Spiti Valley – The Himalayan Adventure Loop
12 Days • High‑Pass Roads, Monasteries & Moon‑like Landscapes Download ItineraryThis 12‑day circuit is a journey through three worlds: the green embrace of Himachal’s lower hills, the raw, lunar beauty of Spiti, and the lush, river‑fed valleys of Manali.
Trip Overview
Duration→12 Days
Total Distance→~1,100 km
Mobile Network→Jio & BSNL in most towns; patchy/no signal in remote stretches
Vehicle Type→SUV / High Clearance
Difficulty→Moderate to Challenging
Permits→Inner Line Permit for foreign nationals (Shimla or Kaza)
Mobile Network→Jio & BSNL in most towns; patchy/no signal in remote stretches
Day‑by‑DayItinerar
Day 1: Chandigarh → Solan → Shimla
Distance: 115 km Drive Time: 4–5 hrs
Ease into the mountains via NH5. Stop at Mohan Shakti Heritage Park for panoramic views and intricate sculptures. In Shimla, wander Mall Road, visit Christ Church, and watch the sunset from The Ridge.
💡 Travel Hack: Start early to avoid traffic bottlenecks near Dharampur.
Stay: Shimla (2,200 m) Roads: Excellent.
Day 2: Shimla → Narkanda → Rampur
Distance: 130 km Drive Time: 5–6 hrs
Climb to Hatu Peak (detour) for 360° views of snow‑clad ranges. Descend into the Satluj Valley, tracing the river to Rampur.
💡 Fuel Stop: Rampur has the last major petrol pump before Kinnaur.
Stay: Rampur / Jeori Roads: Smooth but winding.
Day 3: Rampur → Sarahan → Kalpa
Distance: 120 km Drive Time: 6–7 hrs
Visit Bhima Kali Temple in Sarahan, then continue to Kalpa for golden‑hour views of Kinnaur Kailash.
💡 Photo Spot: Roghi village cliffside viewpoint.
Stay: Kalpa (2,960 m) Roads: Narrow, cliff‑hugging.
Day 4: Kalpa → Nako → Tabo
Distance: 160 km Drive Time: 7–8 hrs
Pause at Nako Lake and monastery, detour to Gue to see the 500‑year‑old mummified monk, and end at Tabo Monastery — a living museum of Buddhist art.
💡 Network Note: Expect no signal between Pooh and Tabo.
Stay: Tabo (3,280 m).
Day 5: Tabo → Dhankar → Kaza
Distance: 50 km Drive Time: 3–4 hrs
Stand on the cliff at Dhankar Monastery where two rivers meet. If acclimatized, trek to Dhankar Lake. Arrive in Kaza and rest.
💡 Acclimatization Tip: Avoid alcohol and heavy exertion today.
Stay: Kaza (3,800 m).
Day 6: Kaza – Hikkim, Komic, Langza Loop
Distance: ~50 km loop Drive Time: 4–5 hrs
- Hikkim: Post a letter from the world’s highest post office.
- Komic: Visit Tangyud Monastery.
- Langza: Fossil hunting and giant Buddha statue.
💡 Best Time: Morning for clear skies and fewer tourists.
Stay: Kaza.
Day 7: Kaza – Key, Kibber, Chicham Loop
Distance: ~40 km loop Drive Time: 3–4 hrs
- Key Monastery: Attend morning prayers if possible.
- Kibber: Gateway to wildlife spotting.
- Chicham Bridge: Asia’s highest suspension bridge.
💡 Photography Tip: Late afternoon light is magical here.
Stay: Kaza.
Day 8: Kaza → Kunzum Pass → Chandratal
Distance: 90 km Drive Time: 6–7 hrs
Spin prayer wheels at Kunzum La (4,551 m), then camp near Chandratal Lake under a sky thick with stars.
💡 Camping Rule: No camping at the lake shore — use designated sites.
Stay: Camps near Chandratal Roads: Dirt tracks, stream crossings.
Day 9: Chandratal → Manali (via Atal Tunnel)
Distance: ~125 km Drive Time: 7–8 hrs
Rough descent to Gramphu, then smooth highway through the Atal Tunnel into Kullu Valley.
💡 Weather Note: Carry rain gear — sudden showers possible in Kullu.
Stay: Manali (2,050 m).
Day 10: Manali Exploration
Visit Hadimba Temple, Old Manali cafés, Solang Valley, or trek to Jogini Falls.
💡 Local Flavour: Try siddu (steamed bread) at a Himachali dhaba.
Stay: Manali.
Day 11: Manali → Mandi → Chandigar
Distance: 300 km Drive Time: 8–9 hrs
Follow the Beas River, optional stop at Rewalsar Lake, and return to Chandigarh.
💡 Drive Tip: Start before 7 am to avoid traffic near Kiratpur
📍 Route Map for Your Planner
Chandigarh → Solan → Shimla → Narkanda → Rampur → Sarahan → Kalpa → Nako → Tabo → Dhankar → Kaza → Hikkim → Langza → Key → Kibber → Chicham → Kunzum → Chandratal → Atal Tunnel → Manali → Mandi → Chandigarh
Essentials to Carry
– Warm layers & windproof jacket
– Sturdy trekking shoes
– Valid ID & permits
– Sunglasses, SPF 50+, lip balm
– Altitude sickness medication
– Offline maps & extra fuel for Spiti stretc
Insider Tip:
The magic of this trip lies in its pace. Don’t rush Kaza — give yourself time to connect with the villages, sip butter tea with locals, and let the thin mountain air slow your thoughts.
