Spiti Valley Road Trip
Starts and ends in Shimla covering Kinnaur Sangla and Kalpa along the way to Spiti. A beautiful trip through the high mountains and deep valleys of Kinnaur to Spiti and ending back in Shimla. Since Manali route is shut till June end and hence we suggest this trip. The right time to visit throughout the year
Spiti Valley Himachal Pradesh Tour Itinerary
Day 1 - Departure from Delhi to Shimla.
- Leave from Delhi by late evening and reach Shimla the next morning.
Day 2 - Reach Shimla- Drive to The Last Indian Village - Chitkul / Sangla [Distance: Approx 220km, Duration: 9-10 Hours]
- Drive through Kufri, Narkanda along the Indo-Tibetan highway on the way to Chitkul
- Enter the Kinnaur valley by crossing Kinnaur Gate (The rock tunnel is famously called as the Gateway of Kinnaur, situated around 170 kms from Shimla on the Shimla-Kaza Road, also known as the Hindustan-Tibet Road.)
- Experience the last Indian village towards China border and experience another white wonderland.
- Dinner & overnight stay in a hotel at Chitkul
- Reach Chitkul by evening.
Day 3 - Transfer From Chitkul / Sangla to Kalpa. Overnight Stay at Kalpa [Distance: Approx 70km, Duration: 3-4 Hours]
- Wake up early morning and after check out visit Hindustan ka Aakhri Dhabha
- Make a visit to the famous Cliff Point of Kalpa at Roghi village
- Then Explore Kinnaur district biggest market - Peo Market, reach Kalpa by evening and relax.
- Check-in to the hotel. Dinner & sleep overnight.
Day 4 - Transfer from Kalpa to Tabo via Nako [Distance: 168km, Duration: 7-8 Hours]. Overnight stay at Tabo.
- Wake up early morning & after breakfast start your journey to Spiti Valley.
- Cross the Ka loops to reach Nako & have your lunch in Nako.
- Enter Spiti valley through Sumdo Border. Later Visit Gue Monastery same day.
- Reach Tabo by evening & Visit the Oldest Monastery in Spiti Valley i.e. Tabo Monastery.
- Check-in to the property: Dinner & sleep overnight.
Day 5 - Visit Dhankar Monastery, Key Monastery, Chicham Bridge [Distance: Approx 125km, Duration: 6-7 Hours]. Overnight stay at Kaza.
- Wake up early morning and after having the breakfast, head for Dhankar Village.
- Visit Dhankar Monstery which offers a spectacular view of confluence of Spiti and Pin River.
- Visit the most scenic monastery of Spiti Valley - The Key Monastery.
- Further, drive to the highest suspension bridge in Asia - The Chicham Bridge.
- Come back to Kaza by evening.
- Dinner and sleep overnight.
Day 6 - Visit Langza, Komic & Hikkim Village. Overnight stay at Kaza. [Distance: Approx 80km, Duration: 6-7 Hours]
- Wake up early morning and after breakfast check-out of the hotel.
- Enjoy the scenic drive to Langza - the fossil village. Visit the famous Buddha statue in Langza surrounded by white mountains.
- Visit the iconic villages of Spiti - Hikkim(location of the World's Highest Post Office), Komik(the highest village in the world connected through a motorable road)
- Dinner & overnight stay in a hotel at Kaza.
Day 7 - Departure To Kalpa from Kaza. Overnight Stay at Kalpa. [Distance: 215 km, Duration: 7-8 Hours]
- Wake up early morning and after breakfast check-out of the hotel.
- Depart for the Kalpa. Reach Kalpa by Night
- Check-in to the hotel and relax.
- Dinner & overnight in a hotel at Kalpa
Day 8 - Depart to Shimla. [Distance: 210km, Duration: 8-9 Hours] Overnight transfer to Delhi.
- Wake up early morning and after breakfast depart for Shimla.
- Reach Shimla by evening.
- Depart for Delhi.
Day 9 - Reach Delhi by morning.
- Reach Delhi morning around 09:00 AM
What is included in the tour
- Volvo transfer from Delhi to Shimla & back.
- Entire sightseeing by tempo traveler. Accommodation on triple sharing for 6 nights – 1 Night at Chitkul ,2 Nights at Kalpa, 1night in Tabo, 2 Nights in hotel at Kaza.
- A total 12 meals – 1 Meal on Day 1 (Dinner) + 2 Meals on Day 2 (Breakfast + Dinner) + 2 Meals on Day 3 (Breakfast + Dinner) + 2 Meals on Day 4 (Breakfast + Dinner) + 2 Meals on Day 5 (Breakfast + Dinner) + 2 Meal on Day 6 (Breakfast + Dinner), 1 Meal on Day 7 (Breakfast)
- All inner line permits for the trip.
- Driver Night Charges, Toll Tax, Parking Charges, etc.
- Team Captain throughout the trip.
- An Oxygen Cylinder 24X7 in the car in case of emergency
What is NOT included in the tour
- GST (5%) is applicable extra.
- Any kind of food or beverage that is not included in the package like alcoholic drinks, mineral water, meals/refreshments/lunches on the highway.
- Any personal expenses like a tip to the drivers, entry to monuments/monasteries, camera/video camera charges, laundry, telephone bills, tips, etc
- Any cost arising due to natural calamities like landslides, roadblocks etc. (to be borne directly by the customer on the spot)
- Anything not mentioned in the inclusions.
