38 Villa Avenue, San Rafael, CA 94901 Phone: 415-381-5861 ◆ Fax: 415-367-3081 [email protected] ◆ www.originalworld.com CST Permit #2057026-40
Ancient Cultures of the Indian Himalayas Spiti Valley, Kinnaur, Manali, Dharamsala, Amritsar
September 4-20, 2021
Go where few people have gone before! Experience ancient culture and enjoy exquisite, dramatic beauty.
Maximum Group Size is Twelve People
Pre-tour Kashmir & Ladakh with Festival Post Tour Darjeeling & Sikkim
"This is one journey that must be undertaken at least once in a lifetime by any discerning traveler” - words of many widely traveled people after having visited these awe - inspiring parts of the Indian Himalayas.
On this remarkable journey you will walk on the most inspiring mountain paths, drive over some of highest roads and bridges, visit remote exquisite villages, witness age old temples, traditional architecture and tribal lifestyles.
There cannot be a better place than here to experience the sounds of silence, the pristine glory of nature as well as a window into ancient traditional cultures.
In this region of hill stations, fertile valleys, lunar landscapes and rarefied mountain air, local inhabitants have carved out a spartan existence in the pockets of habitable terrain.
Kinnaur and Spiti Valley, two districts set within remote areas of the Indian Himalaya and bordering Tibet, are the highlights of this very special tour. This area has been off limits to travelers until 1992; Spirit of India began bringing travelers there in 1997.
So dramatic is the land that on one side there are dense forests, fruit orchards and lush green valleys, while on the other, rugged and barren mountains and miles and miles of high-altitude desert.
The fusion of Hinduism and Buddhism exits here almost in totality.
Spirit of India’s 17-day journey offers visits to traditional villages, ancient monasteries containing priceless collections of thankas, sculptures and wall paintings, private meetings with lamas and a chance for genuine interaction with local people.
Adventuresome, but not difficult!
Detailed Itinerary
Sep 4 DAY 1: Arrival in Delhi. Transfer to Metropolitan Hotel. Check-in is 12 noon or later.
Sep 5 DAY 2: Delhi / Metropolitan Hotel (B, D)
Morning: rest and recuperate from long flight. Those with energy can take a stroll around the area near the hotel that boasts cafes, bookstores, and local bazaars. Conserve your energy—it will be hot hot hot!
Lunch on your own, we suggest at the hotel restaurant. In the late afternoon, we embark on a sightseeing tour of Old & New Delhi (exact sites TBD based on the group’s past India experiences, including a rickshaw ride through the old Chandi Chowk bazaar.
Welcome dinner & orientation with your guide.
Sep 6 DAY 3: Delhi - Chandigarh – Shimla (125 km) / Hotel Marina (BLD)
Early morning transfer to New Delhi Train Station to board Shatabdi Express to Chandigarh. ETD 0740/ ETA 1110. Our driver will meet us on arrival and we continue to Shimla.
We’ll stop for lunch en-route and arrive in Shimla in the late afternoon. This evening enjoy a leisurely stroll on the “Mall.” Explore the wonderful colonial past of this Queen of hill stations.
Sep7 DAY 4: Shimla-Sarahan (174 km/6 hrs) / Hotel Srikhand (BLD)
After an early breakfast, we drive to the Jhaku (Hanuman)Temple. It is a short 15 min climb uphill on well laid out steps from the car to the temple.
Drive onward to Sarahan, a beautiful village surrounded by apple orchards and dominated by Shrikhand Mahadev Peak (16908 Ft), which resembles the "Shivling." Lunch en-route.
On arrival in Sarahan, we visit the Bhimakali Temple, a wonderful mixture of Buddhist and Hindu architecture, sacred to both communities. The Bhimakali goddess idol is approximately 200 years old.
Sep 8 DAY 5: Sarahan - Kalpa (105 km / 4 hrs / 9500ft) / Kinner Villa (BLD)
Drive to Kalpa, the headquarters of Kinnaur District. Kalpa boasts the best view that one can have of the mighty Kinner Kailash Range of the Greater Himalaya. Rising from its base it is 19848 feet of sheer rock. Arrive in time for lunch at our hotel, the lovely Kinner Villa.
