spiti valley trek itinerary

Spiti Valley Trek

Description

Reviews (1), things to take, available dates, include / exclude, spiti valley trek is a stunning and remote region located in the indian state of himachal pradesh ..

It is known for its rugged landscapes, high-altitude desert, and ancient monasteries. Trekking in Spiti Valley offers an incredible adventure amidst the pristine beauty of the Himalayas.

Some key points about the Spiti Valley Trek

• Popular treks: There are several popular treks in Spiti Valley, each offering unique experiences. The most well-known treks include the Pin Parvati Pass Trek, the Hampta Pass Trek , the Chandratal Lake Trek , and the Parang La Trek .
• Difficulty level: The difficulty level of treks in Spiti Valley varies depending on the specific route and altitude. Some treks are suitable for beginners, while others require prior trekking experience and physical fitness due to challenging terrains and high altitudes.
• Altitude and Acclimatization: Spiti Valley is situated at a high altitude, with most trekking routes ranging between 3,000 to 6,000 meters (9,800 to 19,700 feet). Proper acclimatization is crucial to avoid altitude sickness. It is recommended to spend a few days in the region before starting a trek to allow your body to adjust to the altitude.
• Duration: The duration of treks in Spiti Valley varies depending on the route and trekking itinerary. Some treks can be completed in 4-5 days, while others may take up to 10 days or more.
• Best Time to Trek: The best time to trek in Spiti Valley is during the summer months from June to September when the weather is relatively mild and the region is accessible. However, it’s important to note that weather conditions can be unpredictable, and it’s advisable to check local forecasts before embarking on a trek.
• Permits and Regulations: Some treks in Spiti Valley require permits, especially those that involve crossing into restricted areas or border regions. It is essential to obtain the necessary permits from the local authorities or through a registered trekking agency.
• Accommodation and Facilities: Accommodation options during treks in Spiti Valley include camping in tents or staying in basic guesthouses and homestays in the villages along the trekking routes. Facilities may be limited in remote areas, so it’s advisable to carry essential supplies and equipment.
• Cultural Experiences: Spiti Valley is renowned for its ancient Buddhist monasteries, traditional villages, and unique cultural heritage. Trekkers have the opportunity to interact with the local communities, visit monasteries, and immerse themselves in the rich cultural traditions of the region.

Information of Spiti Valley Trek

Before undertaking a trek in Spiti Valley, it is important to be well-prepared, physically fit, and equipped with proper gear. It is also recommended to go with an experienced trekking guide or join a reputable trekking agency for a safe and enjoyable experience in this breathtaking Himalayan region.

The Spiti Valley and Lahaul Valley are neighboring regions in the Indian state of Himachal Pradesh, both of which have a rich historical and cultural heritage. Here’s a brief overview of the history of these valleys:

Ancient History: The Spiti and Lahaul Valleys have a history dating back thousands of years. The valleys were part of the ancient trade routes that connected India with Central Asia and Tibet. The region has been influenced by various dynasties and empires, including the Mauryas, Guptas, Kushans, and later the Tibetans.

Buddhist influence: Buddhism has played a significant role in shaping the cultural and religious fabric of the Spiti and Lahaul Valleys. The valleys are home to numerous ancient Buddhist monasteries, some of which are believed to date back to the 10th century and earlier. These monasteries, such as Tabo Monastery and Key Monastery, are important centers of learning and spiritual practice.

Indo-Tibetan Trade: The Spiti and Lahaul Valleys were crucial trade routes between India and Tibet. Traders from both regions used these valleys to exchange goods and commodities, including wool, salt, spices, and silk. The trade route facilitated cultural and economic exchanges between the Indian subcontinent and Central Asia.

Lahaul as a part of Ladakh: Historically, the Lahaul Valley was a part of the kingdom of Ladakh . It was ruled by the Namgyal dynasty, which had strong cultural and political ties with the neighboring regions. The region’s strategic location made it a point of contention between various regional powers.

Influence of the British: With the arrival of the British in India, the Spiti and Lahaul Valleys came under British rule as part of the larger colonial administration. The British influence can be seen in the architectural styles of some buildings and infrastructure in the region.

Connectivity Challenges: The remote location and harsh terrain of the Spiti and Lahaul Valleys presented challenges in terms of connectivity and accessibility. Until recent times, the valleys were relatively isolated and cut off from the rest of the country for several months due to heavy snowfall, making it difficult to maintain regular contact with the outside world.

Today, the Spiti and Lahaul Valleys have become popular tourist destinations due to their stunning landscapes, ancient monasteries, and unique cultural heritage. Trekking in these valleys allows visitors to experience the historical, cultural, and natural wonders of this remote Himalayan region while appreciating the rich history that has shaped them.

What are the Best Places to visit in Spiti Valley Trek

Spiti Valley is renowned for its breathtaking landscapes, ancient monasteries, and unique cultural experiences. Here are some special places to visit in Spiti Valley:

• Key Monastery: Located at an altitude of 4,166 meters (13,668 feet), Key Monastery is one of the oldest and largest Tibetan Buddhist monasteries in Spiti Valley. It is known for its stunning location, perched on a hilltop overlooking the Spiti River. The monastery houses a large collection of ancient Buddhist scriptures, murals, and thangkas (scroll paintings).
• Tabo Monastery: Tabo Monastery, often referred to as the “Ajanta of the Himalayas,” is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It dates back to the 10th century and is renowned for its exquisite murals and ancient scriptures. The monastery complex also includes temples, prayer halls, and meditation caves.
• Chandratal Lake: Known as the “Moon Lake,” Chandratal is a high-altitude lake situated at an altitude of about 4,300 meters (14,100 feet). The lake is famous for its pristine beauty and is surrounded by snow-capped peaks. It is a popular camping and trekking destination, offering mesmerizing views and a serene atmosphere.
• Pin Valley National Park: Located in the cold desert region of Spiti, Pin Valley National Park is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts and nature lovers. It is home to a variety of flora and fauna, including the elusive snow leopard, ibex, Tibetan gazelle, and numerous bird species. The park also features beautiful landscapes, glaciers, and high-altitude passes.
• Dhankar Monastery: Perched on a cliff at an elevation of around 3,894 meters (12,774 feet), Dhankar Monastery offers panoramic views of the Spiti Valley. It is an ancient monastery that served as the traditional seat of the Spitian kings. The monastery houses a collection of ancient thangkas, statues, and scriptures.
• Komic Village: Situated at an altitude of approximately 4,520 meters (14,830 feet), Komic is known as one of the highest inhabited villages in the world. It offers a glimpse into the traditional Spitian way of life and boasts a beautiful monastery, charming houses, and breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains.
• Hikkim Village: Hikkim is famous for having the world’s highest post office, where you can send postcards to your loved ones from an altitude of over 4,400 meters (14,400 feet). The village also has an ancient monastery and offers stunning views of the Himalayan landscape.
• Langza Village: Langza is a picturesque village known for its unique geological formations and the presence of fossilized marine life. It offers panoramic views of the Chau Chau Kang Nilda peak and is a great place to experience the local culture and hospitality.

Best Time to Visit Spiti Valley Trek

The best time to visit Spiti Valley for trekking is during the summer months from June to September. This period is considered the trekking season in Spiti Valley due to favorable weather conditions and accessibility. Here’s a breakdown of the seasons and their characteristics in Spiti Valley:

• Summer (June to September): This is the primary trekking season in Spiti Valley. During these months, the weather is relatively mild, with pleasant daytime temperatures ranging from 15 to 25 degrees Celsius (59 to 77 degrees Fahrenheit) in the lower regions. The high-altitude areas may experience cooler temperatures and occasional rainfall. The roads and passes are usually open, allowing for better accessibility to the valley.
• Monsoon (July to August): The monsoon season brings some rainfall to Spiti Valley, especially in July and August. While the region receives less rainfall compared to other parts of India, there might be occasional roadblocks and difficulties due to landslides. However, the landscapes become greener and more vibrant during this time.
• Autumn (September to October): September and October are also good months to visit Spiti Valley. The weather remains pleasant, and the skies are generally clear. The temperatures start to drop, especially in the higher reaches, and nights can get chilly. The autumn season offers breathtaking views of the changing colors of the landscapes.
• Winter (November to May): Winter is a challenging time to visit Spiti Valley for trekking due to extremely cold temperatures and heavy snowfall. The region experiences harsh winter conditions, and most of the high-altitude passes, including Kunzum Pass and Rohtang Pass, are closed. However, if you are an experienced trekker with proper gear and skills, you might consider winter treks that cater to extreme adventure enthusiasts.

It’s important to note that weather conditions in mountainous regions can be unpredictable, and it’s advisable to check local weather forecasts and road conditions before planning a trek to Spiti Valley. Additionally, if you plan to visit during the peak summer months, it’s recommended to make accommodation and transportation arrangements in advance as Spiti Valley attracts a significant number of tourists and trekkers during that time.

How to Reach Chandigarh for Spiti Valley Trek

To reach Chandigarh for your Spiti Valley trek, you have several transportation options available. Chandigarh is well-connected to major cities in India by air, train, and road. Here’s how you can reach Chandigarh:

By Air: Chandigarh has its own airport, the Chandigarh International Airport (IXC), which is well-connected to major cities in India. You can book a flight to Chandigarh from cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, and Kolkata. From the airport, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach the city center.

By Train: Chandigarh is served by the Chandigarh Railway Station (CDG), which has good rail connectivity with several cities across India. You can check the availability of trains and book your tickets to Chandigarh from your nearest railway station. Once you arrive at Chandigarh Railway Station, you can hire a taxi or take a local bus to reach the city center.

By Road: Chandigarh is well-connected to various cities by road. You can choose to travel by private car, hire a taxi, or take a bus to reach Chandigarh. Several state-run and private bus operators offer services to Chandigarh from nearby cities like Delhi, Shimla, Manali, and Dharamshala.

If you are planning a Spiti Valley trek, you can take the following route from Chandigarh:

Chandigarh – Shimla – Narkanda – Rampur – ReckongPeo – Kalpa – Tabo – Kaza (Spiti Valley)

From Kaza, you can explore different trekking routes and destinations within Spiti Valley.

It’s advisable to plan your journey in advance, check for any travel restrictions or permits required, and consider the road conditions and weather during your travel dates. – Himalayan Hikers

Highlights of Spiti Valley Trek

• Location: Lahaul & Spiti, Himachal Pradesh
• Duration: 8 Days / 7 Nights
• Starting & End Point: Chandigarh
• Maximum Altitude: 15,200 ft

Short Itinerary of Spiti Valley Trek

• Day 1️- Chandigarh To Shimla ( 115km ) , 4/5 hrs
• Day 2️ – After Breakfast Drive from Shimla  toKalpa!( 223km) ,( 7/8 hrs)
• Day 3️ – After Breakfast Drive from Kalpa to Tabo via Nako village &Gue/Giu Monastery & overnight stay at Tabo!! ( 230km) ,
• Day 4 – After Breakfast Drive from Tabo to kazavaiDhankar Monastery &  Exploring Pin Valley, mud Village ( 150km) & overnight stay at Kaza!
• Day 5️ – After Breakfast explore ( 6 points) Kaza monastery, Kibber, chicham , Lanza Village, Hikkim, Comic Village& key monastery ( 106km) & over the night stay at Kaza!!
• Day 6️ – After Breakfast Drive from Kaza to Chandratallake vaiKunzum pass (4551mt) ( 120km) , 5/6 hrs overnight stay tent !!
• Day 7️ – After Breakfast Drive from Chandratal Lake to Manalivai Atal Tunnel ( 110km) , 5/6 hrs Overnight stay at Hotel
• Day 8️ -After Breakfast Drive from Manali to Chandigarh ( 303km ), 8/9 hrs !!

Day 01- you will be traveling from Chandigarh to Shimla. The distance between Chandigarh and Shimla is approximately 115 kilometers, and the journey takes around 4 to 5 hours, depending on the traffic and road conditions. Here’s a suggested itinerary for this leg of your journey

• Start early in the morning from Chandigarh to make the most of your day. You can either hire a taxi or take a bus from Chandigarh to Shimla. Buses are available from the Inter-State Bus Terminus (ISBT) in Chandigarh.
• Enjoy the scenic drive as you leave Chandigarh and head towards Shimla. The route passes through picturesque landscapes, including hills, forests, and small towns.
• As you reach Shimla, check into your accommodation and freshen up. Shimla is a popular hill station known for its colonial charm, pleasant weather, and scenic beauty.
• After settling in, you can explore the Mall Road, which is the main street in Shimla and lined with shops, cafes, and restaurants. Take a leisurely stroll, shop for souvenirs, and enjoy the local delicacies.
• Visit the famous Ridge, a spacious open space on the Mall Road, offering panoramic views of the surrounding hills and valleys. It is a popular spot to relax and take in the beauty of Shimla.
• You can also visit attractions like Christ Church, the second oldest church in North India, and the Viceregal Lodge, which was the summer residence of the British viceroys during the colonial era.
• In the evening, you can witness the beautiful sunset from Scandal Point, a famous viewpoint in Shimla.
• Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant, savoring the flavors of Himachali cuisine.
• Retire for the night at your accommodation in Shimla, preparing for the next leg of your journey.

Day 2-You will be traveling from Shimla to Kalpa, which is approximately 223 kilometers away. The journey usually takes around 7 to 8 hours, considering the road conditions and traffic. Here’s a suggested itinerary for this leg of your journey

• Start your day with a hearty breakfast at your accommodation in Shimla and check out.
• Depart from Shimla and begin your drive towards Kalpa. The route will take you through scenic landscapes, winding roads, and charming towns.
• As you travel, you will pass through picturesque places like Kufri, Narkanda, and Rampur. Take breaks along the way to admire the views and stretch your legs.
• Kufri, located around 16 kilometers from Shimla, is known for its beautiful views and adventure activities like horse riding and skiing. If you have time, you can make a short stop here and enjoy the attractions.
• Continue your journey towards Rampur, a historic town situated on the banks of the Sutlej River. You can visit the famous Padam Palace and explore the local market.
• From Rampur, the route will take you through the scenic Kinnaur district of Himachal Pradesh. Enjoy the mesmerizing views of the KinnaurKailash Range and the Sutlej River flowing alongside.
• As you reach Kalpa, check into your accommodation and take some time to relax and freshen up.
• Kalpa is a beautiful village located in the Kinnaur district, known for its apple orchards and stunning views of the KinnaurKailash Range. Spend the evening exploring the village, taking in the serene atmosphere, and enjoying the panoramic vistas.
• Visit the Kalpa Monastery, also known as Hu-Bu-Ian-Car Gompa, which offers a glimpse into the rich Tibetan Buddhist culture of the region.
• Enjoy a delicious dinner at a local restaurant, savoring the flavors of the local cuisine.
• Retire for the night at your accommodation in Kalpa, preparing for the next leg of your Spiti Valley trek.

Day 03- You will be traveling from Kalpa to Tabo via Nako village, Gue/Giu Monastery, and spending the night at Tabo. The distance between Kalpa and Tabo is approximately 230 kilometers, and the journey takes around 7 to 8 hours, considering the road conditions and stops. Here’s a suggested itinerary for this leg of your journey

• Start your day with a delicious breakfast at your accommodation in Kalpa and check out.
• Begin your drive from Kalpa towards Nako village. The route will take you through scenic landscapes, winding mountain roads, and charming villages.
• After driving for a few hours, you will reach Nako village. It is a small and picturesque village situated by the banks of Nako Lake. Take some time to explore the village, visit the ancient Nako Monastery, and enjoy the serene beauty of the lake and surrounding mountains.
• Resume your journey from Nako towards Gue/Giu Monastery. This detour will take you to Gue or Giu, where you can visit the ancient Gue/Giu Monastery. The highlight of this monastery is the naturally preserved mummy of a Buddhist monk, which is over 500 years old.
• After visiting Gue/Giu Monastery, continue your drive towards Tabo. The road will offer you beautiful views of the rugged mountains and the Spiti River.
• As you reach Tabo, check into your accommodation and take some time to relax and freshen up.
• Tabo is famous for its ancient Tabo Monastery, which is over a thousand years old and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Explore the monastery complex, admire the intricate murals and ancient sculptures, and experience the spiritual ambiance of the place.
• Take a walk around the Tabo village, interact with the locals, and immerse yourself in the serene and peaceful surroundings.
• Enjoy a delicious dinner at a local restaurant in Tabo, sampling the local cuisine.
• Retire for the night at your accommodation in Tabo, preparing for further exploration of Spiti Valley.

Day 04- You will be traveling from Tabo to Kaza via Dhankar Monastery and exploring Pin Valley and Mud Village. The distance between Tabo and Kaza is approximately 150 kilometers, and the journey takes around 5 to 6 hours, depending on the road conditions and the time spent exploring. Here’s a suggested itinerary for this leg of your journey

• Start your day with a delicious breakfast at your accommodation in Tabo and check out.
• Begin your drive from Tabo towards Dhankar Monastery. Dhankar is located at an altitude of approximately 3,894 meters and offers stunning panoramic views of the Spiti Valley.
• Visit the Dhankar Monastery, perched dramatically on a cliff overlooking the confluence of the Spiti and Pin Rivers. Explore the monastery complex, which houses ancient Buddhist scriptures, statues, and thangkas. Don’t miss the stunning views from the monastery’s vantage point.
• Continue your journey from Dhankar towards Pin Valley. Pin Valley is known for its picturesque landscapes, high mountain passes, and rich biodiversity.
• Explore the Pin Valley National Park, which is home to a variety of flora and fauna, including the elusive snow leopard, ibex, and Himalayan birds. Enjoy the serene beauty of the valley and take short hikes to explore the surroundings.
• Proceed towards Mud Village, the last motorable village in the Pin Valley. Take a stroll through the village, interact with the locals, and experience the traditional way of life in this remote Himalayan village.
• After exploring Pin Valley and Mud Village, continue your drive towards Kaza, the main town of Spiti Valley. Kaza is situated at an altitude of around 3,650 meters and serves as a base for further exploration of the region.
• Check into your accommodation in Kaza and take some time to relax and freshen up.
• In the evening, you can explore the local market in Kaza, shop for souvenirs, and try some local cuisine at the restaurants.
• Retire for the night at your accommodation in Kaza, preparing for further exploration of Spiti Valley.

Day 05- You will be exploring various points near Kaza, including Kaza Monastery, Kibber, Chicham, Lanza Village, Hikkim, Comic Village, and Key Monastery. These places are located within a radius of approximately 106 kilometers from Kaza. Here’s a suggested itinerary for this day

• Start your day with a delicious breakfast at your accommodation in Kaza.
• Begin your exploration by visiting the Kaza Monastery, also known as the Sakya Tangyud Monastery. This monastery is perched on a hilltop overlooking the town of Kaza and offers panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. Take some time to explore the monastery and soak in the peaceful atmosphere.
• Next, proceed towards Kibber, which is one of the highest inhabited villages in the world. Enjoy the scenic drive as you ascend to Kibber, located at an altitude of approximately 4,205 meters. Explore the village, interact with the locals, and visit the Kibber Wildlife Sanctuary, which is home to several rare and endangered species.
• From Kibber, make your way to Chicham Village. Chicham is famous for its high suspension bridge, which connects two villages separated by a deep gorge. Take a walk across the bridge and enjoy the breathtaking views of the rugged landscape.
• Continue your journey to Lanza Village, a small and quaint village known for its traditional architecture and peaceful surroundings. Take a leisurely stroll through the village, admire the traditional houses, and enjoy the serenity of the place.
• Visit Hikkim, which is known for having the world’s highest post office. Send a postcard to your loved ones from this unique post office, located at an altitude of approximately 4,400 meters.
• Proceed to Comic Village, which is one of the highest villages in Asia accessible by a motorable road. Explore the village, interact with the locals, and visit the ancient Comic Monastery, which houses rare Buddhist scriptures and artifacts.
• Finally, head towards Key Monastery, one of the most iconic monasteries in Spiti Valley. This ancient monastery is perched on a hilltop overlooking the Spiti River. Explore the monastery complex, admire the ancient murals, and enjoy the panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. After a day of exploration, return to Kaza and spend the evening at your accommodation, relaxing and reflecting on your experiences.

Day 06- You will be traveling from Kaza to Chandratal Lake via Kunzum Pass. This leg of your journey involves driving through scenic landscapes and high-altitude passes. Here’s a suggested itinerary for this day

• Start your day with a delicious breakfast at your accommodation in Kaza and check out.
• Begin your drive from Kaza towards Kunzum Pass. The route will take you through picturesque valleys and rugged terrains, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains.
• As you ascend towards Kunzum Pass, you will reach an altitude of approximately 4,551 meters. Take breaks along the way to admire the panoramic views and capture some memorable photographs.
• Kunzum Pass is a high mountain pass that connects the Spiti Valley with the Lahaul Valley. Take some time to soak in the beauty of the pass and explore the area.
• After crossing Kunzum Pass, continue your drive towards Chandratal Lake. The road descends from the pass, and you will be treated to mesmerizing views of the Spiti Valley.
• As you approach Chandratal Lake, you will witness the stunning beauty of the crescent-shaped lake surrounded by snow-capped peaks. Take some time to explore the area, walk around the lake, and immerse yourself in the tranquility of the surroundings. Enjoy a picnic lunch by the lake, savoring the serene atmosphere and the pristine beauty of the surroundings. Spend some quality time at Chandratal Lake, taking in the breathtaking views and capturing memorable photographs.
• After spending a memorable time at Chandratal Lake, continue your journey towards your overnight camping site near the lake. Camping near the lake is a popular option, allowing you to experience the night sky and the peaceful ambiance of the area.

Day 07- You will be traveling from Chandratal Lake to Manali via the Atal Tunnel. The distance between Chandratal Lake and Manali is approximately 110 kilometers, and the journey takes around 5 to 6 hours, depending on the road conditions and traffic. Here’s a suggested itinerary for this leg of your journey

• Start your day with a hearty breakfast at your camping site near Chandratal Lake.
• Bid farewell to the beautiful surroundings of Chandratal Lake and begin your drive towards the Atal Tunnel.
• The Atal Tunnel, also known as the Rohtang Tunnel, is the longest high-altitude tunnel in the world and connects the Lahaul Valley with the Kullu Valley. Enjoy the scenic drive through the tunnel, which cuts through the PirPanjal Range.
• As you exit the tunnel, you will enter the Kullu Valley. Continue your drive towards Manali, enjoying the picturesque landscapes along the way.
• As you approach Manali, you will be greeted by the lush greenery, gushing Beas River, and beautiful mountain views.
• Upon reaching Manali, check into your accommodation and take some time to relax and freshen up.
• Manali is a popular hill station and offers a range of attractions and activities. You can explore the local market, visit the Hadimba Devi Temple, and take a stroll along the Mall Road. You can also indulge in adventure activities like paragliding, river rafting, and trekking, depending on your preferences.
• Enjoy a delicious dinner at a local restaurant in Manali, savoring the flavors of the local cuisine.
• Retire for the night at your accommodation in Manali, reflecting on the incredible journey through Spiti Valley.

Day 08- You will be traveling from Manali to Chandigarh. The distance between Manali and Chandigarh is approximately 303 kilometers, and the journey takes around 8 to 9 hours, depending on the road conditions and traffic. Here’s a suggested itinerary for this leg of your journey

• Start your day with a delicious breakfast at your accommodation in Manali and check out.
• Begin your drive from Manali towards Chandigarh, enjoying the scenic landscapes and mountain views along the way.
• The route from Manali to Chandigarh will take you through picturesque valleys, charming villages, and lush greenery.
• As you travel along the route, you can take breaks at various points of interest, such as Kullu, where you can visit the famous Kullu Shawl Factories and the scenic banks of the Beas River.
• Continue your journey, and as you approach Chandigarh, you will notice the transition from the mountains to the plains.
• Upon reaching Chandigarh, check into your accommodation and take some time to relax and freshen up.
• Chandigarh, the capital city of Punjab and Haryana, is known for its well-planned architecture, beautiful gardens, and urban design. You can explore the city’s famous attractions, such as the Rock Garden, Sukhna Lake, Rose Garden, and Capitol Complex.
• Take a leisurely walk around the city’s well-maintained gardens and enjoy the serene atmosphere.
• In the evening, you can visit the local markets in Chandigarh, such as Sector 17 or Sector 22, and indulge in some shopping or try out local delicacies at the numerous eateries.
• Enjoy a delicious dinner at a local restaurant in Chandigarh, savoring the flavors of Punjabi cuisine.
• Retire for the night at your accommodation in Chandigarh, reminiscing about the memorable journey through Spiti Valley.

Mandatory Documents

Please carry the documents given below.

Original and photocopy of government photo identity card- (Aadhar Card, Driving License, Voters ID, etc, Passport and Visa important to foreigners Medical Certificate (First part should be filled by the Doctor and Second part by the Trekker) Declaration Certificates

Note: –   Many trekkers commit the same mistake of carrying unnecessary items on a trek which only makes the backpack heavy. It is important to know the right items to carry. It differs from season to season if you are trekking in summers then carry less layers of warm clothing and if you are trekking in winters carry enough layers to protect yourself against chilly cold.

Necessary Items for trekkers

Backpack (50 to 60 liters) A strongly built backpack with good support is compulsory for a trek. (Rain cover is important)

Sturdy Trekking Shoes The shoes should be strong enough with good support. The people ask if sports shoes would be comfortable but it is good to bring the right trekking shoes.

The Clothes You Should Bring On a Trek Avoid keeping extra clothes because it only makes you backpack heavy.

Trek Pants – The jeans are never suitable for a trek so you need at least 2-3 trek pants for treks carry more for longer treks.

Jacket – Jackets are very important to carry on a trek it protects you against the chilly weather. So carry 2 jackets on a week long trek.

Layers of warm Clothing  Carry warm woolen layers or fleece. Carry more layers during winter season (at least 2 to 3) and less during summer.

Thermals – The Temperature decreases at night so you might be need thermals for Night.

T- Shirts – Bring those t shirts which dry fast.

Poncho –They are needed if you are trekking on a Rainy day to keep you dry.

Hiking Pole

Water Bottle 2

Cap or Balaclava

Woolen and Waterproof Gloves

Socks (Woolen and Regular)

Torch head light

Personal Toiletry Items –  (toothpaste, toothbrush, toilet paper, sanitizer etc.)

Carry Personal Medical Kit

Personal Medical Kit (Carry minimum 5 tablets and maximum 10)

Medicine for Altitude Sickness

Medicine for acidity and discomfort.

Fever and Headache Medicines

Pain Reliever

Motion Sickness Medicine

Medicine for Allergies

Medicine for Diarrhoea

Sprains Cream or Spray

Antiseptic Cream

Stretchable/Elastic bandage

Note:- Please take all medicines only when prescribed by the doctor. In case you face any problem during your trek, discuss and take advice from the Professional guide.

Sorry! Here are no Available dates right now. For Any Queries you can Email us with [email protected] and Call Us +91 9756197558

What is Included In This Trek?

Pickup & Drop from/at Chandigarh!!

Accommodation ( Twin/ triple/ quit sharing)

Meals (morning Breakfast & Dinner) starting day 1 Dinner and ended day 8 Breakfast!!

All toll , parking fees, Driver Allowances!!

Experience Trek Leader

Basic First Aid medical kit !!

What is Not Include In This Trek?

Anything not mentioned in inclusion

All personal Expenses, optional, tour, extra Meals!!

Any, on planned Transport, Expenses!!

Any, arising Due to natural, calamities, landslide, Road blocking, political disturbance ( strikes) etc ( to be borne by the client, which is directly payable on the spot!

Travel insurance, medical insurance, mineral water charges)

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• Overview Itinerary Dates Include/Exclude

Epic 7 Day Itinerary For Spiti Valley To Experience The Spellbinding Charm Of Middle Land As A Traveler

by Swapnil Sanghavi | Feb 9, 2021 | Himachal , Spiti | 0 comments

Spiti is home to some of most ancient monasteries, highest villages in the world along with insane landscapes. This makes Spiti absolutely worth visiting at least once in a lifetime. Therefore, 7 day itinerary for Spiti will be of a great help for those who are looking to make a brief visit to Spiti.

In my personal opinion, Spiti is a place where even a month will not be good enough to explore the sacred land. But I understand that not everybody has a lot of time. So, 7 day itinerary for Spiti will be great for those who are short on time, but want to get a hang of the middle land.

Best 7 Day Itinerary For Spiti For A Quick Trip To Middle Land

As I said earlier, 7 days are not at all enough to explore Spiti valley. Entering and exiting itself Spiti can take at least 2-3 days. But not everyone can take a lot of time out of their busy lives.

So to experience Spitian culture, villages, monasteries, landscapes in a quick time I have curated not one but a couple of 7 day itineraries for Spiti. By the way, if its your first time to Spiti here is detailed blog on 27 practical tips for Spiti for first-time visitors .

One of them is Spiti circuit Itinerary trip by entering via Kinnaur and exiting via Lahaul with some of the most popular places in Spiti. While the other one is entering and exiting via Lahaul and Manali with some lesser known places.

Epic 7 Days Spiti Valley Itinerary – Experience The Ultimate Spiti Circuit

For this travel Itinerary for Spiti valley, I have considered Kinnaur as the entry point to Spiti and the exit point is the Lahaul route. Of course, entering Spiti via Kinnaur takes a bit longer, but you get to witness the best of both Kinnaur and Spiti.

Also, for this Itinerary I have kept things simple and added the most famous places in Spiti which are a must-visit. By the way here is detailed blog on the best routes for Spiti . This will be really helpful for those looking to visit Spiti for the firs time.

For this Spiti valley Itinerary I have considered the circuit route. That is entering Spiti via Kinnaur and exiting Spiti via Lahaul. Also I have considered famous places that are a must a visit for this Spiti valley Itinerary. So here is run through of places you’ll be visiting on your trip to Spiti. Shimla – Reckong Peo – Tabo – Dhankar – Kaza – Key – Kibber – Langza- Komic – Hikkim – Kunzum La – Manali

For this Spiti valley Itinerary, I have considered the most famous places in Spiti. And I have considered Spiti circuit as the route of this itinerary. So, please note that this Itinerary will be only possible from June to October.

If you are planning to follow this Itinerary after October, then enter and exit via Kinnaur and you should be just fine. The reason you can’t make a circuit trip after October is due to being Kunzum La being closed due to heavy snow after October.

Take an overnight bus directly to Reckong Peo either from Chandigarh or Delhi. HRTC buses leave from ISBT Kashmere gate in Delhi and sector 43 from Chandigarh.

To book tickets online, you can head to HRTC’s online booking website . To book private volvo buses you can use Redbus app or website.

You’ll reach Reckong Peo either in the afternoon or in the evening depending from where you have boarded the bus from that is Chandigarh or Delhi.

Explore Kalpa and Reckong Peo if you have time and overnight at Reckong Peo. Places like Kalpa and Reckong Peo are some of the best places to visit near Spiti which you must visit.

Board an early morning bus to Tabo from Reckong Peo. You’ll reach Tabo by afternoon.

Visit the Gompa at Tabo which is one of the oldest monasteries of our country. Overnight you can stay at Tabo. There are a lot of guesthouses, hotels, homestays in Tabo as per the budget.

Today you’ll be heading the ancient capital of Spiti which is Dhankar or Dhangkar village. Trust me Dhankar is one of the best places to visit in Spiti, such is the beauty of this Spitian village.

Explore the ancient Gompa of Dhankar and if time permits you can also head the celestial Dhankar lake which is one of the famous lakes in Spiti.

There are a lot of homestays in Dhankar. And you should have no problems finding a place to stay as per your budget.

Head to Kaza, the administrative capital of Spiti which is also the biggest town in Spiti. Checkin in the place you have decided to stay and head straight to Key Gompa. Key Gompa is the biggest monastery of Spiti valley.

After paying your respects at Key Gompa, you can head to the pretty high-altitude village of Kibber. Key Gompa and Kibber monastery are quite close to Kaza. So you can easily make a day trip and return back by the dark.

Here is detailed blog on how to reach Kibber village and How to reach Key Monastery . Feel free to check it out.

Today you’ll be heading to some of the highest villages on earth. Langza, Hikkim, Komic are some of the highest villages on earth.

Again, all these villages are quite near to Kaza. So, making a day trip is easily doable. If you are in a group then you should probably hire a private cab.

If you are traveling solo then find like-minded people and hire a cab, that would be quite feasible. Otherwise, it would be difficult to make all of them at once.

Finally your epic trip to the middle land will be coming to a great ending. Today you’ll be heading to Manali while witnessing some of the most scenic landscapes you might have witness in your life.

If you start very early you can even reach Manali via Kunzum La and Atal Tunnel.

Explore the Lesser Frequented Spiti With This 7 Day Itinerary For Spiti

This Spiti valley itinerary for 7 days which I have curated is via Lahaul route both entry and exit. Since the Lahaul route is the fastest way to reach, it is perfect for those who are short on time.

Also, for this itinerary I have included a couple of Lesser known places which usually attracts not so many travelers.

For this Spiti valley Itinerary I have considered a mix of lesser frequented and popular places in Spiti valley. And for this itinerary I have considered Lahaul route for both entering and exiting Spiti. Since it is the fastest way to reach Spiti valley. Here is a brief run through of places you’ll be visiting on your trip to the middle land. Manali – Kunzum La – Kaza – Langza – Komic – Hikkim – Demul – Lalung – Dhankar

For this particular itinerary I have considered a mix of famous and lesser-frequented places. This will enable you to somewhat experience Spiti in a quick time.

If you wish to follow this itinerary, then make sure that your making trip between June-October, as I have considered Lahaul route via Kunzum La which is only open from June to Octobe r. But it is the also the fastest way to reach Spiti valley.

By the way, here is detailed blog on all the safety related questions you might have when visiting Spiti valley. Feel free to check it out.

Board an early morning bus from Delhi ISBT at Kashmere gate. There is one bus departing at 6.40 am from Kashmere gate. You should reach Kullu late in the night and stay there for the night.

Board early morning bus from Kullu at around 4.00 AM. You should easily reach Kaza by 1.00 in the afternoon thanks to Atal tunnel now being operational.

Explore the biggest town in Spiti which is Kaza and rest for the day. And stay overnight at Kaza.

Again, all these villages are quite near to Kaza. So, making a day trip is easily doable. If you are in a group then you should probably hire a private cab. If you are traveling solo then find like-minded people and hire a cab, that would be quite feasible.

Head to the pretty village of Demul today. If you are relying on public transport then you will have to wait till the evening or you can opt of share taxis or hitch hike.

Demul is one of the those villages which offers you a genuine homestay experience with their unique home stay setting. Overnight will be in one such homestay in the village of Demul .

Today you’ll be heading to the village of Lhalung. There is an evening bus to Lhalung but I am not sure very about the timing. But If you want to leave in the morning then you can hire a private cab or use share cabs if at all they are plying.

There is a beautiful monastery in the village of Lhalung which you should definitely visit . Overnight in of the pretty homestays in the village of Lhalung.

By the way, you can check out my detailed blog on 7 celestial monasteries you must visit in Lahaul valley , Spiti counterpart. Feel free to check that out.

Leave Lhalung today and head to the ancient village of Dhankar. Back in the day, Dhankar used to be the capital of the Spiti valley. Trust me the beauty of Dhankar will definitely leave you awestruck.

While there is no public transport from Dhankar to Lhalung directly, but both the places are near to each other. So you can take the help of the locals in case you are relying on the public transport.

Explore the village of Dhankar and do pay your homage at the ancient monastery of Dhankar. And the day will be quite hectic as you have to make it back Kaza for the night.

Bid your goodbyes to the middle land as today you’ll be boarding an early morning 4.00 AM bus to Manali. With Atal tunnel now operational you should be able to reach Manali in the afternoon at around 2.00 PM.

From Manali, board overnight buses to Delhi. There are a lot of buses departing from Manali during evening and night time.

To conclude, I hope that 7 day itinerary will be a great help to you if you are looking to make a quick trip to the Spiti. Personally I feel, that you should have more days in hand if you want to experience Spiti to the fullest.

But I have curated a couple of 7 day itinerary for Spiti in such a way that you get to experience a lot of Spiti without wasting too much time here and there. So, a couple popular places might have been excluded, but then if you have more days in hand then you can explore properly.

Feel free to reach me out if you have any queries and I’ll be happy to help.

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• Test Your Grit, Take The Spiti Valley Trek In 2024!

20 Oct 2021

With a terrain that is seriously challenging and a landscape that is drop-dead gorgeous, the Spiti valley makes for an exceptional adventure destination. There are places in India that are outlined by treacherous alleys and lie buried under stiffened snow for the most part of the year. Spiti Valley is one such place. Spiti is home to some of the highest villages, oldest monasteries and the most stunning landscapes you’ll ever see. A perfect example of nature’s surrealism, the Spiti Valley, at an altitude of 4000 m, is a barbed and unexplored gem in Himachal Pradesh.

Prepare to get awestruck with the remarkably striking snow-capped mountains, explore rambling old monasteries, and savor the marvel of this ancient civilization in this detailed guide to the grit-testing Spiti valley trek .

Why Spiti Valley Trek ?

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The Spiti Valley trekking involves rigorous walking along the treacherous mountain paths, negotiating dangerous roads and staying with the locals. Trekking in Spiti Valley commands the next level endurance backed by a throbbing adrenaline rush. As you go ahead trekking, you’d find yourself amid nature’s sojourn comprising beauty, perseverance, and thrill, all at once. While relishing them you’ll find yourself pushing to the next level of agility and that’s how the trekking in Spiti becomes one of the most daunting expeditions of all.

Arguably, Spiti Valley is one of the most enduring treks, and I don’t hesitate to say that you’ll agree when you’re through this blog!

Must Read: Spiti Valley In August: A Guide For Visiting The Heaven In The North

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Best Time To Visit For Spiti Valley Trek

The ideal time to go and experience Spiti Valley trekking is between the months of July to October. As during the winter season, many high altitude passes and road become inaccessible due to heavy snowfall. This results in the obstruction of trekking and mountaineering.

Suggested Read: Annapurna Base Camp Trek: What Makes It One Of The Most Sought-After Treks

Spiti Valley Trek: An Overview

Distance and duration: Spiti Valley trekking span is 55 km (approximately) starting from Langza and ending at Dhankar over the 5 days. Spiti Valley road trip is a memorable excursion in the Himalayan mountains. About 13.5 km is covered by cab and the rest 41.5 km is done on foot. The detailed day wise itinerary is given below.

Spiti Valley Trek Route: Kaza – Kibber – Langza – Hikkim – Komik – Chemai Lepcha Pass – Demul – Lalung – Dhankar – Tabo – Kaza

Before you leave for Spiti Valley trek, best time to visit is something you must know. Best time to take the Spiti Valley Trek : June to October. During these months, the maximum temperature can touch 25 degrees with a minimum of 3-4 degrees thus making it the best time to visit Spiti Valley. Spiti Valley in October could be a bit more exciting because of the occasional snowfall in the higher areas.

Suggested Read: An 8 Days Spiti Valley Trip Is The Mother Of All Mountain Escapes In India

Reaching Kaza: The Starting Point Of The Trek

As mentioned above, there are two popular road routes to reach Spiti Valley, i.e Shimla-Kaza, and Manali-Kaza. I propose the Manali to Spiti one for more than one reasons.

• Though Manali-Kaza route isn’t as exciting as Shimla – Kaza route, it certainly is less susceptible to landslides as compared to roads in Kinnaur Valley , especially in monsoons.
• Also, the Manali to Spiti is the faster one, so better run through this route to save a day for you and also the fatigue level. Keep yourself afresh for the upcoming trek.
• This route is cost-effective, thanks to the less distance that you’ve to traverse.
• Finally, if you are someone who is fascinated by crossing over various high altitude passes, then it has to be the route to Spiti Valley from Manali. In this route, you will be first crossing Rohtang Pass (3980 m) to enter Lahaul Valley from Kullu Valley and then Kunzum Pass (4551 m) to enter Spiti Valley from Lahaul Valley. The feeling of running over these passes is inexplicable!!

So coming back, you can take a bus from Manali to Kaza – the district headquarters of Spiti district in Himachal – that runs every morning. There is only one government bus service from Manali to Kaza (a 5-hour ride) but the road is pretty inaccessible with frequent landslides along the way.

As this lacks roads of good quality it is advisable to hire a private vehicle from Manali to Spiti (starting point Kaza). You can share the cab with fellow travelers so that the ride doesn’t cost you dearly.

P.S. The Manali road via Rohtang and Kunzum passes is passable only in summer which is also the best time to venture the valley.

Note: It is suggested to spend a night in Kaza before starting the trek. In the morning you start the expedition from Kaza.

Suggested Read: 26 Spellbinding Places To Visit In Spiti Valley For A Surreal Holiday

Check out the day wise itinerary of your trek. Keep scrolling down and read alone!

Day 1: Kaza to Langza Via Ki Monastery In Kibber

The first day of the trek is covered by cab. From Kaza, the cabbie would take you to Langza. Enroute you’d come across Ki Monastery – a 1000-year-old monastery in Kibber which is also the largest monastery in Spiti Valley. This majestic structure stands to overlook the winding turquoise green Spiti river with imposing mountains in the backdrop.

Spend some time exploring this village which serves as a base camp for many Himalayan treks. This place is truly a photographer’s paradise, so you can spend some capturing the locale in your camera. Driving further, you reach Langza where you can opt for a homestay.

Altitude: 14,435 feet, Kaza to Langza- 13.5 km, 5-6 hours

Suggested Read:   Know How You Can Pull Off The Perfect Spiti Valley Road Trip On A Budget

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Day 2: Langza To Komik

The real journey begins on the second day as you start with a 3-4-hour moderate trek towards Komik – the highest inhabited village in all of Asia. On the way, stop over at Hikkim where you find the highest post office in the world. Hikkim also happens to be the highest polling station in the world as well.

Keep walking higher and ascend 15,000 feet above sea-level to reach Komik. Gorge on freshly picked peas from the farms (it’s seasonal, so good luck with that). As the night approaches, and the mercury outside drops down to as low as 3-4 degrees (June-Sept), snug into the comforts of a mud home where the temperatures are comparably warmer. Enjoy a hot, freshly home cooked local meal and call it a day. Overnight stay at Komik.

Altitude: 14,800 feet, Trek from Langza to Komik- 9 km, 3-4 hours

Suggested Read: Couldn’t Get Leh’d During The Summer? Ride To Lahaul And Spiti This September-October!

Day 3: Komik To Demul Via Chemai Lepcha Pass

On the third day of the trek, you cover Komik to Demul on foot, traversing the Chemai Lepcha Pass. After spending a lot of time with barren mountains you stumble on the lush greens of Demul. Take a short, traditional yak safari and soak in the local vibes. Spend the night in the comforts of the homes of the local residents there.

Altitude: 14,435 feet, Trek from Komik to Demul- 14 km, 5-6 hours

Suggested Read:   For The Love Of Mountains And Nature: Young, Wild, And Free In Spiti Valley

Day 4: Demul To Lalung Via Lingti Valley

The fourth day of the Spiti Valley trek brings you lot of greenery as you move from the secluded Demul to the village of Lalung in Lingti Valley. It’s a breather for your weary body as you walk down a steep descent till Lingti.

Lalung is located at the foot of the Tangmar Mountains. The locals believe their God lives in these mountains and the mountain changes its colors into reds, yellows, browns depending on the mood of their God. At Lalung, visit one of the oldest gompas in the Spiti Valley before calling it a day.

Altitude: 12,300 feet, Trek from Demul to Lalung- 10 km, 4-5 hours

Suggested Read: Trip To McLeodganj: Where Adventure Lovers Experience Scenic Treks

Day 5: Lalung – Dhankar – Tabo – Kaza

On the last day of the trek, you venture across an easy path towards the former capital of the Spiti Valley, Dhankar. Dhankar stands perched above the confluence of the Spiti and Pin river thus offering a panoramic view of the valley. It is till this point that you cover the trek via foot.

From Dhankar, you drive towards the 1000-year old Tabo monastery , renowned for being a UNESCO World Heritage site. Reach Kaza by evening and spend the night recollecting the unthinkable feats you’ve accomplished in the last week.

