A drive through Spiti is like a roller coaster that excites you at every turn, pumps your adrenaline, but satisfies your need for adventure in every way, leaving you in it’s awe. As you drive deeper into the rugged landscape, the Spiti valley unfolds itself with vibrant monasteries, fluttering Tibetan flags, snow clad mountains, small hamlets, glittery lakes and the views that were only on your Instagram feed.
Upon completing this roller coaster drive through the rocky terrain of this cold desert, Pat yourself as you look back at the dusty road. Don’t forget to reward yourself with a hot bowl of the traditionally made Thukpa, as you soak in the views and breathe in the fresh mountain air, while you cherish this journey for life.
Day 1 : Reach Shimla from Delhi | Welcome to the Queen of the Hills
New Delhi
- Once you reach Delhi, you will have to proceed towards your boarding point of an AC Volvo Bus/car for the overnight journey from Delhi to Shimla.
Day 2 : Shimla Sightseeing | A Beautiful Town Encapsulated by Magical Misty Hills
Shimla
- Start your day with a perfect breakfast at the hotel before heading out for the local sightseeing.
- You will first trek to the top of Jakhoo Hill to visit the ancient temple which is dedicated to Lord Hanuman.
- Then proceed to witness the Ridge Road located at the heart of Shimla which is a large space where all the cultural activities take place.
- You will also be visiting the Rashtrapati Niwas that once served as the residence of the British Viceroy of India, and the Christ Church which is a parish in the Diocese of Amritsar.
- Visit the Mall Road lined with colourful shops where you can shop for souvenirs.
- Other places you can visit near Mall road are Town Hall, Gaiety Theatre and Scandal Point.
- Return back to the hotel for an overnight stay in Shimla.
Day 3 : Shimla to Sarahan | Witness the Unexplored Valley Curtained with Forests of Oaks and Cedar
Sarahan
- Today, after breakfast, you will proceed towards Sarahan in the Kinnaur valley.
- You will then be travelling through the rich forests of Deodar, breathtaking views of the valley, snow-covered mountain peaks and fast-flowing rivers.
- Once you reach Sarahan you will check in to the hotel and take some rest.
- Later in the evening, explore the small village of Sarahan with its slate-roofed houses that compose pictures of pastoral perfection and is surrounded by fields and orchards.
- Overnight stay in Sarahan.
Day 4 : Sarahan to Sangla | A Scenic Beauty that Rests in the Greater Himalayas near Indo-Tibetan Border
Sangla
- Wake up early in the morning to experience one of the most beautiful sunrises.
- After a delicious breakfast, you will leave for one of the most beautiful views of Kinnaur Valley.
- Travel along the Sutlej river till Karcham from where you will take a right turn towards Sangla following the Baspa river.
- Home to a large number of Buddhists, Sangla, with its red apple orchards and luscious cherry trees, is bounded by strapping mountain slopes and sprawling forests.
- Overnight stay and dinner at the hotel in Sangla.
Day 5 : Excursion to Chitkul | The Last Inhabited Village at the Indo-Tibetan Border
Sangla
- Wake up to a beautiful morning and have a delicious breakfast before going for an excursion towards Chitkul.
- Chitkul is the last inhabited village before the Indo-China border and here you can also visit the famous ‘Hindustan ka Akhri Dhaba’ for an amazing meal.
- After exploring the beauty of Chitkul, return back to Sangla.
- Overnight stay in Sangla.
Day 6 : Sangla to Kalpa | Spot the Sacred Shivling Rock Atop the Kailash Mountain
Kalpa
- After a delicious breakfast, you will be retracing your path down the hill towards Karcham.
- From Karcham take a right towards Powari which is another town at the banks of the river Satluj.
- At Powari take a left towards Reckong Peo, which is the main town of the Kinnaur district from where you will proceed to Kalpa.
- Spend the night in the beautiful Kalpa village overlooking the Kinnaur Kailash mountains.
- Overnight stay at camp/homestay in Kalpa.
Day 7 : Kalpa to Tabo via Nako | Explore the 'Ajanta of the Himalayas' at Tabo
Tabo
- After early morning breakfast, you will be leaving for Nako passing through the beautiful Spiti Valley.
- En route, you will be taking the Indo-Tiber Highway and pass through the Khab bridge that marks the confluence of Spiti and the Satluj River.
- Take a short stopover at Nako Lake and have lunch, after which you will be entering the Spiti Valley right as soon as you cross Sumdo.
- Just 3 Km after Sumdo, take a detour on the right through the gate to visit the 500-Year-Old Mummy in the Gue Village.
