Brief Description
Spiti is one of the coldest, most inaccessible parts of Himachal Pradesh in winters. Our Winter Spiti Homestay trail takes you on a walk through some of the highest permanently inhabited settlements in the world. You will drive through the Kinnaur, the easternmost part of Himachal for two days to get to Spiti valley, trek to the frozen Dhankar Lake and through the villages of Dhankar, Demul, Komic and Langza while experiencing the traditional Spiti hospitality in the cold, harsh winters where temperatures often drop to -30 C at night.
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Itinerary
Itinerary
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Shimla to Sangla - 220 km Drive
Report in Shimla by early morning and board your vehicles for the drive to Sangla. We will drive through the precipitous Sutlej gorge to the beautiful Sangla valley till Sangla. You will get the first view of Kinner Kailash today. Overnight in hotel / guest house in Sangla.
Sangla to Tabo (3400 m) via Nako and Gue - 180 km Drive
We will continue our road journey to Spiti today and drive towards the confluence of the Sutlej and Spiti rivers at Khab, passing through the towns of Pooh and Nako. We will take a detour through Gue, where you will see India's only know naturally preserved mummy. At Sumdo, we will cross the confluence of the Spiti and Parechu rivers and drive onward to Tabo.
Tabo to Chicham (4125 m) - 70 km Drive
Today, we will drive from Tabo to the village of Chicham. We will visit Ki and Kibber en route. Overnight in homestay in Chicham.
Chicham to Kaza (3800 m) - 22 km Drive
Today, we will hike to an ancient cave with petroglyphs near Chicham. After returning from the caves, we will drive to Kaza. Overnight in hotel/guest house in Kaza.
Kaza to Langza (4420 m) - 15 km Drive. Langza to Komik (4587 m) via Hikkim (4400 m) - 10 km Trek
Today, we will drive from Kaza to Langza, famous for its fossils. We will explore the stunning village of Langza with the sacred and mighty Chau Chau Kang Nelda Peak overlooking the village. We will then start our trek to Komic one of the highest villages of the world, and the highest village of Asia. En route to Komic we will visit the village of Hikkim, with the world's highest post office
Komic to Demul (4320 m) - 25 km Drive. Demul to Lalung (3750 m) - 10 km Trek
Today we will drive from Komic to Demul. Demul is one of the main villages of the Spiti Valley. We will explore the village and then continue to trek on a descending trail from Demul to Lalung which is situated in Lingti Valley at the foot of the Tangmar mountains. At Lalung, visit one of the oldest gompas in the Spiti Valley. Overnight in homestays.
Lalung to Dhankar (3890 m) via Dhankar Lake - 9 km
Today we will trek from Lalung to the ancient capital of Spiti, Dhankar Village that is perched above the confluence of Spiti and Pin river with stunning panoramic views of the valley. We will also take a small but steep hike to the high altitude Dhankar Lake and make our way back to Dhankar village. Overnight in home stays.
Dhankar to Kalpa (2690 m) - 180 km Drive
Today, we will drive back down to the Kinnaur valley. We will drive to Kalpa. Overnight in guest house/ hotel in Kalpa.
Kalpa to Shimla - 225 km Drive
Today is the last day of our trip. We will drive back to Shimla along the Sutlej river. The trip ends here.
Frequently Asked Questions
Pick your question
About the Trek: Why should I go for this trek?
Spiti Valley Trek
This Winter homestay trail is ideal for those who wish to experience the life of locals in harsh Spiti winters when temperatures may plummet to as low as -30 deg celsius. The chance to stay in homestays and trek from one village to the other in a winter clothed landscape is a once in a lifetime opportunity.Eligibility: Is this trek good for me?
The Spiti Winter Homestay Trail is an easy trek perfect for both beginners and experienced trekkers looking to experience the harsh winters of the beautiful Spiti Valley. For a novice, it is recommended to be physically fit and have good mental endurance to successfully complete this trek in harsh winters.
Eligibility: Experience required
No prior experience is required. However, for beginners, it is recommended to be physically fit.
