Your journey to the enchanting Spiti Valley kicks off with an exciting overnight departure from Delhi to Shimla, the charming hill station nestled in the lap of Himachal Pradesh. This is where your adventure begins!

As you board your comfortable AC Volvo/SUV/Tempo Traveller in the evening from the pre-decided pickup points in Delhi, feel the thrill building up. Whether you’re traveling solo, with friends, or part of a travel group, this overnight ride is a perfect chance to relax, bond, and enjoy scenic glimpses of the winding highways and twinkling lights along the way.

Travel Duration: Approx. 8–10 hours
Distance: ~340 km

You’ll spend the night on the road, cruising through cities and hills, slowly leaving the hustle of Delhi behind and inching closer to the cooler climate and serene hills of Shimla. Keep your cameras ready — early morning views as you enter the Himachal terrain are nothing short of magical.

✅ Tip: Carry light snacks, neck pillows, and warm clothes for the journey, as temperatures drop as you gain altitude.

After arriving in Shimla early in the morning, freshen up and gear up for a breathtaking road trip through the heart of Himachal Pradesh. Today, we begin the journey towards the hidden gems of the Kinnaur Valley — the serene village of Chitkul or the equally scenic Sangla Valley, depending on road conditions and weather.

Brace yourself for an awe-inspiring drive through dense pine forests, apple orchards, and winding mountain roads that showcase Himachal’s raw beauty like no other. As you drive along the Sutlej River, the landscape transforms dramatically, offering panoramic views of towering cliffs, cascading waterfalls, and charming Himachali hamlets.

📍 Key Highlights of the Day:

• Cross popular spots like Rampur Bushahr, Karcham Dam, and the stunning Baspa River Valley.

• Marvel at the rugged cliffs and changing colors of the rocky terrain as you move deeper into the Kinnaur region.

• If you’re headed to Chitkul, you’ll be stepping into the last inhabited village on the Indo-Tibetan border, sitting at 11,320 ft. It’s postcard-perfect — with wooden houses, snow-laced peaks, and a charm that stays with you forever.

🛏️ Evening Plans:
Arrive at your campsite or cozy hotel in Chitkul or Sangla by late evening. After a long day’s journey, unwind with a warm, local Himachali dinner under a starlit sky. Feel the crisp mountain breeze and indulge in local delicacies before retreating to your rooms/tents for a peaceful overnight stay.

✅ Tip: The temperature drops sharply after sunset — keep your jackets and gloves handy. This is also a great time to try local cuisine and click dreamy sunset pictures!

Altitude Gained: ~11,000 ft
Estimated Travel Time: 8–10 hours
Distance Covered: ~225 km

Wake up to the crisp mountain air and surreal sunrise in Chitkul or Sangla, have a hearty breakfast, and prepare for an unforgettable journey deeper into the high Himalayas. Today’s route offers some of the most breathtaking and remote landscapes of the Hindustan-Tibet Road, as you make your way toward the majestic Spiti Valley.

The journey from Chitkul to Tabo via Nako will take you across the dramatic terrains of Kinnaur and into the cold desert of Spiti, with sharp cliffs, hairpin bends, glacial rivers, and rugged, barren beauty at every turn.

📍 En Route Highlights:

• Karcham Wangtoo Dam: Witness the might of hydropower engineering against a backdrop of nature.

• Khab Confluence: Capture the magnificent confluence of the Sutlej and Spiti Rivers, with views of Leo Pargil Peak in the distance.

• Nako Village: Stop by the picturesque Nako Lake, a tranquil high-altitude lake surrounded by traditional mud houses and old monasteries. This is one of the last villages before you enter Spiti officially.

• Malling Nallah: Cross one of the trickiest but most thrilling water crossings in the region — a must for adventure seekers.

Once you reach Tabo, you’ll notice the shift in terrain and culture. Tabo is often referred to as the “Ajanta of the Himalayas” thanks to its ancient Buddhist murals, thangkas, and meditation caves.

🛏️ Evening in Tabo:
Check into your guesthouse or cozy homestay, enjoy a traditional Spitian dinner, and unwind. If time permits, you can take a peaceful evening walk around the ancient Tabo Monastery, which dates back to 996 AD and is one of the oldest functioning Buddhist enclaves in India.

✅ Tip: Tabo is situated at an altitude of ~10,500 ft — stay hydrated and avoid strenuous activity to acclimatize better.

Altitude Gained: ~10,500 ft
Estimated Travel Time: 9–10 hours
Distance Covered: ~250 km

After a restful night in the historic village of Tabo, start your day with a traditional breakfast and prepare for the scenic journey to Kaza, the capital of Spiti Valley. Today’s route introduces you to ancient monasteries, a hidden high-altitude lake, and the soul of Spiti’s spiritual and cultural life.