Altitude: 12,800 feet, Trek from Lalung to Dhankar- 9 km, 4-5 hours

Suggested Read: 20 Stupefying Winter Treks In Himalayas: Take Your Adventure Game A Notch Higher!

Challenges You Face While Trekking In Spiti Valley

Some words of caution here! Spiti boasts of hostile weather which is underlined by the fact that it receives only 250 days of sunshine in a year, which also implies that Spiti in winter is harsh. The summer season is a perfect time to visit Spiti Valley when the temperature on an average drops down to 18 degrees Celsius during night hours while during the day it rarely exceeds 20-25 degrees.

Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) is another severe health condition often experienced by travelers. It can occur to anyone at an altitude of 10,000 feet – which is the average elevation of Spiti Valley. The common symptoms of AMS are a headache, disturbed sleep, nausea, irregular breathing, breathlessness, lack of energy, difficulty in passing urine, lack of concentration and chest gurgles. A small medical kit with requisites is highly recommended.

Also, you must take rest for at least a day before starting the trek. That way you can get acclimatized to the conditions and the altitude.

Suggested Read: Hampi Ranked Second In New York Times ‘Places To See’, Making India Proud

Homestays In Spiti

Homestay in Spiti is common these days. Some of the Spitian families in the remote villages have opened up their homes to travelers with the help of social enterprises. Try finding a good homestay for your stay in Spiti valley and enjoy the home-like feeling. 

Suggested Read: 30 Unexplored Places In India That Will Totally Stump You

How To Reach Spiti

Given the remoteness of the place, Spiti doesn’t have an airport or railway station. Great mountains, forests, and rivers envelop it from all sides. However, it can be accessed by roads from major cities like Kullu and Shimla . Here’s how to reach Spiti:

By Train: Shimla is the nearest railway station. From the station, one can hire cabs and jeeps to reach Spiti. Buses are also available from the station.

By Road: As there is no access to airport and railways in Spiti, it can only be reached by road. But some of the roads leading to Spiti are closed for as long as 6 months due to heavy snowfall, so it’s better to do your homework before settling for an itinerary. You can rent a vehicle from Manali or take a Spiti valley bike trip, there are plenty of options available for people planning Spiti Valley road trip.

Suggested Read: 32 Heart Stirring Treks Near Delhi You Must Explore

What To Pack?

Spiti is also known as cold mountain desert, and given its uncertain climatic condition you must equip your backpack with essentials like:

• Windproof Jackets (heavy/feather if you are coming before June and after October)
• Pullovers / Sweatshirt
• Woolen caps, Mufflers, and Gloves
• Raincoat (not necessary- but you never know when the need arises)
• Waterproof / snow-proof trekking shoes
• A flashlight

Sunrays could be harsh, so you must cover yourself adequately and the exposed body part must be layered with sunscreen lotion. Proper trekking shoes are a must.

Suggested Read: Bhrigu Lake Trek: A Handy Guide For Adventure Junkies

Tips For Spiti Valley Trek

• Do check the weather conditions once, before heading for a trek in Spiti Valley 
• In Spiti, only the BSNL network works and one can get that from Manali and Kaza 
• If you’re going without a guide, then it is suggested to download the offline maps 
• Carry water and keep yourself hydrate to avoid the situation of affecting the AMS of your body 
• Carry cash with yourself, as there is only one SBI ATM in Spiti

Further Read: Long Weekends In India: Ways To Enliven Your Vacay Vibes Safely In The Post-Lockdown Era!

Now that I have given you all the details of the thrilling Spiti Valley trek, prepare to reach out for surreal sceneries and otherworldly experiences that remain veiled behind nature’s canvas. So, get packed, pick this guide, plan your trip to India and reach for them and savor every last drop of magnificence.

Disclaimer: TravelTriangle claims no credit for images featured on our blog site unless otherwise noted. All visual content is copyrighted to its respectful owners. We try to link back to original sources whenever possible. If you own rights to any of the images, and do not wish them to appear on TravelTriangle, please contact us and they will be promptly removed. We believe in providing proper attribution to the original author, artist or photographer.

Frequently Asked Questions About Spiti Valley Trek

What is the best time to visit Spiti?

April to mid July is a good time to visit Spiti.

How far is Lahaul Spiti from Delhi?

The distance between Lahaul Spiti and Delhi is around 428 km.

Is Spiti Valley trek dangerous?

No, Spiti Valley trek isn’t dangerous, but one should research well before setting on this adventurous trek.

How do I get to Spiti by bus?

If you are headed to Spiti by bus, then board a bus from Shimla to Reckong Peo and from Reckong Peo to Kaza.

Can we go to Spiti valley by car?

Yes, one can drive to Spiti via Manali or Shimla.

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Spiti Valley Trek: Exploring the Mystical Beauty of the Himalayas

Explore the enchanting world of Spiti valley trek! Nestled in the lap of the majestic Himalayas, Spiti Valley is a hidden gem in Himachal Pradesh, India. With its rugged terrain, pristine landscapes, ancient monasteries, and warm local culture, Spiti Valley offers a truly unforgettable trekking experience. In this article, we will delve into the captivating journey of the Spiti Valley trek, exploring its highlights, challenges, and the mesmerizing beauty that awaits every adventurer.

Table of Contents

• 1 Why Choose the Spiti Valley Trek?
• 2.1 Physical Fitness and Acclimatization:
• 2.2 Essential Gear and Equipment:
• 3.1 Village Hopping: A Glimpse into Local Life
• 3.2 Majestic Monasteries: A Spiritual Journey
• 3.3 Chandratal Lake: The Jewel of Spiti
• 3.4 Overcoming Challenges Along the Way
• 3.5 High Altitude and Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS)
• 3.6 Harsh Weather Conditions
• 3.7 Remote and Limited Facilities
• 4.1 Manali to Spiti Valley Route:
• 4.2 Shimla to Spiti Valley Route:
• 4.3 Spiti to Pin Valley Route:
• 4.4 Circular Route: Kaza to Kaza
• 5.1 By Air:
• 5.2 By Train:
• 5.3 By Road:
• 5.4 Route 1: Ahmedabad – Manali – Spiti Valley
• 5.5 Route 2: Ahmedabad – Shimla – Spiti Valley
• 6 Conclusion: 
• 7.1 1: How long is the spiti valley trek distance ?
• 7.2 2: Is previous trekking experience required for the Spiti Valley trek?
• 7.3 3: What is the best time for spiti valley trek ?
• 7.4 4: Are there any age restrictions for the Spiti Valley trek?
• 7.5 5: Are there accommodation options available along the trek?
• 7.6 6: Is it safe to trek alone in Spiti Valley?

Why Choose the Spiti Valley Trek?

The Spiti Valley trek offers a unique blend of adventure and tranquility. Here are a few reasons why you should choose this trek for your next Himalayan expedition:

Unspoiled Beauty: Spiti Valley is untouched by the rapid modernization seen in other parts of the Himalayas. It offers pristine landscapes and unspoiled natural beauty that will leave you mesmerized.

Ancient Monasteries: The region is home to some of the oldest and most revered monasteries in the world. Visiting these monasteries along the trek provides a glimpse into the rich Buddhist culture and spirituality of the region.

Challenging Terrain: The rugged terrain of Spiti Valley poses a thrilling challenge for trekkers. From steep ascents to narrow trails, the trek offers an adrenaline-pumping adventure for those seeking an adrenaline rush.

Warm Local Culture: The people of Spiti Valley are known for their warm hospitality and rich cultural traditions. Interacting with the locals along the trek provides a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in their way of life.

Spiti valley trek itinerary: 

Before embarking on the Spiti Valley trek, proper preparation is essential to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience. Here are some key factors to consider:

Physical Fitness and Acclimatization:

Trekking in high-altitude regions requires good physical fitness and proper acclimatization. Start preparing your body well in advance by engaging in regular exercise and cardio workouts. Additionally, consider spending a few days in nearby towns like Shimla or Manali to acclimatize to the high altitude.

Essential Gear and Equipment:

Packing the right gear and equipment is crucial for a successful trek. Here is a checklist of essential items to pack:

• Sturdy trekking boots
• Warm clothing and layers
• Sleeping bag
• Backpack with rain cover
• Trekking poles
• First aid kit
• Water bottles and water purification tablets
• Headlamp or flashlight
• Permits and Permissions

Obtaining the necessary permits and permissions is mandatory for the Spiti Valley trek. Make sure to acquire the Inner Line Permit (ILP) from the District Administration Office in Reckong Peo or the Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) office in Shimla. Carry a few passport-size photographs and a valid photo ID for the permit application.

Exploring the Enchanting Landscapes: 

As you embark on the Spiti Valley trek, you will be captivated by the ever-changing landscapes that unfold before your eyes. Let’s dive into the mesmerizing beauty that awaits you at each step of the journey.

Village Hopping: A Glimpse into Local Life

The trek takes you through several remote villages, each with its unique charm and cultural heritage. From the quaint mud-brick houses of Langza to the ancient monastery of Dhankar, these villages offer a glimpse into the traditional Himalayan way of life.

Majestic Monasteries: A Spiritual Journey

Spiti Valley is renowned for its ancient monasteries, perched precariously on rocky cliffs. These monasteries, such as Key Monastery and Tabo Monastery, are not only architectural marvels but also sacred spaces of spirituality and meditation.

Chandratal Lake: The Jewel of Spiti

One of the highlights of the Spiti Valley trek is the enchanting Chandratal Lake. Nestled at an altitude of 14,100 feet, this crescent-shaped lake is surrounded by snow-capped mountains, offering a breathtaking sight that will leave you spellbound.

Overcoming Challenges Along the Way

While the Spiti Valley trek promises incredible beauty, it also presents a set of challenges that require careful planning and preparation. Let’s explore some of the obstacles you may encounter and how to overcome them.

High Altitude and Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS)

As you ascend to higher altitudes, the air becomes thinner, and the risk of AMS increases. It is essential to acclimatize properly, stay hydrated, and listen to your body’s signals. If you experience symptoms such as headache, nausea, or dizziness, descend to a lower altitude immediately.

Harsh Weather Conditions

Spiti Valley experiences extreme weather conditions, with temperatures dropping well below freezing point. Be prepared for sudden weather changes and carry adequate warm clothing and gear to protect yourself from the cold.

Remote and Limited Facilities

Spiti Valley is a remote region with limited facilities. It is crucial to carry all necessary supplies, including food, water, and medications, as there may not be many options for resupply along the trek.

What is the Best spiti valley trek route ?

The Spiti Valley trek offers a thrilling adventure through the rugged landscapes and picturesque trails of the Himalayas. As you embark on this remarkable journey, it is essential to have a good understanding of the trek route to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience. In this section, we will explore the popular route options for the Spiti Valley trek.

Manali to Spiti Valley Route:

The Manali to Spiti Valley route is one of the most popular and scenic routes for the trek. This route takes you through the famous Rohtang Pass, which offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains. From Manali, you will travel to Kaza, the headquarters of Spiti Valley, passing through beautiful villages like Batal, Losar, and Kunzum La. The trek provides an opportunity to explore the remote and picturesque landscapes of Spiti Valley.

Shimla to Spiti Valley Route:

Another popular route for the Spiti Valley trek is the Shimla to Spiti Valley route. This route takes you through the lush green valleys of Kinnaur before entering the arid landscapes of Spiti Valley. From Shimla, you will travel to Reckong Peo, the district headquarters of Kinnaur, and then proceed towards Nako, Tabo, and finally reach Kaza. This route offers a unique blend of natural beauty, cultural heritage, and challenging terrains.

Spiti to Pin Valley Route:

For those seeking an extended trekking experience, the Spiti to Pin Valley route is an excellent option. This route takes you from Kaza to Mudh, the starting point of the Pin Valley trek. The Pin Valley is known for its stunning landscapes, high-altitude meadows, and the chance to spot the elusive snow leopard. The trek through Pin Valley offers a different perspective of the region, with its unique flora, fauna, and awe-inspiring vistas.

Circular Route: Kaza to Kaza

For trekkers looking for a circular route, starting and ending at Kaza, the Kaza to Kaza route is a fantastic choice. This route allows you to explore the highlights of Spiti Valley, including the ancient monasteries, remote villages, and captivating landscapes. The circular route takes you through picturesque villages like Langza, Komic, and Hikkim, offering an immersive cultural experience along with the natural beauty of the region.

Spiti valley trek from Ahmedabad :

Embarking on the Spiti Valley trek from Ahmedabad is an exciting endeavor that takes you on a memorable journey through the stunning landscapes of the Himalayas. While Ahmedabad is located in the western part of India, the trek to Spiti Valley requires careful planning and consideration. In this section, we will explore the possible routes and travel options for undertaking the Spiti Valley trek from Ahmedabad.

The quickest way to reach Spiti Valley from Ahmedabad is by air. You can take a flight from Ahmedabad to Chandigarh or Shimla, which are the nearest airports to Spiti Valley. From there, you can hire a private cab or take a shared taxi to reach Reckong Peo, the gateway to Spiti Valley. The journey from Chandigarh or Shimla to Reckong Peo takes approximately 8-10 hours, depending on the road conditions.

If you prefer a train journey, you can take a train from Ahmedabad to Chandigarh or Shimla. From Chandigarh or Shimla, you can follow the same route as mentioned above, either by hiring a private cab or taking a shared taxi to Reckong Peo. The train journey from Ahmedabad to Chandigarh or Shimla takes approximately 16-20 hours, depending on the train schedule and connections.

For those who enjoy road trips and prefer the flexibility of traveling at their own pace, undertaking the Spiti Valley trek from Ahmedabad by road is a great option. The road distance between Ahmedabad and Spiti Valley is approximately 1,100 kilometers, and the journey takes around 25-30 hours, depending on the route and road conditions.

Route 1: Ahmedabad – Manali – Spiti Valley

One of the popular routes is to travel from Ahmedabad to Manali by road and then proceed to Spiti Valley. From Manali, you can follow the Manali to Spiti Valley route, as mentioned in the previous section. This route takes you through scenic landscapes, including the famous Rohtang Pass, and offers a thrilling adventure before reaching Spiti Valley.

Route 2: Ahmedabad – Shimla – Spiti Valley

Another option is to travel from Ahmedabad to Shimla by road and then proceed towards Spiti Valley. From Shimla, you can follow the Shimla to Spiti Valley route, as mentioned earlier. This route takes you through the picturesque valleys of Kinnaur before entering the captivating landscapes of Spiti Valley.

Embarking on the Spiti Valley trek from Ahmedabad is an adventure of a lifetime. Whether you choose to travel by air, train, or road, the journey offers breathtaking landscapes, ancient monasteries, and a chance to immerse yourself in the rich cultural heritage of the region.

Conclusion: 

The Spiti Valley trek is a journey of a lifetime, offering an extraordinary blend of natural beauty, cultural heritage, and adventure. From the majestic monasteries to the serene landscapes, every step of the trek is filled with wonder and awe. So, pack your bags, lace up your boots, and get ready to immerse yourself in the mystical charm of the Himalayas with the Spiti Valley trek.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1: how long is the spiti valley trek distance .

The Spiti Valley trek typically takes around 8-10 days to complete, depending on the chosen route and weather conditions.

2: Is previous trekking experience required for the Spiti Valley trek?

While previous trekking experience is not mandatory, it is recommended to have some prior trekking experience, especially in high-altitude regions, to better understand the challenges and requirements of the trek.

3: What is the best time for spiti valley trek ?

The best time to embark on the Spiti Valley trek is during the summer months, from June to September when the weather is relatively pleasant and the trails are accessible. However, it is advisable to check the weather conditions before planning your trek.

4: Are there any age restrictions for the Spiti Valley trek?

There are no specific age restrictions for the Spiti Valley trek. However, due to the high altitude and challenging terrain, it is recommended for trekkers to be physically fit and in good health.

5: Are there accommodation options available along the trek?

During the trek , you will mostly stay in basic guesthouses or homestays in the villages. Camping is also a popular option, allowing you to experience the true wilderness of the region.

6: Is it safe to trek alone in Spiti Valley?

While it is possible to trek alone in Spiti Valley, it is always advisable to trek with a knowledgeable guide or in a group for safety reasons. They can provide guidance, support, and assistance in case of any emergencies.

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Spiti Valley Itinerary – The Perfect Detailed Guide

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links. I earn from any qualifying purchases, at no additional cost to you.

Spiti Valley is a cold desert in the remote parts of Himachal Pradesh. While Himachal is known for it's greenery, you won't find much of it in Spiti. However you'll see lots of stunning landscapes and extraordinary monasteries. This Spiti Valley itinerary focuses on the practical aspects of travelling to Spiti from Delhi. You'll find the information for planning a trip to Spiti Valley along with the perfect Spiti Valley itinerary for 8 days that covers all major attractions.

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Table of Contents

Spiti Valley Itinerary for 8 Days

Let's be honest. Spiti, being a remote relatively unexplored land, has many unknowns. It's quite possible that you've done a whole lot of research into your Spiti Valley trip. You've gone through many websites and there is just so much to think of. Are you flustered yet? I know I was. Planning a trip to Spiti wasn't easy. While I did leave some things to chance and spontaneity, I did my research beforehand as well. That's why I've put together everything I know about Spiti in this handy little Spiti Valley itinerary for 8 days. So read on and thank me later. If you have any questions, feel free to drop a comment or send me a message on instagram (@ thespicyjourney ).

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Best Time to Visit Spiti Valley

How to reach spiti valley, shimla to spiti valley, manali to spiti valley, delhi to spiti valley, spiti valley tour cost, what to pack for spiti valley.

• Avoiding AMS during Spiti Valley trip

Renting Bikes in Kaza for a Spiti Valley Bike Trip

Spiti valley hotels, important tips for planning a spiti valley trip.

• April to June : This is the best time of the year to visit Spiti Valley . The snow has melted away and summer is just around the corner. You'll meet lots of travellers and bikers around this time.
• July to August : While it doesn't rain in Spiti Valley, it's the monsoon season in Himachal Pradesh due to which there will be frequent landslides and chances of flood in nearby places. It's best to avoid travelling during this season.
• September to October : September is a good time to visit Spiti Valley. There's no rain or snow and lesser number of people as compared to the summer season. Keep in mind though that it may start snowing anytime in October in Spiti. The road between Manali and Kaza closes when it snows so you'll have to travel via Shimla. The road between Shimla and Kaza is always open.
• November-March : These are the winter months in Spiti Valley. There will be lots of snow, the road from Manali to Kaza will be closed and there will be very few people in sight. If you're one who enjoys a challenge, you can travel to Spiti during this time.

There are two ways of entering Spiti Valley - via Shimla and via Manali. Take a look at the pros and cons of travelling to Spiti from each of these places:

This is a longer route as compared to Manali but it's open throughout the year . Moreover, the plus side is that you can visit Kinnaur valley along the way while coming from Shimla. Kalpa and Chitkul, particularly, are two places that cannot be missed. The biggest plus point for me was that when you take a trip to Spiti Valley via Shimla, you gradually climb higher. Shimla is at a height of 2276 m above sea level, Kalpa at 2960 m, Chitkul at 3480 m and finally Kaza (in Spiti) at 3800 m. Climbing to a high elevation suddenly can give you AMS (Acute Mountain Sickness) but travelling to Spiti from Shimla can help avoid it.

Must Read: Things to do in Shimla - Complete Guide

The route from Manali to Kaza is a shorter one compared to the one via Shimla however the road condition is terrible . In fact, at most stretches there aren't even roads. There are just rocks and lots of water crossings as well. There are two passes on the way - Rohtang pass and Kunzum pass which close the moment it snows . Thus you have to keep a check on the weather conditions. Another negative of this route is the problem of AMS . You will be going from 2050 m to 3800 m in a matter of 10 hours. This can be a problem for some people. If you stop at Chandrataal, you'll be at 4250 m. A lot of people come down with AMS on climbing to this height from Manali. Make sure your bike or car is in good working condition and that you are fully prepared for the crazy but beautiful road from Manali to Spiti Valley .

It's most likely that you'll be starting your journey to Spiti Valley from Delhi. You have two options before you - to either go to Shimla or Manali. There are overnight buses to both these cities. Shimla even has a railway station and an airport. If you have very little time, take an overnight bus from Delhi to Manali and cover Spiti. However, if you want to do a proper trip with 7-10 days in hand, do the Delhi to Spiti valley stretch via Shimla. The route you will be taking is Delhi-Shimla-Kinnaur-Spiti-Manali-Delhi . This is the best way to cover the best spots and enjoy a wholesome trip to Spiti valley.

The cost of a Spiti Valley tour mainly depends on two factors - the kind of accommodation you book and the means of transport. If you desire on making a budget trip to Spiti Valley then book hostels and home-stays rather than hotels. Furthermore, use the cheaper means of getting around such as local buses or even hitchhike. State run buses run through Himachal and can be used to reach Spiti Valley. In fact, there are buses within the popular places in Spiti Valley as well. Hitchhiking is another popular means of getting around Spiti Valley. Since there are many bikers who visit Spiti, it's common to hitch a ride with them. Doing all this will help you make a budget trip to Spiti.

What to pack for Spiti valley generally depends on the time of the year that you visit Spiti. If you're doing Spiti in April, there might be a little cold since the snow has just melted. You'll need a sweater and a light jacket. From May to August, regular t-shirts will be just fine. September might get a little cold so once again, carry a sweater and jacket. Whereas, if you're travelling to Spiti Valley in winter between October and March, be prepared for snow.

Keep in mind that Spiti is a cold desert. The terrain is harsh and there's a lot of dust in the air. Keep yourself covered by wearing full sleeved clothes and jeans or pants down to the ankle . Carry a face mask or buy one at a local shop. It's also advisable to carry some dry snacks in case your vehicle breaks down at the Manali-Kaza stretch or you face a landslide on the Shimla-Kaza stretch.

Avoiding AMS during Spiti Valley Trip

AMS or Acute Mountain Sickness occurs when you reach a high altitude (typically around 4000 meter) suddenly over a short span of time. This happens when you travel from a low altitude to a high one in one day. Ideally, you should gain altitude over a span of 2-3 days . This is the reason I suggest travelling to Spiti from Shimla. Some of the signs and symptoms of AMS are headache, dizziness, vomiting and diarrhoea. You can avoid AMS by taking tablets before hand . However, if you don't do that and experience AMS, there are a few solutions to help curb your problems. Keep yourself hydrated . This is the most important thing to do in Spiti - AMS or not. Keep drinking water. Drink the local seabuckthorne juice and garlic soup as well. If you don't feel well even after 12 hours, you need to get down to a lower altitude immediately and see a doctor.

Once you reach Kaza, there are 3 ways of getting around Spiti - hire a taxi cab, rent bikes or use local transport. The buses within Spiti are very few and the timings are inconvenient for sightseeing. Therefore I suggest either hiring a cab or renting bikes. You can find a range of bikes and even a scooty in Kaza. Make sure you rent one the moment you reach Kaza since this is a popular option and bikes tend to get sold out. Me and a friend rented a Royal Enfield Himalayan from the Himalayan Cafe. The price of bikes ranges from INR 1400 to 2000 depending on the type bike. A scooty will cost you around INR 700. Do note that there is only one petrol pump in Spiti which is at Kaza itself.

This itinerary assumes that you are taking the route from Shimla and Kinnaur . You can take a look at the Kinnaur Valley itinerary where all local sightseeing places and transport options are mentioned. This Spiti valley itinerary will start from Kinnaur and end in Delhi via Manali .

Day 1 - Reckong Peo to Kaza

How to reach kaza from delhi and reckong peo.

In order to reach Spiti from the Delhi-Shimla-Reckong Peo-Nako route, you need to reach Reckong Peo first. There's a direct bus from Delhi to Reckong Peo which is run by the Himachal state transport corporation. since this journey can be long and tiring, you can even break your journey at Shimla, like I did. Take an overnight bus from Delhi to Shimla then take another bus from Shimla to Reckong Peo the same morning or the next morning.

Next, you can either roam around Kinnaur Valley or head straight to Spiti Valley i.e. Kaza.

Whether you're coming from Reckong Peo or Nako in Kinnaur, you can take the same bus that leaves Reckong Peo at 5 am for Kaza . This bus goes to Kaza via Nako and reaches in around 10 hours.

Must Read: Delhi Travel Guide

How to Reach Kaza from Manali

While I personally don't recommend starting your Spiti trip from Manali, if that's how you're going to do it, you need to keep certain things in mind. Firstly, be prepared to avoid AMS. Keep yourself hydrated and take a tablet as a preventive measure. Secondly, choosing the right mode of transport is very important. Don't take the Himachal state run buses (which I highly recommend on any other route) because this route is treacherous and the chances of getting stuck somewhere are high. Due to this reason, I suggest booking a seat in a ride-sharing jeep or mini bus. This ensures comfort and speed even though it costs more than a bus ride. Just ask around the Manali bus stand for jeeps to Kaza and book a seat one day in advance.

Where to Stay in Kaza

The view from a private room in Zostel Kaza

There's no shortage of hotels in Kaza. Since it's the capital of Spiti, Kaza has lots of hotels, home-stays, and hostels. I stayed at Zostel Kaza aka Zostel Spiti. It's located close to the market as well as the bus stand. Moreover, it's a big property with lots of open space and incredible views of the river and landscape. I stayed here throughout my trip to Spiti valley. They have dorm rooms, comfortable private rooms, alpine tents and regular tents. The staff was really helpful and I couldn't recommend this place enough!

Check availability at Zostel Kaza on Booking.com

Day 2 - Chicham, Kibber, Key

Start your first day of local sightseeing in Spiti on bike (or scooty or cab or hitchhiking) by visiting some close-by places.

Chicham Bridge

How would you like to be standing on Asia's highest bridge ? That's Chicham bridge for you. Chicham bridge in Spiti Valley is a small yet hauntingly beautiful bridge located less than an hour's ride from Kaza. The road to get here is pretty good by Spiti standards and the landscape is so stunning. Reach here early in the morning before 9 am to beat the crowds and get a picture of the empty bridge.

Kibber is a charming little village near Chicham and Kee. The terrain here is unbelievable. Once you get over how beautiful that is, you'll be stuck admiring the beauty of the village. Each house has the same whitewashed walls with a maroon roof and the same blue and white pattern on it. Once you have visited Chicham, Kibber and Kee, you can either spend the night at the basic rooms in Kee Monastery or stay at Kibber itself. There's a ZostelX property here with great views.

Kee Monastery (Ki Monastery)

Kee Monastery (also spelled as Ki Monastery) is one of the most marvellous works of mankind that I have ever seen. While you ride from Kaza towards Kee, you'll see the monastery looming at a distance. Just watching it from far will give you goosebumps. The monastery is almost 800 years old and still standing strong. You can walk around, sit in the prayer hall and talk to the monks about the history of Kee monastery. You can wrap up for the day either by staying at Kee or Kibber. I suggest staying the night at one of these places because Langza, Hikkim and Komic (which you will visit the next) are at a higher altitude. You need one more day to get acclimated in order to avoid AMS.

Day 3 - Langza, Hikkim, Komic

From Kee or Kibber, make your way to Langza. You'll have to take the road to Kaza and find the diversion for Langza which is just before the Kaza city limits while coming from the Kee/ Kibber side.

Langza is a high-altitude village with views to die for! The scanty little village is identified by the massive Buddha statue at the top. You'll notice this statue as the backdrop for many night photographs. While a lot of people choose to stay at Langza, I found Komic village (descibed below) to be much more beautiful and decided to spend the night there.

Hikkim is a place that must be on your Spiti valley itinerary because it's home to the world's highest post office at 4440 meter. You can buy postcards from the old man selling them on the road when you reach Hikkim or from the cafe/ store right opposite the post office. Keep in mind there's no connectivity here so make sure you get the addresses of your loved ones beforehand. Sending postcards from the world's highest post office in Hikkim is truly a unique and fulfilling experience!

Komic is a remote high-altitude village in Spiti. The Tangyud monastery is the predominant landmark here. This beautiful monastery can be found at the highest point in Komic village. There's a cafe called Spiti Organic Cafe located near the monastery that serves delicious local food. Try the Spiti shahi thali at this cafe if you're looking for authentic local food make from locally grown ingredients in Spiti. You can spend the night at the Not On Maps property which is located right above this cafe.

Check availability at Not On Maps Komic on Booking.com

Must Read: Places to Visit in Dharamshala and McLeodganj

Day 4 - Dhankar and Tabo

There's a direct road which will take you from Komic to Dhankar without having to go via Kaza. This route will also take you through small relatively lesser known villages.

Dhankar is one of the most extraordinary places I've seen during my Spiti trip. This unbelievable village is perched high on a cliff. It makes you marvel at ancient architectural practices of building homes and monastery by placing them within mountains. In Dhankar, you can visit the Dhankar Gompa , the old monastery and hike to the Dhankar lake . The lake is at a higher altitude than Dhankar village. While I didn't do the hike myself, I was told it's a relatively easy one.

Take the road that goes down from Dhankar to Sichling. It's one of the best stretches of road in all of Spiti. From Sichling, ride for over an hour to reach Tabo. Tabo is one of the places that people either love or dislike - there's no in-between. I, myself, absolutely loved this place. In Tabo you'll find the Kalchakra Stupa with a phenomenal backdrop of barren mountains. There are two monasteries in the same complex - the new and old Tabo monastery . While the new monastery is beautiful, the old monastery is breathtakingly serene and peaceful. With intricate hand-painted walls and a delicate structure, it immediately became my all-time favourite monastery. You'll easily find lots of hotels and home-stays near Tabo monastery to spend the night.

Day 5 - Pin Valley

Now coming to the most striking places in all of Spiti. I met a lot of travellers who skipped Pin valley during their Spiti trip but I urge you to include this place in your Spiti valley itinerary. Now, I didn't get good enough pictures of Pin Valley due to the direction of the sun while we rode here in the evening but I assure you it's the most divine place in all of Spiti. While we were riding to Pin valley, both me and my friend agreed at some parts that it felt like we were in Scotland. Whereas at some other stretches, there were grassy mountains on one side, a river flowing down and a long empty stretch of road ahead of us. Nothing can describle the feeling of being there in that moment.

Mudh Village - Pin Valley

We rode right to Mudh village in Pin valley. The sun had almost set by the time we reached here. There are around 8-10 hotels and home stays on the main road of the village. Some of the good ones we saw were Tara Guest House and Pin Parvati Guest House . Due to lack of availability, we ended up at another home stay just between these two. The stays in this village are very basic and almost all of them have a shared washroom only. So be prepared accordingly. Coming to food, the restaurant at Tara guest house had phenomenal food. We had both dinner and breakfast here itself.

Day 6 - Kaza

Spend your last day at Spiti valley by coming back to Kaza, doing local sightseeing and shopping for souvenirs. The Kaza monastery is an impressive structure that can be seen even from far away. Don't miss out on visiting this one. Next, go to the market near the bus stand where you'll find lots of shops selling flags, key-chains, stickers, fridge magnets and the likes. You can take these back home for friends and family.

Buying Tickets : Kaza to Manali

There are 4 ways of going from Kaza to Manali - hired cab, traveller bus, shared taxi and government bus. Obviously having your own taxi is convenient but it's not cost-effective. Taking a bus is the cheapest option but it can be an exhausting journey that starts way too early in the morning. On the other hand, the shared taxi can get quite crammed up. The best option that I found to go from Kaza to Manali was those little tempo-traveller buses. You get comfortable seats and the cost is quite decent. You can find booking counters near the Kaza bus stand. Come here one day prior to your journey to make a booking.

Day 7 - Manali

You'll start your journey from Kaza at 6 in the morning and reach Manali in 10-12 hours depending on the road conditions. Spend a night (or more) rejuvenating and enjoying getting  back cellular connectivity in Manali! I based myself in Old Manali for a few days, staying at Zostel Manali and Alt Life Manali, enjoying the Old Manali vibes. Take a look at this complete Manali travel guide that I've put together based on my 2 visits to Manali.

Check availability at Zostel Old Manali on Booking.com

Day 8 - Delhi

Once you've explored Manali, take an overnight bus to Delhi. You'll find government as well as private buses plying from Manali to Delhi. I took a CabIndia Volvo semi-sleeper AC bus. They provided a blanket in the bus and the journey went quite smoothly.

Must Read: Top 8 Instagrammable Spots in Delhi

During your Spiti Valley trip, Kaza will be your base. From Kaza, you will either be taking day trips of spending a night at father places. In any case, Kaza is the capital of Spiti which has plenty of hotels, home-stays and hostels. Moreover, the only petrol pump in Spiti is located in Kaza itself. During my trip to Spiti Valley, I stayed in Zostel Kaza and moved around Spiti from there. In most other places in Spiti, you'll find family-run home-stays which are not available online. When you reach a place, ask around, see a home-stay for yourself and stay there.

Even after you've planned the perfect Spiti Valley itinerary for 8 days or any number of days and you've read the best Spiti Valley guides, you still need to be prepared. Spit Valley is unlike any other place I've seen before. The landscape and the weather conditions can be unforgiving at times. For this reason, take a look at some of the important tips for planning a Spiti Valley trip:

• Keep buffer days . No matter what the season is - winter, monsoon or just after monsoon, there's always a chance of roads being closed. The Manali-Kaza route is notoriously infamous for it's bad conditions. If even one vehicle breaks down or gets stuck, every vehicle behind it gets stuck. Chances of landslides are also very high For this reason, always keep atleast 1 buffer day in case you get stuck on some road.
• Carry water and snacks . Coming back to the previous point, since there's always a chance of getting stuck somewhere, be prepared for this scenario by always carrying water and light snacks such as chocolates, snack bars or biscuits with you.
• Don't litter . While this is a general advice that should be taken no matter where you go, Spiti, in particular, is a remote place where managing waste is extremely difficult. It's crucial for visitors to realise this and do their best to prevent littering.
• Carry your own water bottle . To avoid generating plastic waste during your Spiti Valley trip, carry your own water bottle and keep refilling it as you go.
• Stay hydrated and avoid alcohol . One of the ways to prevent getting affected by AMS (Acute Mountain Sickness) is to keep yourself hydrated by drinking water at regular intervals. Moreover, refraining from drinking alcohol will prevent dehydration thus reducing the chances of getting inflicted by AMS.

Did You Enjoy this Spiti Valley Itinerary for 8 Days?

Did you enjoy reading this article detailing a Spiti Valley itinerary for 8 days? If yes, take a look at my other articles on Himachal Pradesh . Also, make sure you follow me on my social media handles ( Instagram , Facebook , Pinterest ) to stay up to date with information on more such hot places.

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Thanks for sharing this article! Very informative!

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11 Places To Visit In Spiti After Your Trek

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Category Travel Tips

By Aswati Anand

W ind-carved mountains, whitewashed settlements, patches of green on an arid terrain and confounding moonscapes to offer, it is difficult to disagree with Kipling. To have our treks either start ( Kanamo Peak ) or end ( Hampta Pass , Pin Bhaba Pass ) in these surreal landscapes of Spiti Valley is just a cherry on top of the trek experience.

The moment you hit Kunzum La pass (known as the Gateway to Spiti), with fluttering of prayer flags in the high winds to greet you, you know you have entered a completely different world. You can see Bara Shigri – the second longest glacier in Himalayas and Chandra Bhaga mountain from the Pass.  As you descend from the Pass, the Himalayas show you a completely different face. The untouched culture is a product of this region’s seclusion, cut off by snow at least 7 months of the year.

We have listed out our favourite experiences in the Spiti Valley region of Himachal Pradesh here:  

Crystal clear water at Chandratal. Picture by Rekha

Distance from Manali: 128 km

The Pangong Tso of Spiti! This stunning crescent lake is included in our Hampta Pass itinerary and is a must-do! Not only that, if you are trekking anywhere near Manali, perhaps the Bhrigu Lake or Pin Bhaba trek, you can easily add another day to your itinerary and visit this gorgeous lake. 

Spiti Valley is a world apart from anything you have seen. The drive to Kaza feels like you are going through the Grand Canyon. PC: Sachin Jha.

Distance from Manali: 200 km

This is where our Pin Parvati and Kanamo trekkers go to on their Day 1. Kaza is the capital and the largest settlement of Spiti region, sitting on the floodplain of Spiti river .  This is also your last place with an ATM and petrol bunk. Being the largest settlement in Spiti Valley , it is well-equipped to meet needs of travellers.  If you are trekking in months of July/August, you may able to catch the Ladarcha Fair . Originally it was a conference of traders from Kullu, Ladakh, Lahaul, Kinnaur to barter goods in Kibber Maidan, until the trade routes with Tibet closed. Now, the Fair is held in Kaza and is a shopping paradise.

Key monastery

Key Monastery, Spiti. Picture by Sudheer Hegde

Distance from Kaza: 15 km

Key is the largest monastery in the  Spiti Valley region and possibly one of the oldest in the region. Perched on a hilltop, boxes of buildings stacked on top of each other, with Spiti river breaking the desert valley, this monastery is quite a sight! If you are lucky, you will get a tour from a friendly monk (and a helping of herbal tea!) and even get to go through old manuscripts. Our Kanamo trekkers are lucky this monastery is part of the itinerary, and they get to stay here overnight!

Look up monastery festivals before you go, you might be able to witness the Cham Dance !

Look at the way these villages are! Built on slopes of the mountain so they don’t lose an inch of farming land in this arid region. Seeing the harsh conditions people live in here, it is amazing how people here are perennially cheerful and unaffected. PC: Sachin Jha

Distance from Kaza: 19 km

Here’s where our Kanamo Peak trek starts. Kibber, dubiously claimed as the “ highest village in the world ” before Komic stole its glory, is a beautiful village with whitewashed houses made of mud and stone. The farmlands of peas and barley add striking colour to the desert landscape. The area is under Kibber Wildlife Sanctuary where you can spot elusive snow leopards (these animals only come down from the mountains in winter), Himalayan wolf, ibex, blue sheep and red fox.

The bridge connecting Kibber to Chicham. Picture by Satyen Dasgupta

A small village on the other side of the river from Kibber. Earlier, the means of commute between Kibber and Chicham village was trolley ride between the gorges. The trolley will have you looking at almost a  150 metre drop , with sparkling blue river snaking its way below! 

Thankfully, there’s now a full-fledged bridge across the river to reach Chicham!

The postcards from here are a thing to treasure! Picture by Satyen Dasgupta

Hikkim village, sitting in a bowl in a mountain, has the distinction of having the world’s highest post offic e and also be named as world’s highest polling station . It is not everyday you get to send postcards from the highest post office in the world!

The Golden Buddha at Langza, deemed to be a 1000 years old. Picture by Satyen Dasgupta

Distance from Kaza: 14 km

Behind Hikkim is Langza- a geologist’s paradise ! Millions of years ago, Spiti was under Tethys sea . There are innumerable fossils of sea creatures and plants to be found under rocks, or in the higher reaches of the mountains. With grand views of Chau Chau Kang Nilda peak, the village is one of the most beautiful villages in Spiti. Langza also has a large, golden Buddha statue  which is said to be over a 1,000 years old.

Komic, a small village around 18 km from Kaza. Picture by Satyen Dasgupta

Distance from Kaza: 18 km

Komic is a small village that houses around 10-15 families. It also has a monastery that houses around 50 lamas. It is known to be one of the highest motorable villages in the world.

Right above the monastery is this hidden gem of a lake.  PC: Sabyasachi Chatterjee

Distance from Kaza: 34 kms

Dhankar (“ Fort on Cliff ”) used to be capital of Spiti during the 17th century- now it is just a tiny village . The buildings in the village is built in a way that it almost seems share their back wall with mountain. The Dhankar Monastery is listed as one of the 100 most endangered sites in the world . It is not hard to see why. The monastery, wedged between eroded rock pinnacles,  overlooking the confluence of Spiti and Pin river, is at a site vulnerable to soil and wind erosion. The setting of the monastery, however, is incredibly dramatic! You can even hike up to Dhankar Lake above the monastery.

South of Dhankar Gompa , starts Pin Valley National Park , the only cold desert National Park in Himachal- where Pin Parvati begins and Pin Bhaba ends.

Once you have completed Rupin Pass , if you wish to visit Spiti- you can take the Hindustan Tibet road .This road, bored through a cliff and full of hairpin turns- though scenic- is also one of the most treacherous highways in the world. You start following the Spiti river a little before Sumdo and Tabo falls right after.

Distance from Sangla: 160 kms

G ue is a diversion between Sumdo and Tabo .  Gue, a village straddling a trade route between India and Tibet , houses a 500 year old, remarkably well-preserved mummy in a glass chamber. The monk- said to be Sangha Tenzin underwent natural mummification and was found by villagers in 1975 when earthquake struck the region. The village is controlled by ITBP because of its proximity to Indo-China border .

Distance from Kaza: 48 kms

This is a world heritage site and Dalai Lama’s favourite place ! Tabo monastery is known as the “ Ajanta of Himalayas ”  because of its fresco and stucco paintings. It is one of the few monasteries which is integrated in the valley with the village as opposed to being perched on a hill overlooking the village. The mountains also have meditation caves for lamas.

Tabo and Gue come right after you enter Spiti from Hindustan-Tibet Road that goes through Kinnaur.

Have we missed any mention worthy regions in the Spiti Valley? Write to us in comments and we’ll add them in this article and you’ll be given due credit!

What you should do now.

1. If you’d like to go on a trek in Spiti or Lahaul, check out the Pin Bhaba , Kanamo Peak or Hampta Pass treks .

2. If you ended up here by chance and were actually looking for treks to do:  Then head over to  our upcoming treks page . You’ll find all our Himalayan treks there.

3. If you want to work with us:  Head over to  our careers page . We have lots of positions open. We also have lots of applications coming in. So the sooner you apply, the better.

Aswati Anand

About the author

Aswati Anand is a journalist in love with the Himalayas. She is interested in stories of resilience from difficult terrains and sustainable living. When not mooning over the mountains, she can be seen doodling in her sketchbook.

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Spiti valley Road Trip – The Complete & Ultimate Travel Guide

Himachal Pradesh

Last Updated on: Nov 18, 2023  

About the Blog: Spiti Valley needs no introduction in the Indian traveling circuit. With its mountains, monasteries and eccentric landscape, Spiti Valley is simply stunning. And it is a perfect place for adventurous souls. With this Spiti Valley travel guide and blog, we have tried to give you as much information about the place we could. Read it to know about the places to visit in Spiti valley and other important information that will help you plan your Spiti valley Road Trip. 

A Spiti Valley road trip or bike trip is actually a dream. The landscape changes as you travel from one region to the other, the monasteries loom in the horizon, there are rivers to cross and the stark barrenness of the land will leave you with nothing but wonder.

We had been planning our Spiti Valley road trip for a long time. The first time we visited Ladakh , I knew that I had to visit Spiti. Well, the trip happened only a few days back, but it was worth the wait.

So, if you are planning for a Spiti Valley road trip and are a bit clueless about what to do, you are in the right place. This travel guide will try to answer your most common queries about Spiti Valley and some more. Hope this helps you plan a perfect trip to Spiti Valley.

Spiti Valley You Tube Video

Oh! We have an entire series on Spiti Valley on our YouTube channel . Please have a look at that!

Spiti Valley – The Middle Land

Spiti Valley is located in the northeastern corner of Himachal Pradesh in the district of Lahaul and Spiti. The region borders Tibet in the east, Ladakh in the north, Chamba and Kullu in the west and Kinnaur Valley in the south.

For the uninitiated, Spiti and Lahaul are two distinct regions (though they are part of the Lahaul and Spiti district). Lahaul is another region centered around the town of Keylong located to the west of Spiti. As for Spiti, Kaza is the most important town of the region.

Spiti is a cold desert. Located at an altitude of between 3000 to 4600 meters, Spiti Valley is cold and barren with a beautiful and unique landscape.

Spiti Valley is also known as the Middle land. In essence, the valley of Spiti is actually a continuation of the Tibetan Plateau. Spiti is topographically and culturally similar to Ladakh in India and the Tibetan Autonomous region. Historically, the area had been a border area. The name, in Tibetan, also means “the middle land” – a place between India and Tibet.

