Land of LAMAS

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Local Escapade

Spiti

Discover the untamed beauty of Spiti, where ancient monasteries perch on cliffs and rugged landscapes stretch endlessly. Experience the mystical charm of Kaza, the breathtaking views of Key Monastery at sunrise, wander through local villages, sip on sea buckthorn tea, and marvel at the starry night skies during our astrophotography sessions. This journey through Spiti is about truly immersing yourself in the tranquil, raw beauty of the Himalayas.

Adventure Snapshot

Dates

June 15 - 23 - 2025

Arrival Airport

Manali

Accommodation

Boutique Hotels/ Homestays

Duration

8 nights, 9 days

Meals

Breakfast, Dinner

Hand-picked Group Size

Not exceeding 15

Adventure difficulty level

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EXPEDITION BLUEPRINT

DAY 01
On the river banks of Old Manali
Day 01

After checking into your hotel in the morning, kick back, rest up and acclimatize. In the afternoon, we’ll dive into exploring Manali’s highlights—starting with the legendary Hadimba Temple, built in the 16th century and home to some fascinating folklore about demons and deities. Next, if time permits, we’ll visit the Manu Temple, dedicated to the sage who, according to legend, is said to have created the world after the great flood! To top it off, we’ll explore old Manali and the lovely cafes and enjoy a riverside dinner, with the calming flow of the Beas River as our soundtrack.

Just a heads-up—if the road from Manali to Spiti is playing hard to get, no worries! We’ll switch gears and take the scenic Shimla to Tabo route to get to Spiti. If that happens, we’ll arrange to pick you up from Chandigarh instead. Don’t worry, the detour would be just as thrilling!

Accommodation: Hotel in Manali

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Day 02

Time to hit the road bright and early! We’ll depart early in the morning, heading through the iconic Atal Tunnel—the world’s longest highway tunnel above 10,000 feet. 
As we journey toward Kaza, we’ll pass through the picturesque Sissu village, famous for its stunning waterfall, and cross the rugged terrain of Batal. The breathtaking Kunzum Pass, sitting at over 15,000 feet, will offer jaw-dropping views of snow-capped peaks—don’t forget to take a deep breath, both for the view and for some acclimatization at this high altitude!
Once we arrive in Kaza, the rest of the day will be all about settling in and giving your body time to adjust to the thin mountain air.

 

Rise-and-shine reminder: 5 AM

Drive time: 8 – 12 hours

Accommodation: Hotel stay in Kaza

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DAY 02
View from Atal Tunnel
DAY 03
Road to Kaza
Day 03
We’ll spend the day wandering through the vibrant Kaza market, soaking in the local culture and picking up unique souvenirs. Make sure to try sea buckthorn tea and indulge in some traditional thukpa. We’ll also visit the peaceful Kaza Monastery, perfect for a moment of quiet reflection amidst the hustle of the day. In the evening, we’ll have our first prep session for the starry night ahead. For photography buffs, we’ll discuss techniques for capturing the stunning Spiti night sky, including light painting and steel wool effects. Around 8 PM, we’ll head out for our first night shoot near Kaza. Get your wide-angle lens (F2.8 or larger) and sturdy tripod ready—trust us, you don’t want to miss out on the magic of a clear night in Spiti! Fun fact: The night skies in Spiti are some of the darkest in the world, making it a paradise for stargazers and astrophotographers!

 

Drive time: 2 – 3 hours
Accommodation: Hotel/ Homestay in Kaza

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Day 04

Start the day early by 6 AM with a sunrise shoot of the stunning Key Monastery from Rangrik. With your 70-200mm or 100-400mm lens, you’ll capture breathtaking views of the monastery as it glows in the morning light. Drone enthusiasts—this is your moment!
In the afternoon, we’ll explore Key Monastery itself, visiting the peaceful meditation room and watching the young monks at play. A short trek behind the monastery will give us prime spots for sunset, timelapse, and blue hour shots. If the sky is clear, we’ll try for Milky Way photos later!

