Planning a trip to Spiti Valley and wondering how to fit everything into 10-12 days? This day-by-day Spiti Valley itinerary covers the complete circuit from Delhi via Shimla and Kinnaur Valley to Kaza, and back via Manali. Updated for 2026 with current road conditions, fuel stops, bus fares, and accommodation costs.
Quick Answer: The most common Spiti Valley itinerary is a 10-day circuit starting Delhi to Shimla, then Kinnaur Valley (Sangla, Chitkul, Kalpa), entering Spiti via Nako and Tabo, exploring Kaza for 3-4 days (Pin Valley, Langza, Hikkim, Komik, Ki, Kibber), and returning via Kunzum Pass, Chandratal, and Atal Tunnel to Manali. Best time: mid-June to early October. Budget: Rs 12,000-15,000 per person by own vehicle, Rs 8,000-12,000 by bus. The Manali-Kaza route typically opens by the last week of May or first week of June 2026.
Spiti Valley is one of my favorite places to travel in the trans-Himalayas after Leh – Ladakh. In fact, when people question me about if Leh Ladakh is better than Spiti Valley or not, I do not have an answer 🙂 … I have covered both Spiti Valley and Ladakh so extensively that I feel I can forever go to Spiti Valley but may skip the journey to Ladakh.
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Let's quickly dive into the details:
Spiti Valley Itinerary 2026: Quick Info at a Glance
Before we get into the day-wise plan, here is a quick reference for the most asked questions about a Spiti Valley trip. You can bookmark this section for easy access later.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Total Duration | 10-12 days (Delhi to Delhi, full circuit) |
| Route | Delhi – Shimla – Kinnaur – Spiti – Manali – Delhi |
| Total Distance | ~1,600 km (circuit) |
| Best Time | Mid-June to early October (both routes open) |
| Manali-Kaza Route Opens | Last week of May to first week of June 2026 (BRO-dependent) |
| Highest Point | Kunzum Pass, 15,060 Ft |
| Kaza Altitude | 12,500 Ft (3,800 m) |
| Budget (per person) | Rs 12,000-15,000 by own vehicle, Rs 8,000-12,000 by bus |
| Permits | Indians: None. Foreigners: ILP required |
| Fuel Stops | Narkanda, Rampur, Tapri, Reckong Peo, Kaza (none between Reckong Peo and Kaza) |
| Mobile Network | BSNL postpaid has widest coverage. Jio/Airtel work in Kaza town only |
| Last Updated | April 2026 |
Should You Pick Spiti Valley or Ladakh for Your First Trip?
Spiti Valley and Ladakh are two of the most popular trans-Himalayan destinations in India, and travelers often get confused between the two. Here is my honest take after having traveled to both places multiple times over the years.
As of 2026, Leh Ladakh sees a massive rush of tourists, especially from May to September. Spiti Valley has also seen a rise in tourist footfall in recent years, but the situation is not as overwhelming as it has become in Ladakh. If you want a quieter, more raw Himalayan experience, Spiti delivers that in 2026.
People mostly confuse Spiti Valley with Lahaul Valley or they limit themselves to only a visit to Chandratal. However, the real beauty of Spiti Valley starts beyond Kunzum Pass, towards Losar, then to Kaza, and then towards Tabo and further towards Nako or Kinnaur Valley. Do not forget the Pin Valley in between. There is a lot of heavenly beauty to explore in Spiti Valley.
A trip to Leh Ladakh will always cost you more than a trip to Spiti Valley while the experience of adventure and thrill is almost equivalent. While you have more vastness in the Ladakh region, the valleys in Spiti are much narrower with closer mountains, as if you can touch them. Hence, Spiti Valley has a different but raw nature to offer, still amidst the budding commercialization. For a detailed comparison, you can read my article on Spiti or Ladakh, which one should you pick.
What Does the Most Common Spiti Valley Itinerary for 10-12 Days Look Like?
This Spiti Valley itinerary covers the complete circuit starting from Delhi, going via Shimla and Kinnaur Valley into Spiti, and returning via Manali. It is the same route structure that has helped thousands of DwD community members plan their trips successfully over the years.
