11 Days 10 Nights Spiti Tour Itinerary from Chandigarh to Chandigarh Covering Narkanda, Sarahan, Sangla, Kalpa, Tabo & Kaza

Embark on a captivating journey from the city of Chandigarh to the serene hills of Narkanda, with a charming stopover in the queen of hills, Shimla. This road trip covers approximately 175 km and typically takes around 5-6 hours of driving time, not including stops.

Begin your day by departing from Chandigarh towards Shimla. The drive from Chandigarh to Shimla spans roughly 110 km and takes about 3 to 4 hours, navigating through scenic mountain roads and small towns. (Shimla would not be covered during high peak time from May 15 - Jun 30)

Upon reaching Shimla, take a brief break to stretch your legs and perhaps enjoy lunch amidst the bustling Mall Road or Ridge. After a refreshing stop, continue your onward journey towards Narkanda. The distance from Shimla to Narkanda is approximately 65 km, and this leg of the journey will take around 2 hours.

As you drive from Shimla to Narkanda, you'll encounter these picturesque spots:

• Kufri: Known for its scenic beauty, zoological park, and adventure activities like horse riding and yak rides.
• Fagu: A small village offering breathtaking views of the Himalayas and apple orchards.

Arrive in Narkanda, a tranquil hill station nestled amidst dense forests and apple orchards. Check into your hotel and settle in. The rest of your day can be dedicated to exploring the serene surroundings of Narkanda.

After breakfast, check out from your hotel in Sangla. Before departing, ensure that any remaining sightseeing in Sangla is completed, as no sights will be revisited. Begin your scenic journey towards Kalpa via the breathtaking Baspa Valley region.
 

The distance between Sangla and Kalpa is approximately 50 km, and it would take around 3 to 4 hours to reach by road, excluding sightseeing stops.

En-route Sightseeing:

• Kamru Fort – Historic fort known for traditional Kinnauri architecture and ancient temple structures.
• Batseri Village – Charming wooden village surrounded by apple orchards and mountain scenery.
• Chitkul Mata Temple – Traditional local temple reflecting Kinnauri wooden craftsmanship.

Continue your drive towards Kalpa via Reckong Peo, the district headquarters of Kinnaur. Kalpa is situated at an altitude of approximately 2,758 meters, and is famous for panoramic views of the sacred Kinner Kailash Range. During sunrise and sunset, the snow-covered peaks glow beautifully with golden and crimson hues. Upon arrival in Kalpa, check in to your hotel and relax for the evening.

After breakfast, check out from your hotel in Kalpa. Before departing, ensure that any remaining sightseeing in Kalpa is completed, as no sights will be revisited. Begin your adventurous drive towards Tabo, entering the spectacular cold-desert landscapes of Spiti Valley.

The distance between Kalpa and Tabo is approximately 165 km, and it would take around 6 to 8 hours to reach by road, depending on road conditions and sightseeing stops.

During the journey, witness the gradual transition from the lush green valleys of Kinnaur to the barren Himalayan desert terrain of Spiti.

En-route Sightseeing:

• Khab Sangam – Scenic confluence point of the Sutlej and Spiti Rivers.
• Nako Village – Traditional Himalayan village known for its peaceful atmosphere and mud-house architecture.
• Nako Lake – Serene high-altitude lake surrounded by willow trees and mountains.
• Nako Monastery – Ancient Buddhist monastery with spiritual and historical significance.
• Gue Village – Remote Himalayan village famous for the naturally preserved 500-year-old mummy of a Buddhist monk.
• Gue Monastery & Mummy Temple – Small monastery complex housing the sacred mummy and offering panoramic valley views.

Continue your drive towards Tabo. Upon arrival, check in to your hotel and relax for the evening.

Embark on an unforgettable single-day journey exploring the cultural and natural wonders surrounding Kaza. Your adventure begins as you set out from Kaza, ready to delve into the heart of Spiti Valley's spiritual and fossil-rich landscapes.

First, head towards the iconic Key Monastery. This drive from Kaza is approximately 12 km and takes around 30-40 minutes, offering breathtaking views of the Spiti River.

Highlights of Your Day:

• Key Monastery (Ki Gompa): Perched majestically atop a hill, this is the largest and most famous monastery in the Spiti Valley. Explore its ancient temples, intricate murals, and collection of rare thangkas, and soak in the serene monastic life.

After an enriching visit, continue your drive towards the villages of Langza and Komic. The journey from Key Monastery, often via parts of the Kaza road, to Langza is approximately 25-30 km and can take about 1 to 1.5 hours due to the winding mountain roads.

• Langza Village: Known as the "Fossil Village" of Spiti, Langza is famous for its ancient marine fossils. Spot the towering Buddha statue overlooking the valley and enjoy panoramic views of the Chau Chau Kang Nilda peak.
• Komic Village: Perched at an astonishing altitude, Komic is one of the highest motorable villages in the world. Visit the Tangyud Monastery, explore the local culture, and enjoy a warm meal at a local cafe.

