Boomers Abroad

Description

Join us on what is a once in a lifetime opportunity to leave your mark on one of India's best kept secrets - Spiti. At an altitude of over 9800 ft, surrounded by the majesty of the Himalaya and populated by herds of Yak, Spiti is simply one of the most stunning places in the world and this tour really gets under the skin of the region and also benefits the local community through the development of much needed greenhouses allowing for year round fresh food to eat.

During the tour you'll cross high mountain passes, visit ancient monasteries, get an insight into a truly special culture, fill several cameras with amazing images and also get to go on a Yak safari! All this and bragging rights at being the first of your friends, family - and anyone you have ever met! - to experience the stunning beauty of India's best natural high.

* Day 1: Manali
You will be picked up from Kullu Manali Airport (KUU) and will have a drive of 2 hours to the bustling small hill station of Manali. Here you will check into the hotel and then spend time acclimatising to the altitude walking the Mall and parts of Old Manali. There are plenty of nice walks and temples in the area. You will stay overnight in a guesthouse.

* Day 2: Manali to Kaza
Today is an early start driving over the Rohtang pass which separates Kullu from the Lahaul valley, and then descending into the valley of the Chandra river. Here you will follow the river and continue past Chhattru, Batal and over the Kunzum la (pass at a height of 4551mts), which divides Lahaul and Spiti. Time will be spent here taking in the fabulous views of the Chandrabhaga range of mountains and you will also visit the Buddhist shrine at Kunzum. You will reach Kaza by evening, a total journey of 130 miles, taking 8-10 hours through some of the most dramatic scenery in the world. You will stay overnight in a guesthouse.

* Day 3: Kaza - Day trip to Kye, Kibber and Tashigang
After breakfast you will visit the office of Ecosphere - our partners in this tour - and get an insight into Spiti, its culture, people and its ecology. You will also receive details on Ecosphere's various developmental activities in the region along with their initiatives on responsible travel and conservation of nature and culture.

After a full orientation lasting a couple of hours, you will then head off in the jeeps to the highlands of the left bank plateau for altitude acclimatization. You will visit the amazing Kye Monastery, the largest in Spiti, and an old age home in the village. After interacting with the residents of the old age home, you will drive up to Kibber village, about half an hour drive, which at 14,000 feet above sea level, is the main road for the trade route into Ladakh over the Parang La. The evening can be spent roaming the Kaza market where you can find interesting local handicrafts. You will stay overnight in a guesthouse.

* Day 04: Kaza to Pin to Tabo
After breakfast you will leave Kaza for the Pin Valley which is a tributary of the Spiti River. En-route you will get the opportunity to see some of the other initiatives of Ecosphere promoting the use of solar energy in the Spiti valley as a means to reduce wood fuel consumption and carbon emissions of the local community. these range from solar passive houses, green houses and solar cookers. If time permits a stop can be made at their Sebuckthorn processing unit to get an insight into their initiative aimed at empowering the women of Spiti.

The Pin valley is distinct both in terms of culture and topography and is famous for its horses and for the Bhuchens. The Bhuchens are a unique sect of theatrical artists, now only found in the Spiti valley after disappearing from Tibet and Ladakh. You will first visit the Kungri Monastery and then be lucky enough to witness one of their performances, learning more about their unique art. You will then head to Tabo for your overnight stay.

* Day 05: Tabo to Giu to Dhankhar
Tabo is famous for its 1,013 year old Monastery. You will spend time today exploring the Monastery and its numerous temples before heading to Giu, about 1 hour drive. Giu is the furthest and most isolated village of Spiti, lying close to the border of Tibet (China). A unique surprise that will leave you spellbound awaits you here! After spending time at the village, you will head back to Tabo, where you will have lunch, then head onto Dhankhar for the night.

* Day 06: Dhankhar to Lhalung to Demul
Dhankhar is the ancient capital of Spiti, which houses an ancient Monastery and Fort perched precariously between unique wind eroded structures. A visit to the Monastery, Fort and other subsidiary temples leaves one fascinated at the traditional architectural marvels. The Monastery has some interesting wall murals and thangkas, which are in urgent need for restoration. The Dhankhar Monastery has been recognized as one of the 100 Most Endangered sites in the World, by 'The World's Monument Fund'. Efforts are now underway to raise resources for the restoration and conservation of the Monastery structure, murals and thangkas. This conservation initiative is also being linked to livelihood generation of the village community and monastery from tourism, in order to provide them with an incentive to conserve this heritage. An hours trek above Dhankhar is a spectacular turquoise lake amidst the backdrop of rugged brown mountains. If you are up early in the morning then a visit to the lake can be arranged.

After Dhankhar you will head onto Lhalung which is the largest village of the Lingti valley (a tributary of the Spiti River). It is famous for its 1000 year old temple. After visiting this unique temple you will head onto Demul village for the night where you will stay in a homestay. Homestays have been developed in several villages to ensure direct economic benefits to the local communities and to give visitors the opportunity to understand the lifestyles of these hard working mountain folk.

* Day 07: Demul
Demul is one of the most interesting villages of Spiti, having numerous legends and stories. Today you will get a glimpse into these along with time to interact with the villagers and help participate in their daily chores. You can also take an optional trek - 2 to 3 hours steep walk or yak safari to a vantage point from where you can get stunning panoramic views of the Spiti valley. Demul is also famous for its local brew called arak and its cultural performances, you can try both in the evening leaving you truly spellbound. You will stay in Demul overnight.

* Day 08: Demul to Komic
Today you will adopt the local mode of transport, Yaks!, and will explore the Himalayan Deserts traveling into the grazing pastures of the local livestock and wild animals. This is also the hunting ground for the Himalayan Wolf and Snow Leopard - keep your eyes peeled! You will also learn about conservation efforts in the area to try to preserve the future of this unique and endangered wildlife. The trail will also give an insight into the floral diversity of the region. You will spend the night at Komic the site of a legendary monastery! En route we will visit the legendary monastery at Komic and spend the night in the highest village in Asia.

* Day 9: Komic to Kaza
In the morning we head to Langza village located in a large high mountain meadow with a beautiful mountain, Chau Chau Kang Nilda, towering above the village. Here you will take a short trek, about 1 hour, to the village fossil centre where you can find evidence of fossils of sea life going back 200 million years when this region was submerged under the sea. The fossil center has been formed by the village youth of Langza to help preserve Spiti's geological wealth. On returning to the village you will also learn about the village's unique temple before heading back to Kaza for the night. Here you will have time to relax and refresh yourselves. You will also be able to spend some time at the market to shop for local handicrafts. A visit to the Ecosphere office will round of the evening.

* Days 10 - 14: Volunteer Work
This period will be spent volunteering in Ecosphere's various development, conservation and income generating activities all set up to help the local community. Activities include helping in the development of a green house to enable the community to provide fresh vegetables all year round, or a solar passive house, painting local buildings for example a school, monastery or old people's home. Helping with garbage management activities - one of the major evils that follows tourism in any destination. All garbage generated during the treks is brought back to the village and is handed over to the Public Welfare Society for proper disposal in designated garbage pits, the local community are also involved along with guests in regular cleaning drives in the villages and the wetlands. You can also get involved in agricultural and horticultural activities with the villagers. You can expect to work 5 to 6 hours per day.

* Day 15: Kaza to Manali
After an early breakfast you will drive back to Manali giving you final glimpses of the incredible mountain scenery. The tour ends on arrival back in Manali for you to return home, or if you are lucky onto further travels in India! Please take the journey time to Manali (8-10 hours) into account when making your onward travel plans - all being well you will arrive in Manali around 5-6pm.