A cold desert adorned by mountainous valleys is how one describes Spiti Valley in a nutshell but in its embrace, one can find some of the most surreal panoramic views, ancient monasteries offering you serenity and an abundance of trekking trails.
Life moves at a slow pace in the “middle land” with herds of Himalayan blue sheep nibbling on grass, the local farmers collecting their crops, and monks silently chanting the name of Buddha in the form of sacred prayer. The air is different in Spiti, pure and filled with peace. Simply breathing it in would rejuvenate your inner self and it’s an experience worth having.
However, with this Spiti winter expedition 4x4,we show you a different side of Spiti. We take you to a different world altogether, a world where you get to witness the magic of nature in the form of mesmerizing valleys, majestic mountains, and wicked trails all covered in a thick blanket of snow that is spread throughout the land, as far as your eyes can see.
In this Spiti winter expedition, we spice things up even more by increasing the stakes. It is no secret that the roads of Spiti valley are hostile at best, the paths seemed to be carved out with a ruggedness that isn't found in many places, and yet there is no greater feeling than off-roading on these tough terrains.
It's a challenge worth taking up but only for those who are bold enough to do it. Since normal tempo travelers don't give the adventure enthusiasts the adrenaline rush that comes with driving on the rocky trails, we take things up a notch by taking you on a road trip to Spiti Valley by 4 wheelers which means it's a four-wheel drive to Spiti from Delhi in a vehicle that can overcome all the hurdles that the roads of Spiti has to offer.
(Delhi to Delhi) Detailed Itinerary
Day 1 : Delhi to Shimla | Overnight Journey
Note: The pickup point would be RK Ashram or Majnu Ka Tila (tentative). Day 2 : Shimla to Chitkul/Sangla (225 Kilometers, 9 Hours Drive)
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What is included in the tour
- Transportation in 4WD Vehicle from Shimla to Shimla.
- Bus tickets from Delhi to Shimla and return.
- Accommodation on sharing basis as per itinerary in Hotel/Homestay.
- Meal Plan: MAP (Breakfast + Dinner, Starting from Day 02 Dinner till Day 08 Breakfast)
- Trip Leader will be present at all times during the tour.
- All permits Required
- First Aid Kits
- Oxygen Cylinders
- Infrared Thermometer
- Oximeter
What is NOT included in the tour
- Early check-in at the hotel.
- Any additional expenses of personal nature.
- Additional accommodation/food costs incurred due to any delayed travel.
- Any lunch and other meals not mentioned in Package Inclusions.
- Any Airfare / Rail fare other than what is mentioned in “Inclusions” or any type of transportation.
- Parking and monument entry fees during sightseeing.
- Additional Costs due to Flight Cancellations, Landslides, Roadblocks, and other natural calamities.
- Any other services not specified above in inclusions.
- Day backpack (20 – 30 Ltrs): When you are on a local sightseeing tour, you are required to carry only a few necessary items and for that, you need a day backpack as you will leave your bigger one at your designated stay.
- Floaters or Sandals: When you are spending your day at leisure, a good pair of sandals and floaters will help you to move freely.
- 1 Down Jacket / Main Jacket: It’s emphasized that you need to carry proper layers so you can avoid getting cold which is why you need to carry an insulated jacket that you can put on over your other clothes.
- 1 Pair of Thermal: Thermal is a piece of garment that helps in keeping your body warm in cold temperatures. It is a necessary item that you need when traveling to cold regions.
- Outdoor Shoes: A comfortable shoe is required when traveling outdoors, especially in the mountains. They shouldn’t be chunky, instead, they should be lightweight and sturdy.
- 3 Quick Dry Tees: You must keep at least three pairs of quick dry tees so that you can wash them in between stops for proper hygiene.
- 3 Pair of Cotton Socks: Cotton socks are extremely comfortable to move around in and are lightweight as well which is why you can always count on a good pair of cotton socks while trekking. However, keep in mind to change them and avoid wearing them when they are wet.
- 1 Pair of Woolen Socks: A good pair of woolen socks, especially merino, are comfortable, limit odors and provide adequate insulation from the cold so you can wear them at night.
- 1 Poncho: A poncho is an evolved form of a raincoat that provides coverage to your body as well as your bag and ensures total water protection from the rain.
- Quick-dry towel: A quick dry towel will help in maintaining proper hygiene. It must dry quickly because the wet fabric will only increase the chance of bacterial growth.
- Gloves: Insulated gloves help in maintaining proper body heat in your hands.
- Sanitizer: Prevent the risk of infections and maintain proper hand hygiene by making sure you carry a hand sanitizer.
- Sun Cap: A lightweight sun cap with side flaps is perfect to keep your head cool and avoid sunburns on a sunny day.
