Welcome to Spiti Valley, renowned for its rugged landscapes, ancient monasteries, and rich cultural heritage. Situated high in the Transhimalayas, this remote region of Himachal Pradesh promises a unique adventure for intrepid travelers. Get ready to embark on a captivating journey through Spiti Valley.
Spiti Valley offers something to everyone in every season. no doubt summer months are the best time to vist Spiti Valley when all the roads are open and the weather conditions are less hostile. But more adventurous folks do visit this wonderland in the winters too which has its its own rewards like spotting the elusive snow leopard and the endless white vistas of Spiti Valley. In winters the only option is to travel via Shimla / Kinnaur side as Kunzum pass remains closed for almost 6 months of the year cutting off Spiti from Manali and Lahaul .
Here's the most popular Spiti Valley itinerary. Please note that this is suggestive yet common itinerary for Spiti Valley.
A more detailed and personalised Spiti Valley itinerary can be made upon request based on - the number days available, personal interests, and month of travel. Please feel to get in touch with us on +91 88513 28541
Day 5: Day Trip to Langza, Komic, Hikkim, Key monastery and Chicham Bridge. 125 kms. (8 hrs approx.)
Day 1: Chandigarh to Shimla. 110 kms. (3 hrs approx.)
Whether arriving by train, air, or road try and arrive into Chandigarh before noon, the gateway to the Himalayas. Head up towards Shimla via the well-paved and scenic Himalayan expressway (expect plenty of traffic on weekends). Once you get past Parwanoo you will be welcomed by the Shivalik Range of the Himalayas. From there on you will be travelling on mountain roads till the end of your journey.
Arrive into Shimla by 4 pm, check into your hotel (recommended to prebook, specially in season time). Enjoy the evening at the famous Shimla Mall Road. Google maps are mostly accurate on this stretch. Good mobile connectivity.
Note : if one wants to avoid Shimla there is an alternate and a much prettier road available. Instead of staying in Shimla you can either stay in Chail or Kufri.
Day 2: Shimla to Kalpa. 230 kms. (9 hrs approx.)
Start early and embark on a scenic drive from Shimla to Kalpa via Kufri, Narkanda, and Rampur. After Rampur, you will be entering Kinnaur district of Himachal Pradesh (foreigners will need an inner line permit to enter from here). The roads get considerably narrower and your true driving adventure begins from here. Expect lot of pot holes and bumpy patches along the way. The Satluj river will be your companion through most of this drive. You will cross the famous Karcham Dam on this route. Just before the dam is the turn point towards Sangla Valley known for its pristine beauty and apples. Many tourists take this detour to visit Chitkul village (India's last village from this side). You may do the same and spend a night either in Rackcham or Chitkul.
Kalpa is a small town renowned for its apple orchards and breathtaking vistas. Witness the awe-inspiring sunset over the Kinner Kailash range while sipping on a steaming cup of chai. Although Kalpa is a bit of a detour from the main highway to Spiti Valley, it is probably one of the prettiest villages along the way. There are plenty of hotels and lodges in Kalpa to choose from. The centre of the village has a beautiful temple and is a great place to soak in the Kinnauri culture. Google maps are usually accurate on this stretch.
Day 3: Kalpa to Tabo. 170 kms. (6 hrs approx.)
As you start from Kalpa make sure to top up fuel in your vehicle from Rekong Peo. Continue towards Spillow and Pooh (a fuel station is available in Pooh as well), you will leave behind the orchards and greenery and enter the arid landscapes of the Mighty Himalayas. You literally witness the dramatically changing landscape on this drive. After crossing Pooh you will reach Khab Bridge which is the confluence of Satluj River and Spiti river. Geographically, this bridge marks the start of Spiti Valley but you will not be entering Spiti Valley for another 60 kms until you reach a check post at Sumdo which marks the start of Spiti Valley jurisdiction. From Khab you will climb almost 2000 feet up towards Ka village via the Kazigs which are a series of hairpin bends. From here a smooth, well-paved road will take you up towards Nako -- a quaint, beautiful hamlet with a small sacred lake in the middle of the village. The narrow alleys leading upto the lake are a must-do.
