Spiti Valley Road Trip

About The Trip

Thinking of planning for a thrilling Road Trip to Spiti Valley?

While Ladakh has become too popular these days, and many of us are keen to find a place that’s a little less crowded yet holds the similar beauty of the Himalayas – what can be a better choice other than exploring Spiti Valley! A cold desert mountain valley located high in the Himalayas in the northeastern part of Himachal Pradesh, this gorgeous valley should be there on every traveller’s bucket list. The word “Spiti” means “The Middle Land”, which is the land between Tibet and India. To say the least, this Spiti Valley road trip will surely be one of the best experiences you’ve ever had!

We will start our journey from Shimla, a buzzing hill station, and move ahead to Upper Kinnaur, crossing Narkanda and Chitkul, entering the jaw-dropping Spiti Valley. We’ll explore the tiny little villages tucked in the Himalayas, and walk through the corridors of the ancient monasteries, soaking in the beauty and tranquillity of nature, before we finally arrive in Manali, via Lahaul district. This circuit is very popular, but we have our way to make it unconventional. Explore the real culture and lifestyle of the community and take a step towards culture and ecology-sensitive travel. We’ll be meeting the local people of the valley, binge on their delicacies, experience their way of life and above all, learn how they value the importance of nature.

Kaza, the main town of Spiti, has been marked as a plastic-free town and you won’t find any store selling products that have plastic covering, etc. That means there’s no mineral water bottle available as well, and you need to carry your bottle during this trip.

Come. Join Us. Let’s Explore Together & Learn To Be Responsible Travelers!

Brief Itinerary

Day 1 : Overnight Journey from Delhi to Shimla

Day 2: Drive to Kalpa

Day 3: Kalpa to Dhankar 

Day 4: Dhankar to Kaza

Day 5: Spiti Sightseeing Day

Day 6: Kaza to Kalpa

Day 7: Kalpa to Shimla

Day 8: Arrival at Delhi | Trip ends
 

Inclusions & Exclusions

Inclusions

  • Transport: All transport from Narkanda to Manali by Bolero / Sumo/Endeavou
  • Accommodation: All stays – Hostel / Guesthouses / Camp
  • Meals: All meals –  Day 1 Dinner to Day 7 Breakfast ( Breakfast and Dinner )
  • All tolls, Permits, parking and fue
  • Driver allowances and stay
  • Good vibes and experience that you gai
  • An experienced trip leader from the community and Plan The Unplanned Outdoor Leader

Exclusions

  • Any Air/ Train / bus fare which has not been mentioned
  • Any personal shopping of any type
  • Any other meals / snacks during the journey etc which have not been mentioned above
  • Any alcoholic or non-alcoholic drinks
  • Anything which has not been included above.

Detail Itinerary


Dinner

Private Vehicle | (Bolero / Sumo/Endeavour)

Tents | (Twin/Triple sharing Basis)


Details

| 172 kms | 04-05 hrs | 2708 mts |
Narkanda (2760mts) in Shimla hills, a small snow town with Ski slope and studded with apple estates, is just 70 kms from Shimla and is still Unexplored. The snow covered Dhauladhar Ranges, pine forests, traditional homes and farms make it a good place to acclimatize for an adventure like Spiti. Its virginity always intrigues us and we chose to make it a base for our trips to Spiti all round the year.

•    Pick up from Chandigarh Airport and transfer to Narkanda, through pine forests and Dhauladhar range alongside.
•    Meet your hosts and co- travelers for the trip.
•    Head for a small hike upto Eco Park Tanujubber and local village. (depending on arrival)
•    Briefing of the trip followed by Dinner. 

O/n Narkanda at a campsite



Breakfast, Dinner

Private Vehicle | (Bolero / Sumo/Endeavour)

Homestay | (Twin/Triple sharing Basis)


Details

Chitkul, is the ‘first’ wooded village sloping towards the mystic valley which shares the Himalayan borders with China. A little walk in the village, will expose you to the primitive and tough Himalayan life. This self sustaining village will charm you infinitely.
Kinnaur, located in the middle of Shimla hills and Spiti, has both Hinduism and Buddhism worship complexes in all its settlements which have been adored by the Kinnauries. Enjoy this beautiful amalgamation of religions.