📍 First Stop – Dhankar Monastery
Perched dramatically on a cliff at 12,774 feet, the Dhankar Monastery is one of the most iconic landmarks in Spiti. The name “Dhankar” literally translates to “fort on a cliff,” and the location lives up to that name with breathtaking views of the confluence of the Spiti and Pin Rivers.

Dating back over 1000 years, this Gompa was once the seat of the King of Spiti and is a fine example of Spitian mud architecture. Wander through the ancient prayer halls, explore the centuries-old statues of Buddhist deities, and take in the silence that speaks louder than words.

🧘‍♂️ Optional: If you’re up for a light trek, hike to the serene Dhankar Lake, which sits quietly above the monastery. Surrounded by snow-capped peaks and complete silence, this hidden alpine lake is a true gem of Spiti Valley.

📍 Arrival in Kaza
By afternoon or early evening, you’ll reach Kaza, the largest town and administrative hub of Spiti. Despite being remote, Kaza is surprisingly lively with local markets, cafes, and a vibrant mix of cultures. You’ll be welcomed with warmth, even amidst the cold desert landscape.

🛏️ Evening in Kaza
Check in to your cozy guesthouse or hotel in Kaza. Enjoy a delicious Spitian-style dinner, sip some warm butter tea or local soup, and relax under a sky full of stars.

✅ Tip: If you’re sensitive to high altitudes, stay hydrated and rest in the evening to help your body adjust better.

Altitude Gained: ~12,500 ft
Estimated Travel Time: 4–5 hours (including sightseeing stops)
Distance Covered: ~80 km

Today is going to be one of the most unforgettable experiences of your Spiti Valley tour as you explore the world’s highest villages, nestled in the cold desert of Himachal Pradesh. The day is filled with jaw-dropping landscapes, vibrant Tibetan culture, and a glimpse into life at over 14,000 feet above sea level.

🛣️ Morning – Drive from Kaza to Hikkim

Your adventure begins with a scenic drive to Hikkim, which is home to the highest post office in the world (altitude: 14,567 ft). This tiny post office has a big reputation! Drop a postcard to your loved ones from this iconic spot—one of the best souvenirs from your Spiti trip. The views of the snow-draped mountains surrounding the village are absolutely surreal.

✅ Travel Tip: Mobile connectivity is almost nonexistent in Hikkim, so bring pre-written addresses to mail your postcards.

🏔️ Next Stop – Komic Village

Just a short drive uphill from Hikkim lies Komic, which is recognized as the world’s highest motorable village at a staggering altitude of 15,027 ft. With only a handful of houses and the famous Komic Monastery (Lundup Tsemo Gompa), this quiet hamlet looks straight out of a storybook.

Marvel at the stunning views and interact with the warm-hearted locals who survive the harsh climate with an inspiring sense of simplicity and contentment. You can also sip on some local butter tea and enjoy the unique experience of being in one of Earth’s most remote, inhabited places.

🧘‍♂️ Afternoon – Explore Langza Village

Langza is the third jewel of today’s tour. Located at around 14,500 ft, this village is known as the “Fossil Village of India” due to the abundance of ancient marine fossils found here. If you’re lucky, you might even buy a fossil from the locals!

The huge golden Buddha statue overlooking the valley is an iconic spot for pictures. It silently guards the peaceful village and adds a divine charm to Langza’s ethereal beauty.

📸 Photography Tip: Langza is a dream for stargazers and photographers. Even during the day, the clear sky, colorful homes, and mountainous backdrops create postcard-perfect frames.

🌃 Evening – Return to Kaza

After a day filled with high-altitude wonders and cultural insights, head back to Kaza by evening. Enjoy a hot Spitian dinner, reflect on the day’s experiences, and wind down at your accommodation.

🛏️ Overnight Stay: Kaza
📍 Altitude Range Covered: 12,500 ft – 15,000 ft
🕒 Estimated Duration: Full-day excursion

Today’s Spiti Valley adventure will take you to one of the most spiritual, scenic, and Instagram-worthy parts of your journey. Prepare to dive deep into Buddhist culture at the legendary Key Monastery, witness architectural brilliance, and feel your heart race as you stand on the highest suspension bridge in Asia—Chicham Bridge.

🏯 Morning – Visit Key Monastery (Kee Gompa)

Your day starts with a short yet stunning drive from Kaza to Key Monastery (also spelled as Ki or Kee), situated at an altitude of 13,668 ft. Overlooking the Spiti River and surrounded by stark desert mountains, this 11th-century Tibetan Buddhist monastery is the largest and oldest gompa in Spiti Valley.

Explore the peaceful halls, ancient murals, Buddhist scrolls (Thangkas), and the library. You may even get a chance to witness the monks in their morning prayers, a soul-soothing experience amid Himalayan silence.

✅ Don’t Miss: Climb to the rooftop for a panoramic view of the Spiti Valley—it’s a moment you’ll never forget.

