Ultimate 12 Day Spiti Valley Road Trip: Free Chandratal Lake Trek (2025)

Description

Tour Overview and Highlights into Spiti Valley Road Trip 2025

The Spiti Valley circuit spans approximately 1200 kilometers, taking you on a counterclockwise route from Chandigarh through Shimla, Kinnaur, Spiti, Chandratal Lake Trek or hike and back via Manali. This carefully planned route ensures gradual acclimatization to high altitudes and maximizes your experience of diverse landscapes and cultural attractions.

Key Tour Information on Spiti Road Trip

⦁ Duration: 12 days of extraordinary mountain adventure
⦁ Transportation: Comfortable Vehicle as per requirement will be provided Ertiga, Innova, Crysta, Tempo Traveler or Urbania or Mini Buses
⦁ Accommodation: Mix of camping, hotels, and authentic homestays on Double Sharing Basis
⦁ Maximum Altitude: Kunzum-La pass at 4551 meters
⦁ Highest Village: Komic at 4513 meters
⦁ Best Travel Season: May to October
⦁ Per Group Size: Maximum 12 travelers in a group for a personalized experience
⦁ Tentative Departure Dates 2025 : May 29, June 6 & 20, June 28, August 28, and September 1-15
⦁ Package Options: Custom Spiti itineraries available, whatsapp +91-9816050711

Why Choose Our Spiti Valley Tour?

We’ve strategically designed this Spiti itinerary to follow the Chandigarh-Shimla-Kinnaur-Kaza-Manali route for several compelling reasons:

1. Avoids summer traffic congestion on the Manali-Solang Valley-Atal Tunnel route
2. Approaches the challenging Gramphu-Batal road section from the easier Kaza side
3. Provides gradual altitude gain for better acclimatization, especially important for travelers from lower elevations
4. Offers a perfect blend of stunning landscapes, cultural immersion, and adventure

 

Detailed Day-by-Day Spiti Valley Itinerary

Day 1: Chandigarh to Narkanda
Your Spiti Road Trip & Himalayan adventure begins as we depart from Chandigarh, driving along National Highway 5 toward the mountains. We’ll make a lunch stop in Shimla, Himachal’s charming capital, where you can explore colonial architecture during a brief heritage walk. Continuing onward, we reach Narkanda (2,700 meters), where you’ll spend your first night in the mountains at an HPTDC hotel with panoramic views.

Bucket List Experiences for Spiti Valley Circuit:
⦁ Explore Shimla’s colonial heritage and architecture
⦁ Enjoy spectacular 360° mountain views from Hatu peak
⦁ Optional detours to Timber Trail and Kasauli (time permitting)

Day 2: Narkanda to Sarahan
After breakfast, we drive toward Sarahan, making interesting stops along the way. Visit the historic Hatu Temple and enjoy breathtaking views of the Dhauladhar and Kinnaur-Garhwal mountain ranges. The journey continues through apple orchards and pine forests before reaching Sarahan, home to the magnificent Bhimakali Temple.

Bucket List Experiences for Spiti Valley Circuit:
⦁ Visit Padam Palace of the erstwhile Bushahr dynasty
⦁ Explore the culturally rich Rampur Bushahr town
⦁ Optional detour to the picturesque Tani Jubbar Lake
⦁ Overnight stay in a comfortable hotel in Sarahan (2,800 meters)

Upcoming Highlight of Spiti Valley Tour : Through Hindustand Tibet Highway , Enter Kinnaur District

Day 3: Sarahan to Chitkul
Today begins with a visit to the architecturally stunning Bhimakali Temple, with its 1,500+ years of history. From Sarahan, marvel at the seemingly close yet distant Srikhand Mahadev peak (5,150 meters). After visiting the Western Tragopan Pheasantry, we drive to Chitkul—the last village on the Indo-Tibet border and the most visited place in Kinnaur’s Baspa Valley.

Bucket List Experiences for Spiti Valley Circuit:
⦁ Witness drone photography at Tranda Dhank, built during the British era in the 1850s
⦁ Experience driving by the steep Satluj river gorge through sections carved into rock faces
⦁ Try angling in the crystal-clear Baspa river
⦁ Spot the rare Western Tragopan (Jajurana) at Sarahan Pheasantry
⦁ Overnight at a comfortable hotel in Chitkul (3,400 meters)

Day 4: Chitkul to Kalpa
After exploring Chitkul’s Mata Devi temple and monastery, we head back toward Sangla, visiting the ancient Bering Nag temple and the historic fort at Kamru village. The journey continues to Kalpa, renowned for its breathtaking sunrises over the Kinnaur Kailash mountain range. Kalpa’s apple orchards and traditional architecture offer fantastic photography opportunities.

