Spiti Snow Drive Expedition

Trip Rating

Review

Days/ Duration

7 nights 8 days

Tour Style

Jeep Tours

Group Size

10 to 16 Pax people

Season

Dec to March

Location

Spiti

Meeting Point

Chandigarh

Skill Level

Moderate

Accommodation

Hotels / Homestays / Guesthouse

Weather

weather

Starting From Heart

$0

Overview

Hidden in the Trans Himalayan range between Tibet and Ladakh, Spiti valley in Himachal Pradesh, attracts the peace-loving and the adventurous from around the globe.

In early November, when the temperature dips down to -10˚C, the hotels are closed for the tourists and the first spell of snowfall stops the government bus service from Kinnaur, leaving the people of Spiti to face the harsh winters head.

After few more spells of snowfall and another drop of 10˚C in temperature, the road becomes extremely slippery and the only vehicles visible on these roads are private cars of Spiti people, local taxis, government jeeps, fuel trucks and ambulances. It is at this time that some adventurous people head out to explore the raw beauty of Spiti in winters and see places covered in Snow with drastically transformed landscapes in white.

This is what you should expect when you driving to Spiti in winters.

Departure Dates

NO	START DATE	END DATE	DURATION	AVAILABILITY
1	28 Dec 2024	04 Jan 2024	07 Nights / 8 Days	Sold Out
2	04 Jan 2025	11 Jan 2025	07 Nights / 8 Days	Available
3	04 Feb 2025	11 Jan 2025	07 Nights / 8 Days	Available
4	22 Feb 20254	29 Feb 2025	07 Nights / 8 Days	Sold Out

Note – Snow depends on weather, at times even in winters there can be no snow. But bone chilling cold weather is sure to be there.

Highlight

Highlight Location and place we cover

Winter Spiti Snow Drive Expedition is a trip for the adventurous and the daring. Temperatures in Spiti can reach as low as -30 at time and every thing is frozen in winters. Our trip covers some remote and offbeat places in Himachal from the Hills of Shimla to the mountains of Spiti. The expedition enters Spiti from Kinnaur and returns again from the same side as the route from Kaza-Kunzum pass- manali remains closed in winters.

Route from Manali to Kaza, Spiti Valley only remains open in the summer months from mid June to mid October.Beyond this time period, it is usually closed or it is not suggested to travel on this route because of the reason of getting stuck in the middle of no mans for about six months.

The route from Shimla – Kinnaur Valley to Spiti Valley remains open almost all throughout the year including winters barring few days of heavy snowfall that closes NH-22 or road between Kaza – Tabo or Tabo – Puh at times.

Itinerary

Day 1 | Chandigarh – Theog ( 141 km )
We will get together at the pre-decided place in Chandigarh and start the drive towards Theog. The route takes off the Highway and into the rural mountains roads crosing some beautiful places on our way to Theog.
Overnight at Cottages.

Day 2 | Theog – Kalpa ( 191 Kms / 6 Hrs )
After Breakfast drive to Kalap village in Kinoor district of Himachal, the route takes us through Narkanda / Kingal / Rampur / Zuri / Babha Nagar / Wangtoo / Rekong Peo to reach Kalpa at an altitude of 2900 meters. Kalpa is a beautiful village surrounded by apple orchards and with views overlooking the Kinner Kailash peak.
Overnight at Hotel.

Day 3 |Kalpa to Tabo ( 170 Kms )
After Breakfast checkout from our hotel after breakfast and drive to Tabo in Spiti. The road takes us through Spello – Pooh – Khab – Nako – Sumdo. The temperature keeps decreasing as we drive towards Tabo and we may get our first patch of frozen road after crossing Khab on way to Nako. We will stop at Nako for meals & visit Nako Lake which is frozen during winter months. Reach Tabo after mid day, Tabo is famous for its Thousand year old monastery which is an ordinary mud structure from outside but on the inside it has frescoes which earned Tabo the epithet of “Ajanta of
Himalayas”.
Overnight at Tabo.

Day 4 | Tabo– Pin – Kungri – Dankar – Kaza (100km)
After the breakfast drive to Kaza (3450 m), via Pin, Kungri and Dankar monasteries famous for a very old Monastery, where the Dalai Lama had lived in the past. visit every place and enjoy the relaxing drive .
Overnight at Kaza.

Day 5 |Kaza – Ki – Kibber Comic (Highest Village) – Kaza
After breakfast drive to Ki monastery (4116 m) . The monastery with rare paintings and scriptures is the oldest and biggest in Spiti. Go further to Kibber (4140m), one of the highest villages in the world and then to Chicham Bridge and to Chicham if the road permits.
Overlight at Kaza

Day 6 | Kaza to Sangla ( 236 Kms )
Today we start the day early as we have a long drive to Sangla. Sangla Valley receives heavy snow fall and if the road is closed we may have to change the destination for night stay to Kalap. The journey to Sangla takes us again through Tabo – Sumdo – Nako – Khab and Spillo. The temperature will rise a little compared to Kaza but will still be in minus for now.
Overnight at Sangla.