How to Reach Spiti Valley?

Spiti Valley can be reached in two ways. One is from Shimla along the Hindustan-Tibet Highway that passes through Kinnaur Valley. Kinnaur in itself is a gorgeous destination that needs more time to explore.

You can also reach Spiti from Manali via Rohtang Pass or Atal Tunnel and Kunzum Pass. During peak season during the summer, tourists usually do a circular route starting from Shimla and exiting through Manali or vice versa. If you are planning to do a circular trip, then we recommend you enter from Shimla and exit through Manali. This helps you to acclimatize better to the increasing altitude.

Nearest Airport

The nearest airport to Spiti Valley is Bhuntar Airport in Shimla. The closest international airport is Chandigarh. Kaza is about 250 km from Bhuntar and 500 km from Chandigarh. From here, you have to get a bus or hire a car to reach Spiti Valley.

Nearest Railway Station

The nearest major railway station is Kalka Station. You can also take the mountain railways from Kalka to Shimla. From there you can either hire a car or take a bus.

Spiti Valley by Road

Whether you arrive by flight or train, the majority of your journey needs to be done on the road. For your Spiti Valley road trip, you can either hire a car with a driver or drive in your own car. You can also explore Spiti Valley on your bike. This trip is a favourite among bikers and as adventurous as a bike trip in Ladakh.

Spiti Valley from Shimla

The route from Shimla to Spiti is the longer one and requires at least a night stop at Narkanda or Kalpa or Reckong Peo before entering Spiti Valley. This road is better and is open all through the year and you can visit Spiti during the winters through this road. Having said that, it is usual to have landslides and land blocks in this route also during the monsoon season.

The route to Spiti Valley from Shimla passes through the Hindustan-Tibet Highway. This route has its own beauty. The landscape changes as you travel from one region to the other. You will see the difference in vegetation as you cross Shimla Valley to Kinnaur Valley. The difference in landscape and culture will be quite stark as you enter Spiti Valley from Kinnaur. So if you have time in hand, this route is worthwhile to take.

Spiti Valley from Manali

This is the shorter route and you can reach from Manali to Kaza in one day. However, the roads are quite bad. After crossing Gramphu until you reach Losar, the roads are merely dirt tracks and you will be off-roading for the majority of your journey. You might have to cross streams on your way and there can be several roadblocks on the way.

However, these roads are beautiful in their own right. You will cross Kunzum Pass, one of the highest motorable passes in India. The landscape is stark and extremely gorgeous and this journey is going to be a rather impressive adventure.

As this route covers some high-altitude areas, the roads from Manali to Kaza remain open only during the summer, officially between May to September. However, the authorities allow vehicles beyond this time if they see that road conditions are conducive for travel. We took the route from Kaza to Manali in late April.

Spiti Valley on Public transport – the most affordable way to reach Spiti

The most affordable way to reach Spiti and explore the place is with HRTC buses. These buses are limited in number, but reliable and have a fixed timetable. Let me share the timings of a few buses to Kaza as I had gathered during our Spiti Valley road trip.

Shimla to Kaza Bus: 6.30 PM

This bus reached Reckong Peo in the morning. Usually Shimla to Kaza is a long journey and I would recommend to take a night halt at Reckong Peo or Kalpa , stay for a couple of days to enjoy the beauty and Kinnaur valley and then proceed to Kaza.

Reckong Peo to Kaza Bus: 7.00 AM

Kaza to Shimla: 7.30 AM (via Tabo, Nako and Reckong Peo)

Manali to Kaza: 5.00 AM

Shared Vehicles from Manali to Kaza

There are some local cabs and tempo travelers available from Manali to Kaza. Walk around new and old Manali and ask for these tempo travelers. Try to book a day ahead as seats tend to get full. The drivers stop for lunch and breakfast, but they hardly stop for toilet breaks, So be careful with your water intake. Roads are bad, but the drivers are experienced. The price for a seat will cost somewhere around INR 1000-1500.

Self-drive in Spiti Valley

We would recommend you take a car with high ground clearance. Also, if you are taking the Manali route, then try to avoid smaller cars. We had traveled in Innova, but it had got stuck at a stream crossing while reaching Chandratal Lake. We had to walk to the campsite and the car had to be towed out by a Bolero truck.

Also, do this trip only if you are confident in your driving and your car.

Bike trip in Spiti Valley

A bike trip in Spiti is one of the most popular ways to explore the region. During the season, you’ll see many bikers on the road. You can bring in your own bike. Otherwise, bikes can be rented in Manali as well.

Do you need a Permit to Visit Spiti Valley?

There is no permit required for Indian citizens to visit Spiti valley. But foreign tourists require a special area permit to visit the area between Kaza and Reckong Peo.

If you are starting from Manali and want to cross the Rohtang Pass, then you will need a permit. But with the opening of the Atal Tunnel, you can skip the Rohtang Pass and travel via Atal Tunnel and continue your journey towards Kaza.

Protected Area Permit for Foreign Nationals

This is a bit complicated. If a foreign tourist starts from Shimla, they need no permit to visit till Reckong Peo. But beyond that, they would need a permit to visit Nako, Tabo, Gue, Dhankar and Kaza. Refer to the official site for details.

What is the Best time to visit Spiti Valley?

The best time to visit Spiti Valley is between May to September. This is the most popular and peak season for the tourists. However, you can visit Spiti at other times of the year as well. Here is a detailed breakdown of the seasons in Spiti Valley.

April & May

April and May is typically a shoulder season. If you want to visit Spiti valley during April, we recommend the second half of the month.

The roads are accessible and you can reach most of the tourist attractions and villages in Spiti Valley by road in April. It is also the beginning of tourist season and you will see very few tourists during this time. You will also find no problems in finding a place to stay as well. However, the road from Kaza to Manali will be closed during this time.

Historically, the roads to Kaza from Manali via Kunzum Pass open after May 15. But, sometimes BRO allows vehicles to travel through these roads if the weather is good and there is no snow on the roads.

We visited Spiti Valley in the second half of April. We were warned by our driver (who happened to be a fabulous guy) that the roads from Kaza to Manali might be closed and we were prepared to return by Shimla again. Fortunately, on our last day, we came to know that the roads from Kaza to Manali were open and so was Chandratal Lake. We took the road and had one of the best road trip experiences of our life.

Usually HRTC buses between Manali and Kaza are not operational during April and May. You might get shared tempo travelers if the roads are open. Buses from Shimla to Kaza and other buses in that route are operational, though.

June to September (Peak Season)

As mentioned before, this is the best time to visit Spiti Valley in terms of weather and facilities and is also the peak season for tourists. It does not rain much in Spiti Valley and there is no distinct monsoon. It is like the summer season seamlessly merging into the early autumn – something that you will encounter in Ladakh as well.

However, it will be prudent to remember that while Spiti Valley gets less rain, monsoons (July and August) are heavy in other parts of Himachal Pradesh – places that you might have to cross before entering Spiti. There might be heavy rains in Kinnaur Valley and Kullu, often resulting in landslides.

During this time, all the hotels and homestays remain open. HRTC buses are also operational fully, also in Manali to Kaza route. Weather is pleasant in Spiti with bright and sunny mornings perfect for your day activities.

October is another shoulder season, similar to that of April. Cold starts setting in and in the second half of the month the number of tourists decreases considerably. It also starts snowing over the Kunzum Pass after mid-October. So if you are planning a Spiti Valley road trip in October, do so in early October, especially in the first 10 days of the month.

November to March (Winter Spiti)

Spiti is a winter wonderland covered in a blanket of white snow. This has made Spiti Valley a coveted destination in the winters and winter Spiti trips are quite common these days. Apart from the snow covered landscape, winter is also the time to spot snow leopards in the region.

However, you need to remember that Spiti Valley is remote and you are not going to get much facilities here in the winter.  Also, not all of the attractions in Spiti Valley will be accessible to travelers during this time.

Winters, especially December and January, are harsh and cold. Temperature at night falls several degrees below zero. Even days are not much better. You need to be prepared to brave the biting cold of the region.

Quite obviously, you will not be able t o travel the entire circuit during this time. The roads from Kaza to Manali will be closed. Plan a trip in December only if you have a very good driver who can maneuver his way through the snow. If you are self-driving or riding, do so only if you are totally confident in your skills.

Spiti in winters is beautiful, but difficult. Do winter Spiti trips only if you are adventurous enough and are ready to face the challenges on the road.

Where to Stay in Spiti Valley?

Gone are the days when finding an accommodation in Spiti was tough. Now, there are many options of stay in Spiti Valley and around. Most of the expensive hotels and resorts can be found in Kaza, the headquarters of Spiti. Tabo also has a few hotels and guest houses.

Homestays at Spiti Valley

However, if you want to experience village life at Spiti, then stay at a homestay. There are many homestays in the region and you can find them in the villages. You might not have to book ahead for a stay at a homestay in Spiti Valley. In these homestays, you stay with the locals, eat local food and understand their way of life and get an insight into the culture. The costs are generally low and depend on the village and season.

We had stayed at homestays in Dhankar, Mud, Langza and Key village during our Spiti Valley road trip.

Backpackers Hostel

There are backpackers hostels at Kaza and Tabo.

Food at Spiti Valley

Food in Spiti valley is a mix of Tibetan, Nepalese and Himachali cuisine. You will find thukpas , momos, thentuk , mokthuk , chowmein in most of the restaurants and eateries. At the homestays, you might get some authentic Tibetan food.

We found good rajma Chawal at Nako and Tabo. At Dhankar, we ate Tibetan bread and thentuk at our homestay. Kaza had several restaurants serving Tibetan food. There was also a North Indian restaurant at Kaza market that served North Indian thali, samosa and chaats with very good milk tea.

At Mud village, our homestay served us chapati and chicken for dinner and sandwiches and aloo parantha for breakfast. At our homestay in Key village, once again we had thentuk and momos.

Also try the sea buckthorn juice or tea at Spiti Valley. It is amazingly refreshing.

If you are a culinary connoisseur, you will have a gastronomy adventure here for sure.

What to Buy from Spiti Valley

You can buy local woolen items, dry fruits, roasted barley and Buddhist memorabilia like prayer flags and incense sticks. I did not find anything special in Spiti Valley to collect as souvenirs. The only thing that piqued my interest was sea buckthorn juice.

Places to Visit in Spiti Valley

Once we visited Spiti Valley, we were quick to realize that the entire Spiti is a tourist destination. There are so many things to see and explore here. Even the mountain ranges looming in the horizon as you drive through the roads will mesmerize you. At every turn of the road, you will see something new and you will never be tired of clicking pictures. But then you have to start planning your trip somewhere. So here is a list of the most popular places to visit in Spiti Valley.

Kaza is the headquarters of Spiti Valley and is the most important town of the region. The small town has most of the hotels and all the HRTC buses arrive at and leave from Kaza. While Kaza itself is a small town and hardly has much to offer in terms of attractions, it can serve as your base to explore the region. There are numerous hotels, guest houses and homestays available in Kaza. There are a couple of backpackers hostels as well. It is perhaps the only place in Spiti Valley where you will get good wifi in some of the hotels.

So you can stay at Kaza, get fuel for your car from the world’s highest fuel station and explore the rest of Spiti Valley.

Tabo is a beautiful place. It is the first major village that you will come across in Spiti valley if you are coming from Shimla.

Tabo is also known as the “Ajanta of Himalayas” because of the ancient Tabo Monastery and the age-old murals that it houses. Tabo Monastery was built sometime in 996 CE. The monastery is located within the village and not on a hilltop. This was a distinguishing feature of the early period monasteries built before 1300 AD. Similar examples can be seen in Alchi Monastery and Mangyu Temple Complex in Ladakh.

Once you enter the Tabo Monastery Complex, you will be transported to a different era. And once you look at the ancient murals, you will understand why Tabo is known as the Ajanta of Himalaya. They are simply grand and magnificent.

Tabo village also has some ancient caves that you can explore.

Tabo is around 50km from Kaza. There are many hotels and homestays found in Tabo – many near the monastery complex and many in the villages. We highly recommend a night stay at Tabo. It is an enchanting place.

Dhankar is located about 36 km from Kaza, but you have to take a diversion from the main road to reach Dhankar Village. The place is known for Dhankar Monastery and Dhankar fort.

Words are not enough to describe the beauty and grandness of Dhankar Monastery and the village. The village looks as if it is hanging from a cliff and your photographer self would definitely want to click several pictures of the village and monastery.

Another attraction at Dhankar is the Dhankar Lake. It is a 5 km uphill trek from the village to reach Dhankar Lake. The trek is easy and can be done by moderately active people without prior preparation. Dhankar Lake is beautiful. But it is the serenity of the place that will take you in.

There are a few homestays at Dhankar village. We stayed at Dhankar for a night as we had planned to do the Dhankar Lake trek. A villager simply opened up his home and invited us to stay there. They only took INR 800 for the room and dinner.

Dhankar can be visited on your journey from Tabo to Kaza.

Key Monastery

Key village is located about 15 km from Kaza and the most famous attraction of the place is the Key Monastery, whose picture has become eponymous with Spiti Valley itself. The Gompa is grand and beautiful and houses several important artifacts, idols and murals. It is one of the largest and most important monasteries in the region. The Key Gompa has temples, prayer halls, meditation rooms, schools, monk’s quarters, and hostels for young monks inside the complex.

Once you are there, you will see several young monks  playing around. You can talk with them, visit the temples and meditation rooms and get a glimpse of the life of the monks.

Key village also has a few homestays and camps. We had stayed at a homestay in Key village as we wanted to stay away from Kaza and experience the village life at Spiti Valley.

Kibber is one of the highest villages in Spiti Valley. It is located about 19 km from Kaza town on the same road as Key. Kibber is also the entry point of Kibber wildlife sanctuary where snow leopards can be seen.

Kibber is a beautiful village. The houses perched on the cliff look quaint and beautiful. Look at the picture if you do not believe me!

Kibber is also the starting point of Kanamo Peak Trek and Parang La Pass trek.

If you have seen the picture of a gigantic Buddha statue lording over snow-capped peaks and valleys, then you have probably seen the Buddha statue of Langza. But that is not the only attraction of Langza. In Langza and a few surrounding villages, you can see marine fossils. It means that some 150 million years ago, Langza was under the sea.

Scientists observe that the Himalayas were not always there. Infact, the Himalayas happen to be one of the youngest mountain ranges on the earth. Earlier there used to be Tethys Ocean in its place. Due to tectonic collision, the mountains emerged and the ocean disappeared. This is the reason, one could find marine fossils at Langza and the surrounding villages. The villagers have preserved these fossils in their houses and you can see them once you visit there.

Langza too, is an extremely beautiful place. There are a few homestays available in Langza. These homestays provide basic amenities, but very warm hospitality. If you have time, spend a night at Langza.  

Komic is one of the highest motorable villages in the world. Located at an altitude of 4600 meters, there is a plaque at Komic saying that “You are at the highest motorable village in the world”. The village has very few houses and there is an ancient monastery at Komic.

We did see a small homestay at Komic. If you want to stay there, you have to ask around.

Hikkim is quite famous because it has World’s highest post office in the village. Quite naturally, the place is quite a tourist attraction is Spiti Valley. The village itself is small and the few houses that are there are spread out.

You can visit the Hikkim post office, talk to the postmaster, buy several postcards and send them over to any address you like.

Pin Valley is one of the most beautiful places that you will visit on your Spiti Valley road trip. The location is in a bit of a different area and you will need an entire day to visit the place. Mud village is the major settlement in Pin Valley that also has a few homestays for tourists and travelers.

Pin valley is quite gorgeous. The landscape is a bit different from Spiti and you can see more greenery here. The Pin River flows by the village and the entire river valley opens up to a majestic view. If you have time, we recommend you stay a night at Mud village. The experience will be quite different from the others.

At Mud, there is not much to do than explore the village at your own lazy pace. You can visit the river bank and spend time there.

Pin Valley also borders the Parvati Valley and Mud village is the base camp for the famous Pin-Parvati Pass trek and the Pin-Bhaba Pass trek.

While you are driving towards Mud village, do not forget to stop and see the confluence of the Spiti and Pin River.

Offbeat Places to Visit in Spiti

Now that you have planned to visit the main attractions of Spiti Valley and yet have some time in your hand, you can check out the following offbeat places in Spiti Valley. Spiti in itself is remote and raw, but these places are not much visited by tourists and can definitely make it in your itinerary.

Gue Mummy Stupa

Yes, there is a mummy in Spiti valley. Gue Mummy Stupa is a latest addition to the attractions in Spiti Valley. Gue village is located about 38 km from Nako. Just after crossing Sumdo, there is a diversion from the main road towards Gue village. The village is about 12 km from the main road and Tabo is another 26 km from the point.

Gue has a monastery, but its main attraction is the Mummy, believed to be almost 530 years old. The mummy you see here is that of the Buddhist monk Sangha Tenzing. It is believed that the monk had undergone the process of self-mummification to attain this state.

As of today, there are only 24 such mummies of monks who had undergone self-mummification. If you look carefully, you can see his teeth, small patches of hair on the head and nails on the body. And all these are not preserved in the way done in Egypt! This process is different.

This mummified body of Sangha Tenzing was found after an earthquake in 1975 opened an old tomb. It was excavated much later in 2004. The glass surrounding the mummy case was placed only a few years back.

You can visit Gue on your way from Nako to Tabo. There are a couple of homestays at Gue village if you want to stay there for the night.

Lingti Waterfall

Lingti is a small village on the way towards Pin valley. The place is famous for its waterfall, especially during the winter season. During summer, Lingti waterfall is just a simple waterfall on the way. But in winter, the waterfall gets frozen and looks quite imposing and beautiful. It’s brilliant, but scary!

Chicham Bridge

Chicham Bridge is the latest addition in the attractions of Spiti Valley. Located at an altitude of 13596 feet, this bridge is said to be the highest motorable bridge in Asia connecting 2 villages – Chicham and Kibber. It took almost 15 years to build this bridge. You can cross Chicham Bridge and take the road forward towards Manali.

Mane is another small, beautiful and offbeat destination in Spiti valley. You can reach there by taking a short diversion near the road towards Pin Valley. Mane village has an ancient monastery which is its main attraction.

Gette and Tashigang

Gette and Tashigang are two villages located on the same route. Tashigang is one of the remotest villages to reach in Spiti Valley. And believe me when I say that we did not see a single person or vehicle on the road when we were driving from Gette to Trashigang!

Well, Gette is a small village with houses so spread out that you will feel there is nothing but emptiness there.

Tashigang is located at an altitude of 15256 feet and has the world’s highest polling station in the village. There are only 52 registered voters in Tashigang and there was 100% turnout during the November 2022 assembly election.

The village is small with a few houses and a gompa in the middle of the village. Due to the altitude, the wind is very strong here.

Well, Tashigang is also located very near to the China border, a mere 30 km away.

Demul & Lhalung

Demul and Lhalunga are two nearby villages connected by motorable roads very recently. You can also trek from Demul to Lhalung if you want. In fact, we have seen many travelers trekking from one village to another in Spiti Valley. Perhaps one day, when we have enough time, we will do that.  Lhalung has an ancient beautiful monastery and the two villages are quite lovely themselves. If you have time at hand, visit these places.

Spiti Valley Itinerary

Here is a glimpse of a most-common itinerary for Spiti assuming you start at Shimla and end in Manali.

Day 1 : Shimla – Sarahan

Day 2: Sarahan – Kalpa

Day 3: Kalpa – Nako – Gue – Tabo

Day 4: Tabo – Dhankar – Pin valley (Mud Village)

Day 5: Mud village – Kaza – Key – Kibber – Kaza

Day 6: Kaza – Hikkim – Komic – Langza – Kaza

Day 7: Kaza – Kunzum Pass – Chandratal Lake

Day 8: Chandratal Lake – Manali

This is a very rushed itinerary for Spiti Valley.

I believe you need time for your Spiti Valley road trip. These days I have seen a 7 days itinerary for the entire Spiti Valley starting from Shimla and ending in Manali. I am not sure how they attain it. I think you will need at least 10 days to do justice to Spiti Valley. There is a separate post about it.

Cost of Spiti Valley Road Trip

The cost of a trip majorly depends on your choice of transportation and accommodation. So here I will divide the cost into modes of transportation, accommodation, food and miscellaneous.

On a Spiti valley Road trip, the major cost comes out to be for that for transportation or fuel if you are self driving or riding. Using public transport is quite cheaper, but it is challenging and difficult if you have time constraints.

As such, in Spiti Valley, travelers mostly commute by hiring a taxi or they self-drive on their cars and bikes.

Here I am assuming that you start the trip at Shimla and end it at Manali.

Cost for Privately Hired Taxi

The rate for taxis from Shimla to Kinnaur Valley and  Spiti valley is usually around INR 3800-4500 per day.

Self-drive by Car or Bike

On this Spiti Valley Road trip, you will probably be driving for around 1600 – 1700 kms in total. If your bike gives a mileage of 25-30 km per litre on an average, with the current cost of petrol (INR 105.00 approx), your fuel cost will be around INR 6,500.00 to INR 7,000.00.

If your SUV gives a mileage of 15 km per litre on an average and with the current cost of diesel (INR 92 approx), your fuel cost will be around INR 10,000.00 to INR 11,000.00.

If you are renting a bike or car, keep that cost in calculation as well.

Accommodation depends on what you choose. For basic homestays, guest houses and monastery stays, you can keep INR 800.00 to INR 1500.00 per night. For mid-budget hotels, it can be upto INR 4000.00.

Food will also depend on what you have and from where you have. If you have your meals at small eateries and dhabas, then it can cost you around INR 100.00 per meal. If you are visiting restaurants and cafes, the cost will be higher.

The trip cost will also increase if you decide to travel to remote places, spend on shopping and other activities.

What to Carry for your Spiti Valley Road Trip?

In addition to your regular clothes and shoes, there are a few things that you should carry during your Spiti Valley road trip. The area is remote, though not inhospitable and the infrastructure is not yet at its best.

• Let us first talk about clothes. During the summer months between June to September, carry cotton clothes, light woolen and a jacket. The mornings are usually quite sunny and warm. For April and October, carry woolen and proper jackets. Also carry socks, scarves and woolen socks.
• If you are visiting Spiti Valley during the winter, you have to carry enough warm clothes, thermals, heavy jackets, socks, scarves, gloves and balaclava.
• Good shoes are also important in any road trips. We usually wear these during our trips.
• Whenever you are visiting Spiti valley, always carry a good sunscreen that offers SPF 50 protection.
• Carry a skin lotion or cream. Also carry a lip-balm.
• Carry Vaseline with you. Spiti is a dry region and Vaseline can be a lifesaver there.
• Also, please do not forget a cap or hat. It will help protect you from the harsh sun rays during the day.
• Carry a basic first-aid kit having general medicines for cold, cough, fever and stomach problems. You may also carry Diamox for altitude sickness. But it is always better to travel slow and acclimatize than taking Diamox.
• Carry emergency kit for your car that includes a tyre inflator and puncture repair kit, battery jump start cable, towing rope, and empty 5 litre can for back-up fuel.

Petrol Pumps in Spiti Valley

On the Shimla to Kaza route, the last petrol pump is at Reckong Peo and Tapri. On the Manali to Kaza route, there are no petrol pumps once you leave the towns.

Spiti valley Travel Guide (FAQs Answered)

You will need at least 8 days for your Spiti Valley road trip assuming you enter from Shimla and return to Manali. This time, you will probably visit the most famous attractions of Spiti Valley. You will need at least 3 days to enter Spiti from Shimla via Kinnaur Valley and at least 2 days to exit to Manali via Kunzum Pass. However, I recommend that you travel slowly and enjoy the vibes of Spiti.

It is always better to start your journey from Shimla, travel through Kinnaur Valley and then enter Spiti. End your journey at Manali after crossing the Kunzum pass. This will help you to acclimatize better.

The best time to visit Spiti Valley is between June to September when the weather is at the best. The mornings are bright and sunny and evenings are cool. It does not rain much in Spiti, so the months of July and August are great as well. However, monsoons are experienced at other parts of Himachal Pradesh like Kinnaur Valley and Kullu and Manali during July and August and there might be landslides and roadblocks because of the rains.

Yes, you can visit Spiti valley during the winter. Spiti is a winter wonderland with a snow covered landscape. Snow leopards can also be seen during this time. However, winters are very harsh and cold and facilities are very less for tourists during this time. Also, the Manali to Kaza road will be closed and you will hardly get any public transport during this time.

Yes, you can do a Spiti valley Road trip by car. Just make sure that your car is a SUV having high ground clearance. Also make sure the driver is confident when driving at treacherous mountain roads.

Yes, there are mobile signals at the towns and in some villages in Spiti valley. Mobile networks of Airtel and Jio are found in Kaza, Key, Dhankar and Tabo village. There was no mobile network in the remote villages like Mud village, Langza, Tashigang and Gue.

You will have wifi at the hotels in Kaza town. Mobile internet is poor and you will not get any internet once you leave Kaza.

Hope this Spiti travel guide helps you plan your perfect Spiti Valley Road trip. If you wish to have an itinerary, we will be publishing a blog on that soon.

Do let us know whether you found this helpful. If yes, please share this blog with youyr family, friends and neighbours.

Keep travelling!

Agni Amrita

Related posts.

Kibber, Gette & Tashigang – Exploring Remotest Corners of Spiti

Chicham Bridge, Spiti – Visiting the Highest Bridge in Asia

Langza, The Fossil Village of Spiti – A Comeplete Travel Guide

Hikkim & Komic (Spiti) – Visit to The Highest Post Office in The World

Mud Village in Pin Valley (Spiti) – A Complete Travel Guide

Dhankar Monastery and Dhankar Lake Trek in Spiti Valley

Spiti Valley is indeed a gem in the Indian travel scene, and your blog beautifully captures its allure. The vivid descriptions and insights into the mountains, monasteries, and unique landscape create a compelling narrative. Your Spiti Valley travel guide is a treasure trove of information, offering a comprehensive look at the must-visit places and essential tips for a road trip. Reading this has sparked the adventurer in me, making Spiti Valley a top contender for my next journey. Thanks for sharing your passion and knowledge, making Spiti Valley even more irresistible!

Thank you so much!

Stunning locations in the Spiti Valley; I want to see them one day.

You will surely see them! Thanks for the comment.

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SPITI VALLEY TREK

Middle Land The Place Covered With Mountains From All Around

Moderate to Difficult

Moderate To Difficult

OVERVIEW OF SPITI VALLEY TREK

Spiti, the ‘middle land’, is one of our favorite destinations.

It not only gives us respite from the heat but also teaches us how to truly live and let go! But Spiti is not for those who seek a luxurious get away, or for the faint-hearted.

If you’re someone looking to explore the local Spitian culture by staying in rustic home-stays and eating local food, come on board as we journey through this magical land exploring hidden gems and making countless memories under the stars.

Spiti Valley is also known as Middle land as it’s geographical location is in the middle of the Indo-Tibet region. it’s the cultural and heritage site of buddhist as well so this trek is not only give you the pleasure of natural sights but also gives you a cultural and spiritual gratification.

SPITI VALLEY TREK PACKAGE

₹18,500 / person

• Dehradun to Dehradun • Veg meals: breakfast, Lunch, Evening snacks and dinner • Tents(triple/double sharing), SleepingBags, Sleepingmatts • Gears: Micro spikes and Gaiters as per snow conditions • Accomodation in hostel / Guest house on Day1 • Experienced and Qualified Guides • Friendly and Supportive staff • Forest permits • Medical Amenities: First Aid Kits, oximeter, oxygen cylinder • Sanitised and Hygienic camp site and hostels • Mode of Transportation • Numbers of people (1-4): Hatch back - Alto, Swift or Equivalent Vehicle • Numbers of people (5-8): tata sumo/Mahindra bolero or equivalent vehicle • Numbers of people (9-12): Temp travel

• Anything not mentioned in the list • Meal during transportation • Any kind of personal expenses during trek • Porter/mule-charges (Personal), Backpack offloading charge • Unscheduled or extended stay due to road blocks, landslides, bad weatherandsnowfall • Cost of evacuation in-case of an emergency The Mountain Vibes.

We get that a travel and adventure enthusiast like you will be as bumped about cancelling a trek as us but we also understand that you may have to cancel the trek for any unforeseen reason and therefore the Cancellation Service of The Mountain Vibes does not return the advance amount paid by the trekkers instead we provide a voucher for the exact amount which is equivalent to the amount paid by you.

Terms & Conditions for the cash voucher: 

• You can book any other trek of your choice with The Mountain Vibes including the one you cancelled at any other given point of time with the voucher.
• The voucher is only valid for treks directly booked with The Mountain Vibes 
• Your Voucher will be valid for 24 months starting from the month you got your trek cancelled. 
• To redeem the Voucher text us on our official TMV number or TMV e-mail id. 
• The Mountain Vibes holds the right to add or remove any of the terms and conditions without notifying.

Batch – November – 2023

Batch – December – 2023

Batch – January – 2023

SPITI VALLEY TREK MAP WITH QUICK ITINERARY

DEPARTURE FROM DELHI TO MANALI

ACCLIMIZATION DAY & SELF EXPLORATION

MANALI - ATAL TUNNEL- KAZA

KAZA- PIN VALLEY- DHANKAR- TABO - KAZA

TABO- KOMIC- HIKKIM- LANGZA- KEY- KAZA

KAZA- KIBBER- CHICHAM- KUNZUM LA- CHANDRATAL

CHANDRATAL- CHHATRU- ATAL TUNNEL- MANALI

DETAILED ITINERARY

A warm welcome by our team at the Departure point. Departure from Delhi to Manali in the evening by 7, Have a pit stop for dinner during the journey. An overnight journey from Delhi to Manali.

Check in to the hotel. We have kept this day for acclimatization purposes. Later head-out for self-exploration of Manali - Like Vashisht Temple, Hadimba temple, TheMall road, Jogini Waterfall. Come back to the Hotel , Dinner & Overnight stay at the hotel.

We start early morning from Manali, huddled together in our vehicles, and head off straight to the beautiful town of Kaza (3,800 m). It will be a 7-8 hour journey via Atal Tunnel and Kunzum Pass. At Kaza, we rest the night in our cozy homestay, eating by the Bukhari and warming ourselves in the chilly and windy nights.

We also take this day to acclimatize to the high altitude of Spiti by drinking plenty of water and taking short walks around.

From Kaza, we then move on to explore Pin Valley. We head towards Mudh which is a high-altitude village located in Pin Valley of Spiti District. Pin Valley is known for its Pin Valley National Park, home to the snow leopard and Siberian ibex. With such high reaches and glaciers where humankind seldom goes, Pin Valley might as well one of the highlights of your trip!

Mudh is the last motorable village in India on this side and is also the base camp for a number of long treks including the famous Pin Bhabha Pass Trek. Known for its sprouting pink blossoms known as Sia Mentok, Mudh is an enchanting land that is sure to leave you awestruck! From Mudh, we move on to explore Dhankar Monastery. Dhankar used to be the administrative capital of Spiti before Kaza. We explore the village and visit the Dhankar Gompa situated asymmetrically atop a steep cliff.

This hill-top fort that overlooks the Spiti Valley also once used to serve as a jail in the olden days. After spending some amazing moments in this peaceful monastery, we finally head towards Tabo where The Dalai Lama has expressed his wishes to Tabo Monastery since it is considered one of the holiest. After a full day of moving around, we finally call it a night at a hotel in Kaza

From Kaza, we drive to Kibber. Kibber is also home to the majestic snow leopard and gives a breath-taking view of Kanamo Peak at 19, 600 feet. From Kibber, we visit the famous Chicham Bridge, the highest bridge in Asia, and hear stories about the ancient method of using pulley trolleys. We now drive through the least populated village of Spiti- Losar, to reach India’s highest motorable mountain pass which connects Kullu and Lahaul to Spiti valley- Kunzum La at 15,000 feet.

From Kunzum La, we head towards one of the most photogenic places in Spiti Valley- the breath-taking Chandratal Lake, also known as the lake of the moon. This magnificent lake has surprisingly no visible source of water, concluding that the water for this lake comes from underground. We spend the night in camps and spend our evening gazing at millions of stars on a clear night.

To celebrate our last day in Spiti Valley, we depart from Chandratal Lake and make our way to Batal, home to the famous Chachi Chachi ka Chandra Dhaba. From there we continue our journey on Kaza – Manali Highway while taking a lunch halt at Chhatru. Driving beside the Chandra river we pass Gramphoo village and enter Atal Tunnel (Rohtang Tunnel) to reach Manali, thus entering the Kullu District.

The tunnel is intended to create an all-weather route to Leh and Lahaul and Spiti valleys in Himachal Pradesh. The 9.02 km-long tunnel passes under the Rohtang Pass in the eastern Pir Panjal range on the Leh-Manali highway. We reach Manali, only to head back home with a heart full of happy memories

You’ll be accommodated in a clean and hygienic guest house for the first two and the last two days of the trek and for the remaining you’ll be accommodated in tents and sleep bags will also be provided.

No it is not in our policy though we might help you in finding accommodation, however we are not responsible if there are no guest houses/hotels available, also the charges for accommodation for days before the trekking date and after the trekking date are NOT INCLUDED and the trekker is accountable to bear all the expenses for the same.

Yes, we provide all the necessary trekking gears on rent for which the trekker may pay after completing the trek. We also provide mule and poter services the cost of which is totally exclusive from the package and you will have to pay additional charges for the same

There is no particular age bar we welcome anyone and everyone who is a travel enthusiast, but children below the age of 16 are preferred to come along with their parents or gurdain and if they want to do a solo trek a non objection go ahead will be required from their parents end.

The sole purpose of The Mountain Vibes is to provide its trekkers with the best trekking experience with quality as well as safety. We take extra percautions when it comes to the safety of our trekkers.

• We have a team of well trained and certified trek leaders.
• We have high end quality trekking gears and equipment.
• We have 24*7 medical assistance.
• Our staff is not only well behaved but also good at heart and will be available at your service 24*7
• We can proudly assure you that our team is the best in the field work it conducts to ensure you don’t go through any problem.

TREKKING ESSENTIALS

• BASIC ESSENTIALS
• CLOTHING AND OTHER ESSENTIALS​​
• HEALTH SKIN-CARE KIT
• EATABLE-QUICK ENERGY DURING TREK

• An identity card-original (MANDATORY)

• Bagpack and Rain cover(50-60 liter )

• Day pack And Rain cover (if you hire mule or porter)

• 1liter of Water Bottle

•Slipper and TrekKing Shoes (Waterprof is Preferred)

•LED Torch/Headlamp(With extra batteries)

•Poncho, Raincoat or Umbrella any one is must.(Poncho is preferred, since it is light weighted)

• 2 pairs of Quick Dry T-shirt and Trek Pants (DENIM ARE NOT RECOMMENDED FOR TREKS)

• 1 pairs of T-SHIRTS for (Full Sleeves or Half Sleeves)

• 3 Pair of Cotton Socks And 2 Pair of Woollen Socks

• 2 weater OR 1 Fleece Jacket

• Thermals (1 is must 2 if going on a long trek)

• Sun Cap, Scarf, Light Towel, Snow Gloves

• Woolen Cap or Balaclava that cover Your ears (For the protection from coldwaves)

• UV sunglasses

• Carry few plastic bags incase your clothes get wet.

• Wind sheeter, Snow Jackets, One Down Feather Jacket (Carry any one from the mentioned)

• Personal Toilet kit, Toilet Paper, Sanitizer, Tooth Brush and Paste

• Lip balm , Cold Creame , Mistiriser and Sun Screen Lotion(SPF 40)

•Personal Medicine Kit (With basic First Aid kit and your regular medicine)

•Anti Fungal Creame : Carry an Anti Fungle Creame if you are sensitive to Sweating and prone to skin irritations around genital or groin area due to lack of bathing.

• Glucose, Chocolates, Biscuits, Energy Bars

•Toffees and Dry fruits and Nuts

VIDEOS AND REVIEWS

Spiti Valley Itinerary (& Circuit Road Trip) from Shimla

Spiti Valley is a cold mountain desert located in the rain shadow region of the Greater Himalayan ranges . It is snuggled in the north-eastern part of Himachal Pradesh.

Proceeding in counterclockwise fashion from Chandigarh, roadway (NH5) of Spiti valley circuit route passes through Solan, Shimla, Narkanda, Rampur Bushahr, Sarahan, Chitkul , Nako, Tabo and Kaza.

The closing line of Spiti circuit traverses along the Spiti river and meets Manali town after it passes through the Atal tunnel or Rohtang pass.

The valley is bounded by the districts of Kinnaur in the south-east, Kullu in the south, and the valleys of Zanskar and Union Territory of Ladakh in the north. In the east, Spiti shares its boundary with Tibet (China).

The name Spiti or Piti — as it is known among the locals— means ‘The Middle Land’ that is the land between India and Tibet.

⚡ Rundown of Spiti Valley Trip

Departures in 2024.

Our Spiti valley circuit tour departures are scheduled for the last week of May, third week of June, first week of August and between 1-20th September 2024. We are looking for a minimum group size of 6 people.

We also can run personalized trips — tailored to your interests and travel plans — for smaller groups (less than 6 people) and for people willing to incur an additional cost. The trip dates are subjected to notifications prevailing weather and road conditions.

🚘 Spiti Tour (via Chandigarh to Shimla-Kinnaur-Kaza-Manali)

Why take Shimla-Kaza-Manali route for Spiti Valley Road Trip?

There are two road routes to reach Spiti valley, but we recommend the Shimla-Kaza route because:

• Manali to Solang valley and Atal tunnel (north portal) road stretch gets busy during peak summer season (i.e. June-August). You may get stuck in a traffic jam.
• Gramphu to Batal Road is riddled with waterfalls, glacial water melts streams, and water crossings. It is easier and more convenient to drive through this part of the road from Kaza side.
• There is a gradual increase in altitude (barring Narkanda-Rampur Road segment) when driving on the Shimla-Kaza route. This gradual rise in altitude is good for acclimatization. Especially for people coming from the plains.

What Does It Cost?

All-inclusive price of Spiti valley tour starts from 25,500 INR. The final price will be determined by variables like:

• Vehicle (4WD SUV or standard)
• The level of comfort (during stays) you expect.
• Group size.
• Pick-up location (Delhi, Chandigarh, Shimla or Manali)
• Departure date (pre-monsoon in June or post-monsoon in September or October)
• Add-ons availed such as driver, camping gear and guide, and drop location (Shimla, Manali, Chandigarh, or Delhi) etc.

To get the Spiti valley circuit tour cost details, please let us know the following details:

• The group size 
• Arrival city (Chandigarh/ Shimla/Manali), and tour type (standard/premium) etc. 
• Planned month and day of visit
• Number of days in itinerary
• Mode of transportation i.e. 4WD SUV / Sedan / Hatchback car.

Spiti valley and upper Kinnaur is a remote region with high-altitude rugged and difficult terrain. Expect stunning and spectacularly beautiful vales with dreamy vistas instead of fancy hotels or road tracks similar to F1 grand prix circuits.

Drop an email to avail group offers & early bird discounts.

⛗ Spiti Circuit Tour Itinerary From Shimla

Day 1 : Chandigarh to Shimla-Narkanda drive

Bucketlist experiences.

• Timber trail.
• Kasauli detour
• Shimla colonial architecture heritage walk.
• Experience 360° view from Hatu peak

Distance 175 km. 6–7 hours drivetime on NH5

On arrival at Chandigarh, drive to Shimla. Halt at Shimla for lunch and sightseeing. Resume the drive and drive to Narkanda(8,858 feet). Overnight stay at HPTDC hotel.

Day 2: Narkanda to Sarahan drive

• Visit Padam palace of erstwhile Bushahr dynasty.
• Explore Rampur Bushahr town.
• Explore Sarahan town.

Sightseeing day trips

• Detour to Tani Jubbar Lake
• Hatu temple

Distance 100 km. 4 hours drivetime on NH 5 and Jeori-Sarahan connecting road

Drive from Narkanda to Sarahan (altittude 2800 meters). Visit Hatu temple en route and relish Dhauladhar and Kinnaur-Garhwal mountain ranges from there. Drive to Sarahan. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 3: Sarahan to Chitkul village of Kinnaur

• Drone photography at Tranda Dhank (built by Governor General Dalhousie in 1850s.
• Experience driving by steep Satluj river gorge and through Tranda Dhank (cliff) ― Old Hindustan–Tibet Road section that is carved into a rock face.
• Angling in Baspa river.
• See Western Tragopan (Jajurana) in Sarahan Pheasantry.
• Visit Sarahan Palace (Shanti Kunj) of Bushahr dynasty.
• Bhimakali temple visit.
• Sarahan Western Tragopan Pheasantry visit.

Distance 106 km. 5 hours drivetime on Jeori-Sarahan connecting road, NH5 and Karcham-Sangla-Chitkul Road

Sarahan is a beautiful village famous for the architecturally and historically significant Bhimakali temple, which has a history of more than 1500 years. One can take in the stunning views of the Srikhand Mahadev peak (5150 meters) from there.

While not actually close enough as it seems, the spectacular Srikhand Mahadev mountain range appears as if it is just an arm’s length away. Visit the bird sanctuary of a near-extinct bird species.

Drive to Chitkul village and stay there in a hotel. Drive distance is about 106 Kms. Night stay at hotel in Chitkul.

Day 4: Chitkul to Kalpa drive

• See temple architecture of Kamru Badri Vishal deity temple.
• See Kamru fort.
• Angling in Baspa River.
• Tibetan wood carving center.
• Sangla monastery.
• Temple architecture of Sangla Bering Nag Temple.
• Hike to Sangla Kanda Lake
• Chitkul village walk.
• Explore Sangla town and village.
• Rakcham village.
• Photography in Buckwheat fields of Rakcham village.
• Chitkul Mata Devi temple and monastery visit.
• Kamru temple and fort.
• Ranikanda meadows visit.
• Sangla village and Bering Nag temple visit.

Distance 62 km. 3 hours drivetime on Chitkul-Sangla-Karcham road, NH5 and Powari-Kalpa connecting road.

Chitkul (at 3400 meters above sea level), is the last village on the Indo-Tibet border. It is the most visited place in the Baspa Valley of Kinnaur.

We will visit Chitkul Mata temple and then drive back to Sangla . When we reach Sangla, we can visit the Bering Nag temple on our return trip. Visit the ancient fort at Kamru village.

As we continue on our journey, we will reach Kalpa, a well-known place – both among travellers and locals – for breathtaking sunrises over the Kinnaur Kailash mountain range.

After breakfast, drive (65 km distance) to Kalpa that is located at 8800 feet. Visit Chini village monastery and temple, Roghi cliff point and Roghi village. Overnight stay at the HPTDC Kalpa hotel.

Day 5: Kalpa to Charang village

• Explore Chini heritage village.
• Explore Kalpa Market
• Take in the stunning views of Kinner Kailash group of mountains (morning and evening views are unparalleled) from Kalpa.
• Spend time with local people of Kalpa and Roghi village.
• Visit 170+ year old Roghi Forest Rest House built by Governor General Dalhousie.
• Rolla Dokhang (infamous suicide point), and Roghi village visit.
• Roghi village and Narayan temple visit.
• Kalpa Vishnu Narayan temple and monastery visit.

Distance 60 km. 3 hours drivetime on Kalpa-Powari connecting road, NH5 and Moorang-Thangi-Charang road.

Kalpa (altitude 3000 meter). Kalpa offers a splendid view of Kinner Kailash mountain range. One can take in the visceral views of Kinner Kailash peak & Shivlingam, Raldang peak & Jorakanden peak.

Explore places around Kalpa like Chini market and village, monastery and Kalpa Narayanes & Vishnu temple. Drive to Charang village & camp there.

Day 6: Charang to Tabo monastery drive

• Visit one of the oldest Buddhist monasteries in Kinnaur, Charang Rangrik Tsungma monastery.
• Visit Moorang village fort and Buddhist monastery.
• Visit Rapuk Shankras Temple of Thangi village.
• Explore Nako village and Nako Lake.
• Gue village detour to see 500+ years old mummy and Gue Mummy Stupa.
• Leo-Chango-Hango village (Hangrang valley) detour.
• Charang village walk.
• Rangrik Tsungma Monastery visit.
• Visit last ITBP check post on Indian border.

