Spiti Valley Road Trip
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- Trip Duration: 11D / 10N
- Max altitude: 4,587m /15,049 ft
- Best Time: Mid May to September
- Start/End point: Chandigarh
Spiti Valley Road Trip: Welcome to the Land of the Cold Desert.
The Himalayas are full of wonders, but Spiti Valley Road Trip is arguably its most captivating, hidden diamond. Sitting just beyond the vibrant greenery of Shimla and Kalpa, Spiti offers a contrasting landscape that feels like stepping onto another planet.
Famed English novelist Rudyard Kipling referred to Spiti as a “world within a world” and “the place where the Gods live.” The word Spiti originates from the local dialect ‘Piti’, meaning ‘The Middle Land’, as it bridges the gap between India and Tibet.
Characterized by plunging steep gorges, grey slopes, ancient Buddhist monasteries, and turquoise rivers, this high-altitude cold desert receives a mere 170 mm of rain annually. It is a terribly beautiful world of nothingness—a yellow and brown landscape capped by impenetrable snow peaks.
Ready to set your foot into the world within a world?
Overview
Max Altitude: 4587 m/15,049 ft (Komic village)
Duration- 11 Days
Best Time to Visit: Mid of May to September
The best time for the Spiti Valley Road Trip is in between mid of May and September. During this time the weather is perfectly pleasant, with a clear sky, the snow has melted, and the roads become accessible. The temperature is also favourable during this time period. Though Spiti Valley is done during winter when the entire valley turns white with snow, but that’s exclusively for winter lovers.
Point to be Noted: Seating arrangements will be rotated daily while in the car so that everyone can enjoy the landscape. Stays at Mudh, Chitkul will be a bit basic compared to other locations but it will be neat and clean. At Mudh and Chitkul there will be campsites for enjoying best landscapes. Tour manager’s instructions need to be strictly followed during the tour to avoid any kind of issues. Alcohol consumption is strictly NOT suggested once you reach Kaza. Though it’s a Roadtrip, little bit of walking is necessary to enjoy all the sights. Bit of physical activity before the trip will help you immensely. So please check on your fitness before the trip.
Suitable Age Group: The Spiti Valley Trip can be done by age groups between 4 years to 60 years. For minors make sure they are accompanied by their parents or guardians during the trip. If anyone is above 50 years old, we advise you to consult a doctor before going for this trip as we will be at high altitudes and please submit a medically fit certificate. Please make sure, your fitness level is very good, you should be comfortable with high altitudes and cold temperatures.
Payment Terms
- 25% of the total amount has to be deposited as Confirmation amount.
- The rest 25% amount will be cash collection on Day 1 of the journey.
- 50% needs to be deposited at least 7 days prior to the date of pick-up.
- Booking is NOT confirmed until we receive the Advance amount.
Cancellation Terms
- After Trek/Trip commences, NO REFUND.
- 2-7 days before, upto 40% retention of the full package amount.
- One day before, upto 70% retention of the full package amount.
- Before 7 days, 15% retention of the full package amount.
- Cancellation request has to placed in written format. Mail/WhatsApp.
Highlights
- Experience the raw, never-seen-before cold desert landscapes of the Tibetan plateau
- Breathtaking sunrise on Mt Kinnaur Kailash
- Visit Gue Monastery near Tabo which has a 585-year-old mummy of a Buddhist Monk
- Visit to the 1000-year-old Key monastery and other ancient monasteries
- Send a postcard from the world's highest post office in Hikkim
- Visit the world's highest motorable village at Komic
- Shape-shifting, mesmerizing waters of Chandratal Lake
Itinerary
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Our journey for Spiti Valley will start from Chandigarh. Our Altitude team will pick you up from Chandigarh at 9 am from Chandigarh and will drive to Shimla (2206 m). The distance from Chandigarh to Shimla is 112 km which will take around 3.5 hours to reach. We should reach Shimla by the afternoon and check in to a comfortable hotel in Shimla. Explore the remaining day at the Shimla Mall road. Night stay at Shimla.
