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Our photography tour to Spiti Valley is a superb mix of jeep Safaris, walks in the mountains, living with villagers, camping near a pristine lake deep in the mountains combined with field learning about photographing landscapes & culture in these exotic locations. Travel with us on this mentored photography trip to Spiti Valley and return with memories that linger, and learning in photography that remains with you for a lifetime.
This Spiti Valley tour is a part of our highly commended Himalayan photography tours, designed by mentors with considerable know-how in travelling and photographing in the region. Join us today on this unforgettable and exclusive experience.
Jump to ◆ Overview ◆ Testimonials ◆ Itinerary ◆ Tour Highlights ◆ Is this tour for you? ◆ Tour Price ◆ Tour Mentor ◆ Detailed Itinerary ◆ Photographs by participants ◆ Sign Up
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Darter ‘HIMALAYAN EXPERIENCES’ are photography holidays in the picturesque Himalayan highlands with rich immersive experiences of landscapes and culture. -
Tour Dates
Aug 26 to 02 Sept, 2023
Registration closed
Tour Price – ₹74,350/-
Max group size: 8 only
Spiti Valley Images
Here is selection of images of Spiti Valley, from the places we will be visiting during the tour. Click on the images to see a larger version.
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Chandratal Lake in Lahaul & Spiti region
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Star-trails ar Mt.Chau CHau Kang Nilda, Spiti Valley
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A stream flows under the ice, Lahaul and Spiti
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In traditional garb, Spiti Valley
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Langza Village, Spiti Valley
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A monk in his kitchen, Spiti Valley
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Efflorescence in Spiti Valley
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Mountain landscapes of Spiti Valley
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Landscapes on the way to Spiti
Spiti Valley photos and stories on our photography blog
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Spiti Valley Tour – Overview
One of the still unexplored and insanely beautiful stretch of the Indian Himalayas, Lahaul and Spiti is a valley of stark landscapes and high snowy peaks stretching to the sky. Gurgling rivers and crystal clear lakes dot the highlands of Lahaul, while an ancient civilization has survived for nearly a thousand years and has preserved its culture against the onslaught of modernity in Spiti Valley. A faraway valley connected only through a narrow road that traverses through mountains over 10,000 feet high, this region offers vistas and heritage that can keep a travel photographer in a click-frenzy for months together.
This photography tour to Spiti is a unique combination of jeep safaris, short & easy walks, exploring villages deep in the mountains, camping near pristine lakes, driving along rivers flowing fast through the mountains, all curated with photography in mind. We will not only spend time learning the nuances of photography in these exotic locations, we take enough time in all the places to let the experiences sink in, and come back enriched with tales of a terrain that is much isolated from the modern world. A photo-tour to Spiti Valley is easily one of the finest and enriching travel & photography experience in the Indian Himalayas.
Spiti Valley Tour – Participants Say…
I made memories for a lifetime… learning everything about landscape and portrait photography was fun and inspiring…Hoping to make new memories soon with more trips – Shruthi, Bangalore.
The scenery on this trip exceeded expectations..! I was very impressed with the way the trip was put together and I really like the Darter ‘style’ – fun and laid back but serious about the photography. – David M, Singapore.
I felt I have learnt a lot… Thank you again for this wonderful trip – Sara K, Jakarta.
Delivered everything that was promised… Excellent choice of places and landscapes. – Chandra M, Hyderabad.
Also see: Spiti Valley images – Photographs made by participants
Spiti Valley Photography Tour – Dates & Itinerary
Dates: Aug 26 to 02 Sept, 2023
Itinerary
To understand more about the places we visit and things we do, do not forget to see the detailed itinerary.
Spiti Valley images – Photographs by Participants
Here is a collection of images made by participants of this tour in the previous years.