Distance 160 km. 5 hours drivetime on Charang-Thangi-Moorang road, NH5 and NH505 (Khab – Sumdo Checkpost – Tabo)

Village walk in Charang (altitude 3400 mtr) and visit Rangrik monastery which is more than thousands of years old. Charang has Zanskar kind of landscape and houses and similar to houses built by the people of Zanskar region.

Drive to Thangi and visit to Lochwa monastery located in the middle of Thangi village. Visit Moorang fort and Moorang village.

After lunch, head toward Nako. Nako is located at an altitude of 10496 feet in the barren Hangrang valley of Kinnaur. Visit Nako Lake and monastery and drive to Sumdo check post and the oldest monastery of Himachal, Tabo. Overnight at a hotel/homestay.

Sumdo Check Post

Due to ever-increasing footfall of the tourists — and the resultant increase in their carbon footprint — in Lahaul and Spiti district, the district administration has started levying SADA (Special Area Development Authority) fee/toll at Sumdo Indian Army Check Post from 1 January 2024.

It was discussed (at a meeting of the Special Area Development Authority) that the tourist traffic is increasing day by day in the Spiti valley. Due to this, there is a financial shortage for solid waste management and sewage management in the Kaza and Tabo areas of Spiti block.  — Harsh Negi, SDM, Kaza 

Here are the details of the SADA fee charged for different type of vehicles entering in Lahual & Spiti district. 

Day 7: Tabo – Pin Valley drive

• See Thangka scroll paintings, frescos and mural paintings inside Tabo monastery.
• See mud stupas built around the monastery.
• Hike to Tabo caves (that were used by Buddhist monk of Tabo monastery for meditation).
• Visit Stupas and chortens, monastery museum and library.
• See the rock carvings near Tabo village government school.
• Visit over 1000-year-old Dhankar monastery and fort – A cliff fort and erstwhile capital of Spiti Nono Kings. Dhankar monastery was listed as 100 most endangered sites in the world by World Monuments Fund (WMF) in 2006. WMF is a New York based non-government and non-profit organization dedicated to the preservation of historic architecture and cultural heritage sites around the world. 
• See the confluence of Spiti and Pin River and panoramic view of Spiti and Pin valley from Dhankar fort roof.
• Dhankar lake hike.
• See gold-leaf Buddhist sculptures at Serkhang Monastery of Lhalung village.
• Tabo monastery visit.
• Hike to caves above the village.

Distance 65 km. 3 hours drivetime on NH505 (Tabo-Attargo bridge) and Attargo-Mud village road.

On day 7 of Spiti circuit itinerary, we leave Tabo after breakfast and drive to Mudh village, the last village in Pin valley. Pin Valley is the least explored valley in Himachal Pradesh’s Spiti region.

Explore Mikkim and the village of Sangnam . Visit the Kungri Monastery and then the charming hamlet of Mudh — the Pin Valley’s last motorable village.

Stay at Mud for the night (12000 feet above sea level).

Day 8: Mud – Dhankar monastery – Kaza

• Watch stone breaking ceremony, ritual and drama performance by Buchen (shaman of Spiti Himalaya) in Mud village of Pin Valley.
• Sight rare Himalayan wildlife in Pin Valley National Park
• Photography on the beautiful banks of Pin River (right side tributary of Spiti river).
• Experience hospitality of people in Homestay.
• Taste local dishes and beverages in Homestay.
• See sangam (confluence) of a stream coming from Parvati Pass and Pin River and Sagnam village.
• Walk on Tailing village bridge. A wooden suspension bridge built over Pin river.
• Mud village walk.

Distance 50 km. 3 hours drivetime on Mud-Attargo bridge and NH505 (Attargo-Kaza road)

Drive to the eye-catching and imposing monastery of Dhankar . Perched on a riverfront cliff, Dhankar was the former capital of the Spiti Valley (when the valley was ruled by Nono kings).

Overlooking the Spiti river, it offers panoramic views of the river valley. Visit one of the oldest Gompa in the Spiti Valley. Overnight at a hotel in Kaza.

Day 9: Kaza-Hikkim-Lalung-Langza-Key-Kibber (5 – 6 hours drivetime)

• Visit Komic (or Komik) village – the highest altitude village of Asia accessible by road.
• Send postcards to your friends and family from highest altitude post office in the world from Hikkim post office by India Post.
• Tangyud monastery of Komic.
• See Snow leopard mannequin made with snow leopard skin.
• Take drone shots of Buddha statue at Langza hill.
• Kibber village drive.
• Key (or Ki) monastery visit.
• See Cham dance of buddhist monks at Key monastery during the Guitor festival.
• See murals and Thangka paintings inside the Ki monastery complex.
• Take drone shot from Chicham suspension bridge.
• Kaza market visit.
• Kaza monastery visit.
• Key-Kibber-Langza drive.
• Komic and Hikkim village visit.
• Chicham village visit.

The highest village in Asia, Komik, which literally translates to ‘eye of a snowcock’, is situated at a height of 4513 meters. Later, we drive to Hikkim where we visit the world’s highest post office in the world. After sending out a postcard, we drive to Langza.

Once you are here, you can walk around the village and visit the ancient Lang (Temple) which is estimated to be around 1000 years old. Visit to Key monastery . Overnight stay at Cherring’s homestay, Kibber .

Kibber is one of the two (other is Korzok) villages from where the trekkers start their quest for Parang La pass . Raacho Trekkers

Day 10: Drive from Kaza to Kunzum top (4551 meter) & camp at Chandertal Lake (4270 meter)

• Camping experience near Chandratal Lake.
• Explore small glacier lakes above Chandratal.
• Experience view of Spiti and Lahaul valley from 4551 meters high Kunzum-La pass.

Distance 102 km. 4 hours drivetime on Kaza-Kuzum-Batal road (NH505) and Batal-Chandratal lake connecting road.

Drive to one of the most photogenic places in Spiti Valley – the Chandra Tal 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 Kunzum Pass connects Kullu and Lahaul to the Spiti Valley. 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. Overnight at a camp 2 km away from Chandratal Lake.

Day 11 : Chandratal lake to Manali drive via Atal tunnel

• Experience savoury food at Chacha-Chachi dhaba at Batal.
• Crossing numerous streams and nallahs en route.
• Drive through Atal Tunnel – the engineering marvel by BRO (Border Road Organisation.

Distance 110 km. 3 hours drivetime on Batal-Atal Tunnel (NH505) and Atal tunnel-Manali road.

On the 10th day of this Spiti Valley tour, drive from Chandratal Lake towards Manali. Drive through the engineering marvel i.e. Atal tunnel and drive to Manali to end our breath-taking Spiti Valley sojourn. Overnight at a hotel in Manali.

Day 12 . Manali to Chandigarh.

After breakfast, enjoy some brilliant views of the Himalayas from your hotel in Manali. Proceed to Chandigarh after breakfast. Drop off at Chandigarh airport in the afternoon. The Spiti circuit tour ends here.

₹ Cost Inclusions in Spiti Circuit Trip

• All arrangements for overnight stays during the trip.
• All food expenses.
• Driver, fuel and toll charges.
• Food will usually consist of morning breakfast, lunch, evening high tea and dinner.
• Special trained certified guides trained for emergency situations.
• Local guides and workers with in-depth knowledge about the local area.
• It will be a cultural and traditional experience as all stays will be mostly in villages.
• Inner line permits and arrangements en route will be arranged by the operator.
• All stays and lodging on a twin sharing basis shall be provided.
• Any kind of personal expenses.
• Camera fees or any other costs arising out of unforeseen circumstances and situation beyond our control.
• Anything not mentioned in the inclusion section.

🧭 Places to visit en route Spiti valley

Narkanda is a small town in the Shimla district of Himachal Pradesh. It is located at an altitude of 2750 meters on the Hindustan-Tibet Road (NH 05). Surrounded by the forest Kinnaur – Garhwal Himalayan Range. The experience of a panormic view from the Hatu top is not to be missed.

Padam Palace, Rampur Bushahr

The palace of erstwhile Bushahr princely state is built in neo-gothic architecture. Built between 1919 and 1925 for the Raja of Bushehr, the main building is still private, but one section is now the Nau Nabh Hotel, and the garden is open to visitors. From here you can admire the facade’s stone arches, carved-wood upper storey, peaked gables, and turreted towers. In front is a remarkable multi-gabled bandstand carved with peacock figures.

Sarahan is a small village near Jeori town. It is the site of the Bhimakali Temple, dedicated to the goddess Bhimakali, the presiding deity of the rulers of the former Bushahr State. The temple is situated about 170 kilometers from Shimla and 12 kilometers from Jeori town.

Sarahan Pheasantry

Also known as Jajurana Bird Sanctuary, this park is worth a visit. It hosts Jajurana, the state bird of Himachal Pradesh and a few other rare birds. Please note that the sanctuary remains closed from July to September for bird mating season. If you are traveling in any month apart from these three, a visit is highly recommended.

Baspa valley of Kinnaur

Bordering along western Himalaya with Tibet and Garhwal, the Baspa valley of Kinnaur has been open to visitors since the early nineties. The valley got its name from the Baspa river which originates from Chung Sakhago pass and meanders for around 30 km before meeting Satluj on its left bank near Karcham. Unlike the Spiti valley and Hangrang region of Kinnaur, the Baspa valley is a green paradise in largely barren mountains.

Baspa valley or Sangla valley is known for fruit-laden orchards, cedar-covered slopes and flower crusted meadows. Bhojpatra tree is abundantly found in the Chitkul region. A land of blue skies, buzzing Baspa river, soaring peaks, deep valleys, apple orchards, and syncretic culture — Baspa valley a place for people who are seeking genuine peace and soul-calming solitude far, far from the madding crowd. The fort of Kamru is another landmark in Baspa valley.

Chitkul, Rackcham, Sangla, Kamru and Chansu villages should be on your bucket list if you are visiting Kinnaur for the first time.

Kalpa Village

A small village about 10 kilometers from district headquarters Reckong Peo, known for the magnificent view of Kinner Kailash peaks . The focal point is Chini village and surrounding places like Kalpa Narayanas temple and Buddhist monastery.

Kalpa will probably be the last town where your phone will work flawlessly, no matter which network you are on. As you cross Kalpa and continue towards Pooh, your phone services will be a come and go before it completely dies. Only the BSNL network works in the Spiti & Lahaul valley.

Reo Purgyil peak view

At an altitude of 6816m, it is the highest peak of the state of Himachal Pradesh . You can get a good view of the peak from Khab Bridge if the weather is clear. If not from Khab Bridge, you will have to go up to Namgia or Tashigang village to get a clear view. Nako Village is located on the slopes of this mountain.

Nako Lake And Monastery

A small man-made lake in the village of Nako. It is not much to look at during the daytime but try some photography around the lake at either dusk or dawn and you will be able to get some good shots. Nako Monastery is an 11th-century ancient monastery located in the village of Nako . It was built by Buddhist Mahaguru Rinchen Zangpo who translated many Sanskrit Buddhist texts into Tibetan. He founded around 100 monasteries in western Tibet including Tabo monastery.

Tabo Monastery

Tabo Monastery: An ancient monastery believed to be over a thousand years old and one of the holiest. Founded in 996 AD it is also known as Ajanta of the Himalayas . Many priceless collections of scroll paintings, manuscripts, well-preserved statues, frescoes, and extensive murals can be found here.

Dhankar Monastery

Also known as Dhangkar Gompa, it is an ancient monastery built on a 1000 foot high cliff overlooking the confluence of Spiti and Pin Rivers. Apart from its heritage, this monastery is also famous for its spectacular setting. “Dhang” means cliff and “Kar” means fort, hence the literal name of the place is “Fort on a cliff”.

Key Monastery

Also known as Kye or Ki Gompa, it is one of the largest monasteries in Spiti valley that also serves as a training center for Lamas. It is believed to be over a thousand years old and has a vast collection of ancient murals and books.

Kibber Wildlife Sanctuary

It was established in 1992, Kibber is India’s only wildlife sanctuary in cold desert and is home to several rare animals like Ibex, Blue Sheep, Red Fox, Tibetan woolly hare, Himalayan wolf, lynx, pika, Tibetan wild ass.

Kunzum Pass

Your first high altitude pass of the journey, unless you have somehow managed to climb up to Shipki La in which case Kunzum will be your second. Connecting the valleys of Lahaul and Spiti, this pass is at an elevation of 4,590 meters, higher than Rohtang La. It remains closed from late October until early June.

Chandratal Lake

A beautiful lake is also the source of the river Chandrabhaga . If you can manage to be around here after sunset, it is a perfect place for capturing some magnificent sky and milky way pictures.

This small lake is one of the key highlights of the journey to Spiti valley and a perfect camping spot. There is also a legend associated with this lake. The confluence of the “moon-born” Chandra and the “sun-born” Bhaga takes place at Tandi, where the fabled Chandrabhaga or Chenab River comes into being.

Interestingly enough, Wikipedia article refer this lake as Tso Chigma . Tso is a Tibetan / Bhoti word which translates to lake, but there is no reference of Chigma either in Tibetan or Bhoti language. A lake is referred to as Dhar in Spiti vernacular language.

The mighty Rohtang pass, the spot where you will cross over to Manali and finish your Spiti journey. The name of this pass literally means “a pile of corpses” which I believe attributes to the fact that a lot of people died while crossing it in ancient times. Expect to find snow at the top no matter which month you are traveling in. The vistas around from the top of the pass and even on the ascent/descent are quite breathtaking.

Palari (or Balari top) is one and hour hour hike away from Demul village. From this vantage point, one can see about 15 (including Demul) villages of Spiti valley.

Spiti Road Trip In Summers

Hit the road on our epic overland journey spanning over ~1200 km, as you traverse seven picturesque districts and explore some of the most sought-after hill stations in Himachal Pradesh. Before venturing into the hidden gems of Spiti valley and Kinnaur, this adventure will take you through breathtaking hill towns like Narkanda, Sarahan, Kalpa. Discover the untamed wilderness of vales like Pin, Hangrang, and Tidong, and marvel at the incredible engineering feat that is the Atal Tunnel. This is an experience of a lifetime, offering a perfect mix of Himalayan beauty, tribal cultural experiences, and adrenaline-pumping road adventure on the old Hindustan-Tibet highway.

BSNL works in all regions of Spiti valley and Kinnaur. Reliance Jio has started expanding its network in Spiti valley. It is expected to get functional by the summer of 2021.

In summers, the maximum temperature crosses the 20 degrees Celsius mark in Spiti valley. During sunny daytime, you’ll feel comfortable just by wearing a t-shirt and trousers. It is always good to get wrapped in layers of clothes, as the weather can change anytime in the Himalayas. Even if the sun starts shining again, you can always get rid of the outer layers of clothing.  Here is the packing list (summers) for Spiti valley:  T-shirts.  A windcheater/ rain jacket. Jeans/trousers.  Light woolen.  A cap/hat.  Sunglasses.  A pair of hiking shoes.  3/4 pairs of regular socks.  A water purifier and filtration bottle (avoid plastic bottle).  Personal hygiene essentials.  Sunscreen sunblock cream. Spiti valley packing list (for winters):  A pair of good quality waterproof trekking boots. Three pairs of cotton socks. Two pairs of waterproof hiking pants. One pair of shorts Two pairs of fleece jumpers.  Two pairs of thermal tops and bottoms One down jacket. Headgear (1 beanie/skull cap, 1 buff, and 1 trekking cap).  A pair of thick gloves Personal hygiene essentials(alcohol-based gel hand sanitizer, soap, towels, toilet papers, baby wipes, etc.).  UV-block sunglasses. First aid kit. A water purifier and filtration bottle.

Spiti valley is acclaimed for its distinctive Moon-esque landscapes and interesting landforms. 5 entities that define the Spiti valley are:  Chandratal — .the lake of moon.   Buddhist monasteries of Ki, Kaza, Kungri, and Tabo.  Snow leopards of Kibber — the grey ghost of the Himalayas. Fascinating Tibetan culture and customs.  Fossils — dating back to the Triassic period (252-201 million years ago) — of  Langza village.  

Shimla to Narkanda-Rampur Bushahr-Powari-Pooh-Dubling village drive is on National Highway 5 (NH5). The Dubling village to Nako-Tabo-Kaza drive is on NH505. Kaza is the headquarters of Spiti valley. During winters, Shimla-Narkanda-Rampur road gets closed for a day or two whenever there is a long spell of snowfall. During such events, take the Shimla-Suni-Rampur Bushahr route along the Satluj river. This route stays open for all 365 days of the year. It takes longer — when compared from Manali to Spiti valley (Via Atal tunnel) route — to reach Kaza from Shimla. Shimla is one of the two places (second is Manali town) to start the Spiti valley circuit tour .

The road from Manali follows the Solang Valley-Atal tunnel-Gramphu-Batal-Kunzum Pass-Losar-Kaza route. The distance from Manali to Kaza is 183 km, and it takes about 6-7 hours (at one go) to reach Kaza. Manali-Kaza is a shorter route than the Shimla-Kaza route.  Though the Atal Tunnel has hardly reduced the road distance between Manali and Spiti valley by nearly 20 km, the drive time between the two places has now been reduced by over 2 hours. Manali town is one of the two — the second is Shimla — places to start the Spiti valley circuit tour .

You need to follow Ambala-Zirakpur Expressway on National Highway(NH) 44 and Zirakpur to Shimla (111 km) on NH5 in Himachal Pradesh. Shimla to Narkanda-Rampur Bushahr-Powari-Pooh-Dubling village drive is on NH5. Dubling village to Nako-Tabo-Kaza drive is on NH505. Kaza is the headquarter of Spiti valley.

Yes. The circuit is doable in October, though, the weather gets highly erratic — after September — in high altitude regions of Kinnaur, Spiti valley and Lahaul valley.

No. The Manali-Spiti route gets closed when thick layers of snow blankets the Kunzum pass in November/December. The traffic movement resumes only after March month. 

Though the Manali to Spiti valley route gets closed — most often after November/early December till March — during winters, the Shimla-Narkanda-Rampur-Nako-Kaza road stays open even during wintertime. During long spells of snowfall, Shimla-Kaza road may get closed for a day or two. BRO team from Project Deepak and local administration employs dozers, snow cutters, and excavators to clear the snow and reopen the route after a spell of snow in the route. Ping us to get the latest road and connectivity updates.

Shikhar Blog

Travel Experiences – Sharing Travel Memories Around the World

Easiest Trek In Spiti Valley : Beginner Treks in Spiti Valley

Spiti Valley, located in Himachal, is a hidden gem and its amazing landscapes, hidden villages, and rich Tibetan culture. Trekking across Spiti’s beautiful valleys, charming villages, and tall mountains is one of the greatest ways to properly feel its beauty, peace and quiet. In this blog, we will cover all available treks in Spiti Valley , each with its own distinct charm and obstacles.

Chandratal Trek

Chandratal, also known as the Moon Lake, is a high-altitude lake surrounded by beautiful Himalayan mountains. The journey to Chandratal Lake trek start from Batal and continues through dry landscapes, river crossings, and glacier fields. With its beautiful blue waters reflecting  the surrounding mountains, the lake itself is an amazing attraction. The trek is of moderate difficulty and can be completed in a few days, making it a great option for those short on time.

Chandratal Trek Level of Difficulty:  Easy to Moderate Level

Chandratal Trek Duration: 5 Day Manali to Manali

Best Time to Visit Chandratal Trek: September

Suggested Itinerary:- Chandratal Trek [ Click Here ]

Kaza to Kibber Trek

This short trek connects two of Spiti Valley’s most iconic villages, Kaza and Kibber. The Kaza to Kibber Trek offers Beautiful views of the Spiti River. You’ll pass through high-altitude valley and remote villages, giving you a experience the traditional life of the Spitian people life. The trek is relatively easy and can be completed in a day, making it suitable for beginners.

Kaza to Kibber Trek Level of Difficulty: Easy

Kaza to Kibber Trek Duration: 1 Day Trek

Best Time to Visit Kaza to Kibber: May to July

Suggested Itinerary:- Spiti Valley Tour [ Click Here ]

Dhankar Lake Trek

Dhankar Lake, located high above the Dhankar Monastery, provides panoramic views of the Spiti Valley. The walk to Dhankar Lake begins in Dhankar hamlet and takes you over rocky field and difficult ascents. The lake, surrounded by prayer flags and breathtaking views, is ideal for meditation and thought. This trek is moderately difficult and can be completed in a day.

Dhankar Trek Level of Difficulty: Moderate

Dhankar Trek Duration: 5 Km trek [ 2 to 3 Hour ]

Best Time to Visit Dhankar : May to July

Suggested Itinerary:- Ladakh  [ Click Here ]

Tabo to Kaza Trek

This trek connects you to the old and ancient village of Tabo with the happiness town of Kaza. You’ll pass through beautiful towns like Gulling and Lidang. where you can meet with friendly locals and know more about their culture. The trek provides amazing views of the Spiti River and mountains. It is a relatively easy trek and can be completed in a day.

Dhankar Trek Level of Difficulty: Easy

Dhankar Trek Duration: One Day

Suggested Itinerary:- Stok Palace

Langza-Hikkim-Komic Trek

This short Trek in Spiti Valley takes you to three different villages: Langza, Hikkim, and Komic. Langza is famous for its Buddha statue, Hikkim is home to the world’s highest post office, and Komic is Highest village in world connected with motorable road. The trek provides an insight into the traditional life of the Spitian tribe as well as their deep relationship with Buddhism. It is a relatively easy trek and can be completed in a day.

Langza-Hikkim-Komic Trek Level of Difficulty: Easy

Langza-Hikkim-Komic Trek Duration: One Day

Tips for Trekking in Spiti Valley

• Acclimatize: Due to the high altitude of Spiti Valley, it is necessary to spend a few days in a lower-altitude to make yourself comfortable.
• Permits: If any require permits in Spiti valley, so make sure to check the latest regulations and obtain the necessary permits.
• Necessary Items:  Warm clothing, comfortable trekking gear, a good quality sleeping bag, and sufficient food and water supplies.
• Hire a reputed Travel Agency: For a safer and more enriching experience, consider hiring a Travel Agency who knows the terrain and can help you navigate the trails

Spiti Valley offers a diverse range of trekking opportunities, from difficult high-altitude climbs to shorter, more accessible hikes. Each journey offers a unique opportunity to see the natural beauty, cultural diversity, and spiritual depth of this remote Himalayan region. Spiti Valley has a trip for everyone, whether you’re an expert trekker or a beginner searching for adventure. Its amazing landscapes and warm-hearted people will leave you with unforgettable experiences. So put on your hiking boots and prepare for a once-in-a-lifetime excursion in the magnificent Spiti Valley.

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Spiti Valley Homestay Trek - 2024

Home / spiti valley treks / spiti valley homestay trek.

EASY / MODERATE / DIFFICULT

Available from

MAY - OCTOBER 2024

Trek Highlights

• Easy / Moderate 5 Day Trek
• Stay in Homestays with local families
• A peek into Spitian lifestyle

Cost per person

₹12,750, includes homestay accommodation and meals as per the list of inclusions. 5% gst is additional, spiti valley homestay trek.

You think of Spiti, and you think of large mountains sprawling far into the eternity, and the villages perched on the top of those slopes, like oasis in the middle of a vegetation less region.

Few houses, fewer people, going about their life in these treacherous parts of earth with a smile on their lips, and the stories filled with mysticism in their hearts. Ready to be revealed, ready to be concealed within your souls, diaries and cameras.

And that’s what the Homestay trek does to you, as it begins and takes you through some of the highest villages in the world, through winding trails on these meadows with sparse vegetation, and snow-capped peaks in distance, close enough to make your feel that you could just extend your arm and pick a little snow off those slopes.

During this trek you’ll be walking through picturesque trails, and rolling meadows, taking you to the postcard-perfect villages, thus fitting in an experience of life and culture in Spiti valley over a duration of five days. You’ll be getting a peek into the local life, living through the similar conditions, being a part of their daily life, and thus learning more about their ancient architecture, old monasteries, while also coming closer to the exotic endangered wildlife of Spiti Valley.

This easy Spiti Valley trek involves walking for 4 – 5 hours a day, staying at homestays with local families and can be undertaken by anyone with a love for nature, beauty, history and culture. Arguably, we think the Spiti Valley homestay trek is the best way to discover Spiti Valley, and there’s no doubt you’ll agree when you’re through!

Departure dates

• 06 May - 10 May 2024
• 27 May - 31 May 2024
• 10 Jun - 14 Jun 2024
• 24 Jun - 28 Jun 2024
• 15 Jul - 19 Jul 2024
• 12 Aug - 16 Aug 2024
• 26 Aug - 30 Aug 2024
• 09 Sep - 13 Sep 2024
• 30 Sep - 04 Oct 2024
• 14 Oct - 18 Oct 2024
• 10 Jul - 15 Jul 2017
• 17 Jul - 22 Jul 2017
• 12 Aug - 17 Aug 2017
• COST INCLUSIONS
• WHAT TO PACK
• SAFETY AND FAQs

Detailed Itinerary

Drive from Kaza - Ki Monastery - Kibber - Langza

• Homestay Accommodation
• Meals included

Destinations Covered

Trek from Langza - Komik

Trek from Komik - Demul

Trek from Demul - Lalung

Trek from Lalung - Dhankar. Drive to Kaza

• No Accommodation

Includes accomodation, meals, guide and local transfer. 9% service tax extra.

• The cost is ₹7,936 per person, if booked 90 days in advance or else the cost will be INR ₹8,936 per person.
• The cost mentioned is for a fixed departure and in case you want a private tour, you can customize it accordingly.
• This is a single sharing fixed departure cost, which will vary if you wish to select a whole car for yourself.
• The cost is ₹12,750 per person + 5% GST
• This Spiti Homestay trek can be customized as per your dates, group size and requirements and be arranged as a private trek.
• Accommodation here will be on double / triple sharing basis. If you are a solo trekker, the cost will stay the same but you will be sharing the room with another solo trekker of the same gender. 
• If you are looking for a single room at all places, do let us know and we'll help you with the revised costing.

Cost Inclusions

• Experienced and licenced English-speaking local guide
• All camping equipment including state-of-the-art high altitude sleeping bags, waterproof tents and trek mattresses
• Camping accommodation as per the program on double / triple sharing
• Freshly cooked, delicious vegetarian meals as per the itinerary
• Safe storage to store your luggage while you are on your trek
• Complimentary access to Pink House’s reading lounge to rest after the trek and a washroom to freshen up if available
• Accommodation in homestays as per the itinerary at all destinations on double / triple sharing basis.
• Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner at all homestays as per the itinerary.
• Experienced and knowledgeable English Speaking Guide.
• Comfortable Tata Sumo / Force Traveller for all transfers as per the itinerary.
• Reliable, experienced and adept English-speaking local driver with great knowledge of the area and the terrain.
• Driver charges and fuel
• Monastery / Entrance fees

Cost Exclusions

• Hotel accommodation at Mcleodganj
• Any Car / Jeep transfers
• Snacks, beverages and Mineral Water
• Any additional costs incurred in case of a medical emergency / natural disaster / breakdown of vehicle / acts of God.
• Anything not mentioned in the “Inclusions” section.

Any Personal Expenses / Tips

5% Tax (GST)

Porters / Mules to carry your personal luggage

Any Beverages / Meals that are not mentioned in the itinerary.

Any accommodation, activities 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.

WHAT TO PACK LIST - 2018

You could choose to pack the following items which will come handy when you go on your Triund Trek:

• Windproof Jackets
• Pullovers / Sweatshirts
• Warmers / Thermals
• Woolen caps, mufflers, gloves and socks
• Raincoat (required during monsoon)
• Waterproof / snow-proof trekking shoes
• Personal Medicines
• Water bottle
• A flashlight
• Solar chargers / Power banks
• Inhalers (if you suffer from asthma)

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)
• 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 
• 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.

Request you to carry only one backpack per person.

What people have to say about this trek!

Vaishali Bhat

The 6 day Spiti holiday we had in the month of August 2016 was one of the most exciting, hassel-free and filled with enriching experiences.Big Thank you goes to each and everyone in Spiti Holiday Adventure for the amazing time we had.It was indeed a pleasure to meet Rahul Mansur who organised the trip for us at a very short notice.Special thanks to Team at Hotel Spiti Serai, Rangrik for their hospitality and our driver Tilak.Would definitely love to experience more off-beat destinations organised by you guys.

Sally Anderson

Do yourself a big favour and visit Spiti Valley using this company. The whole team is extremely professional and just a lovely bunch! We did 7-day jeep ride which provided a great itinerary to see a lot of what this amazing place has to offer. Spiti Valley is a once in a lifetime experience and totally worth the effort to go!

Nilesh Saigaonkar

Thank you for an amazing "Spiti" experience. This was one of the well arranged and managed travel experience that I have been part of. Still missing the hospitality of all the people who hosted us at all places be it Khansar at kaza, Home-stay at Kibber or Mountain Trail Hotel at Manali. Once again a thank you very much and of course hope to travel with you guys once again. As JRR Tolkien says... Home is behind, The world ahead; And there are many paths to tread…

Why travel with us?

35 years of experience in organising tours within the Himalayas

The only local Spiti travel company to be Recommended by Lonely Planet

The best local prices minus any middle man or commissions.

Itinerary for Spiti Valley Homestay Trek

You might want to keep a copy of the itinerary with you!

Share this trip

Drive along the scenic valley of Spiti

This route will take you on a crazy road trip adventure and you will wake up with views like this everyday., what people say about us.

Shravanthi G

Julley!!! The tour was very well organised and the whole team were just amazing! I was nervous as this was my first solo trip so I made a calls to them asking about every small thing but the Spiti Holiday Adventure team were sweet and patient. We stayed with the locals in few places, talked about their travels, daily routine and how they live in the winters, that whole experience was beautiful and something that will stay with me forever. If you are looking to explore Spiti, I highly recommend Spiti Holiday Adventure!

Mayuresh Bokil

It was an amazing experience for us ; everything was scheduled as per itinerary sent to me and we never felt any difficulty during tour. thanks for giving best and safe experience of spiti

Shraddha Singh

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Spiti Valley’s Detailed Itinerary

Spiti Valley is a remote and rugged region situated in the northern Indian state of Himachal Pradesh. It is a popular destination for adventure seekers and spiritual travellers alike, thanks to its majestic mountains, barren landscapes, and ancient monasteries that surround the valley. Over the years, Spiti Valley has gained popularity among tourists due to its stunning natural beauty and cultural heritage.

Planning a trip to Spiti Valley can be overwhelming, particularly for first-time visitors. Travellers need to consider several factors, such as the best time to visit, the most scenic routes, and the must-see attractions. To make the most of their time in Spiti Valley, it is essential to have a well-planned itinerary that covers all the highlights. Regardless of whether you’re seeking an adventurous trek or a peaceful retreat, Spiti Valley has something to offer for everyone.

Why Visit Spiti Valley

Spiti Valley in Himachal Pradesh, India is a stunning destination for nature lovers, adventurers, and culture enthusiasts. Surrounded by snow-capped mountains, deep gorges, and pristine rivers, the valley offers a range of activities like trekking, mountain biking, river rafting, and camping, along with ancient monasteries of historical and cultural significance. Don’t miss out on a visit to this paradise in the Himalayas!

Best Time to Visit

Spiti Valley is a high-altitude desert region located in the Indian state of Himachal Pradesh. The best time to visit Spiti Valley is from mid-May to mid-October when the weather is pleasant and the roads are open. During this time, the temperature ranges from 15°C to 20°C during the day and drops to around 5°C to 10°C at night.

However, it is important to note that the weather in Spiti Valley can be unpredictable, and visitors should be prepared for sudden changes in temperature and weather conditions. It is advisable to carry warm clothes and rain gear, even during the summer months.

During the winter months, Spiti Valley is covered in snow and the roads are closed, making it inaccessible. The region experiences heavy snowfall from November to February, and the temperature can drop to as low as -30°C.

Visitors who are interested in witnessing the winter beauty of Spiti Valley can plan a trip from December to February. However, it is important to note that travelling during this time can be challenging due to extreme weather conditions.

Overall, the best time to visit Spiti Valley is from mid-May to mid-October, when the weather is pleasant and the region is accessible. Visitors should be prepared for sudden weather changes and should carry appropriate clothing and gear.

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Getting to Spiti Valley

Spiti Valley is a remote area located in the northern part of India, and getting there can be a bit of a challenge. However, the journey is well worth it for those who are looking for a unique and unforgettable experience. There are three main ways to get to Spiti Valley: by air, by train, and by road.

The nearest airport to Spiti Valley is in Kullu, which is about 250 kilometres away. From there, visitors can take a taxi or a bus to reach Spiti Valley. However, flights to Kullu are limited and often expensive, so this option may not be the most practical.

The nearest railway station to Spiti Valley is Shimla, which is about 450 kilometres away. From there, visitors can take a taxi or a bus to reach Spiti Valley. However, the journey by train can be long and tiring, and the station in Shimla is not well-connected to other parts of the country.

The most popular way to get to Spiti Valley is by road. Visitors can take a bus or hire a taxi from major cities like Delhi, Chandigarh, or Manali. The journey can be long and bumpy, but it is also a great way to experience the stunning landscapes of the Himalayas. It is important to note that the roads to Spiti Valley are often closed during the winter months due to heavy snowfall.

Overall, getting to Spiti Valley requires some planning and effort, but the journey is well worth it for those who are looking for an adventure in the heart of the Himalayas.

Places to Visit

Kaza is the capital of the Spiti Valley and is a popular destination for tourists. It is situated at an altitude of 3,800 meters and offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains. The town has a few restaurants and cafes, as well as a market where visitors can buy local handicrafts and souvenirs. Some of the popular attractions in Kaza include the Key Monastery, the Kibber Wildlife Sanctuary, and the Sakya Tangyud Monastery.

Tabo is a small town located on the banks of the Spiti River. It is famous for the Tabo Monastery, which is a  World Heritage Site. The monastery is known for its ancient murals and sculptures, which date back to the 10th century. Visitors can also explore the nearby caves, which were used by monks for meditation.

Dhankar is a small village located on a hilltop overlooking the Spiti River. It is home to the Dhankar Monastery, which is perched on a cliff at an altitude of 3,894 meters. The monastery is known for its stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. Visitors can also hike to the nearby Dhankar Lake, which is a popular spot for picnics and camping.

Pin Valley National Park

The Pin Valley National Park is located in the eastern part of the Spiti Valley and is known for its diverse wildlife. The park is home to several endangered species, including the snow leopard, the Tibetan gazelle, and the Siberian ibex. Visitors can go on guided treks and wildlife safaris to explore the park and its unique flora and fauna. Some of the popular trekking routes in the park include the Pin-Parvati Pass and the Pin-Bhaba Pass.

Accommodation in Spiti Valley

Spiti Valley is a remote region in the Indian state of Himachal Pradesh, known for its stunning landscapes and unique culture. While planning a trip to this region, one of the most important things to consider is accommodation. Spiti Valley offers a range of accommodation options, including hotels and homestays.

Several hotels in Spiti Valley offer comfortable accommodations for travellers. These hotels are located in major towns such as Kaza and Tabo. Most hotels in Spiti Valley offer basic amenities such as hot water, comfortable beds, and clean bathrooms. Some of the popular hotels in Spiti Valley include:

• Hotel Spiti Sarai
• Sakya Abode
• Spiti Valley Hotel

Homestays are a great way to experience the local culture and hospitality of Spiti Valley. Several homestays in the region offer comfortable accommodations and home-cooked meals. Homestays are a popular choice among travellers who want to experience the local way of life. Some of the popular homestays in Spiti Valley include:

• Tara Homestay
• Komic Homestay
• Langza Homestay

Overall, Spiti Valley offers a range of accommodation options for travellers. Whether you prefer hotels or homestays, there is something for everyone in this remote region. It is recommended to book accommodation in advance, especially during the peak season, to avoid any inconvenience.

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Things to Pack

When planning a trip to Spiti Valley, it is important to pack wisely to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable experience. Here are some essential items to consider:

Spiti Valley can experience extreme weather conditions, so it is important to pack clothing that can handle both hot and cold temperatures. It is recommended to bring multiple layers, including a warm jacket, thermal wear, and a waterproof outer layer. Additionally, comfortable hiking shoes or boots are a must for exploring the rugged terrain.

Medications and Toiletries

It is important to pack any necessary medications, including altitude sickness medication, as Spiti Valley is located at a high altitude. Basic toiletries such as toothbrushes, toothpaste, and sunscreen should also be included.

Electronics

While Spiti Valley is a remote and rugged destination, it is still important to bring essential electronics such as a camera, phone, and charger. It is recommended to bring a power bank as electricity can be limited in some areas.

Other Essentials

Other essential items to consider packing include a water bottle, snacks, a hat, sunglasses, and a backpack for day trips. It is also recommended to bring a small amount of cash as ATMs can be limited in some areas.

Overall, packing for Spiti Valley requires careful consideration of the destination’s unique weather conditions and remote location. By packing wisely, travellers can ensure a comfortable and enjoyable experience in this stunning destination.

• Travel Tips

When planning a trip to Spiti Valley, it’s important to keep a few things in mind to ensure a safe and enjoyable journey. Here are some travel tips to help you prepare for your adventure:

1. Altitude Sickness

Spiti Valley is located at a high altitude, so it’s important to take precautions to prevent altitude sickness. It’s recommended to spend a day or two in Manali or Shimla before heading to Spiti to acclimatize to the altitude. Drinking plenty of water, avoiding alcohol, and taking medication prescribed by a doctor can also help prevent altitude sickness.

2. Weather Conditions

The weather in Spiti Valley can be unpredictable, so it’s important to pack accordingly. Warm clothes, including a hat and gloves, are necessary even in the summer months. It’s also important to pack sunscreen and sunglasses to protect from the strong UV rays at high altitudes.

3. Accommodation and Food

Accommodation options in Spiti Valley are limited, so it’s important to book in advance. There are guesthouses and homestays available in the main towns, but it’s important to note that amenities may be basic. It’s recommended to carry snacks and water as food options may be limited in some areas.

Foreign nationals require a permit to enter Spiti Valley, which can be obtained from the District Magistrate’s Office in Shimla or Kaza. It’s important to carry a valid ID proof and passport-size photograph for the permit application.

5. Road Conditions

The roads in Spiti Valley can be challenging, with narrow and steep mountain passes. It’s important to hire a skilled driver with experience driving on mountain roads. It’s also recommended to carry spare tires and necessary tools in case of any breakdowns.

By keeping these travel tips in mind, travellers can have a safe and enjoyable journey to Spiti Valley.

In conclusion, Spiti Valley offers a unique and unforgettable travel experience for those seeking adventure in the heart of the Himalayas. The itinerary presented above provides a well-rounded introduction to the region, showcasing its stunning landscapes, rich culture, and ancient history.

Travelers can expect to encounter challenging terrain, extreme weather conditions, and limited amenities along the way. However, with proper preparation and a willingness to embrace the unexpected, the rewards of exploring Spiti Valley are immeasurable.

Whether trekking through the rugged mountains, visiting remote monasteries, or interacting with the friendly locals, visitors will leave Spiti Valley with a newfound appreciation for the natural beauty and cultural diversity of this remarkable region.

Overall, Spiti Valley is a destination that should not be missed by those seeking a truly authentic and adventurous travel experience.

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Spiti Valley Itinerary – A Detailed Travel Plan with Road Map

As you start descending from Rohtang Pass towards Keylong, a small untarred road bifurcates to the right near Gramphoo. The sign board at the beginning of the road reads” Welcome to the mystic land of Lahaul & Spiti”.  When I first visited Ladakh, I did not pay much attention to it as I journeyed on towards Leh. However, the next year, when I went traveling to Spiti valley, I realized how true this board was. For anyone who has even the slightest of interest in travel, photography or adventure, this place should be on top of the list.  This one of the least populated regions of our country is in every way a land mysterious. It is like that “A land far away” that you read and heard so much about, a place that not many people go to but so enigmatic that you always wanted to see how it was. However, because of the same remote nature of the area, drafting a Spiti Valley Itinerary for someone who is visiting here for the very first time can be a little confusing. If you are too planning a trip to Spiti in near future and are not sure about how to take the journey, below is an example of Spiti Valley Itinerary that you can follow.

I suggest everyone that while traveling to Spiti, keep this in mind that this is not a journey that you are going to take each month or each year. Most of the people would not even know when they will be in Spiti next so the idea should be to see as much as possible and trust me, there is plenty to see there. My advice would be is to focus on the journey and not the destination. Unlike most of the other tourist destinations, Spiti is a place where your entire journey is something that you should enjoy. Vistas change at every corner and it is a feast for eyes at every turn of the road. This is not a journey where you can just doze off in the vehicle and wake up when you reach at the destination. Instead, this is a journey which is an adventure in itself. A journey that you cannot afford to miss any part of.

Click on the map below to view it in full size.

A few things that you really need to keep in mind while planning your itinerary, no matter which part of the country you are coming from, are;

Also read: Must See Places in Spiti Valley

While the entire Spiti circuit (Shimla to Manali or vice versa) can be done in 5 days, It is advised to at least give at least 8-9 days to enjoy this journey to its fullest. Read Lahaul Spiti Route Guide for a detailed description of the entire Spiti circuit along with a road map.

You really need to consider and prepare yourself for AMS which you may suffer from during the journey. Spiti is one of the highest altitude regions of the  and If this is your trip here, it is advised to start the journey from Shimla and end at Manali, for better high altitude acclimatization. For more detail on what AMS is and what its symptoms are, read How to Handle Acute Mountain Sickness in Spiti Valley ?

If you are not traveling in your self-owned vehicle, then you can easily find public transport on this highway. This road passes through a well populated region and finding a shared taxi and even bus service is not at all difficult.

Hotels are available in Spiti in plenty and in every price range. You can find a hotel in here for as less as Rs. 500 per night for 2 people. If your trip is tight budgeted, then shared taxis are your best bet but visiting the nearby regions of Kibber and Kaumik can then become a pain. For people visiting on a motorcycle, a 10 days trip, covering entire Spiti, including fuel, accommodation and food can easily be capped within Rs. 10,000 per person. If you are traveling in a four wheeler, expect the cost to be around Rs. 15,000 to Rs. 17,000.

With above being said, below is how you can plan your journey. For the sake of this article, I will assume that you are starting from Delhi. If you are journeying from elsewhere, then the first and last day travel will change. If you are starting from even farther than Delhi, you may have to add a few more days to reach Shimla.

Also read: Top 10 Things NOT to do in Spiti Valley

Spiti Valley Itinerary

Day 1 – Delhi to Shimla / Narkanda Day 2 – Shimla / Narkanda to Sarahan Day 3 – Sarahan to Chitkul Day 4 – Chitkul to Kalpa Day 5 – Kalpa to Nako Day 6 – Nako to Kaza Day 7 – Kaza to Kibber, Komik, Tashigang, Kaza Day  8 – Kaza to Chandratal Day  9 – Chandratal to Manali Day 10 – Manali to Delhi

This itinerary is more from the point of view of a person who is visiting here for the very first time. The way I have laid it out is keeping in mind that you neither travel too less nor too much on any given day while covering all the major tourist areas on the circuit. Below is a more detailed explanation of the above mentioned Spiti Valley Itinerary. I will start the journey from Shimla and exit at Manali which in my opinion is better for a first visit to high altitude regions.

For a complete list of accommodation at all these places, please read the article at the link below. I have mentioned here a few recommended hotels and guest houses here with their contact information.

Also read: Accommodation in Spiti Valley: Recommended hotels and guest houses

Day 1 – Delhi to Shimla / Narkanda

Nothing much to really write about this except for a long day of journey. Start early from Delhi, take NH1 towards Chandigarh. Just before Chandigarh, take the Himalayan Expressway towards Shimla. Once at Shimla, you can either chose to stay here or if you still have some time left, continue towards Narkanda. Personally, I prefer staying at Narkanda as compared to the crowded city of Shimla. It is about a 2-3 hours’ drive from Shimla .