- You will then proceed towards Tabo where you will be spending the night at a hotel.
Day 8 : Tabo to Kaza via Dhankar and Pin Valley | Catch a Glimpse of Ghost Cats in the Maze of Daunting Trails
Kaza
- After a delicious breakfast, you will proceed towards Kaza.
- On the way take a small detour towards the right to visit the tiny hamlet of Dhankar, perched high above the confluence of the Spiti and Pin River.
- If time permits, do take an hour’s climb above the village to visit the stunning turquoise Dhankar Tso or Dhankar Lake to enjoy stunning views of the valley.
- You will then start your drive towards the beautiful Pin Valley.
- Imagine a national park with an abundance of animals and birds, with some rare plant varieties, a river that gushes when it isn’t frozen and trekking opportunities for the adventure-seekers. The Pin Valley promises all this and more.
- You will be first visiting the Kungri Monastery and then the beautiful hamlet of Mudh, which is the last motorable village of the Pin Valley.
- Declared a national park in 1987, Pin Valley is home to at least 12 endangered snow leopards in addition to other animals indigenous to the region like the Siberian ibex, bharal, weasel, red fox, and marten.
- Birds such as the pika, griffon, golden eagle, bearded vulture, Chukor and Raven will be painting the skies with a pretty picture as you drive through the beautiful Pin Valley.
- You will drive to Kaza in the evening to spend the night at the hotel.
Day 9 : Sightseeing in Kaza | Walk the Artistically Painted Rooms at Key Monastery
Kaza
- After a delicious breakfast, you will drive to some of the highest inhabited regions of the world.
- First, you will be visiting the highest village in Asia, Komik, which literally translates to ‘eye of a snow cock’.
- You will then proceed to Hikkim for a visit to the world’s highest post office in the world and if possible, you may even meet the postmaster and hear his stories.
- After sending out a postcard, you will be driving to Langza, a village that is home to the ancient Lang Temple which is estimated to be around 1000 years old.
- You will then be proceeding towards the world-famous Ki Monastery nestled between the mountains in a bowl-shaped valley of the small village Langza in Spiti valley.
- After absorbing the beauty of this ancient marvel, you’ll further visit the high villages of Kibber and Chicham.
- Pass through the Chicham Bridge, the highest bridge in Asia, that offers awe-inspiring visuals of the valley below.
- Later in the evening, you will drive back to Kaza to spend the night at the hotel.
Day 10 : Kaza to Chandratal Lake via Kunzum La | Explore Glistening Lake that Changes Colours Throughout the Day
Chandrataal Lake
- After breakfast, proceed to Chandratal, the Hidden Blue Jewel of the Himalayan Mountains that literally translates to Moon Lake.
- The mystical and beautiful Chandratal Lake, with a striking backdrop of Chandra Bhaga mountain range, keeps changing its appearance throughout the day.
- You can take a stroll around capturing the colours of the beautiful Chandratal Lake, and then you will drive down to your campsite.
- You can enjoy a hot supper under the gaze of a million stars as you relax at the campsite after a wonderful day.
- Overnight stay at the camps near Chandratal Lake.
Day 11 : Chandratal Lake to Manali via Atal Tunnel | Witness Spellbinding Views of Geypan Peaks
Manali
- With the visuals of the stunning Chandratal Lake captured in the minds and cameras, you will continue tracing your steps back towards Manali.
- You will pass through the newly built Atal Tunnel to reach Manali where you can choose to explore the markets shopping for souvenirs.
- Overnight Stay in Manali.
Day 12 : Sightseeing in Manali | A Paradise for Nature Lovers and Adventure Enthusiasts
Manali
- After breakfast in the hotel, prepare yourself for the ultimate experience in Manali
- You will visit the Tibetan Monastery which is not only a place of worship but also a Tibetan Culture Centre.
- Also visit Jagatsukh, a small village that houses old Shikara-style temples and Vashisht Kund which is a famous hot water sulphur spring.
- Then proceed to the Hadimba Devi Temple which is an ancient temple (around 450 years old) that is dedicated to Hadimba Devi, wife of one of the Pandava brothers Bhim.
- Go to Club House in the evening and spend leisure time at Mall Road.
- Return back to the hotel for an overnight stay in Manali.
Day 13 : Manali to Delhi | Bid Farewell to the Mountains
New Delhi
- After breakfast, you will be boarding a Volvo AC Bus from Manali to Delhi and will be reaching Delhi by evening.
- Once you reach Delhi, this marks the end of your memorable tour to Spiti Valley.