Afternoon walk the Old Hindustan Tibet Road to Roghi Village, considered one among the top ten mountain walks in the entire world. Overnight at the beautiful Kinner Villa.
Sep 9 DAY 6: Kalpa / Kinner Villa (BLD)
A wonderful full day reserved for walking to the ancient and exquisite villages Chini, Peo, Kothi, Pangi and Telangi. Overnight at Kinner Villa.
Sep 10 DAY 7: Kalpa – Nako (102 km / 7 hrs / 12250 ft) / Kinner Camp (BLD)
Travel to Nako --subject to road connectivity-- or else we drive from Kalpa direct to Tabo.
The village of Nako lies at an altitude of 11890 ft, high above the vast stretch of Spiti Valley. It was once a very important centre of Buddhism in the region. There are seven temples belonging to different periods of Buddhism between 11th and 12th centuries distributed all over the village, including a monastic complex on its western edge. Boasting four temples and a number of additional buildings, this complex preserves the earliest artistic heritage. The austere and unornamented exteriors of the buildings give little hint of its important artistic and spiritual legacy that lies within these walls.
The Kinner Camp tents are stand-up style with beds and attached bathroom with western toilet and cold running water. A hot water bucket is provided for washing. http://www.kinnercamps.com/nako.html
Sep 11 DAY 8: Nako - Tabo (70 km / 4 hrs) / Dewachen Retreat or Trozen Guest House (BLD)
Today we enter Spiti Valley. Geographically and archeologically, Spiti is a living museum. The mountains are devoid of any vegetation due to erosion by wind, sun and snow over thousands of years.
Our vehicles climb up to the village Tabo (10000 Ft.). Built in the year 996 ACE. HH The Dalai Lama performed the Kalachakra teachings/ceremony here in 1996, being closest ever to Tibet.
We reach Tabo for lunch.
The Chos Khor Monastery at Tabo is the largest monastery in Spiti and one of the few remaining examples of the Golden Period of Buddhist Culture in the Himalayan Region. The wall frescos of the monastery are comparable in their antiquity and quality to those of the World Heritage Site of the Ajanta Caves. Tabo is thus aptly called ‘Ajanta of the Himalayas’. It houses more than 100 Lamas, a large number of scriptures and pieces of art, wall paintings, tankhas and stucco.
This afternoon and evening we visit Tabo Monastery and village; and meet some of the resident monks.
Please note: Due to the remote region, this entire village only has electricity from 8 pm to 9 pm. Sometimes our hotel may not get any electricity at all. This hotel is the best option and with right attitude, you will enjoy its authenticity and architecture. We have lanterns provided, which adds to the adventure and fun!
Sep 12 DAY 9: Tabo-Dankar- Lhalung-Kaza (74 km/8 hrs) / Dewachen Retreat/Grand Dewachen Retreat (BLD)
Rise early join the monks in their morning Puja (prayer) ceremony at Tabo monastery (5 min walk through the village).
Return to hotel for breakfast and drive to Dhankar, the ancient capital of Spiti. Dankar Gompa (12500 ft) was built in the 12th century. This hill top fort dominates the scene in Spiti Valley. It contains more than 160 scriptures of Lamas and Buddhists in Bhoti language. A statue of Dhyan Buddha consisting of four complete figures seated back to back is the main attraction of this four - five centuries old monastery. This monastery celebrated a millennium in 2004 with HH the Dalai Lama.
Next, we drive to Lhalung, a magnificent village of just 45 houses. In this village stands the second most interesting monastery of Spiti. The compound consists of five buildings. Together with the unusually rich interior of Lhalung's main chapel and the fact that the building of the temples is attributed to Rinchen Zangpo, suggests that the temple site of Lhalung, like Tabo, was designed as a Chokhor site, a place for learning and debate as opposed to a simple chapel for worship by the local people.
Our drive continues onward to the current capital and once the commercial headquarters of the traditional silk route, ‘ KAZA.’
Sep 13 DAY 10: Kaza-Ki-Kibber-Gete-Kaza (70 km / 4hrs) /Dewachen Retreat/ Grand Dewachen Retreat (BLD)
Today is the day we experience the highest monastery that houses the oldest and largest collection of Tankha paintings in the world- Ki Monastery; the highest road-connected permanently inhabited village in Asia – Kibber and the highest vehicle fuel outlet in the world at Kaza.
