Spiti Valley Sangla Holi Special

Arrive in Shimla early morning. Transfer your luggage from Volvo to Tempo Traveller and start your journey towards Kalpa. Take a quick stop for freshen-up & breakfast. You move from the pine forests of Shimla deeper into the rugged heart of the Himalayas. This is one of the most scenic driving days, transitioning from the colonial charm of Shimla to the "Land of the Gods"—Kinnaur. The Tranda Dhank (The Cliff Road) After crossing Wangtoo, you enter the legendary "Half-Tunnel" roads. Carved directly into vertical granite cliffs, this stretch of the National Highway 5 is both exhilarating and terrifying. It is a favorite for photographers capturing the "Gateway to Kinnaur."
Kalpa is famous for one thing above all: the unobstructed view of the Kinner Kailash range. We will try to reach by 4:30 PM. The setting sun turns the snow-capped peaks of Mount Kinner Kailash ($6,050$ meters) and the 79-foot Shivalingam rock into shades of gold and orange. Rest overnight in Kalpa and prepare for the next leg of your journey!

Post breakfast, check-out and load your luggage in the Tempo traveller. You officially enter the Spiti Valley. This leg of the journey is a dramatic transition from the apple orchards and pine forests of Kinnaur to the stark, high-altitude cold desert of Spiti. Khab Confluence (The Gateway) Witness the dramatic meeting of the Sutlej and Spiti Rivers.  The colors of the two rivers are often distinct—one muddy and one turquoise. Nako Village & Frozen Lake Perched at 12,000 ft, Nako is a postcard-perfect village. Nako Lake is typically a solid sheet of ice. You can often see local children playing ice hockey or skating on it. Nako Monastery: A 1,000-year-old monastery known for its beautiful ancient murals and peaceful vibe. Gue Village (The 500-Year-Old Mummy) A 10 km detour from the main highway leads you to Gue.  And if, Indian Army allows then will also visit Lapcha Pass (Tibet Village are visible from here). Entering the "Ajanta of the Himalayas" As you approach Tabo, the landscape turns completely "moon-like"—vast, arid, and surrounded by jagged peaks. Tabo is a quiet, mud-brick village that feels like it’s frozen in time.  Then head towards Tabo, where we will stay overnight. 

After soaking in the spiritual morning vibes of Tabo, Day 4  takes you deeper into the heart of the Spiti Valley toward its commercial hub, Kaza. Dhankar Monastery (The Cliffhanger) A short detour from the main road leads you to Dhankar, the ancient capital of Spiti. The monastery is precariously perched on a 1,000-foot spur. It looks like it’s growing out of the cliff. From the top, you get a bird’s-eye view of the confluence of the Spiti and Pin Rivers. En route, marvel at the Lingti Waterfall. By evening, arrive at Kaza, the heart of Spiti Valley. Kaza is the administrative headquarters of Spiti. In March, the town is just waking up from its winter slumber. Overnight Stay in Kaza.

After Breakfast leave for Kaza Sightseeing by visiting Key Monastery, a famous Tibetan Buddhist learning center perched on a hilltop. Chicham Bridge, Lachung, Kibber Village for the ancient monastery built on what is believed to have been a crater of an Extinct Volcano & visit Hikkim, a small village in Spiti, is known for housing the world's highest post office and Komic Village known to be a highest village in the World. Later visit Langza Village; Langza is famous due to huge Buddha Statue at 14300 ft height facing the mountains overlooking the valley. Langza is most visited because of huge golden Buddha Statue facing the mountains overlooking the valley. Later return to Kaza, explore the local market of Kaza & overnight stay at Kaza. (Depending on time availability other places vitis next day morning) 

Post Breakfast, you begin your return journey from the high desert of Spiti back into the lush, riverside greens of the Kinnaur Valley. This is one of the longest driving days of the trip, but it is rewarded by the cozy, celebratory atmosphere of Sangla.
🏮 Evening in Sangla: The Festive Vibe
Depending on your exact time, Sangla will either be preparing for or currently celebrating the Holi/Fagli festivities. Enjoy a Kinnauri meal. The food here is richer than in Spiti—expect more butter, local honey, and the famous Kinnauri Rajma (kidney beans). overnight stay in Sangla.

After breakfast, Holi is celebrated on the second day with a lot of enthusiasm, live music, dance performances and theatres where scenes of the Ramayana Epic are enacted. After that, these figures lead the procession as it leaves the Nag Temple and travels through the villages. It’s a sight to behold. In addition to the traditional liquor known as phasur, local specialities are served throughout the parade. Then visit The Kamru Fort has a graceful wooden balcony and at the top of the building is an idol of Kamakhya Devi (Kamakshi Devi), which is worth seeing. The idol is believed to have been brought from Guwahati and is of great importance for the people of Sangla village. There is also a Badrinath Temple in the Kamru Fort, which dates back to the 15th century and serves as the venue of a fair, held once every three years in the honor of the deity. In the procession that takes place at the time of fair, the idol of the deity is taken to Gangotri, the origin of the River Ganges. Dinner and overnight stay in Sangla. 

On this day, we will first head to Chitkul—the last village on the India-Tibet border—to capture surreal views of the landscape. After returning, you will witness a multitude of colors as spring blossoms, colors are sprinkled in the air, and locals wander around in their traditional attire. We will head to Sangla Chowk, where locals gather to celebrate the Festival of Colors with full vigor. Today’s celebrations will include prayers, street plays, and traditional ways of welcoming spring. End the day with a delicious dinner and views of the starry skies. Holi Celebration, the Land of Demigods, is part of the Faguli Festival, which celebrates the arrival of spring after a long winter. In the evening, catch the sunset over the Himalayan peaks and spend the night indulging in a bonfire and music session under the stars. Dinner and overnight stay in Sangla. 

After a day full of laughter, celebrations, and adventure, we will head back to Shimla. Enjoy a freshly cooked breakfast, wave goodbye to the place, and board our tempo travelers for Shimla. In the evening, board your bus back to Delhi with a heart full of cherished memories. 

Arrival in Delhi early morning and board your train back to your city with lifelonng memories.