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© KS Manju MOhan
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© Santanu Das
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© Rajendran Menon
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© Naveen Kumar
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© Babija Paulose
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© Dhruva Suresh
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© Anil P Dev
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© Naveen Kumar
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© Amit Kamat
Also see: Images made by Chandra M, Anil Dev and Dhruva Suresh, who travelled with us on this tour.
Spiti Valley Photography Tour Highlights
Is This Tour For You?
Spiti Valley – Photographing a beautiful sunset over the mountains
The photography tour to Spiti is designed to help participants learn the nuances of making beautiful photographs of the mountain scenery and the culture. Note that the participants are not required to be experts in photography or carry professional equipment. Beginners and newbies as well as serious photographers benefit through our personalized attention to photography sessions and on field assistance. Non photographers interested in exploring Spiti Valley are welcome too.
Can I bring my non-photographer partner with me?
Yes, you can. We visit many beautiful places in Spiti. Having a good time during the trip is as much on the agenda as photography is. Your partner will enjoy the journey through Spiti Valley with the group. There are however, a few things to keep in mind. Our itineraries are catered to photograph-enthusiasts and are generally slower-paced than regular travel itineraries. We do not offer a separate non-photographer pricing.
I am not a keen photographer. But I want to visit Spiti Valley with your group. Can I still join?
Yes. We visit many beautiful places in Spiti Valley, and having a good time during the trip is as much on the agenda as photography is. However, non-photographers should note that the our itineraries are catered to photograph-enthusiasts and are generally slower-paced than regular travel itineraries.
Is there a lot of walking/trekking involved?
Not really. Most of the places we go to will be reached through vehicles. But the region yields to short walks, especially in Chandratal area and Langza Village. There are no strenuous, long distance walks or full-day hikes. Nor do we have walking as a necessity to reach a destination, which means that you may opt out and rest instead of going on a walk if you feel tired. We believe that most people in reasonably good health should not have any problems with most of the activities through the tour. Speak to us if you have any doubts.
Do note that we travel at higher altitudes above 10,000 feet during this tour, where Oxygen levels are lower than sea-level. Due to this, the tour may not be suitable for people with heart and lung related problems and low blood-pressure. Getting acclimatized to these environments is not a function of age, and people at any age with reasonable fitness will be able to travel in Spiti. Please speak to us if you have any doubts.
Also, refer to our photography tours faq for more information.
Spiti Valley Tour Price
Tour price: Rs.74,350 per person.
The cost includes
The cost does not include
Cancellation Policy:
– Cancellation at least 45 days before the date of tour commencement: 75% of the total tour fee is refunded
– 45 to 30 days before date of tour commencement: 50% of the total tour fee is refunded
– 30 to 15 days before date of commencement: 25% of the total tour fee is refunded
– No refunds for cancellation made less than fifteen days before tour begins.
Note:
1. Please let us know, if you need any assistance or advice in travelling from Delhi to Manali and return.
2. The tour begins at 12pm on Day 1 and ends at 12pm on Day 8. Early check-in in the morning of Day 1 and late check-out on Day 8 may be available at the hotels, subject to availability.
3. Please note that the itinerary is subject to favourable weather and road conditions. In case of bad weather and inaccessibility to a destination, we will do our best to make alternate plans. The cost of the tour or any part of it will not be refunded in the event of unfavourable conditions anytime during the tour days.
Accommodation
Accommodation will be in comfortable hotels on the days we are staying in Manali and Kaza. We will be camping near Chandratal Lake in tents on Day 6. We will be staying at a simple but charming home-stays in Langza.
Photography Mentor: Manish Lakhani
Few people can boast of having travelled the high Himalayas like Manish has. For more than 15 years, he has explored these mountains extensively on foot, on bicycles and on two and four wheels, often making his own path. He is a versatile photographer with a history of creating brilliant images of culture, heritage and landscapes.
He is renowned for his unique portrayal of remote cultures and traditions. He has photographed the cultural heritage across all the four corners of India, including the Changpa shepherds of the Himalayan Highlands, the native tribes of Nagaland, the nomads of Kutch and the rich traditions of Kerala.