On the left bank of Spiti River, the Ki Gompa, also spelled Kye or Key) (13,668 ‘) originally acted as a monastery and fort. Some scholars believe it was built by between 1008 BC and 64 AD. Other scholars differ but most agree it was built before the 15th century. In the 18th century Ki was subjected to several attacks during wars between princely states of Kullu and Ladakh in 1820 and by armies of Jammu and Kashmir in 1841. Today it is a loosely strung collection of rooms that were repeatedly rebuilt. Architecturally, Ki falls in the pasada style which is characterized by multi-stories high.
Ki is the repository of rare thangka paintings and several ancient musical instruments: trumpets, cymbals and drums. Its library holds manuscripts of sacred Tangyur texts. Apart from the cells occupied by the monks, the gompa has a large du-khang (assembly chamber) lined with religious paintings and other chambers for worship. The chamber of the incarnate abbot, the zimchung, is the highest point in the building. Ki Monastery is the most important Buddhist pilgrimage in Spiti Valley. It was the location of the Kalachakra teachings/ceremony performed by HH the Dalai Lama in 2000, an amazing experience!
Kibber Village, 20 km from Kaza, (14,200’) is considered the highest motorable village in the world. It contains a monastery, a civil dispensary, a high school, a post office, a telegraph office, a community TV set in the village and the Kibber Wildlife Sanctuary. Kibber lies in a narrow valley on the summit of a limestone rock. The village has approx 80 houses, unique, given that they are made of stone instead of mud or adobe brick used extensively elsewhere in the Spiti valley. The village population is about 366 people. The economy of the village is based mainly on trade with Ladakh. Barter system is followed between Kibber locals and Ladakhis and often horses are traded for yaks.
Kibber Monastery was founded by Serkang Rimpochhe of Tabo. The monastery is popular for preserving ancient murals, thangkas (paintings on cotton or silk), rare manuscripts, and wind instruments.
Sep 14 DAY 11: Kaza-Kunzum Pass (14931 Ft)-Rohtang Pass (13051 Ft)-Manali / Banon Resort (BLD)
Today is a long drive, but offers awesome breath-taking views.
A thrilling drive over the famous Kunzum Pass, en-route visit Lahaul Valley. Aptly called no man’s land, it is dominated by glaciers and rocky mountains cut across by the Chandra River. We pass the Bar Shingri Glacier, 25kms long and 3 kms wide, the largest glacier in Himachal Pradesh.
We continue over the Rohtang Pass, where we will stop for refreshments and soak up the beauty. An optional short horse ride is available to go up the snow-capped peak (additional cost/pay directly). Onward to Manali.
Sep 15 DAY 12: Manali / Banon Resort (BLD)
A relaxed morning to recuperate from the long day yesterday. We will have an easy day of strolling around the picturesque “Valley of the Gods.” Visit Dhungri Temple (also known as Hadimba Temple by locals) and the quaint village Nagar with its many ancient temples including the 11th-12th century Temple Gauri and the Tripura Sundri Devi Temple.
Sep 16 DAY 13: Manali-Kullu-Bir-Baijnath-Taragarh (180 km / 7 hrs) / Taragarh Palace (BLD)
Drive through Kullu to Kangra, “Valley of Temples.” We visit the most ancient and oldest existing Shiva temples at Baijnath. Overnight at the Taragarh Palace.
Sep 17 DAY 14: Taragarh / Taragarh Palace (BLD)
A spectacular location with the Dhauladhars towering behind with its peaks between 9500Ft – 16000 Ft which are clearly visible from here. Baijnath (5 Km) is a pleasant little town surrounded by tea plantations. It houses one of the oldest existing Shiva temples. Just below the village is the Tashijong Gompa that is the focus of a small Tibetan community who hail from Kham province in Tibet.
We will next visit the Sherab Ling Monastery, home of the 2003 Grammy winning chanting monks. (Best Traditional World Music Album). Sherab Ling Monastery nestles in the gentle pine-forested foothills of northern India's Kangra Valley, the seat of its founder His Eminence Ti Situpa XII, a leading Tibetan Buddhist teacher and peace campaigner. Here the monks perform mesmerizing prayer ceremonies, as part of their daily lives, originating many centuries ago in the great Buddhists monasteries of Tibet. The monks begin their day with the Lineage Prayer, offering respect to a line of great meditation practitioners going back as far as the 7th century. The Mahakala Ceremony is part of each day's closing ritual in which the monks ask for purification and dedicate their blessings to all sentient creatures. Return to the Taragarh Palace for the overnight.
