Arrive in Manali and settle into your hotel. Spend the rest of the day exploring Manali’s iconic spots, including the vibrant Mall Road for shopping and dining, the ancient Hidimba Temple set amidst dense cedar forests, and the scenic Manu Temple. Stroll along the Beas River, breathe in the fresh mountain air, and prepare for your journey deeper into the Himalayas. Overnight stay in Manali.
Day 2 Manali to Kalpa
After breakfast, embark on a scenic drive from Manali to Kalpa, passing through lush apple orchards, forested hillsides, and alongside the sparkling Sutlej River. As you ascend, enjoy panoramic views of Kinnaur Kailash, a sacred mountain peak that stands prominently on the horizon. Arrive in Kalpa by late afternoon, where the charm of this small mountain village and its ancient wooden houses will enchant you. Stroll around the village in the evening, admire the views of the snow-capped peaks, and enjoy a quiet evening. Overnight stay in Kalpa.
Day 3 Kalpa to Kaza
Depart early from Kalpa for a full day’s journey to Kaza, the gateway to the remote Spiti Valley. Along the way, you’ll pass through breathtaking landscapes and traditional villages and enter Spiti through the Sumdo border. En route, you can stop at Nako Village, known for its high-altitude lake, and Tabo Monastery, which houses ancient murals and statues. Continue along the rugged roads of Spiti Valley and arrive in Kaza by evening, where the quiet charm of the valley will captivate you. Overnight stay in Kaza.
Day 4 Explore Kaza - Key Monastery, Chicham Bridge, and Kibber
Begin your day with breakfast and set out to explore the must-visit sights of Kaza. Start with Key Monastery, perched on a hill and offering sweeping views of the Spiti River below. This ancient monastery is a center of learning and spirituality, where monks live and study amidst spectacular mountain views.
Next, visit Chicham Bridge, Asia’s highest suspension bridge, for a thrilling view of the deep gorge below. Continue to Kibber Village, one of the world’s highest motorable villages, where you’ll be surrounded by majestic mountains and possibly encounter rare wildlife, such as the snow leopard (if you’re visiting in winter). Return to Kaza in the evening and enjoy a cozy meal in your homestay. Overnight stay in Kaza.
Day 5 Kaza to Chandigarh
Begin an early journey from Kaza to Chandigarh. As you descend from the high-altitude regions of Spiti, watch as the landscape transitions from rugged mountain terrain to the more temperate plains of northern India. Pass through charming villages, pine forests, and lush valleys, capturing the last views of the majestic Himalayas. Arrive in Chandigarh by late evening, where you can rest and unwind after your adventurous days in Himachal Pradesh. Overnight stay in Chandigarh.
Day 6 Chandigarh Local Sightseeing and Departure
Before departing, spend a relaxing morning exploring Chandigarh. Visit the famous Rock Garden, a unique display of sculptures and art created from recycled materials, and then stroll by the serene Sukhna Lake. If time permits, stop by the Rose Garden to see a variety of floral displays. Conclude your journey with memories of the Spiti Valley’s breathtaking beauty, having experienced both the serene and adventurous sides of Himachal Pradesh. End of Tour
Just went for 8 day safari with James and Wild Portraits Safaris...it was spot o (Read More)n perfect.
Reasons
1.Clear communication and replies always comes very quickly on WhatsApp.
2. Very genuine with suggestions and doesn't do things as a job or formality.
3. James is very knowledgeable.
4. The enthusiasm and passion shown by James was just so infectious.
5. The planning of itinerary takes care of all the finer details.
6. They really take care of your focus and they don't try to sell anything you are not interested in. For example we skipped the village visit because we didn't see value in it.
7. Quite flexible and adjusts as things progress.
Agent: Scope Safaris
Abhishek • 3 months ago
Justus and his team made all arrangements for us. We are a family of 4 with 2 yo (Read More)ung children. He was always by our side and made sure we enjoyed our vacation. Highly recommended for families who need extra care.
Agent: Javiva Adventures
Mamta • 3 months ago
The entire trip was handled with extreme professionalism by both Janet and our g (Read More)uide Bonnie.
We got to see the Big5 within 3 days of our itenary and more on the next days. Janet was very thorough with our itenary and helped us throughout and Bonnie knew all the best spots on all of our game drives. We didn't feel rushed throughout our tour, because it is designed very well to accomodate enough rest. 10/10 recommend
We didn't expect Kenya to be so cold, so at some places we missed warm water for (Read More) wash
Agent: Wild Portraits Safaris
Anirudh • 5 months ago
I reached out to Wild Portraits via a safari service website that featured numer (Read More)ous tour operators. Among the competition, James stood out due to his exceptional patience, politeness, and genuine curiosity displayed during our initial phone calls.
James swiftly emerged as the singular operator I wished to proceed with, and here’s why:
- Having substantial on-ground experience from spending extensive time on the safaris himself, he adeptly crafted a honeymoon package that perfectly suited my wife and me.
- He adeptly navigated our budget flexibilities and constraints to arrange an impressive array of delightful lodges and activities, focusing on maximising our day-to-day adventures, ensuring each day on safari and at the lodges offered a unique experience.
- A skilled photographer himself, James's comprehensive knowledge of various reserves and animal behaviours provided him with a distinct advantage in predicting animal locations and optimal times for photography, whether capturing sunrises, sunsets, or other moments.
- Our priority was to maximise game time and reserve experiences. James made certain our vehicle was ready, complete with packed hot breakfast boxes, for a prompt 6 AM departure every morning of the trip.
- Remarkably patient, he addressed all my queries, irrespective of whether they seemed 'silly' or insightful—from 'what to wear' at safaris, potential places to explore, to the animals we might encounter.
In summary, my wife and I enjoyed an extraordinary experience in Kenya, with Wild Portraits Safaris significantly enhancing the quality of that journey. We are eagerly anticipating more safaris and look forward to embarking on them with James and his team!