  • Drive to Sangla Velley, to the village of Chhitkul.
  • Drive along side Baspa River with scenic views with traditional architecture.
  • Check in to your warm homestay rooms facing the mystic view of the valley.
  • After freshening up,head for a walk around the village with its temple and monastery complex!
  • Choose to spend some time next to the Baspa River .
  • Rest after dinner.



Breakfast, Dinner

Private Vehicle | (Bolero / Sumo/Endeavour)

Homestay | (Twin/Triple sharing Basis)


Details

|210 kms| 06-07 hrs |3050mts|
Tabo marks the beginning of Spiti Valley as an entrance to the flat dry deserts. Tabo has always attracted a lot of historians and archeologists due to its second name – Ajanta & Elora of the Himalayas, due to its rich history. The Tabo monastery founded in the 996 AD the Tabo Gompa is the Oldest and Largest Monastery in the Spiti Valley. Pack up and start your journey towards the “Tabo Village” to get a glimpse of our history.
On the way stop by at Nako for tea and a quick walk around the village and the Nako Lake. 

  • Gear up with your cameras to visit the Oldest Monastery of Spiti Valley ‘Tabo’.
  • Experience the feel of Buddhist prayer an early chilly morning at Tabo Gompa.
  • Stay with a local family in a traditional house with local cuisine.



Breakfast, Dinner

Private Vehicle | (Bolero / Sumo/Endeavour)

Homestay | (Twin/Triple sharing Basis)


Details

Kaza or Kaja as the locals say, is the headquarters of Spiti Valley in the Lahaul and Spiti district. It also marks your presence at the centre of the MIDDLE LAND. The city is well developed with almost all infrastructure amidst dry cold deserts as context. Kaza has a lot to offer in terms of culture and belief, besides the shopping arcade, Café’s and eating joints.
Beyond Kaza, the landscape is studded with some small settlements at a God forbidden altitude. These places still bear a post office, a police station, school, primary health department, Gym and a bus stand, functioning like in your city. This area has been declared as a fossil spotting site, taking one back to history of a medieval time. These clusters are spread along the contours, with dwarfed mud structures made from the context itself. The first sight of these settlements from far away leaves a person speechless, and then a story teller!

  • Depart from Tabo into real Spiti.
  • Head to Dhankar, at the confluence of River Spiti & Pin. Strategically made to elude any traveler of its presence, Dhankar means a checkpost.
  • Visit to Worlds highest post office Hikkim.
  • Visit the oldest monastery at Komik and the beautiful Buddha statue at Langza, the fossil village.
  • Check in your worm homestay with inhouse bukhari and soak in the history of this middle land!



Breakfast, Dinner

Private Vehicle | (Bolero / Sumo/Endeavour)

Homestay | (Twin/Triple sharing Basis)


Details

|65kms|3-4hrs|4300mts|
Chandratal – the Crescent Moon lake, is said to be a holy lake by the lcoals acting as a reservoir for water in the valleys below. Its marshes act as a grazing ground for the sheeps and cattle of surrounding Himalayas. It also marks the starting fo Lahaul and the ending of Spiti at Kunzum Pass.
The walk from the parking starts to seem long until the turn opens up to this majestic and magical creation. Turquoise blue floating under the sky in the shape of a crescent. The name ‘Chandra Taal’ = the Moon Lake just explains the celestial beauty of the lake.

  • Head to the very iconic Key monastery. Located at an altitude of 4166 mts, was founded back in the 11th century. Alongside Spiti River, the monastery has an entire complex for lamas to live, study and practice.
  • Visit to Asia’s highest suspension Bridge at Chicham and Kibber village.
  • Drive through the untamed roads of Spiti via Losar to Chandratal Lake nd head for a walk to the lake after checking in and freshening up.
  • Back to the tents to warm up by the tandoor, followed by dinner and rest.
  • After dinner engage in star gazing and photography.

o/n Chandratal



Breakfast, Dinner

Private Vehicle | (Bolero / Sumo/Endeavour)

Haveli | (A Boutique Stay)


Details

|111 kms | 04-05 hrs | 2050mts |
Today, you will be driving via one of the most adventurous roads of India – the Chandratal – Manali road. A river bed in nature, this route has the heart and guts of all adventurists and motor experts. Our experienced team will take you through this experience smoothly.
You will also cross many small settlements by the army for aid and security. This route indeed makes it the best experience to end the trip. Enjoy the ride and head to Manali – the Gateway of Trans Himalayas!