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On the 2nd day of our trip, we will drive from Shimla (2206 m) to Sarahan (2313 m) in Kinnaur Valley via Narkanda, Kufri, and Fagu. The distance from Shimla to Sarahan is 162 km which will take around 5 hours to reach. On the road, we will visit the Bhimakali temple which is also known as the Bhimadevi temple. Sarahan is a beautiful small town with a beautiful landscape, adventurous ride, and a Hindu pilgrimage site. It is also the gateway to the beautiful Kinnaur Valley. Night stay at a comfortable hotel in Sarahan.
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On the 3rd day of our trip, we will drive from Sarahan (2313 m) to Chitkul (3450 m) – the last inhabited Indian village sharing the border with Tibet via Sangla and Rakcham. Chitkul is a remote village which will give you the exact feeling of being painted from the palette of your dreams. Enjoy the ride with winding mountain roads, picturesque landscapes with vibrant lush green mountain valleys, and terraced fields. Chitkul is actually the true meaning of an enchanting escapade that will give your traveller soul an authentic Himalayan experience. Chitkul village has everything that dreams are made of with pristine landscapes and snow-capped high mountain ranges and the pine and deodar forest adds unparalleled beauty to this last village in India. from Chitkul you will get some amazing views of the Baspa Valley. It is said that Chitkul has the cleanest air in India. Night stay at Chitkul.
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On the 4th day of our trip, we will drive from Chitkul (3450 m) to Kalpa (2960 m). The distance travelled is 60 km which will take around 2.5 hours to reach. Do not miss the magical sunrise in Chitkul which I am sure will be one of the best sunrises of your life. The ride from Chitkul to Kalpa is full of beautiful vistas. This road is quite landslide prone hence please be very cautious while driving through this road. Kalpa is very renowned as the ‘winter abode of Lord Shiva’ and you will get some heavenly and spectacular views of the Kinnaur Kailash Range and can visit Roghi Suicide Point. On our way we will also visit the Reckong Peo market. The road to Kinnaur Valley passes through some of the natural mountain caves that you will come across during the drive. We should reach Kalpa by afternoon and after lunch will explore Kalpa village. Night stay at a comfortable hotel in Kalpa.
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On the 5th day of our trip, we will drive from Kalpa (2960 m) to Tabo (3280 m) via Nako Lake (3662 m). The distance travelled today is 160 km which will take around 4 hours to reach. Today finally we will enter the Spiti Valley. Do not miss to spend some time at the Khab Bridge and witness the confluence of the Sutlej River and the Spiti River. It is also known as the Khab Sangam. On our way, we will also explore Nako village and Nako Lake. We will start after breakfast and will take 2.5 hours to reach Nako village. We will explore this aesthetically beautiful Nako village. Nako is famous for the Buddhist Temples that dates back to 12th century. While exploring the village, we will visit the Bimkali and Devi Kali Temples and the picturesquely beautiful Nako Lake. The lake is situated by the rocky mountains and there are 4 ancient Buddhist monasteries around the lake. There is also another footprint-like mark on the rocks that is centuries old as per the local legends. After exploring Nako village, we will continue our drive to Tabo. However, before visiting Tabo there is a diversion at Sumdo that will take you to Gue Monastery in Gue Village. The main attraction of this place is the 585-year-old mummy of a Buddhist Monk whose teeth are still intact. This off-roading is worth the visit and should not be missed. Tabo is a small Himalayan hamlet on the banks of the Spiti River. The Tabo Monastery is very ancient and over a thousand years old and is considered to be the holiest monastery in the Spiti Valley. Tabo is considered to be the treasure trove of the Buddhist culture especially because of the Tabo monastery which is also known as the ‘Ajanta of the Himalayas’. Tabo has some spectacular landscapes with the snow-clad Pir Panjal mountains surrounding all over. This is the ideal place for those who look forward to peace and tranquillity. There are also some other ancient temples and caves in Tabo that you can also explore. Do not forget to visit the apple orchards in Tabo which will add some touch of green amidst the cold desert landscape. The Tabo Caves are mystical and are the perfect place for meditation. If time permits, also visit the Kalachakra Initiation site which is blessed by the presence of the Holy Dalai Lama. Tabo is the perfect blend of rich ancient old Buddhist culture and traditions and surreal landscapes that will surely leave you awestruck and spellbound with its every glance. If you are interested in astrophotography, then the night at Tabo would be ideal for you with the perfect Milky Way views. Night stay at Tabo in a comfortable hotel.