There are two routes to enter Spiti Valley. Route 1: Delhi – Shimla – Narkanda – Kinnaur Valley – Tabo – Kaza and Route 2: Delhi – Manali – Atal Tunnel – Kunzum Pass – Losar – Kaza. So you can enter Spiti Valley from the Shimla side and exit Spiti Valley from Manali back to Delhi, making it the complete circuit.
I strongly recommend doing the circuit (enter from one side, exit from the other) if you have 10 or more days. It gives you the best of both routes and avoids repeating the same road twice. The itinerary below covers almost all major places in Spiti Valley including Tabo, Kaza, Losar, Chandratal, Kunzum Pass, Ki, Kibber, Pin Valley, Langza, Hikkim, Komic, Dhankar, and more.
Keep in mind that if you are planning a May or early June trip in 2026, the Manali-Kaza route via Kunzum Pass usually opens only by the last week of May or first week of June. The exact date depends on snow clearance work by the BRO and varies year to year. Until then, you must enter and exit via the Shimla-Kinnaur side. For the latest opening updates, check my Manali-Kaza road status page.
Day 1 | Delhi to Shimla or Narkanda
Start early from Delhi. The drive to Shimla is about 350 km and takes around 7-8 hours via Chandigarh. If you reach Shimla by afternoon, you can explore the Ridge, Mall Road, Lakkar Bazaar, and Jakhu Temple. However, I recommend pushing to Narkanda (about 60 km beyond Shimla, 2 hours) to save time the next day. Narkanda has a few decent hotels and the drive is pleasant through apple orchards.
- Distance: Delhi to Shimla ~350 km (7-8 hrs), Shimla to Narkanda ~60 km (2 hrs)
- Stay: Shimla or Narkanda, whichever suits your timings
- Fuel: Top up at Narkanda. This is your last reliable station before entering the mountains
Day 2 | Shimla/Narkanda to Sangla (Kinnaur Valley)
Leave early. This is a long but scenic drive through the Hindustan Tibet Highway. You will pass through Rampur (good lunch stop) and then into the Kinnaur Valley. The road quality varies, especially near Jhakri and Karcham. Plan for lunch at Rampur and reach Sangla by evening.
- Distance: Narkanda to Sangla ~200 km (8-9 hrs)
- Stay: Sangla. Budget hotels Rs 800-1,500/night, mid-range Rs 2,000-3,500/night
- Fuel: Top up at Rampur (right side after crossing town) and Tapri. Do not miss Tapri
Day 3 | Sangla to Chitkul to Kalpa
Leave early and drive to Chitkul, the last inhabited village on this route. Spend a couple of hours there, soak in the views of the Baspa Valley, and then head back to Sangla. Visit the Kamru Fort at Sangla before driving to Kalpa. The sunset over Mount Kinner Kailash from Kalpa is something you should not miss.
- Distance: Sangla to Chitkul ~25 km, Sangla to Kalpa ~85 km (4-5 hrs total driving)
- Stay: Kalpa. Budget Rs 800-1,500/night, mid-range Rs 2,000-3,000/night
- Fuel: Reckong Peo (7 km from Kalpa) has a petrol pump
Day 4 | Kalpa to Nako to Giu Mummy to Tabo
Start early. This is one of the most dramatic driving days of the entire trip. You will cross the Hindustan Tibet Highway, see the confluence of Spiti and Satluj rivers at Khab, and spot the Leo Purygal Peak from Khab Bridge. Stop at Nako Lake for lunch. After Nako, you will cross the dreaded Malling Nalla (can be tricky in monsoon). Past Chango and Sumdo, you officially enter Spiti Valley.
After Sumdo police registration, take the detour towards Giu Village to visit the 500-year-old mummy of Sangha Tenzin. The entry fee is Rs 30 per person. Then continue to Tabo, home to the famous Tabo Monastery founded in 996 CE.
