Kinnaur Valley - 4 Days Private Road Trip
Kinnaur Valley - 4 Days Private Road Trip
Kinnaur, once known as a forbidden land, is now a hidden treasure for travellers looking for an offbeat Himalayan road trip. From the lush green landscapes of Sangla Valley, known for its beautiful orchards of apples and apricots, to the stunning views of Chitkul, the last village near the Indo-Tibet border, this Kinnaur road trip offers some of the most scenic experiences in Himachal Pradesh. The journey also includes a stay in Kalpa, famous for its breathtaking views of the Kinner Kailash range, believed to be the abode of Lord Shiva.
This Kinnaur Valley tour takes you through the green valleys of Kinnaur along the historic Hindustan–Tibet Highway, one of the most scenic mountain roads in the Himalayas. Surrounded by rivers, forests, and traditional Himalayan villages, this private Kinnaur road trip is perfect for travellers looking to explore the culture, nature, and peaceful life of the region.
Travel with us, one of the most experienced local Himalayan tour operators, and experience the native culture, local food, and centuries-old traditions of Kinnaur by interacting with the warm and welcoming locals who call this beautiful valley their home.
Book a tour with us
Duration
4 days
Available from
May - December
Meals Included
Breakfast and Dinner
Accomodation
Hotel and Camp
Starting from
₹14,750per person
Video
Valley of Prayers
Destinations Covered
Shimla, Sangla
Hotel / Camp
8,900 ft
240 kms
6-7 hours
Meals included
We begin our Kinnaur Valley road trip today from Shimla, starting the journey towards the higher Himalayas as we drive to Sangla in the beautiful Kinnaur Valley. This first day of the Spiti Valley tour takes us along one of the most scenic mountain routes in Himachal Pradesh.
As we move deeper into the mountains, the road follows the Baspa River, flowing through forested slopes and small Himalayan villages. This picturesque 95-kilometre stretch of the Sangla Valley is known for its natural beauty and peaceful surroundings, making it a perfect start to the Kinnaur Valley trip.
Sangla is famous for its agriculture, and almost every house in the village has fields of apples, pears, walnuts, apricots, or potatoes during the season. Surrounded by mountains and river views, the valley offers a calm and refreshing break before we continue further towards Kinnaur Valley in the coming days.
Destinations Covered
Sangla, Chitkul, Sangla
Hotel / Camp
11,345 ft
90 kms
2-3 hours
Meals included
On the second day of this Kinnaur Valley Tour, we have breakfast, basking in the first rays of the sun, and later head towards Chitkul.
Chitkul can be described as one of the most scenic settlements in the valley and the last inhabited village before the India-China border. This short drive from Sangla to Chitkul will be one of the most scenic drives you’ll take with plenty of opportunities to take stunning photographs. Walk around the Baspa river and pay tribute to the Mathi Goddess at the temple in the village. After spending time in Chitkul, we turn around and head back to our base in Sangla.
Overnight at a hotel / camps in Sangla.
Destinations Covered
Sangla, Kalpa
Hotel
11,345 ft
90 kms
4-5 hours
Meals included
On the third day of this Kinnaur Valley tour, we drive from Sangla to Kalpa, another beautiful village in the heart of Kinnaur known for its breathtaking mountain views. The drive today continues along the scenic roads of Kinnaur Valley, with views of deep valleys, rivers, and traditional Himalayan villages along the way.
Kalpa is famous for its stunning views of the Kinner Kailash range and the towering Jorkanden peak, which rise dramatically above the village. According to local legends, Kalpa is believed to have been the winter abode of Lord Shiva, and it is easy to see why, as the village offers some of the most magnificent views in the entire Kinnaur Valley.
Surrounded by apple orchards and wooden houses, Kalpa is a peaceful Himalayan village where you can relax and enjoy the clear mountain air and changing colours of the peaks, especially during sunset.
Overnight at a hotel in Kalpa.
Destinations Covered
Kalpa, Narkanda, Shimla
None
9,711 ft
308 kms
6-7 hours
After breakfast, we begin the final day of this Kinnaur Valley road trip as we leave the beautiful village of Kalpa and start our drive back towards Shimla. Passing once again through the winding mountain roads and pine forests of Kinnaur, we bid goodbye to this peaceful Himalayan region.