Day 7 | Sangla – Chitkul – Rampur ( 140 Kms )
In Morning we will try to drive to Chitkul village which is the last village of
Sangla Valley if the road permits. Later drive back to Rampur Bushar which
is a small quiet town on the Hindustan Tibet Highway.
Overnight at Rampur.

Day 8 | Theog to Chandigarh ( 239 Kms ) – End Of Trip
Drive to Chandigarh.

Thing to do extra

-Star Gazing
– Meditation and yoga
– Visit Buddhist Monetary
– Photography
– Go for Snow leopard spotting
-Off-roading
-Winter survival training

Food and Meal

During this tour, you will be served daily breakfast, lunch, and dinner at either the hotel or while on the road. Every day you get the best food with local Indian taste and flavor for all hotels and resorts and camps Buffy best healthy breakfast with Indian and western touch.

Lunch serves on the way at running local food joint. Dinner will be at hotel and resort or camp where you stay. On some places, we can plan to visit the best city restaurant

Type of Stay

Type of stay

Hotels / Homestays / Guesthouse

Theog – Hotel
Kalpa – Hotel / Guesthouse
Tabo – Guesthouse
Kaza – Homestay
Sangla – Cottages ( Kalpa – Hotel )
Rampur Bushar – Hotel

Hotels / Homestays

Getting there

STARTS AND END POINT OF TOUR
Decathlon Chandigarh is starting point of the tour, the team will meat you at the predefined time at the chosen venue.
For those coming from far away cities, we can make additional arrangements for accommodation / flight for you. ( charges applicable )

Skill level

Advanced
-can ride for five to six hours
-extensive driving experience
-assistance on demand (if required)
-experienced with driving in a variety of terrain
-comfortable with any terrain and weather conditions

Including + Excluding

Including the package cost

1. 07 Nights accommodation on Twin / Double sharing basis at Good ROOMS & tents.
2. All meals Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner for duration of trip .
3. Guidance to best places for Meals at Pay N Eat ( if any).
4. Backup vehicle with mechanical Support throughout the trip . ( Lead vehicle for group above 10 cars ).
5. Accompanying Professional & Experienced Guide throughout the tour.
6. Border entry fee with all Inner line permits to restricted/protected areas.
7. Walkie-Talkie sets for communication between cars
8. Mid way Tea / Snacks during the tour.
9. First Air with Medical backup with oxygen (O2) & AMS pack.
10. Things to carry for 4×4 Snow drive( For Vehicle )
11. Carry Emergency Survivor kit.
12. All trip photos.
13. P.W.R goody Bag & car stickers
14. Things to carry list with Map.
15. Vehicle assistance / towing where ever required

Not including the cost

1. Stay for extra days if any ( we can make bookings for you )
2. Flights to the destination.
3. Extra food Like Starters /Lunch /Dinner all over Pay & Eat ( if Any outside the venue) .
4. Bike /Jeep/Cab rent ( if any )
5. Fuel of Bike/Jeep.
6. Any damage/fine/ cost.
7. Any kind of personal expenses or optional tours, extra meals, starters (Alcoholic, Mineral, Soft Drinks, Aerated) etc.
8. Extra guide fee, Camera & Video fee ,Tips, Insurance, Laundry, Phone
9. Any activity apart from mentioned ones.
10. Any cost arising out of unforeseen circumstances like damage accruing from land blocks, bad weather etc.
11. Any medical expenses incurred during the trip or travel insurance
12. Anything not mentioned in inclusions
13. GST ON BILLING

Price

PAX	COST
With own SUV	Rs 57500 Per Person
Single room supplement	Rs 29500 per single room
Seat in SUV basis	Contact for details
SUV on Hire basis	Contact for details

GST extra on billing

Things to carry

Checklist

Use this checklist to help you pack for your 4×4 Winter Snow drive Expedition! ( Click to Download )

Backpacking / Clothing (Must)

1 / 2 Jeans /
1 / 2 Wind/Nylon Pants / Warm
2 / 4 Full sleeve shirt/ T-shirts
1 / 2 full slives T- Shirts
1 / 2 warm Sweatshirts / Sweater
1 Warm Jacket / Fleece Jacket (water proof) ( good for -10*c)
Slippers / Sandals/ Boots
Warm Night suit (If u use)
Raincoat / Poncho / Umbrella
warm Cap / Hat / Warm Cap
Warm Gloves (2 pare)
Warm Muffler / Buff
2 / 3 Cotton Socks and Warm woolen Socks
Towel (lightweight)
Snow Boots or Good Hiking Water Proof Boots/Gaiters
Warm Inner Liner 2 set ( Must )

Other items (Must)

Sunscreen Lotion
Lip Guard / Care
Body Lotion
Paper Soap
Face Wash / Soap / Shampoo / Oil / Deo / Comb etc.
Toilet Paper (Must)
Sunglasses (good one for Snow in Sun)
Toothpaste / Toothbrush
Hot water Rubber bottle or Warm Bed or Electronic blanket.( Optional)

For Your 4X4 / SUV / MUV (Must)

Before Drive check your 4X4/suv/muv

(Very Important)
(Engine oil, all cables, all nut and bolts, tire-tube, Coolant, Brake, Belts, Headlights, complete services if you need etc.)

