explorer’s Himalayan Jeep Safari is the best way to discover the raw but beautiful nature of the Himalayas. Jeep Safari tours in Himachal provide a very unique kind of thrill and gives the Himalayan adventure a gentle touch by exploring the hill station places, which probably the locals must be aware of till now.

Trans Himalayan jeep safari tour on one of the highest motorable roads in the world involves crossing over high mountain passes providing spectacular view of snow capped peaks of Himalayas. During Himachal jeep tour one can experience the panoramic beauty of hills in Himachal that will captivate you and will leave you mesmerized. Wandering through the Himachal hills, and discovering snow covered Himalayan peaks, dense forests and scenic valley will give you a remarkable pleasure.

Read about Ladakh "The Land of Paradox"

Take that break….

Manali-Malana-Spiti-Ladakh Trip. (13 Nights and 14 Days) - 2 Weeks.

DETAILED ITINERARY:

Day 01): Overnight Bus Journey...

Board Volvo Bus Delhi-Manali.. O/N in Bus.

Day 02): Manali

Arrival Manali and transfer to Hotel. A day to explore Manali the queen of hill station. Our day start slowly after breakfast with a stroll from 500 years old wooden carved “hidimba Devi Temple”. The stroll continue further to Old Manali village, which is known after the great hindu sage Manu. We further walk up to the next village of Goshal and cross our way through River Bias to a very spectacular water fall called Jogni fall. Next village is Vashisht , where you can enjot the hot sulpher in the springs,. If you feel tired of walking, take a tuk tuk ride to the down town. Free evening for own activities. Overnight hotel.

Day 03): Manali-Manikaran-Malana (70km/03hours.)

In the morning after breakfast drive to Malana village. Befora Malana Village we stop to visit Manikaran, the holy place for Sikh and Hindu. After visit Manikaran we will drive to Malana Village , 20 Years ago, entering Malana was prohibited. Even today this locality is a republic, governed by the local parliament called KORAM. Overnight tents..

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traveler notes: Malana - Regular buses are available from Kashmiri Gate ISBT to Bhuntar(Kullu). From Bhuntar you have to take a bus to Jari. It will cost you 35 rs. After that there is a taxi union in Jari where you have to book a taxi to Malana.

Malana to Kullu - The easiest and shortest way to reach Malana is from the village Jari connected to Kullu valley. It is an easy and picturesque walk of six hours to Malana, which is only 12 km from here. Beautiful waterfalls and the Malana nallah stream are an incentive. The nearest Airport is at Buntar, 13 km away from Jari.

The cheapest way to get to Malana from Manali is as follows:

Take a local bus to Kasol and get down at Jari (66 km)
If you're travelling in summer, you will get a bus from Jari to Malana. Otherwise shared jeeps are available (23 km)
From the gateway, a 1-2 hrs trek will bring you to the village (4 km)

It makes more sense to add one more day here...

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Day 04): Malana-Manali-Rohtang Pass-Dadarpul (135km/ 5-6hours)
Travel by surface drive to Rohtang Pass( 3970mts) and Dadarpul. Today journey is very interesting we enter lower Himalaya to Trans Himalaya. Overnight Tents.

Day 05): Dadarpul-Kaza (140km/4-5hours)

Travel from Dadarpul to Kaza driving over Kunzum Pass (4558 m/14,950ft) which provides beautiful views of CB ranges. En route visit several villages of Spiti and Lahaul valley. On arrival Kaza and Visit Kye monastery (largest Monastery in Spiti Valley ) and Kibbaer village (World Highest motorable village, 4200mts) Overnight Tents.

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Explorers notes: The best time to visit Kunzum Pass is from the second week of June to September except August as the pass remains closed during monsoons and winters. During the months of winter, from 15th of October to April, the Kunzum Pass remains momentarily closed due to heavy snowfall.
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Day 06): Kaza-Moon Lake (100km/4-5hrs)
Today drive to Chandratal Lake (4270mts). Reach chandratal and set up the camp. Evening free walk around the lake for Photography. Overnight Tents.

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Explorers notes (Chandratal) The routes to Chandratal lake remain open from June third week to November first week, for a little more than 4 months. However, the best time to visit Chandratal Lake is during the month of september when there are high chances of spotting the blooming flora and fauna, the stunning topography and clear blue skies.

September is the best time of the year to visit Chandra Tal Lake.

