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

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 )

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 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

GST extra on billing 

Checklist

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

Backpacking / Clothing (Must)

1.  1 / 2 Jeans / 
2.  1 / 2 Wind/Nylon Pants / Warm
3.  2 / 4 Full sleeve shirt/ T-shirts
4.  1 / 2 full slives T- Shirts
5.  1 / 2 warm Sweatshirts / Sweater
6.  1 Warm Jacket / Fleece Jacket (water proof) ( good for -10*c)
7.  Slippers / Sandals/ Boots
8.  Warm Night suit (If u use)
9.   Raincoat / Poncho / Umbrella
10.  warm Cap / Hat / Warm Cap
11.  Warm Gloves (2 pare)
12.  Warm Muffler / Buff
13.  2 / 3 Cotton Socks and Warm woolen Socks
14.  Towel (lightweight)
15.  Snow Boots or Good Hiking Water Proof Boots/Gaiters
16. Warm Inner Liner 2 set ( Must )

Other items (Must)

1. Sunscreen Lotion
2. Lip Guard / Care
3. Body Lotion
4. Paper Soap
5. Face Wash / Soap / Shampoo / Oil / Deo / Comb etc.
6. Toilet Paper (Must)
7. Sunglasses (good one for Snow in Sun)
8. Toothpaste / Toothbrush
9. 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.)

1. Extra Engine Oil ( 2 Liter )
2. Extra Tire’s Tube
3. Extra Bulb
4. Fuel Jerry Cans Iron 20/40 ltr (with Fuel) optional as per itinerary or your tank range
5. Complete Tool Kit ( Given with Vehicle)
6. Feviquick / M-Seal (optional)
7. Air Pump
8. Jack 
9. Tow Strap / Tow Rope with shakal      
10. Fuel Siphon / Pipe (optional)
11. Battery Jumper Cables ( optional)
12. Tire Patch Kit /Tube less Puncher kit
13. Duct tape (optional)
14. Trapal/ Body cover ( Needed to  Protect your  Vehicle from snow or cold wind ) (Must )
15. Snow Chain (Must)
16. Vehicle Papers (Registration / Insurance / Pollution)
17. Anti Frozen Diesel additive (Must)
18. LPG gas Green Pipe (Use For Steam Gas on Engine and Diesel Supply with Cooker) (Must)
19. Extra Diesel Filer Change and care Spare (Must)
20. D-Ring shackles
21. Zip Ties
22. Bungie Cords for snow chain
23. 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

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