Highlands of Spiti Tour
Highlands of Spiti Tour
Embark on an unforgettable overland journey to Spiti Valley, a remote Himalayan desert nestled between Tibet and India. Traverse dramatic mountain passes, ancient villages, and barren high-altitude landscapes. Discover centuries-old Tibetan Buddhist monasteries clinging to cliffs, prayer flags fluttering in the crisp mountain air. This rugged adventure offers a rare glimpse into an isolated culture untouched by time, where spirituality and stark natural beauty coexist in serene harmony. Spiti is not just a destination—it’s a soul-stirring experience.
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive Delhi
Arrive at Delhi airport and transfer to your hotel for overnight stay. Rest and prepare for your upcoming Himalayan adventure.
Day 2: Delhi – Shimla (350 km / 8 hrs)
Morning train to Chandigarh, then a 3-hour scenic drive to Shimla. Check into the hotel and explore the charming colonial streets in the evening.
Day 3: Shimla Exploration
Visit the Indian Institute of Advanced Studies, Sankat Mochan and Jakho Temples. Enjoy a relaxed afternoon strolling The Mall and Ridge. Overnight in Shimla.
Day 4: Shimla – Sarahan (170 km / 6 hrs)
Drive through forested hills via Narkanda and Rampur to Sarahan. Visit the famous Bhimakali Temple and enjoy views of the Srikhand Mahadev peak. Overnight stay.
Day 5: Sarahan – Sangla (95 km / 4 hrs)
Drive to Sangla in the Baspa Valley. Stop to explore Kamru Fort en route. Check into riverside deluxe tents surrounded by mountain views. Overnight stay.
Day 6: Sangla Valley
Explore Chitkul, the last village before the Indo-Tibet border. Discover traditional houses, pristine landscapes and the rural charm of the Baspa Valley.
Day 7: Sangla – Nako (130 km / 6 hrs)
Drive along the dramatic cliffs to Nako, stopping at the Sutlej-Spiti confluence at Khab. Explore Nako Lake and ancient village life in this high desert setting.
Day 8: Nako – Tabo (65 km / 2.5 hrs)
Drive to Tabo and visit the 10th-century monastery, renowned for its murals and art. Known as the ‘Ajanta of the Himalayas,’ it’s a cultural treasure. Overnight stay.
Day 9: Tabo – Dhankar – Lalung – Kungri (75 km / 5 hrs)
Explore the cliff-top Dhankar Monastery and serene Lalung Gompa. Drive through Pin Valley to Kungri Monastery, the spiritual heart of the Nyingma-pa sect.
Day 10: Kungri – Festival Day
Attend the Kungri Cham festival, where buzhens perform masked sword dances. Witness esoteric rituals in one of Spiti’s oldest monasteries, nestled in Pin Valley National Park.
Day 11: Kungri – Kaza (50 km / 2 hrs)
Drive to Kaza, the largest town in Spiti. En route, admire stark desert scenery and the flowing Spiti River. Evening at leisure.
Day 12: Around Kaza (70 km round trip / 4 hrs)
Visit Ki Monastery and Kibber, one of the world’s highest inhabited villages. Later, drive to Tashigong village for views of Chau Chau Kang Nilda peak.
Day 13: Kaza – Chota Dhara (90 km / 6 hrs)
Cross the 4,558m Kunzum La Pass and descend into the remote Chota Dhara. Camp under the stars beside the Chandra River. Overnight in tents.
Day 14: Chota Dhara – Manali (110 km / 6 hrs)
Travel over Rohtang Pass (3,980m) into lush Kullu Valley. The contrast from barren Spiti to green Manali is breathtaking. Arrive in Manali by evening.
Day 15: Manali Leisure
Relax in Manali or explore Hadimba Temple, Manu Temple, or soak in Vashisht hot springs. Overnight in a cozy mountain retreat.
Day 16: Manali – Delhi (550 km / 12 hrs)
Morning transfer for flight or Volvo bus to Delhi. Alternatively, drive to Chandigarh and take a train to Delhi. Check-in upon arrival.
Day 17: Delhi Exploration
Explore Delhi at your own pace or join an optional guided tour of Old Delhi, Humayun’s Tomb, and India Gate. Enjoy your final evening in India.
Day 18: Depart Delhi
Transfer to the airport for your international departure.
Optional Extension to Ladakh (8 Days)
Day 14 (Alt): Chota Dhara – Jispa (120 km / 6 hrs)
Drive past Batal, Keylong and cross Baralacha La (4,890m) to reach Jispa, a tranquil village on the Bhaga River. Overnight stay.
Day 15: Jispa – Sarchu (90 km / 4 hrs)
Drive over high-altitude terrain to Sarchu via the Baralacha Pass. Camp at the Sarchu plateau, under a sky full of stars.
Day 16: Sarchu – Tsomoriri Lake (200 km / 8 hrs)
Leave the highway and drive through remote Ladakhi roads to reach the serene high-altitude Tsomoriri Lake. Camp by the lakeside.
Day 17: Tsomoriri – Leh (240 km / 7 hrs)
Drive to Leh through the spectacular Rupshu region and Mahe Bridge. Check into your hotel and rest after the long drive.
Days 18 & 19: Explore Leh
Visit monasteries such as Hemis, Thiksey and Shey. Enjoy the local markets, Shanti Stupa, and relax at this high-altitude town.
Day 20: Leh – Delhi (Flight)
Morning flight to Delhi. Transfer to hotel. Free time or optional sightseeing in the capital city.
Day 21: Delhi at Leisure
Enjoy your final day shopping, sightseeing or relaxing before departure.
Day 22: Depart Delhi
Transfer to the airport for your international flight home.