March 30, 2021

7 Reasons to Visit Spiti Valley

Spiti valley is a small and quaint place made due to the Spiti River. It’s an absolute paradise for photographers and thrill seekers.

Spiti is hands down the most amazing hill station to visit in Himachal Pradesh. Specifically speaking it is a ‘cold desert’ mountain valley located high in the midst of Himalayas. The name "Spiti” roughly translates to ‘the middle land’ i.e. the land between Tibet and India.

1.Rugged and Charming Mountains- Being a valley Spiti is surrounded by mountains. These will be covered in snow and sometimes maybe not but that doesn’t take away the charm of these hills. Nature lovers seeking new adventure will have the time of there life here. These hills guarantee amazing views for your eyes that is inaccessible for people living a city life. Another fun fact you should know many important things before going for places to visit in spiti valley .Many of these rocks have been named creating their own sites.

The stunningly beautiful high mountains of Spiti are a sight to behold. Over centuries, the melting snow has eroded these mountains and created rock structures which look as though a master craftsman has delicately carved the mountain to give them this shape.

2. Alluring Monasteries- These ancient monasteries are the main attractionof Spiti. Architecturally speaking these monasteries are built amazingly to survive extreme weather. There are 5 prominent monasteries in Spiti which are situated at Tabo, Kye, Kungri, Dhankar and Komic. Many of these monasteries are more than 500 years old; Tabo being the oldest is 1000 years old. All structures of this monastery are made of mud and they look beautiful against the barren brown landscape of Spiti. Frescoes adorn the walls of monastery and we recommend that you carry a small torch inside to see the intricate artwork here. Although it’s the oldest but Kye is the largest monastery in Spiti and is also biggest training center for monks. Kye is situated at an altitude of 4,166 meters (13,670ft). Kungri is another amazing monastery after Tabo it’s the second oldest monastery of Spiti and was built around the 1330s. Kungri is located in the Pin valley part of Spiti. This monastery is famous for its sword dance which is performed by residents of the Pin valley. Spiti valley road trip includes all of these monasteries.

3.The Story Of Lama Meditating- Around45-50 years ago Indian military was digging to build bunkers at Gyu village, their digging instrument hit a body. This body started bleeding from the corner of its mouth but they couldn’t decipher why. The body was excavated and put in a hut; no special precautions were taken to preserve the body.

It is said that the body is still in the same state as the day it was dug out and that its hair is still growing and monks come from all over world to take its hair for worshipping. It is said that the body is of a lama in deep meditation and that he still hasn’t died. Whatever the real story maybe but it does make for an awesome experience and a great story. Many travellers come from Manali to Spiti valley just to see the statue in person.

4.Awesome Villages and There Cultures (Homestays) - Spiti is not only known for its view and mountain sites but also for its culture which is a mixture of Buddhism and Hinduism. It’s a culture of peace and enlightenment. People often even choose to stay at these villages with these because of their friendly nature and hospitable mentality. Home stays have become more and more popular over last few years. Langza village is located about 14 km away from Kaza, at an altitude of 4330 meters. When you drive towards Rangrik from Kaza there comes a bifurcation on the right that goes to Langza- Komic- Hikkim circuit.

5.Hidden Valleys And Meadows- There are many spots to see in Spiti, to name a few there’s Tabo maonastery, Kye monastery, Pin valley national park, Suraj tal lake, Chandrataal lake etc. there are many spots that are infact not so common and are hidden from the general public which are full of adventure and wilderness exposure such as the village named Langza, this village is considered as one of the highest villages in the world and is probably the only accessible high altitude village in the world. You can spot a wide range of endangered species from Tibet in Langza village such as, the snow leopard, Himalayan griffon, Tibetan wolf and many more. Spiti valley bike trip are hence very popular because they allow travellers to make stops at places which are not preplanned.

6.Losar- Losar has a gem which goes away unnoticed, the Mani carvings. Similar to the lock bridge in Paris, there is a practice of carving the Buddhist chant of ‘Om mani padme hum’ along the roadsides and rivers as an offering to the spirits.

The practice has evolved into a tradition and the people of Losar ensure that this tradition is passed over generations and these carvings stand tall as an example of the tradition. Tours from Delhi to Spiti valley are popular for people who want something different from other hill stations.

7.Pin Valley- Pin valley is located at an altitude which ranges from 11,500 feet to 20,000 feet. The valley is well known for its rich flora and fauna and is also home to the Pin valley National Park. The valley is home to 17 villages which has a population of around 1600 and is well known for the Chhumurti horses, which is an indigenous breed found here.

