Spiti & Ladakh
Shimla – Kinnaur – Spiti – Ladakh – Zanskar (Add-On)
Main Tour: (22 Days)   |   With Add On: (28 Days)

Experience the region’s rich cultural heritage, deeply rooted in Tibetan Buddhism. Cross the highest drivable passes on Earth, offering unparalleled mountain views of landscapes sculpted by eons of geological processes. It’s a dream trip for geologists, anthropologists, and photographers alike.

  • Overview
  • Itinerary
  • Zanskar
  • Dates & Cost
  • Book Now

HIGHLIGHTS OF THIS TOUR

  • Experience extremely rich and unique culture of different regions in the Himalayas influenced by Hinduism as well as Buddhism
  • Travel on some of the highest roads in the world, offering breathtaking panoramic views.
  • Geological Wonderland – Gain unparalleled insights into millions of years of geomorphological processes
  • Visit Buddhist Monasteries – many of which are over a millennia year old
  • Chandra Tal – the “lake of the moon”.
  • Tso Moriri – a vital Ramsar wetland
  • Hanle – a dark-sky reserve, home to IA Observatory
  • Phugtal Gompa (Add-on) – Buddhist monastery built dramatically into a cliffside cave in Zanskar

FEATURES

  • Small Group (10- 15 people) – ensures a container of safety and personalized care for your journey
  • Experienced local guides – fluent in English and Hindi
  • SUV’s with drivers – maximum of 3-4 people (excluding the driver) in each car
  • Exciting and Safe travel – taking the “hassle” out of being in India so you can relax and soak up the experience
  • High Quality Amenities – top class accommodation, outstanding food, every effort made to accommodate dietary and personal needs
  • The Ultimate Himalayan Adventure & Cultural Experience – Connections with local people open doors to remarkable experiences and encounters

TOUR OVERVIEW

This comprehensive 22-day journey (28, with add-on) embarks on an incredible tour through the diverse landscapes of the Indian Himalayas, from the forested green valleys of Shimla & Kinnaur to the arid, high-altitude regions of Spiti & Ladakh. The itinerary traverses some of the world’s highest mountain passes, offering truly spectacular views throughout.

Journey Highlights

Your adventure begins in Shimla, the charming former British summer capital, celebrated for its colonial architecture, scenic beauty, and pleasant climate. From there, you’ll continue to Kinnaur, a region where people of Buddhist and Hindu descent coexist, showcasing a rich and unique cultural tapestry. Crossing over high mountain passes, you’ll reach the arid wonders of Spiti. This captivating region was once briefly a part of the ancient kingdom of Guge in Western Tibet, lending it a distinct historical and cultural flavor.

After exploring Spiti, your journey continues towards Ladakh. This route takes you over high passes, leading to the vast More Plains. From there, a side road will guide you into the Changthang Plateau, where you’ll discover the magnificent Tso Moriri lake. Following this, you’ll visit Hanle, a paradise for stargazers and home to a renowned Indian Astronomical Observatory.

This entire expedition is a dream come true for geologists, anthropologists, and photographers alike. It offers unparalleled insights into geomorphological processes that have operated over millions of years, a deep dive into the region’s millennia-old cultural heritage rooted in Tibetan Buddhism, and showcases some of the planet’s most beautiful landscapes and resilient people.

Add-On: Zanskar (28-day Journey)

For those opting for the Zanskar add-on, you’ll depart from Leh, beginning a truly scenic yet demanding journey through the heart of Zanskar. You’ll visit Karsha, the region’s central hub, home to an ancient monastery steeped in history and culture. The trip also includes the magnificent Phugtal Monastery, dramatically perched on a hilltop. Your epic journey along the classic Lamayuru to Darcha trekking route will finally conclude at Jispa.

A REGIONAL OVERVIEW

This comprehensive 22-day journey (28, with add-on) embarks on an incredible tour through the diverse landscapes of the Indian Himalayas, from the forested green valleys of Shimla & Kinnaur to the arid, high-altitude regions of Spiti & Ladakh. The itinerary traverses some of the world’s highest mountain passes, offering truly spectacular views throughout.