Extra Engine Oil ( 2 Liter )
Extra Tire’s Tube
Extra Bulb
Fuel Jerry Cans Iron 20/40 ltr (with Fuel) optional as per itinerary or your tank range
Complete Tool Kit ( Given with Vehicle)
Feviquick / M-Seal (optional)
Air Pump
Jack
Tow Strap / Tow Rope with shakal
Fuel Siphon / Pipe (optional)
Battery Jumper Cables ( optional)
Tire Patch Kit /Tube less Puncher kit
Duct tape (optional)
Trapal/ Body cover ( Needed to Protect your Vehicle from snow or cold wind ) (Must )
Snow Chain (Must)
Vehicle Papers (Registration / Insurance / Pollution)
Anti Frozen Diesel additive (Must)
LPG gas Green Pipe (Use For Steam Gas on Engine and Diesel Supply with Cooker) (Must)
Extra Diesel Filer Change and care Spare (Must)
D-Ring shackles
Zip Ties
Bungie Cords for snow chain
Workshop working gloves for chain installation or tyre change or any mechanical work.

Emergency
Camping Gear ( If we Camp in emergency)

Tent 2 Man Ultra light
Sleeping Bag Ultra light / temp limit – 5 ° C, 0 ° C (Must)
Sleeping mat / Carry Mat (Must)
Pillow if required
Torch / Headlamp with extra Battery (Must)
Knife / Camp Axe / Saw (Wood Cutting) (Must)
Small Shovel ‐ this will be great for helping to manage your campfire/Snow remove (Must)
Camp Chairs & Folding Table
Water Bottle Aluminum/Iron (Which we can use As Hot bed Bottle) (Must)

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Please note: This list does not include everything, and you should check your own needs to make sure you pack everything for your personal health and well being while Expedition.

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How to Prepare

How to Prepare

We have tried to answer a few of your queries based on your experience of travelling in the winters to Spiti & Ladakh, please read our blog as per below link. Hope this helps a little.

Do’s and don’ts for planning the perfect winter getaway

Map

Section

Durations

07 Nights / 08 Days

Month

December

February

January

March

Tour's Location

Spiti

FAQs

Life in winters in Spiti and Kinnaur is tuff, outside temperature are freezing and night time may go down freezing extremes at times. The rooms are kept warm with Bukharis ( wood fired fireplace ) and water is frozen. You will have keep yourself covered in good quality and layers of woolens to keep your body warm. And when we go outdoors don't forget to wear that extra jacket, cap, good gloves and muffler on.

The minimum temperature in Kaza goes down to -20˚C and will further drop as the winter progresses. Higher villages are more colder. So you have to prepare for it. It is colder than your freezer at home. There are only few places in India that gets colder than Spiti, so you won’t find many good brands in India to keep you self warm.
Also, when your skin is wet, it will stick to the metal. NEVER pull it with force. It will tear out the skin with it. Always pour hot water on the area and then gently pull it.

Wear layers of clothes to keep yourself warm in the winters, minimize your expectations as this is not going to be a luxury trip but a Spartan Expedition. Always wear a layer of thermal with a layer of fleece and a layer of a down feather jacket with a layer of windproof jacket is more than enough for the winters.
A warm cap is a must. Add a pair of gloves and double layer of warm socks with breathable shoes and you will be super comfortable even in this temperature.
Also, keep the heater on a low setting while driving. It will make you drowsy and that’s not good when there is snow on the road.
Tip : If your feet gets cold and there is no way you can remove your shoes to warm them, try jumping on the same spot for sometime or even running.

Yes, sure we can book hotel stay for you for your pre and post tour days.

In case of cancellation of tour/travel services due to any avoidable/ unavoidable reasons we must be informed in written. Cancellation charges would be effective from the date we receive mail in written and cancellation charges would be as follows:
• Once the booking is confirmed – 25% of the tour/service cost.
• 15 days prior to arrival – 50% of the tour/service cost.
• 07 days prior to arrival – 75% of the tour/service cost.
• Less than 72 hours or no show – NO REFUNDS

Yes we always send the tour program before you book.
Note - as we travel in the Himalayas at time if necessary we have to make changes in the itinerary due to snow fall / road closure or any other natural calamity that is beyond our control.

In winters, when the sewage systems freeze, you have to go eco-friendly (unless you don’t excrete in the open and freeze in a squatting position). You will have to use the Dry-Toilets. Its where you poop in a hole on the first floor into a room full of compost. When your waste gets mixed with the compost it will later be converted into organic fertilizer for the fields and then sold to you as overprized organic vegetable in the cities.

Dry toilets do not smell. Also, make sure you flush with a shovel full of compost after you are done. Also, make sure you don’t drop any thing in that hole. No one would want to help you get any thing back from there ( especially you phone )