Transportation by : MUV (Eartiga, Innova Crysta) , SUV (Bolero,Fortuner)
Les Trois Vallées : Kangra Valley, Kullu Valley & Lahaul Valley
Duration : 9 days 8 nights
Jispa Baralacha La with Sissu from Amritsar
Starting from golden Amritsar we travel through scenic mountain landscapes of Northern India to reach the beautiful village of Gespa. We travel through high mountain passes, discover ancient Tibetan-Buddhist monasteries and on some departures take in special festivals.
- Amritsar - Soak up the incredible atmosphere at the Sikh's holiest shrine, the Golden Temple
- Dharamsala - Learn all about Tibetan Buddhism as we visit several monasteries as well as visiting the home of the Dalai Lama
- Western Himalayas - Journey through some of the highest mountain passes in the world such as Baralacha La
DAY 1 - Arrival - Amritsar
On your arrival in Amritsar; a city at the spiritual heart of the Sikh religion, its magnificent Golden Temple providing a serene centrepiece to this most holy of cities.
Visit the stunning Golden Temple. Shoes must be removed, feet washed and heads covered before we can enter (please bring a headscarf with you or buy one outside). The Golden Temple is surrounded almost entirely by tanks of holy water in which the Sikh pilgrims bathe. The atmosphere is one of incredible calm with devotees taking their turn to pass through the main shrine where there is a continuous and melodic recital (known as the Akhand Paath) from the Guru Granth Sahib, the holy book. We will also be visiting the nearby Jalianwala Bagh, site of the notorious massacre under General Dyer in 1919 which led to 379 Sikhs being shot from point blank range by British troops. Later return to hotel for night stay.
ACCOMMODATION:
Hotel Ritz Plaza
Meals : Dinner
DAY 2 - Travel to Dharamsala (Mcleodganj), home of His Holiness the Dalai Lama
Today we drive out of Amritsar and cross the plains of the Punjab before making our way up to the old British hill station of Dharamsala. Until 1959 this was a quiet unassuming town, but that all changed when the Dalai Lama settled here after fleeing Tibet at the time of the Chinese invasion in October of that year. McLeodganj is the upper part of the town situated 500m above Lower Dharamsala and is the area with the greatest Tibetan influence. It is also where we base ourselves for our visit to the area. On arrival an orientation walk is organised which will include the Church of St John in the Wilderness, the Buddhist Namgyal Monastery known locally as Little Lhasa, and the Kalachakra Temple.
Night stay at hotel.
ACCOMMODATION:
Hotel Shiva Sanctuary
Meals : Breakfast
DAY 3 - A free day to explore Dharamsala's temples
We spend this morning in McLeodganj. If the Dalai Lama is giving one of his occasional public audiences we may be lucky enough to be granted permission to attend. This afternoon is left free for further personal exploration in the town. Alternatively you may wish to walk out to one of the temples in the surrounding hills, the closest being the Bhagsunath Temple & Waterfall with its small pool, attractive waterfall and spectacular views. Evening at Mall Road of Mcleodganj. Night stay at hotel in Mcleodganj.
ACCOMMODATION:
Hotel Shiva Sanctuary
Meals : Breakfast
DAY 4 - Drive to Palampur and visit Hill Godess Temples of Vindyavasini & Jakhni Mata
Leaving Dharamshala we continue our drive to Palampur - A picturesque and refreshing destination, the tea capital of North India. Located in the beautiful Kangra Valley near the Dhauladhar ranges allures everyone with its abundant natural beauty. The term Palampur has been derived from the word ? Pulum - that means plenty of water. This destination was a part of the local Sikh Kingdom in the past and was ruled by the British in the past.The colonial architecture and beautiful temples are the attractions of Palampur. You can go for a jeep safari to the Hill Godess Temple of Vindyavasini and Jakhni Mata Temple. Night stay at hotel in Palampur.
ACCOMMODATION:
Hotel The Bliss
Meals : Breakfast
DAY 5 - Drive to Manali and visit Baijnath Shiva Temple and Naggar Castle enroute
Today we will drive for about 7 hours towards Manali. Enroute stop to visit Baijnath Shiv Temple, an important 8th century Shiva Temple with exquisite carved reliefs. After reaching Mandi we follow the Beas River north through the lovely Kullu Valley. A slight detour takes us up to the quirky Naggar Castle which overlooks the valley. Our destination is the picturesque town of Manali, surrounded by forests and mountains. Night stay at hotel in Manali.
