Siddhartha K. Purkayastha’s Spiti Journey with Thrillophilia – A Road Trip of Memories
Siddhartha K. Purkayastha and Sunil Deka had always imagined a road trip through the rugged landscapes of Spiti Valley, a place where mountains rise like silent guardians and rivers carve paths through time. When they signed up for Thrillophilia’s 9-night, 8-day full circuit group tour of Spiti Valley, they hoped for adventure, discovery, and a seamless travel experience. The reality surpassed their expectations in ways they could not have anticipated.
The journey began in Delhi, where the group gathered for their departure to Shimla aboard Zingbus. The excitement was palpable as everyone settled in, sharing stories, snacks, and laughter. Upon reaching Shimla, they were greeted by their guide, Mr. Parikshit Kanwar, and their driver. Their introductions were warm and reassuring, immediately setting the tone for a journey that balanced adventure with comfort. From Shimla, the real road trip began, winding through the hills toward the first leg of the Spiti Valley circuit.
The route itself was a marvel. Chitkul, Nako, Tabo, Kaza, Chandratal, Sissu, and Manali each offered a distinct slice of Spiti’s character, from the serene villages perched high on cliffs to the vast, open landscapes where the horizon seemed to stretch endlessly. At Chitkul, the group stayed in Nargu Camps, a highlight of the trip. The tents were cozy, the food delightful, and the environment immersive. Evenings were spent around small fires, sharing experiences from the day, while the crisp mountain air and distant peaks provided a silent, majestic backdrop.
Moving on to Nako and Tabo, Siddhartha and Sunil found themselves captivated by the monasteries and local culture. The ancient walls of Tabo Monastery whispered stories of centuries past, and every mural and prayer wheel carried a sense of timeless devotion. The guide enriched the journey with knowledge of the region’s history, geography, and traditions, making each stop more meaningful than the last. The group’s interactions were light-hearted yet educational, creating moments of shared learning and collective awe.
Kaza brought its own experiences, though it came with minor contrasts. While the Piti Jalsa Heritage stay was comfortable, Siddhartha noted it could have been more carefully managed. Still, the food elsewhere was decent, and the surrounding landscape made up for any minor inconveniences. From Kaza, the journey proceeded to Chandratal, the sparkling lake that reflected the sky like a mirror. Seeing the lake at dawn, with its quiet waters and surreal surroundings, left an indelible mark on everyone. The group paused often, capturing photos, breathing deeply, and simply absorbing the stillness.
Sissu and the other tented stays offered a combination of adventure and novelty. While the tents at Sissu were adequate, the experience at Chitkul remained unmatched. These nights under canvas, with stars overhead and the soft rustle of wind through the mountains, offered a unique closeness to nature. It was moments like these that made the road trip not just a tour, but a deeply immersive experience of Spiti Valley’s raw beauty.
The road itself was part of the adventure. Traversing high passes, winding mountain roads, and stretches of remote terrain required patience, skill, and attention, all of which their driver handled effortlessly. The combination of a knowledgeable guide and a careful driver meant that the travelers could enjoy the vistas, spot Himalayan wildlife, and learn about local culture without concern for logistics. Siddhartha remarked on the professionalism of both the guide and driver, praising their knowledge and courteous behavior, which elevated the trip far beyond a typical sightseeing tour.
One of the trip’s highlights was the group dynamics. Traveling with strangers often comes with uncertainty, but the shared experiences created bonds that were instant and genuine. Conversations flowed naturally during meals, on bus rides, and along trekking paths. Stories, laughter, and shared awe over the landscape created a sense of camaraderie that added warmth to the chilly mountain air. Even small interactions, like helping each other with luggage or sharing snacks, became moments of connection and kindness.
By the time the journey reached Manali, the trip had come full circle, completing the circuit from Delhi to the hills and back. The experience was a combination of thrill, learning, and cultural immersion. The landscapes of Spiti, from snow-capped peaks to barren valleys, left Siddhartha and Sunil with a profound appreciation for the region’s natural beauty and its resilient communities. Every monastery, village, and lake told a story, and the travelers were fortunate to witness it firsthand in a carefully structured itinerary.
Reflecting on the tour, Siddhartha noted that the experience was largely seamless, though he offered constructive feedback regarding the management of accommodations in Kaza. Overall, the journey was a great road trip, allowing them to visit all the places promised in the itinerary while enjoying a rhythm that was neither rushed nor overwhelming. The combination of Thrillophilia’s planning, the guide’s expertise, and the driver’s skill allowed the travelers to focus on what truly mattered—savoring each moment and creating lasting memories.
In the end, the Spiti Valley tour was more than just a vacation. It was a journey through landscapes, history, culture, and human connection. Siddhartha and Sunil returned with photographs that captured the grandeur of the mountains, the colors of the villages, and the laughter shared along the way. More importantly, they returned with hearts full of treasured memories and a deeper appreciation for the journey itself. Thrillophilia had provided not only an itinerary but also the confidence and support to experience Spiti in its full depth, making it a road trip they would recall with fondness for years to come.
This Spiti adventure was an exploration of remote landscapes and cultural richness, guided by careful planning, thoughtful pacing, and the subtle expertise that only experienced travel organisers can provide. Every mountain pass crossed, every monastery visited, and every meal shared became a part of a story that Siddhartha and Sunil would carry long after the trip ended, a story of connection, discovery, and the joy of travelling with both guidance and freedom.
Read More: Thrillophilia Spiti Reviews