Spiti Roadtrip
One of the best Roadtrips in India
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Region
Himachal
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Trip Distance
1300km
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Max Altitude
15,200 ft
- Duration: 8 Days | 7 Nights
- Starting/End Point: Chandigarh
- Experience: Beginner to Intermediate
- Best For: Group and Solo Travellers
Embark on an adventure of a lifetime with the Spiti Roadtrip. Witness stunning landscapes and the rich Buddhist culture of the region on this unforgettable journey.
Trip Overview
Know more about India’s Most Popular Winter trek
Perched high in the Himalayas, Spiti is a cold desert mountain that offers a unique and exciting road trip experience. The rugged landscapes and treacherous curves of the Spiti Valley Road will take you through high passes and scenic vantage points that showcase the rich Buddhist culture and stunning natural beauty of the region.
The name “Spiti” means “the middle land” as it is located between India and Tibet, and can be reached by the Indo-Tibetan road. The mountain is nestled at an elevation of 12,500 feet above sea level, making a road trip to such a high altitude a true adventure.
The Spiti road trip is a must-do for any adventure enthusiast. The journey takes you through remote villages, breathtaking landscapes, and offers opportunities to witness the vibrant local culture. The region is rich in history and offers a glimpse into the ancient Buddhist culture that has been preserved over the centuries.
The road trip offers a unique opportunity to explore the unexplored and connect with the local people and their way of life. The Spiti Valley Road trip is an experience of a lifetime, and one that should be on every adventure enthusiast’s bucket list. So pack your bags, fuel up your vehicle, and get ready for an adventure of a lifetime!
Trip Itinerary
Detailed Day-By-Day Trek Schedule
On Arrival at chandigarh & Drive to Shimla & over night stay at Hotel!!
After Breakfast Drive from Shimla to Kalpa! and over Night stay at Hotel ( 223km) , ( 7/8 hrs)
On the third day, after breakfast, we continue driving on the renowned Hindustan-Tibet highway, also known as the NH 22. This stretch is popularly known for being one of the “most treacherous roads of the world” by the Lonely Planet, and provides a visually spectacular journey. We stop for a quick refuelling at Puh and proceed towards Nako, the last hamlet of Kinnaur before entering the Spiti Valley.
After lunch in Nako, we drive through Sumdo, the first village of Spiti Valley on this road, and arrive at Tabo, our first stop in the mystical Spiti Valley. Later, we visit Ghuen village, where the mummy of a Tibetan Buddhist monk, believed to be around 500 years old, was discovered in India’s northern Himalayan state of Himachal Pradesh. Tabo is known worldwide for its 1000-year-old Tabo Monastery, the second largest village of the Spiti Valley. We walk around this UNESCO world heritage site and gain a deeper insight into Buddhism. Unlike other monasteries in the Spiti Valley, the Tabo Monastery is located at the bottom of the valley. We spend the night in Tabo.
Day 3: Kalpa – Nako – Ghuen Village – Tabo | 160 KM /5-6 Hours
On the third day, after breakfast, we continue driving on the renowned Hindustan-Tibet highway, also known as the NH 22. This stretch is popularly known for being one of the “most treacherous roads of the world” by the Lonely Planet, and provides a visually spectacular journey. We stop for a quick refuelling at Puh and proceed towards Nako, the last hamlet of Kinnaur before entering the Spiti Valley.
After lunch in Nako, we drive through Sumdo, the first village of Spiti Valley on this road, and arrive at Tabo, our first stop in the mystical Spiti Valley. Later, we visit Ghuen village, where the mummy of a Tibetan Buddhist monk, believed to be around 500 years old, was discovered in India’s northern Himalayan state of Himachal Pradesh. Tabo is known worldwide for its 1000-year-old Tabo Monastery, the second largest village of the Spiti Valley. We walk around this UNESCO world heritage site and gain a deeper insight into Buddhism. Unlike other monasteries in the Spiti Valley, the Tabo Monastery is located at the bottom of the valley. We spend the night in Tabo.
Day 4: Drive from Tabo via Dhankar to Kaza
After a delicious breakfast, we head towards Dhankar, which is perched high above the confluence of the Spiti and Pin River, in a hidden bowl. If time permits, we take an hour’s climb above the village to visit the stunning turquoise Dhankar Tso or Dhankar Lake, which offers views over the valley and towards the twin peaks of Mane Rang (6593 meters). Later, we drive towards the beautiful Pin Valley, visit the Kungri Monastery and then the beautiful hamlet of Mudh, the last motorable village of the Pin Valley. In the evening, we start our drive towards Kaza, which is just a 1-2 hour drive away. On arriving at Kaza, we check into our hotel and take the rest of the day to explore Kaza monastery and market. We visit the Himalayan cafe, which is in the centre of the market and Deyzore cafe. The capital of Spiti, Kaza is a conveniently compact launch pad for trips to spectacular Ki Gompa and fascinating high-altitude villages including Kibber, Langza and Komic. We spend the night at a hotel/homestay with dinner.
Start your day with a sumptuous breakfast before embarking on an exciting adventure to the highest inhabited regions of the world, Komik. This charming hamlet will transport you thousands of miles away from your familiar surroundings to a place of serene brown pastures and snow-white mountain peaks.
From there, continue to Hikkim where you will visit the world’s highest post office. Sending a postcard from here will surely be a cherished memory. Next, proceed to Langza, a picturesque village situated at an altitude of 4,400 meters and belongs to the Sakyapa sect of Tibetan Buddhism. Upon arrival, take a leisurely stroll to visit the ancient Lang Temple, estimated to be around 1000 years old.
