Overview/Itinerary

Spiti Valley Road Trip 

Starts and ends in Shimla covering Kinnaur Sangla and Kalpa along the way to Spiti. A beautiful trip through the high mountains and deep valleys of Kinnaur to Spiti and ending back in Shimla. Since Manali route is shut till June end and hence we suggest this trip. The right time to visit throughout the year 

 

Spiti Valley Himachal Pradesh Tour Itinerary

Day One - Drive to Narkanda Hill Station

Today you will meet our guide cum driver he will pick you from Chandigarh Airport. As you start driving into Himachal Pradesh weather will get more relaxed, and you spot beautiful cottages perched on hilltops. We will drive pass Shimla and Kufri tonight we will stay at Narkanda Hill Station. Narkanda is famous for Hatu Peak and is also a skiing resort during winter. 

Route map for today - Chandigarh - Shimla - Kufri - Narkanda 
Distance to be covered180 km time required  7 to 8 hours

Day Two - Drive to Kinnaur District

Good morning we will descend towards Rampur a significant town in Shimla District also a major army base. We will drive past Sarahan Busahr former capital of Shimla District and Famous Bhima Kali Mandir. On our way, we will see the Gateway of Kinnaur and cross-district from Shimla to Kinnaur District. 

Kinnaur district is famous for apples and has some of the most significant hydropower projects in India. You will also see many army bases along your way. Tonight we will stay in Sangla Valley famous for Kinnaur Kailash and Chitkul last village on India - Tibet Border. 

Route Map for today Narkanda - Rampur - Sarahan- Wangtoo - Sangla
Distance to be covered 160 km time required 7 to 8 hours

Day Three - Kalpa Hill Station and Monastery Visit 
We will visit Chitkul last village on India Tibet border. Roads of Sangla Valley are stunning and peaks covered in snow. There are many beautiful small villages along the way. Sangla Valley Forest is gorgeous. You will find many opportunities to click beautiful images. 

After exploring Sangla Valley and Baspa River, we will head towards Reckong Peo largest town in Kinnaur the last city before you begin Spiti Valley Tour. Kalpa Hill Station you can view Kinnaur Kailash from here. Reckong Peo is the last place we can refuel the next petrol pump will be available in Kaza. Withdraw cash here for future daily expenses. After Kalpa network reception is very weak and, Bsnl network will work mostly in Kaza. 

Route Map for today Sangla - Chitkul - Kalpa
Distance to be covered 100 km time required 4 to 5 hours

Day Four - Welcome to Spiti Valley 
We will start early morning today. We will drive past Pooh village one of the Army settlement in Kinnaur District. Khab village to Nako to Maling Nala drive is one of the most remarkable journeys in India. You will be traveling on the worlds most treacherous roads. 

Nako village beautifully located overlooking the Himalayas. Nako is famous for Nako Lake, Nako Monastery, Homestays, and good Tibetan food. After crossing Sumdo checkpoint, we will enter Lahaul Spiti District of Himachal Pradesh. We will stay at Tabo Village tonight. 

Route Map for today Kalpa - Pooh - Khab - Nako - Sumdo - Tabo
Distance to be covered 170 km time required 9 to 10 hours

Day Five - Natural Beauty Spiti Valley Tabo Monastery also is known as Ajanta of the Himalayas, The Tabo Monastery which is close to 1000 years old now. The landscape completely changes once you enter Tabo village. Rugged and Dry Cold Mountains everywhere. Tabo Village has ancient caves on the right side mountains they offer a birds-eye view of Tabo Monastery worth the climb. 

Dhankar Monastery Seat of the King in ancient times the most beautiful setting of a monument which hangs on a cliff and overlooks the confluence of Spiti River and Pin River. Spiti valley trek you can trek till Dhankar lake around 2 hours above Dhankar village. 

Route map for today - Tabo Village - Dhankar Village - Kaza
Distance to be covered 65 km time required 4 hours. 

Day Six - Spiti Valley Road Trip Continues 
Kye monastery or Key monastery is on top of a mountain overlooking the Spiti valley and Spiti Valley large river bed. Most beautifully located Buddhist monastery, you get fantastic landscape images used on most postcards for Spiti Valley. 