If you are staying at Shimla, then you can talk a walk through the market, mall road, Ridge etc. Narkanda is just a small village but with tons of scenic beauty.

If you have time, you can also break this journey in two parts. Reach Shimla on Day 1 and go to Narkanda on Day 2. Hatu Peak in Narkanda is well worth a visit. It is the highest peak in the region and a steep climb of about 10 kilometers. There is a narrow road that goes all the way to the top that you can take your car or motorcycle on.

About 8-9 hours’ drive until Shimla and 10-11 hours for Narkanda. Both Narkanda and Shimla have several hotels and finding one for about Rs. 600 – 700 should be easy. Road conditions are mostly good all the way till Narkanda.

Also read: Traveling to Spiti Valley from Manali

Day 2 – Shimla / Narkanda to Sarahan

Start early if you stayed at Shimla. If you stayed at Narkanda on Day 1, you have plenty of time to reach Sarahan which is about 6 hours from Narkanda. Visit Hatu Peak early in the morning and return to Narkanda. Have breakfast, check out of your hotel and be on your way towards Sarahan. A little after Narkanda you will get your first view of Sutlej river which you will be traveling right next to for rest of the day. Continue towards Rampur where you may have your lunch as well. Once you reach Jeori, turn on the 16 kilometers long road that goes towards Sarahan.

Bhimkali temple and a bird sanctuary in Sarahan is well worth a visit. It will take you about 7-8 hours from Shimla and about 5-6 hours from Narkanda to reach Sarahan. Road conditions will mostly be good. There are several hotels here and you can easily find one within budget, for as low as Rs. 500.

Day 3 – Sarahan to Chitkul

From Sarahan, travel back to Jeori and continue towards Karchham. There is a huge dam built over Sutlej at Karchham which you will cross as you drive by. From Karchham, leave the highway again and take the diversion towards Sangla. Have lunch at Sangla and from there it is another couple of hours drive to Chitkul which is the last village on this road.

Sangla is famous for Nages god temple and Kamru Fort. Chitkul is a beautiful small village located right next to Baspa river. There is also an ATM at Sangla if you need to withdraw cash. Some people prefer chose to stay at Sangla but I would recommend going all the way to Chitkul. You can also break this journey in 2 days if you have enough time. Reach Sangla from Sarahan and then go to Chitkul the next day.

A total of about 6-7 hours of travel from Sarahan to Chitkul.

Both Sangla and Chitkul have several hotels and you will be able to find one for price between Rs.700 – Rs.100.

Road will start to deteriorate after Jeori and you should prepare yourself for traveling on bad roads from here on. Karchham to Chitkul is mostly an untarred dirt trail all the way.

Also read: Traveling to Spiti Valley from Shimla

Day 4 – Chitkul to Kalpa

From Chitkul, come all the way back to the highway at Karchham and from there continue towards Powari. At Powari, leave the highway once again and turn on the road going uphill towards Reckong Peo. From Peo, keep going further up until you reach Kalpa.

Reckong Peo is an Army base and foreign nationals have to obtain a pass here to continue further towards Spiti. Kalpa is a small town famous for its apple orchards. Primary attraction of Kalpa is that it presents a magnificent view of Kinner Kailash. Public smoking is banned in Kapla so do not lit a cigarette out in public. You should also buy your smokes from somewhere on the way as you may not find any cigarettes here on sale.

Road will continue to be bad mostly. A total of 4-5 hours journey. You may have to do a bit of hotel hunting but will easily find a hotel within budget, price ranging between Rs. 700 – Rs. 1000

Also read: Is Spiti Valley Safe for Tourists?

Day 5 – Kalpa to Nako

Reckong Peo has the last petrol pump until Kaza so ensure that you tank up here. Once again, do a bit of backtracking and drive all the way to Powari. Continue on NH1 towards Pooh where you will need to register yourself at the check post. After Pooh, road conditions will improve and will remain so all the way till Nako. You will also cross Kazigs on your way, numerous hair-pin bends just like the gata loops of Ladakh.

There are a couple of hotels at Nako and also a PWD guest house right next to Nako Lake. Expect the price to be around Rs. 1000 here.

Road conditions until Pooh will be bad but after that it is a good tarred road. Total of 6-7 hours of journey for the day.

Nako also has a small man-made lake but I found nothing too great about it really. You can also do a bit of trekking to a nearby hilltop to get a panoramic view of the village.

Also read: Best Hotels in Spiti Valley

Day 6 – Nako to Kaza

From Nako, its a smooth drive to Tabo. Road conditions will mostly remain good with a few bad patches here and there.

A few kilometers before Tabo, you will come across a cemented gate on your right and road heading towards Gue village. This site is famous for a 650 year old Mummy located here and is worth a visit. From the gate, it is an 8 kms drive to the village. The temple where the Mummy is placed is on a hilltop and is hard to miss once you have reached the village. You can also ask any of the locals and they can point you in the right direction. After visiting the temple, drive back 8 kms to the highway and continue towards Tabo.

Primary attraction at Tabo is the Tabo Monastery which is said to be over a thousand years old. In case you want to stay at Tabo for the night, there are a few hotels here, of which the Banjara Camps retreat is the most luxurious. There are other hotels and hostels like Tashi Gangsar, Menthok Dumra at Tabo, including the monastery’s own guest houses.

Next after Tabo will be the small village of Dhankar, which is famous for its two (old and new) monasteries. There is also a lake near Dhankar, known as Dhankar Lake. You will have to trek on foot for a few kilometers to reach the lake. Dhankar does not have any hotels, nearest accommodation available is either at Kaza or Tabo.

After Dhankar, it is a straight run to Kaza. Some of the major tourist attractions in and around Kaza are Tangyud Monastery, Key Monastery, Kibber village,Gette Village, Langza village famous for presents of marine fossils, and the Pin Valley National Park, a protected area for Himalayan high altitude wildlife. There are multiple hotels in Kaza so finding an accommodation is not a problem.

Road conditions will be a mix of good, average and bad. A total of 6-7 hours of journey for the day.

Also read: Mobile Network and Data Connectivity in Spiti Valley

Day 7: Kaza – Tashigong – Langza – Kaumik – Kaza

Start early the next day from Kaza to visit the nearby villages of Gette, Tashigang, Kibber, Kaumik and Langza. Leave your luggage at the hotel and you will be returning to Kaza by evening unless you plan to stay at either of these small villages. Langza is famous for very old fossils found here which you can even buy if interested. It also has a small restaurant where you can eat and also see some fossils.

Day 8: Kaza to Chandratal

Tank up at Kaza as the next fuel station is at Manali. Head towards Losar and from there, take the ascent towards Kunzum Pass. As you start on your descent from the top towards Batal, there is a small road that goes towards Chandratal. This is the one you will need to turn on from where the lake is about 10 kilometers. It is a very narrow dirt trail so caution is advised while driving on it.

It will take about 5-6 hours to reach the lake from Kaza. Road conditions will be bad throughout. Chandratal has several campsites where the price will range between Rs. 1500 to Rs. 3000 per person including meals.

Also read: Clothes for Spiti Trip – What to Pack?

Day 9: Chandratal to Manali

From Chandratal, drive back towards Kunzum pass and head to Batal. After Batal, you will come across the worst stretch of road you have seen in your life. The distance is short however it will take you good 5-6 hours just to cross this small patch. From Gramphoo, take the turn towards Rohtang Pass and then descent into Manali.

Road conditions are worst until Gramphoo and after that it will be a mix of good and bad until Manali.

Total of 7-8 hours of journey for the day. Manali has several hotels and you will easily find one within any budget.

Day 10 – Manali to Delhi

Nothing but a long 12-14 hours of long monotonous journey back home.

This will sum up your 10 days journey to Spiti valley, the land mystic. No matter how many time you return here now, your first time will always be your most memorable. Drive back home with memories to cherish and tales to tell.

Planning a trip to Spiti valley by bus or other public transport services?

Also read: How to travel to Spiti valley by Public transport services

I hope this information on Spiti Valley Itinerary was helpful. If you have any further questions, please feel free to ask in the comments section below; or at our Community Forum ; and I will be glad to answer.

Vargis.Khan

Not much to write about me really except for that I love to travel around whenever I can and to wherever I can. This blog is just a small attempt to share my travel experiences with the world. Hope you like it !!!

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Vargis, love how informative and helpful your blogs are. Specially this one on Spiti valley. Based on this and a few other pages on the internet, I have compiled below itinerary. Could you please review and give your suggestions. Also is early September a good time to visit?

Day1: Delhi to Shimla (9 hrs approx 380 kms via NH44 and NH5) Day2: Shimla to Kalpa (9 hrs approx 250 kms via NH5) Day3: Kalpa to Nako (4 hrs approx 120 kms via NH5). Lunch near Nako Lake. Overnight at Tabo (3 hrs approx 70 kms from Nako) Day4: Tabo to Dhankar (1.5 hrs approx 35 kms) Visit Dhankar Monastery and Dhankar Lake and leave after early lunch Drive through the Pin Valley National Park (via Kungri) to Mud village Overnight at Mud Village in Pin Valley (3 hrs approx 60 kms from Dhankar) Day5: Mud to Kaza (2.5 hrs approx 55 kms) Have breakfast/early lunch at Kaza and check in to Hotel Kaza – Key – Kibber – Tashigong – Kaza (approx 70 kms) Day6: Kaza – Langza – Hikkim – Komic – Kaza (approx 50 kms) Kaza to Losar (2.5 hrs approx 60 kms) Overnight at Losar Day7: From Losar to Chandratal via Kunzum Pass (2.5 hrs approx 45 kms) Overnight at Chandratal camps Day 8: Early morning reflections from Chandratal Chandratal to Rohtang Pass (3.5 hrs approx 90 kms) Overnight at Manali (2 hrs approx 40 kms from Rohtang La) Day 9: Manali to Delhi (14 hrs approx 550 kms) Day 10: Buffer Day

Hi Biswaroop – The itinerary is definitely doable as long as you are traveling by your own vehicle

Hi Vargis , greetings i am doing shimla kaza manali circuit from 5th june till 14th june , can you share any map or detials with some ref , for that i dont miss any thing during my trip , we r 4 in group , would be obliged regards

HI VARGIS. WE, 10 PEOPLES ARE PLANNING FOR LAHAUL SPITI FROM MANALI OR SHIMLA IN NEXT YEAR. 6 PEOPLE AMONG US WILL BE ON BIKE AND REST ARE PLANNING IN CAB. CAN U PLS TELL ME WHICH IS THE BEST MONTH BETWEEN MAY AND JUNE TO VISIT SPITI. AND WE SHALL BE HIGHLY GRATEFUL IF U GIVE US A PERFECT ITINERARY

Which one is better to stay, Nako or Tabo? Is it a good decision to stay at Losar after completing Kaza’s local tour instead of return at Kaza? I want to go in the middle of August. > Chandigarh to Shimla > Shimla to Sarahan > Sarahan to Chhitkul > Chhitkul to Kalpa > Kalpa to Tabo > Tabo to Pin > Pin to Kaza > Kaza to Losar > Losar to Chandrataal to Manali > Manali to Kalka Is this OK? I want your suggestions.

BEST TIME TO TRAVEL IN SPITI VALLEY MONTH OF MAY, JUNE JULY

June will be better

Hello Vargis… We are planning on THAR 4×4 from 23rd may 2020 to 03rd June 2020 starting from Delhi-Shimla-Sangla-Kalpa-Nako-Tabo-Kaza-Losar-Chandratal-Batal-Manali. Is this time OK for returning to manali from Kaza. For chandrataal lake can Thar be driven in such narrow roads/ dirt trail.

Thanks in advance

Hi Tushar – Timing is OK. Read my travelogue at the link below please. I went last year by my Thar. Should help answer your questions.

http://roadragas.com/threads/return-to-spiti-experiencing-the-magic-once-again.3965/

Hi! Vargis. We are going to complete the Spiti circuit on the bike(2 people on a bike). We are leaving on 4th early morning from delhi and we have to come back on 9th night. Its will be 6 days journey. People are saying that is not feasible to complete the spiti circuit in 6 days from delhi. Could you please help us with the itenary as we just have 6 days and we have a rented bike?

Hi Kritika,

Travel like this.

1. Delhi to Narkanda 2. Narkanda to Chitkul 3. Chitkul to Nako 4. Nako to Kaza 5. Kaza to Chandratal to Manali 6. Manali to Delhi

Or like this.

1. Delhi to Narkanda 2. Narkanda to Chitkul 3. Chitkul to Kaza 5. Kaza to Chandratal 6. Chandratal to Manali 7. Manali to Delhi

Hi Vargis. What would be the situtation during January 2020. As I have my plans to travel from January 2dn till January 16th. This trip would be a self drive one from Nashik, Maharashtra to Nashik. Could you update me about the what would be the route condition during that times. Would the Manali sircuit be open? Or I am planning from Shimla to Kaza & back depending on the snow conditions.

TIA, Regards, Nitesh E Narayanan

Hi Nitesh – Please see this post.

https://vargiskhan.com/log/spiti-valley-in-january/

Hello Vargis,

I am planning for a road trip for Spiti circuit in July end 27July -03 August, so the first assistance I required is IS IT SAFE to travel in these days. secondly I am a little bit confused regarding itinerary for 7 days.

Thanks in advance for assistance given.

1. Safe- Yes but you will have to prepare well for monsoon 2. Itinerary – See the post below

https://vargiskhan.com/log/spiti-valley-in-7-days/

Hi Vargis, I checked almost all of your write ups regarding Spiti Valley and loved your traveller-mind. We are a group of 4-6(not decided yet), including a sporty kid of 12 years. Now we are planning a trip to some of the dream places of Himachal as (Bir the billing->Kaza-> Pin valley-> Tirthan valley . We are from Bangalore, so probably will start our on road journeyfrom Delhi/ Chandigarh(or you can suggest something better. We will rent a cab from Chandigarh/Delhi. So it’s important to start and end at the same place.We have total 11 nights/12 days in hand. We don’t want to spend time in packing and unpacking and no intension to make the trip hectic. we are planning to make it in next April/may. Planning ahead, because we want to book the hotels a long before to go with our preferred places of staying and planning is fun as well. I am sending an itinerary , pleae suggest better one if you can think of, or please suggest something different,if you feel.

Day 1: (Booking cab from Chandigarh) Chandigarh to Bir ( staying in Tatva camps) Day2 : Bir Paragliding and sight seeing Day3: Bir-> Barot Valley-> Bir Day4: Bir to Manali ( Just to go to Kaza) Day5: Manali -> Kaza( via Rotangh Pass) ( staying in Dayzor or Spiti Valley Heritage hotel) Day6: Kaza–> Hikkim -> Kaza Day 7: Kaza-> Pin Valley -> Kaza Day 8: Kaza -> Tirthan Valley ( I know it’s a long ride , but couldn’t find other better option, please suggest) Day 9 Tirthan Valley -> Humalayan National Park( Stay in Sunshine Himalayan heritage/ Devat Farm or any other cottage beside Tirthan River) Day 10-> Tirthan Valley->Jalori Pass_> Tirthan Valley Day11: Relax in Tirthan Valley Day 12: Tirthan to Chandigarh

Please suggest whatever you feel, you can suggest better places to stay as well. Thanks in advance

Hi Piyali – This plan will not work in April or May. Manali Kaza route opens towards the end of May or early June. This year it hasn’t opened still so it will be better to delay your trip and plan in June. Your itinerary looks good though.

Hi Vargis, a lot of thanks for your quick reply . You are a great help for travellers in this route. I just realized the same after posting once I read your blog ‘ Spiti valley in March’. Unfortunately we cannot change the time, so changed the itinerary a bit. Could you please check it again? We are leaving Bit the Billing for this time, though the youngest one was interested in paragliding a lot. But we need to adjust. So the new itinerary as follows:

Day1: Delhi/Chandigarh to Tirthan valley( Guishaini)

Day 2: Relaxing and local trek at Teerthan Day 3: Teerthan to Jalori pass, back to Teerthan Day4: Teerthan to Kalpa Day 5: Stay in Kalpa and local sight seeing Day 6: Kalpa to Kaza Day 7: relaxing in Kaza and travel to Hikkim Day 8: Kaza to Pinvalley, back to Kaza Day 9: Kaza to Chitkul Day 10: Stay in Chitkul Day 11: Chitkul to Kurfi( Or any other better place on the way, please suggest) Day 12: Kurfi to Delhi/ Chandigarh

Please suggest if it’s a feasible itinerary by road or not? We will hire Cab from Delhi( probably we will start the road trip to and from Delhi) . If you know good car rentals that also suggest please. Thanks in advance.

hi Vargis bhai, i m planning spiti trip around 10th June 2019 with wife and 2 children. my wife is busy in University exams, so exact date of departure is not final. can i get hotels after reaching there like Narkanda, Chitkul, Kalpa, Kaza etc. as i am not able to do prior booking. can i do Kaza-Chandetaal-Manali in my Ertiga (i had done Chansal pass with it). any suggestions from ur side.

Hello guys planning road trip from mumbai to leh spiti and back to mumbai in july end august 2019. if anyone interested to join ping me on 9619958818… planning approx 25 days.

hi vargis . we are 5 people coming from chennai .we planned to visit spiti on october 1st week . we decided to travel from chandigar to spiti by rental car for self drive . what is yoyr suggestion ?

Yes you can do it Delip. Spiti remains open in October first week

Hi….Please help me with 7 day round trip itenary for Spiti from Delhi on 350 CC classic

See this post please.

Hi Vargis.. we are looking for good quality or bit high end accommodation for Kinnaur Spiti circuit in June 2019. Plan is-

D1 Land at Chandigarh. Chd – Narkanda

D2 Narkanda – Sarahan

D3 Sarahan – Sangla

D4 Sangla – Chitkul – Kalpa

D5 Kalpa – Nako

D6 Nako – Gue – Lallung

D7 Lallung – Mud – Kaza

D8 Kaza – niegbouring spots – Kaza

D9 Kaza – Ki Monastery – Chandratal Camp

D10 Chandratal Camp – Chandratal Lake – Manali

D11 Manali – Chd

D12 Departure Chandigarh

Looking for suggestions for good hotels at Narkanda, Sarahan, Sangla, Kalpa, Nako, Lallung, Kaza. Would be grateful if you could give out suitable places for stay at these places.

Hai vargis, We two guys planning to cover spiti circuit in a Royal Enfield by this winter ends.. We want to know that when the road will open for bike riders??

The road from Shimla to Spiti is open still Aswin. It remains open all 12 months

Hi Vargis, My friends & I are planning to visit Kalpa, Nako, Kaza in Mid March (after 20 days) by car. Do we have to worry about snow on roads or freezing car engine. We wanna experience Snow covered mountain, what are the places we should cover. Your kind help will be highly appreciated. Thanks in advance. Warm Regards, Nayan

Fuel Freezing – Not in March really. Are you going in a Diesel vehicle or Petrol? Snow on the road – Near Kaza and Nako you may find some snow , not elsewhere.

Good Morning Appreciate your kind reply. We’ll be driving Diesel cars (Nissan Terrano & Mahindra TUV300). Apart, do you suggest any place on our trip to find complete mountains covered with snow.

Thanks once again. Warm Regards, Nayan Patel

Hi Nayan – You are welcome !!!

Fuel should not freeze in March but still as a caution, look for some anti freeze Gel to use.

Chitkul, Nako, Kaza and the villages around Kaza are places where you can find snow. Chitkul may or may not be open at that time.

Thank you. Appreciate your kind reply.

Cheers! Nayan

You are welcome. Do let me know how your trip went after you return.

Hi VargisVa

I’m planning a trip to shimla, spiti, kaza and manali by bike on 13th Oct. Is it good time to visit these place . What weather will be like during this time.

Thanks Abhishek

Weather will be very cold at this time. Manali Kaza road usually closes by mid October so do not delay it any further.

hi Vargis , you are really prompt giving replies. hope you will reply to my queries also

– we are 6 adults – planning to go “key monastry” and camping in “chandrataal lake” only – we have 5 days for this trip, starting from chandigarh. – sept 27 to Oct 1

1. please let us know the route via manali to key monastry and chandrataal? , we dont want to go from shimla and the rest of the route you have suggested previously. 2. for this journey what would be the minimum budget required per person?

The route from Manali would be,

Manali – Rohtang – Gramphoo – Batal – Kunzum Pass – Losar – Kaza or Kunzum Pass – Chandratal

Hard to give budget estimate. Depends entirely on how you are traveling.

Hi Vargis ! It is wonderful going through your blog. What would be the approx cost of a 10 day Spiti tour package (exclusive cab, accomodation and fooding) for 2 adults starting from Shimla on Day-1 and end at Manali on Day-10.

Hi Subol – I am sorry but I do not know of any packages, never traveled with a tour agent.

Hi Varghis Khan, First of all hats off to your great blog. I have recently went on a bike trip to spiti valley. and your awsome blog was my guiding angel. I got even discounts in hotels by just mentioning your name.

Thank you so much for helping out others. way to go. here is the video of my trip. https://youtu.be/WkcyV2DFz6Q

Hi Meril – I am glad your trip went great brother. Great video. Do share some pictures and some details of your trip if you can.

Hello Vargis bhai..we are planning our trip Chandigarh-chitkul-spiti-manali-chandigarh from 15th June – 21st June..we have planned to do Chandigarh to Chitkul on first day..please help us with the tour plan

hi vargis we are planning to go to spiti valley with our 6 year old son in last week of june. we would be roughly following your itinerary above. i want to know if we should book accomodations at all places before going, or would it be better to go just like that and look for accomodation as we reach, just in case weather plays spoilsport and we are unable to reach the decided destination. we would be booking in advance till kalpa, definitely.

Dear Vargis,

It was insightful of your blogs when I did my solo Ladkah trip (Amritsar-Ramban-Sonmarg-Lamayuru-Leh-Nubra-Pangong-Lato-Keylong-Manali-Delhi) last year on my ~40 year old Enfield. It was a great experience and I cannot express them in words. I really thank you and all your piece of advice which you have jotted down here on vargiskhan.com

This year I am planning for solo trip again (not on my 40 year old Enfield 😉 ) to Spiti Valley for a period of 15 days. I wont be hiring any motorcycle either from Delhi or from Manali. I intend to complete this circuit entering from Manali and exiting from Shimla (or maybe returning back from Shimla to Manali through same route as I have enough days to stay in Nirvana). My main agenda is to complete this trip by the means of local commute, i.e., shared taxis, local buses, etc.

As you are very much familiar with the places on the routes, I wanted to know if it will be possible for me to complete the circuit with the help of local shared taxis and local buses from the places that come along the way of Spiti Circuit because I am not really aware if it will be available there at all. Further, what do you suggest on the budget when leisure is on my least priority and experience the raw nature, local hosting, etc is the real motto.

As i reside in Mumbai, I shall be landing Delhi on 8th June night and plan to start from Delhi (towards Manali) from 9th June morning and intend to get back to Delhi by 23rd/24th June.

Any suggestions, advice is welcomed.

Will be glad to communicate with you trailing to this comment.

Regards, Jaskaran S Chawla

Hello Jaskaran,

Thank you for your kind words. Not sure if you have already but in case you did not, please take a look at the article below. This should answer your question about traveling to Spiti by public transport. Let me know if you have any other doubts.

https://vargiskhan.com/log/travel-spiti-valley-by-bus-taxi-services/

hello sir I am doing landscape photography Kindly give me best rout from Chandigarh for 8 days trip where I can take best pics

How are you traveling Hardik?

can u tell me 6days itinerary ?starting to shimla and complete at rohtang through manali. how much cost of hired taxi for 6days?(3couple)

Really helpful article vargis sir. It really helped me in planning my trip

Thanks for taking the time to drop an appreciating note Rahul Bhai. I am glad the information was of help.

Hi. Great blogpost firstly. I would like to ask whether the journey can be done from Chandigarh-Shimla-All spiti spots mentioned-Manali-Chandigarh. I intend to skip Delhi altogether. Planning a bike trip in 1st week of September. is the time & plan correct or should i prepone it to last week of August instead? Kindly advice.

Hello – Thank you for your appreciating words. Yes you can definitely do the same journey from Chandigarh as well. I just assumed Delhi for the sake of this article. September is a perfect time to visit Spiti, do not plan in August because it will be Monsoon season at that time.

thanks for the prompt reply bro. just a follow up question: September 1st week or 2nd week is recomended?

Both are equally good. You can decide as per your convenience.

Thanks a lot bro for all the help

You are welcome bro …

Great info. i ahve a query. Intending to absolutely stick to your itinerary & planning a Bike trip in 1st week of September. Is the time right or should i prepone to last week of August instead. Kindly advice based on quality & availability of roads in the month. Regards.

P.S. I have experience of Ladakh(7Day Bike trip involving Leh,Hemis,Khardungla,nubra,Pangong).

September is perfect, no need to change. August will just mean rain and bad roads which is not the case in September so keep your plan as it is.

Hi vargis! It is an absolutely informative blog!! Thank you for that. But I have a question, is really a bad time to visit himachal in Feb ? I read about spiti ,that it will be closed. But for other places like shimla manali ?

Hi Shriya – It is not really a bad time but you will have to prepare yourself for cold and snow. Spiti will remain open though but you will have to take the Shimla route. Cannot go via Manali.

Hello, We are planning a trip for spiti in June 1st week our itinerary is as follow Please comment on this if any changes or suggestion?

Chandigadh Airport to Narkanda 31-May Thrusday

Narkanda to Sangla 01-Jun Friday

Sangla to Chitkul / Kalpa 02-Jun Saturday

Kalpa to Nako / Tabo 03-Jun Sunday

Tabo to Dhankar Lake / Mud 04 & 05-Jun Monday & Tuesday

Mud to Pin Vally / Kaza 06 & 07-Jun Wednesday & Thrusday

Kaza to Losar / Chandrata / Batal 08-Jun Friday

Batal to Manali 09 & 10 Jun Saturday & Sunday

Manali to Chandigadh 11-Jun Monday

We are planing for family tour with 8 years old kids. is it possible to do above itinanry and which things we have to take care particularly for kids.

Hello Sejul – Narkanda to Sangla in one day coule be a bit of a long journey. If you can, break this in two. Do Narkanda to Sarahan and Sarahan to Sangla.

Mud village is in Pin Valley, this is is where the road ends.

Rest of your itinerary looks good enough. The only thing I will stronly suggest is that you delay your plan by a week at least. Kunzum Pass open sometime in early June, this year it opened around 10th so you are cutting it a bit too close. Roads will be extremely bad if open and may even temporarily close. Accommodation at Batal and Chandratal too at this time is highly doubtful as the road would just have opened.

Hello Vargis, We are planing for Spiti Vally Nex May Last Week to Jun 1st Week. Can you give idea when normally Kunjumla Pass opens every year. Thanks

Hello Sejul – Kunzum opens sometime late May or early June. Best would be to plan after June 10th to be on a safer side.

Wonderful blog and what a wealth of information!

We have planned to visit Spiti for 5 days starting on Sept 27th. Plan includes 1. Manali to Kaza or Losar ( which is better) 2. Tabo and Dhankar or Kibber, Ki, Komik and Langza 3. Ki, Kibber, Komik, Langza or Mane 4.Chandratal 5. Chandratal to Manali.

We are a group of Four.

Hello Vineet Bhai – Your plan looks great. From Manali, head straight to Kaza, do not stay at Losar. Next day, from Kaza, take a day’s ride towards Tabo Dhankar and from there head to Mud village in Pin valley, then return to Kaza by evening. 3rd day take a ride towards Ki, Kibber, Langza and Hikkim. 4th Chandratal and 5th Manali.

Vargis thanks for your info.. Can you please suggest us for 4 days trip From Delhi to Spiti Valley as being in jobs we don’t have much time.We will be going by our own car.. ..

Hello Ankit, A 4 days trip will really be very rushed with a lot of non-stop driving involved. Second tricky part is getting Rohtang permits. How many people are traveling, can you take turns driving for long hours? And which car do you plan on taking?

Hello thanks a lot for this blog. I have some questions, it would be very useful if you can answer them. I am doing this trip with 3 of my friends from august 12th to august 20th. 1. Will the weather be okay during that time. 2. We are looking for a tour agency that can make arrangements for us easily, do you have any suggestions? 3. What are some of that places we should not miss? 4. Will there be snow at any place? We would like to snow once since we’ve never seen snow before. 5. Will there be paragliding at any place? 6. Will there be bikes for rental at kaza so that for one day alone we can have a bike trip?

Thanks again for this wonderful blog!

Hello Ganesh,

Thank you your appreciating words.

1. It will be monsoon with high chances of rain. 2. Do you need a travel agent for the entire trip, arranging cab, hotels and everything? 3. A trip to Nubra vallley, Pangong Tso and Tso Moriri is must while you are in Ladakh. Rest depends upon your travel plan. 4. Most likely no. You may see some snow at top of the passes but nowhere else. 5. At Manali you can indulge in paragliding. 6. Yes you can rent a bike in Kaza.

Thanks for the reply! We are planning our trip to be Chandigarh – Shimla – Spitti Valley – Manali – Chandigarh. So we won’t be visiting ladakh. So can you suggest the must visit places in this circuit. And can we manage in the rain or is it gonna be quit impossible? And yes we need a travel agent for the entire trip.

For must visit places, take a look at this article.

https://vargiskhan.com/log/tourist-attractions-in-spiti-valley-vicinity/

For travel agent, contact Jamaica at 9418200183. In case u r not able to reach him, drop a message on watsapp and he will contact you.

Since you are traveling with a local travel agent and in a car, Rain won’t really be much of a hassle.

First of all, thank you for detail travel guide on Spiti Valley. I’m planning 9-10 days of bike trip to Shimla – Spiti – Manali route from Aug 11 – Aug 19. I have few queries 1) How will be the weather during 2nd-3rd week of August? 2) Can I hire a bike(bullet) from Shimla and drop at Manali? If yes, do you have any contact who can offer this service? 3) Is 9 days enough from Shimla – Spiti – Manali? 4) If its raining during this period, how difficult is to ride in this condition?

Thanks in advance Satish

Hello Saty – Thank you for your kind words. 1. It will be raining so please prepare accordingly. 2. Yes you can do it but they will charge you extra for that, around Rs. 10000 apart from the rental and all other charges. 3. Yes it is. 4. It will be difficult but nothing that you cannot manage as long as you have decent enough riding experience.

Dear Vargis, Thank you for your quick response, really appreciate it. Follow up queries: 1. Is it possible to hire bike from Shimla and drop the bike at Spiti. Do you have any contact who can offer this service? 2. If I change my plans to last week of August, how will be the weather?

Thanks in advance Saty

Hello Saty,

1. Yes you can rent a motorcycle in Shimla however I do not have any contacts there. Sorry. 2. It will be much better towards last week of August or 1st week of September. Not much rain at that time.

Hello Vargis Sir, you have a very good and informative blog. I have read several of your blogs and I am planning a trip to spiti valley for 8 days with 3 of my friends. I have created a Itinerary very similar to this with the help of your blogs. I just have one question, on the last day of the trip, we are planning to start from Chandratal lake and reach all the way upto Chandigarh. Is it feasible for us to make this journey so that we reach Chandigarh by the end of the day? At what time should we start from chandratal? And is this recommended or you would suggest something otherwise?

And thanks again for this valuable information

Hello Romit – You can do it. I myself have done Chandratal to Delhi at a stretch on a motorcycle. Start from Chandratal by 7 AM and you should reach Manali by 3 PM at most. Another 4-5 hours from here and you will be in Chandigarh.

Hi Vargis Sir, thanks for the prompt response. I would just like to share my itinerary, it would be helpful if you can provide your suggestions.

Day 1 – Chandigarh to Srahan Day 2 – Sarahan to Chitkul Day 3 – Chitkul to Pooh Day 4 – Pooh to Tabo Day 5 – Tabo – Kaza Day 6 – Kaza and nearby places Day 7 – Kaza to Chandratal Lake Day 8 – Chandratal Lake to Chandigarh

Hi Romit Bhai – Better do it this way.

Day 1 – Chandigarh to Srahan Day 2 – Sarahan to Chitkul Day 3 – Chitkul to Nako Day 4 – Nako to Mud Village (Pin Valley) Day 5 – Mud Village to Kaza Day 6 – Kaza and nearby places Day 7 – Kaza to Chandratal Lake Day 8 – Chandratal Lake to Chandigarh

There is nothing in Pooh really that is worth staying there. It will make your ride from Chitkul to Nako a bit longer but worth it for the next days ride to Pin Valley.

Thank you vargis sir. I will follow your itinerary.

You are welcome Bhai

I appreciate your effort in educating people of the beautiful places in the world and would like some guidance myself.I plan to visit Spiti and want to cover other beautiful areas around.I start from Chandigarh on the evening of 22nd June. Can you help recommend an itinerary.Thanks.Also I need to be back by the 29th or 30th of the same month.

Hi Mitali – How are you traveling? By your own vehicle or public transport?

Hello vargis bhai, First of all thanx for such a important itinerary. We are 5 friends traveling to spiti valley in month of july from 7-18 july. we have 2 main concerns this year. 1-what will be the weather in july, so we can prepare accordingly. 2- Another query is about kumzum pass, is it open during our days of visit. Thanku, waiting for ur reply.

Hello Anupam Bhai, I am glad the information was helpful. Thank you for your kind words.

Kunzum Pass is open as of now but rain is playing havoc in the area. There was a landslide earlier this week on Wednesday, on Manali Leh highway leaving about 1200 tourists stranded on the road for 17 hours. You will need to prepare to handle a lot of rain.

Omg such a exhaustive and well managed blog..kudos

I will be travelling on 17th june for a 10 day trip… ur suggested trip match a lot with my requiremwnt… have a few questions..

I am travelling with my wife and a tenage son.. just 3 of us travelling on maruti swift tge only car i have. I have jacked this by 3 inch to get more ground clearance.

Ques 1… my parents at home are really scared and are requesting me cancel the trip..They say i am risking my entire family life and if something happens they cant even reach us. Because of slippery road…no road etc.. I really want to do this..what positive pointers you have to convince old people. Sorry a different kind of request but will help me.

Ques 2… i plan to go on day 2 to sangla from narkand… i read too many things on detour etc… i want to see sarahan on way and sleep at sangla night 2…is it pissible and what route i take ?

Ques 3. I plan to do sangla… pooh the 3rd day ..is it possible… will i have drive through recong peo and kalpa or can this be avoided ? Do indians need to take permit? If yes from where..what all docs ?

Ques 4…. as v would not know where v will be…do we get accomodation easily or does one need to prebook ?

Ques.5.. i plan to do keylong and jispa as well …suggested routes?

Ques 6…. is it actually safe to drive on our own… is it worthwhile to come with family with all thw risks?

Thx in advance

Thank you for your appreciating words Rahul Bhai. I really appreciate it.

1. Never got this question before, definitely a new one for me. Why not tell your parents that the place you are going to is well populated. People live there so it cant really be that dangerous. For their peace of mind, why not get a postpaid MTNL connection? You will be off network only for a couple of days between Kaza and Manali.

2.Skip Sarahan unless you plan to stay there for the night. The bridge is broken and the alternate route is pain in all the wrong places.And yes, Narkanda to Sangla will be a long journey so ensure that you get an early start.

3. Nothing to see in Pooh really, avoid staying there. Either do Sangla to Kalpa or do Sangla to Nako,

4. You will easily find accommodation. No need to prebook.

5. Do Chandratal-Gramphoo-Jispa. Easily doable in a day.

6. If you have decent enough driving experience and know how to handle your car, there is nothing that should bother you much.

it’s great to see you helping alot of fellow tourists. Kudos to you for this!! I am planning to visit spiti and lahaul valley in the last week of june, We are going to take our scorpio, We have 9 days at our disposal and would love to visit kunzum la, chandrataal and all the beautiful monasteries in the area. Can you help me with an itinerary for that. Some key pieces information for you :

1. Beginning the journey from delhi. 2. Would like to enter through shimla and back through rohtang and manali, hence the full circuit. 3. Will we be able to see karcham wangtu dam? 4. Would we require snow chains? 5. Would 9 days be enough for the journey?

Looking forward to hear from you.

Thanks Maninder

Hello Maninder Bhai, Thank you for your appreciating words.

1. Snow chains, No 2. Karchham Dam, yes it will be on the way, right next to the road 3. 9 Days, Yes 4. Itinerary, as below.

Starting from Delhi Day1. Delhi to Narkanda / Rampur (if you can start by 4 in the morning, you can take it all the way to Rampur. It will reduce your travel time on Day 2 2. Narkanda / Rampur to Chitkul 3. Chitkul to Kalpa 4. Kalpa to Nako 5. Nako to Kaza 6. Kaza to Kibber/Komik to Kaza 7. Kaza to Chandratal 8. Chandratal to Manali 9. Manali to Delhi

Thanks alot bhai!! You are a saviour!! I just want to know that will we be missing on anything on this trip? Like tabo and pin valley?

You are welcome Maninder Bhai. Following the above itineary, you will only miss Pin Valley, Tabo will be on the way. If oyu are keen about Pin Valley, follow the itinerary like this,

Day1. Delhi to Narkanda / Rampur (if you can start by 4 in the morning, you can take it all the way to Rampur. It will reduce your travel time on Day 2 2. Narkanda / Rampur to Chitkul (If you stayed at Narkanda, this will be a long journey due to bad roads so ensure that you get an early start, around 7 AM from Narkanda) 3. Chitkul to Kalpa 4. Kalpa to Nako 5. Nako to Mud Village (Pin Valley) 6. Mud to Kaza 7. Kaza to Chandratal 8. Chandratal to Manali 9. Manali to Delhi

Hi, I’m planning to go Spiti on 24 june but have only 7-8 days start from delhi. can you please suggest iternary accordingly?

Hi Raman – You can journey in the following manner.

1. Delhi to Narkanda / Rampur – If you can start really early from Delhi by say 3-4 AM, then you should be able to make it to Rampur easily. Do this and it will reduce your travel time on Day 2. 2. Rampur to Sangla/Chitkul 3. Sangla/Chitkul to Kalpa 4. Kalpa to Nako 5. Nako to Kaza 6. Kaza to Chandratal 7. Chandratal to Manali 8. Manali to Delhi

I’m planning to go Spiti or complete circuit from shimla to manali on 15 june but have only 7-8 days start from delhi.

can you please suggest iternary accordingly? Also we want to stay one night at chandratal lake.

Hi Deepak, You can journey in the following manner.

1. Delhi to Narkanda 2. Sarahan 3. Chitkul 4. Nako 5. Kaza 6. Chandratal 7. Manali 8. Delhi

You are welcome !!! 🙂

Hi Sir Very informative article! Thanks for sharing in detail. I am inspired by your write up and want to visit full Spiti circuit this year during 15th to 25th Oct Delhi to Delhi. As we are 2/3 friends will be doing the trip, is there any probability of getting public transport like bus and shared taxis? Pls help.

Hello Koustav – Spiti is a well connected region and you will find public transport very easily. Please take a look at this post.

https://vargiskhan.com/log/spiti-valley-bus-service-frequency-fare/

Thanks for the itinerary.

We are a group planning to start from June 21st from Shimla for 11 days. Had a few questions:

1. We will be starting with this trip on 21st June, so will we face any problems wrt to any road closures like Manali Kaza road, and also will be able to go to Chandratal Lake during that time?(Around 27-28th June)

2. Also we would be hiring a vehicle. So is it advisable to directly contact a tour agency for everything ranging from travel to stay, or can we book everything individually.

3. We would have a spare day. We were thinking of doing paragliding in Spiti (Solang or any other) or Manali. Can you recommend where can we use this extra buffer day and is paragliding possible at that time? If not, how can I spend the extra buffer day(possibly near Manali)

4. Also we wanted to visit Pin Village, so is it possible to accommodate that in your itinerary?

Thanks in advance!

1. No. Roads will all be open by 27th 28th including Manali to Kaza and Chandratal. 2. Only book your vehicle with a rental company. Find a hotel on the spot after you reach, do not book anything else. 3. On the Spiti circuit, it is only possible at Manali. 4. How many days do you have in hand in total? Let me know and I can suggest an itinerary including Pin Valley.

Thank you for the reply sir!

We would arrive at Chandigarh(6 people) on 21st June in the morning and we will have to reach Delhi on 2nd July early morning(Around 8-9AM)

Also regarding booking of vehicle, do you know some drivers or agency who operate in those regions. Just to confirm we would prefer to hire a taxi rather than self driven rental car.

And what would be the approximate cost assuming the driver drives the car, and not us.

Hello Ronak Bhai – You can following the following itinerary. . 21 – Chandigarh to Sarahan 22 – Sarahan to Chitkul 23 – Chitkul to Kalpa 24 – Kalpa to Nako 25 – Nako to Mud Village (Pin Valley) 26 – Mud to Kaza 27 – Kaza to Kibber / Komik to Kaza 28 – Kaza to Chandratal 29 – Chandratal to Manali 30 – Manali to Delhi . I left a buffer day here that you can spend at any place of your liking. For renting a taxi, please call Jamaica at 9418200183. He can provide a cab for the entire tour. Let him know you got his number from me.

hi, we are planning a trip to spiti valley starting from 28 th september at simla and ending on 6 th october in manali.does the road permits 12 seater tempo traveller? will it be safe for a two years infant there? here is my route: 28 th sept: simla 29th sept:simla 30th sept:sangla 1 st oct:kalpa 2 nd oct:tabo 3rd oct:kaza 4th oct:losar 5th oct:keylong(via moon lake) 6th oct: manali i have read your satemnets u said that we will find some cheap hotels in spiti but we are 11 in numbers and can’t find hotels at that cheap rates u mentioned.also getting problem of finding hotels in losar except nomad’s cottage.can u help me out ?

Hi Sunanda – Yes you will be able to complete the trip in a 12 seater. It is Ok to travel with a 2 year old, just avoid spending the night at Chandratal as there could be symptoms of mountain sickness there.

For accommodation in Spiti, check out the information at the link below. There is no place to stay at Losar by the way. You should skip it. It is just one hour from Kaza and there is nothing there really.

You can also consider booking your stay at PWD guest house, those are the cheapest.

https://vargiskhan.com/log/accommodation-in-spiti-valley-recommended-hotels-guest-houses/

Thanks for all the useful info you have shared through your blog. 4 of us are planing to travel in may end (25th May) to Spiti, could you please guide us, which route would be open in that time? we would love to go to rohtang, so we are flexible to change the dates to 1st or 2nd june. we would like to travel from delhi for 12 days. Also could you please help us with itinerary, we would like to cover all in spiti.

Manali to Kaza route will not be open until late June so you will not be able to complete the entire circuit. This however is the update as of now, may change.

The only route open right now is Shimla to Kaza and back to Shimla so covering Rohtang will be tough unless you are willing to go to Manali once you are back in Shimla. Or maybe start from Manali, cover Rohtang and then go to Shimla.

You can try the following.

1. Delhi to Manali 2. Manali to Rohtang to Manali 3. Manali to Shimla 4. Shimla to Chitkul 5. Chitkul to Kalpa 6. Kalpa to Tabo 7. Tabo to Kaza 8. Kaza to Mud Village (Pin Valley) 9. Mud Village to Nako 10. Nako to Sarahan 11. Sarahan to Narkanda 12. Narkanda to Delhi

Or the following

1. Delhi to Narkanda 2. Narkanda to Chitkul 3. Chitkul to Nako 4. Nako to Kaza 5. Kaza to Kibber / Komik to Kaza 6. Kaza to Mud Village 7. Mud Village to Kalpa 8. Kalpa to Shimla 9. Shimla to Manali 10 Manali to Rohtang to Manali 11. Manali to Delhi

Keep a day as buffer just in case.

Forgot to ask, how are you traveling?

We would be travelling by car there.

Then you can follow either of the itineraries I suggested above, whichever suits you the best.