Rise-and-Shine call: 5 AM

Drive time: 4 – 5 hours 

Accommodation: Hotel in Kaza

Trek level: Easy to moderate

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DAY 04
Sunset at Key Monastery
DAY 05
Monks at Key Monastery
Day 05

Today is a flexible day to catch our breath and soak in more of Spiti’s charm. We’ll head to Pin Valley to witness some breathtaking landscapes. 
As the day winds down, we’ll be perfectly positioned for a serene sunset shoot at Dhankar Monastery—perched high above the confluence of the Spiti and Pin rivers–prepare for some truly epic golden hour shots!

Drive time: 6 – 7 hours

Accommodation: Hotel in Kaza

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Day 06

After a hearty breakfast, we’ll head to Hikkim to send postcards from the world’s highest post office—a truly unique experience! Next, we’ll make our way to Komik village to visit its serene monastery.

Post-lunch (~3:30 pm), we’ll continue to Langza, where we’ll capture a breathtaking sunset and enjoy a cozy dinner at home. As night falls, we’ll head to the iconic Langza Buddha for an unforgettable night shoot. Don’t miss the chance to savor the delicious sea buckthorn tea at the charming Shanti Cafe located right behind the Buddha!

Drive time: 6 – 7 hours

Accommodation: Homestay in Langza

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DAY 06 e1737708791384
Langza Buddha under the Milky Way
DAY 07 1
Camping at Chandratal
Day 07

We’ll leave early in the morning, aiming to reach the stunning Chandratal camps by late afternoon. After settling in, we’ll head to the lake for a magical sunset shoot, ensuring we return to the camps before it gets dark.

At night, prepare for a dazzling display as we shoot the Milky Way around the camps and experiment with some creative light-painting shots. Do note, this place can get quite windy and cold, so bundle up for an unforgettable stargazing experience!

Drive time: 7 – 8 hours
Accommodation: Sharing tents at Chandratal

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Day 08

We’ll start our journey back to Manali bright and early. Once we arrive and check into our hotel, the rest of the day is yours to unwind and explore.

In the evening, we’ll head to Old Manali for a stroll through its bohemian atmosphere, and enjoy a cozy dinner. This is the perfect way to wrap up our high-altitude adventure and soak in the local vibe one last time!

Drive time: 7 – 8 hours 
Accommodation: Hotel in Manali

DAY 08
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DAY 09
Day 09

We will bid adieu in the morning. You can depart from Manali via an evening bus to Delhi. 

Ps.: We may adjust the itinerary as needed for weather, road, or other surprises, which is likely to be expected during the season. If we do encounter such situations, we’ll find an alternate route and stay. Any extra costs in this regard will be your responsibility. Flexibility is key!

Meet the captain of your Adventure!

Arun will be your adventure leader in the Land of Lamas! A native of God’s own Country, Arun transitioned from an aerospace engineer to a full-time traveler and photographer, passionately showcasing his unique frames through elements of visual harmony. After refusing to settle for the mundane and quitting his corporate career, he biked through some of the most breathtaking trails in India and abroad, made innumerable friends along the way and captured well over 500,000 photographs. He has led more than 25 trips.

Arun adores it when people completely indulge in what they genuinely love. Tales and Trails was born from Arun’s profound love for photography and his desire to share the magic of his experiences with others.

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A Tale from the Trail

“Spiti wasn’t just a trip–it was an awakening. The sheer overwhelming beauty of the place felt like magic, something beyond belief. During the trek to Key Monastery, I faced my deepest fear—heights. The climb was a little steep, and I didn’t think I could do it. But with the unwavering encouragement of the Tales and Trails team and my fellow travelers, I pushed through, step by step, and made it to the top. The view from there? Absolutely surreal, like stepping into another world. Returning to normal life after witnessing something so soul-stirring wasn’t just hard—it was heartbreaking. To this day, I am still not ready to let go of Spiti’s magic.”
– Lisha, Bengaluru

Costs, Inclusions and Exclusions

Expedition Costs
Expedition Cost (Regular) Details
Cost (Regular) ₹42,000/- per person (inclusive of 5% GST)
Advance Payment ₹21,000/- per person required to secure your booking.
Balance Payment ₹21,000/- per person due on or before 60 days on or before the Trip.

