Chandratal Lake: Guide to the magnificient lake of Spiti Valley
Chandratal Lake – the most awaited part
“Spiti Valley is a world within a world” – Rudyard Kipling
Starts: from Manali
Ends: at Manali
Group Type: Mixed Gender
Start: 1 June, 2024
End: 8 June, 2024
₹ 35000
Spiti Valley – indeed a lifetime trip for adventure seekers. However, it’s not a destination for those who seek a party in the mountains. Rather, it beckons those who can follow a discipline on the trip while opening up their hearts to a new world. In a nutshell, consider this trip as an expedition, not merely a vacation.
Spiti Valley is a magnificent cold mountain desert, also known as the land of Lamas. Prayer flags dancing in the wind, healing mantras in monasteries, the simplistic rural life, heart-warming natives, the world’s highest villages, pristine lakes, clear night sky with zillion stars, the mouthwatering yak cheese, and the aroma of momos, are a few bundles of joy that can only be found in a timeless place like Spiti Valley. The valley leisurely follows its rhythm; least impacted by modernization and fast-paced city life. It’s a complete world in itself, a beautiful adobe nestled between India and Tibet offering overwhelming hospitality, the taste of rich culture, and soothing one’s eyes with awe-inspiring views.
The smiles of lamas, the views from Kunzum Pass, the glittering Spiti River, the magnificence of Key Monastery, the unparalleled beauty of Chandratal Lake, the laid-back life of Langza and Demul, the pride of Hikkim, the mystery of Gue Mummy, the silence of meditation caves, and many more wonders of Spiti Valley are worth visiting once in a lifetime.
Let’s embark on a lifetime journey to Spiti (also known as mini Tibet) with a group of heartwarming people and discover it like never before. Every day of this trip will surprise you uniquely, and every minute will be filled with new leanings and new realizations.
We have curated this eight days trip in such a manner that you will witness the most famous natural wonders and the religious & cultural landmarks of Spiti Valley while staying at really comfortable places with modern amenities. The trip of a cultural enthusiast to Spiti Valley is really incomplete without visiting the remote villages of Spiti Valley, experiencing their timelessness, interacting with local people, and experiencing their life.
Did we tell you that we have planned this trip intentionally to fall on new moon dates so that you can witness the beautiful night sky, and feel yourself close to the stars?
India has the world’s most extensive postal system, and so, it also makes sense to be the home to the World’s Highest Post Office. Perched at 15,500 feet above sea level, it is silently tucked in a quaint village named Hikkim. Don’t miss sending postcards from here to your loved ones or colleagues to flaunt your location!
Named after the former Prime Minister of India, Atal Tunnel is the longest tunnel in the world situated above an altitude of 10,000 feet. The actual height of the tunnel is 10,171 feet, and it is 9 km in length.
Kunzum Pass is India’s one of the highest motorable passes and a photographer’s paradise. It connects Lahaul Valley to the Spiti Valley. One can see a jaw-dropping 360-degree view of Bara-Shigri Glacier which is the second-longest glacier in the world. Any visit to Kunzum Pass is incomplete without seeking the blessings of Goddess Kunzum who keeps you safe during your travels through the rugged terrains. The altitude of Kunzum Pass is almost 15000 feet.
The 1000-year-old monastery, appearing like a Fortress, is the oldest training center for Lamas. Positioned at an elevation of 13,668 feet, it’s been destroyed and reconstructed multiples times. It also has a rare collection of thangkas, ancient murals, and weapons. Even a few minutes spent in the calm atmosphere of this monastery are going to recharge us forever. Did we mention that if offers a breathtaking view of Spiti river valley?
Kibber is a picturesque village which bears a very close resemblance with the traditional Tibetan villages. The cute little houses in the village have been built using stones and adobe bricks, with a touch of Tibetan architecture. It has a height of 14200 feet above sea level, and used to have the honor of being the world’s highest motorable village.
Thangkas are traditional Buddhist paintings of deities made on cotton, silk, or human skin. They are used as aids in meditation practices to enhance concentration, and as a means to explain Buddhist philosophy. We will arrange a session with the Thangka painter in Kaza for interested people.
Gue is the home to India’s only natural mummy which is believed to be more than 500 years old. The mummy belongs to a Buddhist monk with the name Sangha Tenzin who started self-mummification process when he was alive. Discover more interesting facts about Gue mummy when you visit!