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On the 6th day of our trip, we will drive from Tabo (3280 m) to Mudh (3810 m) on the banks of the Pin River after visiting Dhankar (3894 m). The distance travelled from Tabo to Dhankar is 30 km which will take 1 hour to reach. And from Dhankar to Mudh village is another 50 km which will take 2.5 hours to reach. As we start driving through the road from Tabo to Kaza, on the right side is Dhankar and on the left is the Pin Valley. From Schichling, Dhankar is 8 km away. Dhankar was previously the capital of Spiti. The Dhankar Monastery is another notable site to visit that should not be missed. If you are interested in hiking, then you should not miss the hike to Dhankar Lake which is 3km away from the village and will take around 1 hour to reach. All your tedious effort would vanish the moment you witness the surreal beauty of Dhankar Lake. Exactly like the Chandratal Lake, the colour of the Dhankar Lake also keeps changing. Spend some quality time here to reflect on your thoughts at peace. After having our lunch in Dhankar village, we will start our drive to Mudh village. The moment you enter the Pin Valley, you will be blown off by its beauty and the different textures and colour of the mountains. Mudh village is quite popular among explorers as it is the base camp for the Pin Bhaba Pass and Pin Parvati Pass treks. The Mudh village is a small Himalayan hamlet completely decorated with its virgin Himalayan beauty, serene and peaceful environment, and barren and beautiful landscapes. The village has very few populations of 50 people only in this Pin Valley which is also the habitat of Snow Leopard and Himalayan Ibex. Night stay at Mudh village in a homestay.
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On the 7th of our trip, we will drive from Mudh Village (3810 m) to Kaza (3650 m). The distance travelled is 50 km which will take around 2 hours to reach. Every minute of this journey is so beautiful that will literally keep you in surprise. First, we will drive to Attargoo and from there we will take a left towards Kaza which is 19 km away. From here the Spiti River will again flow alongside us. Kaza is the largest and the most colourful town in the Spiti Valley and is famous for its many eateries and cafes. So do not miss to explore the cafes of Kaza. Since we will be staying in Kaza for 2 days, today we will take a rest at Kaza and will explore the village at our leisure. Night stay at a comfortable hotel in Kaza.
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On the 8th day of our trip, we will go sightseeing in Kaza. After early breakfast, we will first visit Key Monastery which is the largest monastery and is only 12 km away from Kaza. The Key Monastery is one of the most beautiful monasteries you have come across and is extremely beautiful. The monastery is a storehouse of rare manuscripts, murals, thankas, stucco images, and mystical wind instruments. It also has a collection of weapons that are quite ancient. The Key Monastery is considered to be auspicious and holy according to the Buddhists. Colourful prayer flags are fluttering all over the monastery. From Key monastery, we will visit Kibber village which is on the same way and the beauty of this place will steal your heart for sure. The most striking part of Kibber is its houses which are very unique and made of stone. From here, you can take the ropeway that will connect you with Chichum. All I can say is that the chilling experience of ropeway is worth the experience. From there we will go for Hikkim, Komic, and Lyangza. Komic is famous for being the highest motorable road in the world, Hikkim is renowned for the world's highest post office. From Hikkim we will go to Lyangza which has the 1000-year-old statue of the Lord Buddha. The road from Lyangza to Kaza is extremely beautiful. Night stay at Kaza.
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On the 9th day of our trip, we will visit Chandratal (4250 m) via Losar and Kunzum La. Today is the most exciting day of the trip. The distance from Kaza to Chandratal is 90 km which will take around 4 hours to reach. This road actually has it all and will make you experience the true adventure of the Spiti Valley trip. We will start early after breakfast as we want to spend some quality time at the lake. From Losar we will visit the lake after crossing Kunzum La. The moment you enter Kunzum La, colourful prayer flags are decorated in every corner. From here we will go for Chandratal Lake. There is a small hike of 1 km to reach the lake and is absolutely worth it because Chandratal Lake is one of the most beautiful lakes of the region. There are camp options at the lake and many stay there. We will spend some quality time at the lake and then we will start our drive for Sissu (3200M). Night stay at a comfortable hotel in Sissu.
