Jio works better followed by Airtel & Vodafone in Spiti. Most of our stays do not have Wifi. Mobile signal is decent at places we stay overnight like Sangla, Kalpa, Kaza, Tabo etc. Many places during the trip have poor or no network connection (like Chandratal, Dhankar Lake, Key, Chitkul etc.) While traveling between places, mobile signal may not be available for long time. During Day time: Whether can be sunny and warm from June to September. Normal clothes will be enough. During Night time: Spiti is very cold throughout the year. Carry sweaters, monkey caps, sweat shirts and thick socks to protect from chill winds at high altitude places like Kaza & Tabo. It feels more colder when it rains or snows. High passes like Kunzum La are extremely cold (we may even find some snow there). It is advised to check weather forecast and carry a rain proof Jacket or a Poncho. Please refer “Things to Pack” section on our website for more details.
With the chilling temperature of Himalayan rivers, it’s not practical to get in water.
Usually backpacks are recommended as trolleys occupy lots of space. Backpacks can be easily arranged at the backside of the vehicle by our Driver (for tempos).
No. We will either put in vehicle or at stays. Guests have to carry their own luggage from vehicle to rooms/camps (remember there is no porter service or room service on backpacking trips) Since most of the journey is through the curvy roads of Himalayan mountains, the journeys can be tiring. Having said that, the BRO (Border Roads Organization) has done a fantastic job to build and maintain roads in the best possible way.
Our vehicles are usually comfortable SUVs or Tempos based on number of people.
We will also take ample breaks in between our journey for different reasons like taking photos, Lunches, etc.
The journey from Kaza to Chandratal to Koksar is bumpy. At some routes, there is a road costruction work going on which may delay things.
There is no seat reservation system. Guests are requested to rotate between seats on each day.
Spiti is known for it’s cozy homestays with friendly hosts who serve delicious food. Some stays have attached washrooms & some have common washrooms. Room combinations are usually 5 to 6 sharing per room. The rooms will have beds as well as extra mattress. Guests are requested to rotate each day. Depending on group setup, our Operations Manager or Tour Leader will assign rooms & beds/mattress. It’s not possible to take any special requests.
No. We will provide everything needed at our stays.
Breakfasts served at our stays are usually Poori Sabzi, Plain Paratha with veg curry, or Aloo Paratha. Sometimes we serve Bread toast with bitter/jam & boiled eggs. Tea/Coffee are also served.
Dinners served are pure Veg (mostly Buffets) with different items.
Lunches are always on the way at remote areas. There might be limited options, so we need to be flexible and adjust. Our drivers know where to stop on each day as per the speed of the group.
If anyone needs Nonveg for Dinner, we need to convey ahead & pay extra.
✖️ Any extra cost arising due to any change in the itinerary/stay on account of bad weather, traffic-congestion, landslides/roadblocks, natural calamities, political disturbances and/or any other factors beyond organizers’ control.
Let’s consider following random example (it never happened before):
Assume for some unexpected reason Chandratal to Manali route (Day 7) traffic movement is completely blocked. This can trigger a chain reaction & series of events:
1. Since we cannot go to Manali now, we need to return to Shimla. It will take atleast 2 extra days to cover such long distance.
2. Since we need to book fresh stays enroute Shimla, travelers have to bear this extra stay/food expenses. A new Bus has to be booked from Shimla to Delhi too.
3. The earlier stays booked towards Manali (Chandratal/Koksar stays) & the Bus (from Manali to Delhi) will not return/refund any money at the last moment.
4. This also means the 9 days Spiti trip will be forced to extend to 10th day and people may miss their return flights.
There can be more such scenarios/examples. We cannot rule out such scenarios in high altitude Himalayas, especially with Global warming & Climate change. But the probability of occurance is very rare.
This is a universal rule of tourism industry. Nothing special about our company.
Please help each other and be kind to one another. On a budget backpacking group trip like this, it’s important to put personal priorities aside and go along with the group.
Please do not argue with co-travelers or Driver or Locals in Spiti Valley. If you need anything then politely request but not demand. Give respect and take respect.
Finally do read “Terms & Conditions” of your Spiti trip. If anyone violates the Terms in a way that causes inconvenience to Co-travelers or hinders smooth running of the trip, the company won’t tolerate and an immediate action will be taken.