Spiti Valley - Starscapes

25th–31st July 2025 | Spiti Valley, Himachal Pradesh

A Stargazing Expedition

This July, travel to Spiti — the desert mountain valley where the Earth feels otherworldly and the night sky has no end. With the Red Planet at its closest and brightest in over two years, this expedition is your front-row seat to a rare celestial phenomenon — under skies so clear and remote, even the stars seem to lean in closer.

Over seven days, journey through barren moonscapes, sacred lakes, fossil-filled villages and perched monasteries, with some of the darkest, driest skies in India as your constant companion.

What You’ll Do

Mars Close Approach Viewing

Witness Mars at its most brilliant — an astronomical event that won’t repeat for years. Through guided telescope sessions, planetary filters, and expert commentary, watch the Red Planet rise in fiery detail over Himalayan ridgelines.

High-Altitude Astrophotography

Shoot star trails, wide-angle Milky Way portraits, and planetary close-ups in Bortle 1–2 night skies. Learn long-exposure techniques, polar alignment, and post-processing from astrophotography mentors — all adapted for Spiti’s extreme altitudes and thin air.

Celestial Navigation & Storytelling

Trace ancient constellations, use laser pointers and star charts, and uncover myths from Ladakhi, Buddhist, and Greco-Roman traditions. With no light pollution for hundreds of kilometers, you’ll experience the sky the way our ancestors did — vivid, vast, and alive.

Where You’ll Be

Starting in Kaza, Spiti’s cultural and geographic heart, you’ll acclimatize in a high-altitude town where Tibetan monasteries and mountain hospitality converge. From here, every day opens new frontiers:

Dhankar Lake: A high-altitude sapphire set above a cliff-hanging monastery — perfect for golden hour photography and silent skywatching.

Langza: Known for its fossil beds and giant Buddha statue overlooking the valley — a surreal blend of time, geology, and myth.

Chicham: Home to one of the world’s highest bridges, perched above yawning gorges and prime for panoramic Milky Way shots.

Chandratal: The ‘Moon Lake,’ ringed by glacial peaks — an ancient crater-like basin that mirrors stars on still water, offering one of the most powerful stargazing sites in India.

Throughout, Spiti’s 4,000m+ altitude ensures dry air, near-zero light pollution, and crystal-clear skies — ideal for deep-sky observation and planetary events like this summer’s Mars close approach.

Your Stay

7 Nights / 8 Days Comfortable, hygienic accommodation on a same-gender twin-sharing basis Single occupancy available at 30% additional charge

Shared twin-bed occupancy with basic but comfortable amenities

Meals included – regional and Indian fare, hot and hearty to match the altitude

₹60,000 per person

₹25,000 advance required to block your spot for all locations

How to Get There

To join the Spiti Valley expedition starting from Manali, here are the most common and convenient travel options:

By Air

Fly to Bhuntar (Kullu-Manali Airport): The nearest airport to Manali is Bhuntar, located approximately 50 km away. Air India and Alliance Air operate limited flights from Delhi to Bhuntar. From the airport, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach Manali in about 1.5 to 2 hours.
Fly to Chandigarh or Delhi: Due to limited flights to Bhuntar, many travelers opt to fly into Chandigarh (approx. 310 km from Manali) or Delhi (approx. 550 km from Manali). From these cities, you can continue your journey to Manali by road.

By Road

Traveling by road is one of the most popular ways to reach Manali, offering scenic views of the Himalayas:

From Delhi: Approximately 550 km, taking about 12–14 hours. Several state-run (HRTC) and private buses operate daily from Delhi to Manali, offering both budget and luxury options. Overnight buses from Delhi are a popular choice for travelers.
From Chandigarh: Approximately 310 km, taking about 8–10 hours.
From Shimla: Approximately 250 km, taking about 7–8 hours.

You can also opt for private taxis or self-drive options from these cities.

It’s advisable to arrive in Manali a day before the expedition starts to acclimatize to the altitude and ensure a comfortable journey ahead. Once you register, our team will help coordinate your ideal route, shared cabs, or group transfers.