Until 1992 the Spiti Valley was closed to foreigners because of its geographical proximity to China and only about 20 years ago the region was gradually developed for tourism. Thus Tibetan Buddhist culture could be preserved and developed here without disturbing influences from outside.
Pricing
- Prices for the date - | |
24.08.2024 - 08.09.2024 | |
per rider in shared/double room incl. Royal Enfield Classic (Only available for a booking of two persons. Single travelers need to choose the single room surcharge.) | €2,800.00 $3,043.74 ? |
per pillion passenger in shared twin/double room (pillion passengers cannot book without an accompanying rider) | €2,390.00 $2,598.05 ? |
per person single room (surcharge - only available with an additional selection of the basic price "per rider in shared twin/double room") | €290.00 $315.24 ? |
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Optional: | |
Royal Enfield Himalayan (on request - no surcharge) | €0.00 |
Visit to the Taj Mahal per person incl. double room (surcharge) | €225.00 $244.59 ? |
Visit to the Taj Mahal per person incl. single room (surcharge) | €250.00 $271.76 ? |
Included
14 x overnight stay in hotel |
1 x overnight stay in a tent |
14 x breakfast |
14 x dinner |
Visit to the Taj Mahal (option) |
Operating fluids (Petrol/Oil ) |
Service vehicle |
Mechanic |
Airport transfer in India |
Special transfer: Transfer by car or minibus to Chandigarh |
Rental motorcycle (depending on booking) |
Tour guide on own bike |
Everything that is not listed under services |
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It is recommended to have travel cancellation insurance, travel health insurance and travel interruption insurance. |
More details
Total distance approx. 1665 km |
Level of difficulty: very high |
min: 4 - max: 12 riders |
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Visa: |
Swiss, Austrian and German nationals require a visa to enter India. Your passport must be valid for at least another six months. Obtaining a visa is relatively uncomplicated. A visa valid for six months or an e-Visa valid for 30 days is sufficient. |
Driving licence: |
You need a valid German and an international driving licence of class 1 or A. Please note that the international driving licence is only valid in combination with the national driving licence. |
Minimum number of participants: |
As an organizer we have a right of withdrawal if the minimum number of participants has not been reached 6 weeks before the start of the trip. In this case, we will refund the amounts paid on account. |
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In practice, however, we always try to do things in your best interest and, if you agree, we try to carry out the trip even with very few participants. In this case, there is no service vehicle available and there is a small group surcharge: |
1 participant: 10% of the travel price |
2 participants: 5% of the travel price |
3 participants: 2,5% of the travel price |
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Half double room: |
For single travellers we offer the possibility to share a double room with another traveller. If there is no "half" double room available at the time of your booking, we will charge the single room supplement. You will be refunded as soon as a double room partner is found. |
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Language: This offer is usually suitable for English and/or German speaking participants. Please enquire for language options. |
Mobility: The offer is not suitable for people with reduced mobility. Please contact us for more information. |
Description
Although Spiti is now a popular destination for adventure travelers and those interested in Buddhist culture, visiting this region, due to its difficult accessibility and harsh climate, still requires strong physical condition, stamina, and the willingness to give up all the comforts you are used to for a few days.
This is especially true for our motorcycle trip to this remote part of India. Like the Ladakh tour, the trip to Lahaul and Spiti is not for motorbike beginners and untrained riders. Some of the roads are in a condition that makes the term "road" seem more than questionable. Sudden rainfall can wash away whole sections of road and you can find yourself in a muddy and muddy landscape. These circumstances quickly make everyone feel the limits of their resilience.
Those who are not deterred by this and can realistically assess that they are up to the challenge will be rewarded by one of the most spectacular landscapes India has to offer. The people are extremely friendly, sociable, and helpful, influenced by their Buddhist attitude to life. The visit to the monasteries allows the interested guest a deep insight into the self-conception of the followers of the Buddhist teachings.
The trip to Spiti is an experience that moves everyone deep inside and that no one will ever forget.
