Tour Route (The Spiti Circuit)
01 Night Narkanda 01 Night Sangla 01 Night Kalpa 01 Night Tabo 02 Nights Kaza 01 Night Chandratal 02 Nights Manali
Tour Overview
Embark on the ultimate high-altitude road trip with our 10 Days Spiti Valley Adventure Tour Package. Carefully mapped out by The Holiday Trips' certified mountain driving experts, this journey takes you through the "Middle Land" between India and Tibet, showcasing a stark, lunar-like landscape dotted with ancient monasteries and pristine lakes.
To ensure your safety and proper acclimatization to the high altitude, we follow the complete Spiti Circuit starting from Shimla/Narkanda and gradually ascending through Sangla, Kalpa, and Tabo. This scientifically paced route helps prevent Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) before reaching the high-altitude desert of Kaza.
In Spiti, you will explore the 1000-year-old Key Monastery, cross the spectacular Chicham Bridge, send a postcard from the world's highest post office in Hikkim, and visit Komic, the world's highest village connected by a motorable road. The adventure peaks as you camp under the Milky Way at the mesmerizing Chandratal Lake, before crossing the Kunzum Pass and Atal Tunnel to conclude your trip with a relaxing stay in Manali.
High-Altitude Safety & Acclimatization Verified
This itinerary follows the Shimla-to-Kaza route, which is the medically recommended path for gradual acclimatization. All our rugged SUVs are driven by Spiti-certified experts and carry emergency oxygen cylinders to guarantee your safety.
Adventure Highlights
- Drive the treacherous and thrilling Hindustan-Tibet Highway.
- Visit Chitkul, the last inhabited village on the Indo-Tibetan border.
- Explore the 1000-year-old Tabo and Key Monasteries.
- Send a letter from Hikkim, the world's highest post office.
- Experience high-altitude camping at the crescent-shaped Chandratal Lake.
- Cross the mighty Kunzum Pass (4,590m) and the modern Atal Tunnel.
Day-wise Itinerary
Welcome! Your epic road trip begins as our representative greets you at the Chandigarh Airport or Railway Station. We start our ascent into the Himalayas, bypassing the crowded lower hills to reach the serene, apple-orchard town of Narkanda (approx. 5-6 hours drive). This gradual ascent is crucial for your body to start acclimatizing. Upon arrival, check into your hotel. Dinner and overnight stay in Narkanda.
After breakfast, we drive along the Sutlej River towards the Kinnaur district. You will experience the famous "cliffhanger" roads of the Hindustan-Tibet Highway at Taranda Dhak. As we enter the Baspa Valley, the landscape turns lush green. We will drive to Chitkul, the last inhabited village near the Indo-Tibet border, to explore its wooden houses and serene river banks. Later, drive back to Sangla. Dinner and overnight stay in Sangla.
After breakfast, we check out and drive towards Kalpa via Reckong Peo (the district headquarters of Kinnaur). Kalpa is renowned for its incredibly close and majestic views of the Kinnaur Kailash mountain range. Check into your hotel. Later, visit the famous Suicide Point (known for its vertical drop) and the traditional Roghi Village. Enjoy a magical sunset over the snow peaks. Dinner and overnight stay in Kalpa.
Today, the landscape changes dramatically from lush green mountains to barren, rugged desert as we officially enter the Spiti Valley. En route, we stop at Nako Village to see the sacred Nako Lake. We then cross the notorious Malling Nullah and Chango to reach Tabo. Known as the 'Ajanta of the Himalayas', Tabo is home to a 1000-year-old monastery containing exquisite frescoes. Dinner and overnight stay in Tabo.
Places Covered:
- Nako Lake
- Khab (Confluence of Spiti & Sutlej)
- Tabo Monastery
After breakfast, we drive to Dhankar, the ancient capital of Spiti. Visit the Dhankar Monastery, spectacularly perched on a high cliff overlooking the confluence of the Spiti and Pin Rivers. Next, we take a detour into the stunning Pin Valley, known as the land of the Snow Leopard and Ibex. Explore the Mudh village. Later in the afternoon, we drive to Kaza, the commercial hub of Spiti. Dinner and overnight stay in Kaza.