ACCOMMODATION:
Hotel Manali Inn
Meals : Breakfast
DAY 6- A free day to explore Manali
After Breakfast,you will be exploring Manali - Renowned as the 'queen of valleys'. The splendid landscape, snow clad mountains, dense forests, beautiful orchards and deep valleys make Manali an ideal place to spend holidays. Besides natural beauty, Manali also has a religious importance. Manali is named after Sage Manu who was the first man on the earth according to Hindu mythology. There are many religious sites in Manali such as Hadimba Devi Temple, Vashisht Temple and Hot Springs, Arjun Gufa where you can visit and explore their significance. In the evening visit the Mall Road, which is lined with several shops, offering items like traditional handicrafts. Night stay at hotel in Manali.
ACCOMMODATION:
Hotel Manali Inn
Meals : Breakfast
DAY 7 - Travel through the Atal tunnel to the village of Jispa
Today we climb higher still as we travel from Manali to the beautiful mountain village of Jispa. Jispa is a stunning mountain village located on the bank of the Bhaga River and nestled at just 20 km from Keylong and 7 km from Darcha. The road and trek route to Zanskar & Shinkula Pass diverges at Darcha. Jispa is surrounded by picturesque mountains and breathtaking landscapes that provide an exciting experience. This quaint village in Lahaul Valley is a perfect halt where you can enjoy camping and spending your night amidst snow-clad mountains in the lap of the serene surroundings.
Our route takes us through the “Rohtang Atal Tunnel”. This tunnel is the one of the highest tunnels in the world at a height of 3000mts above sea level. Passing through Solang Valley and from there through the Tunnel’s South Portal at Dhundi to Sissu the North–Portal. At Sisu spend some time clicking pictures of the amazing Lahaul Valley.
The journey will take approximately three hours, in comparison to the full day drive required before the new road. This allows us to take a nice relaxed start to the day and stop and visit the Tandi Sangam where rivers Bhaga and Chandera meet together to form Chenab and Keylong along the way. When we reach Jispa we'll explore the village and then relax for the rest of the day, allowing our bodies time to adjust to the gain in altitude. Night stay at hotel.
ACCOMMODATION:
Hotel Ibex
Meals : Breakfast
DAY 8- Drive to Bara Lacha La and back to Jispa
On the 8th day of the tour, post breakfast, get ready for a day filled with excitement and breathtaking natural beauty. The day is scheduled for a ride to the higher altitudes on the highway, including road waterfalls, mountain lakes, rugged roads, and unbearable temperatures. We will climb to the top of Baralacha La Pass, which is at an altitude of 4891 m. The majestic waters of Deepak Taal (taal, in English translates to lake) pass by on the right before reaching the beautiful triangle pass of Baralacha La.
Baralacha La (la means pass in Tibetan) can also be called as the gateway to Ladakh, Spiti, Lahaul and Zanskar—all the four regions are only a day’s walk away from the summit of the pass, which is usually covered in snow till as late as July. In the afternoon drive back to Jispa for night stay.
ACCOMMODATION:
Hotel Ibex
Meals : Breakfast
DAY 9- Jispa to Manali
Get up early today and have your breakfast. Then, return to Manali.Your overnight return journey from Manali to Delhi in a semi-sleeper Volvo begins.
Note : Drop at Chandigarh, New Delhi or other desired place can also be arranged.
Important Information
Meals :Breakfast will be complimentary, lunch and dinner can be ordered according to requirement.
While the itinerary price reflects the suggested accommodation, Lahual Valley Trips are 100% tailor-made, and a specialist can help you select the option best suited to your tastes and budget.
Eight nights in hotels. The hotels used are mixture of standard and comfortable Deluxe city tourist hotels (two- or three-star, local rating). All rooms have en suite facilities. Service and amenities are generally adequate. Hotels in Himachal usually do not have heating systems. You can, however, request room heaters. Charges may apply.
Clothing
Because of the high altitude, temperatures in Lahual can drop dramatically at night, please make allowance for warmer clothing accordingly. It is essential to bring waterproofs, sweater, long trousers (if walking in shorts), warm hat, gloves and sun hat.
We strongly recommend walking in good boots. Although all the walks are day walks and optional it is worth noting that trainers and tennis shoes simply do not give the ankle support afforded by a decent pair of boots. Please bring comfortable shoes for relaxing in/evenings.