Itinerary for Spiti Road Trip (Ex – Delhi)

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Itinerary for Spiti Road Trip (Ex – Delhi)

Exploring Spiti region by road was also one of the top wish list in every traveller’s wanderlust, as it is one of the most thrilling road adventures in India as well as around the world that involves passing through some of the most treacherous terrains in the world. The road to Spiti Valley commonly known as Hindustan – Tibet Highway is a destination in itself and also termed as one of the treacherous or deadliest roads of the world. The district of Lahaul-Spiti in the Indian state of Himachal Pradesh consists of the two formerly separate districts of Lahaul and Spiti.

The two valleys are quite different in character. Lahaul is much greener and developed but Spiti is more barren and difficult to cross, with an average elevation of the valley floor of 4,270 m (14,009 ft). As compared to Ladakh, Spiti valley is relatively untouched now and offers a lot of spectacle that will feel awe. Lahaul Spiti road trip offers spectacular view of lush green as well as barren mountain ranges of Great Himalayas with panoramic landscapes, the captivating culture, monasteries, prayer bells, Buddhist populace, and places of historical significance. Forget about luxury and be prepared to stay in the most basic facilities. If you want solace or love adventure then this is the trip to go for. Before taking this road trip a certain level of preparation is required as most of the times you will be travelling above 11000+ feet. Here is the link that will have necessary information on how to prepare for Spiti Road Trip.

Always plan this tour schedule with sufficient buffer as Himalayas are uncertain and also keep in mind a rise to higher altitude from ground zero. Acclimatization is one of the most important things to prepare during Lahaul Spiti Trip so that you are able to enjoy. Acclimatization is basically adapting to high altitude with low level of oxygen. Different people will acclimatize at different levels. There are chances of dizziness, headaches, vomiting, or even acute mountain sickness. One should be aware of altitude sickness and consult a medical practitioner and carry medicine accordingly. To counter this we would suggest starting your tour from Shimla and entering Spiti Valley via Kinnaur that will help in countering Acute Mountain Sickness due to gradual increase in altitude. It’s not always possible to cover entire region at one go and itineraries have to be designed basis number of days available.

A bare minimum of 7 days itinerary is required (Ex-Delhi) for Spiti Road Trip. Here are the itineraries that you can look for basis number of days available for a magnificent road trip to Spiti Valley. Remember one thing that this road trip is a destination in itself and wherever you move out it’s a panoramic spectacle to adore. Also, remember to start your day early to enjoy to the maximum. Below itineraries covers most part of the Spiti Journey and you can extend your stay further to roam at a slower pace.

Look for the details in 9 Days Itinerary.

7 Days Itinerary for Spiti Road Trip

Day 1: Delhi – Shimla/Narkanda

Day 2: Shimla/Narkanda – Karcham – Sangla/Chitkul (Kinnaur Valley)

Day 3: Sangla/Chitkul – Karcham – Nako – Giu Mummy – Tabo

Day 4: Tabo – Dhankar – Kaza – Hikkim – Komic  – Langza – Kaza

Day 5: Kaza – Ki – Kibber – Kunzum La – Batal/Chandra Tal

Day 6: Batal/Chandra Tal – Rohtang La – Manali/Mandi

Day 7: Manali/Mandi – Delhi

8 Days Itinerary for Spiti Road Trip

Day 1: Delhi – Shimla/Narkanda

Day 2: Shimla/Narkanda – Karcham – Sangla/Chitkul (Kinnaur Valley)

Day 3: Sangla/Chitkul – Karcham – Kalpa

Day 4: Kalpa – Nako – Giu Mummy – Tabo

Day 5: Tabo – Dhankar – Kaza – Hikkim – Komic  – Langza – Kaza

Day 6: Kaza – Ki – Kibber – Kunzum La – Batal/Chandra Tal

Day 7: Batal/Chandra Tal – Rohtang La – Manali/Mandi

Day 8: Manali/Mandi – Delhi

9 Days Itinerary for Spiti Road Trip

Day 1: Delhi – Shimla/Narkanda

Narkanda is at an altitude of 2,710 meters and is about 60 KMs from Shimla. Total drive is of around 10 – 11 hours with good road conditions throughout except the traffic chaos at Shimla.