From here you will be crossing the Malling Nallah which is a not only the highest point on this road, 12760 feet above sea level. It is a stretch where the weather is unpredictable and shooting stones are a constant threat. From here on its smooth drive to Chango and then onto Sumdo.
Sumdo onwards a narrow, single road will take you to Tabo, a place of great historical and spiritual significance. Explore the ancient Tabo Monastery, known for its exquisite frescoes and intricate mud sculptures. If time and weather permit one can also take a detour from Sumdo and visit Gue monastery to see a 500 year old mummy of a monk. There are plenty of stay options available in Tabo, depending on your budget and preference. Google maps may not be very accurate. Add upto an hour over its estimated travel time. Also the network can be patchy on this stretch.
Day 4: Tabo to Spiti Sojourn Homestay. 75 kms. (3 hrs approx.)
Start from Tabo and take a small detour of 10 kms towards Dhankar Fort and Gompa. Marvel at the stunning views of the Dhankar Lake and Dhankar Monastery perched precariously on a cliffside. One can see the confluence of the Pin and Spiti river from here. It was once the capital of entire Spiti region.
Continue your expedition towards Kaza which is the subdivisional headquarters of Spiti Valley. Kaza is the central hub of Spiti Valley. Upon reaching Kaza, take a stroll around the charming town, indulge in some souvenir shopping and enjoy lunch in one of the cafes that serve delicious local and international food. Kaza has a lot of hotels and home stays catering to almost all needs and budgets. If you wish you may spend a night here. The road leading upto Kaza is a single lane, dusty road and some of the patches have potholes.
From Kaza proceed towards Pangmo village via Rangrik bridge. This stretch is undergoing road widening work, expect a bumpy and a dusty ride. Pangmo is a small, remote village of 28 houses overlooking the Spiti Valley. Soak in the views of Pangmo village and the surrounding vistas of the transHimalayan beauty. In the evening you can take a walk to Pangmo nunnery to have a chat with the nuns of Spiti Valley. Google maps may not be very accurate. Add upto an hour over its estimated travel time. Also the network can be patchy on this stretch.
Day 5: Day Trip to Langza, Komic, Hikkim, Key monastery and Chicham Bridge. 125 kms. (8 hrs approx.)
Start early after a sumpcious breakfast from Spiti Sojourn Homestay. Head straight towards Langza which is also known as the fossil village. The beautiful Buddha statue overlooking the village is the main tourist attraction here. The enchanting drive from Langza to Komic is known for its panoramic views of the snow-capped Himalayas. Visit Komic which is the highest village connected by a motorable road. Don't miss the stunning monastery painted in blue and red in Komic. Proceed to Hikkim village where the worlds highest post office can be visited. Don't forget to pick a post card from here to send to your loved ones back home. By the time you finish these three villages it would be lunch time and you can either proceed straight towards Key monastery or stop by at Kaza for lunch.
Visit the Key Monastery, one of the largest and most ancient monasteries in Spiti. Key Monastery can trace back its history to more than 800 years. It is an awe-inspiring sight. From key head straight towards Chicham bridge which happens to be the highest bridge in Asia. It is an engineering marvel. Enjoy the views from here and head into the Kibber Wildlife Sanctuary to return to Spiti Sojourn Homestay via Kiato bridge. Google maps may not be very accurate. Also the network can be patchy on this stretch.
Day 6: Spiti Sojourn Homestay to Manali via Chandratal Lake. 160 kms. (8 hrs approx.)
Start early and embark on an adventurous drive to Chandratal Lake (detour of about 14 kms one way) via the mighty Kunzum pass, after doing a Parikrama (in Hinduism and Buddhism the action or ritual of moving clockwise round an object of devotion as an indication of reverence) of Kunzum Mata -- a local diety whose blessings are must for the treacherous road ahead. The road beyond Losar village all the way till Gramphu is in a very bad shape. Expect no tar road and plenty of water crossings for around 60 plus kilometres. The road to Chandratal is similar and you my rarely get a chance to go beyond 20 kilometres per hour. Vehicles with a low ground clearance might struggle a bit.
