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Himalayan Motorbike Safari |
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| About The Tour :
A 18 night mountain bike tour including 13 days of unlimited
fun on bikes to one of the remotest regions of Himachal
Pradesh in Kinnaur & Spiti valley. It involves visiting
remote valleys, villages and crossing over high mountain
passes Kunzum Pass (4550 m) providing spectacular views
of picturesque snow capped peaks, rugged terrain and old
monasteries. Before you venture into the journey of exploring
the beauty and tranquility of Kinnaur & Spiti valleys,
take a small break in Shimla, which was once the summer
capital of India during the British era. The tour ends
in Manali, which has an alpine feel. |
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| The right machine for the
journey is really a question of preference. Mountain bikes fitted
with 26 x 1.5 tyres, which will have you speeding along on the
paved sections (about 50% of the road is sealed). Come prepared
for every type of weather imaginable from scorching sunshine
to freezing blizzards, even in mid-summer.
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| Highest Altitude gained |
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Kunzam Pass 4558 m |
| Places covered
(18 nights) |
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Delhi,
Shimla, Sarahan, Sangla Valley, Kalpa, Nako, Tabo, Dhankar,
Gungri, Kaza, Kibber, Ki, Kunzum Pass, Rohtang pass,
Manali, Naggar |
| Best Season |
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15th June to 30th September |
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| Itinerary |
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 Day
01: Arrive Delhi |
| Meeting
and assistance on arrival and transfer to hotel. Overnight
at hotel. |
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| Day
02: Delhi/ Shimla (380 kms/ 11 hrs) |
| In time transfer to the railway station
for the 5 hour train journey in air-conditioned carriages to
Kalka. From Kalka the train is made up of ancient ‘first
class’ coaches to cover the 96kms to Shimla for most exciting
part of this journey. Although the distance is only 96 kms,
the journey takes 5 hours as the train ascends 7000 feet passing
through 103 tunnels and along numerous viaducts – the
railway is a marvel of Victorian railway engineering. Arrive
in Shimla in time for tea, and after such a long journey you’ll
be relieved to hear the rest of the day is yours. Dinner and
overnight at East Bourne Resort. |
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| Day
3: Shimla |
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| Today we visit a few
places around Shimla like Advanced Studies and Jakho Temple.
This day would also give you an opportunity to assemble
your bikes and a test ride. Evening free to explore the
market. Overnight at hotel. |
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| Day
4 : Shimla/ Narkanda (65 kms) |
| Depart early
morning for Mashobra from where a 23 kms ride on
gravel and tarmac mountain road brings us to Fagu.
It is the national highway from here on which we
follow up to Narkanda, at first a gradual straight
ride to Matiana, where we stop for lunch, from where
its a mild ascent up to Shilaru, where it becomes
steep for the next 10 kms to Narkanda. Overnight
at hotel.
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| Day
5 : Narkanda/ Sarahan (90 kms) |
| An early morning visit
to the ‘HATU’ Peak and Temple where after
feasting on the breathtaking views of the Himalayas and
the Sutlej valley, we descend back for breakfast. This
is Apple country and we ride through some of the most
spectacular and rich villages of Kotgarh and Thanedar
known for their large Orchard holdings and being the first
villages in Himachal where Apples were grown. We stop
for the occasional tea in the village and thereafter resume
our ride through orchards and glades, a soft descent to
Nirath, by the side of the |
| river Sutlej known
for its replica of the Sun Temple. A short visit to the
temple, and we continue further on National Highway 22
to Rampur where we stop for Lunch and buying essentials.
It is a 40 km ride to Sarahan. From here on a level road
up to Jeori following the River Sutlej from where it is
an ascent of 17 kms, through some amazing country strewn
with magnificent views of the Srikhand range of the Himalayas
to Sarahan. On arrival check in at hotel. Overnight at
hotel. (TEMPLE GUESTHOUSE SUGGESTED) |
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| Day
6 : Sarahan/ Sangla (80 kms) |
| Early morning visit
to the most famous landmark of Sarahan, The Bhimakali
Temple, built by the Bushahar kings. Return to the hotel
for breakfast before visiting the bird park to see the
endangered beautiful Western Tragopan, the King of the
Birds and grand views of the Srikhand Peak and the twin
peaks of Gushu & Pishu. We cycle down till Jeori where
we get ready to take on the road to Kinnaur on our Mountain
Bikes. This is the entrance to Kinnaur, and once again
we are on the trail of the Sutlej valley. We see the deep
gorges the river cuts and come to the first of the spectacular
cliffs, where the road is cut through a rock and the fall
is almost a thousand feet, straight into the Sutlej flowing
like a torrent down there. The road from here is quite
level up to Wangtu where we cross the bridge to come to
the left bank of the river. This road is quite notorious
for the havoc it wrecks during the monsoon because of
the loose soil breaking down and causing landslides. It
is a gradual ascent to Tapri, where we see the Sutlej
in its most ferocious mood with the sound of the rocks
moving with it making it seem like a stone crusher. A
level ride to Karcham where the Sutlej meets the Baspa
River and we also turn to follow the Baspa’s course
for almost 18 kms of ascent where at the end awaits a
pleasant surprise with the Baspa or the Sangla valley
opening out in front of us. Overnight in HOTEL.