Book Spiti Valley tour packages from Capture A Trip which give you a combination of adventure, historical tours and camping and get exclusive deals on our unique Tour Packages.

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March 26, 2021

Best Place to Visit in Spiti Valley

Spiti Valley is attracting a lot of tourists towards its charm. The spine-chilling winters, the blissful valleys, the serenity of the mountains, the ethnicity of the traditional culture, and YES!

A PARADISE FOR PHOTOGRAPHERS.

Spiti Valley is located in Himachal Pradesh and is very famous for its Buddhist Culture. One can find many Buddhist Monasteries which are of great significance not only for Indians but for the world. The culture and beauty of Spiti are incredible in all terms. The name "Spiti" means- The middle land. "The middle land between India and Tibet". Spiti Valley is known for its winter as it only receives around 250 days of sunshine in a year which makes it one of the coldest places in India. And those who love to have some adventures it is truly a place for them.

The distance between Manali to Spiti Valley is just 170 Kms, and the drive-through Manali to Spiti is very famous amongst the bikers and those who love to go on road trips. The drive-through from Delhi to Spiti Valley is also very famous among the adrenaline junkies who just love to drive their supreme bikes and collects the best memories on their way. In this blog, we are going to mention some of the very famous places of Spiti and must to do things here.

Places to visit in Spiti

Lahaul Valley- An amalgamation of Buddhist culture and Hindu culture can be seen here, and it creates a unique aura in the valley. Lahaul Valley has many unique places in its lap, one would surely appreciate the enormous mountains, pristine valleys, fecund slopes, and ancient Gompas. It is a famous spot for travelers to Ladakh. This beautiful valley is disconnected from the world for 6 months during the winter but after Rohtang Tunnel it will be visited all-round the year.

Dhankar Lake- Dhankar Lake lies on an elevation of 4270m above sea level. The blue and green color mountains have surrounded the valley and Dhankar Monastery is just 2 km away from it. Trekking to Dhankar lake is very popular as it is a place for campers. Next time you visit Dhankar do not forget to take a round of this lake as this is a sacred ritual among the locals. The crystal-clear water and its serenity are best to calm down your nerves after such a long trek.

Key Monastery- The Key Monastery is one of the famous monasteries of India, situated on the bank of the Spiti river at an altitude of 4,166 meters above sea level. It is the oldest monastery of Spiti dated back to 1000 years old, built-in 11th century. It is a Tibetan Buddhist monastery and a training center for lamas.

Chandratal Lake- Chandratal is truly a place that you cannot miss during your trip to Spiti. It is situated on 'Samundra Tapu'. Due to its shape, it is also known as "Moon Lake". The most satisfying way to spend your stay here is camping and stargazing. The still water of this lake, the panoramic view of the valley is an experience which you cannot get anywhere.

Tabo Monastery- Tabo Monastery is just 12 km away from Kaza. This monastery has significant importance as it has Lhakang Gompa which lies in the small chapel. This Gompa because of its incredible murals which depict the life of Buddha has the center of attraction. You can witness the beautiful valley through its windows.

Kaza- Kaza can be reached from Shimla as well from Manali. The small town is divided into 2 regions- Old Kaza and New Kaza. Old Kaza is very famous for shopping and New Kaza is a different world as it consists of administrative offices. Both the region is connected with a bridge.

Pin Valley- A must-visit place of Spiti is Pin Valley. The Pin Valley National Park is known among the tourists as it is home to many of the endangered species of birds and animals. Set in the freezing landscapes of Spiti Valley, this amazing park was established in 1987 as a part of the Great Himalayan National Park Conservation Area.

Must things to do in Spiti

Spiti Valley Bike Trip- A bike trip to Spiti is new but not impossible. You can start your journey right from Delhi to Spiti or either you can start it from Manali, Shimla also. Get the most out of your journey, a backpack will be surely added to your luggage while returning to your home and that backpack would be full of memories and experiences that will give you goosebumps throughout your life.

Have you seen a MUMMY! - NO! Absolutely Not! We are not joking, a MUMMY in India and too in Spiti is really sounds unbelievable, Right?

But you can witness a mummy in Gue village. Also known as Mummy Village amongst tourists. It is the only "Sitting Mummy in the World" and it is believed to be of around 500-600 years old. Mummy was believed to be a monk named Sangha Tenzin. So what are you waiting for, just grab your backpacks and rush to witness it ASAP!

Stay in a monastery- away from the city's hustling and bustling life, monasteries are a way to spend some "ME TIME" to get things back on track, to figure out your way of living life. Spend some time with monks, eat with them, meditate with them, and sleep most simply to experience the calmness that lies in you. Spiti is a place where you can find many monasteries- small and big and they welcome you with their hands open.

