A Himalayan Family Odyssey

Upon arrival at Chandigarh Airport, meet and assist for transfer to your hotel. Chandigarh, India’s first planned city, offers wide boulevards, green spaces, and a relaxed introduction before entering the mountains.

The remainder of the day is at leisure. Optional experiences include a gentle walk at Sukhna Lake or a drive past the city’s modern architectural landmarks.

Dinner at the hotel.

After breakfast, check out and begin the scenic drive to Thanedar (approx. 190 km / 6–7 hours). The journey ascends gradually through pine forests and hill towns, offering refreshing mountain views.

Arrive at Banjara Orchard Retreat, Thanedar, nestled amidst apple orchards and cedar forests. After check-in, enjoy a leisurely evening—stroll through the orchards or relax with a warm beverage as the mountain air sets the tone for the journey ahead.

Dinner at the retreat.

After breakfast, explore Thanedar, known as the birthplace of apple cultivation in Himachal Pradesh.

Visit local apple orchards, interact with orchard owners, and learn about rural Himalayan life. Continue to St. Mary’s Church, one of the oldest churches in the region, followed by short nature walks offering panoramic views of surrounding valleys.

Later, drive to Sangla Valley (approx. 150 km / 5–6 hours), following the Sutlej and Baspa rivers through dramatic Himalayan scenery.

Arrive at Banjara Valley Retreat, Sangla. Evening at leisure.

After breakfast, set out for a scenic excursion to Chitkul (approx. 20 km / 1 hour each way), the last inhabited village on the Indo-Tibet trade route.

The drive follows the Baspa River through apple orchards, wooden bridges, and alpine landscapes. Explore Chitkul Village, with its traditional wooden homes, prayer flags, and sweeping views of snow-capped peaks. Visit the Mathi Temple and enjoy a relaxed walk along the riverbanks.

Enjoy lunch at a local café before returning to Sangla by afternoon. Evening at leisure back at the retreat.

Dinner at the property.

After an early breakfast, check out and begin the journey to Tabo (approx. 196 km / 6–7 hours). The landscape transitions dramatically from green valleys to the stark, high-altitude desert terrain of Spiti.

En-route scenic highlights (photo stops):

• Sutlej–Spiti river confluence (near Khab)
• Stark canyon landscapes typical of Spiti

Arrive at Spiti Mud House, Tabo, reflecting traditional Spitian architecture. Evening at leisure to acclimatize and absorb the serene surroundings.

Dinner at the property.

After breakfast, explore Tabo Monastery (UNESCO World Heritage Site):

·       Ancient murals & clay sculptures (10th century)

·       Meditation caves above the monastery (short, optional walk)

Proceed towards Kaza region with a gentle cultural stop at Dhankar (subject to weather & comfort):

Dhankar Monastery (optional but highly recommended)

·       Cliff-top monastery overlooking the Spiti & Pin rivers

·       Short visit only (no lake hike, keeping it family-friendly)

Continue to Tethys Himalayan Den (near Kaza).
Arrive by afternoon.

Evening at leisure:

·       Sunset views over Spiti Valley

Bonfire & stargazing (weather permitting)

A relaxed, curated sightseeing day covering Spiti’s most important places around Kaza, done at an easy pace.

Morning Circuit (short drives, minimal walking):

1.     Key Monastery (Kye Gompa)

o   Largest & most iconic monastery in Spiti

o   Panoramic valley views

o   Interaction with young monks (when available)

2.     Langza Village

o   Famous fossil village

o   Giant Buddha statue overlooking the valley

o   Opportunity to see marine fossils embedded in rocks

3.     Hikkim Village

o   Home to the World’s Highest Post Office

o   Send postcards — a lovely family memory

4.     Komic Village

o   One of the highest motorable villages in the world

o   Visit Tangyud (Komic) Monastery, fortress-like and dramatic

Optional Extension (if family feels comfortable):

·       Chicham Bridge – Asia’s highest suspension bridge (photo stop only)

Return to the retreat by late afternoon.
Evening free for rest, reflection, or a quiet walk.

After breakfast, check out and drive to Kalpa (approx. 241 km / 7–8 hours), retracing scenic mountain roads through Spiti and Kinnaur.

Arrive at Fayul Retreat, Kalpa, offering breathtaking views of the Kinnaur Kailash range. Evening at leisure to enjoy sunset views or a peaceful village walk.

Dinner at the retreat.

After breakfast, enjoy a brief exploration of Kalpa Village, visiting local temples and viewpoints overlooking the Sutlej Valley.

Later, drive to Theog (approx. 206 km / 6–7 hours), descending into greener Himalayan landscapes.

Arrive at Taj Theog, a refined mountain retreat. Evening at leisure—spa time, fireplace relaxation, or enjoying views of forested hills.

Dinner at the hotel.

After breakfast, check out and drive to Chandigarh (approx. 150 km / 4–5 hours).

Upon arrival, check in at your hotel. The remainder of the day is at leisure — ideal for:

·       Rest and unpacking after the mountain journey

·       Optional visit to Rose Garden or a relaxed café experience

After breakfast, check out and transfer to Chandigarh Airport to connect with your onward flight, concluding a memorable family journey through Himachal Pradesh’s orchards, valleys, border villages, monasteries, and high-altitude deserts.

Best months to visit:
May–June, September–October