Sep 18 DAY 15: Taragarh-Norbulingka-Dharamsala (40 km/3 hrs)/Hotel Chonor House (B,LD)
On way to Dharamsala (McLeod Ganj), the official residence of HH The Dalai Lama and seat of the Tibetan Government in exile, we will visit the institute of Tibetan Arts and Handicrafts Norbulinka.
Upon arrival in McCleod Ganj, we visit the center of Tibetan Medicine and Astrology, the Tibetan Govt Secretariat. Evening you are free to explore the Tibetan Markets.
Sep 19 DAY 16: Dharamsala-Amritsar (175 km/5 hrs) / Hotel Ramada (BLD)
We depart at 7:30 am for the drive to Amritsar, in the state of Punjab, in the Himalayan foothills called the Shivaliks. Amritsar, home of the Golden Temple, is one of the most ancient and fascinating cities in India. It is an important seat of Sikh history and culture. Being the gateway for travelers coming to India on the overland route from Central Asia, it soon became the center of various commercial activities.
On arrival we will go directly to the restaurant for lunch. After lunch we visit the Golden Temple of the Sikhs. The Golden Temple was founded by the fourth Guru of the Sikhs, Guru Ramdas, and completed by his successor Guru Arjan Dev. It is famous for its full golden dome, one of the most sacred pilgrim sites for Sikhs. The Mandir is built on a 67-foot square of marble and is a two-storied structure. Maharaja Ranjit Singh had the upper half of the building built with approximately 400 kg of gold leaf. The Golden Temple is surrounded by a number of other temples, such as the Durgiana Temple.
Hypnotic meditative music plays as we walk the path with the pilgrims around the lake. The temple complex is like a small community, filled with many different activities.
We will circumambulate the temple at a leisurely pace and enter various buildings, including one where the Guru Granth Sahib or Adi Sri Guru Granth Sahib, the holy scripture is read aloud from 4 am-10 pm daily. It is a voluminous text of 1430 angs (parts), compiled and composed during the period of Sikh Gurus, from 1469 to 1708. A collection of hymns (shabads), the text describes what God is like and the right way to live. Guru Gobind Singh (1666-1708), the tenth of the Sikh Gurus, affirmed the sacred text Adi Granth as his successor, terminating the line of human Gurus, and elevating the text to Guru Granth Sahib, the final Guru of the Sikhs.
We will stop periodically for moments of quiet reflection and observe devotional rituals.
Thousands of pilgrims arriving each day are offered shelter and food prepared and served by volunteers. The pilgrims travel for days from all over India, often on foot. The temple complex is a community run by volunteers and is truly amazing to witness the efficiency by which thousands are feed each day and also inspiring, as elsewhere in India, to see the devotion of the people to their faith. Voluntary service is one of the main paths of Sikhism. Everyone is contributing in some way at the shrine; chopping veggies, cleaning utensils, making chapatis, cooking daal, serving, cleaning, offering water, participating in ongoing maintenance and repair. Everyone is giving back to humanity by way of self-less service.
If you would like to participate, you will have an opportunity to volunteer in the kitchen. (let me know so I can set up a time slot for you).
At 3:30 pm, we drive 32km (20 miles) to Wagah, the border town between India and Pakistan, to arrive just before sunset to witness the flag ceremony between these two countries that were once one. The ceremony lasts for around 45 minutes in total.
We will sit on the India side with the locals for an exciting high-kicking, toe-stepping, quick-marching ceremony wherein the Indian and Pakistani flags are lowered on either side of the only border that remains open between the two countries. A number of officers from each team put on a performance to the satisfaction of the cheering, chanting crowds, seated on concrete grandstands on either side. The exercise ends with the slamming of the border gates, at which time each side's flag is urgently carried to a room for overnight safekeeping. The Flag Ceremony is a touching, memorable experience.
We enjoy our farewell dinner at a local restaurant and return after dinner to see the temple complex all lit up.