Star Gazing- The lofty mountains and valleys of Spiti are perfect for stargazing, and camping. The best of the places of Spiti for stargazing are Kibber, Tabo, Komik, Losar, etc. If fortune favors you can witness a part of the Milky Way and dozens of shooting stars.

Road Trip to Komic- Highest Motorable Village in the World- Being the highest village in the world, Komic is connected to the highest motorable road in the world and you shouldn't miss it.

Collect some fossils- If you are also those few people who try to take away something unforgettable from the places to visit in spiti valley will add something very rare in your box and that is a FOSSIL. In the villages in Hikkim and Langza, the children will try to selling you fossils. Just ask from a villager and you will find one.

Experience adrenaline rush on World's most treacherous road- While visiting Spiti from Kinnaur, you will pass through the most treacherous road of the world with a warning of falling stones from high above. The road cuts through the mountains and cliff-hanging tunnel.

Feel nostalgic with a postcard- Send your dear ones and yourself a postcard from the highest post office in the world. Hikkim is the highest post office in the world which sits at an altitude of 14,400m above sea level.

So, this is not just it, Spiti has incredible experiences and unforgettable memories and views. Plan one with your loved ones today with us and just call us for the best of the customized and tailored-made spiti valley tour packages with several unique experiences, adventures, and comfortable stays with the coolest trek leaders only at Capture A Trip.

Let’s Capture Spiti in your list!

Visit our Website

https://www.captureatrip.com/spiti-valley

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March 19, 2021

The Best of Leh- Ladakh in 07 Days

The ultimate adventure that’s must be a dream of every traveler in India is a trip to Leh & Ladakh. Known as the ‘Land of High Passes’ this journey is beyond words to explain. And a Leh Ladakh Bike Trip is just too good for anyone. Barren lands, crystal clear water, pristine beauty, snow-clad peaks, ancient monasteries, and palaces will lure your hearts. The challenging journey of Leh Ladakh is one of the things that you would love to overcome.

If riding is your love and bike is your partner of life, then you must take your bike out amidst the surreal beauty of mountains, lush greenery, and barren land with some of the exciting places to be around.

Considered as the most difficult route amongst the bikers to attempt is Manali – Leh Ladakh route. Challenging yet most satisfying route is a dream of every biker to achieve. Some bikers prefer to start their journey from Delhi to Leh Ladakh Road Trip. But Delhi to Ladakh Bike trip would take all the energy away as you would not get enough time to be in Leh Ladakh in 7 days. The distance from Delhi to Leh & Ladakh is 945 Kms. which is just very hectic for those who are doing the bike trip for the very first time. That’s the reason why this trip is considered one of the most challenging trips in the world.

Best time to visit Leh Ladakh by bike

The best time to visit ladakh by bike is in summer May to June and in monsoon July to September. This is the only time to visit Leh Ladakh by bike as the area covered in snow most of the year.

Leh Ladakh Bike Trip Cost

The bike trip cost depends upon the number of days you would choose to spend during your Leh Ladakh road trip. An ideal package from a travel company of 7 days from Delhi to Leh Ladakh on the bike starts from 25,000 if you are going to use your own bike and if you are taking any Leh Ladakh bike all-inclusive tour packages then the cost would start from 60,000.

And if you start your bike trip from Manali then it would cost around 15,000 on your own bike and the all-inclusive package would start from 35,000.

Best Routes for Leh Ladakh Bike Trip

Route 1: Manali to Leh & Back

Route Map: Delhi → Manali → Sarchu → Leh → Khardung La → Nubra Valley → Kargil → Srinagar → Delhi

Distance Covered: Approximately 2,569 kilometers

Route 2: Srinagar to Leh & Back

Route Map: Delhi → Jalandhar → Jammu → Srinagar → Kargil → Leh → Karu → Sarchu → Manali → Delhi

Distance Covered: Approximately 2,295 kilometers

Route 3: Delhi to Leh & Back

Delhi – Leh (Ladakh) → Khardung La → Nubra Valley → Chang La → Tso Pangong → Tso Moriri → Tso Kar → Tanglang La → Leh → Delhi

There are many different ways to conquer this amazing journey on the bike but these are some of the best ways to get the most of your time.

Best Bikes for Leh Ladakh Bike Trip

If you want to get the best experience out of this journey then definitely you need the best bike. The bike you choose must have the stamina to deal with the cold, harsh weather of the region, steep gradient and high altitude.

A bullet is the most dreamt bike of everyone but there are many other good options. Always try to choose something that you have driven before, you feel comfortable to drive, and that you can service easily.