CULTURE

Spiti, Ladakh and Zanskar share a profound cultural heritage deeply rooted in Tibetan Buddhism. Their history is intertwined with ancient Tibetan kingdoms like Guge, which influenced their language (Bhoti, akin to classical Tibetan), customs, and spiritual practices. Monasteries, some over a thousand years old like Tabo and Key in Spiti or Hemis and Lamayuru in Ladakh, are vibrant centers of faith, art, and community, preserving ancient murals, scriptures, and traditional rituals. Despite their harsh high-altitude environments, communities thrive, celebrating life through colourful festivals like Losar, and maintaining a resilient, close-knit, and deeply spiritual way of life.

GEOGRAPHY

This region, one of the most sparsely populated in the Indian Himalayas, sits at an altitude of over 3500 meters. Located in the rain shadow region, it’s surrounded by very high mountain passes on all sides. Ladakh and Zanskar receive a mere 50-125 mm of annual precipitation, boasting over 250 to 300 sunny days a year. Spiti literally translates to “The Middle Land,” referring to its location between Tibet and India. Ladakh, meaning “land of high passes,” extends from the Kunlun mountain range to the Great Himalayas in the south.

GEOLOGY

The geomorphological history of Ladakh, Spiti, and Zanskar is a dramatic tale of continental collision. These regions lie within the Trans-Himalayas, where the Indian plate has been subducting beneath the Eurasian plate for millions of years. This immense collision created the towering Himalayan ranges, resulting in extensive folding, thrust faulting, and crustal thickening. Evidence of the ancient Tethys Sea is abundant in marine fossils and sedimentary layers. Glacial erosion, river incision, and arid weathering have further sculpted the landscape into its distinctive high-altitude cold desert form, with deep gorges and vast plains.

ROAD CONDITIONS IN THE HIMALAYAS

Please be advised that traveling by roads in the areas that we will be going to in the Himalayas is not for the faint of the heart. You can consider them to be combination of logging roads and extreme mountain roads in western Canada and USA. A significant portion of the route can be unpaved, high-altitude dirt track. We go great lengths to make sure that the best drivers are hired for this fabulous journey. It is an adventure. The tentative itinerary cannot always be guaranteed as these roads can be temporarily closed due to landslides.

HIGH ALTITUDE & ACCLIMATIZATION

Please be advised that High Altitude is not a joke, and can have serious consequences. This tour will take you to locations at an extremely high altitude. Acclimatization is crucial for enjoying a safe and comfortable high-altitude experience. Your body needs time to adjust to reduced oxygen levels (atmospheric pressure). Please consult with a medical professional before your trip.

AMS (Acute Mountain Sickness) is a common reaction to rapid altitude gain. Symptoms include headache, nausea, fatigue, dizziness, and loss of appetite. Prevention is key: ascend slowly, stay hydrated, and rest. If symptoms worsen, descend immediately. Severe AMS can progress to life-threatening conditions like High Altitude Pulmonary Edema (HAPE) and High Altitude Cerebral Edema (HACE).

ROUTEMAP

Route Map - 2027 Spiti & Ladakh
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PLACES ON THE MAIN TRIP

Shimla, 2276 m. – Summer capital of British India

Charming colonial architecture, Mall Road – that is for pedestrians only.

Sarahan, 2165 m. – Gateway to Kinnaur

Famous for stunning Bhimakali Temple.

Kalpa, 2960 m. – Where apples meet Kinner Kailash

Renowned for its breathtaking views of the Kinner Kailash range.

Tabo, 3280 m. – founded in 996 CE, a UNESCO World Heritage Site

Tabo village, along the river Sutlej also features meditation caves.

Ki Monastery, 4166 m. – A timeless sentinel of Spiti Valley

The most picturesque landmark in the Spiti Valley.

Dhankar Gompa, 4166 m. – Fort on a cliff

Picturesque view of the confluence of the Spiti and Pin rivers.

Langza, 4400 m. – Fossil Village

Millions of years ago, this region was submerged under the Tethys Sea.

Chandra Tal, 4300 m. – Moon Lake

Chandra means “Moon” in Hindi

Tso Moriri, 4522 m. – Largest lake in Trans-Himalayas located totally within India

It’s a haven for migratory birds like the Black-necked Crane.

