Spiti Valley Winter Trip – The Snowland Adventure of India
Spiti Valley, often called the "Middle Land" between India and Tibet, is one of the most surreal winter destinations in the Himalayas. During the colder months, this high-altitude desert transforms into a snow-covered paradise, offering an unforgettable mix of adventure, culture, and serenity.
Our Spiti Valley winter trip takes you deep into this frozen wonderland, where temperatures can drop to –25°C, turning villages, monasteries, and rivers into a breathtaking white landscape. Along the way, you'll stay in local Spiti homestays, share traditional meals cooked over wood-fired stoves, and experience the warmth of mountain hospitality — an authentic glimpse into daily life as locals open their homes to visitors.
The route takes you through ancient monasteries like Key, Dhankar, and Tabo, and into the quiet charm of Langza, Hikkim, and Komic — among the world's highest inhabited villages. It's an offbeat winter adventure through Himachal Pradesh, built for travelers who want more than the usual hill-station itinerary.
Unlike the crowded summer routes, winter in Spiti is quiet, untouched, and raw — ideal for nature lovers, photographers, and anyone chasing the true soul of the Himalayas. Join us for a once-in-a-lifetime Spiti Valley winter tour, where snow meets spirituality.
Key Highlights – Why Join This Spiti Valley Winter Trip
- Visit the sacred Bhimakali Temple in Sarahan
- Reach Chitkul, the last inhabited village toward the India–China border
- See the Khab Sangam, where the Spiti and Sutlej rivers meet
- Explore ancient monasteries at Tabo, Dhankar, and Key
- Mail a postcard from Hikkim, the world's highest post office
- Visit Langza's fossil village and its iconic Giant Buddha statue
- Reach Komic, the world's highest motorable village
- Cross Chicham Bridge, the highest bridge in Asia, and scout for snow leopards near Kibber
- Take in sweeping views at Kalpa and the famous Suicide Point
- Unwind in cozy homestays with bonfires and authentic Himalayan food
Spiti Valley Winter Trip Package Cost 2026
Pick your starting point and room-sharing option. Every package is a fixed-departure group tour with a trip leader.
Delhi to Delhi Package (includes the overnight bus from Delhi to Shimla and back)
- ₹17,999 per person, triple or quad sharing
- ₹19,999 per person, double sharing
Shimla to Shimla Package (join in Shimla on Day 2 morning and leave from Shimla on Day 8 evening)
- ₹15,999 per person, triple or quad sharing
- ₹17,999 per person, double sharing
What's included: 6 nights in hotels and local homestays, 6 breakfasts and 6 dinners, Tempo Traveller transport for the whole route, inner line permits, and a trip leader throughout.
Not included: lunches, monastery entry fees, and travel insurance. The full list is in Inclusions / Exclusions below.
Stay with Spiti families, wake up to snow-dusted peaks, and see a side of the Himalayas most travellers miss. Seats on each departure are limited, so book early.
Brief 📍Spiti Valley Itinerary
Day 1 (Saturday): Delhi ➝ Shimla, overnight bus
- Reporting: 45 min before departure
- Departure: 10:00 PM from Kashmere Gate ISBT
- Bus: Volvo AC
- Meals: none
- Overnight Journey to Shimla
Day 2 (Sunday): Shimla ➝ Narkanda ➝ Sarahan (~170 km, 6–7 hrs)
- Arrive Shimla: ~6:00–7:00 AM. Board the Tempo Traveller and freshen up at a dhaba on the way.
- Reach Sarahan: ~4:00–5:00 PM. Visit Bhimakali Temple, then an ice-breaker bonfire.
- Meals: Dinner (breakfast not included)
- Hotel Stay: Sarahan
Day 3 (Monday): Sarahan ➝ Karcham Dam ➝ Sangla (~95 km, 4–5 hrs)
- Start: 8:30 AM, after breakfast
- Reach Sangla: ~2:00–3:00 PM, then an evening by the Baspa River
- Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
- Hotel Stay: Sangla
Day 4 (Tuesday): Sangla / Chitkul ➝ Khab Sangam ➝ Tabo (~200 km, 8–9 hrs)
- Start: 6:30 AM with sunrise at Chitkul (depends on the weather)
- Reach Tabo: 5:00–6:00 PM
- Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
- Home Stay: Tabo
Day 5 (Wednesday): Tabo ➝ Dhankar ➝ Langza ➝ Komic ➝ Hikkim ➝ Kaza (full day)
- Start: 8:00 AM
- Reach Kaza: 5:00 PM
- Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
- Home Stay: Kaza
Day 6 (Thursday): Kaza sightseeing: Key Monastery, Kibber, Chicham Bridge
- Start: 9:00 AM
- Back in Kaza: 4:00 PM
- Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
- Stay: Homestay, Kaza
Day 7 (Friday): Kaza ➝ Nako (drive past) ➝ Khab ➝ Kalpa (~200 km, 8–9 hrs)
- Start: 7:00 AM
- Reach Kalpa: 5:00 PM, with a Suicide Point visit
- Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
- Stay: Hotel Kalpa
Day 8 (Saturday): Kalpa ➝ Kufri ➝ Shimla ➝ overnight bus to Delhi (~230 km, 9–10 hrs)
- Start: 7:00 AM, after breakfast
- Reach Shimla: 6:00 PM
- Bus to Delhi: 8:00 PM from Shimla, Volvo AC
- Meals: Breakfast
- Overnight Journey to Delhi
Day 9 (Sunday): Arrive Delhi, trip ends
- Arrival: 7:00 AM, same drop points as pickup Kashmere Gate ISBT
- Meals: none
Meals total: 6 breakfasts and 6 dinners. Lunch is not included on any day.