Bucket List Experiences for Spiti Valley Circuit:
⦁ Explore the temple architecture of Kamru Badri Vishal deity temple
⦁ Visit the historic Kamru fort
⦁ Discover traditional Tibetan wood carving at a local center
⦁ Visit Sangla monastery and the architecturally unique Bering Nag Temple
⦁ Photograph the picturesque buckwheat fields of Rakcham village
⦁ Overnight at the comfortable HPTDC Kalpa hotel (2,680 meters)

Day 5: Kalpa to Charang Village
Begin your day with a spectacular sunrise view of the Kinner Kailash mountain range. After breakfast, explore Kalpa’s heritage village, local market, and the Narayan temple and monastery. We then drive to the remote twin villages of Kunnu and Charang, located along the Kinnaur Kailash Parikrama route. These villages offer authentic insights into traditional mountain life and Buddhist culture.

Bucket List Experiences for Spiti Valley Circuit:
⦁ Explore Chini heritage village with its traditional architecture
⦁ Visit Roghi village and the 170+ year-old Forest Rest House built during British rule
⦁ Experience the thrill of Rolla Dokhang (known as “suicide point”)
⦁ Interact with local villagers and learn about their traditional lifestyle
⦁ Overnight camping in Charang (3,400 meters)

Upcoming Highlight of Spiti Valley Tour : Exiting Kinnaur & entering Spiti Region of Lahaul & Spiti District of Himachal Pradesh

Day 6: Charang to Tabo
After a village walk in Charang and a visit to its thousand-year-old Rangrik Tsungma monastery, we drive to Thangi to explore the Lochwa monastery. The journey continues through Moorang village and its ancient fort before reaching Nako (3,200 meters) in the barren Hangrang valley. After visiting Nako Lake and monastery, we proceed to the Sumdo checkpoint and finally to Tabo, home to the oldest monastery in Himachal Pradesh.

Bucket List Experiences for Spiti Valley Circuit:
⦁ Visit one of Kinnaur’s oldest Buddhist monasteries at Charang
⦁ Explore the historic Moorang village fort
⦁ Visit the ancient Rapuk Shankras Temple in Thangi village
⦁ Optional detour to Gue village to see a 500+ year-old naturally preserved mummy
⦁ Overnight at a hotel or homestay in Tabo

Day 7: Tabo to Pin Valley
Today we explore the UNESCO-recognized Tabo Monastery, known as the “Ajanta of the Himalayas” for its exquisite murals and Thangka paintings dating back over 1,000 years. After hiking to the meditation caves above the village, we drive to the less-explored Pin Valley. Our destination is Mud village, the last motorable settlement in this pristine valley.

Bucket List Experiences for Spiti Valley Circuit:
⦁ Examine intricate Thangka scroll paintings, frescos, and murals inside Tabo monastery
⦁ Hike to ancient meditation caves used by Buddhist monks for centuries
⦁ See traditional mud stupas surrounding the monastery complex
⦁ Visit the endangered Dhankar monastery and fort, former capital of Spiti’s Nono Kings
⦁ Witness the dramatic confluence of Spiti and Pin Rivers
⦁ Overnight stay in Mud village (3,660 meters)

Ongoing Highlight in Spiti Valley Tour : Welcome to Real Spiti Valley Circuit : Where the Winds Whisper Mantras

Day 8: Mud to Kaza
After breakfast, explore Mud village and potentially witness a traditional stone-breaking ceremony performed by Buchen (shamans of Spiti). We then drive to the dramatically positioned Dhankar Monastery, perched on a riverfront cliff overlooking the Spiti Valley. As the former capital of Spiti when ruled by Nono kings, Dhankar offers incredible panoramic views and historical significance. By afternoon, we reach Kaza, the administrative headquarters of Spiti.

Bucket List Experiences for Spiti Valley Circuit:
⦁ Observe traditional rituals and performances by Spiti shamans
⦁ Spot rare Himalayan wildlife in Pin Valley National Park
⦁ Photograph the beautiful braided channels of Pin River
⦁ Experience local hospitality, dishes, and beverages at a homestay
⦁ Walk across the traditional wooden suspension bridge at Tailing village
⦁ Overnight at a comfortable hotel in Kaza

Day 9: Kaza Region Exploration
Today is dedicated to exploring the spectacular high-altitude villages around Kaza. We visit Komic (4,513 meters), Asia’s highest village accessible by road, and Hikkim, home to the world’s highest post office. After sending postcards to friends and family, we continue to Langza with its iconic Buddha statue, then to the ancient Key Monastery and Kibber village.