Hanle, 4500 m. – The “Dark Sanctuary”

Hanle is renowned as India’s first Dark Sky Reserve and a paradise for stargazing.

Leh, 3500 m. – Capital of the Himalayan region of Ladakh

The town serves as a bustling hub, blending ancient monasteries with modern cafes and markets.

PLACES ON THE ADD ON

Phugtal Gompa, 3930 m. – Buddhist Monastery in a cave at Zanskar

A day hike to Phugtal Gompa, is a 14 km return trip from Purne, which takes around 3-4 hours.

Lamayuru, 3510 m. – Lunar-like landcape, often called “The Moonland”

Lamayuru Monastery, one of the oldest and largest in Ladakh

Alchi Gonpa, 3100 m. – A masterpiece of Indo Tibetan art

Known for a monastery dating back to 10th century.

Karsha, 3660 m. – Spiritual and Cultural hub of Zanskar

Known for a monastery with ancient murals and stunning views

  • Shimla
  • Kinnaur
  • Spiti
  • Changthang
  • Ladakh
  • (22 DAYS)
  • With Add On: Zanskar
  • (28 Days)
The monsoon would have just ended in India, so it will be an excellent time to travel in the Himalayas.

PLEASE NOTE that this is a tentative itinerary. We do try to follow the original plan as close as possible. But the exact dates might differ depending on the road condition and other factors that can’t be controlled or predicted. The Pick-up and Drop-off date will not change. Please read TOS for details.

View Route Map
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DAY 00: NEW DELHI

Late Evening/Night Pick Up at International Airport New Delhi.

Check-in to a hotel.

Please make sure that you reach Delhi by the night of day 00.

DAY 1-3: SHIMLA DISTRICT

Day 1: Shimla, 2276 m.

Morning flight* from New Delhi to Shimla (1 h 30m).

Day 2: Shimla

Your goal for the day is to basically settle in, rest.

Day 3: Sarahan, 2313 m.

165 km, 5-7 h.

DAY 4-5: KINNAUR
Recong Peo, Kalpa

Day 4: Kalpa, 2960 m.

Sarahan to Kalpa: 100 km, 3-4 h.

Day 5: Kalpa

Village walks in Kalpa and Recong Peo.

DAY 6-13: SPITI
Tabo, Dhankar, Kaza, KI, PIN, Chandra Tal

Day 6: Tabo, 3280 m.

Drive from Kalpa to Tabo: 190 km, 6-9 h. Time permitting, visit Nako village and lake en route.

Day 7: Kaza, 3600 m.

Tabo to Kaza: 48 km, 2-3 h.

Day 8: Kaza

Excursion to Dhankar Monastery (3894 m) ~33 km from Kaza.

Day 9: Kaza

Excursion to Ki Gompa (4166 m) and Kibber (4270 m) ~30 km from Kaza.

Day 10: Kaza

Excursion to Pin Valley National Park (time and energy permitting). ~50 km from Kaza.

Day 11: Langza, 4400 m.

Kaza to Langza: 15 km, ~1 h.

Day 12: Chandra Tal Camp, 4250 m.

Langza to Chandra Tal camp: 109 km, 4-6 h. En route, Kunzum Pass (4500 m).

Day 13: Jispa, 3200 m.

Chandra Tal camp to Jispa: 140 km, ~4-6 h.

DAY 14-18: CHANGTHANG PLATEAU
Tso Moriri, Hanle

Day 14: Tso Kar, 4530 m.

Jispa to Tso Kar: 225 km, 6-8 h.

Day 15: Tso Moriri, 4595 m.

Tso Kar to Tso Moriri: 85 km, 3-5 h.

Day 16: Tso Moriri

Village Walk.

Day 17: Hanle, 4500 m.

Karzok (Tso Moriri) to Hanle: 160 km, 4-6 h.

Day 18: Hanle

17th century Monastery & 21st century Observatory.

DAY 19-20: LADAKH
Leh, Spituk, Thiksey

Day 19: Leh, 3500 m.

Hanle to Leh: 250 km, 5-7 h.

Day 20: Leh,

Local Excursions. Rest day.

Day 21-22: DELHI

Day 21: Delhi

Leh to Delhi flight (1h 30m).

Check-in to a hotel.

