Spiti Valley Roadtrip in Winter

Spiti Valley Roadtrip in Winter
Spiti Valley Roadtrip in Winter
Spiti Valley Roadtrip in Winter
Spiti Valley Roadtrip in Winter

About The Trip

Which adventure is more fierce than navigating in the snow? Spiti Valley Road Trip in winter is for those who love the winter sun, tea-soaked biscuits, and pacifying ride. Spiti in winter is a sumptuous three-course hot meal if spread on a platter: giant mountains, pacific villages, and monasteries. Translated as “The Middle land”, Spiti is geographically sandwiched between Tibet and India. The entire valley filled with snow seems to be stretched till eternity. You can’t guess where the land ends and the sky begins. With snow under your boots and mountains overlooking every direction, we promise there will be endless opportunities to mould life’s outlook. 

Home to the world’s prettiest and oldest locations – including Key, Kalpa, Gue, Dhankar and Tabo monasteries, Pin Valley, Chandratal Lake, Khab, Kunjum and pass – Spiti is a cold mountain desert, also known as “Little Tibet”. It is bordered on the northern side by Ladakh, Tibet in the East, Kinnaur in the South-East and Kullu valley in the North. You will testify to extremities while traversing the bridge, India’s last inhabited village and highest post office.

Good things take time. It would not be easy for a traveller, but the thrill and adventure of Spiti Valley Roadtrip in Winter will keep you going. The road will take the following route: Delhi -> Shimla -> Chitkul/Sangla -> Kalpa -> Nako -> Kaza -> Spiti -> Kaza -> Kalpa -> Shimla -> Delhi. This 9-day trip is not for meek; it demands a strong mind. After this duration, you will become more compassionate, thankful, and respectful. Here is a brief itinerary of the Spiti Valley Road Trip in Winter

Trip Highlights

  1. Reach Shimla via the Indo-Tibetan highway.
  2. Enjoy the heavenly Cedar and Pine forests.
  3. Visit “India’s last Inhabited Village: Chitkul”.
  4. In Chitkul, eat apples, play along the river Baspa, and enjoy snow-clad mountains.
  5. Explore “the abode of God: Reckong Peo”. 
  6. Get the marvellous sight of the Kinnaur Kailash Range.
  7. Stop by many monasteries from Tabo to Kaza: Gue, Dhankar.
  8. Sit by Nako lake, at an altitude of 3662 m, surrounded by Poplar and Willow trees.
  9. Witness the union of Sutlej and Spiti rivers, popularly known as Khab.
  10. Meditate in Kalpa Monastery and visit Suicide Point.
  11. Go to attain peace in Key Monastery and see the breathtaking views from the Chincham bridge – India’s highest bridge. 
  12. Also, go to “the highest village in the world: Komic village”.
  13. Come to stay in “the land of the fossils: Langza”.
  14. Go shopping, cafe-hopping, talking, exploring in the local markets. 

Brief Itinerary

Day 1: Depart from Delhi to Shimla - Overnight Journey

Day 2: Drive from Shimla to Chitkul/Sangla covering 225 kilometers in 9 hours

Day 3: Drive from Chitkul/Sangla to Kalpa covering 50 kilometers in 3 hours

Day 4: Drive from Kalpa to Tabo, visit Nako Lake and Nako Monastery, and cover 100 kilometers in 5 hours

Day 5: Drive from Tabo to Kaza and cover 110 kilometers in 5 hours

Day 6: Spiti Sightseeing Day - Visit Komic, Hikkim, and Langza

Day 7: Drive back from Kaza to Kalpa, covering 200 kilometers in 7 hours

Day 8: Drive from Kalpa to Shimla, covering 222 kilometers in 8 hours

Day 9: Arrival at Delhi - Tour End

Inclusions & Exclusions

Inclusions

  • To and tro transport from Shimla
  • Bus tickets to and fro – Delhi & Shimla
  • Stay on sharing basis as per itinerary.
  • Meal Plan: Breakfast + Dinner, Starting from Day 02 Dinner till Day 08 Breakfast
  • Outdoor Leader will be present at all times during the tour.
  • Mechanical Support
  • All necessary permits 

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.
  • Any expense arising out of unforeseen contingencies, breakdowns, natural calamities, landslides etc.

Detail Itinerary


Meals Not Applicable

Private Vehicle

Stay Not Applicable


Details

Distance: 340 km 
Time: 8 hours

The group assembles at the pickup point. The time and pickup points will be communicated to you in a separate mail. Mostly, the pickup location will be RK Ashram or Majnu ka Tila (tentative).

After meeting and settling on the bus, trek leaders will brief you about the trip. However you come, we will disband your strangeness or any shackle of doubts. Once the group is ready to roll by itself, we will let you explore things independently. 

We will leave Delhi at 10:00 pm and reach Shimla early in the morning.  



Breakfast, Dinner

Private Vehicle

Hotel


Details

Distance: 225 km
Time: 9 hours drive

We will reach Shimla via the Indo-Tibet highway. Here, we will collect all our belongings, leave the bus and change our mode of transportation from bus to tempo traveller. After breakfast break, we will head out for Chitkul/Sangla. It is a 9 hours drive. 