Kibber Village o The highest motorable village in the world. We will also visit Chicham bridge the highest in Asia.

Route map for today Kaza Village - Kye monastery - Kibber Village - Chicham Bridge - Kaza
Distance to be covered 65 km time required 5 hours. 

Day Seven - Spiti Valley Himalayan Range

Today we will visit Hikkim village, which has the highest post office in the world and India, Pin code 172114  commenced on November 5, 1983, and by the postmaster Rinchen Chhering. You can send your loved one's postcard from here it comes stamped that you have received the letter from the highest post office in the world. 

Langza is the main area for Fossils kids sell fossils as a souvenir, Langza is famous for Astro Photography when you enter the village huge Buddha statue which is believed to be around 1000 years old is visible. Milkyway rises behind it on new moon night. We will drive to Demul and Pin Valley for our night. 

Route map for today Langza - Hikkim - Koumik - Demul - Pin Valley
Distance to be covered 70 km in 4 - 5 hours

Day Eight - Pin Valley National Park and your return journey begin today. 

We will explore Pin Valley today, Kungri monastery the last hold of Buchen Lamas in Sangam. Mummy of a Monk 550 years old in Gue. We will stay at Nako Village tonight. 

Route map for today Pin Valley - Nako Village
Distance to be covered 120 km in 4 - 5 hours

Day Nine - Narkanda Village last night of the Spiti Valley Road Tour 

Today will be a long drive we will cross Kinnaur district and stay Narkanda Hill Station. 

Route map for today Nako - Narkanda
Distance to be covered 250 km in 10 hours
Day Ten - Last day on Spiti Valley Trip
Good morning we drive today towards Chandigarh Airport we will start early morning today to reach Chandigarh airport on time. 

Route map for today Narkanda - Shimla - Chandigarh
Distance to be covered 180 km in 7 hours

 

9 Nights 10 Days Available on request
Inclusions/Exclusions
What we'll give/What we won't

What is included in the tour

  • Breakfast and Dinner. (except in Chandigarh).

  • Accommodation on twin sharing.

  • Taxi for 10 days as per the plan.

  • Driver to act as basic guide.

  • All expenses for the driver are paid for, including tolls.

What is NOT included in the tour

  • Journey tickets for Chandigarh or back.

  • Lunch, snacks and beverages.

  • Any kind of insurance.

  • Guide.

  • Cost of any emergency.

  • Bus ticket, Monument entry fee, cost of permits, camera charges.

  • Any personal expenses.

Things to Carry
Things to Carry
  • Sunscreen
  • Goggles
  • Basic hiking/ training shoes
  • Lip balm
  • Some thermals
  • Woolen socks
  • Woolen cap
  • Muffler
  • Wind cheater
  • Sweat shirt
  • Jacket
  • Woolen gloves
  • Toilet paper
  • Moisturizer
  • Extra camera batteries
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions

Spiti Valley Road Tour

 

Will we cover Kunzum Pass ?

Kunzum Pass is only open from June to October, so we won't be able to visit it on this trip. After visiting Kaza, we'll head back to Kinnaur-Shimla.

 

Which is the best time to visit Spiti Valley?

Spiti Valley is best from mid-May to mid-October. Clear skies, mild days, and cold nights define this season. From mid-July to mid-September, monsoons can cause landslides and blockages, making travel difficult. Snowfall closes several routes and passes in the winter. If you want a winter adventure, visit between November and February to see the stunning snow-covered landscapes. But harsh temperatures and road restrictions make travel difficult.

 

What are the major tourist attractions in Kinnaur - Spiti Valley?

Kinnaur and Spiti Valley have several noteworthy tourist attractions. Popular ones are:

  • Tabo Monastery: This 1000-year-old UNESCO World Heritage Site located in Tabo. Its murals and old treasures are famous.

  • Key Monastery: The oldest and greatest monastery in the region is in Kaza. Its architecture and mountain views are famous.

  • Kalpa: Kinnaur's apple orchards and Kinner Kailash mountain views make Kalpa a lovely settlement.

  • Nako Lake: Surrounded by snow-capped mountains, this tranquil lake in Nako is a popular picnic and trekking location.

  • Pin Valley National Park, a wildlife sanctuary in Spiti Valley, is home to various rare and endangered species, including the snow leopard.