Day 22: Delhi

The tour package covers your stay till the morning of Day 22.

Au Revoir!!

  • ADD On: Zanskar

Day 21-24: ZANSKAR
Karsha, Phugtal

Day 21: Lamayuru, 3510 m

Leh to Lamayuru (via Alchi): 124 km, 3-4 h.

Day 22: Karsha, 3660 m.

Lamayuru to Karsha: 130 km, 5-6 h.

Day 23: Karsha

Karsha Gompa – Rest Day.

Day 24: Purne, 3810 m.

Karsha to Purne: 60 km, 3-4 h. Hike to Phugtal.

Day 25: Jispa, 3200 m.

Purne to Jispa: 90 km, 4-5 h.

Day 26: Manali, 2050 m.

Jispa to Manali: 100 km, 2-4 h.

Day 27-28: DELHI

Day 27: Delhi

Leh to Delhi flight (1h 30m).

Please note that the flights from the nearest airport to Manali (KUU), often gets canceled. An alternate would be to reach Delhi by road (325 km, 9 hours – from KUU), or take train or plane from Chandigarh (halfway from KUU to Delhi)

Day 28: Delhi

The tour package covers your stay till the morning of Day 28.
Route Map - 2027 Spiti & Ladakh

Zanskar

Main Tour: Sep/Oct (19 Days)

With Add On: Sep/Oct (28 Days)

Pick Up and Drop Off: New Delhi International Airport (DEL)
Please make sure that you reach Delhi by the night of Day 0

Prices for this incredible journey will be available by September 2025. Stay tuned!

PRICE INCLUSIVE OF

  • All Accommodation/Lodging while in India
  • Cost of all meals, except where otherwise specified (Alcohol Exclusive)
    Please check itinerary for details.
  • All Transportation costs within India (Air Travel, Trains & Cars/Taxi)
  • Entrance Fee and Guide Services for Museums and Monuments
  • Permits and other fees incurred while traveling in India
  • Cost of special events like Cooking Evening or a Culture Show

PRICE EXCLUSIVE OF

  • International flight to/from India
  • Visa Fees for India
  • Any extra days spent in India beyond the dates of the tour
  • Room Charges at hotels for snacks, drinks and laundry etc.
  • Any medical or other insurance coverage such as travel insurance
  • Excess Baggage Fees on flights within India
  • Tips and Gratuities to the local staff in India
  • Religious Offerings and Dana
  • Pay Pal (Transactional) charges, for people not able to deposit the money directly into the bank in Canada.

BOOKING & PAYMENT

To book your spot on this trip, please make the booking deposit, into the bank account of “Journey to Himalayas”. The full balance of your trip is due 90 days before the trip start.

CANCELLATION FEE

More than 15 weeks before the trip: 50% of your booking deposit is forfeited. Between 10 and 15 weeks before the trip: 100% of your booking deposit is forfeited. Within 10 weeks of the trip’s start: 100% of the total trip cost is forfeited (no refund). Please read TOS for details.

PLEASE NOTE:

The Booking for this trip will open in September 2025.

Be the first one to hear about it by signing up for the “Journey to Himalayas” Newsletter

BOOKING & PAYMENT

To register/book (confirm your spot) for this tour, you are required to
1. Register Online (Book Now)
2. Make a payment of the booking amount or full amount of the tour package.
After you register on the website, you will get the banking info in the email.

Payment Options:

    1. BANK DEPOSIT
      You can deposit directly into the “Journey to Himalayas” bank account in Canada (CIBC). You can go to the bank personally or send the money by email transfer or wire transfer. We also accept money through TransferWise. Your order will get confirmed only after we have received money in our bank account.
    1. PAY PAL (JTH Website)
      You can use your credit or debit card to directly make the payment.


ONLINE REGISTRATION: If you are paying by “Bank Deposit”, you will not be required to make any payment through this website. We still encourage/suggest our clients to go through the steps in the “Book Now” section to register themselves online. This helps us to keep your information updated. We will need this information to make hotel and travel bookings in India. Through your account profile, you will also be able to check the status of your payment. Thank You!

DOUBLE OCCUPANCY: Two people sharing the same room. Separate beds
SINGLE OCCUPANCY: Each person has an individual room