Tabo monastery never ceases to amaze visitors by its rustic charm, and the utmost peaceful surroundings. It is more than 1000 years old, and is also known as ‘Ajanta of the Himalayas.’ The priceless thangkas and manuscripts are still well-preserved here, which attracts art lovers from many places. Unlike most of the monasteries in Spiti Valley, Tabo Gompa is not positioned on a hilltop but on a plain surface. After hiking for a couple of minutes from Tabo Monastery, there are meditation caves where monks do meditate.
Dhankar Monastery, located in the center of Spiti, offers a Panoramic view of the valley and overlooks the confluence of Pin and Spiti River. It’s a fort monastery that takes us back 1000 years back while telling stories through its temples, caves, manuscripts and heart-warming Lamas. The monastery has been declared as one of the 100 Most Endangered sites in the World, by ‘The World’s Monument Fund’ and is in need of restoration. Dhankar used to the capital of Spiti Valley, and hence, also a home to Dhankar Fort
You wouldn’t believe us until you reach there but let us tell you that Spiti Valley has the most clear and the beautiful night sky. It’s gives a breathtaking view of Milky Way Galaxy, and shooting stars. It’s a heaven for star-chasers and astro-photographers. We have intentionally kept the dates of this trip to fall during new moon. You can pack yourself in thick jackets, caps, and gloves, and spend some time under sky in Dhankar, Demul, Langza, and Chandratal.
Pin Valley has always been strongly influenced by Tibetan Buddhism, and Kungri Monastery proves the above mentioned fact very well. It is the only monastery belonging to the Nyingmapa sect, which is also the oldest sect of Tibetan Buddhism. It has preserved many silk paintings of Buddhist deities and volumes of Buddhist manuscripts in white muslin.
Situated at an altitude of 12, 361 feet, hidden deep within the Pin Valley National Park, Mudh is the last village in Pin Valley. The transition of the Himalayan range evidently tells that village is the end of the valley. Not to mention that this village has beautiful houses exhibiting traditional Spitian architecture.
Demul is a remote timeless, yet a progressive village in Spiti Valley. Won’t you be amazed if we tell you that folks here are entrepreneurs as they run homestays, harness solar energy, and work on proper waste management? In a nutshell, Demul is not less than a sustainable model village. It’s a remote and a beautiful village that will leave you amazed.
Komic monastery, also known as the Tnagyud Monastery, holds the pride of being one of the world’s highest motorable monasteries. At 14,830 feet above sea level, it beautifully overlooks the Komic village and mountain peaks. It would be interesting to discover the fascinating legends behind the existence of this monastery.
Langza, sitting at 14,500 feet, is one of the highest villages in Asia. The village is mainly famous for the giant Buddha statue, fossils, and for pottery. It is also known as a postcard village because of its enchanting landscape and the breathtaking view of Chau Chau Nelda Peak that it offers.
The Buddha Statue of Langza is a very popular site in Spiti Valley. It’s a very attractive and huge golden-colored statue of Buddha that can be spotted even from a kilometer away. It is believed to be 1000 years old and overlooks the entire village and the surrounding valley. All the houses in the village are built below the Buddha statue, more like they are being blessed by Buddha.
Langza village is also known as the fossil village of India. The Spiti region was submerged under sea almost 500 million years ago. Hence, Langza village in Spiti valley is the home to the fossils of prehistoric marine animals.
Words are less to describe the beauty and magnificence of the pious Chandratal Lake. The shape of the lake resembles the shape of the moon and hence, it’s named Chandra Tal (Chandra translates to the moon in Hindi, and Tal to Lake). That’s why; the name of the river originating from the lake is Chandra River. Not to mention that water of the lake is crystal clear. On a clear day, we can see a spectacular view of Milky Way Galaxy from here.
Our small group size ensures a personal touch and our group leaders make sure to bond the entire group like long-lost friends. Hence, along with an amazing travel experience, you are in for great social bonding.
To book this trip, please Call/ WhatsApp/ Email using the below-mentioned details.
If you have any questions or concerns, then please feel free to contact us using the below-mentioned details. Alternatively, fill this form and our team will get back to you at their earliest.
Chandratal Lake – the most awaited part
An old Tibetan saying translates to, “The