After that, visit the famous Ki Monastery, one of the most stunning and largest monasteries in Spiti Valley. Take some remarkable photos of this impressive structure from the base of the monastery hill before proceeding to the lovely village of Kibber. Nestled in the midst of striking landscapes and snow-capped mountains, Kibber is a haven for nature enthusiasts and photographers.
In the evening, drive back to Kaza and relax in the comfort of your warm and cozy hotel.
On this day, start your journey on the Kaza-Manali road, but not before taking one last stop at the spellbinding Chandratal Lake. Located at a height of 14,100 feet, this mystical and beautiful lake is an absolute treat for the senses.
Surrounded by the stunning Chandra Bhaga mountain range, the lake’s appearance changes according to the sky’s hues, providing an excellent opportunity for photography. After capturing the lake’s vibrant colors, head towards your camping site, where you will enjoy a hot supper while gazing at the starry skies and Milky Way.
Your camps at Chandratal Lake are well-equipped with camping essentials such as tents, high altitude sleeping bags, comfortable blankets, and mattresses.
Start the day with a delicious breakfast before leaving for Manali. Take a brief stop at Batal to sip some hot tea before continuing your drive on the Kaza-Manali highway. Stop at Chatru for a hearty lunch before driving through the famed Rohtang Pass.
The Rohtang Pass is a popular tourist destination and is located at an altitude of 13,050 feet in Himachal Pradesh. It is situated 51 km from Manali on the highway to Keylong/Leh, and nature lovers can admire the stunning views of glaciers, peaks, and the Chandra River flowing through the Lahaul valley.
Upon arriving in Manali, check-in to your hotel and enjoy dinner before retiring for the night.
On the eighth day, after having breakfast, you should check out from the hotel and begin your drive towards Chandigarh. The distance between Manali and Chandigarh is approximately 320 kilometers, and it will take you around 7-8 hours to reach there. During the journey, you can also indulge in adventure activities such as paragliding and river rafting in the Beas river at an additional cost in Kullu.
Upon arrival in Chandigarh in the evening, you can be dropped off at the railway station or airport to catch your train or flight back to your onward destination.
Dates
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Customised dates available
Package Option:
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Inclusion/Exclusion
Find out what is included in your package
Inclusion:
- Pickup & Drop from/at Chandigarh
- Accommodation ( Twin/ triple/ quad sharing)
- Meals (morning Breakfast & Dinner) starting day 1 Dinner and ended day 8 Breakfast
- All toll , parking fees, Driver Allowances
- Experienced Trek Leader/Trip Captain
- Basic First Aid medical kit
Exclusions:
- Anything not mentioned in inclusion
- All personal Expenses, optional,tour, extra Meals
- Any unplanned Transport expenses
- Travel insurance, medical insurance, mineral water charges
- Any cost 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)
Important Info
Trek Package related details
Warm Clothes: Spiti Valley is located at a high altitude and can get extremely cold, especially during the winter months. So, be sure to pack warm clothes, including thermal wear, jackets, sweaters, and gloves.
Comfortable Shoes: You will be doing a lot of walking and hiking, so it’s important to have comfortable and sturdy shoes that can handle rough terrain.
Sunscreen and Sunglasses: The sun in Spiti Valley can be very intense, so it’s important to protect your skin and eyes with sunscreen and sunglasses.
Water Bottles: It’s important to stay hydrated during your trip, so be sure to bring along water bottles that you can refill along the way.
First Aid Kit: A first aid kit is always a good idea when traveling, especially if you plan on doing any hiking or outdoor activities.
Power Banks and Chargers: There may be stretches of your trip where there won’t be any electricity available, so make sure to bring power banks and chargers for your electronic devices.
Camera: Spiti Valley is incredibly scenic and you will want to capture those memories, so don’t forget to bring a camera or smartphone with a good camera.
Snacks and Energy Bars: You may not find restaurants or food joints everywhere, so it’s a good idea to pack some snacks and energy bars for those times when you’re hungry and can’t find food.
Cash: ATMs may not be available in some areas of Spiti Valley, so it’s always a good idea to carry cash.
Maps and Guidebooks: While GPS is helpful, it’s always good to carry physical maps and guidebooks to help navigate your way through the region.
Any cancellation made 30 days prior to the date of departure, would levy 20% of the total tour cost as cancellation charges.
Any cancellation made 15-30 days prior to the date of departure, would levy 30% of the total tour cost as cancellation charges.
Any cancellation made 7-15 days prior to the date of departure, would levy 50% of the total tour cost as cancellation charges.
Any cancellation made 0-7 days prior to the date of departure, would levy 100% of the total tour cost as cancellation charges.
Due to any restrictions such as sudden government policies or regulations, or unprecedented weather conditions, activities and tours may be nonoperational and be cancelled.
In cases such as these, operators will attempt to cater to the traveller an alternative that is feasible in nature. However, any refund would not be catered.
Any refund applicable will be processed within 7 business days.
FAQs
Frequently asked quetsions by trekkers
The best time to visit Spiti Valley is from June to September, as the weather is pleasant and the roads are open.
The road condition in Spiti Valley can be challenging, especially in some areas. It’s important to drive carefully and be prepared for rough terrain.
Yes, Indian nationals and foreigners need to obtain permits to visit Spiti Valley. You can get these permits from the SDM office in Shimla or Manali.
ATMs are available in some areas of Spiti Valley, but it’s always a good idea to carry cash with you as well.
Spiti Valley is generally safe for travelers, but it’s important to take necessary precautions, such as driving carefully, dressing appropriately for the weather, and carrying essential items like a first aid kit and maps.