- Lip Balm: Your lips can become chapped due to the harsh cold winds so it's important to keep them moisturized.
- Cold Cream & SunScreen (SPF 40+): To avoid sunburns and chafing, you need to put on sunscreen as well as cold cream.
- Water Bottle 1 Lt.: Hydration is extremely important when it comes to traveling To carry a water bottle that you can refill with Himalayan water is a must.
- Bag for all your Toiletries: A bag with all your essentials including napkins, toothpaste, sanitizers, paper soap, etc should be carried in a ziplock bag.
- Personal Basic Medical Kit: Carrying a medical kit with bandages, Dettol, medication for headache, nausea, etc is necessary.
- Sunglasses / People who use spectacles (Use Photochromic glasses instead of contact lenses): Photochromatic glasses are specs that are designed to transform into anti-glare shades depending upon exposure to the sun. They are good when it comes to eye protection but one can also opt for clip-on glasses etc.
- Mobile charger / Power bank: Although you'll get electricity at most places, it is always advisable to carry a charged power bank in case of emergencies.
- Documents: Identification proofs like Aadhar Card, and driver's License.
- Extra Polythene: In case your clothes get wet or your garments don’t dry, you can carry them in polythene. However, make sure that all the plastic that you are carrying into the woods leaves with you. Don’t litter in the mountains.
- Camera: This should be obvious. To make sure that you get to capture all the great moments from your trip. Make sure that you have enough storage and some extra batteries as well.
What does the Spiti winter 4x4 expedition mean?
In a 4x4 Spiti expedition, we take things up a notch. Instead of a tempo traveler, we embark on this journey with a four-wheeler vehicle, like the Maruti Gypsy. These vehicles can overcome the hurdles that the roads of Spiti have to offer with better endurance.
How is Spiti winter 4x4 expedition different from winter Spiti?
You get to experience the thrill that comes with offroading on the rocky terrains and wicked mountains firsthand. Instead of traversing the roads of Spiti via tempo traveler, we embark on this road trip by 4-wheelers.
How to Reach Spiti Valley from Shimla?
There are two routes to reach Spiti. One is via Manali while the other is via Shimla. The Shimla route is considered to be one of the best routes to reach Spiti Valley especially when it comes to winter Spiti road trips. The gradual ascend makes it easy for people to get acclimatized to the high altitude and weather conditions. Not to mention that the views in the backdrop of the Hindustan-Tibet highway make it all the more worth it.
CANCELLATION POLICY
- No cancellations will be taken over phone calls or WhatsApp messages. Please reply to the email of the payment receipt that you received at the time of booking regarding the cancellation.
- Free Cancellation up to 45 days before the departure date. (Booking amount is non-refundable)
- 44 Days to 30 days of Departure date. 10% of the total Trip cost along with the booking amount will be charged as a cancellation fee.
- 29 Days to 20 Days of Departure date. 25% of the total trip cost along with the booking amount will be charged as a cancellation fee.
- 19 Days to 10 Days of Departure date. 50% of the total trip cost along with the booking amount will be charged as a cancellation fee.
- 10 Days to 6 Days of Departure date. 75% of the total trip cost will be charged as a cancellation fee.
- 6 Days to Trip Departure date. 100% of the total trip cost will be charged as a cancellation fee.
- No Show. No refund.
- Note: All the reimbursements/refunds will incur a Payment Gateway charge of 2.5% & GST at 5% respectively. The Payment Gateway charges will not be levied to the customers who have made their transactions via UPI.
- Please also note that the booking amount for all packages/trips is non-refundablewhereas a Credit Note can be issued if the cancellation is made 3 days before the departure date (at the discretion of the organization)
- In case of government orders, harsh weather conditions, protests, landslides, or any other unforeseen circumstances, we work out the best possible alternate plans or trips/treks. At times even if certain activities are canceled, the organization provides the best alternative but no refunds are provided.
- If a trip/trek is called off at the last moment due to a natural calamity/unforeseen circumstances (like rain, snowfall, earthquake, landslides, strike, bandh, etc.), JustWravel will issue a voucher for the full amount and if possible will provide an alternative as well. The voucher can be redeemed up to the same amount for the same or another trip/trek in the next 365 days from the departure date.
- If a trek/trip cannot be completed due to natural calamity/unforeseen circumstances (like rain, snowfall, earthquake, landslides, strike, bandh, etc.). No refund would be provided.
- Any extra expense coming due to any natural calamity/unforeseen circumstances (like rain, snowfall, earthquake, landslides, strike, bandh, etc.), Will be borne by the customer. The company will not be liable.
- Cancellations policy will differ during the peak season and for popular places.