As the afternoon draws to a close, begin your scenic return journey to Kaza, which is roughly 18-20 km from Komic and takes about 45-60 minutes. Reflect on a day filled with spiritual insights, ancient history, and unparalleled natural beauty in the high Himalayas.

Embark on a captivating single-day exploration of Kaza, delving into its rich monastic heritage and the unique charm of its surrounding villages. This itinerary is designed for a full day of discovery, starting and ending in Kaza.

Begin your day in Kaza with an early breakfast. Your adventure today focuses on the spiritual heart and natural wonders near this Spitian hub.

Your first destination is the iconic Key Monastery, perched dramatically on a hilltop overlooking the Spiti River. The journey from Kaza to Key Monastery is approximately 15 km and takes about 30 minutes.

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• Key Monastery: Witness the breathtaking architecture of one of the oldest and largest monasteries in Spiti. Explore its ancient prayer halls, murals, and soak in the serene atmosphere.

From Key Monastery, continue your journey to Kibber Village, a short drive of about 8 km, taking approximately 15 minutes. Kibber was once the highest motorable village in the world.

• Kibber Village: Experience the unique lifestyle of the villagers and admire the traditional Spitian architecture.
• Kibber Wildlife Sanctuary (En route/Near Kibber): Keep an eye out for the elusive Snow Leopard, Blue Sheep (Bharal), and other high-altitude fauna. While sightings are not guaranteed, the landscape itself is a marvel.

After soaking in the sights and sounds of Kibber, begin your scenic drive back to Kaza. The return journey offers a different perspective of the stunning Spiti Valley.

• Upon returning to Kaza, you may choose to visit the Kaza Market for some local handicrafts or simply relax and reflect on the day's incredible experiences.

Begin your day in Kaza. After a hearty breakfast. The drive from Kaza to Tabo is approximately 35 km, taking around 1.5 hours. This scenic route offers breathtaking views of the Spiti River and the rugged mountain terrain.

En route, visit the following significant attraction:

• Dhankar Monastery: Perched precariously on a cliff edge, Dhankar Monastery is a spectacular sight. Explore its ancient prayer halls and soak in the panoramic views of the valley below. This historic monastery was once the capital of the Spiti Kingdom.

Upon arrival in Tabo, check into your hotel. After settling in, you can explore the renowned Tabo Monastery.

Sightseeing in Tabo:

• Tabo Monastery: Often referred to as the "Ajanta of the Himalayas," Tabo Monastery is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Founded in 996 AD, it houses exquisite murals, thangkas, and ancient scriptures, offering a glimpse into the rich Buddhist art and culture of the region.

Spend the remainder of your day immersing yourself in the tranquility and spiritual aura of Tabo.

Embark on a breathtaking single-day scenic drive from Tabo to Narkanda, a journey of approximately 230 km, taking around 7-8 hours of pure driving time, excluding stops.

Morning in Tabo

Begin your day with a final exploration of Tabo. Ensure you have completed any remaining desired sights in Tabo before checking out from your accommodation.

En Route to Kalpa

Depart from Tabo and head towards Kalpa. This segment of the drive covers roughly 85 km and will take approximately 3 hours.

En route, consider these stops:

• Nako Lake: A serene high-altitude lake offering stunning views and a peaceful atmosphere.
• Gyu Village: Known for its ancient mummy, a unique and intriguing historical site.

Midday in Kalpa

Upon arrival in Kalpa, take a break to admire the majestic views of the Kinner Kailash mountain range. Enjoy lunch and soak in the tranquil beauty of this picturesque village.

Journey to Sarahan

Continue your drive from Kalpa to Sarahan, a distance of about 70 km, which will take approximately 2.5 hours.

En route, the primary attraction is:

• Bhaba Valley: Experience the dramatic shift in landscape as you enter this beautiful valley.

Afternoon in Sarahan

Arrive in Sarahan and visit the renowned Bhimakali Temple, a magnificent architectural marvel and a significant pilgrimage site.

Final Leg to Narkanda

Your final stretch is from Sarahan to Narkanda, approximately 75 km, taking about 2.5 hours.

Arrival in Narkanda

Upon reaching Narkanda, check into your hotel and relax after a day filled with incredible scenery and cultural experiences.

Begin your day in Narkanda. After enjoying a final breakfast and checking out from your hotel, prepare for your journey to Chandigarh. The drive covers approximately 175 km and will take around 5-6 hours, depending on traffic and stops.

En route, consider these potential stops:

• Rampur: A historic town with significant temples and a picturesque setting along the Sutlej River.
• Bilaspur: Known for the Gobind Sagar Lake, offering opportunities for scenic views and perhaps a brief stop by the water.

Upon arrival in Chandigarh, your itinerary will focus on experiencing some of the city's highlights before your airport drop-off. Depending on your flight/Train schedule