The full Spiti Valley high-altitude circuit from Shimla to Manali, threading through Kinnaur, Kaza and the alpine lake of Chandratal.
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The full Spiti Valley high-altitude circuit from Shimla to Manali, threading through Kinnaur, Kaza and the alpine lake of Chandratal. It is an adventure-traveller staple for the hardy, crossing some of India's most remote and stark mountain country. The arc climbs gradually from green Shimla through Sangla and Kalpa, into the cold desert of Spiti at Tabo and Kaza, up to Chandratal, and out via the Atal Tunnel to Manali. Terrain is dramatic high-altitude desert and gorge, with long, rough drives and big elevation gains demanding acclimatisation. Expect Kinner Kailash views from Kalpa, the thousand-year-old Tabo Monastery, the cliffside Key Monastery, camping by Chandratal Lake and the Atal Tunnel exit. The pace is demanding and remote. Open only roughly June to September; altitude, weather and road conditions can change plans, so build in buffers. starting at INR 22,000 per person. Covers Shimla 1N, Sangla 1N, Kalpa 1N, Tabo 1N, Kaza 2N, Chandratal 1N, Manali 1N.
Arrive in Shimla after the journey from Delhi and check in. Spend the evening on the Mall Road and the Ridge, resting and acclimatising before the long drive deeper into the mountains begins.
Drive into Kinnaur along the Sutlej river to the Sangla Valley, a long mountain journey through apple country and deep gorges. Settle into Sangla, surrounded by snow peaks and pine forest.
Visit the old village of Chitkul, the last inhabited village near the Tibet border, then drive to Kalpa, famed for its sunrise and sunset views of the Kinner Kailash range. Overnight in Kalpa.
Drive on into the cold desert of Spiti to Tabo, crossing stark, dramatic landscapes. Visit the Tabo Monastery, around a thousand years old and famed for its murals, then spend the night in the village.
Drive to Kaza, Spiti's main town, stopping at the cliff-hugging Dhankar Monastery and gompa en route. Settle into Kaza, the base for exploring the upper Spiti Valley, and rest at altitude.
Explore around Kaza, visiting the iconic Key Monastery cascading down its hillside, the high village of Kibber and, time permitting, Hikkim with its famous high-altitude post office. Overnight in Kaza.
Drive towards Chandratal, the crescent-shaped alpine lake, crossing the high Kunzum Pass with its prayer flags and mountain views. Camp near the lake, weather and road conditions permitting.
Drive from Chandratal towards Manali, descending through the Lahaul Valley and exiting via the Atal Tunnel to reach the green Kullu Valley. Settle into Manali for the night.
Enjoy a final morning in Manali before boarding your onward transport from the mountains.
June to September via Manali; year-round via Shimla (though winter is harsh and chains needed). Most operators run June-mid October.
Yes. The route gains altitude gradually via Sangla and Kalpa to help acclimatisation. Direct Manali entry is risky (Kunzum Pass at 4,590m).
Basic shared dry-toilet facilities at the camps 14 km from the lake. The lake itself is now restricted from camping.
Yes - Spiti is one of India's safest tourist regions. Travel with a reputed operator and stay in group accommodation.
Carry Diamox preventively, hydrate well, and inform your operator of any symptoms. Medical evacuation is slow from Spiti.
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