Tour itinerary:
Day 1: Arrival
There are convenient direct flights from Frankfurt to New Delhi, but you can also reach the capital of India from other European airports without any problems. You will probably arrive in Delhi in the middle of the night and will be picked up by our staff at the airport and brought to your hotel. Only those who have chosen a flight that does not arrive until the next morning has to immediately drive by car from the airport to Chnadigarh. We recommend the flights that arrive at night.
Day 2: Arrival in New Delhi and transfer to Chandigarh
After breakfast, the journey by car to Chandigarh (approx. 250 km) starts. The Royal Enfields motorcycles await you there.
The city at the foot of the Himalayas is the capital of two states, Punjab and Haryana, and is particularly well suited as a gateway to discovering the Himalayas. After the secession of Pakistan in 1947, Punjab was also divided, the former capital Lahore was on the Pakistani side. Nehru then commissioned the famous Swiss architect Le Corbusier to plan a completely new city. Chandigarh can therefore not be compared with any other Indian city. For example, it is divided into functional districts, i.e. there are strictly separated shopping, residential, and restaurant districts. The name means something like "fortress of the goddess Chandi" (Sanskrit "Garh" = fortress).
Day 3: Chandigarh - Shimla (about 135 km)
After breakfast, we take over the bikes and start our first tour. The ride to Shimla, one of the most famous hill stations in India, gives us the first impression of what to expect in the next few days. Curve after curve we swing unceasingly up to about 2,200 meters. In the afternoon we reach our hotel and can recover from the first motorcycle ride in India.
Shimla used to belong to Nepal and was annexed to its colonial empire by the British in 1819. It developed into the summer residence of the colonial government. The architecture is therefore influenced by the British architectural style of the 19th century. A stroll through the famous "Mall" is recommended.
Day 4: Shimla - Sarahan (about 170 km)
Right after breakfast we saddle our bikes and turn east. We're maintaining at about the same level. Along beautiful flower meadows and mountain slopes with many small streams and rivers, we reach Sarahan (2165 m). The village is picturesquely situated on a slope above the Satluj river valley. Culturally important is the Hindu Bhimakali temple built in the Indian-Tibetan style.
Day 5: Sarahan - Kalpa (about 100 km)
After breakfast, today's route takes us along the Satluj River via adventurous roads to the small village of Kalpa. It is located a little off the highway at over 2,700 meters. We are now in the world of the Tibetan Buddhist part of India. In Kalpa, we still find some of the wooden houses built in the old Tibetan style. The temple, which is over 1000 years old, became a victim of the flames in 1959. The inhabitants had built a new temple on the same spot on their initiative. If the weather plays along, we have a great view from Kalpa to the Kinner Kailash, the holy mountain of the Hindus and Buddhists.
Day 6: Calpa and/or day trip to Lippa (approx. 105 km)
Kalpa is one of the most beautiful places in Kinnaur and the relaxed atmosphere invites you to stroll, hang out, marvel, and be amazed.
If that is not enough, we offer a very special experience: From Kalpa, it is only about 50 kilometers to Lippa, one of the most unusual villages in the region. Here, time seems to have stood still for centuries. The inhabitants proudly point out that they are still completely attached to their traditions and have maintained a harmonious life with nature. This excursion is only possible if the Inner Line Permits are issued in time.
Day 7: Kalpa - Nako (about 140 km)
Breakfast. Now things are getting hairy. The road is increasingly losing its claim to be called such. Sometimes there is no asphalt at all. However, there are always perfectly repaired sections. We have reached the high desert of Spiti and are now accompanied by the Spiti River, which rages deep below us in its bed. Rugged rocks, scree, and lots of dust dominate the landscape. Before we reach Nako, two more Tibetan settlements are on the agenda.
Day 8: Nako
Nako is a real pearl. One can endlessly stroll through the winding alleyways of this small place. A new surprise is hidden behind every bend in the road. The temple, one of the 108 gompas built by Ringchen Zangpo in the 11th century, is run by a single monk. He comes from Kullu and holds several pujas a day.
The surrounding mountains are crisscrossed by numerous footpaths and invite you to take smaller, easier hikes. From the top, you have an overwhelming view of snow-covered peaks.