He is Sony Artisan (Ambassador) in India for mirrorless camera system and Skylum Global Brand Ambassador for Asia. His works have been regularly featured in magazines across the world. He contributes to Adobe, BBC, WWF, CNN, Lonely Planet and many others regularly.
An avid cyclist, he has done an incredible solo bicycling trip of 15,000 kilometers across India. He visited many states of India, meeting different people, experiencing the diverse cultures and making some incredible photographs along the journey. He has since led many expeditions in the high altitude regions of Ladakh.
He has been mentoring photography enthusiasts for several years now and is known for his exuberant personality, in-depth knowledge of the terrain, expedition organization skills and, of course, his keen eye for photography.
You can follow him on Instagram,Facebook and on his website.
Detailed Itinerary – Spiti Valley Tour
Day 01. Saturday. Arrival in Manali, briefing and photography sessions, free time to spend in Manali.
We will arrive at Manali this morning and check-in to our comfortable hotel. In the afternoon, your photography expert will brief you on the exciting days ahead in Spiti Valley. He will take you through an elaborate session on photographing the landscapes, people and culture of the region. You will also understand about photography opportunities waiting for you through the week in Spiti. You will have some free time on arrival and also later in the evening to explore Manali.
Day 02. Sunday. Manali to Kaza. Arrive in Spiti Valley, driving through scenic mountain landscapes.
We leave Manali early in the morning and drive up slowly towards Rohtang Pass – perhaps the most well-known pass and most easily accessible of the high passes in the Himalayas. The drive to the pass is a steep climb and offers views of some of the most dramatic vistas of rocky cliffs and green slopes.
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Landscapes on the way to Spiti
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A stream flows under the ice, Lahaul and Spiti
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Ki Monastery and Chau Chau Kang Nilda Peak, Spiti Valley
Driving over Rohtang pass at an altitude above 13,000 feet, we are suddenly led into no man’s land as we enter into the valley of Lahaul. Civilization and hustle bustle of the everyday world is left behind and completely forgotten in its silence. There are no houses, no people, no vehicles to give way to or anything to remind of the world we have left behind. A narrow road that splits the mountains reminds that we are still connected with the world, and also gives us access to the terrain that almost feels uncharted. Spiti is a desert region in the higher ranges of Indian Himalayas, where nothing more than tiny grass a few inches tall grows. Stark mountain slopes stretch as far as the eyes can see, and the peaks keep growing taller and taller as we look ahead.
Chandra River, en route to Spiti Valley
We will drive via unpeopled Lahaul region’s dramatic landscapes and over the high Kunzum Pass before entering the sparsely populated Spiti Valley. Kunzum Pass is nearly 15,000 feet high, and needless to say, offers amazing views on the way up and down. Tiny yellow flowers grow along this landscape surrounded by 20,000 feet high peaks, often turning the ground into a carpet full of colours. Descending from Kunzum, we will leave Lahaul Region and enter Spiti. Lahaul is stark, rugged, uninhabited and has its own beauty, while in Spiti, you will suddenly see patches of greenery, plateaued lands and some human habitation. In some time, you will arrive at Losar, the first village in Spiti. It’s also the first village since we crossed Rohtang early in the morning. Now, the road will course along Spiti River, with some interesting formation on the slopes along the way and beautiful views of highlands. In Spiti, besides the breathtaking landscapes under clear sky, we will also visit ancient monasteries and photograph beautiful people of the valley. Tonight’s stay will be at Kaza.
Day 03. Monday. Rest, acclimatization and evening visit to Ki Monastery.
We are at an altitude over ten thousand feet today. Our body takes time to adjust to the rarefied air, and requires acclimatization. We rest it out for much of the day indoors, during which we will have discussions related to photography.
