Winter Spiti Snow Drive Expedition 2023

7N / 8D Drive
Dates :- 25th Feb - 4th March 2023
25th Feb - Narkanda
26th & 27th Feb- Sangla
28th Feb - Tabo
1st & 2nd March - Kaza
3rd March - Narkanda
Expedition Cost - INR 48500/- per person (Plus 5% GST for 7N8D)

INCLUSIONS
All Meals, Snacks & Accommodation on Double sharing Basis. (In case you are single, extra charges for single occupancy will be charged)
Lead and Back Up car
Radio Connectivity
Loads of Fun

EXCLUSIONS
Car and Fuel Expense
Alcohol and Allied Beverages
Above Prices are on *Twin Sharing Basis*


Day 1
Delhi/Chandigarh to Narkanda
Narkanda altitude: 2700m
Drive time: 5-6 hours
Return back to Jaisalmer Hotel
Distance: 190 km (from Chandigarh)
Route: Shimla - Narkanda on National Highway 5 (previously known as Hindustan-Tibet road or Old HT road)
Trip highlights: Green Valley, Kufri, Fagu, Narkanda, Hatu Peak

In this first leg of the Winter Spiti Expedition, we drive through the pine forests of green valley and Kufri on National Highway 5. We will explore trails around Narkanda and relish the beautiful sunset and peaks of the Dhauladhar mountain range and the Greater Himalayas from the town/Hatu Peak.
We will stay overnight at Tethys Resort at Narkanda with an introductory session while enjoying bonfire, snacks, drinks, music, dance and delicious dinner. The resort is surrounded by pine trees at a quiet corner of Narkanda town. Spacious balconies offering panoramic views of the Himalayan ranges and wooden furnishing are the prominent features of the resort.
Narkanda is a beautiful and serene hill town in the state of Himachal Pradesh that has been blessed with salubrious weather all year round. Below Narkanda, to the north lies the valley of snowy mountain massifs and deep gorges, the Kinnaur and Spiti Valley.

Day 2
Narkanda to Sangla
Sangla altitude: 2600m
Drive time: 7 hours
Lunch @ desert camp
Distance: Around 150 km
Route: Baga Sarahan- Duttnagar - Rampur Bushahr- Karcham - Sangla
Route:Baga Sarahan to Duttnagar on the same route, Duttnagar to Karcham on NH5 and Karcham to Sangla on Karcham-Sangla road
Trip highlights: Rampur Bushahr town, Tranda cliff, Sangla valley Route: Baga Sarahan- Duttnagar - Rampur Bushahr- Karcham - Sangla
Route:Baga Sarahan to Duttnagar on the same route, Duttnagar to Karcham on NH5 and Karcham to Sangla on Karcham-Sangla road
Trip highlights: Rampur Bushahr town, Tranda cliff, Sangla valley
Stay @ sarovar Saira Fort Jaisalmer

On day 3, we will cover a long distance of around 150 km. A two-hour drive on the NH 5 will take to Tranda Dhank (cliff), a kilometer-long stretch along deep Sutlej River gorge on old Hindustan-Tibet road where overhanging rocks will cover our cars like an umbrella. It was built by Britishers in the mid 19th century.

The road to Sangla diverges from Karcham bridge. It is broken at places and there are some hairpin bends that are hard to negotiate. The overhanging cliffs near Rutrang will remind you of Tranda-styled cliffs.
Sangla is one of the most beautiful places in Kinnaur - a valley renowned for its lush green meadows such as Sangla Kanda and apple orchards. The valley is overshadowed by Kinner Kailash on one side and sky-piercing rocky mountains capped with snow on the other.
Overnight stay will be at the Banjara Camps, Sangla valley. The luxury Retreat, placed by the Baspa river in the middle of an apple orchard, are the oldest and one of the highly recommended stays in Kinnaur. The campsite offers a comfortable stay and best hospitality in the remoteness of mountains.

Day 3
Acclimatization day at Sangla & Snow drive to Chitkul

Today, we will take a breather and give some time to cool off your mean machines. We will explore Sangla village and hike to Kamru fort and drive to Chitkul. Snow Drive to Chitkul Azure sky, clouds hanging overs the snowy towering peaks of Kinnaur-Garhwal Himalayan ranges, and surreal excitement of discovering the last village on Indo-Tibetan border — driving on snow covered Sangla-Chitkul road in winters leaves one startled and pleasantly surprised.
On day 4, after exploring Sangla and surrounding places, we'll head towards the last frontier village, Chitkul. After driving for about 20kms, we'll get to see the first glimpse of Chitkul village. The whole Baspa valley usually receives heavy snowfall during the winter season. The snow clearing operation is carried out by local administration and ITBP personnel of Mastrang camp. During long continuous days of snowfall, it takes a few days to clear snow from the road and to resume road connectivity. The drive to Chitkul may not be doable under such circumstances.

