Spiti Valley Family Explorer 9N/10D | Kinnaur, Kaza & Chandratal

Delhi → Kalka → Shimla

Begin your Himalayan family adventure with an early morning departure from Delhi. Travel to Kalka by train or road and continue towards Shimla via the iconic Kalka-Shimla Heritage Railway (subject to train schedules) or a comfortable road transfer. As the journey ascends through pine forests, tunnels and mountain villages, enjoy the first glimpses of the Himalayas. Upon arrival in Shimla, check into your hotel and relax after the journey. In the evening, take a leisurely walk along Mall Road and The Ridge, the heart of the hill station. Families can enjoy local cafés, scenic viewpoints and the pleasant mountain atmosphere before settling in for the night. Overnight Stay: Shimla

Shimla → Narkanda → Rampur → Sarahan

Distance: Approx. 170 km | Drive Time: 5–6 Hours After breakfast, begin your drive towards Sarahan through the scenic landscapes of Himachal Pradesh. Pass through Kufri and Narkanda, famous for their apple orchards and mountain vistas, before descending towards Rampur along the Sutlej River. Arrive in Sarahan, a beautiful village surrounded by cedar forests and snow-capped peaks. Visit the famous Bhimakali Temple, one of the region's most revered heritage temples, known for its unique Himalayan architecture and spiritual significance. Depending on the season, families may also enjoy a visit to a local apple orchard. Spend the evening soaking in the peaceful mountain atmosphere. Overnight Stay: Sarahan

Sarahan → Sangla → Chitkul

Distance: Approx. 90 km | Drive Time: 4–5 Hours Today, enter the breathtaking Kinnaur Valley. Drive through Karcham and follow the turquoise waters of the Baspa River towards Sangla, one of the most picturesque valleys in the Himalayas. Surrounded by towering mountains, forests and traditional villages, the valley offers spectacular scenery at every turn. Continue to Chitkul, the last inhabited village near the Indo-Tibetan border. Explore its charming wooden houses, riverside trails and ancient temples while enjoying views of snow-covered peaks. The peaceful surroundings and open landscapes make it an ideal destination for families and nature lovers. Overnight Stay: Sangla

Sangla → Kalpa → Nako

Distance: Approx. 150 km | Drive Time: 5–6 Hours After breakfast, travel through the dramatic mountain roads of Kinnaur towards Kalpa. Stop to admire magnificent views of the sacred Kinner Kailash range, one of the most iconic mountain panoramas in the region. Continue through the rugged landscapes of Hangrang Valley as lush greenery gradually gives way to the stark beauty of the high-altitude desert. Arrive in Nako, a peaceful Himalayan village built around a sacred lake. Take a gentle walk around the lake, visit the local monastery and enjoy the slower pace of mountain life. The itinerary is intentionally relaxed to support gradual acclimatization. Overnight Stay: Nako

Nako → Tabo

Distance: Approx. 70 km | Drive Time: 2–3 Hours Today's shorter drive helps the family acclimatize comfortably to the increasing altitude. Cross into Spiti Valley and arrive at Tabo, home to one of the oldest functioning Buddhist monasteries in the Himalayas. Established in 996 AD, Tabo Monastery is often referred to as the “Ajanta of the Himalayas” because of its remarkable murals, ancient scriptures and centuries-old architecture. Spend time exploring the monastery complex, learning about Buddhist traditions and experiencing the peaceful atmosphere of this historic settlement. The remainder of the day is kept light, allowing everyone to rest and adjust to the altitude. Overnight Stay: Tabo

Tabo → Dhankar → Kaza

Distance: Approx. 70 km | Drive Time: 3–4 Hours After breakfast, visit the spectacular Dhankar Monastery, dramatically perched on a cliff overlooking the confluence of the Spiti and Pin Rivers. The monastery offers some of the most impressive panoramic views in the valley and provides insight into Spiti's rich spiritual heritage. Continue towards Kaza, the administrative and cultural centre of Spiti Valley. Upon arrival, check into your hotel and spend the afternoon relaxing. A short evening walk through the local market allows families to explore cafés, handicraft shops and the vibrant atmosphere of Spiti's largest town. Overnight Stay: Kaza

Kaza → Key Monastery → Kibber → Chicham Bridge → Kaza

Distance: Approx. 60 km Round Trip Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before heading to Key Monastery, the largest and most iconic monastery in Spiti Valley. Perched high above the valley, the monastery offers breathtaking views and a fascinating introduction to Buddhist culture and traditions. Continue to Kibber Village, situated at over 4,200 metres above sea level and surrounded by dramatic mountain landscapes. Later, cross the famous Chicham Bridge, one of the highest suspension bridges in the world, spanning a deep gorge between remote Himalayan villages. Return to Kaza in the afternoon. Families can relax, explore the town or simply enjoy the stunning mountain scenery. Overnight Stay: Kaza

Hikkim → Langza → Komic → Kaza

Distance: Approx. 40 km Round Trip Today's excursion explores Spiti's famous high-altitude villages. Begin with Hikkim, home to the world's highest post office, where travellers can send postcards to friends and family from one of the most unique postal locations on Earth. Continue to Langza Village, renowned for its giant Maitreya Buddha statue and ancient marine fossils. Participate in a guided fossil exploration experience and learn how this remote mountain region was once submerged beneath the ancient Tethys Sea millions of years ago. Later, visit Komic, among the highest motorable villages in the world. Explore the historic monastery, interact with locals and enjoy panoramic Himalayan views before returning to Kaza for dinner. Overnight Stay: Kaza

Kaza → Kunzum Pass → Chandratal Lake

Distance: Approx. 90 km | Drive Time: 4–5 Hours Leave Kaza after breakfast and begin one of the most scenic drives of the journey. Cross Kunzum Pass at an altitude of 4,551 metres and enjoy spectacular views of glaciers, snow-capped peaks and rugged mountain terrain. Arrive near Chandratal Lake, one of the most beautiful high-altitude lakes in India. Take a leisurely walk towards the lake and admire its crystal-clear waters reflecting the surrounding mountains. Spend the evening at a premium eco-camp, enjoying a warm dinner and a memorable stargazing experience beneath some of the clearest night skies in the country. Overnight Stay: Chandratal Luxury Camp

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 with 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 via the Atal Tunnel (subject to road and weather conditions) and continue towards Manali. Arrive by afternoon, marking the end of an unforgettable family expedition through the spectacular landscapes of Kinnaur and Spiti Valley. Trip Ends in Manali.