Kalpa, often believed in local legends to be the winter abode of Lord Shiva, is known for its magnificent views of the Kinner Kailash and Jorkanden peaks. The village is famous for its spectacular sunrises, when the first crimson light falls on the snow-capped mountains, creating one of the most memorable sights of the Kinnaur Valley tour.
About 3 kilometres from Kalpa lies the small village of Kothi, home to the temple dedicated to Goddess Chandika, an important local deity worshipped in the region.
We continue our drive back along the Hindustan–Tibet Highway towards Shimla, enjoying the last views of the Sutlej Valley and the mountains.
This marks the end of the Kinnaur Valley tour. Drop to Chandigarh or Delhi can be arranged on request.
Cost per person
₹14,750*
- The cost is ₹14,750 per person for a group of six people.
- This is a private road trip that can be customized as per your dates, group size and requirements.
- 5% GST is additional
- The cost includes accommodation, meals and all transfers as per the list of inclusions.
- Accommodation in x double / triple sharing room at all destinations as per the itinerary.
- Breakfast and dinner at all hotels, homestays and camps except in Shimla.
- Comfortable Toyota Innova / Force Traveller (10 / 12 seater) for all days as per the itinerary. AC can be used only in the plains on the first and last day, nearing Chandigarh (if applicable).
- Reliable, experienced and adept English-speaking local driver with great knowledge of the area and the terrain.
- Driver charges, driver accommodation, fuel and inter-state toll.
- Lunch / Any Personal Expenses / Tips / Beverages / Meals in Shimla and those that are not mentioned in the itinerary.2) 5% Tax (GST)
- 5% Tax (GST)
- Guide / Porters
- Any activities, permits, services, accommodation or transfers other than what is mentioned in the itinerary.
- Any cost arising out of unforeseen circumstances including medical emergencies and acts of God.
- Anything that is not mentioned in the above list of inclusions.
This Trip is Operated by Ramesh Lotey
Ramesh Lotey is from the rural pockets of Spiti Valley, married to his work for the last 30 years, and is the founding father of Spiti Holiday Adventure. When he’s not buying chai for every traveller who comes to his office and helping them explore Spiti Valley, Lotey can be found giving a helping hand in several local community development projects.
Frequently Asked Questions
- essentials
- bookings
- location
- safety
There’s a saying in the mountains - “ It’s never bad weather, it’s bad gear." The weather in this part of the Himalayas can never be predicted. So stop looking at the weather charts and prepare for the cold. Even if it may not be cold. Night temperatures in the higher villages and Chandratal Lake may go down to freezing levels, so pack accordingly.
You could choose to pack the following items for your Spiti Valley holiday:
- A backpack of min. 40-50ltr. of storage (Please avoid carrying luggage bags)
- Windproof Jackets (heavy / feather if you are coming before June and after October)
- Pullovers / Sweatshirts
- Warmers / Thermals
- Woollen caps, mufflers, gloves and socks
- Light Cotton Trek Pants / Comfortable Jeans (Avoid torn jeans)
- Raincoat (not necessary – but good to have one)
- Waterproof / snow-proof hiking shoes*
- An extra pair of shoes (if you are trekking)
- Sleeping bag (if you are trekking on your own)
- Sunscreen (SPF40 and above)
- Personal Medicines (As prescribed by your doctor)
- Water bottle
- A flashlight
- Solar chargers / Power banks
- Lip guard
- Hat
- Sunglasses
- Face Mask
- Inhalers (if you suffer from asthma)
- BSNL Prepaid / Postpaid SIM Card
- Hand Sanitizer
- Toilet Paper
- If you are buying new shoes for your Spiti Valley holiday, please remember to use them for at least a month before you commence your holiday.
Because the roads to Spiti are tough and bumpy, the car needs all the power it can get to traverse the terrain. We earnestly request that you carry no more than one bag per person, keeping the weight under 15 kilograms.
It’s best to prepare for a "digital detox" as most phone networks simply do not work here. If you absolutely must stay connected, a prepaid or postpaid Jio or BSNL SIM cardusually works in Kaza and Tabo. There are a few cyber cafes in Kaza, but they are only reliable enough for basic WhatsApp messages. Most hotels and homestays do not have reliable Wi-Fi, so it’s the perfect time to disconnect and be one with nature