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| Day
7 : Sangla |
| The Sangla Valley looks most beautiful
in the fresh air of the early morning with the vistas
surrounding it lending it a heavenly aura. It is in these
moments we pay a visit to the Kamru fort, which used to
be the crowning place for Bushahar kings and which now
houses the Kamakshi temple the deity which was bought
from Guwahati. Take a walk up to the temple and then return
to base camp for breakfast. Chitkul the last village on
the Indian side bordering Tibet is 26 kms from here |
| and our ride entails following the
course of the Baspa through some of the most pristine
countryside. Packed lunch at Chitkul and then a walk through
the fields finds us in unison with nature. After a frenzied
session of photography of the imposing peaks and the village,
we are ready to head back, this time with our bikes perched
on the jeep, for a nice evening ahead at the HOTEL. Overnight
in HOTEL. |
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| Day
8 : Sangla/ Kalpa (51kms) |
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| Its time today to bid
adieu to the beautiful Sangla valley and move on further
to discover the joys and the enigma of the rest of Kinnaur.
An early morning ride from our base camp sets us for Karcham
through the winding road which starts to climb just after
the Karcham Bridge. Here we come to the right bank of
the Sutlej and a good fun ride brings us to Powari, where
there is a diversion to Reckong Peo, the District Headquarters
of Kinnaur. Here we stop for lunch, before ascending to
Kalpa through a zigzag Mountain road. The Kinner Kailash,
the holiest and the main mountain range in this part of
Kinnaur seems just at hand, no wonder Kalpa is famous
the World over for its grand views of the mountain ranges.
We ride to another of the most spectacular cliffs in Kinnaur,
The Roghi Cliffs, where all the thermals of the valley
pass, and the drop is almost 1500 m, the sight of the
Sutlej and the vehicles on the road below being a testimony
to the fact that we are at Roghi. The evening is spent
complete with a visit to the Reckong Peo Monastery and
Chini, which used to be the district headquarter earlier
and was famous for Lord Dalhousie’s preference for
the place as his summer abode over Shimla. Overnight at
hotel. |
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9 : Kalpa /Nako (122 kms) |
| Today we depart
early morning, amidst scenes of grandeur and ride
to Jangi & Morang where our innerline permits
get checked. From here Puh is another 32 kms which
is again an exciting ride. Khab a little ahead of
Puh is the place where the Spiti river meets the
Sutlej and from here Nako is 30 kms uphill. Here
we board the vehicle to get to Nako and set up camp
for the rest of the evening. Nako is famous for
its Lake and the Tashigong Monastery. Overnight
in tents.
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10 : Nako/ Tabo (69 kms) |
| After a morning excursion
of Nako we depart crossing the treacherous Muling stream
and the road descends gradually to the riverside and continues
up to Chango 3100 m a sizeable village. 5 kms from here
the National Highway crosses over to the right bank of
the Spiti River above which lies Shialkhar. 8 kms past
Shialkhar the road crosses the River again and we are
past Kinnaur. This is Sumdo where the Parechu River coming
from Tibet meets the Spiti River. Here the National Highway
wanders off to end near Kaurik, and the Sumdo –
Kaza road assumes the role of guiding the traveller up
the valley of Spiti. This area of Spiti is known as Sham.
Hurling, 3125 m is the first village of Spiti. 15 kms
from here is Lari 3240 m from where the Pride of Spiti,
the Tabo Monastery 3280 m is only 4 kms. On arrival set
up a camp. Overnight in tents |
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| Day
11: Tabo |
| Day free for rest and explore the
magnificent monastery complex of Tabo. Overnight in tents. |
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| Day
12: Tabo/ Dhankar/ Kungri (50 kms) |
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| Almost 20 kms away
from Tabo is Sichling 3400 m from where a 7 km link road
climbs steeply to Dhankar 3700m, high up on the left bank
of the River Spiti. This is challenging country for mountain
bikers however it is very rewarding. Dhankar was Spiti’s
old capital and has great views of the Mane rang Peak
6593 m. A stiff climb of less than an hour brings us to
Dhankar Lake which seems tiny despite a 2 km circumference
amidst the vast undulating pastures surrounding it. Dhankar
is also famous for its Monastery. Later we continue to
visit Lalung Monastery and village. Lalung is a small
monastery but very old and has beautiful stucco images.
