Spiti Valley Expedition – Where the Mountains Touch the Sky!
The Hidden Valley of the Himalayas – ancient monasteries, high passes, and pristine Chandratal.
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About this trip
Traverse the rugged trans-Himalayan landscapes of Kinnaur and Spiti on this high-altitude circuit. Journey from the apple valleys of Sangla and the border village of Chitkul past dramatic river confluences, 1,000-year-old monasteries at Tabo and Dhankar, and the world's highest post office at Hikkim. Cross suspension bridges and high mountain passes to camp under the Milky Way at Chandratal before completing the loop via Manali.
- Explore ancient Tabo Monastery, cliff-perched Dhankar Monastery, and iconic Key Monastery
- Cross Chicham Bridge (Asia's highest suspension bridge) and high-altitude Kunzum Pass
- Stargazing and lakeside camping at Chandratal (14,000 ft.) surrounded by the Chandra Bhaga range
- Visit the world's highest post office at Hikkim, Asia's highest village at Komic, and the giant Buddha statue at Langza
- Scenic drive through Chitkul (the last village near the Indo-China border), Kalpa with Kinner Kailash views, and the mummy at Gue Monastery
Day by day
9 days, written by the host who runs it.
Day 1New Delhi to Shimla (Overnight Journey)
Assemble at ISBT Kashmiri Gate, Delhi by 8:00 PM. Board the AC Semi-Sleeper Volvo bus for an overnight journey (~9 hours) to Shimla with an en-route dinner halt.
Day 2Shimla to Sangla
Arrive early morning in Shimla and transfer to the Tempo Traveller. Drive along the Sutlej River through Kinnaur, stopping at the iconic Kinnaur Gate for photos. Reach Sangla by evening, check in to your accommodation, have dinner, and relax.
Day 3Sangla to Kalpa via Chitkul
Post breakfast, drive to Chitkul—the last inhabited village near the Indo-China border—and walk along the Baspa River. Continue toward Kalpa through apple orchards and Kinnauri villages. Visit Kalpa Monastery and Roghi Village viewpoint; check into the hotel for dinner and sunset views over Kinner Kailash.
Day 4Kalpa to Tabo via Nako & Gue
Depart Kalpa after breakfast; stop at Khab Sangam to see the confluence of the Spiti and Sutlej rivers. Visit high-altitude Nako Lake, followed by a stop at Gue Monastery to witness the preserved 500-year-old Buddhist monk mummy. Reach Tabo, check into your stay, and enjoy dinner.
Day 5Tabo to Kaza (via Dhankar & Pin Valley)
Explore ancient Tabo Monastery's historic murals and meditation caves. Drive to the cliff-top Dhankar Monastery overlooking the confluence of the Spiti and Pin rivers. Take a detour into Pin Valley (subject to weather/road conditions) before heading to Kaza for check-in and dinner.
Day 6Kaza Local Sightseeing (Hikkim, Komic & Langza)
Embark on a full-day excursion to Komic (Asia's highest motorable village) and Hikkim (home to the world's highest post office). Visit Langza to admire the giant open-air Buddha statue and panoramic peaks. Explore the local Kaza market in the late afternoon; return to the hotel for dinner.
Day 7Kaza to Chandratal via Chicham Bridge & Kunzum Pass
Check out after breakfast and visit the iconic Key Monastery. Cross the deep gorge over Chicham Bridge and drive through high-altitude Kunzum Pass. Arrive at Chandratal (14,000 ft.); check into the lakeside campsite for dinner and stargazing under the Milky Way.
Day 8Chandratal to Manali | Overnight to Delhi
Wake up to lake views, enjoy breakfast, and take in the final mountain vistas while driving toward Manali. Arrive in Manali by evening and board your AC Volvo bus for the overnight trip back to Delhi.
Day 9Arrival in New Delhi
Arrive in New Delhi by morning with memories of the trans-Himalayan expedition.
What the price covers
Included
- Delhi to Shimla & Manali to Delhi AC Semi-Sleeper Volvo transfers
- Tempo Traveller for all circuit transfers and sightseeing
- 6 nights accommodation (5 nights hotel/homestay + 1 night camp at Chandratal)
- 12 meals: 6 Breakfasts and 6 Dinners
- 24/7 emergency oxygen cylinder support
- All Inner Line Permits and vehicle toll/parking fees
- Experienced Tour Captain and 24/7 on-ground assistance
- First-aid medical kit
Not included
- Lunches and transit meals during highway halts
- Entry tickets to monuments, monasteries, or national parks
- 4x4 vehicle charges (if required due to terrain/snow disruptions)
- Costs arising due to unforeseen calamities, landslides, or route diversions
- Personal expenses (porterage, laundry, personal gear)
Where you sleep, how you move
Stay
Total of 6 nights accommodation: 5 nights in comfortable hotels/homestays (Sangla, Kalpa, Tabo, Kaza) and 1 night in alpine camps near Chandratal Lake on the respective sharing basis.
Transport
Delhi to Shimla and Manali to Delhi transfers via AC Semi-Sleeper Volvo Bus; dedicated Tempo Traveller for the entire mountain circuit and local sightseeing.
What to carry
Cancellation & refunds
Specific to this trip, because a permit-bound Himalayan departure cannot carry the same terms as a weekend by a river.
Full terms are in our refund & cancellation policy.
Meet your host
Tenzin Dolma
Based in Kaza, Spiti · 4 trips led
Grew up in Spiti and spent four winters working at a homestay in Langza. Knows which passes open early, which grandmother makes the best thukpa, and how to talk anyone through their first night at 4,200 metres.
“I have watched people arrive terrified of the altitude and leave planning to come back in winter. That turn is the whole job.”
Not quite the one?
There are other departures, and we would rather put you on the right trip than the nearest one.
Or reach us on WhatsApp at +91 96063 37793