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.

In counterclockwise direction from Chandigarh, Spiti Valley circuit route takes you through Solan, Shimla, Narkanda, Rampur Bushahr, Sarahan, Chitkul, Kalpa, Nako, Tabo, and Kaza on the National Highway 5 (NH5) and and its peripherals.

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

The valley is bordered by the districts of Kinnaur in the south-east, Kullu in the south, and the valleys of Zanskar and the 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

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

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

The Chandiarh-Shimla-Kinnaur-Kaza route is recommended for Spiti Valley Circuit raod trip 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 Chandigarh-Shimla-Kaza route. This gradual rise in altitude is good for acclimatization. Especially for people coming from the Indian 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

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

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

Drive from Narkanda to Sarahan (altitude 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

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

Distance 62 km. 3 hours drive time 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

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

Distance 160 km. 5 hours drive time 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

Distance 65 km. 3 hours drive time 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

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)

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)

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

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.

Exclusions

• 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

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

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.

Rohtang La

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 Top

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.

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