Itinerary for the ultimate trip

The itinerary is the main element of any journey as it is the spine because without a good itinerary the journey will be going to be messy and it would create a commotion. So, to make the best of your bike trip to Leh Ladakh you must need plan your journey. However, the starting and endpoint depend on you but we would suggest taking a flight from Delhi to Leh and Leh to Delhi so that you can enjoy it to the fullest. If you try to squeeze these 07 days in riding from Delhi then you will miss the most spectacular places of Leh Ladakh. There is number of itineraries, routes on Google but we came up with the best one in this blog. It covers the maximum number of areas; including both the known tourist destinations and remote ones as well.

Day 1- Arrive in Leh

Arrive in Leh by taking flights from Delhi, take some rest. Go around the areas to get comfortable with your bike and to prepare yourself for a long journey. Your most important task to do is to arrange permits for visiting some of the areas of Leh. One can obtain these through online and offline mode by visiting the DM office.

Day 2- Leh to Alchi

On the second day, your actual adventure begins. Take your bike and head towards Alchi and you will pass through Sham Valley. Visit the Alchi Monastery and Likir Monastery. After visiting these monasteries head towards Leh Kargil Highway to witness the magnetic hill of Ladakh. The next stop is the military Hall of Fame Museum which is dedicated to the soldiers of the Indian Army who laid down their lives in this hilly battlefront.

In the evening return to your hotel in Leh for an overnight stay.

Day 3- Leh to Nubra Valley

Visit Nubra Valley where the forgotten cities of Shangri- La lies (according to locals). On the way, you will cross Khar dung La pass which is situated at an altitude of 18,379 feet above sea level. It is one of the highest passes of India.

Stop at Diksit village across the river to take some rest. Don’t forget to make time to visit the monastery of Samsten ling Gompa. Indulge with the lamas and monks, experience their culture.

Day 4- Nubra Valley to Leh

Start your day with Diksit Monastery located in Diksit Village which is one of the oldest and largest Buddhist monasteries in Ladakh. Maitreya Buddha is the center of attraction in the monastery as it is a magnetic 106 feet tall statue of Buddha.

Visit Hunder Sand Dunes which is located at an altitude of 5000 meters above.

Drive back to Leh for an overnight stay.

Day 5- Leh to Pangong Tso Lake

Situated at an altitude of 4350 meters above sea level, Pangong Lake holds the title of being the highest saltwater lake in the world.

On the drive back to Pangong Lake stop by Chang La pass. Have some snacks and witness the beauty of the valley and as you are on the third highest motorable mountain pass in the world.

Stargaze at night by the side of the lake during camping.

Day 6- Pangong Tso Lake to Leh

On thejourney back to Leh, drive through the town of Karu village. This town is flanked by the snowcapped mountains on both sides. Capture the most scenic beauties of Ladakh here in your camera.

Explore Leh Palace, Shanti Stupa and you can want to collect some souvenirs for your loved ones. Indulge yourself with the locals and hear the stories from their personal experiences. Overnight stay in Leh and don’t forget to pack your bags.

Day 7- Back to Delhi

End of the journey. Drive back to Leh Airport as you cannot miss your flight to Delhi.

Book your Leh Ladakh trip package from Capture A trip this year.

Let’s capture Leh Ladakh this year with Capture A Trip to conquer some of the highest passes of the world, spend your time with Lamas, to witness the serenity of Ladakh beauty, Let’s live the dream!

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March 18, 2021

How to Plan a Road Trip to Spiti Valley ?

Spiti Valley creates many pictures in front of our eyes, situated in the trans-Himalayan territory is a place where a lot of activities is available for adventure junkies. From lush green forest to rich cultural heritage, from high altitude valleys and mountains to beautiful lakes, Spiti has everything we want for a perfect trip.

Now spiti valley road trip are taking so much limelight as it adds extra charm to a place when we explore it through our bike or car. Here we have tried to provide information that is needed to plan a road trip to mesmerizing and serene Spiti Valley.

Why should you choose Spiti for a road trip?

Spiti Valley tests your mental and physical toughness on every point as you move towards your destination. Spiti has layered mystery like an onion; every layer has its own charm that will blow your mind. It is like a roller coaster ride that will add more mental stability, blissfulness to the soul & adrenaline rush to your mind.

Why should you plan?

"A goal without a plan is just a wish.” ― Antoine de Saint-Exupéry

A good plan helps you to make a normal thing good and good into best. Often it is said that Shimla to Kaza is the most dangerous road trip on our planet. So, planning for this type of journey well in advance is really important. In this type of trips, a comprehensive plan is required to make this a perfect spiti valley bike trip. You would be challenged by nature on every step but the tough the challenge the better would be the prize. So, planning for the self-drive road trip to Spiti needs minutest of the details to be covered.

