Lahaul-Spiti Valley in July 2011

Hi all,

I am going to Leh in July 2011 for a trek to Stok Kangri. After the trek, we plan to drive around Lahaul-Spiti Valley. I have seen a few posts on this forum, including some really detailed. However, we have only a week in hand, rather than 2-3 weeks that others budgeted. So, I seek your help on the following:

1. Someone has suggested that we should hire the vehicle from Manali and then return it back there. However, Leh to Manali is ~20 hours. Can we hire a vehicle in Leh and then leave it in Manali? This will help us in entering the Valley directly from Leh, saving us some time. I think this will cost more, but your guidance will help.

2. We wish to drive around ourselves rather that hire a driver. I know that the routes there are treacherous, so it is risky. What to you guys suggest?

3. Please suggest an itinerary so that we can cover some of the most beautiful places. Also, please indicate if we need to obtain ILP to visit any of the suggested places.

Thanks a lot for the help.

Driving I have no idea as I use public transport. I consider Dhankar the most scenic place in Spiti from what I have seen. And I have not been to Chandra Tal.

Mridula, we have just 6-7 days, hence we have decided to hire a vehicle. Can you suggest some more names, apart from Dhankar?

Thanks

Near to kaza is Ki Monastery and Kibber Village to start with. Nearby is the village Langza and Komik. We trekked through some of the villages.

Thanks Mridula. I'll search these places on the map. Do we need ILP for any of these places?

Can I dump my article on Spiti on you? What we did trekking is available by road too I think.

About the ILP I am clueless as I am an Indian and I needed nothing of that sort.

Thanks Mridula. I'll go through your write-up. I spoke with someone in the HP Tourism office and they confirmed that ILP is not required.

Thanks, Husain

After thoroughly reading the posts here and some online blogs, I have prepared this tentative itinerary. Please let me know your valuable inputs:

Day 1: Lahaul to Sissu. Overnight stay at Sissu
Day 2: Sissu to Rangrik. Overnight stay at Rangrik
Day 3: Visit Comic and Pin Valley (till Mud). Overnight stay in Pin Valley
Day 4: Pin Valley sightseeing and visit Dhankar. Overnight stay at Dhankar
Day 5: Visit Dhankar Lake. Overnight stay at Nako
Day 6: Reach Kalpa. Sightseeing at Kalpa. Overnight stay at Kalpa
Day 7: Visit Rakcham and Chitkul. Overnight at Chitkul
Day 8: Chitkul to Sarahan
Day 9: Sarahan to Simla. Toy train from Simla to Kalka. Overnight train from Kalka to Delhi