Continue towards Pin Valley. Evening free to explore Kungri
village and Kungri Monastery. Overnight in tents. |
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13: Kungri/ Ki/ Kibber/ Kaza (48 kms) |
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| We start early today from
Kungri to Kaza which is almost a level ride. It’s
a good ride from Kaza to Ki monastery dominating
the surroundings from its perch, on a hilltop, which
points to its 13th century construction. Just before
this, along the main road on the left bank, the
Shilla joins the Spiti after its confluence with
Ratang and there is the Ki village 3750 m on the
Ki Kibber road. The pasture country gives the appearance
of a plateau of undulating meadows high above the
main valley. The road ascends slowly but interestingly
to Kibber village 4120 m laying its claim to being
the highest village
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with electricity and a paved road! This is the Parilungbi
valley, left of the Spiti. Further east is Gete
4320 m and Tashigong 4380 m. in the Bhar region
of the Spiti valley. Breathtaking views of the Kanamo
peak 5974 m and the moonlike landscape is an image
that will be etched in your memory forever. It’s
the perfect place to set up camp for the evening
and enjoy the experience of high pasturelands in
the night. Evening explore the small town of Kaza.
Overnight in HOTEL. |
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| Day
14: Kaza /Losar (58 kms) |
| Along the main road,
which is more dirt track than tarmac, 6 kms from Kaza
is Rangrik 3680 m, backed by the jagged, rocky cliffs
on the right side of the valley followed by the green
oasis of Khurik 3750 m, Sumling 3750 m, and Moorang 3775
m after which the Gyundi flows in to the Spiti. The road
up till here is mostly gravel and uphill in some places,
however this high country and the adrenalin rush subdues
our tiredness. We enter the least populated part of the
Spiti valley called Tud. Losar 4079 m the highest village
in this part of Spiti is our abode for the night. On arrival
set up a camp. Overnight in the tents
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| Day
15: Losar/ Chattru (62 kms) |
| Kunzum Pass 4558 m, one of the highest
mountain passes in Himachal Pradesh is only 22 kms from
Losar. The ascent to the pass is steep and takes about
2 hrs so an early morning departure from Losar is recommended.
This is one of the most outstanding sights in all of Spiti,
the Westward view from Kunzumla top, the peaceful, flower
bedecked slopes in the foreground are backed by an awesome
vista of rocky massifs and hanging glaciers in the Lahaul
valley. This is the Chandra valley and our ride mostly
level, except for the road, which is gravel. Taking it
easy we are headed to Chattru, crossing Chotta Dhara.
This place is an interesting geological zone for studies
as three mountain ranges meet here and the formations
are some of the most amazing in the world. Further down
the Chandra valley, facing some steep cliff walls is Chattru
where we camp for the night, our last camp before heading
down to Manali. Overnight in tents. |
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| Day
16: Chattru/ Manali (81 kms) |
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| 16 kms from Chattru is Gramphoo
where two roads go each way around the valley, one
west to Keylong in the Lahaul valley, and one north
to Rohtang La (3980 m) the entry to The Kullu valley.
It’s a steep ascent to Rohtang pass from Gramphoo
and is one of the most popular destinations near
Manali. The summit of the pass turns into lush green
meadow in summer studded with violets and varieties
of wild Himalayan and Alpine flowers. A few km of
descent and we reach Marhi from where it’s
a
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| steady descent until we reach
Manali. We check into our hotel and spend the evening
reminiscing of our sojourn over the Himalayas. Overnight
at hotel. (SUGGEST HOTEL PETERHOF) |
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| Day
17: Manali |
| Morning half
day city tour visiting Hadimba Devi Temple, Manu
Temple, Vashisht Village and Tibetan Monastery.
Afternoon visit Naggar Castle and Roerich Art Gallery.
Overnight at hotel. |
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| Day
18: Manali/ Chandigarh (300 kms/ 9 hrs) |
| Transfer by surface from
Manali to Chandigarh railway station to board the late afternoon
train to Delhi (6 hrs). Overnight Delhi. |
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| Day
19: Leave Delhi |
| Transfer to the airport for
your flight back to UK. |
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Biking Tour In South India
