A road trip to Spiti Valley is more than just a journey; it’s an adventure of a lifetime. In the heart of the Himalayas, Spiti Valley offers terrific landscapes, bygone monasteries, and a culture ingrained in Buddhism and simplicity. This Spiti road trip itinerary is designed to help you explore the untouched beauty of Spiti Valley over eight memorable days. Whether you’re a seasoned traveller or a first-time adventurer, this Spiti road trip guide will ensure an unforgettable experience.
Why a Spiti Road Trip?
A road trip is the best way to experience Spiti Valley because it allows you to immerse yourself fully in the region’s landscapes and vibrant culture. Unlike other forms of travel, a Spiti road trip will enable you to stop and explore hidden gems, interact with locals, and savour the journey at your own pace. Driving through the winding roads of the Himalayas, crossing high-altitude passes, and witnessing the changing scenery is an experience like no other. The following Spiti itinerary ensures you get the most out of your Spiti Valley road trip, balancing adventure with relaxation.
Why an 8-Day Spiti Valley Trip?
Spiti Valley is a remote destination, and travelling through its rugged terrain requires time. An eight-day Spiti road trip itinerary allows you to explore the valley thoroughly without feeling rushed. It provides ample time for acclimatization, which is crucial for high-altitude travel, and ensures you can fully appreciate each location. This Spiti itinerary covers all major attractions and includes offbeat locations, offering a well-rounded experience of Spiti Valley.
Brief Spiti Road Trip Itinerary
- Day 1: Delhi to Manali | Overnight Journey
- Day 2: Manali Arrival | Day at Leisure
- Day 3: Manali to Kaza (200 Kilometers)
- Day 4: Spiti Sightseeing Day 1 (Pin Valley, Tabo, Dhankar)
- Day 5: Spiti Sightseeing Day 2 (Hikkim, Komic, Langza, Key Monastery)
- Day 6: Kaza to Chandratal via Chicham Bridge (90 Kilometers)
- Day 7: Chandratal to Manali (125 Kilometers)
- Day 8: Delhi Arrival | Tour Ends
Follow our Spiti Bike Trip Itinerary to make the most of The Middle Land.
Detailed Spiti Valley Itinerary
Day 1: Delhi to Manali | Overnight Journey
Begin your journey in the evening. If you wish to travel to Spiti Valley from Delhi by bus, be informed that there are no direct buses from Delhi, you can board a bus to Manali from ISBT Kashmiri Gate or Majnu Ka Tila. you can then board a bus to Kaza via Atal Tunnel and Kunzum Pass. Spiti Valley distance from Delhi is approximately 183 kilometres and if you are driving a car make sure you have a Spiti Valley map downloaded offline. This overnight drive helps you to save a leave or a day and allows you to cover a significant journey while resting, ensuring you arrive fresh and ready to explore.
Manali v/s Shimla Route to Spiti: What to choose?
Day 2: Manali Arrival | Day at Leisure
Reach early in the morning and check in at your accommodation in Manali, enjoy the rest of the day at leisure. It is necessary for you to rest and acclimatise in Manali. While you do that, make your time here fruitful by exploring Manali’s charming cafes, vibrant markets of Old Manali, and so much more. Visit Hadimba Devi Temple, Nyinmapa Buddhist Monastery or take a dip at Vashisht Kund in the sage’s temple. You can indulge in cafe hopping, shopping, or simply relaxing and soaking in the serene mountain vibes. Post dinner make sure to have a sound sleep.
Day 3: Manali to Kaza (200 Kilometers)
After an early breakfast, head out to Kaza via the Atal Tunnel. This route is not only the quickest but also the most scenic route on a Spiti road trip, offering breathtaking views of the Himalayas. En route, we’ll traverse the iconic Kunzum Pass, which stands at an altitude of 15,000 feet approx. This pass is known for its stunning views and is a gateway to Spiti Valley. Soon you reach Kaza, the headquarters of Spiti, by late evening and check into your stays. Have a nice dinner and rest well for a fulfilling day ahead.
Day 4: Spiti Sightseeing Day 1
After breakfast, it is best to cover places on the outskirts of Kaza, you can go sightseeing in Spiti Valley, starting with the Kungri Monastery in Pin Valley. This monastery is one of the few surviving Buchen Lamas, their rituals are known to drive evil spirits out of homes. Next, visit the thousand-year-old Tabo Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, known as the ‘Ajanta of the Himalayas’ for its intricate murals and frescoes. Lastly, visit the Dhankar Monastery on your way back to Kaza, perched at an altitude of 12,774 feet, Dhankar offers spectacular views of the valley below. Also don’t forget to explore Dhankar Fort, a historical landmark which was the capital of the Spiti Valley Kingdom in yesteryears. In the evening, return to Kaza for dinner and your overnight stay.
