Trip Overview
Prepare for the road trip of a lifetime. This 10-day circuit is meticulously designed for safe acclimatization, taking you through the lush green valleys of Shimla and Kinnaur before entering the stark, high-altitude cold desert of the Spiti Valley. You will explore 1000-year-old monasteries, visit the highest villages in the world, camp by the mesmerizing Chandratal Lake, and cross the mighty Kunzum and Rohtang passes before descending into Manali.
Day 1 Arrival & Ascent to Narkanda
Begin your adventure at Chandigarh Airport/Railway Station. Your expert hill chauffeur will drive you past Shimla to the serene, pine-scented town of Narkanda. This is a crucial, unhurried stopover to acclimatize before entering the high-altitude districts. Check into your hotel and enjoy a quiet mountain evening.
Day 2 Narkanda to Sangla (Entering Kinnaur)
Descend into the Sutlej River valley, driving along the dramatic cliff-hanger roads of Taranda Dhak. Cross into the lush Baspa Valley and arrive in Sangla, surrounded by towering snow-capped peaks and endless apple orchards. Visit the ancient Kamru Fort and check into your premium riverside camp or resort.
Day 3 Sangla to Kalpa via Chitkul
Drive alongside the Baspa River to Chitkul, the last inhabited village near the Indo-Tibetan border. Enjoy the crisp mountain air and stunning valley views. Later, proceed to Kalpa, a picturesque village offering the most magnificent, unobstructed views of the sacred Kinner Kailash peak. Overnight stay in Kalpa.
Day 4 Entering the Cold Desert: Kalpa to Tabo
Today, the landscape changes dramatically from green to barren. Drive along the Spiti River on the treacherous but beautiful Hindustan-Tibet Highway. Stop at Nako village to see the serene Nako Lake. Enter the Spiti Valley and reach Tabo. Visit the 1000-year-old Tabo Monastery, known as the "Ajanta of the Himalayas." Overnight in Tabo.
Day 5 Tabo to Kaza via Dhankar
After breakfast, drive toward Kaza, the commercial center of Spiti. En route, visit the breathtaking Dhankar Monastery, spectacularly perched on a cliff edge overlooking the confluence of the Spiti and Pin rivers. Arrive in Kaza (3,800m), check into your premium hotel, and rest to acclimatize to the extreme altitude.
Day 6 The Roof of the World: Kaza Local Sightseeing
A day of high-altitude superlatives. Visit the iconic Key Monastery, resembling a fortress on a hill. Drive to Kibber and cross the Chicham Bridge (Asia's highest suspension bridge). Continue to Hikkim to post a letter from the World's Highest Post Office, visit Komic (World's Highest Village), and see the giant Buddha statue at Langza. Return to Kaza.
Day 7 Kaza to Chandratal Lake
Leave Kaza and begin a rugged, off-road ascent toward the mighty Kunzum Pass (4,590m). Stop to pay respects at the Kunzum Mata temple before descending on a thrilling off-road trail to the mesmerizing, crescent-shaped Chandratal Lake (Lake of the Moon). Check into your luxury Swiss tent camp (located a few kilometers from the lake as per eco-rules).
Day 8 Chandratal to Manali via Rohtang / Atal Tunnel
Wake up early to witness the lake changing colors at sunrise. After breakfast, embark on the most adventurous leg of the journey. Drive through the rugged riverbeds of Batal and Chhatru. Cross into the lush Kullu Valley either via the majestic Rohtang Pass or the engineering marvel of the Atal Tunnel. Arrive in Manali, checking into your premium resort for a well-deserved hot shower and rest.
Day 9 Manali Leisure & Buffer Day
A relaxed day in Manali to recover from the tough mountain roads. Enjoy a late breakfast. Visit the ancient Hadimba Temple, stroll through the pine forests, or spend the afternoon cafe-hopping and shopping in the vibrant lanes of Old Manali. This day also serves as a crucial buffer day in case of any road closures during the Spiti circuit.
Day 10 Departure to Chandigarh
Enjoy your final Himalayan breakfast. Your chauffeur will drive you down alongside the Beas River, concluding the epic journey with a drop-off at the Chandigarh Airport or Railway Station for your onward journey.