Spiti Valley Roadtrip (Premium)

Arrive in the mountain town of Manali, where pine forests, apple orchards, and crisp alpine air mark the beginning of your Himalayan circuit. After check-in at a thoughtfully chosen boutique 4-star hotel, you’ll have time to rest and ease into the altitude (~2,000m).

In the afternoon, we take a gentle forest walk to the Jogini Waterfall, a serene cascade tucked away behind Vashisht village — a local favourite. Later, explore Old Manali, with its mix of indie cafés, riverside paths, and a laid-back pace that sets the tone for the trip ahead.

In the evening, we gather for a detailed trip briefing, check gear, and discuss the days to come. An early dinner is recommended as tomorrow we leave the green hills behind and climb into the high Himalayas.

Drive Time: Local transfers – 30 min
Altitude: ~2,050m
Stay: Boutique hotel in Manali (twin-sharing, with dinner)

We start early for a long but unforgettable drive — one that marks the shift from alpine Himachal to the raw grandeur of the Trans-Himalayan desert. The road climbs steadily toward Rohtang Pass (3,978m), where pine forests give way to glacier-fed streams, barren ridgelines, and the open sky of Lahaul.

From Gramphu, we turn east, following the untamed course of the Chandra River, with surreal rock formations and glacial debris on either side. Midway, we take a detour to visit Chandratal Lake — one of Spiti’s crown jewels. Nestled at over 4,300m, this moon-shaped lake shimmers with turquoise clarity, set in a sweeping amphitheater of high peaks and scree slopes. You’ll walk to the lake, sit in silence, and let the thin air slow everything down.

Post-lunch, we continue past Batal and the wild curves of the road to reach Losar, the first true Spitian village. Surrounded by fields, prayer flags, and harsh winds, Losar offers a quiet, rugged welcome to the land of monasteries and sky. Check into a warm mountain guesthouse, share stories over a hot meal, and rest. Tomorrow, the soul of Spiti awaits.

Drive Time: 8–9 hours / ~150 km
Altitude: Chandratal – 4,300m; Losar – 4,000m
Stay: Boutique guesthouse in Losar (twin-sharing, with dinner)

Today, we enter the cultural and spiritual heart of Spiti. From Losar, we drive through stark high-altitude landscapes toward Kaza, Spiti’s administrative capital and its largest town. The road rises and winds through dramatic terrain — expect wide open valleys, snow-dusted ridgelines, and occasional herds of Himalayan blue sheep grazing along the cliffs.

Our first stop is the Chicham Bridge, one of Asia’s highest suspension bridges, spanning a yawning gorge between two rocky cliffs — a feat of modern engineering in an ancient land. From there, we visit Kibber Village (4,200m), one of the highest inhabited villages in the world. The setting is surreal — clusters of whitewashed homes set against endless rock and sky.

Next comes a visit to the iconic Key Monastery, Spiti’s largest and most picturesque gompa. Perched on a conical hill, its tiered architecture and timeless chants offer a deep window into Tibetan Buddhism in the region. Explore its prayer halls, spin the prayer wheels, and talk to resident monks if the moment allows.

By late afternoon, we descend to Kaza (3,800m) — a lively high-altitude town where tradition meets modest modernity. Check into your premium boutique stay, unwind, and take a stroll through the market if you’d like. The next two days are all about depth — not distance.

Drive Time: 4–5 hours / ~75 km (with stops)
Altitude: Kibber – 4,200m; Kaza – 3,800m
Stay: Premium hotel in Kaza (twin-sharing, with dinner)

Today is a slow, intentional exploration of Spiti’s highest villages — remote settlements that sit well above 4,000m, frozen in time and surrounded by surreal mountain landscapes. These are not just scenic spots; they are cultural strongholds of an ancient civilization that has endured for centuries in one of the harshest climates on Earth.

We begin with Langza, known for its striking Buddha statue that overlooks the fossil-rich valley below. Once submerged under the Tethys Sea, this highland is scattered with marine fossils — remnants of a prehistoric past you can still pick up with your hands. The village itself is a picture of tranquility, where barley fields meet crumbling mud homes and quiet stares from locals.

Next, we drive to Komic (4,587m) — among the world’s highest motorable villages, home to the Tangyud Monastery, one of the few Sakya sect monasteries in the region. Life here is sparse and elemental, with only a few families and monks tending to daily routines shaped by altitude and faith.

Lastly, we visit Hikkim, home to one of the world’s highest post offices. You can send a postcard from here — stamped and delivered across the world from the rooftop of India.

Return to Kaza by evening. It’s a day for silence, stories, and perspective. Few places offer such a mix of altitude, beauty, and culture.

Drive Time: 3–4 hours / ~50 km (loop)
Altitude: Langza – 4,400m; Komic – 4,587m; Hikkim – 4,400m
Stay: Premium hotel in Kaza (twin-sharing, with dinner)

Today’s journey is a deep dive into the spiritual and cultural heritage of Spiti, tracing the ancient Buddhist trail that winds through the eastern valley before crossing into the secluded village of Nako in Kinnaur. It’s a day of sacred places, hidden histories, and some of the most stunning architectural feats in the mountains.

