Spiti Valley Road Trip
9 days
₹18,500
Moderate
20 Jun 2026
3 available
About this trip
Spiti is not a destination — it's a test of whether you're still alive. The Cold Desert, ancient monasteries, the world's highest villages, and a road that may or may not exist depending on the day. We drive the Shimla–Manali circuit through Kinnaur and Spiti, camping under skies you won't find anywhere else.
Day-by-day itinerary
Drive from Shimla through the apple orchards of Narkanda and descend to Rampur Bushahr along the Sutlej. Evening in Rampur.
Enter Kinnaur. The valley turns dramatic — sheer cliffs, the turquoise Baspa river, Kamru Fort, and Chitkul (India's last village on the India–China border).
Cross Kinnaur, stop at Kalpa for the impossible view of Kinner Kailash peak, continue to Nako Lake. One of the most beautiful evening camps of the trip.
Enter Spiti Valley proper. Visit Tabo Monastery (975 AD — older than Angkor Wat). Drive into Kaza.
The monastery circuit: Key (13th century, perched above the valley), Komic (world's highest motorable village), Hikkim (world's highest post office — mail a postcard).
Langza fossil village, then Dhankar Monastery and the surreal Dhankar Lake hike. Afternoon in Pin Valley (Snow Leopard Reserve).
Drive over the Kunzum La (4,590m) pass — one of the most dramatic road crossings in the country. Arrive at the crescent-shaped Chandratal Lake. Camp night under stars at altitude.
Morning at the lake, then descend over Rohtang Pass to Manali. Celebration dinner in Manali Old Town (Vashisht).
Breakfast and departure. Overnight Volvo bus to Delhi available or extend your stay in Manali.
What’s included
What’s included
- All surface transport (shared 4WD/SUV, Shimla to Manali)
- All accommodation as listed (hotel/homestay/camp)
- All meals from Day 1 dinner to Day 9 breakfast
- Experienced driver-guide team familiar with Spiti roads
- Inner-line permits for restricted zones
- All monastery entry fees
Not included
- Travel to Shimla / from Manali
- Meals in Kaza town on Day 4/5 (you'll want to explore the cafés)
- Personal expenses
- Any activity beyond itinerary
Things to carry
- ·Warm layers (temperatures can drop to -5°C at night even in June)
- ·Sunscreen SPF 50+ (UV is extreme at altitude)
- ·Comfortable clothing for long driving days
- ·Motion sickness tablets if needed (mountain roads)
- ·Power bank (electricity unreliable in remote areas)
- ·Water purification tablets
Safety & fitness
✓Roads in Spiti are mountain passes — drives can be longer than planned due to conditions.
✓Altitude above 4,000m: watch for AMS symptoms. Descent is the cure.
✓Our drivers have 10+ years of Spiti experience and know every alternate route.
✓Emergency contacts at Kaza hospital and Manali base maintained throughout.
Frequently asked questions
June to October when the roads are open. The Shimla route opens around June 1; Rohtang Pass (Manali side) opens after the snow clears, usually May–June.
The roads are challenging mountain passes, not highways. That is part of the experience. Our drivers are Spiti specialists — we've done 40+ circuits without incident. Travel insurance is mandatory.