There are two ways to reach Chandra Tal Lake.
1) Manali - Rohtang Pass - Batal - Chandra Tal ~ 2 Days
2) Shimla - Kaza - Kunzum Pass - Chandra Tal ~ 3 Days
Both these routes are open between June third week and November first week, for a little more than 4 months.
June - July = Snow walls, worst roads.
August = Monsoon, water crossings turn insane. Rains non stop.
September = Cold but best time to see flora, fauna and topography, clear blue skies. Chances of flurries towards month's end.
October = Very cold, chances of getting stranded is high towards month's end. Makeshift dhabas and tents shut down.
November = Highly unpredictable. Do not risk it. Towards month's end, roads close down.
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Day 07): Moon lake-Jispa (115km/5-7hrs)
Travel from Moonlake to Keylong and then drive to Jispa. driving over Rohtang Pass (3970 mts) which provides beautiful views of CB ranges, Pir Panjal range and Dholadhar range. En route visit several villages of Lahaul valley. On arrival check in at hotel. Overnight in Hotel.

Day 08): Jispa-leh (340km/8-9hrs)
Travel by surface from Jispa to Leh over Baralachala Pass (4800 m). Lachang La (5065 m) and Tanglang La (5360m). On arrival check-in at Hotel . Overnight at Hotel.

Day 09): Leh
Full day excursion to Shey, Thiksey and Hemis Gompas. Shey Gompa lies on the way to Hemis. It is situated on the top of a hill and houses the largest victory stupa with a golden top. The statues made of copper and glided with gold are worth seeing. Thiksey Gompa lies on the left side of this road to Hemis. One can have a beautiful view of Indus Valley from the Gompa. Wall paintings of this Gompa are very interesting. From here drive to Hemis which is the oldest, wealthiest and largest Gompa in Leh with beautiful paintings stupas. Dinner overnight Hotel.

Day 10): Leh-Pngong Lake-Leh
After very early breakfast Drive to Pangong lake, the lake which is bounded with Tibet and India.. Evening back to Leh . Overnight Hotel.

Day 11): Leh-Delhi Flight or Leh to Sarchu drive
After very early breakfast transfer to Airport for catch the flight to Delhi. Or Drive to sarchu. Overnight Tents.
(Flight ticket is not part of the package and will cost extra).

Day 12): Leh-manali
Early morning drive to manali. Overnight Hotel

Day 13): Manali-Delhi by Volvo
Today free day and evening transfer to Volvo stand to catch the bus to Delhi for overnight Journey.

Day 14): Arrival at Delhi (End-of-Tour).

End of Tour

Tour Cost Rs.____________/-

Note: Programme is subject to change according to the local weather conditions.

Fee Includes:

Hotels in all the city and town on MAP basis
Full Board plan (Breakfast , Lunch and Dinner).
Tata sumo for entire trip
Back Up Jeep for entire package
All kinds of camping Equipments, tents, sleeping bags, Guide, Cook, porters.
Volvo Tickets from Delhi-Manali and Manali-Delhi
Tour Guide Delhi to Delhi

Fee Excludes: -

Cost of any form of insurance, rescue, evacuation, hospitalization, etc.
All the personal exp like drinks, tips etc.
Excudes any meals during Delhi-Manali and Manali-Delhi Bus Journey.
Anything that is not included is excluded.
Taxes.

Contact for Inquiries and Booking: 9619182010 / 9619182098 / info@natureknights.net

Eco-Tourism Policy (Care for your Environment)

Himalaya, with its pristine mountains, rivers and forests is known as the “abode of the Gods”. It is therefore our responsibility to maintain the natural glory of these mountains and make it a place of endless delight for travelers and residents alike. A few easy to follow steps will help you to contribute in making this effort a success.

1) Plastic stays: It is one of the least degradable substances, resistant to the effects of the sun, wind and rain. When you leave a plastic bag or bottle in the quiet picnic spot that you and your family enjoyed, you may very well find it there when return a few years later, an ugly spot on the landscape. The State of "Himachal Pradesh" and "Jammu and Kashmir" has banned the used of polythene/plastic bags and you can be fined for using them, while you are in the Sate.

2) Litter: Do remember to take your litter back to the hotel or drop it in the
conveniently placed dustbins. Don’t leave it lying around.

3) Noise: One of the prime attractions of Himalaya’s, is the silence of the mountains that invite you to linger. Need we say….

· Please don’t blow your vehicle horn unnecessarily or play blaring loud music as you drive.

4) Vandalism: Nature intended trees and rocks to remain unmarked by human beings. Nor were our monuments intended for graffiti written by some young wit.

· Please do not scratch your name or write message on trees, rocks, mountains or monuments.

5) Respect: Please treat the mountains and the people with respect and you will be pleasantly surprised at what both can give back to you.

Last, but not the least….. Enjoy yourself with responsibility.

Leave nothing, but memories……