Hey Vargis, First of all thanks for taking time out and helping us fellow wanderers with this detailed post. May I request your suggestion on:- 1. We are traveling first week of June to Spiti so please suggest route, I understand that Manaly may be closed and Shimla is the way to go, however, we want to include Pin valley as well. We are traveling with 2 children aged 10 and 8. Our trip is for 7 days.

Thanks in advance for your response. Once again appreciate all your help

Regards Khyati

Hello Khyati,

Let me first ask, where are you traveling from and how are you traveling? Please let me know and I can suggest an itinerary accordingly.

Hi Vargis, we are going to travel from Mumbai to Chandigarh. We will be hiring a car.

Hi Khyati, Starting from Chandigarh, for 7 days, you can follow the following itinerary.

1. Chandigarh to Sarahan 2. Sarahan to Chitkul 3. Chitkul to Nako 4. Nako to Kaza 5. Kaza to Mud Village (Pin Valley) 6. Mud to Kalpa 7. Kalpa to Chandigarh

I would like to ask about the route to Kaza. I’m planning to go Spiti on 9th May Night and will come to Delhi on 14th May. Could you Please let me know about the Route, what should I take to reach there and come back. I’m planning to hire a Car “Polo”, would it be fine? Please suggest.

Hi Aanchal – Hiring a car will be Ok as long as you are confident of your driving skills. Manali to Kaza will remain closed on 9th May. You will have to reach via Shimla and take the same road back home.

Hi Vargis, First of all Thank you very much for efforts you have taken to help fellow travelers

We need your help in our plan . We are starting from Chandigarh. We have planed form 21st June till 2nd July

We are 4 riders all on duke 390. We all have completed leh and Bhutan tracks

Our bikes has 13ltr petrol tank. Average is some were 25km/L We all will be carrying 60L Dirtsack tailbag

Do we need to carry extra petrol with us like in leh?

I hope you won’t mind in helping us in designing our itinerary.

Regards SSingh

Hi Sheatal – It majorly depends on the places you are interested in covering but yes, with a 13 liter tank and 25 as average, you will definitely need to carry additional fuel.

Our Itinerary pls give your feedback Day 1 – Chandigarh to Narkanda Day 2 rest Day 3 Narkanda to Sarahan Day 4 – Sarahan to Chitkul Day 5 – Chitkul to Kalpa Day 6 – Kalpa to Nako Day 7 – Nako to Kaza Day 8 – Kaza to Kibber, Komik, Tashigang, Kaza Day  9 – Kaza to Chandratal Day  10 – Chandratal to Manali Day. 11 Rest Day 12 – Manali to Chandigarh

Ok, sorry for the confusion here brother. I was replying to all the comments, including Ladakh and Spiti both and don’t know why I thought you were going towards Ladakh.

Coming to your question again, no you do not need to carry fuel. You will be all right. Take a look at the article below for a list of places where you can find a petrol pump.

https://vargiskhan.com/log/accommodation-and-other-facilities-in-spiti/

About your itinerary, It looks perfect. No change required at all. Just one suggestion, not much in Narkanda, why not spend that rest day somewhere else?

Oh great this article give clear pictures about petrol pumps great . What is your suggestion for rest day.

I will recommend spending some time at Chitkul. It is way more scenic than Narkanda. Or from Chitkul, you can come back 20 kilometers to Sangla and spend a day there. From Sangla on the next day, you can go to Kalpa.

Hey thanks for your suggestions. We have decided to take rest in chitkul.

You are welcome bro !!!

Hey Vargis,

We are planning a 6 day trip including stops in Delhi/Shimla/or Chandigarh Do you think it is advisable? Only 6 days are what we get and really really want to make this tip. What will be the best itinerary according to you?

Hi Chaitrali, When are you traveling? In May or June? Let me know the dates of your arrival and departure from Delhi or Chandigarh and I can help with an itinerary.

Enjoyed your posts, many thanks. I am planning a trip to Spiti Valley in 2 – 3 rd week May 2017. I am in two minds about whether to hire a taxi (with a driver experienced on mountain roads), or to drive there myself from Chandigarh. I haven’t driven on Himalayan roads before, but regard myself as a decent driver. There are pros and cons of hiring a taxi: safety being an advantage, but then there is less freedom in terms of enjoying the trip – which is good if I drive by myself, but would definitely not risk my life.

Considering I’m planning to take a Scorpio if I drive by myself, and if I drive slow, would you still consider taking a taxi as a better alternative? Would be great to get your views.

Just adding to my post: I don’t think the Manali route might be open (06 – 13th May), hence my trip is to-and-from Chandigard (via Shimla, Narkanda, Nako, etc.). Thanks !

Hi Harsh – Since you are planning to come back to Shimla to Kaza, I do not see a reason why cannot drive your own car. We all have our first times, mine was taking a Safari all the way to the top of Chanshal Pass. The actual bad roads start after Kaza towards Manali. Drive slow, drive carefully and you will be all right. From Chandigarh to Rampur, it is a smooth road. After Rampur until Puh, it is broken, mix of good and bad but mostly bad with a lot of potholes and gravel. After Puh, it is smooth again until Nako. After Nako it is average until Kaza. The really bad part will be between Reckong Peo and Puh and between Karchham and Sangla but it is nothing that anyone who has a decent driving experience cannot handle.

Since you are in Chandigarh already, I would highly recommend taking the Scorpio towards Shimla just for a test run, so that you at least have an idea of how to handle Himalayan roads before you drive towards Spiti.

We have just 8 days and we are planning for spiti…..What should be our itenerary

Hi Mohit -Where are you traveling from and when?

Hi Vargis , We Will be traveling from Delhi to spiti in last week of May 26th may to 1st june

In last week of May you will pretty much be limited to Shimla to Kaza to Shimla. Manali to Kaza will not open until June end. For 8 days, you can follow the following itinerary,

1. Delhi to Narkanda 2. Narkanda to Chitkul 3 Chitkul to Nako 4. Nako to Kaza 5 Kaza to Mud (Pin Valley) 6 Mud to Kalpa 7 Kalpa to Shimla 8 Shimla to Delhi

Hi Vargis, First of all thanks for the ideal itinerary that one should plan if going for Spiti circuit. we are planning to go to spiti in June second week, will all the passes be open by then. Also we will most probably be renting a SUV from Delhi, good enough?

Hello Vasu – Thank you for appreciating the post.

Yes, all the roads will be open by June second week. SUV will be good for the trip. Which one are you planning on renting, if I may ask?

Hi Vargis, I am planning to rent a car from Delhi and start the journey on 20th May 2017. I am travelling with my family and we are total 4. We have about 9 days to finish the trip. Please let me know how I should spend the days. We are inclined towards a small trek as well. Do we need to book hotels in advance and what are the availability? I heard there is a shortage of power. Should we carry a lot of battery back up? How is the food like? Thanks in advance. You are doing a great job Ajay

Hi Ajay – Thanks for your kind words. For 9 days you can follow the following itinerary.

1. Delhi to Narkanda 2. Narkanda to Sarahan 3. Sarahan to Chitkul 4. Chitkul to Nako 5. Nako to Kaza 6. Kaza 7. Kaza to Chandratal 8. Chandratal to Manali 9. Manali to Delhi

Trekking can be done while you are at Chandratal. All the camp sites are at a few kilometers from the lake so you will have to walk the last bit to reach Chandratal. Plenty of green hills all around that you can walk. Or you can trek your way to nearby small villages while you are in Kaza.

No need to book any hotels in advance. Just go there, find a hotel you like and check in. Plenty of options available.

No power shortage in May at least, no need to carry any extra back up for batteries.

Depends on the hotel you are staying at but it will be decent enough all across the trip.

Let me know if you have any further questions.

Thanks for a prompt response.

You are welcome !!!

Hi Mr. Vargis , I am planning a trip to Kaza from 3rd week of May via Shimla , Kalpa in self drive car ( 2 passengers only). Should I opt for Honda Amaze or Hyundai i-20 ? Or otherwise What are the chances that we can get a taxi from Kalpa to Kaza and back leaving my vehicle at Kalpa for 3 days ? And expected charges ? Is it possible to cover the distance from Kalpa to Kaza during daylight in May month ? Thanks in advance.

The problem with both the cars is ground clearance. Amaza has 165 mm and I20 has 170 MM of ground clearance so clearly I20 is a winner here but I would still not recommend it for Spiti trip. It is bound to get hit by some rocks underneath. You can get a taxi from Reckong Peo to Kaza and back; charges would be anywhere between Rs. 2000 to Rs. 3000 per day. Yes the distance can be covered in a single day if you are in a taxi but if you chose to take I20, better break it in two days because trying to rush the car will only cause further problem. Take the journey slow and easy. The problem will be the stretch between Kalpa and Pooh, lot of dirt trails here After Pooh until Kaza, it is a mix of super smooth and average but nothing that an I20 cannot handle.

Hi Vargis, thanks for the informative blog. I am planning to go to Spiti trip for 7-8 day all by myself. I am driving in my Swift VXI in late May. I will go via Shimla and plan to return via Manali route. I wanted to know if my car would be okay for this trip and whether the Rohtak route be open during that time.

Hi Mukesh – Rohtang pass would most probably be open but Kunzum Pass may not be. You will have to be extremely careful with Swift, specially around water crossings or else the belly of your car will hit the ground underneath. Just be mentally prepared for a few rocks hitting ur car underneath.

I am planning a trip in the month of august this year may be 12th aug 2017 for next 9-10 days. Is it a good time to visit? Also the transportation would be available during this time or no? And which are the best places to stay can u please help?

Hey Rucha – Yes August will be a good enough time to go. About the places, it depends on your budget. Let me know what your itinerary is and I can suggest if there is any change required.

About transport, I am in middle of writing an article about public transport services in Spiti. Give me until tomorrow and you should have all the details you need.

Hi Vargis, I am planning a trip to Spiti Valley near about 19th May, Is it good time to visit there? Also will Rohtang Pass would be open,? If not, then what will be the route via Shimla? I am Planning for 6 days trip. Pls. advice

To return via Manali, you will also need to cross Kunzum Pass which is expected to open by early June this year. Rohtang will be open by that time though but Kunzum Pass may not.

A 6 day journey for returning back via Shimla will be a bit much. Where are you traveling from? Delhi? If yes, then you can do the following route.

Day 1 – Delhi to Rampur Day 2 – Rampur to Nako Day 3 – Nako to Kaza Day 4 – Kaza to Kalpa Day 5 – Kalpa to Narkanda / Shimla Day 6 – Narkanda / Shimla to Delhi

Be advised though that it will mean very long hours of travel on all days, probably 10-12 hours of ride. If Manali route is open, then the plan will be as follows,

Day 1 – Delhi to Rampur Day 2 – Rampur to Nako Day 3 – Nako to Kaza Day 4 – Kaza to Chandratal Day 5 – Chandratal to Manali Day 6 – Manali to Delhi

Hi Varghis,

I’m from Mumbai and intending to visit Spiti in July. I would like to know whether I should take the route from Mumbai-Delhi-Manali-Spiti or Mumbai-Shimla-Spiti. I am not sure of the weather both in Manali and Shimla during July since it rains heavily there.

Secondly, is July a good season to visit Spiti?

Do you know of any organisations in Spiti Valley where we can work for a short period (teaching, conservation, research)?

Hello Veena , I recommend that you take a look at the following articles where I have provided details on whether you should chose Shimla to Spiti or Manali to Spiti. If this is your first time here though, I would recommend Shimla to Spiti. how are you traveling by the way? Driving on your own or taxi?

Spiti is in rain shadow area so there won’t be any rain there. You will encounter rain as you pass through Shimla, Kinnaur and Manali but once you enter Spiti, there will be very little or no rain at all. Travel early in July and rain won’t be an issue at all. Monsoon usually hits the region by late July and August.

There are a lot of NGOs working there for Spiti development but unfortunately I do not have contacts with any. Sorry.

Sorry I missed giving links to the articles,

https://vargiskhan.com/log/travel-spiti-valley-from-manali/

https://vargiskhan.com/log/travel-spiti-valley-from-shimla/

Dear Sir, thank you for the information. My self from Kerala, i planning to travel in the month of May. sir as per the idea given by you

Day 1. Reach Shimla or Narkanda

Day 2 . Shimla / Narkanda to Sarahan

Day 3 . Sarahan to Chitkul

Day 4. Chitkul to Kalpa

Day 5. Kalpa to Nako

Day 6. Nako to Kaza

Day 7. Kaza to Kibber/Kaumik to Kaza

Day 8. Kaza to Chandrataal

Day 9. Chandrataal to Manali

Day 10 . Start your return journey from Manali

just want to know can i get transportation in local bus from point to point on a regular basis and is it easy to find cheap accommodation in each place ?

as i am traveling alone i need to clarify this 2 things because i don’t wanna get stuck anywhere.

awaiting your reply.

Thanks and regards Relgin Rockes

Hello Relgin,

Spiti is a very well connected region. There are regular bus services and even if you are not able to board a bus, you will easily be able to find a shared taxi that locals use. The only problem could be on Day 7 because these regions are very remote and you may not find a transport towards there.

All these places have cheap accommodation option. You will easily be able to find a room for Rs. 500 – Rs. 600.

Hi Vargis, I am visiting KAZA in the last week of june with my wife, I have three days in Kaza, can you please help me to plan the best itinerary for these 3 days.

Thanks! Anish

Hello Anish – I would be happy to help. Let me know where you are starting from and what is your mode of travel and I can suggest an itinerary.

Hi Vargis, Planning a travel in first week of April, it’s just two of us doing and we precisely have 9 days to spare.

1. Is it doable/good time to take it up ? 2. Public transport is preferred, would it be a good idea. We are starting from delhi, what would be the best route to take.? 3. Could you help us with places to visit and saty? 4. What Precautionary measures are to be taken?

Hi Chandresh,

First week of April is not a good time, specially when you are travelling via public transport and have just 9 days in hand. It is still snowing in Spiti and frequency of public transport will be lesser. Even finding accommodation could be a challenge. Weather is still way too cold in Spiti and most of the hotels, guest houses are closed. If you can, I would recommend postponing your trip by another month, go either towards end of April or early May. Also, if possible, use your own vehicle if you have just 9 days.

Hi, we are three people who want to visit this place. We have around 10-14days for this trip, we will be starting from Delhi. We are planning our trip in mid-april. We wanted to ask about the local transportation as we don’t own any vehicle and we want it to be a budget trip. How do we travel in and around spiti valley?

Shared cabs and public transport are your only options. Spiti is a well populated and connected area however availability and there is a daily bus service. A regular bus runs from Shimla to Kaza so you can board that to move to the next town. Shared cabs is another good option.

Hi, I am planning a trip with my spouse and 5 year old daughter to Spiti in May 2017. I would not like an itinerary that is too hectic since that would make our daughter cranky. Also, it will be her first time in the high altitudes. Would it be safe for her? Can you suggest an itinerary for 7-8 days, more relaxed, giving her more time to soak in and enjoy the local experiences. Also,what would you suggest are great places to visit?

Bakul – How are you traveling and where are you traveling from?

Hello..even we want to travel to spiti valley for 8 days in hand and 6year old child..we r from mumbai..so where to start from . It wd b great help so we can plan our booking..also itinerary with kid friendly. Thanks Darshana shah

Hello Darshana – It would be better to start from Shimla and end at Manali. Let me know your dates of travel and I can help with an itinerary.

Because if you are planning to cover Chandratal, Kunzum and Rohtang, it wont be open until early June.

It’s great to see how you have been helping many to plan their trips. Thank you!

I am planning to go to Spiti in 2nd week of April. We will be driving self-owned vehicle. We have 7 days in hand to start from Delhi and back.

Is it good time to plan? Do we have sufficient days in hand? What would be the best itinerary?

1. Is it a good time to plan? Not really. Both Kunzum Pass and Rohtang La will be closed so you will have no choice but to reach Kaza from Shimla and return via the same route. Delay it by a month and trip will be better.

2. Do we have sufficient days in hand? You can do it but it will be a rushed trip for completing Delhi – Shimla – Kaza – Delhi in 7 days. You will have to throw in 1 day more at least if you still intend to do it and 2-3 days if you want to be a relaxed and enjoyable trip.

3. You can follow the following trip.

1. Delhi to Narkanda 2. Narkanda to Sarahan 3. Sarahan to Nako 4. Nako to Kaza 5. Kaza to Tabo 6. Tabo to Kalpa 7. Kalpa to Narkanda / Shimla 8. Narkanda / Shimla to Delhi

Thanks a lot mate! I will plan it in mid May then and try to add one more day!

Great brother … If you are doing the journey in Mid May then Kunzum and Rohtang may be open too in which case you can do the complete Shimla Manali circuit and won’t have to return to Shimla from Kaza.

hi vargis…its nice blog…and helpfull too… can u pls suggest me if we can go thr in september last/early oct? and is it possible to come manali from kaza in a day includeing a visit chandratal? is there any accomodation in chandratal?

Hi Ayan – Thank you for your kind words brother.

1. Yes you can visit in Sep end or early October 2. Yes you can do Kaza to Manali in a day but it will be one heck of a long journey if you want to include Chandrataal. You will have to start by first light of the day from Kaza to reach Manali late in the evening (probably after dark) after a visit to Chandrataal. 3. Sep end, Yes, Early October, yes but very limited options as most of the camp sites wrap up by Sep end.

Joydip – Covering the entire Spiti valley starting from Delhi and then being in Ramnagar on 14th for your return flight will be quite a long and hectic journey. Do you want to visit only Spiti or are you considering other places as well?

Hi Rohit -Thanks for liking my blog brother.

1. You may visit in October but it is going to be really cold plus there will be no accommodation option at Chandratal so that will pretty much remain out of the itinerary. It has already snowed in Ladakh at several places and Spiti too has already gotten way too cold.

2. As I mentioned above, it has already started to snow at high altitude passes in Ladakh region so do not be surprised if it snowed early in Spiti too. Rohtang usually remains open in mid October but Kunzum is not guaranteed. Check back with me before starting your trip and I can confirm if the pass is open at that time or not. If it is closed, then you can go only as far as Kaza and will have to return via the same route to Shimla.

3. Just go slow and carefully and you will be OK. There is always a first time for everyone brother. Spiti is notorious for bad roads but it is nothing that you cannot handle if you have decent enough experience of riding motorcycles in the city, just be a little careful and travel with ease.

4. For your fourth question, let me first ask you, how long have you been riding motorcycles and which ones are you planning to travel on?

Thanks, Vargis

Thanks for the reply Vargis !

Well, I can sacrifice on Chandratal, will see the situation and act accordingly 🙂

Yeah, I will definitely ask you when I am starting my trip.

We have been riding motorcycle for many years, but on and off. We were thinking to take Pulsor / Yamaha 150 CC, which will be lighter side as compared to Enfield and will be easier to handle.

Thank you very much,

Well there is no essentials that you must carry. Everytime I went to Spiti, It was just an Enfield, my luggage and a nylon rope, that is all. Tent I will not recommend on a Pulsar or Yamaha because carrying that kind of luggage would be a huge problem on these motorcycles. If it makes you feel better, just carry elbow and knee guards. Spiti has already gotten too cold so ensure that you are carrying a heavy jacket alongwith some thermals. Get a jacket that has a hood to it as well to protect your neck and head. Do you have the luggage carrier installed on the motorcycles?

We will be renting out the bikes from Shimla, so I am not sure if they give the luggage carrier pre-installed with bike? Also, we will need to buy the saddle bags right? I guess the typical hiking back pack wont work. Will probably carry my stuff in normal bags and figure out how to carry it on bike on first day in Shima?

sorry I know I am asking very basic questions as I am totally naive to this, have done lots of hiking in Himalayas but never a bike trip. 🙂

will remember the Nylon rope.

Thanks, Rohit

I am not sure about Shimla but I know that in Manali, they may charge something like Rs. 100 per day for luggage carrier or saddle bags so there is a high chance that such an arrangement might be available in Shimla as well.

Another thing, buy that black colored polythene from any of the hardware stores or else your bags will be all covered in dird and mud. If you are travelling solo and just have one bag then you do not even need a luggage carrier. Carry a nylon rope and some bungee cords. First tie the cords around the luggage and then just to secure it (in case the cord gives away), tie the nylon rope. When you are roping the luggage, keep in mind that you will be riding on extremely bad roads so there will be lot of jerks and a high chance of the luggage coming lose. So secure it accordingly.

And since you bought up the topic of renting bikes in Shimla, I think I too could use your help. Can we talk on the phone? Whatever your experience is of renting bikes in Shimla, if you can give me some details on it after your trip, I can post it here on the blog to help others.

Thank you very much for sharing your travelogue, very informative indeed.

Me and my friend are planning for a Spiti bike trip in October, we are planning to start on 5th from shimla and reach manali on 13th or 14th. I have few questions:

1. Is October a good month for the bike trip? Will it be too harsh cold weather to do a bike trip?

2. Do you think rohtang pass will be open in mid october for us to come back to manali? If not, will it be possible to return back to shimla from kaza and still complete the trip under 9 days?

3. we dont have motor biking experience in mountains, we are not hardcore bikers, have ridden bikes only in the cities. Will it be too risky?

4. Do you have some sort of list of gears / accessories / essentials we will need to carry? (tent / protection gear / petrol / knee cap / what kind of jacket?) Basically we have no idea what all to carry for a bike trip apart from clothing etc. And would it be possible to arrange all that on our first day in shimla?

Sorry for too many questions 🙂

Appreciate your help !

hi, we are a couple planning to visit simla, manali, spiti during October 8 to 16. Is there any couple wants to join us, please contact at 9836638599

Hello Joydip – All the best for your trip brother. Would love to hear about your experience once you are back.

can you please suggest a best route map for Himachal visit for October 7 to14? We will be reaching delhi on october 6th and return ticket on 14th from Ramnagar (RMR). please suggest.

Hi Joydip – Are you talking about Ramnagar in Uttarakhand? Near Haldwani and Kashipur?

we are also a couple and would be keen …. please mail me your plan on [email protected] Regards,

You are stick to visit to Shimla or you can go to Nainital too?

Hi Yogesh – Your schedule is a bit tight but doable. I would not recommend Suraj Taal because it would mean going in an entirely different direction towards Baralacha La. Why do you need a tour guide by the way? Just to book a cab? If yes thn let me know and I can guide you to my contact in Kaza who can help arrange. He runs a camping site at Chandra taal so you can also stay with him there.

Okay so I am excluding Surajtal from the plan.

About tour guide thing, i am getting following itinerary from Manali to Shimla for about Rs 20,000 per person.:

Day 1: Manali 2: Manali – Chandrataal 3: Chandrataal – Kaza 4: Kaza- Lalung – Demul – Kaza 5: Kaza – komik – langza – kaza 6: Kaza – Ki – Kibber 7: Kibber – Tabo – Dhanker – Nako 8: Nako – Sangla 9: Sangla – Shimla 10: Shimla – Chandigarh

This includes:

1) Accommodation at all destinations as per the itinerary in 1 triple sharing rooms. 2) Breakfast and dinner at all hotels, homestays and camps except in Manali and Shimla. 3) Comfortable Toyota Innova for all days as per the itinerary 4) Reliable, experienced and adept English-speaking local driver with great knowledge of the area and the terrain. 5) Driver charges, driver accommodation, fuel and inter-state toll. 6) Camping fees, comfortable tents and sleeping bags and three meals at Chandratal Lake 7) Monastery / Museum Fees

Now this doesn’t include Chitkul, Sarahan but it includes almost all the important villages in Spiti. Pl tell me as per the itinerary you gave, will we be able to cover these villages?

Also, I came to know about following drivers in Spiti – Chhewang Dorjey, Ramesh Kumar, Tenzin Chauppel, Arun Negi, Mahesh Kumar Ranot, Anil, etc.

Assuming we reach Manali by 21st night after Amritsar, Mcleodganj, Bir Billing and cover Lahaul & Spiti from 22nd to 29th, will we get a good deal from any of these guys?

If we are not going for tour guide, our needs would be these – breakfast, lunch, dinner, camping at Chandrataal, hotels/ homestays, Transport (SUV considering the condition of roads). So will be able to handle all this on the spot and with all expenses less than Rs 20000 per person?

Another thing:

Bir billing: 1500 mt Manali: 2000 mt Solang: 2500 mt Chandrataal: 4300 mt Kaza: 3800 mt

Now where should we exactly spend reasonable amount of time for acclimatization?

I know I am making you read and write a lot, but pl bear with me 🙂

We are 2 couples also interested in a similar itinerary though from shimla to manali route after 25 September ….. in the same budget of Rs.20,000 (max) per person. Please advise which tour operator is giving you this budget. Please give contact details.

How many days are you planning Rajesh?

Hi Yogesh – Charges seem about right if it covers all the costs. On day 8, ask him to take you to Chitkul rather than staying at Sangla. It is just 20 kms ahead of Sangla but definitely a better place to stay. You can skip Sarahan, won’t miss much. I am not sure about any of these drivers. If you use public transport then your cost would come down drastically but then the hassle of finding a mode of transport will be on. This way at least you would have convenience and peace of mind. Spiti is not a very expensive place and finding a hotel for as low as Rs. 500 per night is not that big a deal. You can squeeze in your accommodation cost between 10-15000 easily for 10 days, food will of course depend on your choice. So yeah, if you were travelling on your own then you can save money but won’t have the convenience of a cab. If you want, I can check with my contact in Kaza to find out if he can offer a better deal, let me know. Acclimatiation is not a problem brother, your ascent will anyways be gradual so 90% of the chance is that you won’t feel mountain sickness anywhere.

Yes I chose this option of tour guide for avoiding these hassles only. It would be great if you could check with your contact in Kaza for the entire itinerary (including Chitkul) and the mentioned inclusions.

Though I am quite ok with the deal these guys are offering, i wouldn’t mind considering the services from your contact.

Yogesh – I did include paragliding in the itinerary that I suggested. If you do not want to travel in a bus than you can board a shared taxi which will not cost you that high. There is no travelling in the night in Spiti valley, you can board a bus towards Manali for the night but I highly doubt you will find a mode of transport for travelling in the night beyond that.

We are a group of 3 guys from Mumbai.

After going through your travelogues, I realized that I made a mistake while booking tickets.

I have chosen Amritsar to be our trip starting point and we would be ending the trip at Chandigarh.

We would be reaching Amritsar on 17th September at 12.30 pm and have a return flight from Chandigarh on 1st October at 2.30 pm

We would be visiting only Golden Temple, Wagah Border and Jalianwala Baag in Amritsar (Wagah border on 17th evening and other two on 18th) so that leaves us with 12 days (19th – 30th Sept).

I am wondering if we should really visit Lahaul and Spiti, considering AMS problem (as we would already be starting from higher altitude i.e. Manali) and the number of days we would be having in hand.

But still our first preference is Lahaul and Spiti….apart from that I want to include a visit to Shimla and Paragliding at Bir Billing (if possible). So is there anything we can work out for the itinerary?

Hi Yogesh – If you have all this time in hand, 13 days, I would definitely recommend that you include Lahaul and Spiti in your itinerary. Have you worked out an itinerary yet, something that I can take a look at and make suggestions? How are you travelling, renting a taxi or using public transport?

Thank you for the prompt reply.

See initially we had thought of following destinations – Amritsar, Dalhousie, Mcleodganj, Bir Billing, Dharamshala, Kullu, Manali, Shimla which are typical travel destinations in HP. But we haven’t prepared any itinerary yet. So our itinerary would completely be from scratch.

And we had thought that it would be impossible to cover these destinations and Lahaul & Spiti in 15 days. So, we had excluded Lahaul & Spiti from our plan.

But in fact, we can skip some of the above mentioned destinations for Lahaul & Spiti. So now Lahaul & Spiti would be our highest priority.

And we are getting different versions of feedback about transport services in HP. As in some say state transport buses would be the worst option to travel in HP.

Though we are open to renting a taxi, we wouldn’t mind travelling by a state transport bus for some locations or even by getting a lift in a truck for that matter (not sure how safe would this option be).

Though we have done some research and gone through your articles, you can assume that we have absolutely no idea about the weather in September, the terrain over there, amount of time it takes for bus/ cab to reach next destination, etc.

And please suggest if we can include Bhagsu waterfall, paragliding in bir billing, shimla, camping at Chandrataal, Dhankar Lake, etc. in the itinerary. I assume Rohtang pass would already be part of the itinerary by default.

If you want to cover Lahaul and Spiti, this is the itinerary I would suggest,

17th and 18th – Amritsar 19th – Mcleodganj 20th – Bir Billing 21st – Paragliding in Bir Billing 22nd – Manali 23. Manali to Chandrataal 24. Chandrataal to Kaza 25. Kaza to Nako 26. Nako to Kalpa 27. Kalpa to Chitkul 28. Chitkul to Sarahan 29. Sarahan to Shimla 30. Shimla to Chandigarh

This is a very tight schedule and I would highly recommend that you drop the idea of Bir Billing and keep 2 days in hand for a just in case situation, considering that you will be using public transport.

Thank you for the info.

I will prepare a preliminary itinerary based on this and revert shortly. You can then suggest changes/ corrections to it then.

Is there any possibility that we could include paragliding in Bir Billing and skip any other destination? We are 3 bachelors so we can do away with visiting monasteries if we get to have some sort of adventure in Bir Billing.

Also, I read everywhere that the private cars/ cabs services over there would cost us a lot. E.g. just to reach Manali from Dharamshala it would cost us Rs 5500 for Dzire. And by HRTC bus it would be Rs. 358.

Though we are flexible on the budget, we wouldn’t want our per person budget to shoot up to some 40-50 thousand just because of the cab fares.

Also, need your suggestion on travelling at night. Is it safe? By anything – state transport bus or cab.

I am thinking of following itinerary:

17 – 18 Sept: Amritsar

19 – 20 Sept: Reach Mcleodganj in morning of 19th and visit Bhagsu Nag and stay overnight at Triund Hill

20 – 21 Sept: Leave from Mcleodganj on 20th afternoon and reach Billing directly (if vehicles can reach the take off spot). Stay overnight and paraglide next morning and then leave for Manali on 21st afternoon.

21 – 23 Sept: Reach Manali on 21st night and stay there till 23rd (for acclimatization….that’s because we don’t want to ruin our trip due to AMS but your suggestions are welcome.)

So as per this plan, we would leave for Chandrataal on 24th Sept, stay overnight in tents, then move to Kaza, Nako, Kalpa, Chitkul, Sarahan, Shimla, Chandigarh.

We have a return flight on 1st Oct at 2.30 pm.

This seems a very tight schedule but we would opt for private cars (maybe Indica/ Indigo). So does it seem doable?

Also, is it a good idea to visit Surajtal as well? If time permits.

I read about Parasol Camps, Spiti Ecosphere, Banjara Camps, etc for custom tours in Lahaul and Spiti. Which one seems affordable and good?

Hope you are doing great.

A very happy new year to you and extremely sorry for not writing to you after my trip to Spiti.

Well I must thank you for all the guidance and help.

The trip was amazing and loved all the villages and places. Would have liked to thank you in person but didn’t have your contact details.

Though we couldn’t visit places like Dhankar Lake, Mummy at Giu, etc., we managed to cover almost all the places on that circuit and it actually gave us a reason to visit the valley again 🙂

Once again, thank you so much. Take care.

Hi Yogesh – I am glad that your trip turned out to be good. How about sharing some pics brother?

Hello Mr. Khan

Me and a friend have planned a bike trip to Spiti Valley from Gurgaon (NCR). Following is the itinerary we have adapted from online searches. The limited time we have in hand is the only challenge at the moment. Please refer to the itinerary and advice/suggest any changes to be made or the real time challenges to be faces with this intact. Our travelling dates are Departure 6th Aug 2016 and probable return day would be 14th Aug 2016 with couple of days already as reserve for any last minute diversions or weather conditions.

Day 1 – Gurgaon – Shimla 390 kms Day 2 – Shimla – Rampur – Reckong Peo Day 3 – Reckong Peo – Pooh – Sumdo Day 4 – Sumdo – Kaza – Losar Day 5 – Losar – Gramphu – Manali Day 6 – Manali – Chandigarh Day 7 – Chandigarh – Gurgaon

Now iam well aware that this itinerary is in its very amateur form and takes the AMS for a toss. However, without any guidance and being the first time, i want you to help us with it. Please suggest possible inclusions and additions if any keeping the difficulty or roads and AMS in mind.

We have total of 8 days at hand with a spare day currently with this itinerary. Please suggest a possible alternate with the days being 7 or max 8 travelling. And what to expect weather wise in the second week of Aug this year.

Thanks in advance.

Hello Avinash – A better itinerary would be as follows,

1. Gurgaon – Narkanda or Rampur if you can stretch a little 2. Rampur / Narkanda – Chitkul – If you are at Narkanda then this will be a long ride so start early. If you are able to reach Rampur on day 1 then this journey will get a little easier 3. Chitkul – Nako – Another long ride so start early 4. Nako – Kaza 5. Kaza – Chandrataal 6. Chandrataal – Manali 7. Manali – Delhi

hi vargis this is pratik … we are planning a trip to spiti , starting from Chandigarh and planning to do on bike .. can u suggest a good itenary please ..

Hi Pratik – Where are you starting from? How many days do you have in hand?

Hey Vargis, Thanks for the info, We have entirely planned our Spiti itinerary based on your travelogues. Just a few queries- 1-We planning like Day1- Chandigarh to Kalpa(11-12 hours I guess easily doable) Day2- Kalpa to Kaza(Is it too much for a day? Not much interested in Nako or Tabo actually) 2-We are a couple and going by a cab. Which car would you suggest for the route?

1. It will b a long drive but it is doable. Start really early from Chandigarh though, say like between 4-5 AM and take fewer breaks. Road till Narkanda is good but after that it will start to deteriorate and would slow you down until Kalpa. Speed here will come down to about 20-25 kms per hour so drive keeping that in mind in the initial part of the journey.

2. Kalpa to Kaza will be a really long journey. If you started from Kalpa by first light of the day, drove non-stop then you may hope to reach Kaza by late evening which will make it diffcult to find a hotel. My suggestion would be that you give it 2 days.

3. I would suggest Innova for this journey.

Thanks for the response, Alright then will have a stopover at either Nako or Tabo on Day-2. Which would be a better option among the two?

I am looking for 7 day trip to Spiti, and have chandrataal, chitkul, kaza as preferrable destination to stay. What would be the ideal itinearary. I am reaching Simla on day 1 and would be leaving from Manali on day 7.

Hi Ankur – You can do something like this,

Day 2 – Shimla to Kalpa (long drive so start really early) Day 3 – Kalpa to Nako Day 4 – Nako to Kaza Day 5 – Kaza to Chandrataal Day 6 – Chandrataal to Manali Day – Leave from Manali

Chitkul would be a little tough to fit in this schedule. If you are up for really long drives and want to cover Chitkul, you can do somthing like this,

Day 1 – Do not stay in Shimla. I am not sure where you are starting from but if possible, go further as far as you can, at least till Narkanda, if possible then stretch all the way till Rampur. Day 2 – Chitkul Day 3 – Nako Day 4 – Kaza Day 5 – Chandrataal Day 6 – Manali

Hi Vargis ….

We are 2 couples planning to rent a Scorpio from Delhi and do the Spiti Valley tour from Shimla and return via Manali. The tentative itinerary is as follows:

Day 1 – 11-08-2016 – Delhi to Shimla – 360 kms, 8 hours – overnite at Shimla Day 2 – 12-08-2016 – Shimla to Narkanda to Sarahan to Sangla to Chitkul – 200 kms, 8 hours – at Chitkul Day 3 – 13-08-2016 –Chitkul to Sangla to Kalpa – 110 kms, 5 hours – overnite at Kalpa Day 4 – 14-08-2016 – Kalpa to Nako to Tabo – 180 kms, 9 hours – overnite at Tabo Day 5 – 15-08-2016 – Tabo to Dhankar to Pin Valley – 70 kms, 4 hours – overnite at Mudh Village Day 6 – 16-08-2016 – Pin Valley to Ki & Kibber to Kaza – 80 kms, 4 hours – overnite at Kaza Day 7 – 17-08-2016 – Kaza to Langza, Hikkim, Komic to Kaza – 70 kms, 3 hours – overnite at Kaza Day 8 – 18-08-2016 – Kaza to Chandertal – 170 kms, 8 hours – overnite at Chander Taal Lake Camps Day 9 – 19-08-2016 – Chandertal to Manali – 110 kms, 6 hours – overnite at Manali Day 10 – 20-08-2016 – Manali to Delhi – 540 kms, 11 hours

Please let me know if the itinerary and the pit stops are at the right places or are we missing out staying at some scenic places, if so, please guide. We can change the internal itinerary as per better ones provided by you. Please also suggest the right places to stay at each place where we are halting at night … hotel, b&b, homestays, etc. Also suggest if we are missing anything en-route as we are ready to take small detours to see any worthy scenic place. If needed we can reduce a couple of places if not required to be visited or likewise add a couple of places that we have missed out on our itinerary. Would request you to give us a details reply with your valuable inputs as this is our first by road trip and we want to be sure about everything. Thanks a lot. Also if anyone or any group is travelling on the same route around that time, tu are most welcome to join us. Thanks again. Looking forward to your valuable input. Please also suggest if you know any good self drive rental company and accommodation for these 10 nights.

Hi Rajesh, Your itinerary looks pretty good except for that you cannot do Shimla to Chitkul in a single day. It is not about the distance but the condition of the roads which in Spiti is bad, and I mean really bad. You may also want to add Giu village and visit the Mummy of Spiti valley. Take a look at the following article,

https://vargiskhan.com/log/mummy-spiti-valley/

Thank you for your suggestion. We shall refix the itinerary for the first 2 days. Giu is in our detailed itinerary. Please also suggest the right places to stay at each place where we are halting at night … hotel, b&b, homestays, etc. Please also suggest if you know any good self drive rental company and accommodation for these 10 nights.

Hello Rajesh – I do not know any self drive rental companies, sorry.

Shimla – Several hotels here, you can easily find one accommodation here as per your preference and budget.

Sarahan – Same as Shimla, though a smaller town but plenty of hotels. Do not go all the way till the road ends, there are a few hotels on the way, about 1 – 2 kms before the temple. Keep an eye out for those.

Chitkul – Several hotels here as well but I would recommend the HPTDC rest house.

Kalpa – Several hotels here too

Tabo – Same as Kalpa

Kaza – My contact’s name in Kaza is Jamaica – 09418200183. Speak to him and stay in his hotel, he is a nice guy. I have always stayed with him whenever I went to Spiti.

Chandrataal – Stay in Jamaica’s camps. He runs a camp site at Chandrataal

Manali – Several hotels

Delhi – I do not belive you will be finding a hotel here 🙂 .. Just kidding

Hi Vargis, I went through all your Lahaul-Spiti Posts. These are very informative. Thank you for your posts.

We are 6 person(2 male and 4 female) heading to lahaul -spiti from Delhi on 09.08.2016 Night. We want to start from Shimla on 10th Aug morning and to end our trip by reaching Manali on 15th evening so that we can reach Delhi on 16th August.

We want : 1. to cover all key places including one night camping at Chandratal. 2. to avoid packaged tour by any agency. 3. to hire an Innova with driver for our trip from Shimla to Manali. From where can we hire it. 4. know whether pre-booking of accommodation is required or not.

Plz suggest me an Itinerary accordingly.

Regards Aloke

Hello Aloke,

For 6 days, this is the best itinerary I can suggest.

1. Shimla to Sarahan 2. Sarahan to Chitkul 3. Chitkul to Nako 4. Nako to Kaza 5. Kaza to Chandrataal 6. Chandrataal to Manali

You do not have to make any bookings in advance. I can check with my contact in Kaza if he can arrange an Innova. Let me know and I will ask him.

Thank you Vargis for your response. This itinerary seems suitable. Kindly ask your contact if an innova can be arranged. Also please provide us the details of charges/fare.

Also please let me know How and which type of accommodation we can get there on all these stoppages.

Hi Vargis, I am waiting for your response regarding arrangement of Innova. Plz check with your contact if it can be arranged.

Hi Aloke – Please give a call at 09418200183. Person’s name is Jamaica. I have already told him that you are going to give him a call, just refer my name and he would know. He can arrange and Innova for you. You can also talk to him about your stay in Spiti and Chandrataal.

can you suggest an optimum plan for the circuit to cover in 4-5 days in frst week of july…. we will be starting from chandigargh.

4-5 days will be more like a canon ball run Gunjit. You can do something like this …

1. Chandigarh to Kalpa 2. Kalpa to Nako 3. Nako to Kaza 4. Kaza to Manali 5. Manali to Chandigarh

Keep in mind though that all these days will be a really long drive

Thanxx Vargis…I am thinking to drop this idea for 4-5 days and come back some other time with sufficient days in hand..

That is a wide decision brother

Swaroop – Contacts where? In Chitkul?

and yes, there is also the fact that Nako to Chitkul will be a very long journey. If you can, break it in 2 days. Do Nako to Kalpa, stay there for the night and then do Kalpa to Chitkul the next day. Take a look at this post to understand the route better.

https://vargiskhan.com/log/lahaul-spiti-route-guide/

Yes whatever contacts u have on the entire route will be every helpful sir 🙂

Yes..whatever contacts you have on the route would be helpful 🙂

Yes …whatever contacts you have on the route would be really helpful 🙂

I have a contact who can help with your stay at Kaza and Chandrataal. I am sure he can help with other places as well if you have any questions. Just tell him my name and he would know. His name is Jamaica and # is 09418200183

Hi Vargis,I just got anser to my question when i went through your itinerary at “https://vargiskhan.com/log/lahaul-spiti-route-guide/” So planning to follow it in reverse order..do you think 11-12 days are good enough for that?We are planning to go without any reservations for accommodation so can you please provide some suggestions ..any contacts would be great help ..thanks a lot gain 🙂

Hi Swaroop – 11 to 12 days is more than sufficient. What is your current itinerary? Let me know and I can make suggestions.

Thanks for the prompt reply sir! well we don’t have much idea about spiti so I am just listing down the places and the respective day .Please provide corrections,additions and places to see in below list as we don’t want to miss out on good things for time 🙂

23 delhi to mandi/manali 24 manali stay (permit, hidimba temple,manu’s temple,old manali market) 25 Manali- Rohtang Pass – gramphu – Batal (lunch) – Chandrataal (camping stay) 26 Chandrataal – Kunzum pass-losar- Kaza 27 kaza-tashigong-langza-kaumik-gette-kibbar-kaza 28 Kaza – dhankar – Tabo 29 tabo- hurling- sumdo- mallingnullah- nako 30 nako-kalpa- chitkul- sangla 31 sangla- sarahan-rampur –narkanda 1 shimla –narkanda 2 shimla -delhi

Waiting for your reply 🙂

Hello Swaroop – Your itinerary looks good, I wont really change anything except for this,

30 nako-kalpa- sangla – chitkul

My honest advice would be that you stay in Chitkul and not Sangla. Sangla would come first, continue down the road for another 20 odd kms until it ends in Chitkul, mesmerizing place it is.

Ok will do that…any contacts u can refer? 🙂

Hi Vargis..thanks a lot for the detailed information.Me and 3 of my friends are making spiti plan ..we will be starting on 23rd july from delhi and have 12 days in hand(3rd august).Last august we visited leh on our bikes.We started from mumbai and took manali leh highway and while coming back took kargil shrinagar route.We were ok with AMS. The reason behind above details is that we want to take manali rohtang kunzum kaza route and then do the circuit through indo tibet highway.Every itinerary i saw follows the reverse route.Can you please help us with itinerary for our route?

I would advise to go from Shimla side because Rohtang permits have now turned into a big hassle, Avoid yourself the trouble and start from Shimla.

i am planning quick sangla and spiti valley solo backpacking trip. in minimum days possible. it is my first solo trip so i am little confused on itinerary .

i will be starting from chandigarh. .. as below : day1,2 : Chandigarh to Sangla/chitkul (i know its long journey but i decided to spend 2 nights in chitkul and rest rather then spend a night in rampur) is it doable ? day 3 : Nako day 4 : Kaza day 5 : chandratal day 6 : manali. day 7 : manali day 8 : chandigarh

is this doable ?? also , i am planning to use public transport. will i get buses easily ? do i have to book hotels in advance or that can be arranged on the spot ?

looking forward to your quick response. thanks Chetan

Chandigarh to Sangla in a day in public transport, I do not believe it is doable. Even on day 3 you will hav to start really early to reach Nako on time.

