Destinations Covered

Chandigarh, Shimla

• Hotel

• 7,238 ft

• 114 kms

• 4-5 hours

Our 10-day Spiti Valley tour from Chandigarh begins today as we leave the plains behind and drive towards the Himalayan hill town of Shimla. Travel in a comfortable vehicle as we slowly make our way into the mountains, marking the start of this memorable Spiti Valley road trip.

Shimla, the capital of Himachal Pradesh, is a charming blend of a hill town and holiday resort. With its distinctive old-world character, narrow lanes, colonial-era buildings, and colourful bazaars, the town still carries the charm of the British era. The drive from Chandigarh to Shimla takes around four hours, and this gradual ascent helps the body adjust to the altitude before we continue deeper into the high Himalayas on our Spiti Valley tour.

We recommend spending the night in Shimla to allow proper acclimatisation before the journey towards Spiti Valley begins. Since no sightseeing is scheduled for today, you can relax at the hotel after the drive or explore the town at your own pace.

This is only the beginning of a long and beautiful Spiti Valley trip, with many scenic roads and remote villages waiting ahead.

Overnight stay in a hotel in Shimla.

Destinations Covered

Shimla, Sangla

• Hotel / Camp

• 8,900 ft

• 240 kms

• 6-7 hours

• Meals included

We continue our Spiti Valley and Kinnaur road trip today from Shimla, starting the journey towards the higher Himalayas as we drive to Sangla in the beautiful Kinnaur Valley. This 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 part of the Spiti 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 Spiti Valley in the coming days.

Destinations Covered

Shimla, Chitkul, Kalpa

• Hotel

• 11,345 ft

• 90 kms

• 4-5 hours

• Meals included

On the third day of this Spiti 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 Bapsa river and pay tribute to the Mathi Goddess at the temple in the village. After spending time in Chitkul, we turn around and head to Kalpa.

Legend has it that Kalpa was the winter home of Lord Shiva. If it’s true, he couldn’t have found a more remarkable abode for himself, with enthrallingly majestic views of the Kinner-Kailash and Jorkandan peaks looming right above the village.

Overnight at a hotel in Kalpa.

Destinations Covered

Kalpa, Nako, Tabo

• Homestay

• 10,000 ft

• 159 kms

• 6-7 hours

• Meals included

On the fourth day of our Spiti Valley tour, we continue the journey from Kalpa along the famous Hindustan–Tibet Highway (NH-22), one of the most scenic and adventurous mountain roads in the Himalayas. This stretch of the Spiti Valley road trip is often described as one of the most dramatic routes in the world, with steep cliffs, narrow sections, and constantly changing landscapes. Our experienced local drivers ensure a safe and comfortable drive throughout the journey.

As we move ahead, the scenery slowly changes from the green mountains of Kinnaur Valley to the dry and rugged terrain that marks the beginning of Spiti Valley. After a short halt at Puh for refreshments, we continue towards Nako, the last village of Kinnaur before entering Spiti.

After lunch at Nako, we drive further through Sumdo, the first village of Spiti Valley on this route, and continue towards Tabo. Tabo is home to one of the oldest monasteries in the Himalayas and is an important stop during any Spiti Valley and Kinnaur tour.

We arrive in Tabo by evening and stay overnight at a traditional homestay, experiencing the simple lifestyle of the valley as we continue deeper into the trip the next day.

Destinations Covered

Pin Valley, Kungri, Mudh, Kaza

• Hotel

• 13,800 ft

• 45 kms

• 3-4 hours

• Meals included

On the fifth day of this Spiti Valley tour, we drive towards the beautiful Pin Valley.

Imagine a national park with an abundance of animals and birds, with some rare plant varieties, a river that gushes when it isn’t frozen and trekking opportunities for the adventure-seekers. The Pin Valley promises all this and more.

We first visit the Kungri Monastery and then the beautiful hamlet of Mudh – the last motorable village of the Pin Valley. Declared a national park in 1987, Pin Valley has altitudes ranging from 11,000 to 20,000 feet and is home to at least 12 endangered snow leopards. In addition, other animals indigenous to the region and park are the Siberian ibex, bharal, weasel, red fox and marten. Birds such as the pika, griffon, golden eagle, bearded vulture, chukor and raven paint the skies a pretty picture.

By evening, drive to Kaza, the commercial capital of the Spiti valley and spend the night in a hotel.

Destinations Covered

Dhankar, Dhankar Lake, Lhalung

• Hotel

• 12,774 ft

• 42 kms

• 3-4 hours

• Meals included

On the sixth day of this Spiti Valley tour, we drive to the charming and high villages of Dhankar and Lhalung.

Dhankar, the former capital of the Spiti Valley, offers panoramic views of Spiti Valley. Dhankar stands perched above the confluence of the Spiti and Pin river. Perhaps there must have been a fort here once, but today Dhankar is renowned for its 1200-year old monastery balanced precariously on a rocky precipice. If time and energy permit, we do the easy 45-minute trek to the stunning turquoise coloured Dhankar Lake.

After the trek, we drive to the nearby village of Lhalung. Literally translating to the “Land of God”, Lhalung is located at the foot of the Tangmar Mountains. The locals believe their God lives in these mountains and the mountain changes its colors through wide arrays of reds, yellows, browns depending on the mood of their God. Visit one of the oldest gompas in the Spiti Valley which the natives say was built by angels one night. Bear in mind not to touch the walls of this monastery for people believe that it will make the angels go away.

In Lhalung, visit the Lhalung Monastery famous for its statue of the three-cornered Buddha which symbolizes the Buddha looking in all directions at one time. If time permits take a short, traditional Yak safari or learn how to make steaming hot momos with the locals.

