Spiti 7 Days 6 Nights Tour Itinerary: Chandigarh to Chandar tal via Manali & Kaza

Today marks your exciting journey from Chandigarh to the picturesque hill station of Manali. After your pick-up in Chandigarh, prepare for a scenic drive that promises breathtaking views and a refreshing escape into the Himalayas.

 

Begin your day with a prompt pick-up from your Chandigarh location. Ensure you have completed any last-minute sightseeing in Chandigarh before commencing your journey. The drive to Manali is approximately 310 km and will take around 8-9 hours, including stops.

 

Your route to Manali offers several captivating sights:

• Kullu Valley: Known as the "Valley of Gods," it offers stunning panoramic views and is famous for its apple orchards and shawl factories.
• Pandoh Dam: A beautiful dam on the Beas River, offering a serene spot for a brief stop and photo opportunities.
• Hanogi Mata Temple: A revered temple situated amidst scenic surroundings, offering a spiritual pause.

 

As you approach Manali, the landscape will transform, revealing snow-capped peaks and lush green valleys. Upon arrival, check into your hotel and take some time to relax and freshen up. The evening is yours to explore the charming town of Manali at your leisure. Consider a leisurely stroll along the Mall Road, the heart of Manali, where you can find local handicrafts, souvenirs, and enjoy delicious Himachali cuisine. You might also opt for a peaceful walk by the Beas River, soaking in the tranquil ambiance of this popular tourist destination.

Today marks the beginning of your Spiti adventure as you head from Manali to Kaza. This journey covers approximately 200 km and is expected to take around 8-10 hours, depending on road conditions.

 

After an early breakfast, check out from your hotel in Manali. Ensure you have completed any last-minute souvenir shopping or quick visits to Manali's attractions before embarking on your drive.

 

En Route Sightseeing

The drive to Kaza is as breathtaking as the destination itself. Prepare for stunning mountain vistas and challenging terrain.

• Kunzum Pass: Another majestic pass, often considered the gateway to Spiti Valley, with a sacred temple.
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Upon reaching Kaza, check into your hotel and take some time to rest and acclimatize to the altitude. Kaza is the administrative center of the Spiti Valley and offers a glimpse into the unique culture of this remote region.

 

After settling in, you can take a leisurely walk around Kaza town. Explore the local market, interact with the friendly locals, and soak in the serene atmosphere of the Spiti Valley.

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.

The crisp Kaza morning greets and treats you to a hearty breakfast. Now, it is time to visit Dhankar and Tabo monasteries. First up is Dhankar or Dhangkar Monastery. Built as a fort monastery, Dhankar Monastery complex is perched atop a 1000-foot high locale that oversees the union of the Spiti and Pin Rivers. The monastery comprises of several prayer halls and is home to myriad 15th century wall paintings. This is amongst the world’s 100 most endangered sites. Next attraction included in your holiday trip to Kaza is Tabo Monastery: Ajanta of The Himalayas in Spiti Valley. Believed to be more than thousand years old, this is the leading monastic complex of Spiti and a protected monument by the Archaeological Survey of India. It has preserved the Buddhists legacy and a precious assortment of paintings, frescos, murals, manuscripts, and clay statues that illustrate the Mahayana Buddhism tales in Tibetan Style. After an insightful day into the Buddhist heritage, return to Kaza. On the way back, you won’t stop clicking pictures, especially till Schichling village. Once you reach Kaza, refuel yourself with a lovely dinner and tuck yourself in warm beds for the night at the hotel.

Today after breakfast head towards the famous Chandratal Lake and visit the Chicham Bridge on the way just 5 kms from Kibber. The Chicham Bridge is one of the highest (Altitude) bridges in Asia and is situated 5 kms ahead of Kibber village. Chandra Tal lake is situated at a distance of 85-90 km from Kaza and is said to be the source of the Chandra river. On the way, you’ll cross the famous Kunzum Pass. Spend some time near the Kunzum Mata Temple situated on the top of the pass and head towards Chandratal Lake. Enjoy some quality time near the lake. Camping is not allowed near the lake so the overnight stay would be 2 kms below the lake at our Campsite.

Today's adventure takes you from the serene shores of Chandratal Lake to the vibrant town of Manali, traversing breathtaking mountain passes and engineering marvels.

 

Begin your day with an early morning checkout from your accommodation near Chandratal Lake. Ensure all desired sights in the Chandratal vicinity have been explored before commencing your journey.

 

The drive from Chandratal to Manali is approximately 150 km and will take around 6-7 hours, depending on road conditions and stops.

En route, you will pass through:

• Kunzum Pass: Experience the panoramic views from this high mountain pass, a gateway to the Spiti Valley.
• Atal Tunnel: Traverse this engineering marvel, significantly reducing travel time and offering a unique underground experience.
• Solang Valley: Famous for its adventure sports like paragliding and zorbing, offering spectacular mountain scenery.

Upon reaching Manali, check into your hotel. Enjoy your evening in Manali, perhaps exploring the Mall Road for local crafts and cuisine. (Vehicle is not available)

Today marks your return journey from Manali to Chandigarh, with a captivating stop at Naggar Castle en route. Ensure you have completed any remaining Manali sightseeing before your departure.

 

Begin your day with a scenic drive from Manali to Naggar Castle. The distance is approximately 20 km, taking about 45 minutes to 1 hour. This historic castle offers panoramic views of the Kullu Valley.

 

Spend your morning exploring the architectural marvel of Naggar Castle. Wander through its ancient courtyards, admire the traditional Himachali artwork, and soak in the breathtaking vistas. This is your primary sightseeing stop for the day.

 

After your visit to Naggar Castle, embark on the longer leg of your journey towards Chandigarh. The total distance from Naggar to Chandigarh is approximately 250 km, with an estimated travel time of 7 to 8 hours.

 

While the direct route from Naggar to Chandigarh is primarily focused on reaching your destination, the journey itself offers glimpses of the picturesque landscapes of Himachal Pradesh and Punjab.

 

You would be directly transferred to Chandigarh Airport or Railway Station as per your onward journey.

 

Note: Chandigarh Sightseeing is not part of the itinerary