Spiti Valley
Spiti Circuit — Shimla to Manali
The full loop through the cold desert — Kalpa, the Kaza monasteries and villages, a night beside Chandratal, and out over the Kunzum and Rohtang passes to Manali. Acclimatises as it climbs.
Highlights
- Key, Dhankar and Tabo monasteries
- Langza, Komic and Hikkim — the world's highest post office
- Camping beside Chandratal lake
- Kunzum Pass and the drop to Manali
Day by day
- 1
Shimla → Sarahan
Drive from Shimla through the apple belt to Sarahan and its Bhimakali temple.
- 2
Sarahan → Kalpa
Follow the Sutlej into Kinnaur. Kalpa, facing the Kinner Kailash range, for the first proper Himalayan views.
- 3
Kalpa → Kaza
A long day over the Khab confluence and Nako lake into Spiti proper. Overnight in Kaza.
- 4
Kaza — monasteries and villages
Key Monastery, Kibber and the Chicham bridge, then Langza, Komic and Hikkim for the fossils, the Buddha statue and the high post office.
- 5
Kaza → Dhankar → Tabo
The cliff-edge Dhankar Monastery and its lake trail, then the thousand-year-old mud-brick Tabo Monastery.
- 6
Tabo → Chandratal
Back through Kaza and over the Kunzum Pass to camp beside the crescent lake of Chandratal.
- 7
Chandratal → Manali
The rough descent along the Chandra river and over Rohtang Pass (or the Atal Tunnel) to Manali.
- 8
Depart Manali
Transfer to Bhuntar airport or the onward road journey.
What's included
- 6 nights hotels / homestays + 1 night Chandratal camp, with breakfast and dinner
- Private 4x4 (or shared tempo traveller) with an experienced mountain driver
- Inner Line Permits for the restricted stretches
- All toll and driver charges
Not included
- Flights / Volvo to Shimla
- Monastery entry and camera fees
- Lunches
- Oxygen and any evacuation costs
Prices are indicative “from” rates per person on twin sharing, land only, and vary with season, hotel category and group size. Send an enquiry for a firm quote on your dates.
Make it yours
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