Transport in the mountains: Tempo Traveller for the whole trip (Shimla to Shimla)
Spiti Valley Winter Trip
Spiti Valley Road Trip
Spiti Valley Winter Trip
Key Monastery
Spiti Valley Roads
Kalpa
Spiti Valley
Strangers Trip
What is included in the tour
What's included
Transport
- Overnight bus from Delhi to Shimla and back: Volvo AC - Delhi to Delhi package only
- Tempo Traveller for the whole route from Shimla and back, with driver
- Driver's night charges, tolls, parking and state entry taxes
Stays
- 6 nights in hotels and local homestays: Sarahan, Sangla, Tabo, Kaza (2 nights) and Kalpa
- Triple or quad sharing rooms, or double sharing if you book the double sharing option
Meals: 12 in total
- 6 breakfasts, from Day 3 to Day 8
- 6 dinners, from Day 2 to Day 7
Permits and support
- A trip leader with the group from Shimla and back
- Oxygen cylinder, first aid kit and pulse oximeter in the vehicle
What is NOT included in the tour
What's not included
Travel to the start point
- Flights, trains or buses to Delhi and back (Delhi to Delhi package)
- Travel to Shimla and back (Shimla to Shimla package)
Food
- Lunch on all days
- Breakfast on Day 2
- Meals during the overnight bus journeys and road transfers
- Snacks, drinks and mineral water outside the included meals
Permits and fees
- Inner line permits for foreign nationals: ₹1,500 per person
- Entry tickets to monasteries and monuments
- Camera and video camera fees
- 5% GST
Personal expenses
- Tips for drivers and staff
- Laundry, phone calls and other personal purchases
- Early hotel check-in
Unplanned costs
- Switching to 4x4 vehicles if snow makes the road unsafe for the Tempo Traveller
- Extra nights, meals or transport caused by roadblocks, snowfall, landslides, floods or other delays
- Medical treatment, evacuation or any other emergency costs
- Travel insurance
Anything not listed under "What's included" is not included.
Documents and money
- Government photo ID: Aadhaar, driving licence or passport. You need it for permits.
- Foreign nationals: passport, visa, a copy of each, and 2 passport-size photos for the permit
- Enough cash for the whole trip, because ATMs in Spiti are rare and often don't work
Bags
- Rucksack or duffel bag, 60 litres or more
- Small day pack for sightseeing days
- Waterproof cover for your rucksack
Clothing
- 2 pairs of thermal inners, top and bottom
- 1 fleece jacket or heavy sweater
- 1 down jacket rated for sub-zero temperatures
- Windproof and waterproof outer jacket
- 2–3 warm tops or shirts
- 2 pairs of trek or cargo pants
- Woollen cap, plus a balaclava or neck warmer
- 2 pairs of gloves: 1 woollen, 1 waterproof
- 4 pairs of woollen socks and 1 pair of cotton socks
- Undergarments for each day
Footwear
- Waterproof, above-ankle boots with good grip for snow and ice
- Flip-flops or slippers for inside homestays
Toiletries (there's no running water in winter homestays)
- Wet wipes, tissues and toilet paper
- Hand sanitiser
- Toothbrush, toothpaste, face wash and a small quick-dry towel
- Moisturiser or cold cream, and lip balm
- Sunscreen, SPF 40 or higher. Snow reflects strong UV at altitude.
Medicines
- Your personal medicines, enough for the whole trip plus a few extra days
- Medicine for altitude sickness (ask your doctor about Diamox before the trip)
- Medicine for headaches, fever, cold, nausea, motion sickness and diarrhoea
- ORS or glucose powder
- Band-aids, cotton and antiseptic cream
Other essentials
- UV-protection sunglasses
- Insulated water bottle or thermos flask
- Electric hot water bag, the rechargeable kind. It needs about 10–15 minutes of charging from a wall socket and stays warm for several hours in bed.
- Hand and toe warmers
- Headlamp or torch. Power cuts are common.
- Power bank, charger and spare camera batteries. Batteries drain fast in the cold.
