Experience the Unforgettable
The Cham Dance is a sacred Buddhist ritual that attracts people from all over Spiti Valley to the village of Komic. This traditional ceremony combines meditation, mantra recitation, and the invocation of Buddhist deities, while symbolically cleansing negative forces. Monks perform the Cham Dance, embodying divine beings in a ritualistic mock battle between good and evil, ultimately purifying the soul and oHering blessings to all witnesses.
Following the Cham Dance, the head monk of Komic Gompa leads a sacrificial oHering to the deities and guardians of faith. This offering, set against the majestic backdrop of the Trans-Himalayan mountains, is believed to remove obstacles and bestow blessings upon everyone in attendance.
The annual Cham Dance ritual is observed in many monasteries across the Trans- Himalayas and Northeast India, with varying dates by location. In Komic, it takes place in October and oHers deep insight into Buddhist traditions, making it a unique cultural experience not to be missed by visitors to Spiti Valley.
Sakya Tangyud Monastery, also known as Komic Gompa, is one of the highest-altitude monasteries in India, located at an elevation of 4,520 meters (14,830 feet) in the Spiti Valley. Constructed in the early 14th century, this ancient monastery belongs to the Sakya sect of Tibetan Buddhism. Its unique architecture, surrounded by a fortified wall, gives it the appearance of a medieval fortress, adding to its mystique and historical significance.
Komic Gompa stands as a spiritual and cultural treasure, drawing visitors for its rich history, breathtaking views, and the opportunity to experience Tibetan Buddhist traditions at one of the most remote and serene locations in the Himalayas.
ITINERARY
I have been given a rare opportunity to lead a trip to the monastery at the end of October. This is an exclusive trip, and I have never made this journey before. The photos included here have been provided by my guides.
Due to the high altitude, we will need time to acclimatize. This time will not be wasted; we will use it to go on day hikes to incredible viewpoints, other stunning monasteries, and communities. This stunning journey culminates with visiting the Cham Dance.
- Date: October
- Day Plan: Arrive in Chandigarh, transfer to Shimla. Rest for the day.
- Stay: Sterling Legacy, Shimla
- Meal Plan: Dinner
- Transport: Innova Crysta
- Local Guide: Not required
- Additional Information: Shimla, the "Queen of Hills," is a popular hill station known for its colonial-era architecture, scenic beauty, and pleasant weather.
- Date: October
- Day Plan: Drive to Sangla via Rampur.
- Evening walk to Baspa River.
- Stay: Kinner Camps, Sangla
- Meal Plan: Breakfast and Dinner
- Transport: Innova Crysta
- Local Guide: Not required
- Additional Information: Sangla is a picturesque village nestled in the Baspa Valley, oHering breathtaking views of snow-capped mountains and lush greenery.
- Date: October
- Day Plan: Forest hike from Batseri to Rakcham village, picnic lunch, drive to Chitkul.
- Stay: Kinner Camps, Sangla
- Meal Plan: Breakfast and Dinner
- Transport: Innova Crysta
- Local Guide: Provided
- Additional Information: Chitkul is the last inhabited village before the Indo- China border and is known for its stunning natural beauty and traditional Tibetan culture.
- Date: October
- Day Plan: Drive to Kalpa, obtain permits.
- Stay: Hotel Rollingrang, Kalpa
- Meal Plan: Breakfast and Dinner
- Transport: Innova Crysta
- Local Guide: Not required
- Additional Information: Kalpa is a charming village with panoramic views of Kinner Kailash, a sacred mountain in Hindu mythology.
- Date: October
- Day Plan: Drive to Tabo via Nako Lake and Gue. Meet local guide in Tabo.
- Stay: Mud Cottages Tabo, Tabo
- Meal Plan: Breakfast and Dinner
- Transport: Innova Crysta
- Local Guide: Provided
- Additional Information: Tabo is a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its ancient monasteries and unique culture. Nako Lake is a serene high-altitude lake surrounded by mountains, while Gue is a remote village with a well-preserved 500-year-old mummy.
- Date: October
- Day Plan: Drive to Mudh Village via Dhankar Monastery, hike to Dhankar Lake.
- Stay: Tara Homestay, Mudh
- Meal Plan: Breakfast and Dinner
- Transport: Innova Crysta
- Local Guide: Provided
- Additional Information: Dhankar Monastery is a historic Buddhist monastery perched on a cliH, oHering breathtaking views of the surrounding
landscape. Dhankar Lake is a beautiful high-altitude lake with clear blue waters.
- Date: October
- Day Plan: Drive to Kaza via Lahlung and Demul.
- Stay: Hotel Sakya Abode (Premium wing) or Sakya Homestay, Kaza
- Meal Plan: Breakfast and Dinner
- Transport: Innova Crysta
- Local Guide: Provided
- Additional Information: Kaza is the administrative center of Spiti Valley and oHers a glimpse into the region's unique culture and traditions. Lahlung and Demul are small villages with scenic landscapes and ancient monasteries.
- Date: October
- Day Plan: Explore Kaza, visit Kakti village, monastery, and riverside.