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- Distance: Kalpa to Tabo ~190 km (8-9 hrs with stops)
- Stay: Tabo. Homestays Rs 500-800/night, guesthouses Rs 1,000-2,000/night
- Note: No petrol pump between Reckong Peo and Kaza. Ensure full tank before leaving Reckong Peo
Day 5 | Tabo to Dhankar to Pin Valley (Mud Village)
Visit Dhankar Monastery perched on a cliff overlooking the confluence of Spiti and Pin rivers. If you are up for a moderate trek, hike to Dhankar Lake (about 1.5-2.5 hours one way, ~5 km). Then head into the Pin Valley towards Mud Village. The Pin Valley is home to the Pin Valley National Park and the snow leopard habitat. Visit Kungri Monastery (built in 1330 AD, Nyingmapa sect) along the way.
- Distance: Tabo to Mud Village ~80 km (4-5 hrs)
- Stay: Mud Village. Homestays Rs 500-1,000/night
- Note: Daily HRTC bus from Kaza to Mud at 4 PM (returns next morning at 6:30 AM). Taxi Rs 3,000-4,000 for a day trip
Day 6 | Pin Valley to Kaza to Ki to Kibber to Tashigang
Head to Kaza, the headquarters of Spiti Valley. Check in, have lunch, and then drive out to explore Ki Monastery, Kibber Village, Gette, and Tashigang in the second half of the day. Ki is one of the most photographed monasteries in India, and the drive from Kibber to Tashigang is lovely even though the road ends there.
- Distance: Mud to Kaza ~50 km, Kaza to Tashigang ~30 km round trip (4-5 hrs total)
- Stay: Kaza. Budget Rs 800-1,500/night, mid-range Rs 1,500-3,000/night
- Fuel: Kaza has the world’s highest petrol pump at 12,500 Ft. Fill up here. Do not miss this
Travel Tip: You can always refer to my detailed travel guide of Kibber Village for more information on what to see and where to stay.
Day 7 | Kaza to Hikkim to Komik to Langza
Today you explore the offbeat villages near Kaza. Langza has a stunning view of the Chau Chau Kang Nelda peak and a large statue of the Buddha overlooking the valley. Hikkim has the world’s highest post office where you can send a postcard home. The Tanggyud Monastery at Komik is one of the most important monasteries in Spiti.
If you want a quieter night away from Kaza, you can move to Losar. The drive between Kaza and Losar (about 2-2.5 hours) is the most scenic stretch of the entire Spiti Valley circuit.
- Distance: Kaza to Langza/Hikkim/Komik loop ~50 km (2-3 hrs). Kaza to Losar ~60 km (2-2.5 hrs)
- Stay: Kaza or Losar
Travel Tip: You can always refer to my detailed travel guide of Langza Village and the Langza Komic Hikkim local sightseeing guide for more details.
Day 8 | Kaza/Losar to Kunzum Pass to Chandratal
Visit Chandratal Lake via Kunzum Pass (15,060 Ft) and spend time at this stunning high-altitude lake. Keep in mind that camping at the lake banks is banned (Koksar Panchayat order). Camps are located 3-5 km from the lake and cost Rs 1,200-2,500 per night. Entry fee is Rs 150 for Indians and Rs 500 for foreigners. You need a free e-permit via eaagman.hp.gov.in.
Alternatively, you can stay at Batal where there is a PWD rest house (without electricity) and a few dhabas charging about Rs 400-500 per person for food and a bed. I would recommend staying at Chandratal camps or Batal and saving energy for the next day.
- Distance: Kaza to Chandratal ~80 km (4-5 hrs). Losar to Chandratal ~50 km (3-4 hrs)
- Stay: Chandratal camps or Batal
- Note: No mobile network at Chandratal or Batal
Day 9 | Chandratal/Batal to Atal Tunnel to Manali
Head back towards Manali. The drive from Batal through Chattru and Gramphu is stunning. Since the Atal Tunnel opened in October 2020 (9.2 km long, sits at 10,171 Ft), you no longer need to cross Rohtang Pass to reach Manali. The tunnel has made this stretch much faster and safer. No permit is needed for the Atal Tunnel route. However, if you choose to go over Rohtang Pass instead, you will need a Rohtang Pass permit (Rs 800 for petrol vehicles, Rs 400 for diesel, as of 2026).