Narkanda to Chitkul can be a good 10-12 hrs journey, add the time you will take to get to Narkanda and you will know what I mean

Hi Vargis, I am planning trip to spiti in 4th or 5th week of July. Can you please advise regarding rains and what route to be chosen in these dates. We will be two person(me and my wife) using a rented self drive ecosport from noida. We are planning for 8-9 days.

Hi Saurabh – Have you prepared an itinerary yet?

I have gone through the chain of messages and I highly appreciate the promptness of your replies. We are planning to go to Spiti via Shimla 15th June onwards. This being the peak tourist season elsewhere in the mountains, I would love to have your advise on whether to book places of stay beforehand or not. Also, we were planning to take a Honda Amaze for this trip, is that doable?

No need to book accommodation anywhere Akshay, you can easily find a place to crash. Amaze can be a problem though considering the terrain and low ground clearance.

My friend and I are planning to visit spiti valley between July 5 to July 10th.We’ll reach manali on july 5th night and we need to be back to manali on July 10th night.We want to cover main places in spiti valley including chandrataal. Please suggest an itinerary and tell us about accommodation in spiti valley. Thank you!

We are going on a bike

You wanna do only Manali to Manali and not Manali to Shimla, the entire circuit?

I am planning a solo trip to Spiti valley sometime In the second week of June. This is my first solo trip so the very first question is if it’s safe for a solo female traveler to go from Delhi via Shimla to kaza? Second is I will be using public transport all through my journey so is it feasible to travel in public transport to visit places within the valley or I will most likely end up missing out on most of the scenic beauty on the way to different places? If yes, then what do you suggest as a mode of transport? Third, this trip has to be as cheap as possible for me so what will be the best accommodation idea as per you? As in guest house, home stay or stay at the monasteries or hotels?

Thank you for your help 🙂

Hi Saumya, Yes it is quite safe to travel. Since you mentioned that this trip has to be cheap, then using public transport would be best because any other option will cost more.Have you planned an itinerary that I can look at and suggest where you can hope to find a cheap accommodation and where not?

We are three people having 9 days in hand to cover Spiti and Leh. I am not sure if we can cover both in this time span. I don’t want to miss chandratal and Key gompa but going to Leh is also must for other people in the group. Isd there a way to get all these done in this much time. If not, what would you suggest ? A complete Leh-Ladakh, Nubra valley trip from Manali or complete Lahaul spiti trip from Manali.

Also will 20th of June will be a good enough time to do this ? Considering access to all the areas. Thanks.

9 days for both Ladakh and Spiti is not sufficient Ashish. The spiti circuit requires a minimum of 6-7 days. If your friends are eager for Ladakh then I suggest you continue with that.

Please provide a little more on Delhi to Rampur/Sarahanpur bus and Chandigarh to Rampur/Sarahanpur bus service. I am unable to get much information on delux bus timings and booking.

Hi Vargis, this is awesome information you have put together here, thank you so much! I am planning a trip with a friend during the last week of September or beginning October this year. I would be starting the journey from Mumbai and have in total not more than 15 days. I would be using a self-drive of my XUV. I have done a road trip earlier during June, 2012 but could not do the Spiti Valley circuit. I intend to do the Spiti Valley circuit this time and plan on taking the Manali route. Also, I intend to exit via Leh and J & K and back to Mumbai. I would like to ask if its possible to this entire trip in 15 days? Also, since I am planning on travelling either September end or October beginning, is this a good time to travel this circuit. I plan on covering places like Chitkul, kalpa, Chandrataal to name a few… Can you please suggest an itinerary for me, considering my broader plan.

Thank you in advance for your suggestions.

The biggest concern is the self drive taxi and plan to cover Leh. Self drive taxis are a big no for Ladakh right now considering the accidents last year when some of these self drives were vandalized and damaged by locals. You can take it up to Leh but will have to hire a local taxi for sight seeing the nearby areas. Second is the weather, you are planning to do it in October and Kunzum may be closed at that time. Third problem is the number of days, covering this entire route in 15 days. Are you planning to drive from Mumbai and back because that would make the proposed trip nearly impossible.

Hi Vargis, thank you for your prompt response! I’m sorry I made you think that I’m hiring a taxi. Actually, what I meant was I would be taking my own vehicle. Yes, I’m driving from and back to Mumbai and I need to do this within the 15 days. If Kunzum would be closed in October, what other circuit would you recommend. I’ve done the usual Pangong lake and Leh in 2012.

Can you please make some suggestions!

Thanks again for all your help and support.

Hello Anay, how soon do you think you can make it from Mumbai to Delhi / Shimla? Let me know and I can suggest an itinerary

Hi Vargis, I can reach Shimla on day 2.

Here is an itinerary you can follow … keep in mind that it will still be a rushed journey Anay ..

Day 2 – Shimla Day 3 – Sarahan Day 4 – Nako Day 5 – Kaza Day 6- Chandrataal Day 7 – Keylong Day 8 – Sarchu or Pang if you still have daylight Day 9 – Leh Day 10 – Kargil Day 11 – Srinagar Day 12 – Pathankot

3 days left for you to reach back Mumbai from Pathankot. If you can make it in 2, then you can adjust one day anywhere in between in case you are not strictly able to follow the itinerary.

Thanks a lot Vargis, appreciate all your help…..

You are welcome brother …

Hi vargis, We are four people travelling from delhi, want to visit lahaul & spiti on 10-12 june We are in a self drive car, we want to take the delhi-shimla-lahaul& spiti- manali- delhi route. The main problem is we have only 6 days in hand. So, can u pls suggest an optimum travel itinerary for what places we should be visting and planning for to and fro journey in these 6 days. ~Thanks in Advance

Hi Anmol .. You can follow the following route

Day 1 – Delhi to Rampur / Sarahan (Start really really early from Delhi, say 3-4 am) 2. Rampur / Sarahan to Nako 3. Nako to Kaza 4. Kaza to Chandrataal 5. Chandrataal to Manali 6. Manali to Delhi

Can the sarahan to Kaza trip be completed in one day? So we have around 2 days for spiti valley? In google its showing only 8 hours for sarahan to Kaza

It can be done but will be a long drive. You will have to start really early from Sarahan, rush through the entire drive and reach Kaza by evening. It is not the distance but the road conditions and hilly region. Roads in Spiti are terrible, probably the worst you have driven on in your entire life so far. Consider this, the Batal to Gramphoo stretch of about 70-80 kms takes approximately 6-7 hours to complete, that is how bad it can get. Plus, there isnt really much to do Kaza anyway. You may want to go towards Kibber / Kaumik but there isnt anything that you wouldnt already have seen in the trip so far. Read my travelogue of Spiti valley here and you will get an idea of how the trip is going to be …

http://roadragas.com/index.php?threads/the-mystique-land-of-lahaul-spiti.127/

Is it fine to go with 2yr old baby to spiti trip?

Yes you can but you would have to take extra precautions in terms of mountain sickness, sun-burns, cold etc … I would also advise consulting a doctor for medicines against mountain sickness

Hi Vargis! I want to travel to Spiti at the end of June 2016. Will Kunzum Pass be open ? and whatr would be the ideal itinerary for 7 days. We would be starting from Chandigarh. Or if 7 days not enough . Can we just cover kinner vallry i.e sangla , chitkul and kalpa ?

Hi Namrata – Kunzum should probably be open but cannot say for sure right now … 7 days should be enough .. you can do Chandigarh to Rampur or Sarahan on day 1, reach Chitkul on day 2, Nako on day 3, Kaza on day 4, Chandrataal on day 5, Manali on day 6, and Chandigarh on day 7.

we are planning to travel to lahaul spiti valley in june last week.. is this ok to travel with 6 year old?

Should not be a problem … be a little careful about acute mountain sickness though, may not want to stay at Chandrataal due to AMS

We are 8 guys planning to visit lahaul & spiti from manali side on 2nd may. We’ll be starting from jaipur. Since its our first trip to any high altitude place, I would like to know whether FORD ECOSPORTS would be a right choice for transport (since it has less power compared to other cars in its class). And please tell me for permitts Also what preparations are needed in case of car break down also pls suggest the brands which are of good quality. . Since we have only 6 days in hand to reach from delhi to manali, can u pls suggest an optimum travel itinerary so that AMS wud not be an issue.

Hi Naveen – Ecosport will do just fine, shouldn’t face any problem at all but the thing is that you cannot go from Manali that early in the month of May because Kunzum pass would be closed. You will have to go from Shimla and return the same way. No permits required for Spiti anywhere. Where are you travelling from, Delhi?

We are 4 guys planning to visit lahaul & spiti from shimla side on 12th may. We’ll be starting from delhi. Since its our first trip to any high altitude place, I would like to know whether innova would be a right choice for transport (since it has less power compared to other cars in its class).

Also what preparations are needed in case of car break down also pls suggest the brands which are of good quality. . Since we have only 6 days in hand to reach from delhi to manali, can u pls suggest an optimum travel itinerary so that AMS wud not be an issue.

Vikram – Innova would be good enough for the journey but you will not be able to complete the circuit as Kunzum Pass will not be open that early in May. You will have to reach Kaza and take the road back to Shimla again

Is mid May a good time to travel to Spiti?

Hi Neil – Yes it is although you will not be able to visit Chandrataal, Kunzum and Rohtang at that time

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Spiti Valley Budget Trip: 10 Day Itinerary and Daily Cost

traveller Tarang

Spiti Valley budget trip is a dream come true for every backpacker. This part of the world is one of the most surreal places that you’ll ever visit in your lifetime. It will leave a permanent imprint in your mind as a traveler.

Since Spiti is located remotely in the mountains, it is extremely important that you plan your trip well. Not only should you be aware of the rugged terrain but also of the daily cost throughout your Spiti Valley budget trip.

Regions in the mountains are often expensive owing to limited local resources and the overall difficult lifestyle of the natives. Not to forget emergency travel budget situations arising due to unpredictable weather.

Taking a trip to Spiti and maintaining a pre-defined budget has been quite an achievement for me as a traveler. Therefore, through my current blog, I’d like to share my travel experience in Spiti with anybody seeking a decent plan, itinerary and an effective budget.

Also useful:

The complete travel itinerary for bikers heading to Spiti

Trekking and camping at Chandrataal Lake in Spiti

Spiti Valley Budget Trip

Let me start this blog by addressing a common question asked by most travelers -“is a Spiti Valley budget trip even possible?” Well, with the right planning, it surely is possible.

If you happen to be one of those travelers who wants too much to see but doesn’t have enough funds, do not worry. You are not the only one having this concern. I had the same when I first started my journey. However, I did manage well and so will you.

It needs to be mentioned here that on my first trip to Spiti, I traveled along with two more friends. Therefore, all the prices mentioned throughout this blog have been calculated accordingly.

As a first time traveler, you should visit Spiti with at least one or two more persons. That way, you will have no problem managing your expenses. 

If you want to travel solo to Spiti, then I’d urge you to do so after your first trip. That way you will understand the locale well and will be able to plan your budget accordingly. Traveling solo on your maiden visit to Spiti will prove to be hugely expensive. 

Spiti Valley is home to enchanting monasteries, snow-capped mountains, the pristine Spiti River and clear skies that boast countless stars. It is also home to Moon Lake or Chandratal Lake as the locals call it. 

Also, this region has the world’s highest and old-fashioned petrol pump at Kaza, the world’s highest motorable village Komik and the world’s highest post office at Hikkim.

In addition to the natural beauty of the place, your Spiti Valley budget trip will turn out to be memorable because of the heartwarming people of the region. They will welcome you with open arms and make you feel at peace . 

Let me sum up my overall experience in Spiti by pouring my heart through the following words –

“We held our breaths with our bodies stiffened, as our bus found itself on the very edge of the hazardous road. On the other side, there were just a few centimetres between our wheels and the cliff from which the road had been carved. It was dangerous and scary but totally worth it”

Thus, Spiti Valley is not for the faint-hearted. This needed to be set right at the outset.

It is important to be aware of the overall budget when you plan to take a trip anywhere. Without the right kind of budget allocation, you will end up spending much more than required without exploring much.

Now this should be avoided at all costs.

Your goal as a traveler pursuing a Spiti Valley budget trip should be to explore much more by spending less.

Spiti Valley Budget Trip – A Brief Overview for Travelers

Here’s a brief overview of how your Spiti Valley budget trip should like. There are things on which you shouldn’t mind spending but on others, you should certainly save. I’m sharing all of the points below based on my own personal experience.

A cold and remote desert valley in the state of Himachal Pradesh, Spiti is almost cut off from the rest of the world. A lot of people don’t even know if Spiti is safe or dangerous for travelers ? However, even then, hundreds of travelers visit Spiti each year.

Despite the rough terrain, harsh environment, unpredictable weather, and tough living standards, Spiti Valley marks the list of almost every traveler today.

If you ask me the reason, I’d say – It’s a dazzling beauty that also happens to pump out your Adrenalin. Not to forget the honesty of the people there and their simplicity.

10 Day Itinerary for a Good Spiti Valley Budget Trip

As travelers, my friends and I had planned a trip to Spiti Valley via the Shimla side and not Manali. The reason is , the roads from the Shimla side are better. Also, that route is open throughout the year, unlike the Manali route.

If you’re struggling with the question of how to reach Spiti Valley and which route to take to reach there , do not worry. Spend some time knowing all the routes. Make a final call depending on the timing of your trip and the duration of your stay.

Anyway, here is the itinerary that we three friends followed on our first ever trip to Spiti –

Let me now share the day-wise itinerary of my Spiti Valley budget trip in detail. I will also be sharing daily costs for each day. 

Day 1 of Spiti Valley Budget Trip: Reaching Reckong Peo from Shimla

After getting a good night’s sleep and resting our bodies tired from the long journey to Shimla from Mumbai (our home city), we were finally heading towards Spiti Valley.

In case you have additional days, feel free to stay for at least 3 days in Himachal Pradesh’s capital – Shimla. There are so many reasons to visit Shimla . Trust me, you will love the pretty town.

Covering a distance of 230 kms till Reckong Peo

We grabbed breakfast along with our haversacks and hopped onto a local bus that would cover a distance of 230 kilometres and take us to a place known as Reckong Peo. The locals call it just Peo.

Now you do have the option of booking a cab instead-but believe it or not, the bumps, the stares, and the cramps that accompany the economical bus rides will make your journey memorable. Therefore, travel by bus. Also, travelling by bus is the best option to genuinely pursue your Spiti Valley budget trip.

Checking in our homestay at Reckong Peo

We made it to Reckong Peo at around 4 pm and were almost desperate to have a room to ourselves, to rest our backs, and to devour some steamy momos. Reckong Peo finds itself at about 2290 meters above sea level, in the Kinnaur district of Himachal.

It is a bustling town as per Himachal standards but nevertheless pretty with its breathtaking views of the snow-capped Himalayas. While the options were many, we finally checked in to Hotel Jeevan Jyoti. This place turned out to be clean, hospitable, and affordable.

We made sure that we slept early so as to take complete rest before starting the next day. As it turned out, the next day was way tougher than we thought it would be as first-time mountain travelers.

 Money spent on day 1 

Day 2 of Spiti Valley Budget Trip: Reaching Kaza in a Bumpy Bus 

We started our second day waiting for a bus. It was supposed to carry us from Reckong Peo till Kaza. To our horror, a crowded bus with almost no space approached us at 7:15 am in the morning.

After somehow stuffing our haversacks in the dusty back of the bus, we squeezed in where we almost felt like foreigners.

Bagging a seat on a public bus 

We managed to bag just one seat even though we were three friends. This was us being lucky (yes that is correct because in buses here bagging even one seat is getting lucky). We tiresomely alternated this one seat amongst the three of us almost till the very end. 

This had probably been the most tiring journey of my life. However, what made it special were the little things – steaming hot rajma chawal (broad beans and rice) for lunch at our halt at a place called Nako, driving through gorgeous mountain views, holding tight as we made it through steep roads, landslides, and unpredictable weather conditions, and gaping at the ever-changing terrain.

Reaching beautiful Kaza and checking in our place of stay

We reached Kaza at about 5 pm, and we couldn’t believe where we were. It was almost like time stood still. Vast stretches of nothing but barren mountains capped with snow and chilled winds, and the three of us almost forgot how tired we really were.

We headed to what was going to be home for the next days – Pema Homestay, where we were greeted by the cutest of kids, hot chai (tea) and a cosy room warmed by Achaktap (indoor furnace).

Money spent on Day 2 

Day 3 of Spiti Valley Budget Trip: Visiting Langza, Komik & Demul Khas

This was our very first morning in mainland Spiti Valley. We were super excited. An early morning walk around the place exposed us to happy puppies and locals jetting water out of pumps.

We were served delicious aloo parathas (Indian bread stuffed with potatoes) for breakfast at our place of stay.

Heading to the fossil village of Langza

We headed to a remote village known as Langza right after breakfast. It is essentially a place filled with ancient fossils.

What we noticed within a millisecond was a towering Golden Buddha statue pitched against clear blue skies. Numberless prayer flags signifying a strong Buddhist presence marked the already charming Langza.

Reaching Demul Khas and witnessing fresh snowfall

Our final destination for the day was Demul Khas. This is a place not as visited as Langza but it is splendid.  A good 2-hour drive made us all witnesses to blue sheep and turbulent weather.

Our whims and fancies got catered to as we reached Demul around 4:30 pm and it started snowing. We then headed to an unknown house, one that felt homely, one that warmed us up with chai (tea) and food .

Making it to the highest motorable village in the world

Our next stop was Komik.  This place is situated at a lofty 4,587 meters above sea level and is known as the “world’s highest motorable village.” It is for this reason that Komik attracts travelers from far and wide.

Known for the Tsemo Gompa Buddhist Monastery, Komik is a lovely place.

Back to Kaza

Our Spiti Valley budget trip was turning out to be exemplary. We got back to Kaza at 7 pm and witnessed a power cut. Our cold bodies craved the electric heaters placed in our rooms.

But we warmed ourselves up in a room made cosy with people and a chaktap (indoor furnace).

All in all, life was good.

Money spent on Day 3 

Day 4 of Spiti Valley Budget Trip: Visiting Key Monastery and Offbeat Villages

Day four started with a fresh zeal. After all, we were about to visit the most photographed places in Spiti. These places are all over travel websites on the internet.

Visiting the magical Key Monastery and Gete Village

A 15-kilometre drive from Kaza took us to the very prominent Key Monastery – one that features in a number of master photographs from Spiti.

Key looks almost magical, straight out of a fantasy book. When we reached the monastery, the monks at Key were performing Badipooja (prayer) which we were lucky enough to witness.

Picture this – 30 monks dressed in bright maroonish-red colour in a  mystic architecture, and vast stretches of land of nothingness. You know you can stay in Key Monastery itself and even become a volunteer.

We then proceeded to the not very popular Gate Village, which offers you a top view of the enchanting Key Monastery. Rely a little on locals’ advice over Google in the region.

Reaching the villages of Tashigang, Chicham and Kibber

Driving a little further, we reached Tashigang. This was apparently the highest village in Spiti Valley – 2,650 meters above sea level. This place barely had 5 to 6 homes. It was a little village, indeed.

We then moved on to Chicham. There, we got lucky and saw about a hundred yaks being tamed for agriculture. 

We then boarded our cab which drove on vast stretches of nothing but ice. We trusted the driver because he was a local inmate and was familiar with driving on ice.

We finally made our way to Kibber. It is a large village by Spitian standards. It is also popular for snow leopard spotting. We checked in to our homestay here.

20 km drive till La Darcha

What made Day 4 the best day of my Spiti Valley budget trip was a 20-kilometre drive to a place no blog will tell you of – La Darcha. An invisible moon and electricity cut led us to see about a million stars, comets and shooting stars in the sky.

Right after checking in Kibber, we took this lovely drive.

The temperature dropped to a freezing -18 degrees Celsius, our hands were numb, and all we had to keep ourselves warm was a flask of chai (tea) , a bonfire, and our high spirits.

Money spent on Day 4 

Day 5 of Spiti Valley Budget Trip: Trekking at Dhankar & Staying Overnight within Pin Valley National Park

Day five began with a long 50 kilometre drive that took us to Dhankar. Home to about 150 monks, Dhankar Monastery is the newest of all in Spiti Valley.

What makes it even prettier is the breathtaking view it withholds – that of the beautiful confluence of Spiti and Pin Rivers.

Trek till Dhankar Lake

In spite of being worn out, we made up our minds to trek to Dhankar Lake. The trail of this short trek was 3 km.  Although 3 kilometres might sound easy, the high altitude leaves you breathless at multiple points. Reconsider the trek if you have any serious health conditions.

After spending a happy 2 hours with dogs that voluntarily accompanied us on the trek, we commenced our descent. The best thing to do for a successful Spiti Valley budget trip would be to choose trekking over driving. 

Spending the night at Mudh in Pin Valley National Park

Next on our list was Pin Valley National Park. We chose to spend a night in the park at a place called Mudh hidden deep within Pin. We reached the top in an hour and were amazed to see a lake that was 80% frozen and 20% water.

Once again, to ensure a Spiti Valley budget trip in all its ingenuity, make sure you scan through all the options available for accommodation before finalizing one. Tired from the long day, we spent the night watching a movie indoors.

Money spent on Day 5 

Day 6 of Spiti Valley Budget Trip: Mailing Postcards at Hikkim & Shopping at Kaza

We finally headed to the destination we’d read the most about and that is Hikkim. It is the nearest major town from Kaza and is at a distance of about 45 km from there.

Getting postcards stamped at the highest post office in the world

Since the very start of our trip, we’d dreamed about getting postcards stamped at the highest post office of the world, which happens to be in Hikkim. 

A beautiful mud structure painted in white, with a cute little postbox right by the door totally stood out. We received a warm welcome from Rinchen Cherring, the postmaster, who has been doing this very job for the past several decades.

Cherring successfully ensures that amidst no cell phone reception, the residents of Hikkim have at least some connection with the rest of the world. With no other employees to assist him, he indeed is an unsung hero.

If you leave Hikkim without sending out postcards to your loved ones, your Spiti Valley trip won’t be complete. 

Shopping in Kaza

We spent the evening strolling around the markets of Kaza and relishing the best momos we’d eaten in a while.

We also shopped for warmer woollens than we owned already. The reason being, the next day i.e. Day 7 was going to be the coldest of all.

To make your Spiti Valley budget trip even more economical, do try your hand at bargaining.

Washing our car

What we did after our spending hours at Kaza was not on our itinerary at all. We drove our car plastered in mud and snow into the Spiti River and washed all the dirt away.

This is definitely not something we would get to do back at home, and we were thrilled by the sheer experience.

 Money spent day 6 

Day 7 of Spiti Valley Budget Trip: Visiting Losar, Kunzum Pass and Returning to Kaza

This was to be our last day in Spiti per say. The remaining 3 days were meant for exploring sights beyond mainland Spiti in other districts of Himachal on our way back to Shimla and finally to our home city – Mumbai.

Visiting the last inhabited village on the Indo-China border – Losar

We were told by the locals that our Spiti Valley budget trip would be wholesome if we spared a day to visit Losar and Kunzum Pass.

Losar is a scenic hamlet, known to be the last inhabited village on the Indo-China border. There isn’t much to do out there, but that’s where the beauty lies oftentimes – in doing nothing.

Another 20 kilometers ahead of Losar, lies Kunzum Pass.

Enjoying the mystical Kunzum Pass

After being reassured about the roads by locals, we proceeded to Kunzum as planned. The mountains, the roads and the trees were all covered with a thick blanket of pitch white snow.

With our car’s windshield covered with mud, we finally made it to Kunzum. We had snow up to our knees, but we sure did not mind it.

After glaring at the stark beauty of Kunzum, after failed attempts at building a snowman, after hiking up to the temple, and after bringing back to life a car stuck in mucky snow, we made our way back.

Our Spiti Valley budget trip was coming to an end, but we’d never been happier. Our journey back to Kaza had in store for us sightings of Himalayan Drifters and Red Foxes. We were elated.

Money spent on Day 7 

Day 8 of Spiti Valley Budget Trip: Leaving Kaza and Reaching Kalpa

With heavy hearts, we bid goodbye to Kaza. It almost felt like we were completely disconnected from the world outside, and that we had nothing to do with it. That feeling, by the way, was most beautiful.

Bus journey till Kalpa

There’s just one bus that leaves for Reckong Peo from Kaza on a daily basis at about 7 am. We boarded it.

A comfortable bus journey, one where we constantly found ourselves mulling over photographs from the trip, was all we needed. We reached Reckong Peo at about 4:30 pm but we decided to stay the night at Kalpa instead.

Kalpa finds itself at a distance of about 6-8 kilometres from Reckong Peo and is much colder, greener and quieter. Reckong Peo and Kalpa are connected by a number of daily local buses.

Enjoying the greenery of Kalpa

We made it to our accommodation at about 6 pm and were flattered by the greenery – something we missed back in Spiti. An economical option for your stay at Kalpa, as part of the Spiti Valley budget trip, would be the Alpine Nest Stay . This place is affordable, clean and safe.

Money spent on Day 8 

Day 9 of Spiti Valley Budget Trip: Exploring Sangla & Chitkul

Although not a part of Spiti Valley, it would be worth making a visit to Sangla and Chitkul in Kinnaur District at either the beginning or towards the end of your Spiti Valley budget trip, just as we did.

If you want, you can even visit Batseri – a beautiful village nestled high in the mountains .

Your eyes would definitely be craving some greenery after witnessing the cold desert of Spiti. You can easily get local buses starting from Kalpa and Rekong Peo to both Sangla and Chitkul.

Clarify the timings of these buses beforehand, to avoid further confusion.

Traveling to Sangla in an open jeep

We made ourselves comfortable on a terrace-café and as we sipped on hot coffee and watched the locals farming, life seemed to be perfect.

To our horror, there were no buses back to Sangla for the day. We, however, got lucky, and made it back in an open jeep; it was windy, and the sun was setting.

Hopping onto a bus and reaching Chitkul

We finally hopped onto a bus to Chitkul that left Rekong Peo at 12 pm. Only a few kilometres away from the Indo-Tibet border, Chitkul is a majestic place.

After spending some time in Chitkul, we headed back to Sangla. There, we checked into this decent place known as Lake View Resort and spent the night. 

Money Spent on Day 9

Day 10 of Spiti Valley Budget Trip: Bidding Adieu to Himachal and Returning Home

We took the bus to Shimla early in the morning, and a bus to Delhi at night from there. It was time to head home after a beautiful journey. Spiti will always remain in our hearts. Also, we will visit again.

Overall Transportation Costs to Visit and Explore Spiti

Transportation costs formed a major bulk of our Spiti Valley budget trip. Reason being, that we travelled from a faraway place like Mumbai. Hence, let me share with you the exact cost incurred from Mumbai to Spiti and back.

Train from Mumbai to Chandigarh

1800 INR per person

Bus from Chandigarh to Shimla

200 INR per person

Bus from Shimla to Reckong Peo

340 INR per person

Bus from Reckong Peo to Kaza

250 INR per person

Cab from Kaza to Langza, Demul Khas and Komik and back

550 INR per person

Cab for covering Key Monastery, Gete village, Tashigang, Chicham, Kibber and La Darcha

Cab for covering Dhankar and Pin Valley National Park

Cab from Kaza to Losar, Kunzum Pass and back

Bus from Sangla to Shimla

300 INR per person

Bus from Shimla to Delhi

700 INR per person

Train from Delhi to Mumbai

2500 INR per person

Thinking about life on the road often brings to the fore fears of lack of money. Although money is crucial, it is fortunately not all that is required for a worthy trip. So plan well, travel with a happy heart and everything will fall in place.

Now that I’ve shared my Spiti Valley budget trip itinerary with you in great detail along with the cost, I’d like to throw some light on some of the other aspects.

Although Spiti Valley is being frequented by travelers now more often than ever, it doesn’t change the fact that elaborate planning is required to enjoy the rugged terrains and the extreme weather conditions.

Therefore, let me share some crucial travel aspects of Spiti with you below.

Phone connectivity in Spiti

Only BSNL connection will work in Spiti Valley and has the widest coverage of connectivity. Hence, make sure to buy a SIM card beforehand. Other networks are no good here.

Washrooms in Spiti

A number of villages in Spiti offer only organic toilets. So get used to them.

Carrying cash

Make sure you have anticipated your expenses well in advance, for depending on ATMs or card payments in Spiti is risky. Cash is a safer way to proceed.

Layering of clothes

Carry clothes that can be worn in layers – this will help you adjust to fluctuating temperatures. Wear more synthetic fabrics than cotton.

Portable chargers

Spiti is a remote desert and electricity cuts aren’t a rare phenomenon. Make sure you’re well prepared for the same. Carry portable chargers.

Dry weather

To avoid skin problems, make sure you’re well moisturized at all points. Carry Moisturizers and sunscreen lotions.  Weather in Spiti tends to chaff the skin.

Medicines needed

Along with your personal medicines, make sure you carry medicines for Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS)

Biking in Spiti

Please makes sure to go biking from the Manali side in order to reach Spiti . The journey is shorter and safer than Shimla.

Before I end this blog, let me mention some of the most reasonable ways to save money in Spiti Valley. These might come across as strange but I can tell you for a fact that they totally work. So try them out.

6 Important Ways to Save Money in Spiti 

I’m sharing with you below a few simple but crucial ways that will ensure that your trip to Spiti turns out to be as economical as it can get.

Choose the correct season to visit

Traveling to Spiti in the months of August and September will fetch you better deals. Traveling during April and May will turn out to be expensive.

Use HRTC buses wherever possible

Although it might get a little too bumpy at times, the local HRTC buses are as efficient as they can get and will make sure you have a safe and cheap journey. So at least while traveling from Shimla to Peo to Kaza, use public transport only.

Travel as a group

I’ve said this before and I’m saying it again tha t travelling in groups of 3 or more would help you save on costs when it comes to staying and cabs meant for internal exploration. There, buses won’t be of any help because there aren’t any.

Eat at your stay and carry food

Make sure to eat meals at your place of stay. In fact, pack lunch from there and carry it with you. The temperature is cold so it won’t even rot.

Take lifts from locals

It isn’t very difficult to get a free lift from one town to another in Spiti Valley, and while this will save you a few dimes, it will also give you the experience to remember always.

Book spontaneously

Although you might lean towards wanting to have a fixed plan and have advance bookings, a lot can go wrong when travelling to Spiti – landslides, roadblocks, etc. It would thus make sense to book on the spot, to avoid any cancellations

Spiti Valley: A Video by Me

When my friends first asked me about pursuing a Spiti Valley budget trip, it took me no convincing to book my tickets. Now when I look back, I know that backpacking to Spiti was one of my best life decision.

If someone asks me to describe these 10 days of my life, I wouldn’t be able to do it in less than a few hours or maybe a few days. This is how much Spiti had made me aware of it as a travel destination.

Spiti has so much to offer that there are definitely going to be certain places you’ll miss out on your first trip. Nako, Tabo and Chandratal Lake were some of the many places that we couldn’t cover. But isn’t that where the beauty lies? Spiti will keep calling out on you. Over and over again.

When it’s my turn to return, I surely will explore Spiti even more vigorously next time.

Happy Wayfaring 🙂

THIS POST IS AN EXCLUSIVE PROPERTY OF BUDGET WAYFARERS. ANY INDIVIDUAL OR ASSOCIATION INDULGING IN PLAGIARISM WILL BE DEALT WITH STRICTLY . IF YOU WANT TO USE INFORMATION FROM THE ARTICLE ABOVE, KINDLY QUOTE THE SOURCE.

Spiti Winter Homestay Trail

A magical intertwining of nature and culture

Available Batches

Brief description.

Brief Itinerary

Detailed itinerary.

Shimla (2,276M) to Chitkul (3,450M)

Distance: 235 kms 

Time Taken: 12-13 hour drive

Given how remote the district of Spiti is, to get there is a time-consuming endeavor. The first leg of trying to make our way into this virgin land involves a 220km road trip through the Kinnaur valley to Chitkul. Chitkul is a small mountain town built on the banks of the boisterous and refreshing Baspa River and is the last village on the Indian side of the border. This charming village which is manned by the army, remains covered in snow all through winters. The extreme winters in the region, make this an almost ghost when the locals move down to warmer altitudes. The wooden huts, the beauty of the village against the backdrop of the bright warm colors at dusk, sitting by the river, locals shepherding their sheep in hundreds and the overall way of life in this high-altitude village are some things you might not want to miss.

We assemble in Shimla early morning by 07:30 hours at a pre-decided location, and leave for this far away village latest by 8 AM. The first three hours of the drive is through cities and thickly habited areas which leads to a calmer road lined with forests that start to thin out as the journey along the Sutlej river progresses. The last two hours of the drive are a bit bumpy for the uneven road that leads us into Chitkul. Expect to reach by late evening.

Chitkul (3,450M) to Tabo (3,280M) via Nako (3,660M) and Gue (3,050M)

We wake up to a beautiful morning in the beautiful village of Chitkul. Since Chitkul is a closed valley, surrounded by high mountains, the sun reaches its folds only close to 06:45 in the morning so we are in no rush to start the day. There is enough time in the morning to explore the surroundings of Chitkul, Baspa River, Baspa Valley and get a better feel of the place in the light of day.

After a late breakfast, we leave this winter ghost town by 10 AM. The second leg of making our way into the cold desert is continuing our long journey from yesterday towards Tabo which goes through Sangla. We pass through Sangla within an hour and a half of starting the drive. The drive to Tabo has a lot to offer – stone and wood houses adding life to  the most magnificent landscape, the lands uptil Sangla are full of apple orchards with apple trees lined neatly in rows far and wide into the distance on both sides of the road. The roads mirror the motion and curves of the river below with the high mountains towering over the path like we are driving straight into them. The mountains cut out for step farming gather snow in a particular pattern which is nothing short of mesmerizing. Driving through with overlapping mountains and snow covered peaks taking turns peeping out from the sides to investigate the visitors, we make it to Karcham Wangtoo Dam by 12 PM. From here on, the roads are smooth as butter. The mountains here change to be a bit more rocky and rugged. Twenty minutes from the dam and we reach the Shongtong Bridge laden with Buddhist prayer flags. You might want to keep your cameras handy every second of this drive!

 It shouldn’t take you too long to realize that the bright sun in the sky is not too effective when it comes to protecting you from the cold of this place in winters. As soon as you are in the shade and away from the sun, the temperature seems to drop enough to leave you shivering even with 4 layers of clothing. The sharp blades of icicles on the rocks next to the road are a constant reminder of the cold outside your window!

The landscape starts to shift, trees start to thin out getting replaced by shrubs which then completely disappear too, leaving huge walls of rocky mountains with deep gorges on all sides. If you look close enough, you will see deeply camouflaged mud houses on the sides of the mountain, not in groups but standing alone at far away distances in no particular pattern – all adding to the mystical vibe of the valley.

We cross the confluence of Sutlej and Spiti rivers on our way to Tabo, passing through the towns of Pooh and Nako. Every turn on this drive offers you a distinct view. A small detour will also take us to Gue Monastery, which has India's only known naturally preserved mummy of Sangha Tenzing – a Buddhist monk from Tibet – with his skin and hair intact from the extreme cold. The monastery also has the most beautiful Japanese style architecture embellished with bright Buddhist colours and carvings.

Further ahead, at Sumdo we cross the confluence of Spiti and Parechu rivers which leads us into our drive straight to Tabo, known for its 1000 year old monastery.

There will be a bukhari (a local chimney-like arrangement fed with wood, found in every house as a means to keep warm) waiting for you as soon as you reach the homestay in Tabo, along with some hot tea to warm your insides!

Tabo (3,280M) to Kaza (3,800M) via Kungari Monastery (3,500M) in Pin Valley

Distance: 70kms drive

There is absolutely no rush to start the day. After struggling to get out from under our warm blankets, we have enough time to explore Tabo and its surroundings, including the 1000 year old Tabo Monastery. We start our drive out of Tabo by around 10:30 AM through Tabo Bridge. The Spiti River below has started to form chunks and slabs of thick ice floating around in the clean blue river. We also will pass small villages such as Kurith which has a population of 30 people. This is just one of many such hamlets we cross on our way today. As we start the drive, to our right are scree mountains with small rocks and to our left are the river below and snow mountains with fields and peculiar trees. We also hit a massive frozen waterfall on our way today which is nothing short of a visual marvel.

Within an hour of the drive, the valley opens up on one side. On the agenda for today is to visit the most gorgeous part of the cold desert – Pin Valley. Soaked in historical and current Buddhist culture, you will find traces and presence of the Tibetan-Buddhist influence in everything in the valley – from the stupas to the monasteries to the way of life, the colours, the social structure and the clothing of the locals – not to mention the colours of the prayer flags in every corner of the valley. The air of the valley, too, holds a strong taste of Buddhism. We will be visiting the Kungari Monastery which is recognized as the second oldest Gompa in all of Lahual and Spiti.  The monastery is known to belong to Nyingmapa order of Buddhism which is known as the oldest order of Tibetan Buddhism. Built around the 14 th century, the Gompa houses the most exquisite craftsmanship in the form of a massive collection of silk painting, Tibetan texts and high statues. The monastery however is most famous for the ‘Devil Dance’ and the Sword dance which is reflective of the Nyingmapa culture. This, however, happens in the month of July.

On your drive through Pin Valley you will go through a series of hairpin bends. As you go higher, the changing view of the valley below is a sheer spectacle to watch. With camouflaged hamlets sitting on the smallest of plains on these crumbling mountains, and the vast expanse of land stamped with distinct patterns like fingerprints in the snow, the drive is a photographer’s paradise. The patterns of snow on this wide landscape are like frozen waves stuck in time.  It will take us close to 2.5 hours to get to the monastery. Although the distance is not very long, the roads during winters tend to form a layer of ice making the path slippery.

After spending some time at the monastery, we head down towards Kaza which is where we will spend the night. Kaza is the central point to all the villages in the vicinity and the place with all the facilities for it is the administrative headquarters. Local hospitality in all the villages of Spiti is a thing to cherish and the warmth of the people who welcome you into their homes, something to take back! We will reach Kaza by late afternoon and will have the rest of the day to explore this high-mountain city full of cafes and colourful, local markets.

Kaza (3,800M) to Key Monastery to Kibber (4,270M) to Kaza (3,800M)

Today is a fairly relaxed day. After breakfast, we head out to Key Monastery which is 14 kms from Kaza and stands high on a pinnacle. With the colours, prayer flags and the warmth of the place, the monastery is a symbol of all that's good about our race. The overall vibe, the evening prayer and the view from this monastery is unparalleled. The place is also popular amongst photographers for getting great shots of the Milky Way for the altitude and the unobstructed view of the sky. By the day, too, the view is mesmerizing. The bird’s eye view of the valley, with the shadows and shapes of the fields, curvy roads, villages on the side of the river, the crisscrossing pattern of the river on the river bed, and the snow mountains with flocks of alpine choughs filling up the blue skies are only some of the elements that make the visual an absolute treat to witness.

We can also explore Kibber which is a small village with a total of close to 75 households. Twenty kilometers from Kaza, this village is a small cluster of flat-roofed and white-washed houses buried under heaps of snow but life underneath, still goes on. The houses in all of Spiti Valley don a distinct structure and colour scheme. The windows, too, are fashioned in a particular way – the overall design of the houses remains uniform. The way of life here is also something to experience.

We will be spending tonight at Kaza too. We head back late evening to the reach the warmth of our homestay before dark since dark here equals cold!

Kaza (3,800M) to Chicham (4,500M)

Distance: 21 km drive

Duration: 1 hour

The route to Chicham introduces you to the true view of Spiti as you make your way to high mountains with the snow disrupting the monochrome of the landscape, the Spiti river crisscrossing on the floor down below and the bright blue of the river is slowly replaced by thicker and wider borders of white when the river starts to freeze up with every kilometer. You cross the Chicham Bridge to enter the village. This gorgeous wonder of engineering, at the height of 4,500M is the highest bridge in Asia.

We will spend the day trekking up the mysterious caves 4 hours up from Chicham. Chicham (4,500M) is a tiny hamlet nested high up on the naked mountains of Spiti and holds a lot of the secrets of bygone eras. Trekking to the mysterious caves 4 hours up from Chicham in the winters where temperatures fall to as low as -20 during daytime, is no small feat. This medium difficult trek which will take us to a cave rife with ancient paintings is a time machine to old times. A lot of folk tales are associated with the cave and locals go up there to pray for the spirits of their dead even today! The route to this cave gets steeper with every step and has you navigate snow and the scree-ridden slopes of this peculiar landscape. It is likely to take close to 4 hours to navigate your way up to the caves on this unmarked, virgin route which has no clear trail. The route needs to be figured out as you go along. It takes close to 2.5 hours to descend down. Expect it to be a long and tiring day made more difficult by the cold in the air. Please note that the trek up to the caves is subject to the route not being blocked by too much snow or bad weather. Since it is not a marked trail, it is important that the condition to climb is safe before we decide to take on this adventure.

Night stay is in the warmest houses with some delicious local delicacies. 

Chicham (4,500M) to Langza (4,400M)

Distance: 35 kms

The expanse of Spiti is wide and desolate - long stretches of brown folds till your eye can see. But every once in a while, you will see a small group of white dots on top of mounds or resting at the foothills. These are the white-washed, flat-roofed houses of the smallest and remotest villages you would have ever seen! It is a wonder how the people here remain so warm and agreeable in a land with zero vegetation and temperatures that drop to -18 to -20 during daytime. We go to two such villages today.

Today we leave for hamlets nested higher up on the naked mountains of Spiti! We drive to Langza which is famous for its massive Buddha statue in the middle of the brown mountains striped with the white of the snow.

We then trek from here to a series of 'highest' places. Komic - the highest Village of the world and Hikkim which has the highest post office in the world. And guess what! It's functional! You can drop your postcards in the bright red post box of this winter post office. You can't miss it, because the red post box is the brightest thing in the village. The trek is fairly easy - you are likely to experience a little bit of breathlessness because of the cold and the altitude. Otherwise, it’s a leisurely walk between high villages with the snow spread across mountains like zebra stripes, in the backdrop!

Langza (4,400M) to Dhankhar (3,895M) via Dhankar Lake (4,140M)

Distance: 50 km

Dhankar is an entire town resting on fragile mud pinnacles like massive termite mounds. It's an entire civilization of mud which looks like it could crumble at any point but is sturdy enough to hold a population of 300. It looks like a place from a distant planet with the peculiar geographical formations which secretly tell the history of the place. The drive from Langza to here should not take us more than two hours which leaves us with an entire day of exploring the many attractions and marvels of this strange town.

A small trek from the village takes you to a frozen lake as massive as a football field with wild horses chilling close by. It goes by the name of Dhankhar Lake but our trekkers christened it Chadar Lites. This high altitude lake which lies at 4,140M, freezes up completely in the winters and is a major source of water for agriculture and daily survival needs of the people inhabiting the high-altitude village of Dhankhar which lies at an altitude of 3,895M. The village itself has a lot of history to offer with its monastery and forts.

We spend the night high up on one of the mud pinnacles in Dhankhar in a warm house with an even warmer family hosting our stay.

Dhankhar (3,895M) to Kalpa (2,960M)

Distance: 190 kms

Time: 7 hours

Today is when we leave the cold folds of Spiti and make our way to the warmth and sanctuary of Kalpa in the Kinnaur Valley. It's a 190km scenic drive which bids adieu to this one of a kind experience to greener and warmer lands.

Kalpa (2,960M) to Shimla (2,275M)

Distance: 210 kms

Time: 8-9 hours

Warmer still we go further down to Shimla today. It is a long drive. Expect to reach late evening and book your travel ahead accordingly.

