Brief Tour Guide – Spiti Circuit Itinerary/ Spiti Valley Tour Package
When you have packed your bags and left your home for your Spiti Valley Tour, you have basically done all the planning from your end. I have taken care of the rest of your tour plan with my Spiti Circuit Itinerary which is designed to give you the best experience of Spiti Valley.
I have already mentioned the brief itinerary for Spiti Circuit Tour Package in my blog Full Spiti Circuit (8N/9D Package) – Best Spiti Tour Itinerary with Spiti Circuit Road Map and Details. Here’s a brief description of what you are going to do in these 8 Nights and 9 Days Spiti Valley Tour Package:
Detailed Spiti Circuit Tour Itinerary – 8N, 9D Package
Day 1 – Travel To Kotgarh From Delhi via Shimla/Narkanda
Day 1 – The first day of Spiti Circuit Tour begins from Delhi. The route we will follow for our first day is Delhi to Kotgarh via Shimla/Narkanda. Total distance that you will cover on your first day is around 420 km. It will be a total of 9 hours drive.
When you start your trip from Delhi or Chandigarh in the morning, you will be taking a fun ride on the Himalayan Express Highway, also known as NH 05. The roads go through the green valleys of the Shivalik range.
As you drive further from Parwanoo, the road follows the route of the Kalka-Shimla Railway, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site. This railway was built back in the late 1800s and early 1900s by the British.
You drive along the road from Chandigarh to Shimla. The road passes through dense forests with tall pine, deodar, and oak trees. You will arrive in Shimla by midday, where you take a break and stop for lunch. After that, you continue driving and reach Kotgarh by evening.
Once in Kotgarh, find a homestay that suits your budget. The homestays in Kotgarh is surrounded by apple and cherry trees. Kotgarh is famous for its apples and cherries afterall. Have dinner in Kotgarh and stay overnight. This is how the first day comes to a close.
Rest properly because the next day will be a long drive through the Himalayan roads.
Day 2 – Drive From Kotgarh To Sangla
Day 2 – On the second day, you have to travel from Kotgarh to Sangla. You are traveling through the Spiti Circuit on the second day for about 140 km and it will be a 5 hours drive.
After having your breakfast at Kotgarh, take the cut to get back onto the National Highway 05 (NH5). The road goes through beautiful apple and cherry farms and joins the NH5 at Bithal. The drive further continues along the right side of the Satluj river with mesmerizing views of valleys and the lower Himalayas.
Believe me when I say it, you are going to experience an entirely different road while driving further. When you drive through the Taranda Dhank on the old Hindustan-Tibet (HT) road, you will be passing through a tunnel-like stretch. Driving through the Dhank is like driving under a roof made by cutting through mountains on one side and a deep gorge on the other. It’ll really get your heart pumping and adrenalines boosted!
The Taranda Dhank road is one of the scariest and most dangerous roads to drive upon. It is situate in the Kinnaur region in Himachal Pradesh. The experience while on this route will be enough to pump your heart to the maximum bpm.
You will soon reach Karcham from where you would have to drive over a bridge to finally enter the Bapsa Valley or say Sangla. You will reach the Sangla town by the evening. Have your dinner in Sangla and stay overnight in a hotel. And in this manner you will conclude the second day of your Spiti Circuit Tour.
Day 3 – Traveling To Kalpa From Sangla Via Chitkul
Day 3 – The third day begins at Sangla. On the third day of the tour you will travel from Sangla to Chitkul and then to Kalpa. Your Journey for the third day will finally end at Kalpa. The total drive distance for the third day of Spiti Circuit tour is around 90 km and it is a 4 hrs. drive.
On the third day of you Spiti Circuit tour, you’ll explore Baspa valley. After having your morning breakfast at Sangla, you’ll have to head towards Chitkul. While driving on the road to Chitkul, the Bapsa river will be on your left. The road is about 25 kilometers long. On this route, you will be passing by Mastrang ITBP check post, Bastseri, and Rakcham village.
Once you have reached Chitkul, you will have to walk around the village and visit Chitkul fort and Chitkul Mata temple. Once you have visited the temple, you will have to head back to Sangla. From Sangla, you’ll take the road back to Karcham and go to Chini village in Kalpa. By evening, you will arrive in Kalpa.
The dinner and overnight on the third day of the Spit Valley tour will be at a hotel in Kalpa. Freshen up and acclimatize, because temperatures would soon decrease and the height would soon increase.
