Spiti Valley Complete Circuit Expedition 8N/9D | Shimla to Manali

Shimla → Narkanda → Rampur → Sarahan

Distance: Approx. 170 km | Drive Time: 5–6 Hours Arrive in Shimla and begin your journey towards the Himalayas. Drive through Kufri and Narkanda, famous for dense pine forests and apple orchards. Continue descending towards Rampur, once an important trading town on the historic Hindustan-Tibet Road. Follow the Sutlej River upstream into the scenic Kinnaur region before reaching Sarahan, a beautiful mountain village overlooking the Shrikhand Mahadev range. In the evening, visit the renowned Bhimakali Temple, one of Himachal Pradesh's most important religious sites, known for its unique blend of Hindu and Buddhist architecture. Attend the evening aarti and enjoy peaceful mountain views. Overnight Stay: Sarahan

Sarahan → Sangla → Chitkul

Distance: Approx. 90 km | Drive Time: 4–5 Hours After breakfast, continue deeper into Kinnaur Valley. Pass through Karcham and follow the emerald-green Baspa River towards Sangla, one of the most picturesque valleys in the Himalayas. Surrounded by snow-capped peaks, apple orchards and traditional wooden houses, Sangla offers some of the most stunning landscapes in Himachal Pradesh. Proceed to Chitkul, the last inhabited village near the Indo-Tibetan border. Explore the charming village lanes, traditional wooden architecture and riverside viewpoints. Enjoy breathtaking views of towering Himalayan peaks and experience the unique culture of this remote border settlement. Overnight Stay: Sangla / Chitkul

Chitkul → Kalpa → Nako

Distance: Approx. 150 km | Drive Time: 5–6 Hours Begin the day with spectacular mountain scenery as you leave Chitkul and travel through the rugged landscapes of Kinnaur. Stop at Kalpa, famous for uninterrupted views of the majestic Kinner Kailash range. The village offers beautiful traditional architecture, monasteries and scenic viewpoints overlooking deep valleys. Continue through the dramatic Hangrang Valley, where barren cliffs begin replacing the greenery of Kinnaur, signalling your approach towards Spiti's cold desert terrain. Arrive at Nako, a serene high-altitude village built around a sacred lake. Explore the lake, traditional homes and peaceful monastery while enjoying the tranquillity of this Himalayan settlement. Overnight Stay: Nako

Nako → Tabo → Dhankar

• Walking day

Distance: Approx. 80 km | Drive Time: 3–4 Hours Today you officially enter the Spiti region. Drive through Sumdo and arrive at Tabo, home to the legendary Tabo Monastery established in 996 AD. Often referred to as the "Ajanta of the Himalayas," the monastery is famous for its ancient murals, manuscripts and Buddhist art. Continue towards Dhankar Monastery, dramatically perched on a cliff overlooking the confluence of the Spiti and Pin Rivers. Explore the monastery complex and enjoy panoramic views of the valley below. Travellers seeking additional adventure may opt for a short trek towards the beautiful Dhankar Lake. Overnight Stay: Dhankar

Dhankar → Pin Valley → Kaza

Distance: Approx. 70 km | Drive Time: 3–4 Hours After breakfast, head towards the spectacular Pin Valley, one of the most scenic regions of Spiti. Known for its dramatic landscapes, colourful mountains and traditional villages, the valley provides insight into the remote lifestyle of Spiti's inhabitants. Visit Mud Village, one of the highest inhabited villages in the valley, surrounded by towering peaks and untouched wilderness. Explore local life before continuing to Kaza, the administrative and cultural centre of Spiti Valley. Spend the evening exploring the local market, cafés and vibrant mountain atmosphere. Overnight Stay: Kaza

Key Monastery → Kibber → Chicham Bridge → Gette

Distance: Approx. 60 km Loop Today is dedicated to exploring some of Spiti's most iconic landmarks. Begin with a visit to Key Monastery, the largest and most famous monastery in the valley. Perched on a hilltop overlooking the Spiti River, the monastery offers stunning panoramic views and a fascinating glimpse into Buddhist monastic life. Continue to Kibber Village, situated at over 4,200 metres above sea level. Explore the traditional village before crossing the remarkable Chicham Bridge, one of the highest suspension bridges in the world, suspended dramatically above a deep gorge. Later, visit Gette Village, one of Spiti's highest settlements, known for its sweeping views of the surrounding Himalayan landscape. Return to Kaza by evening.

Hikkim → Langza → Komic

Distance: Approx. 40 km Loop Today explore the famous high-altitude villages surrounding Kaza. Begin with Hikkim, home to the world's highest post office. Send a postcard to family or friends from this unique location and experience one of Spiti's most memorable traditions. Continue to Langza Village, known for its giant Maitreya Buddha statue overlooking the valley. The region was once submerged under the ancient Tethys Sea, making it one of the best places in the Himalayas to discover marine fossils millions of years old. Later visit Komic, among the highest motorable villages in the world. Explore the historic Tangyud Monastery and enjoy incredible views of the surrounding mountains before returning to Kaza for a farewell dinner. Overnight Stay: Kaza

Kaza → Kunzum Pass → Chandratal Lake

Distance: Approx. 90 km | Drive Time: 4–5 Hours Leave Kaza early and begin the journey towards Chandratal Lake. En route, cross Kunzum Pass at an altitude of 4,551 metres, one of the highest motorable mountain passes in India. Stop to admire panoramic views of glaciers, rugged peaks and vast Himalayan landscapes. Continue towards Chandratal, often called the "Moon Lake" due to its crescent shape. Upon arrival, walk towards the lake and witness its crystal-clear waters reflecting the surrounding mountains. As evening falls, enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of the high Himalayas and experience one of India's finest stargazing locations. Overnight Stay: Chandratal Campsite

Chandratal Lake → Manali

• Golden hour

Distance: Approx. 100 km | Drive Time: 4–5 Hours Wake up early to witness the magical sunrise over Chandratal Lake, when the surrounding peaks glow in shades of gold and orange. After breakfast, begin the return journey through Batal and Gramphu before entering the lush green landscapes of the Kullu Valley. Travel through the Atal Tunnel (subject to road and weather conditions) and continue towards Manali. Arrive by afternoon, marking the conclusion of an unforgettable journey through the heart of the Himalayas. Trip Ends in Manali.