Spiti Valley Road Trip Itinerary: A Day-by-Day Travel Guide
Introduction
Embarking on a Spiti Valley trip is a dream for adventure lovers and road trippers. Nestled in the Himalayas, this high-altitude desert in Himachal Pradesh offers unmatched landscapes, remote villages, ancient monasteries, and thrilling drives. Whether youre driving a car or riding a bike, planning your itinerary well is crucial. Here's a detailed 9-day Spiti Valley road trip itinerary to help you make the most of your Himalayan journey.
Day 1: Chandigarh to Narkanda (Approx. 180 km / 6-7 hours)
Start your journey early from Chandigarh and head towards Narkanda via Shimla. The smooth roads and pine-covered hills offer a great start to your trip. Spend the evening enjoying the views from Hatu Peak or relaxing with a hot meal at a cozy homestay.
Tip: Acclimatize slowlySpiti's altitude is no joke!
Day 2: Narkanda to Sangla (Approx. 160 km / 6 hours)
Drive through winding roads to reach the beautiful Sangla Valley in Kinnaur. The Baspa River and traditional wooden houses make it a postcard-perfect village. Visit Chitkul, the last inhabited village near the Indo-Tibet border.
Day 3: Sangla to Kalpa (Approx. 40 km / 2 hours)
Its a short drive to Kalpa, known for its panoramic views of the Kinner Kailash range. Explore the local temples, enjoy Kalpas apple orchards, and breathe in the fresh mountain air.
Day 4: Kalpa to Nako to Tabo (Approx. 160 km / 7 hours)
Cross the Khab bridge where Sutlej and Spiti Rivers meet. Stop by Nako Lakea peaceful Himalayan lake surrounded by a tiny village. Continue to Tabo, home to the over 1,000-year-old Tabo Monastery, often called the 'Ajanta of the Himalayas'.
Day 5: Tabo to Dhankar to Kaza (Approx. 70 km / 4 hours)
This is one of the most scenic days of your trip. Visit Dhankar Monastery perched precariously on a cliff. Reach Kaza by afternoon and relax. Kaza is the commercial hub of Spiti and your base for the next few days.
This is also a great time to explore camping in Spiti Valley if you want to sleep under the stars. Popular camping spots near Kaza include Rangrik and Chandratal (towards the end of the itinerary).
Day 6: Kaza Local Sightseeing (Key Monastery, Hikkim, Komic, Langza)
Explore the upper villages around Kaza. Visit Key Monastery, a stunning structure and an important religious center. Then drive to Hikkim (home to the worlds highest post office), Komic (one of the worlds highest villages), and Langza (famous for fossils and the huge Buddha statue).
Day 7: Kaza to Chandratal Lake (Approx. 100 km / 6-7 hours)
A trip to Spiti is incomplete without visiting Chandratal Lake. The crescent-shaped lake is breathtaking and ideal for photography, reflection, and serenity. Spend the night in nearby camps, keeping warm and cozy under the Himalayan sky.
Day 8: Chandratal to Manali (Approx. 120 km / 7 hours)
The journey from Chandratal to Manali via the Rohtang Pass is full of thrill and beauty. The road is rough but offers stunning views of mountains, glaciers, and valleys.
Day 9: Manali to Chandigarh (Approx. 300 km / 8-9 hours)
Drive back to Chandigarh with unforgettable memories of Spitis rugged terrain, pristine beauty, and unique culture.
Final Thoughts
This Spiti road trip is not just about scenic drivesits about connecting with nature, testing your limits, and diving into Himalayan life. If youre planning a ride, make sure to mark your stops and explore the best places to visit on Spiti bike trip like Key Monastery, Dhankar, and Chandratal for a fulfilling experience.