Eligibility: Fitness benchmark
- Jog/Run for 5 Kms in 25-30 mins or Walk continuously for 10 kms (with 3-4 small breaks) on plain terrain (slight incline is better) - You would be required to produce a screenshot from a fitness app testifying the same
- Hold your breath for 30-35 seconds
If you are not meeting these benchmarks, please use the preparation schedule to improve your fitness till you achieve the above benchmarks.
Eligibility: Requisite skills
- Know campsite basics like how to use a sleeping bag, sleeping tent, toilet tent.
- Ascending & Descending technique for mountain trails
- Basics mountain mannerisms
- Ascending & descending technique on snow
- Basics of Mountain Sickness
- Basics of Mountain Hazards
- How to cross small water streams
Best Season: What are the best months to visit this trek?
January and February are the best months to do the Spiti Winter Homestay Trail.
Packing List: What to pack
Click here for packing list.
Packing List: How should I pack my rucksack?
Packing List: How should I select my trekking shoe?
Connectivity: How to Reach the base of the trek & how to go back from the end point?
The Spiti Homestay Trail starts from Shimla as we drive to Kaza which will take about 2 days.
By Air: Shimla is well connected to Delhi and other cities of India by air. Air India runs a daily 7:45 am flight from Delhi to Shimla. You can also fly to Chandigarh or Delhi and take a taxi or bus to Shimla from there.
By Rail: If you are travelling by railways, then Kalka is your station. From Kalka, drive to Shimla which is an hour and a half journey. Buses and private taxis are easily available on this route.
By Road: There are daily overnight buses for Shimla from Delhi from Kashmere Gate ISBT and take about 11 - 12 hours.
Connectivity: What is the cellular network connectivity for this trek?
Intermittent BSNL and Airtel networks.
Age limit: What is the minimum & maximum age limit?
The minimum age limit is 13 years. However, minors aged between 13 to 17 should be accompanied with their parents or guardians. If you are above the age of 60, kindly carry a medical certificate from your doctor that deem you fit for adventure activities like trekking.
Equipment and facilities: Are there any washroom/toilet facilities on the trek?
There are washroom/toilet facilities at homestays. However, the toilet systems in Spitian villages are that of a dry pit system.
Equipment and facilities: What kind of tents and sleeping bags will be provided to us?
There will be no tents or sleeping bags as this is a village to village trek and you will be staying in homestays.
Equipment and facilities: If we trek in snow, what equipment will you provide?
You will be provided with good quality of gaiters and microspikes from us depending upon the situation of the snow. Our trek leaders will also be carrying ropes and ice axe.
Equipment and facilities: What equipment can I rent from you?
You can rent following items from us- Trekking Pole, Trekking Shoes, Fleece Jacket
Weather conditions: What will the temperatures be like during this trek?
The temperatures in Spiti during winters will be below 0 and can drop down to as low as -30 deg celsius.
Weather conditions: When will there be snow on this trek?
Yes, there will be a lot of snow on the trek.
Miscellaneous : Is there an option to offload my backpack?
If you want to offload your rucksack, you will have to make a request for offloading a few days prior to the trek through an email so that arrangements can be made in advance. You will be charged per day for offloading your rucksack. In case you decide to offload on the spot, you may have to pay a higher price than usual. However, offloading your rucksack is not recommended since it is not a safe practice.
Miscellaneous : Who will lead us on the trek?
A team of participant will be led by a course certified trek leader and a local guide. All participants are requested to abide by what their leader says. There will also be a team of kitchen staff and porters on the trek. We maintain 1:8 ratio of trek leader and participants. All our trek leaders and staff have a certified training in first-aid and rescue operation.
Miscellaneous : Is the trekking pole necessary?
Yes, trekking pole is necessary. If you don’t want to buy one, you can rent it from us on minimal daily basis charges. You can request the renting link from us.
Miscellaneous : Are there any local stores/shops from where I can shop trekking necessities?
Yes, there are stores and shops in Kaza from where you can buy necessary stuff. Though it is recommended that you come prepared with all the stuff. Please do not leave anything for last minute buying.
Miscellaneous : Is it safe for solo woman traveller to trek in Fixed departures?
Yes, it is absolutely safe for a solo woman to travel in fix departures. Women on the trek will be sharing a room with each other. In case you are the only woman on the trek, you will be given a separate room.