Chitkul greets one with soft sounds of gurgling water and Buddhist flags fluttering in the air. The shops, hotels and homestays get closed there during the harsh winter season. Some places worth visiting in Chitkul are Chitkul Mata temple, Chitkul fort, Bridge over Baspa river and Nagasti ITBP camp.

Day 4
Sangla to Tabo
Kaza altitude: 3800m
Drive time: 7 hours
Distance: Around 250 km
Route: Nako - Sumdu- Gyu – Tabo on NH 505
Trip highlights: Nako Village Frozen lake, Gyu Monastery, River Side Leisure

Our pitstop for today will be Tabo. Before reaching our destination for the day, we will visit Gyu monastery en route Tabo. The road condition ranges from normal to average.

Day 5 and Day 6
Tabo to Kaza via DhangkarMonastary

Kaza is a small town and administrative center of the Spiti Valley surrounded by high mountain ridges on all sides. This is the coldest town in India. This place is well-known for its colorful festivals. It is also renowned for its pure wool shawls, carpets and woolen fabrics. We will stop here for an overnight stay at Skaya abode hotel Kaza.
Our Accommodation for today will be warm and cosy Homestays.
Trip highlights: Snow Drive, Dhangkar Monastery, Kye Monastary, Chicham, Kibber, Langza, Hikki, & Komik
Two full days to explore the beauty of Spiti Valley and its beautiful villages of Langza, Losar and Chicham. During the expedition, we will also have a chance to see the Blue Sheep, the Himalayan Ibex and Red Foxes.

Day7
Kaza to Narkanda
Kalpa altitude: 10000 Ft
Drive time: 13 hours
Distance: Around 400 kms
Route: Kaza - Tabo - Nako - Khab (on NH 505) - Khab - Powari Jhulla (on NH5) - Rampur - Narkanda

Kaza is a small town and administrative center of the Spiti Valley surrounded by high mountain ridges on all sides. This is the coldest town in India. This place is well-known for its colorful festivals. It is also renowned for its pure wool shawls, carpets and woolen fabrics. We will stop here for an overnight stay at Skaya abode hotel Kaza.

Our Accommodation for today will be warm and cosy Homestays.

Trip highlights: Snow Drive, Dhangkar Monastery, Kye Monastary, Chicham, Kibber, Langza, Hikki, & Komik

The longest haul of the Winter Spiti Expedition. We will drive back on the same route, i.e., Kaza - Tabo - Nako - Khab route to reach Kalpa. Khab to Powari drive will be on NH 05. A connecting road from Powari Jhulla will take us to a beautiful village of Kalpa.

Overnight stay at the Grand Shamba-La hotel. This upscale hotel in Kalpa offers some breathtaking views of the Kinnaur Kailash mountain range. Interior is heavily furnished with wood & decorated in tibetan style. The hotel library boasts of books with a wide range of themes.

From BCMTouring thread:

Chitkul to Nako Road Conditions: The road is in good condition and there is no need to engage the 4WD gear. Though the tarmac is non-existent at places, and snow slushy roads force you to drive with extra caution. The road is under widening work and repair at places like Shongtong, Pangi Nallah, and Dubling. The expertise of drivers leading the expedition convoy helps a lot in negotiating bad roads at such places.
Nako village to Tabo road conditions: The infamous Malling Nalla, A Nallah(stream), and waterfall that turns into huge hanging icicles in winters and form an interesting landform. It is an icy stretch of about 75 meters. On this stretch, It is mandatory to maintain enough distance between two vehicles. Also, pressing the brake or changing gears can cause tyres to lose traction and can lead to a fatal accident. The 4*4 mode is absolutely required.
Tabo to Kaza road conditions: The road is narrow & incline is gradual along the Spiti river.
Accommodation in Spiti valley: The stay in Spiti Valley (and Nako) is arranged in homestays. Staying in homestays in a unique experience. The owner usually accommodates guests in a large hall. The hall serves the twin purpose of dining and sleeping around a Bukhari (fireplace) to beat extremely low temperatures that may fall way below zero degrees during the night. Spitian Thukpa and momos - a staple diet of locals in Spiti - are highlights of food served in the homestays.

From Thoughtframed blog:
Tips for driving on icy roads:
Look out for the “black ice” (dirty ice that appears like tar or mud and is highly deceptive and slippery).
Do not apply breaks.
If you start to lose control of your vehicle, swerve to the mountainside.