•    After breakfast we drive back to Manali, along the rover Beas calling it the last leg of the circuit.
•    Check in your boutique stay amidst apple orchards and head out for a walk to soak in the treasures of Spiti!
•    Rest and spend the evening relaxing in your balconies, followed by Dinner.



Breakfast

Private Vehicle | (Bolero / Sumo/Endeavour)

Stay Not Applicable | (Twin/Triple sharing Basis)


Details

•    After breakfast we will head back to Delhi.
•    The last leg of the road trip.
•    Drop at Chandigarh Airport.

 


Things To Carry

 

  • Down jacket (main jacket) for insulation and warmth.
  • Mufflers or neck warmer to protect your neck and face from cold winds.
  • Raincoat or poncho to keep you dry during sudden rain showers.
  • Sunscreen lotion to protect your skin from harmful UV rays.
  • Sunglasses to shield your eyes from the sun's glare.
  • Inner layer such as thermal underwear to retain body heat.
  • T-shirt or fleece for additional warmth and layering.
  • Trek pants for flexibility and comfort while hiking or trekking.
  • Extra pair of socks to keep your feet warm and dry.
  • Woolen cap to keep your head and ears warm.
  • Rucksack (at least 40L) to store all your gear and equipment.
  • Extra pair of clothes in case of unexpected changes in weather.
  • Undergarments for personal hygiene and comfort.
  • Slippers for relaxation after a long day of hiking or trekking.
  • Power bank to keep your electronic devices charged.
  • Torch for illumination during low light conditions.
  • Water bottle to stay hydrated and avoid dehydration.
  • Tissue roll for personal hygiene and sanitation.
  • Hand sanitizer to maintain hand hygiene and prevent infections.
  • Personal toiletries for your grooming needs.
  • Medicines for any pre-existing medical conditions or emergencies.
  • First aid kit to address minor injuries or medical emergencies

Policy and Terms

Here's the cancellation policy for Spiti Valley Road Trip

  • If you cancel before 30 days - 50% of amount will be refunded
  • If you cancel between 20 - 25% % of amount will be refunded
  • If you cancel 7 days before the trip date no amount will be refunded
  • *Intimation Period means the number of days before the tour is scheduled to start
  • **Cancellation Fee is the amount of money that will be deducted from the total billing amount before offering the refund.
  • Refund/Cancellation requests are accepted only by email at [email protected] and not via call or Whatsapp.

Note: For All The Above Refund Cases Transaction Fees/Internet Handling Charges will be dedcuted from the overall amount and balance amount shall be refunded. You can transfer your ticket to anyone so that you could save your hard earned money

For other trips and travels with us, and detailed terms and conditions c

How to Reach

 

FAQ's

The interesting thing about traveling alone is that you get to meet new people from diverse backgrounds, and towards the end you are no longer strangers. Hence solo travelers are always welcome to join us on our trips. Read more about solo travelling here and get inspired! https://www.plantheunplanned.com/solo-yet-accompanied/

Safety and security is our priority at all times. Hence it is absolutely safe for women/girls to join us on our treks and travels. Our trek leaders accompany the team at all times, and our campsites are secured and safe for accomodation. We also have female trek leaders who accompany on most of our treks.

Well, most of our treks are usually confirmed by Thursday and you would receive a BON VOYAGE mail that would contain details as regards Pickup Points ( Location and Timings ), Outdoor Leader ( Point of Contact ), Do’s and Don’ts. You’ll be added to Whatsapp Group for all the further updates.

Details for availing discounts are mentioned in the following link, https://www.plantheunplanned.com/membership/

Additional Information

How is the Trip /Trek Organised?
For the proper organization of Backpacking Trips and Himalayan treks, Plan the Unplanned team is associated with a local experienced team that’s registered with ATOAI (Adventure Tour Operators Association of India)

Moreover, we have been working with them for 10 years. Their highly skilled staff with 20+ years of experience, professional local guides and BMC certified trek leaders are the reasons for our continuing partnership with them. The team shall manage all operations, medical and mechanical backup starting from the base location.

Only when we have over 8 bookings from Bangalore, do we send our leaders from Bangalore.

Note: To properly utilize resources, a batch from PTU is clubbed with trekkers who originally book with the local team. This is how all trekking organizations manage their treks. An exclusive PTU batch is only formed when we have a majority of bookings ( over 8 and above ) from PTU

cover pic

From : INR 24500/-

INR 22500/-

per person



*Prices will vary for Long Weekend
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