Sep 20 DAY 17: Amritsar – Delhi (B)
Morning at leisure. Transfer to airport for flight 9W373 dep. 1430 / arr. 1555. On arrival, transfer to hotel by the airport -rooms for wash, change til 9 pm. Late night transfer to airport for flight home.
If Joining our Darjeeling-Sikkim Extension Transfer to airport for flight AI 454 dep 0600, arrive Del 755 am connect to AI 879 depart 11:15 / arrive 13:15 to Bagdogra. Upon arrival meet your accompanying escort and drive (90 km / 3 hours) to Darjeeling.
Our Guide: Mr. Brajesh Kumar is originally from Shimla and has been based in Haridwar since 2001. He earned a post graduate degree in history from Shimla University and has been guiding in the Northern Himalaya since 2001.
Price: $4660 per person based on minimum 6 people, Single Room Supplement $1090
Plus Airfare: (estimate/exact price TBD when booked) Amritsar - Delhi $110
Optional Arrive 1 day early, Delhi Hotel: $75 per person twin share; single room $135 Plus Arrival Transfer if not arriving Day 1: $45 per car
Includes: Accommodation (based on availability) with breakfast Two nights Delhi at Metropolitan Hotel 5* http://www.hotelmetdelhi.com/ One night Shimla at Hotel Marina, deluxe room http://www.marinashimla.com/ One night Sarahan at Hotel Srikhand http://hotel-srikhand-sarahan-shimla.hotelsgds.com/ Two nights Kalpa at Kinner Villa http://www.kinnervilla.com/ One night Nako at Kinner Camp http://www.kinnercamps.com/nako.html One night Tabo at Dewachen Retreat http://www.dewachenretreats.com/ Two nights Kaza at Grand Dewachen Retreat http://www.dewachenretreats.com/ Two nights Manali at Hotel Banon Resorts deluxe room http://www.banonresorts.com/ Two nights Taragarh at Taragarh Palace https://taragarhpalace.com/ One night Dharamsala at Chonor House, http://www.norbulingka.org/chonor-house.html http://www.pridehotel.com/dharamshala/pride-hotel-dharamshala/overview/ One night Amritsar at Hotel Ramada http://ramadaamritsar.com/ Rooms for Wash/Change at Pride Plaza Hotel (B)
Transport in ac Toyota Innova in Delhi; non ac Innova 4wd (3 people per vehicle) in Himalayas.
All arrival and departure transfers on the arrival and departure dates of the tour Delhi sightseeing with Professional Local Guide Accompanying Escort/Guide throughout the journey Monuments, Temples and Monasteries entrance fees Train ticket AC Executive Class Car Delhi to Chandigarh Dinner day 2, all meals thereafter except no dinner last night as everyone has a different departure time One beverage with lunch & dinner” soft drink, juice, coffee, tea, bottle water. 2 bottles of mineral water per day / per person in the vehicle during drives. Porter tips at hotels, railway station and domestic airports. Inner Line Permits India Gov Service Tax 5%
Does not include: International Airfare, Visa Fee, Visa Services, Trip cancellation/travel insurance, Meals other than mentioned above, Camera and video fees (if any), Tips to drivers and guide, Any expenditure of personal nature such as drinks, telephone calls, laundry.
NOTES
In this region, the days begin early, 7 am, and end early 5-6 pm.
All drive times are approximate. Drives can be longer due to unpredictable situations, road conditions and local events that may slow traffic as well as how long we stop in various places along the way.
The days will be a pleasant 62-68 degrees; the nights can be chilly, 45-55 degrees in a few areas. Two or three nights there will not be in room heaters, but good heavy blankets. Bring your long johns!
We have planned the dates taking into consideration the onslaught of monsoons, usually happening between end of July and first week of August in the Northern Himalayas. However because of change in weather conditions worldwide, especially in eco fragile areas like the Indian Himalayas, it has become unpredictable. Bring a rain poncho!
Sequence of activities subject to change due to any number of unpredictable circumstances. Please trust that your guide, Sanjay, the utmost expert in this region, is making the best judgment calls and all your desires for this trip will be fulfilled plus some.
Join our Ladakh Festival Tour preceding Ancient Cultures: Join our Darjeeling-Sikkim Post Extension Tour following Ancient Cultures: Request info.
Discount: $200 per person for booking the two full group tours consecutively.