Winter Spiti Escapade

Departures For Winters 2022-23

26th Dec'2023 Till 01st Jan' 2024 Limited Seats

15th Jan'2024 Till 21st Jan'2024 Open

29th Jan'2024 Till 04th Feb'2024 Open

12th Feb'2024 Till 18th Feb'2024 Open

26th Feb'2024 Till 04th Mar'2024 Open

12th Mar'2024 Till 18th Mar'2024 Open

Spiti being a cold dessert gets extremely cold in the winters. The winters are dry and temperatures can drop well below zero (An average of – 10 Degrees and can go down to – 25 Degrees at certain places). Due to this extreme cold possibility of Running water is not there as everything liquid is frozen. So one has to prepare to live a few days with very basic facilities including using a dry pit toilets. Below are certain things that one has to keep in mind when travelling in Spiti during the dead of the winters.

It is important to keep warm in this harsh environment and layering is the key when dressing up for extreme cold, it is recommended that one needs to put at least two layers on the legs and 4 Layers on upper body. Head, Feet & Hands to be covered when outside and sit near the fire place when inside. Thermals with adequate layering of Fleece/Pullovers, Jackets, Warm T-Shirts, Down Jackets, Windsheeter, Warm Caps, Gloves, Warm Socks are all required.

In winters the options to eat along the way are very few and usually the distance is huge between such outlets making it important to carry eatables with you while travelling. We recommend to carry ample packets of Biscuits, Chips, Dry Fruits, Chocolates and other munchies of your choice. Due to remoteness of the region and unpredictable weather conditions one needs to be prepared with all these things which will come in handy in case we get stuck on the way.

• ID Proof • Thermals (2-3 Pairs) • Jackets (1-2 Pcs) • Warmers (2-5 Pairs) • Jeans/Pants (3-4 Pairs) • Lower (2-3 Pairs) • Woollen cap (1Pc) • Gloves (2 Pairs) • Sunglasses (1 Pcs) • Sports Shoes/ Trekking Shoes (2 Pairs) • Socks (4-5 Pairs) • Slippers (1 Pnit) • Towel (1 unit) • Toiletry Kit (Toothbrush, Toothpaste, soap, sunscreen, cold cream, lip guard) • Mobile charger (1 Pcs) • Multi-plug (1 Pcs) • Torchlight (1 Pcs) • Swiss Knife (1 Pcs) • Dry fruits, Nuts, Candies, Biscuits, Chips, Mouth Freshener, Glucon-D • Power Bank (1-2 Pcs) • Water Bottle (1 Bottle)

Being a remote region Spiti has basic medical facilities however there is a Hospital in Kaza but one may not get adequate treatments there due to lack of facilities/no electricity at times and connectivity too is an issue as in case of snow fall the road may get blocked. Our team will carry a basic 1st Aid Kit & an Oxygen Cylinder however we recommend all to carry a small medical kit of their own comprising of basic tablets for Headaches, Stomach Ache, Pain Killers, Fever, Upset Stomach prescribed by a physician. If you have any pre-existing medical conditions make sure you carry your prescribed medicines with you as one may not find the same medicines in Kaza or surrounding area. For any major complications nearest equipped hospital is at Rampur and then Shimla.

Spiti is High Altitude Cold Dessert with average altitude being 11000 Feet AMSL. This makes the possibility of contracting AMS very high. However we will be halting at lesser altitudes before we reach Spiti acclimatizing on the way yet there are chances one may get AMS in the thin air of Spiti. Symptoms of AMS include: - Nausea - Head Ache - Breathlessness - Disorientation - Lack Of Appetite On the onset of such symptoms seek immediate assistance and only way to counter AMS is to Descend to lower altitude and as soon as possible. Drinking Lots of water and keeping yourself nourished is important to avoid AMS. Also avoiding exertion while in high altitude region is important as heavy physical activity can lead to AMS in certain Cases. In case you have asthma please carry your inhaler with you or in case of any other similar (including Asthma) please consult your doctor before visiting the High Altitude regions.

There are limited number of ATM’s in Spiti the availability of the same keeps on reducing, on the way to Spiti till around Pooh one will find ATM’s along the way in Spiti ATM’s are only in Tabo & Kaza which may or may not be in working conditions. So its recommended that one carries cash as per their requirement before we venture to Spiti. There is only one Fuel Pump at Kaza which operates between 11:00 Am till 5:00 Pm and there is no surety if the fuel will be available as in bad weather conditions the pump will not operate. Therefore it is recommended that one carries spare can of fuel in case of emergency and refuel the vehicles when one gets an opportunity to do so.

