Spiti Valley Circuit

Summer Spiti Valley Circuit – Overview

The Summer Spiti Valley Circuit is a high-altitude Himalayan road trip covering some of the most remote and scenic regions of Himachal Pradesh. Starting from Delhi, the journey passes through Shimla, Sangla Valley, Chitkul, Kalpa, and gradually enters the cold desert region of Spiti via Nako, Tabo, and Dhankhar before reaching Kaza, the main hub of Spiti Valley.

This itinerary is designed for travelers who want to experience dramatic mountain landscapes, ancient Buddhist monasteries, and unique high-altitude villages. The route includes iconic destinations such as Pin Valley National Park, Langza fossil village, Komic (one of the highest motorable villages in the world), Hikkim (world’s highest post office), Key Monastery, Kibber, Chicham Bridge, and Chandratal Lake.

The journey combines adventure, culture, and raw Himalayan beauty. Travelers experience long scenic drives, high mountain passes like Kunzum Pass, and overnight camping near Chandratal under a clear star-filled sky. The return route passes through Manali, completing a full Himalayan circuit back to Delhi.

This trip is suitable for adventure seekers, nature lovers, and photographers who want to explore one of India’s most isolated and breathtaking regions. It offers a mix of road travel, short walks, village exploration, and immersive cultural experiences in Tibetan-influenced Himalayan life.

Winter Spiti Valley – Overview

Spiti Valley in winter transforms into a surreal high-altitude desert covered under a thick blanket of snow, creating a stark and monochromatic landscape of extraordinary beauty. Known as the “Middle Land” between India and Tibet, this remote region becomes even more isolated during the winter months.

Ancient monasteries and remote villages such as Kibber and Komic stand frozen amidst snow-covered mountains, icy rivers, and rugged peaks. Life in the valley slows down significantly as temperatures drop well below freezing, offering a rare glimpse into the resilient lifestyle of the local communities who continue to live in extreme conditions.

Winter in Spiti is a season of silence and solitude, where the only sounds are of wind passing through the valleys. It is also one of the best times for wildlife enthusiasts, as the region becomes a prime destination for spotting the elusive Snow Leopard.

This season is ideal for travelers seeking raw Himalayan wilderness, isolation, and a deeply immersive experience in one of the most extreme environments in India.

Summer Spiti Valley Circuit (8 Nights / 9 Days)

Day 1: Delhi → Shimla (Overnight Journey)

• Meet at the designated boarding point in Delhi (R K Ashram)
• Meet your trip captain and fellow travelers
• Start your overnight journey from Delhi to Shimla in a comfortable AC Volvo bus
• Enjoy the journey as we leave the plains and enter the Himalayan foothills
• Group introduction and briefing during the journey

Overnight journey to Shimla

Day 2: Shimla → Chitkul / Sangla

• Early morning arrival at Shimla (short halt/transition point)
• Begin journey towards the Kinnaur Valley
• Travel along the scenic Sutlej River till Karcham
• Take a diversion towards Sangla Valley following the Baspa River

Arrive at Chitkul, the last inhabited village near the Indo-China border

• Explore the village and riverside surroundings
• Experience the peaceful Himalayan lifestyle and wooden architecture
• Overnight stay and dinner in Chitkul / Sangla

Day 3: Chitkul → Kalpa

• Morning exploration of Chitkul village
• Enjoy riverside views and local food like “Pahadon Wali Maggi”
• Optional visit to nearby Sangla villages (if time permits)

Later, depart for Kalpa

• Drive through scenic valleys with views of the Kinner Kailash range
• Visit Kalpa Suicide Point for panoramic Himalayan views

Dinner and overnight stay in Kalpa

Day 4: Kalpa → Nako → Gue Monastery → Tabo

• After breakfast, depart for Spiti Valley region
• Cross the Khab bridge, witnessing the confluence of Sutlej and Spiti rivers
• Stop at Nako village and lake for a scenic break

Detour to Gue Village:

• Visit Gue Monastery
• See the 500-year-old naturally preserved mummy monk

Continue journey to Tabo

• Arrive in Tabo, one of the oldest continuously inhabited villages
• Explore ancient caves and monastery surroundings