Day 4 – Reach Tabo From Kalpa
Day 4 – On the fourth day of your Spiti Circuit Tour, you’re going to drive for a distance of 150 km which would easily take you around 6 hours. Today, you’ll go from Kalpa to Tabo and stay in Tabo for the night.
Today, you’re driving beside the Sutlej River until you reach a place called Khab. Khab is where the Sutlej River from Shipki-La Pass and the River Spiti meet. Then, you’ll go up to Nako.
Nako is a village sitting on a hill about 12,000 feet high. Nako is a pretty village with great views of the snowy Manerang ranges. There’s a lake and a Buddhist monastery there too. Nako is where people start climbing the highest peak in Himachal, called Reo Purgyil.
After relaxing for a bit, you’ll head to Tabo village. You should arrive there by evening and stay overnight at a hotel or homestay. This is how your fourth day in the Spiti Valley tour will come to an end. Give proper rest to your body and grab energy for the next day’s travel.
Day 5 – Explore The Dhankar Monastery While Going To Kaza From Tabo
Day 5 – The fifth day of the drive begins from Tabo. Today you go from Tabo to Kaza via the Dhankar Monastery. The total journey is of 60km and the total drive time is around 3 hours. More than the roads, you will explore the culture today.
When you start your day, the first stop will be Tabo Monastery, which has been standing since 996 AD. It’s actually the oldest monastery still running in India. You’ll get to see the monastery itself and the Chortens around it, which are kind of like Buddhist shrines. Then, you will continue your drive and move on to Sichling.
From Sichling, there’s a road that leads to Dhankar. It’s quite a sight because the monastery there is situated right on the edge of a mountain, making the whole scene look like it’s straight out of a fairy tale.
After you’ve taken in the village and the monastery, the journey will lead you to Kaza. You will reach Kaza by the evening. Give yourself some rest, take a stroll and after having your dinner, sleep early because tomorrow you will be covering a lot of places. This is how the fifth day comes to a close.
Day 6: Witness The Best Of Kaza In Spiti Valley
Day 6 – The sixth day is a hectic one. Today you will be exploring a lot of places. The journey will begin in the morning from Kaza and it will end back at Kaza. The drive is of 120 km and is in total a 4 -5 hrs drive. The route for the drive begins at Kaza and then you go to Langza.
On the sixth day of your trip around Spiti Valley, you’ll go to a really high place where people live. Komic is the highest village in Asia where people live. It comes under World’s Highest Villages. Explore Komic and its rich tradition.
After Komic, you’ll go to Hikkim, which has the highest post office in the world. There, you can send a postcard because there’s no phone or internet. Next, you’ll visit Langza. It’s known for old things from millions of years ago called fossils. Langza also has a temple that’s been around for a thousand years.
After Langza, you’ll go back to Kaza and visit Key Monastery. Then, you’ll drive to Kibber village. Later, you’ll drive back to Kaza for dinner and to stay overnight. Finally, you’ll rest for the night after an exciting day of exploring Kaza. Tomorrow is going to be a short but a very beautiful drive.
Day 7 – Go Visit The Chandra Taal Lake via The Kunzum Pass
Day 7 – The seventh day’s drive begins from Kaza and ends at Chandra Taal Lake. The journey has to be made via the Kunzum Pass. The total journey is about 100 km and takes around 4 hours. Don’t forget to sit by the Chandratal Lake (Chandra Taal Lake) for a while and let your thoughts flow.
Make sure to start your day early today because you never know how the weather up at Kunzum Pass will change. The weather changes up there pretty quick and to avoid any problems, start early. Today, on the seventh day of the Spiti Valley Tour, you will visit Kunzum Pass. The height of Kunzum Pass is 4550 meters which is about 15, 060 feet.
The weather up at Kunzum Pass changes so quick that you never know when the bright sunny sky would turn into showers of snow. The Kunzum Pass acts as a crossover between Spiti Valley and the Lahaul valley. When you are in Lahaul, you will notice that Lahaul is much greener than Spiti.
In Kunzum, you will find a Hindu temple and a Buddhist Chorten dedicated to the Goddess Kunzum Mata. After returning from the pass you move to Chandra Taal Lake. Chandra Taal is also known as the moon lake. The Chandra Taal Lake is a beautiful lake which is situated at an altitude of 14,100 feet.
It is situated between the mountain ranges of Chandra Bhaga and Kunzum top. Chandra Taal is quite a sight. It is liked by all the travelers and is considered as one of the most beautiful lakes in the Himalayan region. Spend the night at Chandra Taal in a camp and do not forget to gaze at the night sky and click some amazing pictures.