We begin with a visit to Tabo Monastery, a 1,000-year-old UNESCO-protected site often called the “Ajanta of the Himalayas.” Its mud-walled prayer halls house ancient frescoes, thangkas, and scriptures preserved through generations. Tabo has been a living seat of learning for centuries and is still home to resident monks.

From there, we ascend to the cliffside Dhankar Monastery, once the capital of Spiti. Built dramatically on a rocky spur above the confluence of the Spiti and Pin Rivers, it offers panoramic views and a palpable sense of history. If weather and energy allow, we may walk up to the lesser-visited Dhankar Lake, tucked into the mountains above the monastery.

Later, we take a detour to Gue Village, a place few travelers reach. Here, in a modest monastery room, lies a 500-year-old mummified monk, naturally preserved in a meditative pose — a mystery to scientists, a marvel to seekers.

By evening, we arrive in Nako, a stone-walled village clustered around a sacred lake. The quiet here is profound. We stay in a luxury swiss tent or boutique guesthouse, with views of the surrounding peaks and prayer flags fluttering in the mountain breeze.

Drive Time: 6–7 hours / ~110 km
Altitude: Dhankar – 3,900m; Nako – 3,600m
Stay: Boutique lakeside stay or swiss tent in Nako (twin-sharing, with dinner)

Today marks a powerful shift in both terrain and energy. Leaving behind the stark, high-altitude stillness of Spiti, we descend into the greener, more rugged terrain of Kinnaur, tracing river valleys, apple orchards, and pine-covered slopes as we journey toward Chitkul — India’s last village before the Tibet border.

The drive begins with dramatic views of the Sutlej River gorge, cutting through cliffs and tunnels as we navigate a route that feels raw and wild. As we pass through Reckong Peo and Sangla, the scenery grows gentler — wooden homes replace stone, streams bubble through meadows, and prayer flags give way to pine groves.

By afternoon, we reach Chitkul (3,450m) — a postcard-perfect village perched on the banks of the Baspa River, surrounded by snow-capped peaks and alpine forests. Time slows here. Walk through narrow lanes lined with carved wooden houses, visit the ancient Mathi Temple, or simply sit by the river and breathe.

Tonight, we stay in a heritage Himachali homestay, where you’ll experience the warmth of mountain hospitality, eat traditional food, and listen to the valley quieten as dusk falls. This is not just a stop — it’s a moment of stillness at the very edge of India.

Drive Time: 6–7 hours / ~115 km
Altitude: Chitkul – 3,450m
Stay: Traditional Himachali homestay in Chitkul (twin-sharing, with dinner)

As we leave Chitkul, we begin a long but stunningly scenic descent into a completely different side of Himachal — one where the landscape softens, the forests thicken, and the silence takes on a new kind of green.

The route today follows the Baspa River down to Sangla, then merges with the Sutlej River near Rampur, before climbing back into the cedar-lined mountains of Banjar and the Tirthan Valley. This drive is a masterclass in Himalayan contrast: the arid, high desert of Spiti fades behind you, replaced by winding forest roads, cool streams, and a change in rhythm you’ll feel in your bones.

By late afternoon, we arrive in Jibhi (1,600m) — a lush village nestled in the forest, known for its wooden homes, hidden waterfalls, and river-fed stillness. Unlike the high-altitude drama of earlier days, Jibhi is meant for slow walks, warm cups of tea, and stories by firelight.

Check into a treehouse or forest-view boutique cabin, surrounded by cedar, mist, and birdsong. It’s the perfect place to wind down, reflect, and let the intensity of the last six days settle gently into memory.

Drive Time: 7–8 hours / ~180 km
Altitude: Jibhi – 1,600m
Stay: Treehouse or boutique forest stay in Jibhi (twin-sharing, with dinner)

Your last morning in the mountains begins slow and easy. Wake up to the sound of birds, the rustle of pine needles, and the gentle flow of the river nearby. After breakfast, we take a short walk to the Jibhi Waterfall, hidden in a fern-filled grove just a few minutes from the village. For those who want to explore more, a short hike to the rocky pools of Mini Thailand offers a final dip into the forest magic of this place.

Jibhi is not about ticking boxes — it’s about soft landings. A café brunch, a final photo in the misty woods, or just time spent doing nothing in the balcony of your treehouse — how you end it is up to you.

By evening, we transfer you to Aut Volvo Station (a scenic 1.5-hour drive) for your overnight journey back to Delhi. You’ll carry more than souvenirs — you’ll leave with stories, silences, and the feeling of having truly experienced Spiti and the Himalayas beyond the guidebooks.

Want to slow it down even more?
We can arrange an extra night in Jibhi and schedule your departure the next day. Just let us know in advance — we’re happy to customize the ending.

Drive Time: 1.5 hours / ~45 km
Altitude: Jibhi – 1,600m; Aut – ~1,000m
Drop-Off: Volvo boarding point at Aut (evening)