- Distance: Batal to Manali ~120 km via Atal Tunnel (6-7 hrs)
- Stay: Manali. Wide range of accommodation available
- Fuel: Tandi petrol pump (32-35 km before the tunnel from the Spiti side) is the first fuel stop after Kaza
Day 10 | Manali to Delhi
If going by overnight Volvo bus (starts around 5:30 PM), you have the day to explore Manali. Visit Hadimba Temple, Manu Temple, Mall Road, Old Manali, and Vashisht Hot Water Springs. If driving back to Delhi, it is about 530 km and takes 12-14 hours depending on your breaks and the Kiratpur-Manali highway traffic.
- Distance: Manali to Delhi ~530 km (12-14 hrs by car)
- Bus option: HRTC Volvo Manali to Delhi Rs 1,200-1,500, semi-deluxe Rs 700-900
Day 11-12 | Buffer Days
Keep 1-2 buffer days in case of road closures due to landslides or snowfall. These are common in the monsoon months (July-August) and can block you for a full day sometimes. If everything goes smoothly, use these buffer days to explore more, relax in Kaza, or spend an extra night at Chandratal. Trust me, you will not regret having buffer days on a Spiti trip 🙂
What Can You Add If You Have Extra Days for Your Spiti Tour?
If you have more days in hand, here are some excellent additions to the Spiti Valley itinerary that most travelers skip but are absolutely worth your time.
- Spend a day exploring more of Kinnaur Valley. Stay at Sarahan (Bhimakali Temple) after Shimla before reaching Sangla
- Spend a day in Rama Valley and Lingti Valley including Demul and Lallung villages. These are among the quietest corners of Spiti
- Spend a day exploring Mane Village in Spiti Valley
- Add a day for the Chandratal Lake trek from Batal (14-18 km one way, 5-6 hours) if you want to trek instead of drive
Why Should You Enter Spiti Valley from the Shimla Side?
In this itinerary, I started the trip from Shimla side and exit Spiti Valley from Manali side. There are three solid reasons for this approach.
Firstly, gradual acclimatization. Spiti Valley is a cold desert in the trans-Himalayan region at altitudes of 11,000+ Ft. Going via the Shimla side helps your body gradually adjust to the altitude over 3-4 days. If you start from Manali, you hit high altitude terrain very quickly via the Atal Tunnel and Kunzum Pass, which increases the risk of acute mountain sickness. Hence, the Shimla route is safer for first-timers.
Secondly, the Hindustan Tibet Highway. You get to traverse one of the world’s most adventurous roads. Riding or driving on this road is a journey in itself, even if you do not visit any places in Spiti Valley 🙂 …
Thirdly, no Rohtang permit hassle. When entering from the Shimla side, you do not need a Rohtang Pass permit. The permit is only required if you travel over Rohtang Pass from the Manali side. Note that the Atal Tunnel route does not require a Rohtang permit either, but the Shimla entry avoids that corridor entirely.
So, with these three reasons in mind, I prefer to travel to Spiti from Shimla side and exit via Manali side. You can read my detailed top five reasons to travel to Spiti via Kinnaur Valley. However, if you prefer starting from Manali, you can read my reasons to start from the Manali side as well.
Where Are the Petrol Pumps on the Shimla to Spiti to Manali Route?
Fuel planning is critical on a Spiti Valley trip. There is no petrol pump between Reckong Peo and Kaza (about 200 km). Here are all the fuel stops on the circuit route, updated for 2026.
- Theog (50 km from Shimla)
- Narkanda (65 km from Shimla). Do top up here
- Rampur (130 km from Shimla). The last pump on the right side after crossing town is reliable
- Jeori (165 km from Shimla)
- Tapri (175 km from Shimla). Do not miss this one
- Reckong Peo (235 km from Shimla). Last pump before Kaza
- Kaza (world’s highest petrol pump at 12,500 Ft). Do not miss. Fill up for the Manali return
- Tandi (32-35 km before the Atal Tunnel from Spiti side). First pump after Kaza on the Manali route
If you are riding a motorcycle, I would recommend carrying extra fuel. You can read my guide on how to carry extra fuel safely on your motorcycle for tips.
