Getoff Ur Ass

Day 01:  Arrive in Delhi. We need to be on the train early next morning, so you will have to arrive in Delhi today. If you need help booking a place to stay (at extra cost) in Delhi, let us know.


Day 02: Train from Delhi to Kalka.
We will try and take the Shatabdi that starts at 7.40 a.m. Incase the seats are not avail-able, we will take the earlier train at 5.55 a.m. We arrive before noon in both cases. This will be communicated to you closer to time.
We meander into our first tryst with the mountains. Be greeted by the panoramic view of the Western Himalayas first, a pleasant beginning to the changing topography that you are going to see over the next 10 days. Himachal throws some astounding and diverse scenery at you with Kinnaur and Spiti Valleys a stark contrast to where we start.
Stay at Mashobra in a wonderful Homestay – a great blend of modern architecture keep-ing the traditional style alive. Think clouds floating right in your garden as you sip numerous cups of tea.
Today we delve into the basics of light ( aperture, shutter-speed, ISO) and all about handling your camera! With this, you are ready for your photo- journey!

Day 03: Mashobra to Sangla
We drive along the restless but fantastic rivers – Sutlej and Baspa. The Kinnaur Valley slowly changes colours. Apple orchards spread themselves close to homes. We stay right next to the river in luxury Swiss style tents and slowly ease ourselves into the vastness of the valley. Relax by the bonfire as the sound of the river fills the air.

Day 04: Sangla
Take in the slow Sangla life the next day – a good time to rest and get your body ready to take the higher altitude we encounter the next few days. Take short walks in the village, walk by the river or just relax with a book.
Time to practice what we have learnt. We devote this day for some guided field exercises! The river and the village make a perfect backdrop for your learning!

Day 05: Sangla to Nako (Approx 6 hours)
We start early next morning to Nako Village. This is where the easy green topography changes into driving through bare enormous mountains of the Lahaul & Spiti Valley.
Nako is known for a scenic lake in the village.
We camp in luxury tents again and enjoy the simple living of the village.

Day 06:  Nako to Tabo to Kaza (Approx 5.5 hours)
We start early to Tabo, which houses one of the oldest monasteries of the region. Tabo is situ-ated on the banks of the Spiti River and lies at a height of over 10,000 ft. The monastery was built in 996 A.D and has the original decorations still intact. After a stop-over at Tabo, we head straight to the town of Kaza. The central town of Spiti Val-ley is nestled in the middle of vast mountain ranges along the Spiti River. The high mountain ranges of Spiti are dotted with typical white traditional houses.
We stay at Kaza for the next two days to explore the smaller villages around the town. Some more new concepts get introduced to you this day! The concentration is more on framing & composition - not techni-cal but extremely important for orienting your eye!

Day 07: Ki and Kibber (Day Trip)
This day takes us to Ki and Kibber, both known for famous monasteries. Enjoy the high altitudes of over 14,500 feet and also prepare for the next few days of trekking through the fabulous villages of Spiti. The Ki monastery is almost as old as the Tabo monas-tery and has a fantastic view of the valley below. Kib-ber houses the highest post office, as it’s the highest Motorable village in the world. Send out a postcard from this vantage spot!
More exercises on practicing the softer aspects of what you have learnt!

Day 08: Kaza to Langza (Day hike)
We will head to the beautiful untouched village of Langza situated at over 14,000 feet. The mountain range of Chocho Khang Nilda stands resiliently against the cold windy weather just above the village.

Day 09: Langza to Komic
 This will be the most satisfying part of the journey as you climb to the highest point at 15,550 feet. We walk from Langza to Komic - the highest village in Asia - through fossil areas. We camp again for the night with the homestays close by for support. The hike is led by a local person who knows the region very well. It will be nice to hear some stories from him while we sit around the bonfire at night. Komic also has an ancient monastery, part of which can be visited only by men. Here's a new way to put your photographs to creative use. We use the day hike to learn more about time lapses and practice with the clouds and the shadows through the day.

Day 10: Komic to Demul (Yak Safari)
We start early this morning. We go on a Yak Safari to Demul, at 14, 294 feet, through some of the most stunning landscapes you’ll see. Hope for an invitation for some local beer (Chhang) by the villagers.

Day 11 –Demul – Lhalung – Dhankar (Day hike)
This day is going to be mostly downhill and easier. Minimal plant life in the form of wild flowers is what you might encounter by the tributaries to Spiti Valley. Lhalung is also known for an ancient monastery where we stop for a short break before starting again for Dhankar. The Dhankar monastery sits right at the edge of the village looking down at the river below. We reach in time to see the monastery and can chose to stay till the beautiful sunset behind the monastery. Our transport will pick us up from Dhankar. We head back to Kaza to spend the night there.
An inspiring movie on photography awaits in Kaza. Some time to relax and absorb what you have learnt.

Day 12
Kaza – Naggar (9 hours)
After a much deserved rest at Kaza, we start for Naggar. Having traversed such high altitudes yourself, we are sure your relationship with these colossal mountains is going to change a bit!
We go by the famous Kunzum Pass as we leave the exotic terrain of Spiti behind. About 40kms before Manali, we cross Rohtang Pass. Avoiding Manali, we head straight to Naggar. This will be a long day of travel and it will be good to hit the bed soon.
A much needed review session on this night! This will ensure that you have put all concepts to good use. We will also use tonight for a wrap up session and guidance on way forward for your photographic voyage!

Day 13 - Naggar. Leave for Delhi
22 kms away from the touristy clichés at Manali, this a place we have visited repeatedly and loved for the past 15 years. With wonderful associations made over the decade and a half, we feel so at home and hope you will too.
You can walk to the Naggar castle, visit an old Krishna Temple, have a look at the Roerich’s house museum or better still – just take in the clear air and verdant surroundings before you hit the city again.
We leave for Delhi in a Volvo bus in the evening.

Trip Ends Here!