Distance from Kinnaur to Spiti Valley

There are many ways to get from Kinnaur to Spiti Valley, so the distance between the two places varies depending on which route you take. The most common way to get from Reckong Peo, the main town in Kinnaur, to Kaza, the main town in Spiti Valley, is to take the NH-5 and NH-505 highways. This route is about 200 to 220 kilometers long and takes about 7 to 9 hours to drive, depending on how the roads are and how much traffic there is.

The Hindustan-Tibet Road is another popular route. It goes from Shimla to Kinnaur and then to Spiti Valley. This route is longer, but the views of the Himalayas and the Sutlej river valley are breathtaking. Shimla and Kaza are about 450–500 kilometers apart. The trip can take anywhere from 2–3 days, depending on how many stops are made and what kind of transportation is used.

 

Is Spiti Valley safe?

Spiti Valley is generally considered a safe destination for travelers. The local people are friendly and welcoming, and the region has a low crime rate. However, it is always recommended to take necessary precautions to ensure your safety while traveling.

One of the main safety concerns in Spiti Valley is the terrain and altitude. The region is located at an average altitude of 4,000 meters above sea level, and the lack of oxygen can cause altitude sickness, which can be life-threatening in severe cases. It is advisable to acclimatize properly before engaging in any physical activity or undertaking treks.

 

What are the different modes of transportation available for traveling to Spiti Valley?

Travel to Spiti Valley depends on your budget and choices. These are some common types of transportation:

Go to Spiti Valley by private cab or automobile from Manali or Shimla. Customizing your route and stopping at different destinations makes this the most convenient option. It's pricey, and the roads to Spiti Valley require a skilled driver.

Public buses: HRTC runs daily buses from Manali, Shimla, and other major towns to Spiti Valley. Budget-friendly buses are pleasant and inexpensive. Unfortunately, bus schedules may be infrequent, making the trip tedious and uncomfortable.

Shared taxis: Manali, Shimla, and other cities offer shared cabs to Spiti Valley. It's cheaper than a private taxi for solo travellers or small parties. The ride is uncomfortable, and you may have to wait for other people.

Motorbikes: Manali and Shimla provide motorbike rentals for Spiti Valley. Adventurers like this since they can explore the beautiful scenery at their own time. You must be an experienced biker and prepared for difficult roads and weather.

 

Does Spiti Valley have an oxygen problem?

Spiti Valley is at a high altitude. At this altitude, the air is thin, which can make it hard for some people to breathe because there isn't enough oxygen. Most people, though, can get used to the altitude over time, and altitude sickness can be avoided by getting used to the altitude slowly and drinking lots of water to stay hydrated.

It's important to remember that some people may be more likely to get altitude sickness, like those who have problems with their lungs or hearts. Before going to Spiti Valley or any other high altitude place, people in these situations should talk to a doctor.

 

Why doesn't Spiti Valley have any trees?

Since the area is in a rain shadow, it doesn't rain much, so the mountains don't have any plants. The climate has sharp changes in temperature, high-speed winds, an atmosphere at a high altitude, and low humidity. All of these things make the soil dry and almost completely devoid of organic matter.

 

Weather and temperature in Spiti

Spiti Valley's weather and temperatures change with the seasons.

Summer (April to June): In Spiti Valley, the temperature ranges from 10°C to 25°C during the summer. It's a great time to visit the valley because the weather is nice and the sky is clear.

Monsoon (July–September): It doesn't rain much in Spiti Valley, and the monsoon season isn't very long. The temperature during this time can be anywhere from 5°C to 20°C. During heavy rain, landslides and roadblocks can happen, so it's best to check the weather forecast before travelling.

Temperatures in the Spiti Valley range from a low of -5 degrees Celsius to a high of 15 degrees Celsius during the fall season (October to November). The air is cool and pleasant, and the leaves are turning beautiful colours.

Winter (from December to March): During winter, the average temperature in Spiti Valley is around -20°C, which is below freezing. Heavy snowfall has closed the road to the valley, which is covered in a blanket of snow. The winter is not a good time to travel.

 

Activity
Road Trips
Destination
Himachal Pradesh
Duration
7+ Days
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