Day 8 – Drive To Manali Via The Atal Tunnel
Day 8 – The eighth day of your Sikkim Circuit Tour will take you from Chandra Taal to Manali via the Atal Tunnel. The total distance travelled on the eight day of the Circuit Tour will be around 60 km and will take around 4 hrs for the entire drive to get over.
Wake up to one of the most beautiful mornings of your life at Chandra Taal Lake. Roam around and see the surrounding Himalayan mountain ranges. After spending some time, head for Manali. Take a short halt at Batal, where you would drive along the Chandra River until you reach a place called Gramphu.
There are two routes to Manali from Gramphu:
1. Gramphu – Rohtang – Kothi – Palchan – Manali
2. Gramphu – Koksar – Chandra Bridge – Atal Tunnel – Solang Valley – Manali
I will suggest you to take the second route via the Atal Tunnel. You must experience the longest tunnel in the world. Atal Rohtang Tunnel is the longest tunnel in the world with a distance of 9 kilometers.
You will reach Manali by the evening. You can do your shopping and take some souvenirs back home from Manali. Have dinner and find a good hotel to spend the night over.
Day 9: Departure From Manali To Chandigarh
Day 9 – The ninth day which is the last day of your trip starts from Manali and ends at Chandigarh. It is the final day of your Spiti Circuit Tour and you’ll return back to Chandigarh from Shimla and eventually go to Delhi if you want. The total drive is of 290 km, and it is a 7 hrs. drive.
Time to bid farewell to the Spiti Valley. With bags filled with new experiences and some amazing memories, you will be leaving for your home. The feeling would be heavy, but yeah, life’s all about moving on. Today, on the ninth day of your Spiti Circuit Tour, you will return from Manali to Chandigarh.
From Chandigarh you can return to Delhi, or stay there and mark an end to your Spiti Valley Tour.
I hope, my Spiti Circuit Itinerary or Spiti Valley itinerary was able to make the planning of you Spiti tour easy and affordable. The 8N 9D Spiti Tour package is designed for you to experience all the places in the best possible manner. Do refer to my other blogs for more such contents.
Highlights Of Spiti Circuit Itinerary
If you are out on a Spiti Valley tour, there are places in the Spiti Circuit Itinerary that you cannot afford to miss. Here’s a list of places that you must travel to if you are traveling to Spiti Valley:
Kaza – Biggest Town In Spiti
Kaza is the biggest town in Spiti Valley. It’s the main place for business and shopping there. You can explore the area well from here. The town has a busy market where you can buy local crafts and try tasty Spitian food. Make sure you visit the pretty Sakya Tangyud Monastery in Kaza.
Key Monastery – Spiti’s Biggest Monastery
Key Monastery is the biggest monastery in Spiti Valley. The Key Monastery is a monastery sitting on top of a hill. It looks like a strong castle. The Key Monastery is a home to around 300 monks. Inside the Key Monastery, there are old paintings, ancient music things, and pretty Buddha statues. The views from the monastery are really pretty.
Chandra Taal Lake – The Moon Lake
The Chandra Taal lake is one of the most beautiful sights in Spiti. The Chandra Taal lake is situated at an height of 4300 meters. The clear blue waters of the lake are surely going to leave you in awe. If you are visiting the Chandra Taal Lake, do not forget to set a camp beside the lake under a star-studded night sky. The lake is accessible by a short trek.
Pin Valley – Snow Leopard’s Home
Pin Valley is a remote region of the Spiti Valley. There are quite a few people living in the Pin Valley. The drive through the Pin valley is one of the rare beautiful drives that is surrounded by snow-capped peaks all around. Driving there is an unforgettable experience. While in Pin Valley, you can also visit the villages of Mudh and Sagnam. The Pin Valley is also a home to the rare snow leopard.
Langza – Fossil Village of Spiti
Langza is called the fossil village of Spiti. It’s famous for its old rocks with sea animal bones. They’re millions of years old. It’s a small village with only a few houses. But the view is great. You can see the big mountain called Chau Chau Kang Nilda. Langza is a pretty good place to pay a visit.
Komic – World’s Highest Village
Komic is a really high village, one of the highest villages in the world. It is situated at an height of 4513 meters above sea level. There’s an old monastery there in Komik which has been around for about 500 years. You can also see the whole Himalayan mountain ranges from there. People in Komik are pretty warm and good hosts as well.
Concluding The Highlights Of Spiti Valley Tour
I absolutely loved exploring these incredible places in Spiti Valley. The stunning natural beauty, ancient monasteries, and unique culture of Spiti left me spellbound. I highly recommend adding these destinations to your Spiti Circuit itinerary for an unforgettable Himalayan adventure!