- Energy bars and dry snacks, since lunch isn't included
Planning your trip
When do the Spiti winter trips depart?
Delhi to Delhi batches leave Delhi every Saturday night. Shimla to Shimla travellers join the same group in Shimla on Sunday morning. See Dates and Rates above for the current departures.
How cold does Spiti get in winter?
In October, days are cool and nights drop below freezing. From December to February, daytime temperatures stay around or below 0°C, and nights can fall to –20°C or lower. Pack for sub-zero weather on every departure.
Is the road to Spiti open in winter?
The Manali–Kaza road over Kunzum Pass closes after the first heavy snowfall, usually by November. This trip uses the Shimla–Kinnaur route, which stays open all year. It can still close for a day or two after heavy snow.
What's the difference between the Delhi and Shimla packages?
The Delhi to Delhi package (from ₹17,999) includes the overnight Volvo bus from Delhi to Shimla and back. The Shimla to Shimla package (from ₹15,999) is for travellers who make their own way to Shimla. You join the group there on Day 2 morning and leave on Day 8 evening.
Where and when does the trip start?
The Delhi bus leaves Kashmere Gate ISBT at about 10 PM on Saturday. Please report 45 minutes early. Shimla travellers join at [Shimla pickup point] at about 7 AM on Sunday.
I'm travelling from another city. When should I reach Delhi?
Reach Delhi by 4 PM on the departure day. On the last day, the bus gets back to Delhi early in the morning, so book onward flights or trains after 2 PM.
What's included
What does the package include?
6 nights in hotels and local homestays, 6 breakfasts and 6 dinners, a Tempo Traveller for the whole mountain route, inner line permits for Indian nationals, a trip leader, and an oxygen cylinder and first aid kit in the vehicle. The Delhi package also includes the Volvo bus both ways.
Is lunch included?
No. We stop at local dhabas and cafés for lunch each day, and you pay for your own meal. We recommend carrying some energy bars and dry snacks, since options are limited on long drive days.
Do I need a permit for Spiti?
Indian nationals need an inner line permit for parts of the route near the border. We arrange it, and it's included in the price. Foreign nationals need a Protected Area Permit, which costs ₹1,500 per person extra. Bring your passport, visa, a copy of each, and 2 passport-size photos.
Will I see Chandratal Lake on this trip?
No. The road to Chandratal is snowed in during winter, and the lake is usually closed from about November to May. This trip covers the Kinnaur and Spiti circuit instead.
Stays and daily life
Are the homestays warm in winter?
Homestays heat the main rooms with a bukhari (wood stove) and give you thick quilts. Firewood is scarce, so the stove runs for only a few hours in the evening. Bring warm layers for sleeping. A rechargeable hot water bag helps a lot.
Is there running water and a proper bathroom?
In the depth of winter, water pipes freeze, so most Spiti homestays use dry toilets and heat water in buckets. Hotels in Sarahan, Sangla and Kalpa usually have regular bathrooms. Carry wet wipes, tissues and toilet paper.
Will my phone work? Are there ATMs?
Mobile signal is patchy, and many villages have none at all. ATMs are rare in Spiti and often don't work, so carry enough cash for the whole trip.
Health and safety
Will I get altitude sickness?
The highest point on this trip is about 4,500 m, at Komic and Hikkim. The Shimla–Kinnaur route climbs slowly over several days, which helps your body adjust. Mild headaches or breathlessness are common. Drink plenty of water, avoid alcohol, and tell your trip leader if you feel unwell. We carry an oxygen cylinder and a pulse oximeter.
Can beginners join this trip?
Yes. This is a road trip, not a trek, with only short walks at each stop. You need a reasonable level of fitness and must be ready for extreme cold. If you have heart, lung or blood pressure problems, see your doctor before booking.
Is this trip safe for solo travellers?
Yes. Most of our guests travel solo, and you'll be with a group and a trip leader the whole time. [Ops: add your room-sharing rule, e.g. "Solo travellers share rooms with others of the same gender."]
Is there an age limit?
Travellers must be 18 or older. Under-18s can join only with a parent or guardian on the same trip.
Can I see a snow leopard?
Winter is the best season for sightings, because snow leopards come down to lower slopes near Kibber. Sightings are rare and never guaranteed. You're more likely to spot Himalayan ibex and blue sheep.
Changes and cancellations
What happens if snow blocks the road?
Your trip leader will plan the best safe alternative. If the Tempo Traveller can't go on, we'll arrange 4x4 vehicles at extra cost to travellers. Extra nights or meals caused by road closures are also paid by travellers.
What if the trip is cancelled because not enough people book?
You'll get a free date change or a full refund. We can't cover flight or train cancellation charges, so book refundable tickets where you can.
Can I cancel my booking?
Yes. Email highfive@treksandtrails.org. Charges depend on how many days before departure you cancel. See the Cancellation Policy on this page for details.