🌉 Afternoon – Drive to Chicham Bridge via Kibber Village

Post-lunch, continue your journey to Chicham Bridge, stopping en route at Kibber Village, one of the highest inhabited villages in India. From here, a short drive brings you to Chicham Bridge, perched at 13,596 feet above sea level.

This architectural marvel is Asia’s highest suspension bridge, connecting the remote villages of Chicham and Kibber across a dramatic gorge that drops more than 1000 ft. The contrast of the bridge against the blue sky and canyon below makes for a perfect photo op.

Feel the rush as you walk across this engineering wonder with the Himalayan wind brushing your face. It’s one of those “bucket-list” experiences that makes a Spiti Valley trip so epic.

📸 Photo Tip: Drone shots here are cinematic, but check for local permissions before flying one.

🌙 Evening – Return to Kaza

Head back to Kaza by evening, unwind, and enjoy a hot Spitian meal. Relax under a blanket of stars and relive your high-altitude adventures over dinner.

🛏️ Overnight Stay: Kaza
📍 Altitude Range Covered: 12,500 ft – 13,600+ ft
🕒 Estimated Duration: Half-day to full-day excursion

After soaking in the mystical beauty of Kaza and its surrounding gems, Day 6 marks the start of your return journey as you bid farewell to the high-altitude deserts of Spiti and head toward the lush, alpine village of Kalpa, located in the Kinnaur district of Himachal Pradesh.

🚗 Morning – Depart from Kaza to Kalpa

Brace yourself for a long yet spectacular drive from Kaza to Kalpa, covering approximately 198 km through some of the most stunning and dramatic Himalayan landscapes. This route offers a dynamic shift in scenery—from the cold desert terrain of Spiti to the verdant apple orchards and snow-capped mountains of Kinnaur.

On the way, you’ll pass back through Tabo, Nako, and Kinnaur Gate, slowly descending from the stark Spitian landscapes to the greener side of Himachal.

🕒 Estimated Drive Time: 8–10 hours (depending on weather and road conditions)

🏞️ En Route Highlights

• Scenic Views of Sutlej and Spiti River Confluence

• Himalayan Villages & Apple Orchards

• Glimpses of Reo Purgyil – the highest peak in Himachal Pradesh

Your final day in the Spiti Valley itinerary is a mix of scenic farewell and nostalgic reflection as you begin your descent from the higher altitudes of Himachal Pradesh. Day 7 marks the conclusion of your unforgettable adventure through the rugged landscapes, tranquil monasteries, and vibrant local culture of Spiti Valley.

🌄 Morning – Departure from Kalpa to Shimla

After a peaceful overnight stay in Kalpa, begin your journey back to Shimla, the capital of Himachal Pradesh. The drive takes you through charming Himalayan towns, riverside views, and winding mountain roads. The road from Kalpa to Shimla is smoother compared to the Spiti terrain and allows for a more comfortable travel experience.

🛣️ Distance: ~230 km
🕒 Drive Time: 8–9 hours (depending on road and weather conditions)

🏞️ En Route Highlights

• Enjoy panoramic views of the Kinnaur Kailash mountain range

• Drive alongside the scenic Sutlej River

• Pass through vibrant hill towns like Rampur and Narkanda

Short breaks will be taken en route for refreshments and to soak in the last glimpses of the mountains.

🌆 Evening – Reach Shimla

By evening, you’ll arrive in Shimla, where you’ll have some time to explore or unwind at the famous Mall Road, depending on your schedule. Shimla offers a beautiful conclusion to the trip with its colonial charm, pine forests, and cool mountain air.

🚌 Overnight Journey to Delhi

Later in the evening or night, board your pre-arranged overnight Volvo or private vehicle for the return journey to Delhi. Sit back, relax, and relive the memories of Spiti Valley under the starry Himalayan skies as your trip draws to a close.

🕓 Estimated Travel Time to Delhi: 8–10 hours
🛏️ Accommodation: Overnight travel (no stay)

🧳 Trip Ends – But the Memories Last Forever!

Your Spiti Valley tour may have come to an end, but the experiences—from stargazing in Langza, to sipping tea in Tabo, crossing Chicham Bridge, and spotting fossils in the Himalayas—will stay with you forever.

Your exhilarating journey through Spiti Valley concludes with a peaceful arrival back in the bustling city of Delhi. After a comfortable and restful overnight ride, you will reach Delhi in the morning, where your unforgettable adventure comes to a close.

🏙️ Morning Arrival in Delhi

By early morning, your overnight journey will bring you to Delhi, the vibrant capital city of India. The sight of Delhi’s urban landscape will signal the end of your adventure in the pristine, rugged terrain of Spiti Valley. After a restful night’s travel, you’ll be ready to explore, head home, or proceed with your next adventure.