Ultimate Itinerary for Spiti Valley: Top Attractions and Hidden Gems for 2024

Discover the best places to visit in Spiti Valley with our detailed itinerary for Spiti Valley in 2024 itinerary. From iconic landmarks to off-the-beaten-path wonders, we’ve covered you for an unforgettable journey.

Here’s a detailed itinerary for Spiti Valley via the Shimla-Kaza route:

Itinerary for Spiti Valley: Day 1- Shimla to Sarahan

So, the first day of your journey begins from Shimla (the capital of Himachal Pradesh) and ends at Sarahan (a small town known for its scenic beauty and historical significance. The total distance from Shimla to Sarahan is 160 km and it will take around 7-8 hours to reach Sarahan. The route takes you through several beautiful spots:

Kufri: Just a short drive from Shimla, Kufri is a popular tourist spot known for its views and adventure activities.
Narkanda: Continuing, you’ll pass Narkanda, famous for its apple orchards and skiing slopes. If you have time, a quick visit to Hatu Peak is recommended.
Rampur: As you descend from Narkanda, you’ll reach Rampur, a town on the banks of the Sutlej River. It’s a good place to stop for a meal or refreshments.

Upon arriving in Sarahan, you can end your day by resting to prepare for the next day of your journey.

Main Attractions:

Bhimakali Temple in Sarahan, Local Village Sightseeing

Day 2: Sarahan to Sangla to Chitkul

Start the second day of your itinerary for Spiti Valley with a visit to the Bhimakali Temple if you didn’t get a chance the previous day. The morning prayers and the peaceful ambience are a perfect way to begin the day. After that leave Sarahan and head towards Sangla. The drive is relatively short but incredibly scenic. You’ll be travelling through narrow mountain roads, so take your time and enjoy the journey.

As you are heading towards Sangla, you’ll pass by the Karcham Dam, one of the largest hydropower projects in India. It’s an impressive sight and marks your entry into the Baspa Valley.

After reaching Sangla, take a walk around the village. Visit the Kamru Fort, an ancient fort that offers great views of the valley and the Kinner Kailash range. The fort also houses a temple dedicated to the Hindu goddess Kamakhya Devi.

After that, you can head towards Chitkul, the last village of India on the Tibet border. Spend the evening relaxing by the river, enjoying the serene environment, fresh mountain air and the sound of the flowing river. You can end your day either in Chitkul or Sangla.

Main Attractions:

Explore Sangla village, visit Kamru Fort, and Bering Nag Temple, and enjoy views of Kinner Kailash, Rakcham and Chitkul Village.

Day 3: Sangla to Kalpa

On the 3rd day of the itinerary for Spiti Valley, you will be heading towards Kalpa from the place of your accommodation, Chitkul or Sangla. Kalpa, situated at an altitude of 2,960 meters (9,711 feet), is famous for its apple orchards and close-up views of the Kinnaur Kailash range. The total distance from Sangla to Kalpa is 40 km and it took around 2-3 hrs to reach Kalpa. The journey from Sangla to Kalpa takes you through the stunning landscapes of Himachal Pradesh. Upon reaching Kalpa you can enjoy some of its key attractions.

Key Attractions of Kalpa:

Kinnaur Kailash Range, Roghi Village, Suicide Point, Narayan-Nagini Temple, Apple Orchards

The journey from Sangla to Kalpa is more than just a drive; it’s an experience filled with natural beauty, cultural richness, and a sense of adventure. Enjoy the serene landscapes, interact with the warm-hearted locals, and after that end your 3rd day in this beautiful town.

Day 4: Kalpa to Nako to Tabo

On the 4th day of the itinerary for Spiti Valley, start early to make the most of your day. Begin your journey in Kalpa, passing through Reckong Peo to stock up on supplies if needed. The total distance from Kalpa to Tabo is around 160 km and it took around 6-7 hrs to reach Tabo. Below is the complete schedule that you can follow:

6:00 AM – Depart from Kalpa

9:00 AM – Stop at Khab Sangam- Pause briefly to witness the dramatic confluence of the Spiti and Sutlej rivers and also you can have breakfast at a local restaurant there.

11:00 AM – Arrive in Nako

Key attractions: Nako Lake, Nako Monastery

Nako Village Walk: Briefly stroll through the traditional village.

12:00 PM – Depart from Nako – Head towards Tabo, passing through Malling Nala and registering at Sumdo if necessary.