Gain a better understanding of the Spiti culture as you spend this night in a homestay. Enjoy authentic, freshly prepared cuisines and sleep in the comforts of a clean, warm and comfortable bed. We spend the night at an authentic local homestay with a local family, listening to stories of life at above 12,000 feet.

Overnight at a homestay in Lhalung.

Destinations Covered

Langza, Hikkim, Komik, Ki Monastery, Kibber, Chicham, Kaza

• Homestay

• 14,800 ft

• 26 kms

• 4-5 hours

• Meals included

On the seventh day of this Spiti Valley tour, we drive from Kaza to explore some of the highest inhabited regions of the world, visiting the villages of Langza, Hikkim, Komik, Kibber and Chicham along with the famous Key Monastery before returning to Kaza.

We begin the day with a drive to Langza village, situated at an altitude of around 4400 meters. The village belongs to the Sakyapa sect of Tibetan Buddhism and has a small population living in traditional houses surrounded by wide open landscapes. Here, you can walk around the village and visit the ancient Lang Temple, believed to be nearly 1000 years old. Langza is also known for its fossil-rich land, reminding visitors of the time when Spiti was once part of the ancient Tethys Sea.

From Langza, we continue to Hikkim, home to the world’s highest post office. If possible, you may meet the postmaster and send a postcard from this remote Himalayan village, a small but memorable experience during the Spiti Valley trip.

Next, we drive to Komik, one of the highest motorable villages in Asia, located at an altitude of about 4513 meters. This small farming village remains isolated for most parts of the year and offers beautiful views of the surrounding mountains and open pastures. Wildlife such as blue sheep, red fox, Himalayan griffin, hare and Tibetan wolf are commonly found in this region.

After visiting the high villages, we drive down towards the famous Ki Monastery. Located at about 13,668 feet above sea level, this thousand-year-old monastery is one of the most important landmarks of Spiti Valley. Built on top of a hill overlooking the valley, the monastery belongs to the Gelugpa sect of Tibetan Buddhism and is known as a major centre of learning. We stop at the base of the hill for a perfect view of the monastery before visiting it.

We then continue towards Kibber, situated at around 4205 meters and about 18 km from Kaza. Once known as one of the highest permanently inhabited villages in the region, Kibber is surrounded by vast landscapes and snow-capped peaks, making it a favourite stop for travellers.

From Kibber, we drive to Chicham Bridge, known as Asia’s highest bridge, built over a deep gorge connecting the villages of Kibber and Chicham. The views from here are among the most dramatic in Spiti Valley.

After a long but rewarding day exploring the high villages of Spiti Valley, we drive back to Kaza.

Overnight at a hotel / homestay in Kaza.

Destinations Covered

Kunzum Pass, Chandratal Lake

• Camp

• 14,800 ft

• 63 kms

• 5-6 hours

• Meals included

On the eighth day of this Spiti Valley tour, we drive to one of the most photogenic places in Spiti Valley – the Chandratal Lake. Before that, we pass through the high altitude pass of Kunzum La. Stop by at the stupa and pay tribute to the local goddess, “Kuzum Mata” as she's known. At 15,000 feet above sea-level, the Kuzum Pass connects Kullu and Lahaul to the Spiti Valley.

From there, we head to Chandratal Lake – A visual marvel, this stunning blue-coloured lake is set at an altitude of 4,300 meters above sea level in the heart of high Himalayas and is a must see on a full moon night. It derives its name, “Chandra” (Moon) and “Taal” (Lake) from the crescent shape of the lake. Watch the lake change colours from crystal clear shades of blue to emerald greens by dusk.

Otherwise barren and bereft of any human settlement, the blue lake bordered by carpeted green meadows couple with the pristine white of the Chandra Bhaga mountain range makes this an ideal camping ground.

Live your dream of camping comfortably in the Himalayas as you spend your evening gazing at the Milky Way and the millions of stars on a clear night. Our camps at Chandratal Lake are equipped with camping equipment including tents, high altitude sleeping bags / blankets and a comfortable mattress.

Overnight at a camp 2 km away from Chandratal Lake.

Destinations Covered

Atal Tunnel, Manali

• Hotel

• 13,943 ft

• 138 kms

• 6-7 hours

• Meals included

On the ninth day of this Spiti Valley tour, drive from Chandratal Lake towards Manali. We take a quick stop at Batal for a cup of tea at a small tea shop run by a beautiful old couple. From there, we continue driving on the Kaza – Manali highway and stop at Chatru for lunch. Drive through the famous Atal Tunnel and return to Manali to end your breath-taking Spiti Valley sojourn.

Here, we bid goodbye to your driver who’d have been your friend and guide for the last nine days.

Since there is no sightseeing included in your schedule in Manali, you are free to explore Manali on your own.

Overnight at a hotel in Manali.

Destinations Covered

Manali, Chandigarh

• None

• 6,726 ft

• 310 kms

• 8-9 hours

On the final day of our Spiti Valley tour, we wake up to a warm cup of chai, breakfast, and beautiful views of the Himalayas from our hotel in Manali. After breakfast, we begin the drive back to Chandigarh, marking the last stretch of this memorable Spiti Valley road trip.

Just as the journey through Shimla helped the body adjust to the mountains at the beginning of the tour, this drive back is a gradual return from the high Himalayas to the plains. As we descend from the mountains, the landscapes slowly change from rugged valleys and snow-covered peaks to greener hills and finally the plains near Chandigarh.

With the mountains behind us, we bid farewell to the winding roads, clear blue skies, and remote villages that made this Spiti Valley and Kinnaur tour so special.

We reach Chandigarh by evening, bringing an end to this ten-day Spiti Valley trip. Return home with unforgettable memories of the journey and the magic of the Himalayas that will stay with you long after the tour ends.