“Spiti : Where the Himalayas meet Heaven”….Rtn Jayant Nagavkar       

“Mountains are not stadiums where I satisfy my ambition to achieve, they are the cathedrals where I practice my religion”…Anatoli Boukreev
In 2023, I trekked through the Spiti Valley, captivated by its rugged, wild beauty . Stories of Spiti's magical winter transformation and coaxing by my adventurous wife Nileema ,tempted me to return to Spiti in peak winter. In the  first week of Jan -2025 we set off to explore snow-covered trails and experience the valley's serene winter beauty. Three weeks before the Spiti adventure, I had suffered a grade 2 meniscus tear in my left knee during a gym workout, but thanks to timely treatment and physiotherapy, I was fit to undertake this mighty adventure of a lifetime.
Our journey began with a landing in cold and polluted Delhi—not the best start and then an overnight  bus ride to Shimla included a memorable stop at Utsav Dhaba in Ganaur at 2 AM, where we bonded with fellow passengers over kullad chai.
Delayed, we arrived in Shimla under a bright sunny sky and transferred to a tempo traveler mini bus. At Shere Punjab Dhaba in Narkanda, we formed a lively group, devouring parathas, sandwiches, bhajis, and chai. We quickly became the "Uncle and Aunty" of this lovable group.
As we journeyed through the mighty Himalayas, lush green valleys gave way to snow-capped mountains. We reached Sarahan late in the evening, where a bonfire, dance, and music followed by a homely dinner warmed us up. The next day, we visited the 800-year-old Bhim Kali Temple, walking barefoot in the extreme cold. After a sumptuous breakfast and celebrating a fellow traveler's birthday, we journeyed through the beautiful Sangla and Kinnaur valleys to Chitkul, the last Indian village before the Tibet border. The freezing temperatures and hot chocolate at a local café were unforgettable.
The sight of the snow-covered mountains at sunset was divine, with golden and orange hues creating an ethereal glow. After another bonfire night, we entered the magical Spiti Valley, passing the Khab Bridge and a frozen waterfall. In Tabo, we celebrated Nileema's birthday with the young crowd at our homestay.
In Kaza, we faced -20°C temperatures, relying on homestays with wood-fired heating and hot butter tea. Sightseeing included the Dhankar Monastery, Kibber, Chicham Bridge, Key Gompa Monastery, Hikkim, and the world's highest restaurant. We witnessed a narrow escape when an Innova skidded on black ice, highlighting the treacherous winter conditions.
Our return journey to Kalpa included a stop at Reckong Peo for mountain pizza. The next day, we marveled at the holy mountain of Kailash Kinnaur. En route to Shimla, a landslide blocked the road, but teamwork helped us build a passable path. We reached Shimla late in the evening, with tearful goodbyes and a promise to meet again.
I am grateful to the local people who thrive in this inhospitable terrain, providing outstanding service with a smile. The Spiti adventure is full of risks, requiring resilience and trust in the locals.

I believe that people come into your life for a reason, but shared adventures ensure that they remain in your life for a long time. As the curtains fall on what has been an epic Spiti adventure, I bow in reverence to the mighty Himalayas, promising to return each year for yet another Himalayan odyssey.
 
Jayant Nagavkar