Dinner and overnight stay in Tabo

Day 5: Tabo → Dhankhar → Pin Valley → Kaza

• Morning exploration of Tabo village and monastery (1000+ years old heritage site)
• Learn about local Spitian culture and village lifestyle

Proceed towards Kaza:

• Visit Dhankhar Monastery located dramatically on a cliff
• Drive through Pin Valley National Park (cold desert ecosystem and rare wildlife)
• Reach Kaza, the administrative center of Spiti Valley

Dinner and overnight stay in Kaza

Day 6: Kaza → Hikkim → Komic → Langza

• Explore Kaza town and local market in the morning

Village circuit exploration:

• Hikkim: World’s highest post office (14,567 ft)
• Komic: One of the highest motorable villages in the world and home to a high-altitude restaurant
• Langza: Famous for giant Buddha statue and marine fossils

Return to Kaza in the evening
Dinner and overnight stay in Kaza

Day 7: Kaza → Key Monastery → Kibber → Chicham → Chandratal

• Visit Key Monastery, the largest monastery in Spiti, founded in the 11th century
• Continue to Kibber Village, known for snow leopard sightings
• Cross Chicham Bridge, one of Asia’s highest bridges

After sightseeing:

• Travel across Kunzum Pass (high-altitude mountain pass)
• Reach Chandratal Lake campsite

Evening:

• Stay in premium alpine camps with proper sleeping arrangements
• Enjoy star gazing at Chandratal under clear skies

Overnight stay at Chandratal campsite

Day 8: Chandratal → Manali → Delhi (Overnight Journey)

• Early morning visit to Chandratal Lake (Moon Lake) at 14,100 ft
• Witness color-changing reflections of the lake with Chandra Bhaga range in backdrop

After spending time at the lake:

• Begin journey towards Manali via rugged Himalayan roads
• Pass through Kunzum Pass and scenic valleys

Reach Manali and board overnight Volvo bus to Delhi

Overnight journey to Delhi

Day 9: Arrival in Delhi

• Arrive in Delhi in the morning
• Trip ends with unforgettable memories of Spiti Valley
• Return with new friendships, stories, and Himalayan experiences

Winter Spiti Valley Circuit (7 Nights / 8 Days)

Day 1: Delhi → Shimla

• Meet at the designated boarding point in Delhi (RK Ashram / Majnu ka Tila)
• Lounge facility available before departure for waiting and briefing
• Meet your trip captain and fellow travelers
• Short introduction, safety briefing, and overview of the entire route
• Start overnight journey to Shimla in AC Volvo luxury bus

The journey begins as you leave the plains and gradually move into the Himalayan foothills.
Overnight journey towards Shimla

Day 2: Shimla → Chitkul / Sangla

• Early morning arrival in Shimla (brief halt if required for coordination)
• Begin your journey towards the remote Kinnaur Valley

Route experience:

• Drive along the scenic Sutlej River
• Reach Karcham, a key junction in the mountains
• Take a right turn towards Sangla Valley following the Baspa River

Arrival at Chitkul:

• Known as the last inhabited village near the Indo-China border
• Surrounded by snow-covered peaks, wooden houses, and frozen landscapes in winter

Activities:

• Explore the village and riverside surroundings
• Experience the raw winter Himalayan lifestyle
• Photography and short walks in snow-covered terrain

Dinner and overnight stay in Chitkul / Sangla

Day 3: Chitkul → Tabo

• Morning exploration of Chitkul village in winter conditions
• Enjoy local food like “Pahadon Wali Maggi” beside the frozen Baspa River
• Optional short visit to nearby Sangla Valley villages (weather permitting)

Departure for Tabo:

• Drive deeper into the Himalayan cold desert region
• Scenic route with changing landscapes from snow forests to barren Spiti terrain
• Stop at Nako village (frozen lake view depending on season)

Arrival in Tabo:

• One of the oldest continuously inhabited villages in Spiti region
• Peaceful surroundings and ancient Tibetan-influenced culture