Chitkul, India’s last inhabited village, is a tiny hamlet in the remote Himalayas. The place is blessed with natural beauty. Hills from three sides surround it; a river flows down from the mountains, with the sun rising in the backdrop. Snow-clad mountains, green-red apple orchards, deodar trees, and the gurgling Baspa river contribute to the beauty of Chitkul.

Over dinner, we will share anecdotes of our previous travels and indulge in bonding exercises. Stay here for the night and slip into a deep slumber in Chitkul’s atmosphere.



Breakfast, Dinner

Private Vehicle

Hotel


Details

Distance: 50 km
Time: 3 hours
Altitude: 2960 m

After breakfast, we will start at Kalpa, a scenic paradise. En route, we will take a pit stop at Reckong Peo town. It is a chief village of the Kinnaur region, nestled at 2,768 m and is famously known as “the abode of god”. It also serves as the entry point to Kalpa. Nearby pine trees, apple orchards and deodars give it a unique aura. Plus, you will view the Kinnaur Kailash range throughout the day. Embrace it while you are here. Surprisingly,   the Shivling peaks rise to 6,000 m. You can sit and observe the snow-clad mountains amidst the misty atmosphere. 

Upon reaching Kalpa and after a short rest break, we will go for Kalpa sightseeing. Kalpa is a small village in the Sutlej river valley inhabited by the Kinnauri people. The town is famous for many things. The first one on our list is Hu-Bu-Lan-Kar or Kalpa Monastery. The monastery is old and was founded by Rinchensang-po (950-1055 AD). 

Next, we will go to Suicide Point. It is notorious because of the jaw-dropping views and dangerously vertical trench. It’s said that a lady traveller fell from here while capturing photos. So be careful. 

This will mark the day as complete, and after a healthy dinner, we will spend the night here.



Breakfast, Dinner

Private Vehicle

Hotel


Details

Distance: 100 km
Time: 5 hours

Post breakfast, we will be on the road to Nako. It is a tiny hamlet situated in the trans-Himalayan region. 

Midway, we will stop at Khab, which serves as the union for two rivers: Sutlej and Spiti. 

In Nako, we will visit the serene Nako lake. It is a high-altitude lake that forms the boundary of the Nako village. The lake is at 3,662 m and is surrounded by Poplar and Willow trees.  

Then, we will visit and pay our respects at Nako Monastery. 

Dinner and overnight stay at Tabo will be arranged. As soon as we are here, we will continue the party without unnecessary bemusing.



Breakfast, Dinner

Private Vehicle

Hotel


Details

Distance: 110 km
Time: 5 hours

After early breakfast, the group will go to the headquarters of Spiti: Kaza. There are many monasteries on the route. We will visit as many as we can. Topping our list are Tabo, Gue and Dhankar Monasteries.

We will reach Kaza early and check in to our accommodation. The rest of the day is at leisure. You can warm yourself up by playing or trying local drinks.

At night, dinner will be served. After amazing conversations, we will call off the day and sleep. 

 



Breakfast, Dinner

Private Vehicle

Hotel


Details

Day 6 is about exploration, gaining spiritual meanings, filling our souls and packing the best views.

Starting our day with a power-packed breakfast, we will go for a spiritual experience at Key Monastery. It is locally known as Kye Gompa and is at 4,166 m. 

Then we will go to the Chincham bridge, whose construction is a wonder in itself. It is generally touted as India’s highest road span crossing approximately 150 m above a tributary of river Spiti. It was completed in 2017. 

Later, we will visit the world’s highest post office that is in Hikkim. Imagine how much love, warmth and spirituality you can pour in a letter and send it to your loved ones. 

After this, we will move to Komic village. It is one of the highest villages in the world connected by a motorable road. 

Lastly, we will go to “the land of fossils”, Langza. Here, we will visit the Buddha statue on top of the hill overlooking the village. 

Finally, after absorbing all sights and cultures, we will head back to Kaza, where a delicious dinner will be waiting for you.



Breakfast, Dinner

Private Vehicle

Hotel


Details

Distance: 200 km
Time: 7 hours

Head start the day with an energetic breakfast. After eating, we will start our way back to Kalpa. It is a long road. Cherish all ideas, dance on the rhythms, talk about anything, take pit stops, absorb and continue. 

We will reach Kalpa by evening. Later, dinner will be served that will follow an overnight stay.



Breakfast

Private Vehicle

Hotel


Details

Distance: 222 km 
Time: 8 hours

Pressing the resume button on our return journey, we will start from Kalpa to reach Shimla. After breakfast, we will pack and get on the route.

In Shimla, we will take a bus back to Delhi.




Details

We will reach Delhi early in the morning. With heavy hearts and sweet smiles, it is time to bid goodbye with bundles of memories. With that, the Spiti Valley Roadtrip in winter comes to an end. 

We will ensure that your trip with PTU will not be the last one. You are our companion, and taking you on such trips is always a pleasure. Meanwhile, check out our other itineraries. We will wait for your call. Till then, keep living each second of your life and keep inspiring. 


