10 Days 9 Nights Spiti Tour Itinerary from Chandigarh to Chandigarh Covering Shimla, Narkanda, Kalpa, Tabo, Kaza, Chandar tal & Manali

Start your journey from Chandigarh and drive to Shimla, the capital city of Himachal Pradesh.Explore the Mall Road, Ridge, and other attractions in Shimla. Overnight stay in Shimla.

Today, embark on a scenic journey from Shimla to Narkanda, a picturesque drive through the Himalayan foothills.

 

The drive from Shimla to Narkanda is approximately 65 km and will take around 2 to 3 hours, depending on road conditions and stops.

En route, consider these stops:

• Hassan Valley Viewpoint: Offers panoramic vistas of the surrounding valleys and mountains.
• Shoghi: A small, serene town perfect for a brief respite and to enjoy the tranquility.

Upon arrival in Narkanda, check into your accommodation.

Explore Narkanda:

• Hatu Peak: The highest point in the region, offering breathtaking views and a famous temple.
• Tani Jubber Lake: A beautiful, serene lake surrounded by deodar forests, ideal for a peaceful walk.
• Skiing Slopes (seasonal): If visiting during winter, Narkanda is renowned for its skiing opportunities.

Spend the afternoon immersing yourself in the natural beauty and tranquility of Narkanda.

On the second day of this Spiti Valley tour, we start our epic Himalayan road trip today and start driving to Sangla. We will drive along the Sutlej river, cross the town of Rampur Bushahr, and enter Kinnaur through the popular ‘Gate of Kinnaur’. We later arrive in Kalpa. We can head to the famous Suicide Point on the way to Roghi and later explore the Kalpa monastery and town. We watch the sunset with a hot cup of tea from our hotel. The sunset from Kalpa against the Kinner Kailash mountains is a sight not to be missed. Kalpa is located in the cradle of the Kinner Kailash range, and on a clear day, one can spot the Kinner Kailash shivling from Kalpa as well. Overnight at a hotel in Kalpa.

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.

We start the day with a visit to the Tabo monastery - the oldest continuously functioning monastery in India. If time permits, we can climb up the stairs in the mountain behind the monastery to see the famous meditation caves of Tabo. We then head to Dhankar. Perched high above the confluence of the Spiti and Pin rivers, in a hidden bowl, is the tiny hamlet of Dhankar. We will visit the old monastery here (if open). The view of the valley from the village is not to be missed. We then head to Pin Valley National Park. Imagine a national park with an abundance of animals and birds, with some rare plant varieties, a river that gushes when it isn’t frozen and trekking opportunities for the adventure-seekers. The Pin Valley promises all this and more. We make our way to Kaza by late afternoon and check-in to our hotel. Overnight at a hotel in Kaza.

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.

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's itinerary focuses on exploring the beautiful local sights of Manali.

 

Manali Local Sightseeing

Begin your day with a visit to the iconic Hidimba Devi Temple, a unique pagoda-style temple nestled amidst deodar trees. Afterward, immerse yourself in the tranquility of Van Vihar, a picturesque park with a lake and deodar forests, perfect for a leisurely stroll.

 

Next, experience the vibrant atmosphere of Mall Road, the heart of Manali, ideal for shopping for local handicrafts and enjoying street food. Continue your spiritual journey with a visit to the ancient Manu Temple, dedicated to the sage Manu, offering panoramic views of the valley. Conclude your temple visits at the serene Vashishtha Temple & hot and cold springs, renowned for its hot springs where you can take a rejuvenating dip.

 

In the afternoon, explore the recreational hub of Club House, offering various indoor and outdoor activities. Finally, discover the peaceful ambiance of the local Monastery, a place for quiet contemplation and appreciating Buddhist art and architecture.

In early morning after the breakfast at the hotel and check out from the hotel and proceed to chandigarh/kalka (it may takes 08 hour) for your onward journey . on the way visit Maa Naina Devi Temple in Bilaspur, later drop at railway station/Airport .