Dinner and overnight stay in Tabo

Day 4: Tabo → Dhankar Monastery → Pin Valley → Kaza

• Morning visit to Tabo Monastery (over 1,025 years old UNESCO heritage site)
• Explore ancient caves and monastery complex
• Learn about Buddhist culture and Spitian lifestyle

Journey to Kaza:

• Visit Dhankar Monastery located dramatically on a cliff
• Stop at Pin Valley National Park (snow-covered cold desert ecosystem)
• Experience one of the most remote and scenic valleys in Himachal

Arrival in Kaza:

• Administrative and cultural center of Spiti Valley
• Surrounded by snow peaks and frozen landscapes in winter

Dinner and overnight stay in Kaza

Day 5: Kaza → Langza → Komic → Hikkim → Kaza

• Morning walk in Kaza to explore local winter life, cafés, and markets
• Interact with locals and experience high-altitude lifestyle

Village circuit exploration:

• Hikkim: Visit the world’s highest post office at 14,567 ft
  • Send postcards to family and friends as a unique memory
• Komic: One of the highest motorable villages in the world
  • Experience extreme altitude living conditions
• Langza: Famous for giant Buddha statue and marine fossils
  • Stunning panoramic views of snow-covered Himalayas

Return to Kaza
Dinner and overnight stay in Kaza

Day 6: Kaza → Key Monastery → Kibber → Chicham Bridge

• Visit Key Monastery, the largest monastery in Spiti Valley
  • Founded in the 11th century by Dromtön
  • Located dramatically on a mountain ridge

Proceed to Kibber:

• High-altitude village known for snow leopard sightings in winter
• Experience traditional Spitian houses and lifestyle

Cross Chicham Bridge:

• One of Asia’s highest bridges connecting remote valleys
• Stunning views of deep gorges and snow-covered cliffs

Return to Kaza
Dinner and overnight stay in Kaza

Day 7: Kaza → Gue Monastery → Kalpa

• Morning walk in Kaza to enjoy the calm winter beauty and frozen landscapes

Journey towards Kalpa:

• Travel via Sumdo and enter Kinnaur region
• Visit Gue Monastery, home to a naturally preserved 500-year-old mummy monk
• Explore Gue village and learn its rare historical significance
• Stop at Nako village for scenic winter views (frozen lake depending on conditions)

Arrival in Kalpa:

• Surrounded by majestic views of Kinner Kailash range
• Peaceful Himalayan village experience

Dinner and overnight stay in Kalpa

Day 8: Kalpa → Shimla → Delhi

• Relaxed morning in Kalpa
• Breakfast with panoramic views of snow-covered Kinner Kailash peaks
• Visit Kalpa Suicide Point and nearby viewpoints
• Time for photography and capturing Himalayan landscapes

Departure:

• Travel back via Shimla towards Delhi
• Overnight journey or extended road return depending on schedule

Rental Gear List (Pre-booking required)

• Trekking Poles: ₹200 (adjustable) / ₹150 (fixed)
• RainPoncho: ₹200
• Flask: ₹300
• Gloves: ₹150/₹250
• LunchBox&Tiffin Boxes: ₹250
• Headlamps: ₹150
• Extra WarmJackets: ₹550
• Trekking Shoes: ₹550
• Trekking Pants: ₹450

Note: Reserve rental gear in advance. Rental fees may apply.

Inclusions

• Transport: Dehradun – Harsil – Gangotri – Dehradun
• Accommodation: 2 nights in Harsil Cottage, 3 nights in tents (Double/Triple sharing)
• Meals as per itinerary (veg only)
• Certified trek leader, guides, support staff
• Camping gear: tents, sleeping bags, mattresses
• All necessary permits and forest fees
• First aid kit, oxygen cylinder
• Mules/porters for common gear

Exclusions

• Personal expenses (tips, shopping, etc.)
• Bottled water or aerated drinks
• Insurance, emergency evacuation, and rescue
• Any meals not mentioned above
• Personal trekking gear (available on rent)
• Porter for personal luggage (available at extra cost)
• Anything not mentioned in ‘Inclusions’