- Stay: Hotel Sakya Abode (Premium wing) or Sakya Homestay, Kaza
- Meal Plan: Breakfast and Dinner
- Transport: Innova Crysta
- Local Guide: Not required
- Additional Information: Kakti is the smallest village in Spiti Valley with only one house. The local monastery and riverside oHer peaceful and scenic settings for exploration.
- Date: October
- Day Plan: Drive to Komic Monastery for the Goiter Festival, stop at Langza and Hikkim.
- Stay: Hotel Sakya Abode (Premium wing) or Sakya Homestay, Kaza
- Meal Plan: Breakfast and Dinner
- Transport: Innova Crysta
- Local Guide: Provided
- Additional Information: The Goiter Festival is a unique cultural event celebrated in Komic Monastery. Langza is a high-altitude village with ancient Buddhist structures and stunning views of the Himalayas. Hikkim is known for being the highest post oHice in the world.
- Date: October
- Day Plan: Drive to Key, Khibber, Chichiam Bridge, Gette, and Tashigang.
- Stay: Hotel Sakya Abode (Premium wing) or Sakya Homestay, Kaza
- Meal Plan: Breakfast and Dinner
- Transport: Innova Crysta
- Local Guide: Provided
- Additional Information: Key is a small village with a beautiful monastery and scenic views. Khibber is a historic pass that connects Spiti Valley with the Kinnaur district. Chichiam Bridge is a suspension bridge that oHers breathtaking views of the surrounding valley. Gette and Tashigang are small villages with unique cultural and historical significance.
- Date: October
- Day Plan: Drive to Rampur.
- Stay: HPTDC Rampur, Rampur
- Meal Plan: Breakfast and Dinner
- Transport: Innova Crysta
- Local Guide: Not required
- Additional Information: Rampur is a small town located in the Sutlej Valley, known for its scenic beauty and peaceful atmosphere.
- Date: October
- Day Plan: Drive to Chandigarh.
- Stay: Golden Tulip, Chandigarh
- Meal Plan: Breakfast and Dinner
- Transport: Innova Crysta
- Local Guide: Not required
- Additional Information: Chandigarh is a well-planned city known for its modern architecture, beautiful parks,and vibrant culture.
Date: October
Day Plan: Transfer to the airport.
Stay: -
Meal Plan: Breakfast
Transport: Innova Crysta
Local Guide: Not required
ABout Ian
Raised in locations across Africa and Cyprus, I have subsequently travelled widely for work and fun.
Travel and photography have been the mainstays of my life, to the extent of being one of the first “digital nomads” back in the early 2000’s filing images to a picture library whilst travelling around Spain, Portugal and Italy in a campervan.
My work has taken me to many exciting and remote places, with crews and as a lone photographer, working with amazing fixers and staff in the country.
Basically I love travelling, exploring new locations, meeting people from different cultures and discovering new food.
Basic Information
INCLUSIONS
- Meals as stated above in the plan.
- Transport from Day 1 till Day 13 as stated in the plan.
- Stay in double/twin sharing as mentioned in the plan at all places.
- All driver expenses (meals and stay), fuel, tolls
- Local guide for the hike in Sangla on Day 3
- 1 local Spitian guide who speaks basic English from Day 5 till Day 10 as per the plan
- Inner Line permit fees
- Taxes (GST)
- Local coordinator in Kaza to handle your trip
EXCLUSIONS
- Snacks and beverages (except the ones with meals)
- Tips to the guide, porter, drivers
- Any kind of insurance/ emergency/ evacuation cost
- Any monument entry/ camera fees
- Cost for a room heater if needed
- Any personal expenses
- Flight/train/bus tickets to Chandigarh, Delhi and back
Please Note:-
- A/C in the car will not function in the mountains
- Suggested stay is subject to availability at the time of booking
- The team can decide to make last minute changes to your plan for your own safety depending on weather conditions.
- Please keep a couple of days buHer towards the end of the trip in case of emergency
- Delhi transfer provided at additional cost
- Inner Line Permits included
GALLERY
Altitude
My personal and professional experience running tours, my Wilderness First Aid Expedition Leader (including Altitude) qualification, and my extensive first aid supplies including pulse oximetry, ensure we will all be well supported and covered for all eventualities. Knowledge of high altitude sickness is our first defence, so you can rest assured that we have support plans in place to manage this, and any other medical eventuality, quickly and resolve it smoothly.
Local understanding, awareness, and experience coupled with medical best practices relating to altitude and acclimatisation will dominate our first few days as we make our way from Chandigarh at 321m up to Kaza at 3,800m. Ensuring your health and well-being, alongside creating the most memorable experience, is our paramount concern, and for this reason the itinerary balances altitude gained each day with rest times at appropriate points.
Not only do I have a keen awareness and knowledge of altitude sickness but the local guides and homestay families I partner with all have extensive knowledge of this issue and care for us ‘as if we are family’. In the mountains this is a bit of a misnomer – whilst we are there we are family. Cultural and social tradition makes us part of the extended family of our hosts and we are treated with all the care and attention that brings.