Day 5: Spiti Sightseeing Day 2
Now, since you’ve experienced the places around Kaza, you have a full day in hand to explore all the best spots in Kaza internally. Post breakfast, head out to visit Key Monastery, locally known as Key Gompa. This is the largest monastery out of all the monasteries in Spiti Valley and a highlight amongst the places to visit in Spiti for its stunning architecture and spiritual ambience. This monastery with a turbulent history stands strong now and is home to almost 200 monks. Following this, visit Hikkim, home to the world’s highest post office, where you can send postcards to your loved ones. Make sure to write some for others and definitely one for yourself while you are here. Move towards Komic village, one of the highest villages in the world connected by a motorable road and then to Langza, known as the land of fossils, and witness the Buddha statue that sits atop a hill overlooking the village. Return to your stay at Kaza and have a lovely dinner.
Know more about How to Plan Your Day in Kaza.
Day 6: Kaza to Chandratal via Chicham Bridge (90 Kilometers)
After a couple of days of capturing the essence of the Spiti road trip; head towards the pristine Chandratal Lake, a crescent-shaped lake resembling the moon. En route, make a brief stop at Chicham Bridge, Asia’s highest suspension bridge, offering breathtaking views of the gorge below and continue towards Chandratal; traverse the iconic Kunzum Pass. Make sure to pre-book stays in Chandratal Lake at campsites, check-in and then head towards the lake to spend some leisure time by the lakeside. Also, it is best to leave for the campsite before sunset. Have dinner in the evening followed by an overnight stay in the campsites.
Day 7: Chandratal to Manali (125 Kilometers)
After an early breakfast, check out of our campsites and start our return journey to Manali via the Atal Tunnel. This last leg of your Spiti road trip calls for a special rest halt at Chacha Chachi Ka Dhaba, a famous roadside eatery known for its delicious food by a couple who have been hosts to travellers on this lonely stretch of road from Spiti to Manali in Batal, in a hut on the banks of Chandra river. Upon arrival in Manali, spend the rest of the day at leisure. You can board the bus for an overnight drive back to Delhi.
Day 8: Delhi Arrival | Tour Ends
You reach Delhi on the morning of the 8th day, marking the end of an unforgettable Spiti road trip. You may now have to part ways with your friends and fellow travellers but only with some fond memories and fulfilling experiences from your trip to Spiti Valley.
A Spiti road trip is an unforgettable adventure that offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, cultural immersion, and thrilling experiences. With this detailed eight-day Spiti itinerary, you can explore the best of Spiti Valley at a comfortable pace, ensuring a memorable journey through one of the most enchanting regions of the Himalayas.
For more information on planning your trip, check out our JustWravel Spiti Tour Package.
FAQs
Can we go to Spiti by car?
Yes, you can go to Spiti Valley by car. Many travellers prefer a Spiti road trip as it allows for flexibility and the opportunity to explore the region at your own pace. The most popular routes to Spiti Valley are from Manali and Shimla. While the roads can be challenging and rugged, especially during the monsoon and winter seasons, driving through the scenic landscapes is a rewarding experience. It’s essential to have a reliable vehicle, preferably a high-clearance SUV, to navigate the rough terrains and high-altitude passes comfortably.
How many days is enough for Spiti Valley?
To truly experience the beauty and culture of Spiti Valley, a minimum of 7-8 days is recommended. This allows you to acclimate to the high altitudes, explore the main attractions, and take in the serene landscapes without rushing. A well-planned Spiti itinerary covering major destinations like Kaza, Key Monastery, Tabo, Dhankar, Langza, Hikkim, Komic, and Chandratal ensures you get a comprehensive Spiti Valley trip. Additionally, having a few extra days allows for unforeseen delays or changes in plans due to weather or road conditions.
How much does a Spiti trip cost?
The cost of a Spiti trip can vary widely depending on the mode of travel, accommodation preferences, and duration of stay. On average, a comfortable budget trip to Spiti Valley with good accommodation and amenities, the cost can range from INR 25,000 to INR 35,000 per person. Additional expenses might include permits, entry fees to monasteries, and adventure activities like trekking or camping. You can refer to our Spiti tour packages to know more and get an estimate.
Which is the best month to visit Spiti Valley?
The best time to visit Spiti Valley is during the summer months, from May to October. During this period, the weather is pleasant, and the roads are generally open and accessible. The summer months provide clear skies, making it ideal for sightseeing, trekking, and exploring the beautiful landscapes. However, the winter months, from November to April, though extremely cold with heavy snowfall offer a unique experience for those seeking solitude and snow-covered landscapes.
Is 5 days enough for Spiti Valley?
While a 5-day trip to Spiti Valley is possible, it can be quite rushed. A shorter trip may not allow sufficient time for acclimatization to the high altitudes, and you might miss out on some of the key attractions. However, if you have limited time, you can focus on a few main destinations such as Kaza, Key Monastery, Langza, Hikkim, and Komic. Ideally, spending 7-8 days on a trip to Spiti Valley provides a more relaxed and fulfilling experience, allowing you to fully appreciate the region’s beauty and culture.