Spiti lies in Trans Himalayan region of Himachal Pradesh, the high altitude and lack of vegetation makes driving or travelling in Spiti unpredictable and the activity involves risk of injury and even death as weather conditions are unpredictable. Chances of roads getting blocked in bad weather are high so please be flexible with your schedule as one may get stuck here for any duration ranging from a day to several days. The roads in winter are covered with snow and icy conditions can be found at many sections making it a treacherous. Though the snow cutting and road clearing machines and equipment is deployed along the way however in any event of road block one may have to wait for hours till the machinery arrives. Though precipitation is not very heavy in this region but there are certain sections along the road which receive heavy to very heavy snowfall causing change in the travel route and itinerary and even lead to us missing out on certain sightseeing points.

- Sightseeing in Kaza to Villages like Hikkim, Komic, Langza, Chhicham & Kibber depends upon the road conditions and snow conditions and will only be undertaken if there is no risk in driving on those roads, in case the conditions compromise the safety of travellers an alternate will be provided (Which again is subjected to the conditions) but no refunds will be provided as these circumstances are beyond our control - In event of a road block or inability of reaching the desired destination due to Weather and Unsafe conditions. The entire team will have to stay at an alternate location. The cost of same will be shared by all the travellers and no adjustments will be made.

- Roads will be narrow, slippery and long stretches of Gravel/Dirt Roads, One has to be prepared for a bumpy ride including crossing streams flowing over the road. - The trip is applicable for Indian Nationals only, for Foreign Nationals special permit has to be obtained and the fee for the same will be as per actual also additional days are required for making these arrangements. Trip is not valid for citizens of Pakistan, Bangladesh & China. - In winters due to unpredictable weather the sightseeing may be shifted on other days or might have to be cancelled altogether, its important the group adheres to timelines as spending too much time at one place may cause missing out on some other sightseeing therefore adhering to timelines is very important. - There will be only One Pick and One Drop Point for all group departures. Guest are requested to reach the Pick up point before the departure time and drop too will be made at a pre designated point. No exceptions will be made in the same - For anyone wishing to have a separate personal vehicle yet be the part of the Fixed Group departure the supplemental cost for the same will be applicable and revised quotation will be shared with willing guests. - Accommodation will be on double sharing basis except for Kaza & Tabo as there are limited options for stay in winters in Spiti and Accommodation can be on Double, Triple, Quad or in bigger dorms in Spiti Valley subjected to availability. - Vehicle provided will be as per the group size and availability. Ideally this is Group departure in a Tempo Traveller and will only be run if minimum 8 Members are there. IN case the number is not met then supplement cost will be applicable on remaining members. In Smaller vehicle lesser number of folks can be sent but a group leader will not be provided, our drivers will act a group leader and will in constant touch with the Operations team. In event of any decision is taken by driver considering the weather and road conditions will have to be accepted by all members as safety of guest is first and utmost priority for us. - In Case the minimum number is not met we reserve the right to cancel the departure without prior notice. - Final confirmation and details of accommodation etc, will be shared 72 Hrs Prior to the date of departure. - Due to extreme cold in winters specially in Spiti only common washrooms are available, for Toilet Eco Friendly Dry Pit Toilets are used as all water is frozen during this time. Erratic electricity is also a common issue during winters in these regions specially in winters. - For a customized group the trip will not be treated as a Group Departure and arrangements will be made as per a private group and dates of your choice along with your special requirements which can be added to the trip. Price for the same may be different compared to a Group Departure - Certain sightseeing which include high altitude villages of Hikkim, Komic, Langza, Kibber Chicham, Dhankar & Gue Monastery are subjected to weather and road conditions. In case these are unsafe for travel we may call off the sightseeing. However we shall try and provide an alternate but that too is subjected to weather & road conditions. In Event of sightseeing not happening because of such reasons beyond our control no compensation or refunds will be provided. - In case of such similar conditions if we are unable to reach the designated stop for the night alternate arrangements will be made and supplement for the same will be borne by the guest travelling in the group. This may also lead to taking an alternate route and can also cause us to take alternate stays similarly the supplement cost will be applicable as per actual for all group members. - It is requested that all guest reach the designated pick up point on time, though we can keep a buffer for 30 Minutes or so but beyond that we reserve the right to move ahead without the late coming guest and they themselves will have to reach the next point at their own expense. - Even if the weather is clear or maybe because of weather conditions not being conducive the sequence of sightseeing (Day wise Itinerary) may change however our attempt will