Adventures in India

If you believe in the spiritual power of the Himalaya, this is a trek that is also a pilgrimage of the spirit. The mountain, shaped like a lingam, has enormous religious significance enchanced by the ever changing colours of the mountain in the changing light of the day. The serene, but demanding trail is perfect for reasonably fit individuals - a formidable but highly rewarding route through the mountains.

Our route goes around the holy Kinner Kailash (6349m) and crosses the Charang la in an effortless combination of adventure and spirituality. While this trek is not excessively difficult, it is physically demanding, and prior experience in the mountains would be recommended. We begin our trek and Thangi near Kalpa in Kinnaur

Day 1: Thangi to Lambar:

A gentle descent along the Thangi Nallah that allows us to absorb the splendour of the subject of our journey – easily accomplished in 3-4 hours. This was a part of an ancient silk-route into Tibet (when nomadic traders bartered commodities in high mountain villages).

Day 2: Lambar to Charang:

Varied terrain and exquisite views as we enter a broad valley, surrounded by towering mountains. Charang can be seen perched high o­n a ridge in the distance. We pass through Surting to reach Charang and set camp next to a sparkling mountain stream. The tiny hamlet almost merges with the stark landscape, except for the shiny golden dome of Rangrik monastery, two kilometres above the village. This charming monastery is considered the most sacred in Kinnaur and is a very popular location for both locals and travelers.

Day 3: Charang - Lalanti:

A steady, uphill walk. Lalanti is a high altitude meadow filled with a riot of alpine flowers and dotted with the shepherd flocks that it is a haven to. Snow leopards have been spotted here in the winters. We set camp near another crystal clear stream with the shepherd camps for neighbours.

Day 4: Lalanti - Chitkul:

This is the tough day. As we progress along our route, we enter a rock-strewn wilderness, crossing impressive glacial moraines, home to snow leopards and ibex – a seeming metaphor of difficulties in the pursuit of God. We are now traveling through and over huge boulders amid unfamiliar, breathtaking mountains. o­n a clear day, we can see magnificent views of Garhwal and the Sangla Valley. For miles around is a gallery of snow capped mountains, o­ne towering above the other. We cross Charang la (5242 m) and begin our descent into the charming Chitkul. Chitkul has often been referred to as an experience of Shangri-la, with its picturesque setting, charming houses, and prayer flags billowing prayers skywards in an unending echo of spiritual beauty – the perfect setting to conclude a journey into the land of Shiva.

Itinerary by Wide AwarePlease contact for fee information and bookings