What’s Included on This Epic Adventure?

What’s Not Included?

More Questions about this Expedition?

Request an invite to join this expedition. Once you receive an invite from us confirming your request, the advance and balance payments in respect of your expedition must be made in the account (or by way of UPI transfer) as specified by us in our email.

For your Spiti adventure, make sure you pack the following essential documents:

  • Valid ID Proof: A government-issued photo ID like your passport or Aadhar card.
  • Medical Certificates: If you have any specific health conditions, bring along a doctor’s note or relevant medical documents.
  • Photocopies: Carry multiple photocopies of your ID and permits, just in case.
  • Cancel within 90 days before the Trip: Enjoy a full refund—no questions asked!
  • Cancel within 60 - 90 days before the Trip: You’ll receive a 70% refund.
  • Cancel within 30 - 60 days before the Trip: You’ll receive a 30% refund.
  • Cancel within 30 days before the Trip: Unfortunately, no refund will be available.

Need to Change Plans? You can transfer your spot to a friend if they’re excited to join the trip. Alternatively, you can keep your funds on hold with us for a future adventure.

Trip Cancellation or Postponement: If the trip is canceled or postponed at our end, you’ll receive a full refund. If the trip is cut short, you’ll receive a partial refund based on the days missed.

Ps. Refunds will be minus any cancellation charges for cars or accommodation or other such services and applicable taxes. Refunds will reach you within 7-10 business days.

You can read our Terms and Conditions for more details on cancellations, transfers and refunds. 

We aim to make your adventure as smooth as possible, so don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or need assistance!

More Questions about this Expedition?

Request an invite to join this expedition. Once you receive an invite from us confirming your request, the advance and balance payments in respect of your expedition must be made in the account (or by way of UPI transfer) as specified by us in our email.

Travel Documents for Iceland: As an Indian citizen, you will need:

  • Passport: Must be valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry. 
  • Schengen Visa: A Schengen Tourist Visa is required to enter Iceland. Apply at least 4 - 6 months in advance, as processing times may vary. We will provide you with assistance to book your visa appointment, accommodation documents and help you prepare your travel documents. 
  • Return Ticket: Proof of a return or onward ticket is required upon entry.
  • Travel Insurance: Strongly recommended to have comprehensive travel insurance covering health, emergencies, and any unexpected travel disruptions with a medical coverage of $50,000.

Note: Always verify current requirements, as policies may change.

Packing List: Once your spot in our adventure is confirmed, we will share a packing list with you. 

Health and Safety: During our Iceland adventure we will explore some of the breathtaking landscapes on foot and a good level of fitness will go a long way! You’ll also need to carry your own luggage. Just keep in mind that offloading isn’t an option in Iceland. Pack wisely!

  • Cancel within 90 days before the Trip: Enjoy a full refund—no questions asked!
  • Cancel within 60 - 90 days before the Trip: You’ll receive a 70% refund.
  • Cancel within 30 - 60 days before the Trip: You’ll receive a 30% refund.
  • Cancel within 30 days before the Trip: Unfortunately, no refund will be available.

Need to Change Plans? You can transfer your spot to a friend if they’re excited to join the trip. Alternatively, you can keep your funds on hold with us for a future adventure.

Trip Cancellation or Postponement: If the trip is canceled or postponed at our end, you’ll receive a full refund. If the trip is cut short, you’ll receive a partial refund based on the days missed.

Ps. Refunds will be minus any cancellation charges for cars or accommodation or other such services and applicable taxes. Refunds will reach you within 7-10 business days.

You can read our Terms and Conditions for more details on cancellations, transfers and refunds. 

We aim to make your adventure as smooth as possible, so don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or need assistance!

Your ultimate adventure starts in...

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