Things To Carry

  • Day backpack (20 – 30 Ltrs): When you are on a local sightseeing tour, you are required to carry only a few necessary items and for that, you need a day backpack as you will leave your bigger one at your designated stay. 
  • 3 Quick Dry Tees: You must keep at least three pairs of quick dry tees so that you can wash them in between stops for proper hygiene. 
  • Gloves: Insulated gloves help in maintaining proper body heat in your hands.
  • Lip Balm: Your lips can become chapped due to the harsh cold winds so it's important to keep them moisturized.
  • Cold Cream & Sun Screen (SPF 40+): To avoid sunburns and chafing, you need to put on sunscreen as well as cold cream.
  • Floaters or Sandals: When you are spending your day at leisure, a good pair of sandals and floaters will help you to move freely.
  • 1 Down Jacket / Main Jacket: It’s emphasized that you need to carry proper layers so you can avoid getting cold which is why you need to carry an insulated jacket that you can put on over your other clothes.
  • 1 Pair of Thermal: Thermal is a piece of garment that helps in keeping your body warm in cold temperatures. It is a necessary item that you need when traveling to cold regions.
  • Outdoor Shoes: A comfortable shoe is required when traveling outdoors, especially in the mountains. They shouldn’t be chunky, instead, they should be lightweight and sturdy.
  • 3 Pair of Cotton Socks: Cotton socks are extremely comfortable to move around in and are lightweight as well which is why you can always count on a good pair of cotton socks while trekking. However, keep in mind to change them and avoid wearing them when they are wet.
  • 1 Pair of Woolen Socks: A good pair of woolen socks, especially merino, are comfortable, limit odors and provide adequate insulation from the cold so you can wear them at night.
  • 1 Poncho: A poncho is an evolved form of a raincoat that provides coverage to your body as well as your bag and ensures total water protection from the rain. 
  • Quick-dry towel: A quick-dry towel will help in maintaining proper hygiene. It must dry quickly because the wet fabric will only increase the chance of bacterial growth.
  • Sanitizer: Prevent the risk of infections and maintain proper hand hygiene by making sure you carry a hand sanitizer.
  • Sun Cap: A lightweight sun cap with side flaps is perfect to keep your head cool and avoid sunburns on a sunny day. 
  • Water Bottle 1 Lt.: Hydration is extremely important when it comes to traveling To carry a water bottle that you can refill with Himalayan water is a must.
  • Bag for all your Toiletries: A bag with all your essentials including napkins, toothpaste, sanitizers, paper soap, etc should be carried in a ziplock bag. 
  • Personal Basic Medical Kit: Carrying a medical kit with bandages, Dettol, and medication for headaches, nausea, etc is necessary.
  • Sunglasses / People who use spectacles (Use Photochromic glasses instead of contact lenses): Photochromatic glasses are specs that are designed to transform into anti-glare shades depending upon exposure to the sun. They are good when it comes to eye protection but one can also opt for clip-on glasses etc.
  • Mobile charger / Power bank: Although you'll get electricity at most places, it is always advisable to carry a charged power bank in case of emergencies.
  • Documents: Identification proofs like Aadhar Card, and driver's License.
  • Travel Laundry Bag: In case your clothes get wet or your garments don’t dry, you can carry them in the bag and keep them separate from your dry clothes. 
  • Camera: This should be obvious. To make sure that you get to capture all the great moments from your trip. Make sure that you have enough storage and some extra batteries as well.

Policy and Terms

 Upto 30 Days30-21 Days21-15 Days14-0 Days
Batch ShiftingAllowedNot AllowedNot AllowedNot Allowed
Cancellation FeeFree Cancellation25% Deducted50% Deducted100% Deducted
Booking FeeCredit Note with lifetime validityNo RefundNo RefundNo Refund
Balance AmountFull RefundPartial RefundPartial RefundNo Refund

- In case of government orders, harsh weather conditions, protests, landslides, or any other unforeseen circumstances, we work out the best possible alternate plans or trips/treks. At times even if certain activities are canceled, the organization provides the best alternative but no refunds are provided.

 - If a trek is called off at the last moment due to a natural calamity/unforeseen circumstances (like rain, snowfall, earthquake, landslides, strike, bandh etc.), JustWravel will issue a trek voucher for the full amount and if possible will provide an alternate trek. The voucher can be redeemed up to the same amount for the same trek or another trek in the next 365 days from the trek departure date.

- If a trek or trip cannot be completed due to natural calamity/unforeseen circumstances (like rain, snowfall, earthquake, landslides, strike, bandh, etc.). No refund would be provided.

- Any extra expense coming due to any natural calamity/unforeseen circumstances (like rain, snowfall, earthquake, landslides, strike, bandh, etc.), Will be borne by the customer. The company will not be liable.

- Cancellations policy will differ during the peak season and in popular places.

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 23000/-

INR 19500/-

per person



*Prices will vary for Long Weekend
... Download PDF

Reviews

Related Treks

Avatar
Spiti Valley Roadtrip in Winter
Download PDF

Get our stories delivered

From us to your inbox weekly.