Today is a record-breaking day. We visit Key Monastery, the iconic hilltop Tibetan Buddhist monastery. Next, we drive to Kibber village and cross the Chicham Bridge, Asia's highest bridge. Later, we visit Hikkim, home to the world's highest post office—don't forget to send a postcard! We continue to Komic, the world's highest village connected by a motorable road, and Langza, famous for its giant Buddha statue and prehistoric marine fossils. Dinner and overnight stay in Kaza.
The Highlights Circuit:
- Key Monastery
- Chicham Bridge
- Hikkim (Highest Post Office)
- Komic (Highest Village)
- Langza (Buddha Statue)
After breakfast, we begin our journey towards the enchanting Chandratal Lake. We will drive past Losar village and cross the mighty Kunzum Pass (4,590m), which connects Spiti to the Lahaul valley. From Kunzum, a rugged off-road drive takes us to the Chandratal base camp. We then take a short hike to witness the crescent-shaped Chandratal (Moon Lake) whose waters change colors throughout the day. Return to the campsite. Dinner and overnight stay in Swiss tents near Chandratal.
Wake up to a freezing but beautiful morning. After breakfast at the camp, we begin our drive to Manali. We will navigate the adventurous Batal-Gramphu-Chatru road alongside the Chandra River. We will then cross the modern engineering marvel, the Atal Tunnel (or alternatively Rohtang Pass, subject to status), to emerge into the lush green Kullu Valley. Arrive in Manali by late afternoon and check into your hotel to enjoy a hot shower and comfortable bed. Dinner and overnight stay in Manali.
After a grueling expedition, today is a day to relax and recover. Wake up late and enjoy a hearty breakfast. You can spend the day doing local Manali sightseeing, visiting the ancient Hadimba Temple and Vashisht Hot Springs. Spend the evening exploring the lively Manali Mall Road, enjoying local cafes, and shopping for souvenirs. Dinner and overnight stay in Manali.
Your grand Spiti adventure comes to an end today. After breakfast, check out from your hotel. We will drive back down through the Kullu Valley towards Chandigarh (approx. 8-9 hours drive). Our driver will drop you at the Chandigarh Airport or Railway Station for your onward journey, carrying a lifetime of thrilling Himalayan memories.
Package Inclusions
- 08 Nights Accommodation in Premium Hotels/Guesthouses
- 01 Night stay in Premium Swiss Camps at Chandratal
- Daily Buffet Breakfast & Dinner (MAP Plan)
- Private High-Clearance SUV (Innova/Xylo/Scorpio)
- Emergency Oxygen Cylinder in the vehicle
- Green Tax, Inner Line Permits, and Wildlife fees
- Airport/Railway Station pick-up and drop-off
Package Exclusions
- Flights / Train tickets to/from Chandigarh
- Monument/Monastery Entry Fees & Camera charges
- Afternoon Lunches and En-route meals
- Medical/Travel Insurance (Highly recommended)
- Personal expenses, Room Heaters at camps/guesthouses
- Tips for local guide & driver
Frequently Asked Questions
AMS occurs due to low oxygen levels at high altitudes. The best way to prevent it is by acclimatizing properly. That is exactly why this Spiti Circuit starts from the Shimla side, allowing a gradual ascent over 4 days before reaching Kaza. Stay hydrated, avoid alcohol, and carry preventative medications like Diamox (consult your doctor). Our vehicles also carry emergency oxygen.
The complete Spiti Circuit (including Kunzum Pass and Chandratal) is only open from mid-June to early October. For the full 10-day loop, you must plan your trip within this window.
Due to the extremely tough terrain, especially between Kaza, Chandratal, and Manali, we strictly use high-ground-clearance SUVs such as Toyota Innova, Mahindra Xylo, or Mahindra Scorpio. They are driven by highly experienced local mountain drivers.
Yes, we book premium Swiss tents with attached western washrooms at the Chandratal base camp. However, please note that electricity is usually restricted to specific evening hours via generators, and it gets extremely cold at night. Proper winter clothing is required.
Mobile connectivity is highly limited in Spiti Valley. BSNL and Jio postpaid networks work intermittently in Kaza and Tabo. Airtel and Vodafone generally do not work past Kinnaur. Expect to be disconnected for a few days, especially at Chandratal.