Spiti Valley Road Trip
from Delhi
Delhi → Shimla → Kinnaur → Spiti → Chandratal → Manali → Delhi — the ultimate high-altitude adventure through India's cold desert.
10-Day Spiti Valley Itinerary
Delhi to Shimla
- Depart Delhi early (5 AM)
- Breakfast at Murthal or Karnal
- Drive through Kalka-Shimla highway
- Arrive Shimla by afternoon
- Evening walk on Mall Road — acclimatize
Shimla to Sarahan
- Drive through apple orchards
- Narkanda viewpoint — Hatu Peak visible
- Cross Sutlej River valley
- Visit Bhimakali Temple at Sarahan (stunning wooden architecture)
- Overnight in Sarahan — quiet mountain village
Sarahan to Chitkul
- Drive through Sangla Valley (Baspa Valley)
- Apple and apricot orchards along the route
- Kamru Fort in Sangla — ancient wooden fort
- Continue to Chitkul — LAST INHABITED VILLAGE before Tibet border
- Walk along Baspa River
- Experience Kinnauri culture and food
Chitkul to Tabo
- Drive back to Reckong Peo (Kinnaur HQ)
- View of Kinnaur Kailash peak
- Cross the dramatic Spiti River gorge
- Stop at Nako Lake — serene high-altitude lake
- Arrive Tabo — 1,000-year-old monastery
- Visit Tabo Monastery — "Ajanta of the Himalayas"
- Explore cave hermitages above the monastery
Tabo to Kaza
- Visit Dhankar Monastery — perched on a cliff edge
- Dhankar Lake trek (1.5 hrs, moderate)
- Continue to Kaza — capital of Spiti
- Visit Key Monastery — Spiti's largest and most iconic
- Walk through Kaza market
- Try Spitian food — momos, thukpa, chhang (barley beer)
Kaza — Exploring Spiti
- Hikkim — world's highest post office (4,400 m), send a postcard!
- Komic — one of world's highest villages (4,587 m)
- Komic Monastery
- Langza — fossil village with giant Buddha statue and Himalayan backdrop
- Spot ibex and blue sheep on the way
- Return to Kaza, rest and acclimatize
Kaza to Chandratal Lake
- Drive to Kunzum Pass (4,590 m) — one of India's highest motorable passes
- Offer prayers at Kunzum Devi Temple
- Continue to Chandratal Lake — "Moon Lake"
- Crescent-shaped alpine lake at 4,300 m
- Camp by the lake (no hotels — tented camps only)
- Stargazing at high altitude — Milky Way visible to naked eye
Chandratal to Manali
- Early start (6 AM) — road can close by afternoon
- Drive through Batal and Gramphu
- Cross Rohtang Pass area (Atal Tunnel now available)
- Dramatic descent into Kullu Valley
- Arrive Manali by afternoon
- Hot shower, real food, and relaxation!
- Evening walk in Old Manali
Manali Rest Day or Sightseeing
- Rest day after the intense Spiti circuit
- Optional: Hadimba Temple, Solang Valley, Vashisht Hot Springs
- Cafe hopping in Old Manali
- Shopping for Kullu shawls and handicrafts
- Recharge for the Delhi drive
Manali to Delhi
- Early start (5 AM)
- Drive through Kullu Valley to Mandi
- Continue via Bilaspur and Kiratpur to Chandigarh
- Lunch at Chandigarh or Karnal
- Arrive Delhi by evening (6-7 PM)
Essential Spiti Travel Info
Road Conditions
Shimla-Kinnaur stretch is mostly paved (NH5). Kinnaur-Spiti has rough patches, river crossings, and narrow mountain roads. Manali-Rohtang-Kunzum route is unpaved in parts. Only SUVs recommended. Our drivers know every switchback.
Altitude Sickness Prevention
Gradual ascent is key — our itinerary rises from 2,200m to 4,590m over 5 days. Drink 3-4 liters water daily. Avoid alcohol above 3,000m. Carry Diamox (consult doctor). Watch for symptoms: headache, nausea, breathlessness. Descend if severe.
Packing Essentials
Down jacket, thermal innerwear, waterproof shoes, sunscreen (SPF 50+), sunglasses (UV protection), lip balm, moisturizer, power bank (no charging at some stops), BSNL SIM card, basic medicines, torch/headlamp.
Fuel & ATMs
Last reliable fuel station: Reckong Peo. Next: Kaza (may not always have stock). We carry extra fuel cans. Last ATM: Reckong Peo. Carry cash (₹15,000-20,000) for Spiti — digital payments are unreliable.
Related Trips
Travel Guides & Resources
Helpful guides for planning your Spiti adventure
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of vehicle is needed for Spiti Valley?
SUV (Innova/Ertiga) is MANDATORY for Spiti. Sedan cannot handle the rough mountain roads, river crossings, and high altitude terrain. We provide experienced mountain drivers who know every turn of the Spiti circuit.
Do I need permits for Spiti Valley?
Indian citizens need an Inner Line Permit (ILP) for areas near the Indo-Tibet border (Sumdo checkpoint). We arrange this from Reckong Peo or Kaza. Foreign nationals need a separate Protected Area Permit. We handle all documentation.
When is Spiti Valley accessible by road?
The Shimla-Kinnaur-Spiti route is open year-round (though winter driving is tough). The Manali-Rohtang-Kunzum-Spiti route opens June-October only. Our recommended circuit (enter via Shimla, exit via Manali) works June-October.
What about altitude sickness?
Spiti reaches 3,800-4,590 m. Symptoms include headache, nausea, breathlessness. We plan gradual ascent (Shimla→Sarahan→Chitkul before entering Spiti) for acclimatization. Drink plenty of water, avoid alcohol above 3,000 m, carry Diamox (consult doctor).
Is there mobile network in Spiti?
BSNL has the best coverage (available in Kaza, Tabo, and some villages). Airtel/Jio have very limited coverage. Buy a BSNL SIM before the trip. Satellite messages may not work. Inform family about limited connectivity in advance.
What is the total cost of a Spiti Valley road trip?
SUV (Innova/Ertiga): ₹65,000 for 10 days. Innova Crysta: ₹80,000. This includes vehicle, fuel, driver, tolls, and permits. Homestays in Spiti cost ₹800-2,000/night including meals. Total trip budget: ₹80,000-1,20,000 for 2 people including stays and food.
Can I do Spiti in less than 10 days?
Minimum 8 days is needed. You can skip Chitkul and the Manali rest day. However, rushing defeats the purpose — Spiti is about slow travel, acclimatization, and soaking in the moonscape. 10 days is ideal.
Is Spiti safe for solo travelers and women?
Yes, Spiti is one of the safest regions in India. The local Buddhist community is incredibly hospitable. Homestays are family-run. However, always travel with an experienced driver due to road conditions and altitude.
Ready for the Spiti Adventure?
SUV from ₹65,000 | Experienced mountain drivers | Permit assistance included