The Kulu Valley, known as the 'Valley of the Gods' has enchanted explorers for ages and Manali, at the head of the valley, has been a base for further exploration deep into the Himalayas. A popular tourist destination, Manali lies on the banks of the Beas river and is surrounded by a deodar (Himalayan cedar) forest. The trek starts from here and goes across the Hamta pass up the headwaters of the Chandra river in Lahoul and explores the lower portion of the mighty Bara Shigri glacier.
Tour Highlights | |
Tour Duration | 11 Nights / 12 Days |
Locations | Delhi + Nalagarh + Manali + Prini + Bhujdhar + Juara + Hamta Pass + Garu + Chatru |
Trekking Days | 05 Days |
Season | May / June & September / October |
Grade | Strenious |
Max Alt.: | 3,960m approx. |
Special Features | Hampta Pass |
Day 01: Arrive Delhi
You arrive in Delhi by International flight. After a traditional 'Swagat' (Welcome) our representative would assist you at the airport and to our hotel for check-in. After some rest, breakfast at coffee shop in the Hotel. After breakfast we will go on a guided tour of Delhi, beginning with a morning sightseeing trip to the Red Fort built in the year 1648 and Gandhi Memorial at Raj Ghat. Afternoon tour includes drive around India Gate, President's House and visits to Humayun's Tomb, Lotus Temple and Qutub Minar. Overnight stay at Hotel.
Day 02: Delhi - Nalagarh (300kms / 6 hrs approx.)
Breakfast at the Coffee Shop, Later drive to Nalagarh, stopping en route at a tourism restaurant for lunch (to be paid for by themselves) and arrive Chandigarh and visit Rock Garden, Pinjore Garden and Sukhna Lake (If time allows) Later Drive to Nalagarh Fort, Dinner and Overnight stay at the hotel.
Nalagarh is the capital of the Kingdom of Hindur, founded by Raja Ajai Chand in 1100 A.D. It was ruled by the Chandela Rajputs who originate from Chanderi in the Bundelkhand region of Central India. The famous Khajuraho temples were built by the Chandela kings of yore. The fort was built during the reign of Raja Bikram Chand in 1421. Nalagarh is the gateway to Himachal Pradesh in North India, 300 kms north of Delhi and is located on a hillock at the foot of the hills.
Day 03: Nalagarh / Manali (245 kms / 6 hrs)
Morning Breakfast at the Hotel, And depart hotel at 0800 hrs for Manali, Arrive Manali by 1400hrs, After lunch explore the adjoining forests with blooming mountain flowers, Breathe in the fresh mountain air of Manali, the most famous hill resort in Himachal Pradesh. the pine covered slopes, the panoramic mountain vistas, the gushing waters of the Beas river are sure to enthrall you as you embark on a tour of Naggar Castle, Roerich's Art gallery, Hadimba Devi Temple, Tibetan Monastery. Evening is at leisure. Dinner and Overnight stay at the Hotel Mayflower.
Day 04: Manali / Prini / Bhujdhar ( 06hrs trek)
Post breakfast Transfer by road from Manali to Prini with packed lunch. The trek starts from Prini roadhead (6400 ft.) passing enroute the village of Prini and the temple of Lord Jumla (regarded as the most powerful God in this valley of 200 Gods). Beyond the temple, the trek climbs steeply up to the summer village of Satan. Leaving the village, the trek leads through a thick fir & spruce forest and ends at the alpine meadow of Bhujdhar (11000 ft.).Dinner and ovenight stay in the tents.
Day 05: Bhujdhar / Juara ( 06hrs trek)
Breakfast at the Camp, The initial trek follows the river valley leading to the Hampta pass. The route is level. A little beyond the camp, the Jobri Nala stream which starts from the famous Deo Tibba peak is encountered where we will have our packed lunch. Afterwards the valley opens into the wide meadow of Chikkha (10,000 ft.). From Chikkha the valley narrows and climbs to the higher valley of the Hampta stream. From here one reached the Juara campsite (11,800 ft.) after a gradual ascent. Dinner and overnight stay in the tents.
Day 06: Juaria / Base of Hamta Pass ( 05hrs trek)
Post breakfast leave for the Base of Hamta Paa with the packed lunch. The trek ascends gradually along the Hampta stream and leads to the base of the pass (13,200 ft.) with breathtaking hanging glaciers are enjoyed. Dinner and overnight stay in the Camps.
Day 07: Base of Hamta Pass / Garu ( 05 hrs trek)
Breakfast at the Camp and early starts brings us to the Hampta pass is steep. However, we are rewarded with fantastic views of the Mulkila Range of a clear day. Peaks well over (20,000 ft.) and the beautiful peaks of Indrasan (21,000 ft.) and Deo Tibba (20,100 ft.) can be seen. Crossing the pass, we leave the green valley of the Gods and enter the moonscape valley of Lahaul - here we will have our packed lunch. Later descent from the pass steep and tricky. Along the northern Hampta stream, we cross screw and glacial boulders before reaching our camp site at (12,200 ft.) Dinner and overnight stay in the tents.
Day 08: Garu / Chatru (2? hrs trek) / Manali
Post breakfast a short descent takes takes us to the confluence of the Hampta stream and the River Chandra. Following the river down stream, one reaches the roadhead of Chatru (10,900 ft.). Lunch at Chatru. And the transfer by road back to Manali takes 7 hours crossing the Rohtang Pass. (13,600 ft.). Upon arrival at Manali check in at our hotel for Dinner and overnight stay.
Day 09: Manali
Day at leisure and overnight stay at the hotel.
Day 10: Manali - Delhi (570 Km. / 12-13 hrs)
Breakfast at the hotel and time at leisure, Post Lunch time to explore the city on your own. We will depart for Delhi by 1800 hrs. Dinner on the way to Delhi. Overnight Journey
Day 11: Arrive Delhi
Arrive at Delhi at 06:30 hrs. and upon arrival transfer to your hotel. A leisurely morning is followed by breakfast and time at leisure. In evening we will go for the evening Light and Sound show at Red fort. Drive back to hotel for Farewell Dinner and Overnight stay.
Day 12: Depart Delhi
Tour concludes. We thanks you for your patronage and ensures a punctual transfer to the Railway Station / Airport for your onward travel.