Do You Need Permits for Spiti Valley in 2026?
If you are an Indian national, you do not need any permits for Spiti Valley. Just carry a valid photo ID proof of your nationality (Aadhaar, voter ID, or passport) to be safe. There have been reports of a forest department fee of Rs 150 per person being introduced for certain protected areas from June 2025, so carry some cash for that.
Foreign nationals visiting the protected areas of Spiti Valley and Kinnaur Valley are required to get the Spiti – Kinnaur Inner Line Permit (ILP). This can be obtained from the District Magistrate office in Shimla, Reckong Peo, or Kaza, or through a registered travel agency.
How Can You Reach Spiti Valley by Public Transport?
Spiti Valley is well connected by HRTC (Himachal Road Transport Corporation) buses, and a trip by public transport is one of the cheapest ways to experience the valley. Here are the key bus routes as of 2026.
- Delhi to Shimla: HRTC ordinary Rs 500-700, Volvo Rs 900-1,200. Multiple departures from ISBT Kashmere Gate
- Shimla to Reckong Peo: HRTC ordinary Rs 430-500. 8-10 hours. Multiple buses daily
- Reckong Peo to Kaza: HRTC bus departs around 6-7 AM and reaches Kaza by 3-4 PM. Fare Rs 400-700 (8-10 hours via Tabo)
- Kaza to Manali: HRTC bus Rs 400-570, departs early morning (seasonal, June to October only)
- Manali to Delhi: HRTC Volvo Rs 1,200-1,500, semi-deluxe Rs 700-900
For a detailed guide on traveling Spiti by bus, read my article on budget trip to Spiti Valley by public transport. Schedules may vary seasonally, so verify with HRTC before travel. You can also call the HRTC Reckong Peo bus stand on 01786-222444 for the latest bus number assigned to a route.
When Is the Best Time to Visit Spiti Valley?
The best time for the full Spiti circuit (both routes open) is mid-June to early October. The Manali to Kaza route via Kunzum Pass opens only after the snow melts, usually by late May or early June. The Shimla to Kaza route via Kinnaur stays open year-round (except during extreme snowfall or landslides). For a month-by-month breakdown, check my detailed guide on the best time to visit Spiti Valley.
If you are visiting in winter (November to March), only the Shimla route is accessible and you will experience “White Spiti” with temperatures dropping to -20C. You can read my White Spiti in March itinerary for that experience.
How Much Does a Spiti Valley Trip Cost in 2026?
The cost depends largely on your mode of transport. Here is a rough budget estimate per person for an 8-10 day Spiti Valley trip, updated for 2026 prices.
| Expense | Budget (Bus) | Mid-Range (Own Vehicle) |
|---|---|---|
| Transport | Rs 2,500-3,500 | Rs 5,000-7,000 (fuel) |
| Accommodation (8-10 nights) | Rs 4,000-8,000 | Rs 6,000-15,000 |
| Food (8-10 days) | Rs 2,500-4,000 | Rs 3,000-5,000 |
| Permits/Entry | Rs 200-500 | Rs 200-500 |
| Miscellaneous | Rs 1,000-2,000 | Rs 1,000-2,000 |
| Total | Rs 10,000-18,000 | Rs 15,000-30,000 |
For a detailed budget breakdown, check my Spiti Valley trip cost guide. If you are renting a bike or car, the costs go up based on the model. A rental Royal Enfield from Manali costs around Rs 1,200-2,000 per day in 2026.
What About Mobile Network and ATMs in Spiti Valley?
BSNL postpaid has the widest coverage in Spiti Valley. Jio and Airtel work in Kaza town but are unreliable beyond that. There is no mobile network at Chandratal, Batal, or most of the stretch between Kunzum Pass and Gramphu. For more details, read my guide on mobile connectivity in Spiti Valley.
