Tourism

                                                     Trekking

This trek will take you into an utterly desolate valley, called, Spiti valley. The valley is closed to the foreigners. If they want to visit the valley, they must obtain permit from Inspector General, CID, Kennedy House, Shimla. Otherwise a foreigner will unnecessarily land himself in trouble. For Indians these permits are issued by Deputy Commissioners of Kullu and Lahaul and Spiti at Keylong.

KEYLONG TO KAZA, SUMDO TREK OVER KUNZOM PASS

Kullu/Manali-Manikaran (2653 m), 44 kms By Bus.

Manikaran is situated on the right bank of river Parbati. There are several hot water springs at this place which ultimately merge with the river. The air is filled with the strong smell of sulphur. The temperature of water is more than the boiling point making it possible to boil rice etc. in it. There are two religious places belonging to Sikhs and .Hindus.

Manikaran-Pulga (2895 m), 12 kms On foot.

Pluga is located in a very narrow valley with steep hills. The area is totally forested.

Pulga-Tosh, 7 kms On foot

Climb along Pulga nullah through zigzag track. Thick forest cover but campsite available among boulders.

Tosh-Budhaban, 8 kms On foot.

Climb along the Pulga nullah. Budhaban offers good meadows and camping area. see also Manikaran to Keylong via Sara Umga Pass.

Batal-Takcha, 16 kms On foot.

At Batal cross the bridge to follow the left bank of river Chandra. Takcha is reached by crossing 16000 ft. high Kunzom pass. This pass is very wide and offers a panoramic view of the Spiti valley. This pass separates Lahaul from Spiti and is the watershed between Chenab and Sutlej. Takcha is uninhabited camping ground, below the pass in the Spiti valley.

Takcha-Kyoto, 15 kms On foot.

Trek along the right bank of Spiti river. First village on way is Lossar. Foreigners should report to the Police Post there. Kyoto is a small village. Very small sized peas are grown in this valley. Camping ground outside the village.

Kyoto-Morang, 16 kms On foot.

There is a PWD hut on the other side of the river.

Morang-Kaza, 15 kms On foot.

Trek is easy as one crosses the desert. On the way one crosses Rangrik-site of a hydel project. From here a very good view of the Kye monastery can be had. Kaza is the sub-divisional headquarters of the Spiti valley. PWD and Forest rest houses are available. Houses in Spiti valley are made with sundried bricks called Adode.
Halt for two days to visit the Kye monastery and the highest village connected with motorable road, Kibbar, alti 4130 m. Spitians go to Ladakh from this village for trade purpose. The trek to Ladakh takes 4-5 days. Spitians barter their horses for yaks or sell for cash. One must visit Langza also where fossils of maritime life are found in plenty. These fossils are found on either side of Kang-yur and Paapen-yu nullahs. Kye monastery is the largest in the Spiti valley. It is known for its beautiful murals, manuscripts and clay statues.

Kaza-Shichling, 12 kms On foot.

From Kaza follow the left bank of the Piti river. There is a PWD rest house at this place. Lots of poplars, willow and hippophae trees can be seen along the river. Snow cocks and blue sheep are found in abundance.

Halt at Shichling. Visit the famous Dankhar fort and monastery. In the past Dankhar used to be the capital of Spiti. Dankhar is situated on a high precipice that projects into the Spiti valley.

Shichling-Poh, 15 kms On foot.

Follow the left bank of the river. There is a PWD rest house at Poh. Unlike other places in Spiti this village looks green.

Poh-Tabo, 12 kms On foot.

Trek is easy along the Tabo nullah. Tabo has come to be known as the Ajantas of Himachal Pradesh. The gompa, built in 996 AD is situated just above Tabo village. Exquisite murals and wall paintings can be seen in the six-chambers here. The place is being prepared for stay of Dalai Lama after his retirement.
From Tabo catch the bus to reach Sumdo for onward journey to Kinnaur and Shimla.

Trekking Routes