Challenges to overcome:
Driving on icy roads in bone-chilling temperatures.
Keeping diesel-engine alive during night time when minimum temperature drops below -8 degrees celsius. Diesel starts to freeze below -8 degree mark.
Keeping the body warm during winter long nights and fighting the frostbites.
Finding a good mechanic & vehicle parts in Spiti when your car breaks down.
Keeping camera and phone batteries alive. Lithium ion batteries of cameras and phones drain quickly; it takes a long time to charge in sub-zero temperatures.
Keeping windshield clear on free from frost on cold & dusty roads of Kinnaur & Spiti valley.
Fuel. Kaza fuel station is the solitary fuel refilling station in the whole of the Spiti valley.
Landslide prone zones. There are many landslide prone zones on Kinnaur - Spiti valley route. Such unpredictable zones pose a challenge for first timers who have no previous experience of driving on the treacherous Himlayan roads.
Frequently Asked Questions About Winter Spiti Expedition

Q. Why should I be part of the Winter Spiti Expedition?
A. There is so much you can see, experience, and learn while being part of our Winter Spiti Expedition. From driving across high passes and treacherous Himalayan roads in winters and experiencing snowflakes fall on your face to seeing the entire Spiti valley covered in a white blanket of snow and tracking the grey ghost of the Himalayas (snow leopard), this expedition has so much to offer. Not to mention, religion, rich local culture, food and top-notch hospitality that teaches you powerful life lessons and makes you humble for life.

Q. Is it a good idea to travel to Spiti in winters?
A. It’s absolutely a good idea if you are part of the winter expedition. However, travelling solo to such high altitudes is not at all recommended. This is an extreme adventure and one needs to be prepared for any kind of situation like sleeping in the car, carrying your own ration, etc.

Q. Are roads to Spiti open in winters?
A. Yes, however, you may see roads blocked by snow at places while snow driving to Spiti. Our skilled team ensures smooth movement (with a tinge of adventure) of the convoy. There may be avalanches during the expedition, as a result we might have to change the itinerary or stay at completely isolated places.

Q. What is the minimum temperature Spiti sees in winter?
A. The minimum temperature in Spiti can drop as low as -30°C.
Q. Are homestays/hotels open in Spiti in winters?
A. Not really, but we have made special arrangements for our entire convoy well in advance so that we can offer the best hospitality and services even in extreme weather conditions.
Q: What is AMS (Acute Mountain Sickness)?
A: AMS is the result of sudden exposure to reduced air pressure and lower oxygen level at high altitude. General symptoms are headache, fatigue, nausea, and loss of appetite, sleeplessness, heavy breathing. Descending down and inhaling oxygen can cure it faster.
Q: Is there some trekking involved in this?
A: No
Q: I have a medical history related to breathing, blood pressure or anything significant. Can I travel at such heights and low temperatures?
A: Please consult your doctor for the same.
Q: How is network connectivity in Spiti? Which mobile network carrier works best in the valley?
A: Only BSNL and JIO networks work in Spiti.
What is the level of fitness expected from the participant. Should I start doing exercises to prevent high altitude sickness?
What about the medical facility and doctor while on the expedition?
What kind of clothing is needed for the sub-zero temperatures of Spiti Valley?
What support or backup do you have if my vehicle gets stuck or broken down?
What to expect when driving on National Highway 5 and Spiti National Highway 505?
How to prepare for the Spiti valley winter expedition?
What skills are needed to drive on the snowy roads?
What are my chances of spotting a snow leopard during the Winter Spiti Expedition?
What is the group size?
How many guides will there be in a convoy?
Are the Winter Spiti itinerary days fixed? Is there any other route to reach Spiti Valley?
Apart from snow leopards, what wildlife can I spot during the expedition?
What about accommodations and hygiene during the expedition?
I am the only girl in the group, is it safe?
Things to Carry
Basics gear:
Sleeping bag (-15-20 Degrees)
Head torch
Thermos flask
Trekking shoes (waterproof, high ankle preferably)
Clothing:
Fleece jackets
Fleece jacket/woollen sweater
Down feather/Holofoil jacket
Wind & waterproof (jacket & pant) 1 Pair
Thermal inners (upper and lower) 2 Pair
Muffler
Trek pants (avoid shorts, denims, capris)
Woolen socks (4 pairs)
Poncho
Sun cap (One that covers the neck as well)
Woolen cap
Sunglasses
Fleece/woolen gloves
Extra camera batteries
Identity proof

Personal utilities:
Sunscreen cream
Hand sanitizer
Moisturizer
Toothbrush and toothpaste
Lip balm
Quick dry towel
Inclusions::
Hotel/Homestay accommodation ( Homestay in Kaza with Dry Toilet )
All meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
Expedition guide with great knowledge of the area and the terrain
Bonfire & Music
Company of like minded individuals
Exclusions::
Fuel and inter-state toll
Travel or medical Insurance
Any medical emergency or rescue cost
Political unrest or landslide
Personal expenses/tips
GST 5%
Contact: +91 63636 61121
Email: neethu @ flybeetours.com