1:00 PM – Stop at Gue

Key attractions: Gue Mummy

3:00 PM – Arrive in Tabo

Key Attractions in Tabo: Tabo Monastery, Caves of Tabo

4:00 PM – Explore Local Area

Take a leisurely walk around Tabo village to experience the local culture and perhaps enjoy a cup of tea with the locals.

Evening: Relax and Reflect

5:00 PM – End of Day

Activity: Relax at one of the local accommodations, such as Hotel Maitreya Regency or Tow Dhey Hotel, and reflect on the day’s journey.

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Day 5: Tabo to Dhankar to Kaza

So, your 5th day starts at Tabo. After having breakfast you can head towards Dhankar. The total distance from Tabo to Dhankar is 32 km and it took around 2 hrs to reach Dhankar. Dhankar, the former capital of the Spiti Valley kingdom, is situated high above the confluence of the Spiti and Pin rivers. The views here are spectacular, and the historical and cultural significance of the site is immense. Below is the schedule that you can follow.

6:00 AM – Depart from Tabo

Start your day early in Tabo, known for its ancient monastery and meditation caves. Leaving at 6:00 AM ensures you have enough time to enjoy the day’s destinations. The road to Dhankar offers stunning views of the Spiti River and the arid landscapes typical of the region.

7:30 AM – Arrive in Dhankar

Attractions:

Dhankar Monastery: Spend an hour exploring this 1,000-year-old monastery, precariously balanced on a cliff. The monastery houses ancient murals and scriptures, offering a glimpse into the region’s rich spiritual heritage.

Dhankar Lake (Optional): If you are up for a hike, the Dhankar Lake is a 1-2 hour trek from the village. The lake is serene and provides panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. However, given the tight schedule, this might be best reserved for those who can manage a brisk pace.

Dhankar to Kaza

The total distance from Dhankar to Kaza is around 28 km and it took around 1.5-2 hrs to reach Kaza.

9:00 AM – Depart from Dhankar

After exploring Dhankar, continue your journey towards Kaza, the administrative centre of Spiti Valley. The road from Dhankar to Kaza is relatively well-maintained but always be prepared for occasional rough patches.

10:30 AM – Arrive in Kaza

Kaza, situated at an altitude of 3,800 meters (12,500 feet), is the largest town in Spiti Valley and serves as a base for exploring the surrounding areas. Spend the rest of the day exploring Kaza and its nearby attractions.

Key Attractions in Kaza:

Key Monastery: A short drive (14 kilometres) from Kaza, Key Monastery is the largest monastery in Spiti Valley. Spend about an hour exploring the monastery, which offers stunning views of the Spiti River and valley.

Kibber Village: Another 6 kilometres from Key Monastery, Kibber is one of the highest inhabited villages in the world. The village offers picturesque views and traditional Spitian houses.

Chicham Village: The village is renowned for the Chicham Bridge, the highest suspension bridge in Asia, which offers breathtaking views of the gorge below and the surrounding rugged landscape.

3:00 PM – Lunch in Kaza

Enjoy a local meal in one of the many cafes and restaurants in Kaza. Try traditional Spitian cuisine like thukpa, momos, and local bread.

4:00 PM – Continue Exploring Kaza

Spend the afternoon visiting local markets, interacting with locals, and soaking in the unique culture of the region. Visit the Sakya Tangyud Monastery in Kaza for its beautiful architecture and serene atmosphere.

7:00 PM – End of Day

As the day draws to a close, find a comfortable spot to relax and reflect on the day’s journey. Accommodation in Kaza ranges from guesthouses to more upscale options. Consider staying at places like Spiti Valley Hotel or Sakya Abode.

Day 6: Kaza - Langza - Komic - Hikkim

You can start your 6th day of exploring Spiti Valley at 9 or 10 am after having proper rest. As today we have left with three villages which we will explore and these villages are not very far away from Kaza, so it will not require more time. Our 1st destination would be Langa. The total distance from Langza to Kaza is around 14 km and it took around 45 minutes to reach Langza.

Kaza to Langza

8:00 AM – Depart from Kaza

The road from Kaza to Langza offers stunning views of the Spiti Valley.

8:45 AM – Arrive in Langza

Langza is famous for its giant Buddha statue overlooking the valley and its rich fossil reserves.

Key Attractions: Buddha Statue, Fossil Hunting

Langza to Komic

Distance: 10 kilometers

Travel Time: Around 30 minutes

10:00 AM – Depart from Langza

Continue your journey to Komic, one of the highest motorable villages in the world.