be to ensure that we cover all the places mentioned irrespective of the sequence of the itinerary. - Any unexpected hike in certain commodities that include fuel price or accommodation price. One can expect a change in the cost which will be nominal in the group but its expected that the group members agree to it as these things too are beyond our control - No refunds will be applicable for any unused services. - We discourage single use plastic, we recommend that you carry your own water bottle preferably an insulated one so that your warm or hot water stays warm through the night. - Extreme cold conditions cause all water to freeze especially in Spiti Valley so one cannot expect running water in the region also electricity may also get affected due to extreme conditions, a similar situation may arise in Kinnaur as well. - Luggage Assistance will be provided where possible, in case there is shortage of staff, therefore guest should be prepared to carry their own luggage too & fro from the Vehicle to Accommodation and Back. - Any Change in the itinerary brought about due to bad weather, landslides, road blocks, flight cancellation or any such scenario beyond our control, the cost of escalation of the package will be additional to the price quoted for the package. We shall not be responsible for bearing that cost. (Force Majeure) - Spiti is an upcoming destination and offers a wide variety of accommodation options in Summers, however in winters only homestays and small properties operate therefore one cannot expect luxurious stays in winters however accommodations provided will be neat and clean and will have basic hygienic standards. - Any damage caused by the guest to the property apart from normal wear and tear will be paid directly by the guest to the asset owner - Rates will be different for foreign nationals, kindly connect with us for more information on the same - Force Majeure – it indicates to circumstances beyond our control, we shall not be liable to pay any damages, reimburse and fee or cover losses to any guest which may arise due to circumstance beyond our control which are and not limited to Landslides, Floods, Pandemic, Natural Disasters, Acts of War, Acts of Terrorism, Nuclear Disasters, Bad Weather burglary, illness, injury or even death or any other similar calamity. - The departure will begin upon receiving the entire amount for the trip and it is requested that guest make all arrangements prior to the departures. - All the accommodation arrangements may or may not be on the road head that means one might have to walk for 10 to 15 Minutes to reach the designated accommodation arrangements (And even carry their own luggage). - One cannot compare the services and hospitality of Spiti Region specially in the winters with other locations. Spiti being a remote and rugged region can provide basic facilities which are a luxury if you look at the conditions where people survive in extremes. - Check In and Check Out Times are at Properties discretion (Which as a standard in north is 12:00 Noon) however an early check in again is at discretion of the property and they may charge extra for the same. - Food will be either in Buffet or a fixed menu and timings will vary from property to property. It is expected the guest adhere to the timings. Any Missed meal because of not following the timings will not be compensated. - Room heaters are provided by Property owners and they may charge you for the same, this charge is to be paid directly to the property owner - Hot water will be made available for Brushing and cleaning however no hot water will be provided for shower or bath especially in Spiti Valley. - Triple or Quad Sharing does not indicate that there will be 3 or 4 beds there might be one double bed and one or two extra mattress to accommodate 3 or 4 Guest in One Room - Sightseeing will be as per the itinerary and any changes in the same will attract an additional charge - Refunds or reimbursement of any amount in event of unused services be it transport or hotel accommodation or meals will not be applicable in any circumstances. - Visit to Monasteries, Museums, Forts or Parks etc. are subjected to their timings and working (Opening Days) may also carry an entry fee which is not the part of the standard package. - No compensation will be provided for cancelled flights, delayed flights or missed flights or any other public transport system. - Any delay in reaching the designated destination due to natural disasters, road block, bad weather etc. will not be compensated, any additional charges due to such circumstances will be borne by the guest - One can postpone the date of departure if a departure booked is not run due to circumstances beyond our control however there will be no change in the dates of a booked departure and will be dealt on case to case basis, no refunds will be made if cancellation comes within last 5 days of departure date. - The trips are being run in collaboration with other travel companies and are being run collectively. - Rates are subjected to change in event of partial payments, such changes may arise due to number of reasons. - Accommodation arrangements are based on availability at the time of check in therefore we cannot guarantee the floor or view or type of room that you get at that specific point of time, however we shall ensure that all the guest get the best available maybe in rotation during the entire trip - Anything not included in package (Eg Meals during Transit, Insurance Etc.) will be borne directly by the guest. - Substance Abuse in not allowed inside the vehicle which includes and not limited to Smoking, Drinking or Eating any intoxicating material - We advise you to take an insurance cover which will protect you from any financial crisis arising due to circumstances beyond our control.