Bucket List Experiences for Spiti Valley Circuit:
⦁ Send postcards from the world’s highest post office in Hikkim
⦁ Visit Tangyud monastery in Komic village
⦁ See the snow leopard conservation center
⦁ Capture drone shots of the Buddha statue at Langza
⦁ Explore the 1,000-year-old Key monastery and its precious artifacts
⦁ Experience the thrill of crossing Chicham suspension bridge
⦁ Overnight at Cherring’s homestay in Kibber for an authentic local experience

Upcoming Highlight of Spiti Valley Tour : Beautiful Walk to Chandratal Lake Trek Experience Time

Day 10: Kaza to Chandratal Lake

Departing Kaza, we drive to the breathtaking Kunzum-La pass (4,551 meters), offering panoramic views of both Spiti and Lahaul valleys. From here, we descend to Batal and then take the connecting road to the mesmerizing Chandratal Lake (4,270 meters), one of Spiti’s most photogenic locations. The crescent-shaped “Moon Lake” is surrounded by magnificent mountain peaks.

Bucket List Experiences for Spiti Valley Circuit:
⦁ Stand at the majestic Kunzum-La pass with prayer flags fluttering in the wind
⦁ Experience the beautiful Chandratal Lake Trek but now its hike of 15 minutes.
⦁ Explore small glacier lakes above Chandratal
⦁ Photograph stunning reflections in the crystal-clear lake waters
⦁ Overnight camping under the star-filled Himalayan sky

Upcoming Highlight of Spiti Valley Tour : Exiting Lahaul Spiti Valley & entering Kullu Valley of Himachal Pradesh

Day 11: Chandratal Lake Trek to Manali
Our final full day of the journey takes us from Chandratal to Manali via the challenging yet spectacular road through Batal, Chhota Dara, and either Rohtang Pass or the Atal Tunnel (depending on conditions). This stretch offers dramatic landscapes transitioning from the arid Trans-Himalayan terrain to the greener slopes of the Kullu Valley.

Bucket List Experiences for Spiti Valley Circuit:
⦁ Navigate the adventurous mountain roads with numerous water crossings
⦁ Experience the dramatic change in landscape from barren mountains to lush forests
⦁ Drive through the engineering marvel of Atal Tunnel or cross the historic Rohtang Pass
⦁ Enjoy a comfortable overnight stay in Manali to celebrate the completion of your Spiti Valley circuit

Day 12: Departure from Manali
After breakfast, we bid farewell to the mountains as you depart for your onward journey. Transfers to further destination can be arranged upon request.

Practical Information for Spiti Valley Circuit :

Accommodation
Our carefully selected accommodations include:
⦁ Well-appointed hotels in major towns
⦁ Government-run HPTDC properties known for their locations and service
⦁ Authentic homestays offering cultural immersion
⦁ Quality camping equipment for outdoor stays

Transportation for Spiti Valley Tours

Travel in comfortable and capable 4-wheel drive vehicles (Mahindra Getaway or Toyota Innova Crysta) specifically chosen to navigate the challenging mountain roads while ensuring passenger comfort and safety.

What to Pack for Spiti Valley Tours

⦁ Layered clothing for varying temperatures
⦁ Sturdy hiking shoes
⦁ Rain/windproof jacket
⦁ Sun protection (hat, sunglasses, sunscreen)
⦁ Personal medications
⦁ Camera equipment
⦁ Reusable water bottle
⦁ Keep a place to collect dry garbage like chips wrapper in your rucksack or bag.

Spiti Valley Travel Summary:

The Spiti Valley circuit offers a perfect blend of adventure, culture, and natural beauty that few destinations can match. From ancient monasteries to breathtaking high-altitude passes, from traditional villages to lunar landscapes, this journey provides a profound connection with one of the world’s most remarkable mountain regions.
Our 2025 departures are limited to ensure quality experiences with minimal environmental impact. Whether you choose our standard itinerary or request a personalized journey, our experienced team ensures your Spiti adventure will be comfortable, inspiring, and unforgettable.
Book your place on this extraordinary Himalayan odyssey and discover why Spiti Valley is considered one of the last pristine adventure destinations in India.

Expert of Himachal Pradesh Holiday Packages & give custom Shimla Manali Tour Packages or Manali Holiday Packages. Whatsapp : +91-98160-50711

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