Spiti Valley Circuit Tour

We begin our Spiti Valley journey from the wide, urban roads of Chandigarh, driving through the lush green countryside of Punjab before ascending into the lower Himalayas. Narkanda is a beloved hill station nestled at 7,200 feet, known for its colourful bazaars and cool mountain air. We arrive by afternoon, leaving the rest of the day free to rest and soak in the surroundings. Overnight at a comfortable hotel in Narkanda.

Today we drive higher into the Sangla Valley, entering the district of Kinnaur. A must-visit is Batseri Village, reached via an old-fashioned bridge over the Baspa River — its cobblestone streets and the local temple of Badri Narayan make for a charming stop, especially for architecture and art lovers. We then visit Kamru Fort, a striking five-storied tower fort resting on a 55-square-foot stone platform, renowned for the delicately intricate carvings on its wooden verandas and miniature temple. Overnight at a comfortable hotel or guest house in Sangla.

Our first stop is Chitkul, the last Indian village on the Indo-Tibet frontier, home to around 700 people. Perched at 3,450 metres where the greenish-blue Baspa River originates, it is a picture-perfect destination. The ancient temples of the local goddess Mathi — some over 500 years old — are well worth a visit.

We then drive to Reckong Peo, the district capital of Kinnaur, before winding seven kilometres uphill to the quaint village of Kalpa. Set against the majestic Kinner Kailash and Jorkandan Peaks, Kalpa is home to beautiful Kinnauri-style temples and the colourful Samdrup Choeling Gompa. A notable highlight is the 79-foot natural rock beside Kinner Kailash, shaped like a Shivalinga and famed for its colour-changing appearance through the day. We also visit the famous Kalpa Suicide Point. Overnight at a comfortable hotel in Kalpa.

After breakfast, we continue along the historic Hindustan–Tibet Highway, where the landscape dramatically transforms from lush emerald green to a stark, desolate brown — roads widely regarded as among the most treacherous and beautiful in the world. Our experienced driver navigates with care as the jaw-dropping terrain unfolds around you.

We stop at Puh for the last fuel station on this stretch, then continue to Nako, the final hamlet of Kinnaur before entering Spiti Valley. We cross into Spiti through a traditional welcome arch at Sumdoh and pause at Gue to visit a monastery housing a remarkable 500-year-old naturally mummified monk — Lama Sangha Tenzin, who, according to legend, mummified himself to rid his village of a plague of scorpions.

We conclude the day at Tabo, known as the Ajanta of the Himalayas. The 1,010-year-old Tabo Monastery is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, celebrated for its ancient paintings depicting the life of the Buddha, intricate portraits of gods and demons, and life-size statues of bodhisattvas rendered in a fusion of Western Tibetan, Indian, and Kashmiri styles. Overnight at a hotel in Tabo.

After breakfast, we make a scenic drive to the Dhankar Monastery, perched dramatically on a cliff overlooking the confluence of the Spiti and Pin rivers. Take time to experience the serenity and absorb the raw beauty of the surroundings. We then continue our journey to Kaza, the administrative headquarters of the Spiti Valley. Overnight at a hotel in Kaza.

A full day exploring the remarkable villages and landmarks around Kaza.

We begin at the iconic Ki Monastery, perched at 13,668 feet and founded in the 11th century by a disciple of the great Atisha. Belonging to the Gelugpa (Yellow Hat) sect of Tibetan Buddhism, it is both a prominent centre of learning and a refuge of peace. We stop at the base of the hill first for sweeping panoramic photographs.

Next, we head to Kibber (4,205 m), a picturesque village 18 km from Kaza and a popular base for high-altitude treks. From here, the adventurous can trek toward Chicham Village, accessible via a suspended wire cable basket system known as a Jula, across a sharp canyon.

We then drive to Komik (4,513 m), one of the highest villages in Asia — its name translates to Eye of a Snow Cock. This remote farming village of 84 residents is home to wildlife including the Tibetan wolf, blue sheep, red fox, Himalayan griffin, and snow cock.

At Hikkim, we visit the world's highest post office, where you may even get the chance to meet the postmaster and send a postcard home — a truly memorable experience.

We end the day at Langza (4,400 m), a village belonging to the Sakyapa sect of Tibetan Buddhism. Wander the frosty-white lanes, visit the ancient Lang Temple (estimated to be around 1,000 years old), and explore a land extraordinarily rich in marine fossils — remnants of the ancient Tethys Sea that once submerged this entire valley millions of years ago. Overnight in Kaza.

An early start today as we drive toward Kunzum Pass (approx. 15,000 ft), the dramatic high-altitude gateway connecting Spiti Valley and the Lahaul Valley. The route beyond is one of the most breathtaking mountain drives you will ever experience.

We make a stop at the stunning Chandratal Lake — the Lake of the Moon — for photographs and a moment of quiet wonder. From here, the road toward Rohtang Pass is as raw and untamed as it gets: no marked roads, no mobile network, and no GPS coverage. It is just you, your vehicle, and one of the most magnificently desolate landscapes on earth. Rest assured — this route is safe, well-guided, and utterly unforgettable.

We arrive in Manali by evening. Overnight at a hotel in Manali.

After a leisurely breakfast, we begin the long but comfortable drive from Manali back to Chandigarh and  transfer to Chandigarh Airport brings our journey to a close — carrying with you memories of Spiti's ancient monasteries, high-altitude villages, starlit skies, and roads less travelled.