Day 9: Kaza (about 130 km)
Breakfast. We penetrate further into the Spiti-Valley, a cold desert landscape similar to Ladakh and Tibet. Our next stop is Kaza, with about 3200 inhabitants the largest town in Spiti and also the commercial center of this district. Kaza is situated on the Spiti river at an altitude of about 3650 m. Kaza itself is popular with travelers for its relaxed atmosphere (and its German Bakery). The old gompa had to be replaced some time ago by a new, extremely colorful monastery, which was inaugurated in 2009.
Day 10: Day trip to Kibber and the monasteries Kee and Komic (approx. 85 km)
After breakfast, we ride high up to Kibber (4270 m), until recently the highest village in the world with road and electricity connections. In the meantime, several other villages have challenged its position. Nevertheless, this beautiful Tibetan village is worth a visit. Halfway there is Kee (Kye) Monastery, which like so many in the region was built by Zingchen Zangpo. Here you can also admire the room in which the 14th Dalai Lama used to stay overnight when he was in the region.
Before we ride back to Kaza, we turn our bikes again towards the mountains and ride on an adventurous route to one of the highest monasteries in India, the Comic Gompa.
Day 11: Kaza - Sissu (about 155 km)
Breakfast. If one believes the usual travel guides, the most difficult road in India awaits us today. And indeed today will be the most adventurous day of the whole trip. Most of the time, the driveway is only so wide that there is space for a bus. On one side it goes steeply down and on the other side it goes up as well. Fortunately, the Himalayan road builders have paved large parts of the road with good asphalt. But even so, this day is not for people with weak nerves.
The Kunzum Pass, 4551 meters above sea level, separates Spiti from Lahaul. On the other side, after we have mastered a not-so-easy water crossing, we will ride a bit towards Keylong. In Sissu, on the lake of the same name, we stop and set up camp with stationary tents.
Day 12: Sissu - Nagar (about 110 km)
Breakfast. The Rotang-La not only separates the Spiti-Valley from the Kullu-Valley but is also often a weather divide. Let's see if the gods favor us. Before we reach our destination, Nagar, we cross the Kullu Valley, the fruit and vegetable garden of India. We stay overnight in the former royal palace, which was lovingly restored by the government and converted into a hotel. From here we have a beguiling view over the valley on one side, and on the other side, we can see the Himalayan mountain ranges.
Day 13: Nagar - Rewalsar (about 115 km)
Breakfast. Today Rewalsar is on the agenda as a finish stage. Like yesterday, the route takes us through fertile farmland and fruit plantations. Sufficient curves are also provided. Rewalsar is situated on the lake of the same name. It is a very religious city. Hindus, Buddhists, and Sikhs live peacefully next to and with each other. The landmark of the village is the gigantic Padmasambhava statue, around which many exciting stories and myths entwine themselves.
Unfortunately, we can no longer stay in Rewalsar. The quality of the only serious hotel has become so bad that we cannot expect anyone to do so. Instead, we spend the night in nearby Mandi in a Haveli-like hotel.
Day 14: Rewalsar - Chandigarh (about 170 km)
Breakfast. We ride to Chandigarh, the starting point of our journey.
Day 15: Chandigarh - Delhi (about 250 km)
Early in the morning we take the train back to Delhi. The train is comfortable. Breakfast and drinks are offered. You can spend one more day in Delhi. After dinner, we will go to the airport.
Unless you have booked a visit to the Taj Mahal. Then you will be chauffeured to Agra immediately after arrival in Delhi, where you will arrive in the evening.
Day 16: Return flight or visit to the Taj Mahal.
Congratulations, you have mastered one of the most challenging trips in our program. If you enjoyed it, please come again to "Incredible India" or to Iran. There is still much to discover in these extraordinary countries.
The visitors of the Taj Mahal have to get up early. We want to be at the Taj Mahal before sunrise. It is a special experience when the white marble building slowly shines in the reddish sunlight. It is also nice that it is not so crowded at this time of the day.
After breakfast you can visit the Red Fort and then you will take a cab back to Delhi. One more dinner together and then it's time for you to go to the airport.
Day 17: Return flight for Taj Mahal visitors
Your flight takes you back home during the night. We hope you enjoyed your trip and we will see you soon in India or Iran.