ATMs are available in Reckong Peo and Kaza, but they run out of cash frequently, especially in peak season. Carry enough cash for the entire trip. I would suggest Rs 10,000-15,000 in cash per person as a safe buffer.
Frequently Asked Questions About Spiti Valley Itinerary
Here are answers to the most common questions travelers ask about planning a Spiti Valley trip. I hope you find them useful.
Can you suggest a Chandigarh to Spiti Valley itinerary?
The itinerary explained in this article works equally well from Chandigarh. Replace Delhi with Chandigarh, and since Chandigarh is closer to Shimla (about 115 km, 3-4 hrs), you can push further on Day 1. Try reaching Sarahan or even Sangla directly on Day 1 instead of stopping at Narkanda.
How much does a Spiti Valley tour cost per person?
An 8-10 day Spiti Valley trip by public transport may cost Rs 10,000-18,000 per person in 2026, including accommodation, food, and transport. A trip by own car or bike may cost Rs 15,000-30,000 per person including fuel. Rental bike or car trips cost more depending on the model. Hence, you may not need those costly Spiti Valley tour packages from Shimla or Manali.
Is it possible to do a Spiti Valley trip in 5 days?
A 5-day Spiti Valley itinerary means three days to reach Kaza from Shimla side and two days to return via Manali. You would be on the road for all 5 days with no time for sightseeing. You could save one day if you travel from Manali side both ways. However, I would advise you to plan a trip to Spiti Valley with at least 8 days in hand to make proper sense of it.
How many days are required for a Spiti Valley trip?
You need a minimum of 8 days. Five days are required just for traveling (3 days Delhi to Kaza via Shimla, 2 days Kaza to Delhi via Manali). The remaining 3 days let you explore Pin Valley, Langza, Hikkim, Komik, Ki, and Kibber. For a relaxed trip with buffer days, 10-12 days is ideal.
Can I take a sedan or hatchback to Spiti Valley?
The Shimla to Kaza route is mostly paved and a sedan can manage it with careful driving, except during heavy monsoon when landslides can create rough patches. The Manali to Kaza route (Gramphu to Batal section) has some very rough stretches. I would recommend an SUV or a vehicle with good ground clearance for the Manali side, but a sedan can work if you stick to the Shimla route only.
Is Spiti Valley safe for solo travelers?
Spiti Valley is generally safe for solo travelers, including women. The locals are warm and helpful, and the backpacker community is strong in places like Kaza, Langza, and Chitkul. However, keep in mind that there is limited mobile network, no hospitals between Reckong Peo and Kaza, and altitude sickness is a real concern. Carry basic medicines, travel with a fully charged power bank, and let someone know your itinerary.
What clothes should I pack for Spiti Valley?
Even in summer (June-September), nights in Kaza can drop to 5-8C. Carry warm layers, a windproof jacket, thermal innerwear, and good trekking shoes. Sunscreen and sunglasses are essential due to the high altitude UV exposure. For a complete packing list, check my what to pack for a Spiti Valley trip guide.
Can I visit Spiti Valley in winter?
Yes, but only via the Shimla route. The Manali to Kaza route via Kunzum Pass is closed from October to May. Winter Spiti (“White Spiti”) is a different experience with frozen rivers, snow-covered monasteries, and very few tourists. Temperatures can drop to -20C. You can read my planning a winter trip to Spiti Valley guide for details.
Ready to Plan Your Spiti Valley Trip?
I am sure this itinerary will give you a strong starting point for planning your Spiti Valley trip in 2026. The beauty of this circuit is that it covers both the Kinnaur and Spiti sides, giving you the most complete experience of the region.
Have a travel question? You can follow me on Instagram and ask your travel questions in a direct message. I also conduct a weekly Q&A session every Saturday evening on Instagram, so see you there.
If you know friends or family who are planning a trip to Spiti Valley, do share this article with them. And if you have already done the Spiti circuit, feel free to share your experience in the comments below so other travelers can learn from it. You can also join the DwD Community to connect with fellow travelers and find travel partners for your upcoming Spiti trip 🙂