Later, in the second half of the day, we will visit the 800 year old Ki Monastery, where we witness the monastic Buddhist culture of Spiti. A friendly monk from the monastery will show us around the monastery and explain the significance of everything we see inside. The centuries old interiors of the monastery are greatly photogenic. The windows of the monastery offer brilliant views of Spiti River, the valley below and the high mountains with snow-peaks.
Day 04. Tuesday. Drive to scenic Langza Village. Stay at a homestay in Langza
We will allow for a relaxed morning today, let you cling to the bed and feel the luxury of waking up late again. But before the sun is very high, we will be ready to explore the jewels of Spiti Valley.
In about an hour, we are at Langza Village, a place as picturesque and green as it can get anywhere in such high altitudes. You will be surprised how beautiful Langza is. This is a small hamlet of a few dozen houses surrounded by barley and green pea fields, boasting incredible views of 20,000 feet high Chau Chau Kang Nilda Peak. Yet, it is so close that it feels like you can almost touch it by extending your arms! In the evening, we have time to walk the fields, admire the tall statue of Buddha on a ridge, speak to villagers and play with kids, all the while making photographs that you will remember fondly, assisted ably by our photography lead. It is such a simple village filled with happy, welcoming people, that Langza will remain a place not just as a visual treasure in your head, but will permanently take up a part of your heart as well. Your stay in Langza makes you feel as though you are a part of life in Spiti Valley.
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Langza Village, Spiti Valley
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Star-trails over Mt.Chau CHau Kang Nilda in Spiti Valley
In the night, we will have a go at photographing the star studded sky, with the snow peak of Chau Chau Kang Nilda glittering in our frame. This will be an experience you will never forget. Take our word for it!
Day 05. Wednesday. Morning at Langza, visiting high-altitude villages of Spiti Valley.
We get to spend part of the morning wandering in the Langza. Later in the day, before lunch, we spend time driving in the high-altitude villages near Langza – Komic and Hikkim. You will not fail to wonder how a civilization has survived in such high altitudes for several centuries. And the grand setting of high-altitude mountains will follow you wherever you go! These are not just some of the highest villages in Spiti Valley, but are among the highest villages anywhere in the world!
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A man turns prayer wheels in Langza Village, Spiti Valley
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Women working in the barley fields of Langza
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A monk in Komic Village, Spiti Valley
Day 06. Thursday. Drive to Chandratal Lake – Spiti Valley to Lahaul Valley
We will start early in the morning and make a slow drive to Chandratal, enjoying the views along the way. We will camp in the evening at a walking distance near the calm blue waters of Chandratal Lake. Please note that visiting and camping near Chandratal are subject to road being open, as the conditions of the road to Chandratal are unpredictable and changes frequently. The road normally remains open at this time of the year.
We spend a long evening walking along the banks of a blue Chandratal Lake surrounded by mountains on all sides, save for an outlet. This place is perhaps the finest creation of nature that our photographers have ever witnessed. We let the words take backseat now, and let the pictures tell you how beautiful Chandratal is.
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Efflorescence in Spiti Valley
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Chandratal Lake, Lahaul & Spiti
Day 07. Friday. Morning walk at Chandratal Lake; drive to Manali.
If your heart is not quenched by an evening in Chandratal, you have the option to brave the morning’s cold weather and make another visit to the lake. It is incredible how the light conditions make the lake appear very different from previous evening.
Chandratal Lake, Lahaul & Spiti
Day 08. Saturday. A relaxed easy morning, tour ends by noon.
By now the group would have bonded so well, if our experiences in the past trips are to go by, we would already be making next travel plans. We spend the morning hours sharing our experiences and pouring over an awesome collection of images over breakfast. We will spend the morning hours together seeing images and happily reminiscing the days in Spiti Valley before checking out in the afternoon.
Registration
Contact us at the email/numbers below to book the tour.
email: photography@darter.in
Tel: 97400 83260 (Shreeram) / 9998866669 (Manish)
Alternately, fill in the following form to get in touch with us regarding the tour.