- Sunscreen
- Goggles
- Basic hiking/ training shoes
- Lip balm
- Some thermals
- Woolen socks
- Woolen cap
- Muffler
- Wind cheater
- Sweat shirt
- Jacket
- Woolen gloves
- Toilet paper
- Moisturizer
- Extra camera batteries
Cancellation Policy
- Cancellation before 30 days of start date will be charged processing fee equivalent to 10% per person;
- Cancellations between 20 days to 30 days before start date, 25% of tour cost would be charged as retention;
- Cancellations between 20 days to 15 days before start date, 50% of tour cost would be charged as retention;
- Cancellations made within 15 days of start date, entire tour cost shall be charged as retention;
- Above policy may vary during peak season.
Spiti Valley Road Tour
Will we cover Kunzum Pass ?
Kunzum Pass is only open from June to October, so we won't be able to visit it on this trip. After visiting Kaza, we'll head back to Kinnaur-Shimla.
Which is the best time to visit Spiti Valley?
Spiti Valley is best from mid-May to mid-October. Clear skies, mild days, and cold nights define this season. From mid-July to mid-September, monsoons can cause landslides and blockages, making travel difficult. Snowfall closes several routes and passes in the winter. If you want a winter adventure, visit between November and February to see the stunning snow-covered landscapes. But harsh temperatures and road restrictions make travel difficult.
What are the major tourist attractions in Kinnaur - Spiti Valley?
Kinnaur and Spiti Valley have several noteworthy tourist attractions. Popular ones are:
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Tabo Monastery: This 1000-year-old UNESCO World Heritage Site located in Tabo. Its murals and old treasures are famous.
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Key Monastery: The oldest and greatest monastery in the region is in Kaza. Its architecture and mountain views are famous.
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Kalpa: Kinnaur's apple orchards and Kinner Kailash mountain views make Kalpa a lovely settlement.
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Nako Lake: Surrounded by snow-capped mountains, this tranquil lake in Nako is a popular picnic and trekking location.
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Pin Valley National Park, a wildlife sanctuary in Spiti Valley, is home to various rare and endangered species, including the snow leopard.
Distance from Kinnaur to Spiti Valley
There are many ways to get from Kinnaur to Spiti Valley, so the distance between the two places varies depending on which route you take. The most common way to get from Reckong Peo, the main town in Kinnaur, to Kaza, the main town in Spiti Valley, is to take the NH-5 and NH-505 highways. This route is about 200 to 220 kilometers long and takes about 7 to 9 hours to drive, depending on how the roads are and how much traffic there is.
The Hindustan-Tibet Road is another popular route. It goes from Shimla to Kinnaur and then to Spiti Valley. This route is longer, but the views of the Himalayas and the Sutlej river valley are breathtaking. Shimla and Kaza are about 450–500 kilometers apart. The trip can take anywhere from 2–3 days, depending on how many stops are made and what kind of transportation is used.
Is Spiti Valley safe?
Spiti Valley is generally considered a safe destination for travelers. The local people are friendly and welcoming, and the region has a low crime rate. However, it is always recommended to take necessary precautions to ensure your safety while traveling.
One of the main safety concerns in Spiti Valley is the terrain and altitude. The region is located at an average altitude of 4,000 meters above sea level, and the lack of oxygen can cause altitude sickness, which can be life-threatening in severe cases. It is advisable to acclimatize properly before engaging in any physical activity or undertaking treks.
What are the different modes of transportation available for traveling to Spiti Valley?
Travel to Spiti Valley depends on your budget and choices. These are some common types of transportation:
Go to Spiti Valley by private cab or automobile from Manali or Shimla. Customizing your route and stopping at different destinations makes this the most convenient option. It's pricey, and the roads to Spiti Valley require a skilled driver.
Public buses: HRTC runs daily buses from Manali, Shimla, and other major towns to Spiti Valley. Budget-friendly buses are pleasant and inexpensive. Unfortunately, bus schedules may be infrequent, making the trip tedious and uncomfortable.
Shared taxis: Manali, Shimla, and other cities offer shared cabs to Spiti Valley. It's cheaper than a private taxi for solo travellers or small parties. The ride is uncomfortable, and you may have to wait for other people.
Motorbikes: Manali and Shimla provide motorbike rentals for Spiti Valley. Adventurers like this since they can explore the beautiful scenery at their own time. You must be an experienced biker and prepared for difficult roads and weather.
Does Spiti Valley have an oxygen problem?
Spiti Valley is at a high altitude. At this altitude, the air is thin, which can make it hard for some people to breathe because there isn't enough oxygen. Most people, though, can get used to the altitude over time, and altitude sickness can be avoided by getting used to the altitude slowly and drinking lots of water to stay hydrated.
It's important to remember that some people may be more likely to get altitude sickness, like those who have problems with their lungs or hearts. Before going to Spiti Valley or any other high altitude place, people in these situations should talk to a doctor.
Why doesn't Spiti Valley have any trees?
Since the area is in a rain shadow, it doesn't rain much, so the mountains don't have any plants. The climate has sharp changes in temperature, high-speed winds, an atmosphere at a high altitude, and low humidity. All of these things make the soil dry and almost completely devoid of organic matter.
Weather and temperature in Spiti
Spiti Valley's weather and temperatures change with the seasons.
Summer (April to June): In Spiti Valley, the temperature ranges from 10°C to 25°C during the summer. It's a great time to visit the valley because the weather is nice and the sky is clear.
Monsoon (July–September): It doesn't rain much in Spiti Valley, and the monsoon season isn't very long. The temperature during this time can be anywhere from 5°C to 20°C. During heavy rain, landslides and roadblocks can happen, so it's best to check the weather forecast before travelling.
Temperatures in the Spiti Valley range from a low of -5 degrees Celsius to a high of 15 degrees Celsius during the fall season (October to November). The air is cool and pleasant, and the leaves are turning beautiful colours.
Winter (from December to March): During winter, the average temperature in Spiti Valley is around -20°C, which is below freezing. Heavy snowfall has closed the road to the valley, which is covered in a blanket of snow. The winter is not a good time to travel.