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After enjoying the blissful morning at Sissu we will drive to Manali (2050 m) via Atal Tunnel. The distance travelled is 40 km which will take 1 hour to reach. Enroute you can visit solang valley for some mountain adventures like paragliding, zip lining, ropeway. The drive through the Atal Tunnel is another notable one. After checking in to hotel explore Manali on your own for the entire day. Night stay at Manali.
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Today is the last day of our trip and we will drive from Manali to Chandigarh. The distance travelled is 265 km which will take around 5.5 hours to reach. Plan your return from Chandigarh as per your feasibility.
So what are you waiting for??? Make the most of this mystical vacation with its unparalleled beauty in August and September with Altitude Adventure Holidays!!!
What's Included
- Twin/triple shared rooms(as per requirements) at all places.
- Tempo traveller for the entire trip.
- Breakfast and dinner on all days.
- All permits.
- Local sightseeing.
- All drivers charge.
What's Not Included
- Any kind of bottled water.
- Any meals other than breakfast and dinner.
- Entry fees of any places of interest.
- Anything not specifically mentioned in the inclusions.
- Tips/rewards for hotel/homestay staffs.
Frequently Asked Questions
The most ideal time for a Spiti Valley road trip is between mid-May and September. During these summer and early autumn months, the weather is pleasantly cool, the snow on the roads has melted, and high-altitude passes like Kunzum La and the route to Chandratal Lake are fully accessible.
To comfortably cover the entire circuit without rushing and to allow your body enough time to acclimatize to the high altitude, you need at least 10 to 12 days. Our comprehensive Spiti Valley itinerary spans 11 Days and 10 Nights, covering everything from Kinnaur Valley to Chandratal Lake.
Yes, it is safe, provided you travel with experienced drivers who know the mountain terrain. The roads in Kinnaur and Spiti can be rugged, narrow, and prone to landslides. Traveling with a professional team like Altitude Adventure Holidays ensures you navigate these challenging terrains safely in well-maintained vehicles.
Because Spiti is a high-altitude cold desert (with places like Komic sitting at 4,587 m), Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) is a possibility. Our itinerary is carefully designed to gradually increase altitude, starting from Shimla and Kalpa, to help your body acclimatize naturally. We also carry an emergency oxygen cylinder in the vehicle at all times.
Mobile connectivity in Spiti Valley is highly unreliable. BSNL offers the widest coverage, followed closely by Jio and Airtel, which work decently in the main town of Kaza. However, expect to be completely disconnected from the digital world in remote areas like Mudh, Chitkul, and Chandratal.
Yes, our Spiti Valley road trip is suitable for age groups ranging from 4 years to 60 years. However, because of the harsh climate and high altitude, participants over 50 years of age are required to submit a valid medical fitness certificate from a doctor prior to the trip.
Accommodation varies depending on the location. In towns like Shimla, Kalpa, and Kaza, you will stay in comfortable, standard hotels. In highly remote and pristine areas like Chitkul and Mudh Village, the accommodation is in basic but neat and clean riverside tents/homestays to give you an authentic trans-Himalayan experience.
The town of Kaza has an ATM and the highest retail petrol pump in the world. However, ATMs in the mountains frequently run out of cash or face network issues. It is highly recommended to carry enough liquid cash from Chandigarh or Shimla to last the entire trip.
Yes! Even if you visit between June and August, you will encounter snow at high-altitude mountain passes like Kunzum La (4,551 m) and on the towering peaks surrounding Chandratal Lake and the Pin Valley.
The weather in Spiti is highly unpredictable. During the day, the sun can be harsh, but nighttime temperatures can plummet to sub-zero levels. You must pack in layers: carry thermal innerwear, a heavy windproof/waterproof winter jacket, woolen socks, gloves, a sun cap, and UV-protection sunglasses.
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