Himachal Pradesh
Ultimate Spiti Valley Road Trip Itinerary: Delhi to Kaza and Beyond.
Spiti Valley isn’t just a destination — it’s an experience of raw mountains, ancient monasteries, and the kind of silence that makes you hear your own thoughts. Tucked between Tibet and Ladakh, Spiti is often called “the middle land” and true to its name, it feels like a world of its own.
But planning a trip here can be overwhelming — distances are long, roads unpredictable, and hidden gems scattered across remote villages. That’s why I’ve created this 8-day Spiti Valley itinerary + 1-day at Chandrataal based on my own journey.
This plan balances practical travel needs (routes, stays, acclimatization) with experiences you shouldn’t miss — from watching the sunrise over Key Monastery to camping by the mystical Chandrataal Lake. Whether you’re riding solo, traveling with friends, or chasing your first high-altitude adventure, this itinerary ensures you get the most out of Spiti without feeling rushed.
- Start early from Delhi (overnight or morning ride/drive).
- Distance: ~400 km / 9–10 hrs.
- Highlights: Himalayan Expressway, Shimla bypass, first pine forests.
- Stay: Narkanda (known for apple orchards & Hatu Peak).
- Stay: Sarahan (quiet town, perfect for acclimatization).
- Distance: ~170 km / 6–7 hrs.
- Highlights: Scenic Sutlej river drive, Bhimakali Temple in Sarahan.
- Stay: Kalpa / Reckong Peo (good homestays).
- Distance: ~100 km / 5–6 hrs.
- Highlights: Kinnaur valley views, Kinner Kailash peaks from Kalpa.
Day 4: Kalpa → Shipki-La (border) → Nako
- Stay: Nako village.
- Distance: ~160 km / 6–7 hrs.
- Highlights: Drive towards Indo-Tibet border at Shipki-La (permit required, and can be obtained via Adhaar card from the ITBP check post enroute Shipki), Nako Lake, Nako Monastery.
Day 5: Nako → Lepcha La (border) → Gue → Tabo
- Stay: Tabo.
- Distance: ~110 km / 5–6 hrs.
- Highlights:
- Lepcha La — raw high mountain pass, permits can be obtained by showing Adhaar card from Sumdo ITBP checkpost.
- Gue — 500-year-old mummy monastery.
- Tabo — 1000-year-old Tabo Monastery (UNESCO heritage).
Day 6: Tabo → Dhankar → Demul → Kaza
- Stay: Kaza.
- Distance: ~90 km / 5–6 hrs.
- Highlights:
- Dhankar Monastery & cliff views.
- Demul village — offbeat Spitian village life.
- Arrival at Kaza, Spiti’s heart.
Day 7: Kaza → Komic → Hikkim → Langza → Chicham → Kibber → Key → Kaza
- Stay: Kaza.
- Distance: ~100 km (full-day local loop).
- Highlights:
- Komic — world’s highest village with a motorable road.
- Hikkim — world’s highest post office.
- Langza — famous fossil village with Buddha statue.
- Chicham Bridge — Asia’s highest suspension bridge.
- Kibber — snow leopard spotting hub.
- Key Monastery — iconic symbol of Spiti.
Day 8: Kaza → Kunzum La → Chandrataal
- Stay: Camps near Chandrataal (tents only, no hotels).
- Distance: ~90 km / 5–6 hrs.
- Highlights:
- Drive over Kunzum La (4,551 m) with prayer flags and glacier views.
- Off-road detour to Chandrataal Lake (Moon Lake).
- Evening walk & stargazing by the lake — one of India’s darkest skies.
Day 9: Chandrataal → Batal → Gramphu → Rohtang/Atal Tunnel → Manali
- Stay: Manali / onward journey to Delhi.
- Distance: ~120 km / 7–8 hrs.
- Highlights:
- Rugged drive on the Batal – Chhatru – Gramphu stretch (water crossings & glaciers).
- Connect with Leh–Manali highway at Gramphu.
- Cross Rohtang Pass (3,978 m) into lush Kullu valley.
- Also, can opt for crossing via Atal-Tunnel into lush Kullu valley.
- End the Spiti loop at Manali.
Optional Add-On Stops
1. Chitkul – The Last Village of India
- Where to add: On Day 2 or Day 3, after Sarahan, take a detour via Sangla Valley before heading to Kalpa.
- Why visit: Known as the last inhabited village near the Indo-Tibet border, Chitkul is nestled by the Baspa River and surrounded by snow-clad peaks.
- Things to Do:
- Walk along the Baspa River.
- Visit the Mathi Temple (500 years old).
- Taste hot rajma-chawal or Maggi at the famous “Hindustan ka Aakhri Dhaba.”
- Stay Options: Homestays start from ₹1,000–₹1,500 per night.
2. Mudh Village – Gateway to Pin Valley
- Where to add: On Day 6, when driving from Tabo → Dhankar → Pin Valley → Kaza.
- Why visit: Mudh is a charming village at 3,750m, famous as the starting point of the Pin-Parvati and Bhabha Pass treks.
- Things to Do:
- Explore traditional Spitian homes and experience village life.
- Go on short hikes to nearby meadows.
- Try homestay meals made from fresh local produce.
- Stay Options: Homestays cost around ₹1,000–₹1,500 per night including meals.
3. Pin Valley National Park
- Where to add: Can be combined with Mudh Village.
- Why visit: A cold desert biosphere, home to rare wildlife like the snow leopard, Himalayan ibex, and blue sheep.
- Things to Do:
- Drive through dramatic landscapes of colored mountains and Spiti River tributaries.
- Visit local monasteries like Kungri Monastery, the only Nyingmapa monastery in Spiti.
- Spot wildlife (best chances in winter but beautiful year-round).
- Stay Options: Stay in Mudh or Sagnam villages; homestays are budget-friendly.
High-Altitude Travel Tips
- Acclimatization is key — Avoid rushing, spend extra night at Kalpa/Chitkul, or Nako before heading higher.
- Hydration helps — Drink plenty of water, avoid alcohol on high-altitude days.
- Know the signs — Headache, nausea, or breathlessness could be Acute Mountain Sickness. Carry Diamox if required.
Permit Reminders
- Shipki-La & Lepcha-La — both are sensitive border passes and are open for Indian citizens. Permits can be acquired from ITBP Post (for Shipki La- Namgia ITBP Post) & for Lepcha La- Sumdo ITBP Post) on presenting valid Adhaar Card. Note:- Last permit will be furnished before 2pm, no permits beyond that.
- Inner Line Permits (ILP) — Needed for foreigners in Spiti (apply in Shimla, Reckong Peo, or Kaza). Indians usually don’t need permits for Spiti, except if going towards Shipki-La & Lepcha La.
- Always carry multiple photocopies of ID (Aadhaar/Passport/License) — checkpoints often ask.
Fuel & Essentials
- Last Petrol Pumps (Delhi → Spiti): Shimla, Rampur, Reckong Peo, Pooh & Kaza.
- Carry extra fuel if planning Shipki-La & Lepcha-La, might require based on mileage.
- Cash is King — ATMs are scarce after Reckong Peo. Kaza has 1–2 ATMs, but unreliable.
Road & Ride Tips
- Roads beyond Kalpa get narrow & landslide-prone — drive cautiously.
- Avoid night driving — not safe due to shooting stones and narrow roads.
- Carry basic spares & toolkit (especially if biking): clutch cable, puncture kit, engine oil.