To know about more places to go to while in Spiti refer to my blog: 25 Must Visit Places In Spiti Valley – Highlights Of Spiti Circuit
Things To Keep In Mind – Spiti Valley Tour Package
Here are some important things to keep in mind while doing the Spiti Valley tour:
The Right Time To Visit Spiti
The best time to visit Spiti Valley is from June to September when the roads are open and the weather is pleasant. Avoid traveling in winter (November to March) as many roads get blocked due to heavy snowfall and temperatures can drop to -30°C.
High Altitude
Spiti Valley has an average elevation of 12,500 feet. Acclimatize properly and ascend gradually to prevent acute mountain sickness (AMS). Drink plenty of water, avoid alcohol and smoking. Carry essential medicines.
Carry Proper Gear
Pack warm clothes including thermals, down jacket, woolen socks, gloves, warm cap even if traveling in summer as evenings and nights get very cold. Good quality trekking shoes, sunglasses and sunscreen are a must.
Buffer Days
Keep 1-2 buffer days in your plan as bad weather and landslides can cause sudden road blocks and change in plans. Avoid having a very tight schedule.
Book Accommodations In Advance
Spiti has limited stay options which get full quickly in peak season. Book your hotels/homestays well in advance to avoid last minute hassles.
Expect Basic Facilities
Many remote villages have only basic homestays with simple food and limited connectivity. Be prepared to rough it out a bit and enjoy the local hospitality.
Hire An Experienced Driver
The roads in Spiti are treacherous with high mountain passes and river crossings. Hire an experienced local driver who knows the routes well.
Respect Local Culture
Spiti has a rich Buddhist culture. Dress modestly, take off shoes when entering homes and monasteries. Take permission before clicking pictures of locals.
Connectivity Is Limited
Only BSNL postpaid works in Spiti and that too only in Kaza and few villages. Inform family about limited connectivity. Download offline maps.
Inner-Line Permit
Foreign nationals need to get an inner line permit to visit Spiti Valley. Apply for it in advance through a registered travel agent.
With proper planning and precautions, a trip to Spiti Valley can be the adventure of a lifetime. The stunning landscapes, ancient monasteries and unique culture will leave you spellbound!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are 7 frequently asked questions and answers about traveling to Spiti Valley:
Q1: What is the best time to visit Spiti Valley?
A- The best time to visit Spiti Valley is from June to September when the roads are open and the weather is pleasant. Avoid traveling in winter (November to March) as many roads get blocked due to heavy snowfall and temperatures can drop to -30°C.
Q2: How do I reach Spiti Valley?
A- There are two main routes to reach Spiti Valley by road – one via Shimla and Kinnaur, and the other via Manali. The Shimla route remains open for most of the year, while the Manali route is only open from June to October. You can also take a bus or hire a private taxi from Shimla or Manali.
Q3: What are the must-visit places in Spiti Valley?
A- Some of the top attractions in Spiti Valley include the Key Monastery, Tabo Monastery, Dhankar Monastery, Chandratal Lake, Kunzum Pass, Pin Valley National Park, Kibber village, Langza village, and Komic village. Don’t miss visiting the picturesque towns of Kaza and Mudh as well.
Q4: What should I pack for Spiti Valley?
A- Pack warm clothes including thermals, down jacket, woolen socks, gloves and cap as it can get very cold, even in summer. Carry good quality trekking shoes, sunglasses and sunscreen. Don’t forget essential medicines, toiletries, and a basic first aid kit. Keep some snacks and water with you.
Q5: What type of accommodation is available in Spiti Valley?
A- Spiti Valley has a range of accommodation options including hotels, guesthouses, homestays and camping sites. In remote villages, only basic homestays may be available with simple food and limited facilities. Book your stay in advance, especially in peak season as options are limited.
Q6: Is it safe to travel to Spiti Valley? What precautions should I take?
A- Spiti Valley is a safe destination but you should take some precautions. Acclimatize properly as the high altitude can cause AMS. Hire an experienced driver as road conditions can be challenging. Respect local culture and seek permission before clicking pictures. Avoid traveling alone to remote areas. Carry your ID proof and inner line permit.
Q7: Is there mobile connectivity in Spiti Valley? Are ATMs available?
A- Only BSNL postpaid works in Kaza and some villages in Spiti. There is no connectivity in remote areas. Inform your family about the limited connectivity so that they do not worry a lot. Carry sufficient cash as there are only a couple of ATMs in Kaza which may not always be functional. Download offline maps for navigation.