10:30 AM – Arrive in Komic

Komic is known for its remote location and the ancient Tangyud Monastery.

Key Attractions:

Tangyud Monastery: A fortified monastery with stunning architecture and spiritual significance.

High-Altitude Living: Experience life in one of the highest villages on Earth.

Asia’s highest museum: Explore some of the old artefacts in Asia’s highest museum.

World’s Highest Restaurant: Enjoy your meal at the world’s highest restaurant.

Komic to Hikkim

Distance: 4 kilometers

Travel Time: Around 15-20 minutes

12:00 AM – Depart from Komic

A short drive takes you to Hikkim, home to the world’s highest post office.

12:20 AM – Arrive in Hikkim

Hikkim offers a unique opportunity to send postcards from the highest post office in the world.

Key Attractions:

Hikkim Post Office: Send a postcard to friends or family from this unique location.

Traditional Village: Explore the traditional Spitian houses and interact with locals.

Hikkim to Kaza

Distance: 15 kilometers

Travel Time: Around 45 minutes

1:30 PM – Depart from Hikkim

Head back to Kaza to conclude your day trip.

2:15 PM – Arrive in Kaza

Return to Kaza in time for lunch and some relaxation after an eventful morning exploring the high-altitude villages of Spiti Valley. And if you have some time you can also have a visit to Kaza mall road, spend some time there and have dinner at a restaurant there.

Day 7: Kaza to Chandratal to Manali

Your 7th day of the journey will start from Kaza early morning, around 5 am to make the most of your daylight and ensure you have enough time for the entire journey. The total distance from Kaza to Manali is around 185 km and it took around 9-10 hrs to reach Manali. Below is a schedule that you can follow.

Early Morning 5 am: Kaza to Chandratal

Making your departure at around 5 am you can easily reach Chandratal, which is around 98 km in 4-5 hrs depending upon the speed, road conditions, stops etc.

Key Stops:

Kunzum Pass: A short stop to take in the views and pay respects at the Kunzum Mata temple.

Arrival at Chandratal 10 am: Aim to reach Chandratal by 10:00 AM.

Late Morning to Early Afternoon: Chandratal to Batal

Time at Chandratal: Spend about 1-2 hours here to enjoy the lake and surroundings.
Departure from Chandratal: Around 11:30 AM to 12:00 pm.

Key Stops:

Batal: A quick stop at Chacha Chachi Dhaba for a snack and rest. Ensure you are on the road by 1:00 PM.

Afternoon to Evening: Batal to Manali

The total distance between Batal to Manali is around 95 km and it takes around 4-5 hrs to reach Manali.

Key Points: Chhatru, Rohtang Pass, Sissu, Atal tunnel

Descent to Manali: Enjoy the changing landscapes as you descend from the high-altitude pass.

Arrival in Manali: Aim to reach by 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM, considering any delays or additional stops.

Day 8: Manali to Shimla

Once you reach Manali you can easily get a bus or taxi for Shimla or maybe you can explore Manali for a day or two, and after that go to Shimla or the place of your hometown. You can easily get a bus from Manali to connected cities like Chandigarh, Shimla, Delhi from where you can further get to your hometown.

Tips for the Trip:

Accommodation: Book in advance, especially during peak season.
Altitude Sickness: Acclimatize properly and stay hydrated.
Road Conditions: Be prepared for rough and unpredictable road conditions.
Permits: Ensure all required permits are obtained beforehand.
Vehicle: A sturdy vehicle (preferably a 4×4) is recommended.
Fuel: Ensure your vehicle is fully fueled before departing Kaza.
Emergency: Inform someone about your travel plans and expected arrival time in Manali.

We have given our best to provide you with one of the best itineraries for Spiti Valley to make your expedition more enjoyable and memorable. This 8-day itinerary for Spiti Valley will cover most of the famous places in the Spiti Valley that tourists often visit. We have provided you the itinerary for Spiti Valley from the Shimla-Kaza route because this route is open throughout the year, unlike the Manali-Kaza route which is open only for a few months during summer.

Here is a suggestion: If you are planning a trip to Spiti Valley, please complete the whole circuit. Like if you have started your trip from Shimla then end it in Manali and if you have started your trip from Manali then vice-versa. But, it’s a recommendation. You should always make your itinerary as per your travel time, budget and place of interest.

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