Miscellaneous : Will you give certificates on completion of trek?
Yes, e-certificates will be given at the end of each trek provided that you completed it. It will bear your name, the trek, and the maximum altitude you achieved on the trek.
Transport: In case we opt for the transport with you, where will you pick us from and where will you drop?
You will be picked up from Shimla ISBT at 7am. Drop of point will be the same.
Transport: What time will we reach the end point on last day of the trek?
Expect to reach Shimla by late evening.
Accommodation type: What will be the accommodation type in this trek?
You will be accommodated in homestays and guest houses during the trek.
Mandatory documents: What are the mandatory documents required for the expedition?
It is mandatory to carry ID Proof for the trek. (Soft Copy to be sent to us in Advance & original to be carried along)
Why Bikat
Why Bikat
Learning Experience
- We are an Adventure Learning Organisation first.
- We want you to not just complete a trek safely but also pick up some basic trekking knowledge and skills along the way.
- To achieve this we have integrated learning modules into our itineraries.
- These modules will help you build the necessary skills to progress from trekking to mountaineering over time.
Loyality Programs
Our community is an integral part of us and we take pride in our trekkers and climbers. When you complete at least three days on any trek or expedition with us, you become eligible for our membership and referral programs.
- Currently we have three levels:
- Basic Membership
- Summiteer Membership
- Leader Membership
Personalized Attention
- Our group sizes on treks don’t exceed 15 members in order to maintain a healthy Participants : Leader Ratio of 8:1.
- Over time we have found this number to be optimum when it comes to ensuring personalised attention to every member of our group.
- On mountaineering expeditions this number is even smaller. Our group sizes are capped at 12 members ensuring a Participants : HAP Ratio of 2:1.
Best Expedition Leaders
- Our Expedition leaders are advanced mountaineering course qualified, specially trained in rescue procedures from NIM and certified first-aid responders.
- Even our local guides are certified first-aid responders.
Eco-friendly Practices
- Group sizes are capped at 15 people.
- Batch sizes are capped at 250 people per trail per season.
- We follow a rolling campsite model.
- We are constantly exploring and introducing new trails to reduce the burden on existing ones.
Safety
For us, a successful summit is not about reaching the highest point of a mountain but about making it safely back to base.
- To ensure this:
- Every region of ours is mapped with an emergency evacuation plan.
- The equipment we use is UIAA certified.
- Our trek leaders are AMC certified with specialisation in rescue procedures.
- Our support staffs are trained in first aid as well.
Reviews
What's Included
Whats Included
- Homestay/Guesthouse/Hotel accommodation during the trek (Days 1 to 8)
- Meals (excluding lunch during road journey)
- Gaiter, Micro-spikes, and Helmet as required
- Trek Permissions Fee, if any (Upto the amount charged for Indian nationals)
- First aid medical kit including oxygen cylinder
- Experienced Guide and Support staff
- Mountaineering course certified Trek Leader with First Aid certification
Whats Not Included?
- Any kind of personal expenses
- Any kind of Insurance
- Mules or porter to carry personal luggage
- Anything not specifically mentioned under the head Inclusions
- A delay due to bad weather conditions will lead to buffer days and participants will have to bear the extra cost involved in the buffer days as it is not included in the trek price.
Cancellation Policy
Cash Refund
Cancellations up to 30 days prior to departure date
5% Deduction
Between 30 days to 15 days prior to departure
50%
deduction
Less than 15 days of departure
No Cash Refund
Voucher Refund
Cancellations up to 5 days prior to departure date
No Deduction
Cancellations less than 5 days prior to departure
No Refund
Please note
- Cash refund is applicable only in case of bookings made without using any promotional offer code or vouchers.
- This is only a brief of cancellation terms. For finer details please refer Detailed Cancellation Policy.
Blog Posts
How To Pack Your Backpack
Bikat Adventures 31 March 2015
All of us pay a lot of attention in selecting a rucksack or for that matter any specialized item like hiking boots, ice axe etc etc. When we have done so much research on internet to get that awesome ruck sack its time we learn how to use a rucksack
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Experiential