Day 2: Shimla/Narkanda – Karcham – Sangla/Chitkul (Kinnaur Valley)

Enjoy drive along side Sutlej River with good road conditions upto Karcham. A detour from Karcham towards Sangla on the banks of Baspa River. A steep inclination to pass through; with no sign of tarmac at few stretches, and 45 degree gradient to counter along with narrow roads. Better to cross Sangla and stay at a camp beside Baspa River at an altitude of above 3,000 meters.

8 – 9 hours drive during the day & Overnight halt at Sangla

Day 3: Sangla/Chitkul – Karcham – Kalpa

Enjoy the beautiful morning at Sangla and leave early to spend some time at beautiful Chitkul Village. Also, visit the Kamru Fort before moving towards Kalpa. Witness amazing sunset at Kalpa and enjoy the beauty of Kinner Kailash Range. Kalpa is at an altitude of 2,960 meters.

5 – 6 Hrs of total drive on this day & Overnight stay at Kalpa.

Day 4: Kalpa – Nako – Giu Mummy – Tabo

Start your day early and enjoy the panoramic landscape en route Hindustan – Tibet Highway (the most treacherous road in the world) alongside Sutlej River. On this day you will move from green landscape to barren mountains that will amaze you. A small detour towards Nako Lake and enter Spiti Region. Also, spend some time at Khab – the confluence of Spiti and Satluj Rivers and see the magnificent Leo Purygal Peak from the bridge. Take a detour to Geyu Village to visit the 500 year old Giu Mummy. Most of the day you will be travelling above 3000 meters altitude and mostly acclimatized to the conditions. Altitude check (Nako – 3,625 meters, Tabo – 3,280 meters)

8 – 9 Hrs of total drive, depending upon the breaks you take in between with overnight stay at Tabo.

Day 5: Tabo – Dhankar – Dhankar Lake – Pin Valley

Enjoy the beauty of Tabo and visit Tabo Monastery which was founded in 996 and is noted for being the oldest continuously operating Buddhist enclave in both India and Himalayas. Visit Dhankar Monastery and Dhankar Lake along with majestic vistas all around finally to reach Pin Valley. Altitude of above 3,500 meters for most part of the day. Explore Pin valley.

4 – 5 Hrs of drive in the day with overnight halt at Mud Village in Pin Valley.

Day 6: Pin Valley – Kaza – Hikkim – Komic  – Langza – Kaza

Start early morning and proceed towards Kaza. Post reaching Kaza take a circuit road trip covering Hikkim (world’s highest post office; altitude 4,440 meters), Komic (highest village connected by motorable road; altitude 4,587 meters), & Langza; altitude 4,400 meters (collect some fossils). On this day you will remain at an altitude of above 3,800 meters.

4 – 5 Hrs of drive in the day with overnight halt at Kaza the headquarter of Spiti Region.

Day 7: Kaza – Ki – Kibber – Kunzum La – Batal/Chandra Tal

Start early and cover Ki Monastery and Kibber and merge into highway towards Kunzum La. Breathtaking landscapes and an arduous drive is the highlight of the day. Altitude of 4,590 meters is the highest during this tour. Enjoy the beautiful Chandra Bhaga Range of Himalayas and mesmerising vistas. After Kunzum La proceed towards Batal/Chandra Tal.

5 – 6 Hrs of drive during the day with overnight halt at Batal or Chandra Tal.

Day 8: Batal/Chandra Tal – Rohtang La – Manali/Kullu

The most exquisite part of the journey is visit to charismatic Chandra Tal. Camps are available for overnight stay at a walking distance from lake and enjoy the vistas to drench your thrust of solace. Get refreshed, absorb the beauty and proceed towards Manali/Mandi  via Rohtang Pass. Drive through Chattru & Gramphu towards Rohtang Pass is the highlight of entire journey.

8 – 9 Hrs of drive during the day with overnight halt at Manali or Kullu.

Day 9: Manali/Kullu – Delhi

Time to get back to terms and bid adieu to mesmerising Himalayas. About 12-14 Hrs drive.

Day 10 – 11: Buffer days to be kept in case of road closure due to landslides or snowfall or any other unavoidable circumstances.

Conclusion

The above itinerary may not cover entire region but would definitely help you in planning your Spiti Road Trip. Your suggestions are most welcome and we will be happy to assist you in case of any query. Have a nice and safe road trip!

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2 Responses

  1. Saurabh

    On my wish list

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