What is the best time to visit Spiti Valley

Spiti is an all-round destination for a road trip but the majority places to visit in spiti valleyof the tourists visit this place starting from June to September, as after September some of the places start receiving snowfall, and make it very difficult to drive on snow.

Permits Needed

Permit creates a lot of confusion in the mind of the travellers, but it is not at all required for an Indian National. All foreign nationals required to have a permit to enter Spiti Valley. And whatever your nationality is, you need to have a permit to enter Rohtang pass, if you are going to enter the valley from Manali.

 

 

Itinerary preparation for Spiti Valley Trip

The ideal duration to cover the famous places of Spiti would be around 09 to 12 days. If you are starting your trip from Delhi then 10 days are an ideal duration to spend your time with a medium paced itinerary.

The itinerary is very much needed for any trip, and in case of a road trip, it is a time saviour. Don’t overcrowd your itinerary by putting everything, choose your priority, do your routing along with itinerary preparation. Try calculating your budget also with itinerary, so that when you start your trip you have an estimate that how much money you need to have in your pocket to complete this spiti valley tour packages. Try to decide your pace and frame your itinerary according to it.

Use the advice of those who have already been on a road trip, as the experience of one is learning for others.

 

Places you can add in your trip to Spiti

·Key Monastery- It is the oldest monastery of Spiti dated back to 1000 years old, built-in 11th century

·Chandratal Lake- Also known as the ‘Moon Lake’, it is situated on ‘Samudra Tapu’

·Kaza- A major town of Spiti adjoining Tibetan Border

·Gue Mummy Village- Gue mummy is the only sitting mummy in the world

·Komic- Often known as the highest motorable village in the world

·Lahaul Valley- The valley is full of nature, hills, waterfalls, and the snowcapped mountain is just an unmissable part

·Pin Valley- A hidden gem of Spiti in Himachal Pradesh

·Langza Village- Called as the "Fossil village of India”. Buy one fossil for you also

·Hikkim- Send a postcard from the world’s highest post office

·Kunzum Pass- It offers a view of the world’s second-longest glacier- Bara Sigri

Routes

·The Shimla- Narkanda- Rampur- Powari- Puh- Chango route spanning 450 km which is open around the year

·Manali- Rohtang Pass- Gramphoo- Batal- Kunzum La route covering 220 km which remains open from June till October

 

 

Preparations for your trip

·Prepare your vehicle

Before going on any road trip this is the first step you should take is to know your vehicle well and prepare a checklist of the items you need for your journey. Check the working condition of tires and tubes; check the brakes, clutch etc. It is advised to get your vehicles properly serviced before 10 days. Do carry an emergency car kit, extra parts, extra fuel stored in bottles. Do not try to use car heaters in the night while sleeping to keep yourself warm as heat kills the oxygen present in the atmosphere and thus it could lead to a fatal situation.

·Prepare your suitcase

Depending on the month you are visiting, you should pack accordingly. As Spiti is seated on a very high altitude, you should carry enough clothes so as and when required you get everything handy. Do not forget to dress in layers. Pack first aid kit, gloves, woollen socks, extra day bag, reusable polybag for used and wet clothes etc. You must carry some games, prepare your playlist well in advance, must carry sufficient battery backup, portable chargers, equipment used in photography, paper map etc.

·Prepare your health

Health is a very big constraint in completing your itinerary as planned. Due to AMS- Acute Mountain Sickness, a lot of your time could be wasted and thus you won’t be able to complete your trip in time. These types of road trip look very amusing and easy but one must be fully prepared for it, as it required special attention. Do not try to overlook any symptom. Take good sleep, eat fibrous food, drink water in small portions, and just don’t put so much junk food in yourself.

Follow Driving Rules

For a smooth road trip your vehicle must smoothly run, and for smooth vehicle performance, you need to take some precautions and follow some rules for the completion of your journey. You must follow the driving speed limit, do not drink and drive, follow signages, maintain the speed, drive on the side, not at the center, do not try to take your car as a sports car and yourself as the Formula One race driver.

Interact with locals

A local of any place helps you to see another perspective of the place, which you won’t be able to see with bare eyes. To have a wonderful trip try to indulge with locals and live their culture. They try to help you unconditionally. So just grab every opportunity to interact with them and keep talking to them as they can help you with Dos and Don’ts of that particular place.

To experience the grandeur of Spiti, spend some time to gaze starry sky, camping by the river, eating local delicacies, and just don’t rush for every place. Words can’t describe the feeling when you will have a stargazing experience during your Spiti Valley road trip.

 

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