Chandratal is a sparkling jewel of Spiti Valley. Soak in the views of this serenely beautiful lake and witness the mesmerising scenery -- an unforgettable moment for nature lovers. However, make sure to leave this area by 1 pm, as the roads on this stretch are bad and very little accommodation or help is available along the way. At Batal bid farewell to Spiti Valley as you drive towards Manali. Google maps may not be very accurate. Add upto 3 to 4 hours over its estimated travel time. Also there is no network after Losar all the way till Gramphu (approx. 5 hrs / 80 kms). This section of the road is extremely dangerous and bumpy but the views of Chandra river and the mountains along this route are rewarding.
Once you get past the police check post at Gramphu, the road is beautifully paved and and slowly the brown and arid mountains will start giving way to the more greener mountains of Lahaul. You will enter Attal tunnel which is yet another feather in Border Road Organisation's hat. It's a 9 kilometre long tunnel which reduces the travel time by close to two hours. From here on it is an easy drive all the way to Manali. Once in Manali, explore the vibrant Mall Road and enjoy the vibes of Manali. Alternately, if you prefer to stay in a quiet place head towards Naggar.
Day 7: Manali to Chandigarh. 275 kms. (8 hrs approx.)
It is a well-paved highway (at the time this blog was written i.e October 2023, this highway was broken at a lot of places and repair work was going on). Continue onwards to your final destination. Google maps are mostly accurate on this stretch. Good mobile connectivity.
Spiti Valley offers a world of adventure and natural splendour. From ancient monasteries to untouched landscapes, this itinerary provides a glimpse into the mesmerizing beauty of Spiti Valley. Prepare to be astounded by its rugged charm and spiritual aura as you create lifelong memories in this mystical Himalayan paradise.
Hill Driving Tips for Spiti Valley Itinerary:
Here, we will outline the essential rules every driver should know when taking on the challenge of hill driving in Spiti Valley. Driving through mountains can be an exhilarating experience. The breathtaking views and winding roads make for an unforgettable journey. However, hill driving requires a unique set of skills and knowledge to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip.
Maintain a Steady Speed: One of the crucial rules of hill driving is to maintain a steady speed while climbing or descending steep inclines. Sudden acceleration or deceleration can lead to loss of control, especially on slippery surfaces.
Use Lower Gears: When driving uphill, shift into a lower gear to build and maintain power. This will prevent your vehicle from stalling and ensure a smoother ascent.
Brake Smartly: When descending hills, use your brakes judiciously, applying steady pressure rather than constant braking. Avoid overheating the brakes by downshifting and engaging lower gears to control speed. Try and use engine braking.
Watch out for Hairpin Turns: Hills often feature serpentine roads with sharp hairpin turns. Approach these turns with caution, braking before entering the curve and accelerating gently as you exit. When approaching a blind curve it is advisable to use horn.
Stay Alert for Changing Weather Conditions: Hill weather can be unpredictable. Be prepared for sudden fog, rain, or icy patches. Adjust your driving technique accordingly, reducing speed and increasing following distance. Always start early and reach early. Night driving in hills is not advisable.
Vehicle coming uphill has the right of way. In some of the narrow stretches look out for oncoming traffic and stop at a safe passing area. Be considerate to trucks with heavy load especially if they are coming uphill. Always drive on your side of the road.
Be alert for fallings rocks or shooting stones. Don't play loud music in the car as it could distract the driver and they might not hear an oncoming vehicle or any other odd sound or noise. Listen to the locals and other drivers. Do not cross a river or stream without properly accessing the current and depth of the water.
Always get your car serviced and inspected before taking long and adventurous trips. Make sure your wipers are in good condition and your tyre pressure is set right.
By following these essential hill driving rules, any driver can confidently navigate through challenging terrains. Remember to always prioritise safety. Stay focused and enjoy the unique adventure of hill driving.
Happy travels and we look forward to welcoming you to Spiti Valley!
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