What's Included

• Homestay/Guesthouse/Hotel accommodation during the trek (Days 1 to 8)
• Meals (excluding lunch during road journey)
• Trek Permissions Fee, if any (Upto the amount charged for Indian nationals)
• First aid medical kit including oxygen cylinder
• Experienced Guide and Support staff
• Mountaineering course certified Trek Leader with First Aid certification

What's Not Included

• Any kind of personal expenses
• Any kind of Insurance
• Mules or porter to carry personal luggage
• Anything not specifically mentioned under the head Inclusions
• A delay due to bad weather conditions will lead to buffer days and participants will have to bear the extra cost involved in the buffer days as it is not included in the trek price.
• Entry fee for any Monastery or Monument

Are you Eligible for this Adventure?

Spiti Winter Homestay takes you through the high-altitude habitations in Spiti to a maximum altitude of 4,587M. The frigid temperatures of Spiti winters can drop down to -30 degrees making the already thinning air of the altitude a little bit harder to bear. This makes it a moderate level adventure.

Max Altitude

BRS Level Required

Spiti Winter Homestay Trail is a level 4 adventure on the Bikat Rating Scale.

This makes it mandatory for you to have high-altitude experience of preferably multiple treks marked at level 3 on the BRS. It is not necessarily a challenging or a difficult trail, but the extreme weather conditions and the altitude the trail takes you to demand a certain level of endurance and a need for you to be aware of how your body reacts to the various features of the high-altitude environment.

If you do not know what level of BRS trek would suit you best, worry not! Fill out this Form:

we will send you a progression chart to help you comfortably get out of your comfort zone in order to level up and ultimately reach your highest potential in the big, bad world of outdoor adventure.

Packing List

This is a list of essential items for individuals doing the trek with Bikat Adventures. This list contains only those items which the participants are required to bring with them. The list excludes those items which are provided by Bikat Adventures on the trek. All the items in the list are essential except for those marked as optional.

Clothing & trek equipment

• Synthetic Trek pants - 2
• Windcheater - 1
• Body Thermals (upper & lower) - 2 pair
• Warm pants- 2
• Full sleeves collar T-shirts - 3
• Down jacket - 1
• Fleece jacket- 1
• Merino Trekking Socks - 2-3 pairs
• Undergarments - 4 pairs
• Rain coat or poncho
• Hat with neck cover
• Woolen Gloves + dual layer Synthetic Waterproof gloves (Both are necessary)
• Woolen Cap that covers the ears
• Woolen Socks for sleeping in the night
• Woolen stole or balaclava to wrap around the neck
• UV Protection Sunglasses to protect you from snow blindness
• Rucksack (50-60 L) ( no trolley bag)
• High ankle trekking shoes
• Insulated water bottle or thermos flask
• Personal toiletries kit (Small Towel, Toilet paper, paper soap, Bar soap, toothbrush, toothpaste, cold cream, etc.)
• Sun screen lotion small pack. Qty -1 Here is your Sun Protection 101 to stay safe in the bright sunny outdoors.
• Lip Balm small pack. Qty-1

Miscellaneous

• Camera (Optional)
• Carry your medicines in plenty in case you have any specific ailment. Consult your doctor before joining the trek.
• Dry fruits, Nuts, Chocolate bars (Optional)

Frequently Asked Questions

Eligibility, is this adventure good for me, what’s a good fitness benchmark for this adventure, what skills do i need to complete this adventure, what is the minimum and maximum age limit, about the activity, where is it located, what are some of its highlights, what are some of its challenges, what is the best season for this, what is the accommodation type, what is the temperature like here, is it technically challenging, connectivity, how do i reach the starting point, is there cellular network available throughout, where is the nearest atm, if i choose to travel to the base with you, what is the pick-up point, what time is the drop-off on the last day, what are the nearby attractions that i can explore, equipment & gear, what equipment is provided to us, what can i rent from you, where will i receive the rented items, where do i have to return the rented items, what gear do i need to bring, are there local shops to rent/buy equipment, facilities & additional services, can i offload my bag, can i leave any extra luggage i carry at the base of this adventure, what are the meals like, what are the washroom/ toilet facilities like, what should i do if i get my period on this adventure, what are the medical facilities available to me on this adventure, are there any electricity charging points on this adventure, mandatory documents, what documents do i need to carry, do i need insurance for this, do i need a permit for this, certification, do you provide a certificate of completion, when and how will i get the certificate of completion, international travel, will i need a visa, when should i apply for the visa, what kinds of insurance do i need to travel here, what is the specialty of this when compared to other mountain ranges, till which month can i make a booking for this, what is the qualification of the outdoor leader provided to us, how do you choose your outdoor leaders, is it safe for women, what is the ratio of outdoor leader to participants, what do you do in case of an emergency, what are the rescue options on this adventure, how do you choose your equipment, can i attempt this adventure if i have a specific medical condition, sustainability, what kind of camping do you practice on your outdoor adventures, why are you against fixed camping in the outdoors, how do you manage overcrowding on certain trails, what are some things to remember when using a dry toilet, why should i avoid wet wipes in the outdoors, where should i dispose of my sanitary waste if i am on my period, why should i carry my own utensils on an outdoor adventure, booking process, what happens after i make the payment, do you create a whatsapp group of participants before the start date of the activity, do i need to submit a medical certificate, do i need to submit an undertaking form.

Small Group Size

Our batch sizes are capped at 15 for smaller treks with the trek leader and trekker ratio of 1:8. This ratio, in our years of experience, has proven to deliver the best trekking experience for individuals as well as groups. Capping the size of the group ensures individual attention to each trekker so that no signs of distress or need during the trek go unnoticed. It also helps to form a more cohesive cohort with better group energy which helps define the rhythm and pace of days on the trek. As you go higher up on the BRS scale, since the stakes are higher, expeditions have an even smaller group size with the ratio of expedition leader to climber set at 1:2.

Qualified Trek Leaders

We follow a rigorous regime of hiring and training our experts in the field. Each trek leader is a certified mountaineer with years of experience in the field. In addition to their qualification, they also go through practical and situational training to tackle any and all kinds of sudden conditions that may present themselves on the ground. Being unpredictable is the core nature of the mountains but being ready for any circumstance as best as possible is a controllable asset that we try to nurture. Our field experts are also trained in basic medicine and first-aid response. Watch: Forerunners - The Making of A Trek Leader At Bikat Adventures

Guided Progression

Since Bikat Adventures is a learning-based organization, we help you climb up the ladder of difficulty within the sphere of outdoor adventure systematically. Our on-ground training modules are designed to handhold you through the upskilling process so that you are ready to take on bigger challenges.

Equipment Quality and Check

All the gear used on our treks and expeditions is tried and tested, maintained for good quality, and is overall top-notch in quality and condition. We are continually looking to obtain the best of everything there is in the market so as to ensure optimum safety.

Support Systems

Along with the staff you see on-ground, we have a team of superheroes working in the background to give you the best experience possible. Our background team also comprises local staff from each area who know the region best. Having local support helps with studying the area, pre-planning, execution, and in receiving timely support in case of emergencies in these remote locations.

Communication

Our on-field staff is in constant contact with our teams based in primary locations so as to eliminate any avoidable delay in reaching additional help and support when required. We try to use the best tools for communication available, including satellite phones, in regions where they are not restricted.

What our customers Say

Cancellation Policy

Cash refund

Cancellations up to 30 days prior to departure date

5% deduction

Cancellations between 30 days to 15 days prior to departure date

50% deduction

Cancellations within 15 days prior to departure date

Voucher refund

Cancellations up to 5 days prior to departure date

No Deduction

Cancellations within 5 days prior to departure date

• Cash refund is applicable only in case of bookings made without using any promotional offer code or vouchers
• This is only a brief of cancellation terms. For finer details please refer Detailed Cancellation Policy.

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Spiti Valley Most Common Itinerary

Are you looking for a detailed and common itinerary for Spiti Valley trip? Look no further, this article deep dives into all the required details for you.

Spiti Valley is one of my favorite places to travel in the trans-Himalayas after Leh – Ladakh. In fact, when people question me about if Leh Ladakh is better than Spiti Valley or not, I do not have an answer 🙂 …

Now that I have covered both Spiti Valley and Ladakh so extensively that I feel I can forever go to Spiti Valley but may skip the journey to Ladakh.

Download your FREE   high-resolution version pdf copy  of this Spiti Valley day-by-day trip Plan infographic guide. If, you liked it and found it helpful,  please feel free to share it  with your family and friends to help them too.

Let's quickly dive into the details:

Spiti Valley or Ladakh?

As of 2022, Leh Ladakh is filled with a crazy rush of tourists, especially in season time from May to September. However, Spiti Valley has also seen a tremendous rise in tourist rush in the last few years but still, I will say the situation is not as bad as it has become in Ladakh tourism .

People mostly confuse Spiti Valley with Lahaul Valley or they are more or less restricted to only a visit to Chandratal . However, the real beauty of Spiti Valley starts beyond Kunzum Pass , towards Losar then to Kaza and then towards Tabo, and then towards Nako or Kinnaur Valley. Not to forget the Pin Valley in between and there is a hell of a lot of heavenly beauty to explore in Spiti Valley .

Secondly, a trip to Leh Ladakh will always cost you more than a trip to Spiti Valley while the experience of adventure and thrill is almost equivalent. While you have more vastness in the Ladakh region, the valleys in Spiti are much narrow with closer mountains, as if you can touch them. Hence, Spiti Valley has a different but raw nature to offer still amidst the budding commercialization.

Most Common Itinerary of Spiti Valley for 11 – 12 Days

I will be starting up the most comprehensive Travel Guide to Spiti Valley on the blog with this article in a similar fashion to what was done for Leh – Ladakh i.e. with the Most Common Itinerary for Spiti Valley.

Dheeraj Sharma

I am sure as the most common Ladakh itinerary has proved super successful in guiding and helping countless travelers planning their trip to Leh Ladakh, similarly, this article too will act as a special guide for all such people who are looking forward to exploring the magical colors of Spiti Valley.

There are two routes to enter Spiti Valley viz. Delhi – Manali – Rohtang Pass – Kunzum Pass – Losar – Kaza AND Delhi – Shimla – Narkanda – Kinnaur Valley – Tabo – Kaza. So, you can see that one can enter Spiti Valley from one Shimla side and exit Spiti Valley from Manali back to Delhi making it the complete circuit.

This detailed day by day Spiti Valley itinerary covers the entire circuit from Shimla to Kinnaur Valley to Spiti Valley to Manali with almost all major tourists places in Spiti Valley including Tabo, Kaza, Losar, Chandratal, Kunzum Pass, Ki, Kibber , Pin Valley, Langza, Hikkim, Komic, Dhangkar, etc.

Day 1 | Delhi – Shimla / Narkanda

• Shimla sightseeing includes Famous Ridge, Mall Road, Lakkar Bazaar, Jakhu Temple
• Narkanda is about 60 KMs from Shimla takes about 2 Hrs
• About 8 Hrs drive to Shimla
• Overnight at Shimla or Narkanda, whichever suits your timings

Day 2 | Shimla / Narkanda – Sangla / Chitkul (Kinnaur Valley)

• Leave early, if from Shimla and enjoy the vistas en route
• You can plan for lunch at Rampur
• About 8 – 9 Hrs of beautiful drive through Kinnaur Valley
• Overnight at Sangla

Day 3 | Sangla – Chitkul – Sangla – Kalpa

• Leave early to spend some time at beautiful Chitkul Village
• Visit Kamru Fort at Sangla as well before going back to Kalpa
• Watch the lovely sunset and sunrise (next day) at Kalpa over Mount Kinner Kailash
• About 4 – 5 Hrs of total drive on this day
• Overnight at Kalpa

Day 4 | Kalpa – Nako – Nako Lake – Geyu Mummy – Tabo

• Start your day early and watch the vistas en route over Hindustan Tibet Highway
• Check Out Khab, Confluence of Spiti and Satluj Rivers
• See the Leo Purygal Peak from Khab Bridge
• Have your lunch at Nako Lake
• Meet the dreaded Malling Nalla ahead of Nako
• After Chango – Sumdo you will enter Spiti Valley.
• After Sumdo police registration, detour towards Geyu Village to visit the 500-Year-old Mummy
• About 8 – 9 Hrs drive, depending upon the breaks you take in between
• Overnight at Tabo

Day 5 | Tabo – Dhankar – Dhankar Lake – Pin Valley (Mud Village)

• Visit Dhankar Monastery and Dhankar Lake and leave after early lunch
• Enjoy the magnificent vistas all-day
• Traverse the Pin Valley | Kungri – Sagnam – Mud – Tailing
• About 4 – 5 Hrs of drive in the day
• Overnight at Mud Village in Pin Valley

Day 6 | Pin Valley – Kaza – Ki – Kibber – Gette – Tashigang – Kaza

• Head for Kaza, headquarters of Spiti Valley
• Have lunch at Kaza and check in to Hotel
• Visit Ki – Kibber – Gette – Tashigang in the second half of the day
• Ki is a famous monastery and others are places to explore as a lovely drive
• Tashigang is where the road ends but again beautiful drive
• Overnight at Kaza

Travel Tip : You can always refer to my detailed travel guide of Kibber Village .

Day 7 | Kaza – Hikkim – Komik – Langza – Kaza / Losar

• Today visit the road less traveled or offbeat places near Kaza
• Great view of Chau Chau Kang Nelda peak from Langza
• Statue of the Buddha near Langza looking down the valley
• The Tanggyud monastery at Komik is one of the most important and the highest monastery in the Spiti Valley
• You can move to Losar if you would like to stay away from the hustle-bustle of Kaza
• About 2 – 3 Hrs of drive in the day excluding Losar
• If planning to go to Losar, Enjoy the most scenic drive of entire Spiti Valley between Losar and Kaza at an easy pace
• About 2 – 2.5 Hrs drive between Losar and Kaza, depending upon the breaks you take in between
• Overnight at Kaza or Losar

Travel Tip : You can always refer to my detailed travel guide of Langza Village .

Day 8 | Kaza / Losar – Kunzum Pass – Chandratal / Battal

• Visit Chandratal via Kunzum Pass and enjoy the day there
• Camps are about 2.5 KMs from the lake, either stay there or back to Battal where there is a PWD rest house now though without electricity. But, no point going back a painful ride to Losar over Kunzum Pass unless you want to stay in the guest house with electricity. Better stay at Battal and save time as well as energy for the next day.
• About 4 – 5 Hrs drive minimum
• Overnight at Battal or Chandratal Camps

Day 9 | Battal / Chandratal – Kunzum Pass – Rohtang Pass – Manali

• Head back to Manali via Rohtang Pass
• Drive through Battal – Chattru – Gramphu towards Rohtang Pass is out of the world
• About 7 – 8 Hrs drive easily if you do not get messed up Rohtang Pass
• Overnight at Manali

Day 10 | Manali – Delhi

• If there is time explore Manali, that is if going by overnight Volvo which starts around 5.30 PM
• Manali Local sightseeing which includes Hadimba Temple, Manu Temple, Mall Road, Local Monastery, Old Manali, Vashisth Hot Water Springs (never found it interesting), etc.
• About 12-14 Hrs drive, depending upon the breaks you take in between

Day 11-12 | Buffer Days

Buffer days to be kept in case of road closure due to landslides or snowfall or perhaps you want to enjoy more 🙂

Add-On Days for Spiti Tour

If you have more days then perhaps you can choose any of the days to explore more beautiful places within Spiti Valley…

• Spend a day to explore more of Kinnaur Valley, maybe after Shimla stay at Sarahan before reaching Sangla or at Chitkul/Sangla itself.
• Spend a Day to explore Rama Valley and Lingti Valley that includes Demul, Lallung
• Spend a day to explore Mane Village in Spiti Valley

Why travel to Spiti from Shimla side?

In this article, I started the trip from Shimla side and exit the Spiti Valley from Manali side due to three basic advantages.

Firstly , Spiti Valley is a cold desert situated in the Trans-Himalayan region at an altitude of 11000+ Feet mostly and hence, your body will require a certain amount of acclimatization before you enter the Spiti Valley.

Going via the Shimla side will help you gradually increase the altitude and your body gets acclimatized properly. Hence, there is less chance of getting hit with acute mountain sickness . If you start from the Manali side then you reach high altitude terrain pretty quickly which increases the chances of mountain sickness that can spoil the trip.

Secondly , you get a chance to traverse the Hindustan – Tibet Highway which is one of the world’s most treacherous or adventurous (some call deadliest too :)) roads. Riding or driving on Hindustan – Tibet Road is a journey in itself even if you do not visit any places in Spiti Valley 🙂 …

Thirdly , you do not need Rohtang Pass permits when you are not traveling to Spiti Valley from Manali side. Rohtang Pass permit is required to travel beyond Rohtang pass in case you travel to Rohtang Pass from Manali side. Hence, travel to Spiti from Kinnaur helps you avoid the process of getting the Rohtang Pass permit first.

So, with these three reasons in mind, I prefer to travel to Spiti from Shimla side and exit via Manali side. However, you can read my top five reasons to travel to Spiti via Kinnaur Valley .

However, in case you are not interested, we can discuss a Spiti Valley itinerary from Manali as well. In fact, you can search my blog for the dedicated itinerary.

Petrol Pumps After Shimla to Spiti Valley

Please note these petrol pumps that come on the route from Shimla to Spiti Valley and up to Manali. You do not need to worry about fuel or petrol from Delhi to Shimla or Manali to Delhi, but once you enter Kinnaur and further to Spiti Valley, make sure you have enough fuel or petrol stocked up to complete the trip.

• Narkanda Do Top Up Here
• Rampur After crossing the town, the last one on the right side is pretty reliable
• Tapri – Do Not Miss
• Kaza – Do Not Miss

Do I need Permits for Spiti Valley?

Foreign Nationals visiting the protected areas of Spiti Valley and Kinnaur Valley are required to get the Spiti – Kinnaur inner line permits or ILP. Domestic (Indian) tourists do not require any permits. If you are Indian, then just carry a valid photo ID proof of your nationality to be on the safe side.

FAQs – Spiti Valley Travel Plans

Let us look at some of the common questions travelers ask about a Spiti Valley tour from Delhi. I hope you find them useful too.

Well, the detailed travel plan explained in this article is equally applicable for a trip from Chandigarh to Spiti Valley. You can replace Delhi with Chandigarh in the above plan, and most of the day-wise plan should remain the same. You may try to do Chandigarh to Sarahan on Day 1 instead of sleeping at Narkanda.

The cost of Spiti Valley tour depends upon the mode of transport you pick. An 8-10 day itinerary of Spiti Valley by public transport may not cost you more than Rs 12000, while a trip to Spiti Valley by car or bike may cost you under Rs 15000. On the other hand, if you go for a rental bike or rental car, the prices increase based on the model of bike or car you rent. Hence, you may not need those costly Spiti Valley tour packages from Shimla or Manali.

Well, a Spiti Valley itinerary of 5 days will look like three days to reach Kaza from Shimla side and then two days to travel back from Spiti Valley via Manali side. Hence, you will be on-road for all 5 days. You may save one day in case you travel from Manali side both ways. However, I will advise you to plan a trip to Spiti Valley with at least 8 days in hand to make some sense of it.

You should at least make a Spiti Valley trip in 8 days as you need 5 days in total to reach Spiti via Kinnaur side and come back from Manali side. So, having three more days will help you explore Pin Valley, Langza, Hikkim, Komic, Ki, and Kibber Villages around Kaza.

I am sure the above itinerary if not help you 100% with planning a trip to Spiti Valley but can certainly act as a starting point for your upcoming Spiti Valley trip.

Have a travel question?? You can  follow me on Instagram  and ask your travel questions in a direct message on Instagram too. I also conduct a weekly Q&A session every Saturday evening on Instagram, so see you there.

Do share your valuable thoughts or questions or doubts that you may have and we can discuss more your upcoming travel plans for Spiti Valley 🙂

If you know your friends or family are planning a trip to Spiti Valley, do share this article with them to help them make a memorable Spiti Valley trip.

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I am Dheeraj Sharma - a traveler, techie, and Himalayan lover. Since 2009, I have been helping thousands of travelers every year plan memorable & budget-friendly trips to the Himalayas - Smartly, Safely, and responsibly.

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Planning a solo spiti circuit from 2nd october for 12 days using public transport. Please advice a itinerary

Hi Dheeraj, Planning a winter spiti in Dec end between 22 to 29. Is it advisable to go during that time in winter and would we be able to cover all places ?? Given that i can plan only for 7-8 days…can you let me knlw what could be covered in that time frame as intenerary you have suggested is for 10-12 days.. Request your advice..

Harsh, I will suggest you to read: How to plan a trip to Spiti Valley in Winters

Hi Dheeraj,

Thanks for your continous efforts for enlightening us with your experiences. Based on your suggested itinerary, i am planning the trip in my 2014 model i20. Would I be able to complete the journey in my car? Any ground clearance issues? Any sugestted changes in itinerary/vehicle?

We are only 2 people planning for this trip.

Thanks, Ankur Garg

Thank you, glad it is helpful to you. Definitely the car will struggle especially after reaching towards Kunzum Pass and then all the way up to Gramphu. So, you will have to drive with utmost caution and care in that stretch.

For hatchback/sedan taking on Manali – Kaza road and Spiti Valley, I will say Possible = Yes, Difficult = Yes, at quite a few places especially on Manali – Kaza road:

You will indeed face few tough challenges on the route. The hatchback/sedan will increase the level of every challenge even further, sedan is the worst candidate. My suggestion will be to go via Kinnaur Valley route as it will help you feel comfortable with the driving, provide more acclimatization and then once you have done Spiti Valley, then come back via Manali side. Secondly, since you are in hatch/sedan, then you need to drive with extra care as well. There will be some sections on the Manali – Kaza road in which you might need to sacrifice some scratches on the underbelly. Just make sure you do not bump the engine sump (know it before where it is placed in your car). You need to protect it all around the trip. Thirdly, whenever in doubt do not rush into the section rather park aside and feel the section with your foot, see how other vehicles are crossing it and make a planned route in your mind to cross that section. You should carry some important essential things for a self drive trip to Spiti Valley and for it, do read reference my 40 Must Have Things to Carry on Spiti Valley Self Drive Trip

Also do check the article on 7 Useful Tips for a Self Drive to Spiti Valley or Leh – Ladakh

Hii Dheeraj Thank for sharing all this wonderful information about Spiti. We are planning to travel only Spiti Valley for 6/7 days from Delhi via Narkanda in the month of November. We have already covered kalpa , Kinnuar and chitkul in our previous trip. Can u suggest which are the best halt option.

7 days for Spiti valley trip from Kinnaur side is going to be tough:

Day 1: Delhi – Shimla / Narkanda Day 2: Shimla / Narkanda – Kalpa Day 3: Kalpa – Nako – Nako Lake – Tabo Day 4: Tabo – Dhangkar – Dhangkar Lake – Pin Valley – Kaza Day 5: Kaza – Ki, Kibber, Komik, Hikkim Day 6: Kaza – Tabo – Nako – Kalpa – Rampur/Jeori (very long day) Day 7: Rampur/Jeori – Delhi (again a long day)

Hey Dheeraj, first of all thanks for this wonderful article!! This was the most helpful piece i could find over the internet 😉

Now i need your suggestions for my travel plan: I am reaching Delhi on 8th Sept. morning, i plan to take a overnight bus to Manali and rent a bike from there. I have my flight from Delhi on 16th night so i need to return before that. I think i have enough days in hand but i just can’t decide the best itinerary to cover most of the areas as i would love to cover areas that fall in the way if i start from Shimla instead. Could you help me here please? I am flexible with any itinerary as i am travelling solo, my only constraints are my dates which are 8th morning to 16th evening (September)

Thank you Sanchit, I am glad it was helpful.

You seem to have 8 days in hand,

Day 1 : Reach Manali by overnight volvo of and stay overnight at Solang Valley as preferred for acclimatization Day 2 : Manali / Solang – Kaza Day 3 : Kaza – Dhangkar – Tabo Day 4 : Tabo – Pin Valley Day 5 : Pin Valley – Kaza. Do Ki, Kibber in the evening. Day 6 : Kaza – Langza – Komik – Hikkim – Kaza / Batal / Chandratal Day 7 : Kaza / Batal / Chandratal – Chandratal – Manali Day 8 : Reach Delhi by overnight Volvo from Manali on Day 7

Hi Dheeraj, We are planning a trip during mid of Sept. What should be the possible journey plan? Is it possible to rent a bike/car from Shimla or Manali? Are there any chances of finding snow in the route?

Yes, you can rent the car from Shimla. You can get connected directly to some drivers in Himachal or Spiti Valley or Kinnaur Valley at the link: List of Taxi Drivers for Spiti Valley & Kinnaur Valley . These drivers can come and pick you up from Manali / Shimla / Delhi / Chandigarh too, of course with a price of the pickup as well.

The rates of the taxis are about Rs 3200-3500 per day depending on the number of days you plan to travel, more the days, less the price. If you are 2-3 in the group, you can opt for sedan taxi cars as well which charges around Rs 2200 per day.

Otherwise, taxis, in general, are also available on the spot from Shimla or Manali from respective taxi stands. These drivers can help you with finding local stay options too.

For stay options in Kinnaur and Spiti, check the link: Some Good Options of Stays in Spiti Valley / Kinnaur Valley .

You can keep an average of 900-1200 per person per day for food and stay on the tour to Spiti Valley.

Snow is not possible

Thank you so much for sharing all this wonderful info. Your blog is so full of great insights. Me & my friend are planning travel to spiti valley in month of September. We are planning to travel by public transport. Is it possible to complete above itinerary in 11 days ?

Yes, you can complete your trip to Spiti Valley by public transport, refer the article: How to make a budget trip to Spiti Valley by public transport?

Thank you so much for sharing all this wonderful info. Your blogs are so full of great insights. Me & my friend are planning travel to spiti valley in month of September. We are planning to travel most of our journey by public transport. Is it possible to cover above tour plan in 11 days via public transport? Thanks You.

Hi Dheeraj, Traveler friendly itinerary i would ever come across. Thanks for the valuable inputs. Much appreciated.

I’m planning to travel Spiti Valley and Kasol for 8 days from Delhi starting 7th Sptember. Could you please provide best possible itinerary. Areas/activities of interest Buddhist monastery, camping, trekking, landscapes, weed, party.

Eagerly anticipating our reply.

Thanks in advance.

Day 1 : Reach Manali by overnight volvo of and stay overnight at Solang Valley as preferred for acclimatization Day 2 : Manali / Solang – Kaza Day 3 : Kaza – Dhangkar – Tabo Day 4 : Tabo – Pin Valley – Kaza. Do Ki, Kibber in the evening. Day 5 : Kaza – Langza – Komik – Hikkim – Chandratal Day 6 : Chandratal – Manali Day 7 : Manali – Kasol Day 8: Kasol – Delhi

Do I need to carry petrol cans/jerry cans for 8-9 day spiti valley tour or I will get petrol without any problem.

Arun, as long ad you are following and not missing the petrol pumps mentioned in the article above, you should be good without the need of carrying any petrol in Spiti Valley

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Region  – Parvati and Spiti Valley

Have you ever looked at a river, a stream or a waterfall and wondered where did all this fierce flowing water come from? Have you ever wished to see its origin? If you have ever pondered over these questions, you are at the right place. 

Rated as one of the most coveted treks by experienced trekkers, Pin Parvati Pass is challenging, brutal and absolutely mesmerizing. This pass links Parvati Valley in Kullu with Pin Valley of Spiti. It is a 1 kilometer walk to a height of 5300 m. that comes with its share of beauty and challenge. The trek takes you to and across many glaciers, specifically the origin of the Parvati and Pin rivers. 

This trans Himalayan trek takes you to the natural hot water spring at Kheerganga, alpine meadows, many waterfalls pouring down from monstrous mountains, pilgrim Mantalai lake, glaciers, finally the dry and magnificent Spiti. 

The trek involves steep slopes, gradual climbs, barren mountains, monstrous weather and high altitude. Continuous rain and snowfall makes the walk more difficult than it may seem. Rock climbing, snow trekking, waterfall crossings and wading through water bare foot is a common occurrence. One would require utmost stamina and fitness to complete the trail. 

Pin Parvati trek is the most beautiful and adventurous, because of its high Pin Parvati Pass which separates the Pin and Parvati valleys. Trek that takes one from the parvati valley in kullu to the pin valley in Spiti across the 5319-meter. One needs to be extremely fit and very well prepared for this trek as there is absolutely no habitation along its entire length. 

Trek commences from Gwacha, a tiny hamlet high up the parvati valley, past manikaran. From there the route follows the Parvati river upstream for three days with night halt at Kheer Ganga (Hot water spring). Pandupul (Steeped in the Pandava mythology) and Mantalai. One passes through amazing forest of Betula (Bhojpatra) and walnut, make a few risky river crossings on wire suspended baskets. Only person you may meet en route are the migratory gujjars and gaddis. On the way, one will pass rich fauna and flora with flowers and spices as well as fossil rich rocks. Treeline is crossed just before pandupul. Mantalai is a huge glacial lake at 4116 meters. It is the source of the Parvati. It is an awesome sight with glaciers flowing down to it from all sides. From here it is another two days of hard climbing to the Pin Parvati Pass. The saddle of the pass is covered with a permanent ice-field and must be crossed with great care as it is criss-crossed with crevasses. Fifth campsite is far below the pass, on the banks of the infant Pin river at 4200 meters. It takes four more days to reach the first village Mudh on the Pin side. The entire stretch from the pass to Mudh is in the Pin Valley National Park, which provides a haven for many rare species- snow Leopard, Spiti wolf, Ibex and Bhural. So be prepared to enter the land of the ibex and Snow leopard. A road has now reached Mudh, 12 kms. Beyond which is sagnam/Mikkim(3600meters) a twin village located at the confluence of the pin and the paraiho. From here it is a spectacular drive of 35Kms. To Kaza, and then on to Manali over the Kunzum and Rohtang Passes.

How To Reach Manali

Distance by road:-

Manali is well connected to Delhi. Take an overnight bus from Delhi and you will reach Manali in 12 ‐ 14 hours(approx 540 KMS). Tickets can be booked online at www.redbus.in or www.hrtc.gov.in Tip : Since Delhi Manali is a long journey most Volvo private buses leave Delhi between 5 pm and 6 pm. The last govt bus leaves at 8.30 pm from ISBT Kashmere Gate. Volvo buses charge between Rs.1,000 to 1,400 per sector from Delhi to Manali and vice versa. Manali to Delhi: Like the onward journey, buses leave from Manali to Delhi between 4 and 5 p.m. Your tentative arrival at Delhi may be anywhere between 6 a.m and 10 a.m. Plan your onward journeys only post noon giving enough buffer for bus delay.

Nearest Railway Station:-

Nearest Railway station is Ambala (350 kms) and Chandigarh (310 kms). Tip: Regular Volvo and Buses are available from Chandigarh to Manali in the evening. Volvo buses charge between Rs.800 to Rs.1,200 per sector from Chandigarh to Manali and vice versa.

Nearest Airport :-

Nearest Airport is Bhuntar is 60 Kms. ​Bhuntar, which is 52 km away from Manali, is the nearest airport. Taxi services are available from Bhuntar to Manali, which costs about Rs.1000‐ Rs.2,000. Bhuntar is well connected to Delhi by air. The airliners that take you to this Airport are Indian Airlines, Kingfisher airlines, MDLR Airlines and Jagson Airlines, operating flights from Delhi and Chandigarh to Kullu.

Things To Pack :-

• Trekking Shoes: You need good trekking shoes with good grip & ankle support. Do not carry sport shoes.
• Clothing: You need to have warm clothes with three-layer jackets, fleece or down feather jacket. Carry 1 or 2 full sleeves t-shirt. For lowers carry cotton pants suitable for trek. Do no carry jeans or shorts for trekking.
• Thermals: Carry top and bottom thermals.
• Socks: Carry 2 - 3 pair of sports socks along with woolen socks to be worn at night.
• Headlamp/Led Torch are mandatory
• Sunglasses: To protect from sunlight in snow you require UV rays protected sunglasses.
• Woolen Cap and Gloves are also necessary as the climate will be cold. Carry waterproof gloves as they get wet in snow.
• Lunchbox & Water bottle: Every participant should carry lunch box and water bottle of their own.
• Raincoat/Ponchos: At high altitudes, snowfall and rain are quite common and it’s mandatory to carry a poncho so that one doesn’t get wet.
• Mandatory Documents: a)Registration Form b)Medical Certificate (signed by a registered MBBS doctor) c)NOC form (by trekker)

Fix Departure tariff 30,000/- excluding GST of 5%

Rates are excluding GST of 5%

Note that the cost would vary for customized group according to their requirements.  .

Day 01:   Reporting Manali.(2050m)

Reporting – Acclimatization – Orientation & Briefing of the trek – Trek Preparation & window shopping

(Sufficient time would be given for visiting market and nearby places)

Day 02:   Trek from Manali - Manikaran - Barshani (2100m) to Khirganga (2960m/8960ft; 6 hrs) (approx. 13kms)

Day 03:  Khirganga – Tundabhuj (3200m/9696 ft; 6 to 7 hrs) Approx 16-17 kms

Day 04:  Tundabhuj – Pandu Pul (3700 m/ 12100ft ; 8 – 9hrs) Approx 15 – 16 kms

Day 05:  Pandupul – Mantlai (4200 m/ 14000ft ; 7 – 8 hrs) Approx 12 – 13 kms

Day 06:  Mantlai – Base of Pin Parvati Pass (4800 m/ 16000ft ; 8 – 9hrs) Approx 9 – 10 kms.

Day 07:  Base of Pin Parvati Pass –  Pin Parvati Pass (5319m)- Pin Valley Camp (4810 m/ 16000ft ; 9 – 10hrs) Approx. 20 – 21 kms.

Day 08:  Pin Valley Camp – Tia (Cheen Patt) (3900 m/ 13000ft ; 8 – 9hrs) Approx 14 – 15 kms.

Day 9:  Tia (Cheen Patt) – Mud (3600 m/ 11500ft ; 8 – 9hrs) Approx 11 – 13 kms.

Day 10:  Mud to Kaza – Manali:

Drive from Kaza to Manali over the Kunzum La (4550 Mts. Rohtang Pass(13052 m) After reaching Manali group will check out.

Day 11:   Reserve day for trek.

Detailed Itinerary:

Day 1- Reporting at Manali (2050m.)

Delhi is well connected from all the cities in India. You can fly to Delhi or Bhuntar directly. Many overnight buses run between Delhi and Manali. 20 kms before Manali is Pathlikul in Naggar district. Get down here and take a cab to Larankelo which is the base camp.

The day is dedicated for orientation and acclimatization. You can go around for sightseeing and have a relaxed day.

Day 2 – Trek from Barshaini (2100m) to Khirganga (2960m/8960ft; 6 hrs, approx. 13km's).

We will drive from the base camp to Barshani. The 60 kms drive will take you through Kasol and Manikaran, passing through the sharp curves and rough roads along Parvati river. Barsheini village welcomes you with refreshing view of Parvati river surrounded by strikingly glorious rocky hills. As you start the trek, you are taken into well-defined trails amidst thick forest cover. The 13 km. trek will take approximately 6 hours. After walking for approximately 3 hours you will cross the mighty Parvati river pulley bridge. You can rest at the fall, take as many pictures as you want, fill your bottles from the nearby streams and admire the forces of nature. If you reach early, you can witness the sunset at Kheerganga. At the campsite, you will find enough shops and cafes to enjoy hot chocolate, maggi and momos etc. 5 mins walk to the peak and you can chill at the natural hot water spring overlooking the 360 degree view, whilst listening to the music played in the cafes.

Day3 - Kheerganga – Tundabhuj (3200m/9696 ft; 6-7 hrs, approx 16-17 km's).

The wake-up alarm is hot morning coffee. After a sumptuous breakfast, we will head to our next destination,Tundabhuj. The trail is well defined and easy. The gradual ascent will prepare you for the next few days to come. The initial journey is amidst alpine meadows and the sound of flowing streams. The next half of the trek is on green pastures of land and silver birch trees. You will have to cross the makeshift bridges built across the river followed by a series of ascent and descent.

The campsite at Tundabuj is one of the best camps throughout the trek with a chain of waterfalls that pour down from the opposite mountains. By the end of the day, you will be at 9696 ft. and it might start to get chilly. Tundabhuj is fresh and peaceful halt, a welcome change from all the modern civilization. The campsite is surrounded by the waterfalls on one side and snow caped mountains on the other. It is a sight to behold.

Day 4 -   TundaBhuj - Pandu Pul   (3700m/12,100ft. : 8-9hrs, approx. 12-15 km's)

The trail continues through a landscape strewn with waterfalls, lakes and meadows till Thakur Kuan.The first hour into the trek is beautiful meadows and flowers. Then comes the most challenging part of the journey. As the meadows become thinner, you will come across a river crossing. If the bridge to the other side of the Parvati river is broken, you will have an adventurous rock climb. With secure gears and rope, you will ascend a rock at an inclination of 80 degrees and cross the brim of a waterfall. Parvati Valley finally reveals itself once you reach the high point. The area has plenty of flowers and in monsoon the entire stretch of land will be in full bloom of yellow and purple.

After multiple stream crossings and rock climbing, you will reach the river crossing section.The last 10 minutes to this spot has a series of boulders and loose sand. Once you have passed this section you will see a gigantic rock jammed on top of a tributary of Parvati acting as a natural bridge. Climb this Rock and come down to reach to the other side. This rock section can be tricky and slippery in rains. Ahead waits another rock bridge crossing. This place is known as “Pandu-Pul”. Climb up the hill for about 20 minutes till you reach plain ground leading to Odi-Thach. Notice Mt. Kullu Eiger (5664 Meters) in front of you at the right side along with some unnamed peaks and glaciers surrounding the valley.

We will camp here for the night. This campsite is just below the last ridge visible from Odi-Thach. It is also at a close proximity to the river. The adrenaline rush due to the adventure activities of the day is inexplicable.

Day 5 - Pandupul – Mantlai (4200m/14000ft ; 7-8 hrs, approx 12-13 km's)

Today’s trek is a gradual walk through the boulders and plateaus alongside Parvati River. The route towards Mantalai is all along through the green valley. You will have to cross a rocky elevation after an hour into the trek, followed by which you will see the marshy land along the river basin. Continue walking on the extreme left side of the valley until you spot the second moraine ridge. This climb will take about 30 to 45 minutes. The ridge has been formed due to landslides and the river is gushing below. In a few minutes of walk ahead you will reach Mantalai.

As you walk along the moraine, you get a glimpse of the Mantalai Lake. At the bank of the river is a temple, where all of Parvati’s tributaries come together. The sound of the river that was roaring all long now becomes still and quiet. We will camp here for the night.

Day 6 - Mantalai – Base of Pin Parvati Pass (4800m/16000ft ; 8-9hrs, approx. 9-10 km's)

Slush, streams and loose rocks will be the guest of honor today. The walk will be challenging as the terrain gets difficult with a high gain in altitude. After an hour into the walk, you will come to an icy cold river crossing. This has to be achieved by forming a human chain and on bare feet. After the crossing comes the steep climb from where one can view the splendid glaciers and the origin of the Parvati river. You will also see many endangered species of plants and flowers, especially “Losars” and the “Bramhakamals”.

The last 1 km before reaching the base camp is called a moraine (glacial debris), and it is approximately at 50 degrees’ inclination. It will take you approx. 90 mins to complete this last stretch. At this altitude, you must make a conscious effort to breath. At the end of the day you will be at 16,200 ft, at the edge of a glacier. The campsite will be on a plateau. You will have to pull out your warm clothes as the night might get chilly.

Day 7 - Base of Pin Parvati Pass – – Pin Parvati Pass(5300m)- Pin Valley Camp (4810 m/ 16000ft ; 9 – 10hrs, approx 20 – 21 km's).

If lucky, you might witness snowfall. The amount of snow at the campsite depends on the season of the trek. At a mere 3 km distance is the pass, but it will be a long walk due to the altitude and weather conditions. You need to take good amount of rest at this altitude and acclimatize. Make conscious effort to breathe, drink plenty of fluids and be energized. If the entire stretch has fresh snow, you have to be cautious and place our foot exactly where the guide has walked. The walk to the pass will take 3 hours to complete.You are now at the pass; the view is spectacular. At the top, one can see a splendid view of the snowy mountains of Hampta region on one side and the Pin valley of Spiti on the other.Once at the pass, all your exhaustion will slip away and a sense of accomplishment will dawn in.

The walk down from the pass is easy and complete descent. If there is snow you can slide through it as well. After walking for about 6 hours you will reach the Pin Valley base campsite. At this camp you have entered Spiti valley.

Day 8   - Pin Valley Camp – Tia (CheenPatt) (3900m/13000ft ; 8-9hrs, approx 14-15 km's)

Once you cross the pass, you enter the mighty Spiti valley. Spiti will be a welcome change in all her vigor. Spiti region is generally dry with less rainfall and snowfall. The walk from here will be fast and easy. You are expected to walk almost 15 km. on a rocky terrain. The trail is well made as it is used by many shepherds. You will notice many grazing goats and sheep and their shepherd tents. Spiti valley owns a different landscape of brown and green texture, covered on both the sides by magnificent mountains . The campsite at Tia marks the end of the muddy trails, from here starts the road which is currently abandoned due to landslides.

Day 9: Tia (CheenPatt) – Mud (3600 m/ 11500ft ; 8-9hrs, approx 11-13 km's).

The walk on the road from Tia can be completed in lesser time with good speed. Mud is a small and the first village you will see. There are plenty of cafes here to quench your thirst and tang of the taste buds. Here is where your trek on foot ends.

Day 10: Mud - Kaza -  Kunzum La (4550m.) -  Rohtang Pass - (13052 ft.) - Manali

We will start from Kaza early morning to avoid traffic. The route will take you through Kumzum La pass, Chandratal junction, across Key monastery and Rohtang Pass. You can stop at these places for a bit before commencing the journey. The group will checkout at Manali.

Day 11: Reserve day for trek.

The day is reserved for acclimatization.

What is included in the tour

• Local transport during Trek
• Highly Advanced and qualified Guide from Himalaya Destinations
• Skilled Local Guide who has ample knowledge of the route
• Vegetarian meals on the trek (Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner)
• Cooks/Helper and other requisite staff.
• Porters/mules for carrying common equipments (like rations/tents/utensils/)
• Equipment’s – Tents on sharing basis / Sleeping bags.
• While on trek all meals will be provided. Meals will be freshly prepared and will be a mix of Indian, Chinese & Continental.
• Basic First aid Kit with portal oxygen.
• Forest Permits and camping charges.

What is NOT included in the tour

• Personal Porters for carrying trekker’s backpacks
• Personal trekking equipments – like trekking poles or sleeping bag liners
• Personal insurance or cost of emergency evacuation
• Purchases of personal natures (like mineral water bottles/bottled or canned beverages/chocolates/dry fruits etc)
• Food to/from the trailhead.

Where is the Pin Parvati Pass trek?

What is the difficulty level of the trek, how can i prepare for the trek, what is the best time to trek parvati pass, what kind of clothing should i carry, what is the age limit for the trek, what type of shoes should i carry, how is the weather during the trek, who will lead the group, what size of group you run, how much load do i have to carry, can i relieve my back pack, how many people will share the tent, how much distance is covered each day, what kind of food is provided during the trek, are there toilets at campsites, is mountain water drinkable, do i have to carry medicines and a medical document, is this trek safe for the girls, can i make calls/charge while i am trekking, is alcohol/smoking allowed, can i customize the trek, is doctor coming with us, what if any contingency occurred, is diamox advisable, do i have to carry any documents.

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MUMBAI ADDRESS

Shop no 4/5, Jaywant Estate, Jangal Mangal Road, Bhattipada Junction. Bhandup (W), Mumbai - 400078  

MANALI ADDRESS

Near pnb bank, Village Naggar, Dist and tehsil Kullu, H.P - 175130

LEH ADDRESS

First floor Palace view Guest house near polo ground, Leh - 194101

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