Are you looking for a detailed and common itinerary for Spiti Valley trip? Look no further, this article deep dives into all the required details for you.
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 🙂 …
Now that 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 or Ladakh?
As of 2022, Leh Ladakh is filled with a crazy rush of tourists, especially in season time from May to September. However, Spiti Valley has also seen a tremendous rise in tourist rush in the last few years but still, I will say the situation is not as bad as it has become in Ladakh tourism.
People mostly confuse Spiti Valley with Lahaul Valley or they are more or less restricted 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 then towards Nako or Kinnaur Valley. Not to forget the Pin Valley in between and there is a hell of a lot of heavenly beauty to explore in Spiti Valley.
Secondly, 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 narrow 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.
Most Common Itinerary of Spiti Valley for 11 – 12 Days
I will be starting up the most comprehensive Travel Guide to Spiti Valley on the blog with this article in a similar fashion to what was done for Leh – Ladakh i.e. with the Most Common Itinerary for Spiti Valley.
I am sure as the most common Ladakh itinerary has proved super successful in guiding and helping countless travelers planning their trip to Leh Ladakh, similarly, this article too will act as a special guide for all such people who are looking forward to exploring the magical colors of Spiti Valley.
![How to tackle water-crossings on Ladakh Bike Trip / Spiti Valley Bike Trip? [20 Important Tips]](https://discoverwithdheeraj.com/yt_vid_thumbs/ladakh/82.png)
There are two routes to enter Spiti Valley viz. Delhi – Manali – Rohtang Pass – Kunzum Pass – Losar – Kaza AND Delhi – Shimla – Narkanda – Kinnaur Valley – Tabo – Kaza. So, you can see that one can enter Spiti Valley from one Shimla side and exit Spiti Valley from Manali back to Delhi making it the complete circuit.
This detailed day by day Spiti Valley itinerary covers the entire circuit from Shimla to Kinnaur Valley to Spiti Valley to Manali with almost all major tourists places in Spiti Valley including Tabo, Kaza, Losar, Chandratal, Kunzum Pass, Ki, Kibber, Pin Valley, Langza, Hikkim, Komic, Dhangkar, etc.
Day 1 | Delhi – Shimla / Narkanda
- Shimla sightseeing includes Famous Ridge, Mall Road, Lakkar Bazaar, Jakhu Temple
- Narkanda is about 60 KMs from Shimla takes about 2 Hrs
- About 8 Hrs drive to Shimla
- Overnight at Shimla or Narkanda, whichever suits your timings
Day 2 | Shimla / Narkanda – Sangla / Chitkul (Kinnaur Valley)
- Leave early, if from Shimla and enjoy the vistas en route
- You can plan for lunch at Rampur
- About 8 – 9 Hrs of beautiful drive through Kinnaur Valley
- Overnight at Sangla
Day 3 | Sangla – Chitkul – Sangla – Kalpa
- Leave early to spend some time at beautiful Chitkul Village
- Visit Kamru Fort at Sangla as well before going back to Kalpa
- Watch the lovely sunset and sunrise (next day) at Kalpa over Mount Kinner Kailash
- About 4 – 5 Hrs of total drive on this day
- Overnight at Kalpa
Day 4 | Kalpa – Nako – Nako Lake – Geyu Mummy – Tabo
- Start your day early and watch the vistas en route over Hindustan Tibet Highway
- Check Out Khab, Confluence of Spiti and Satluj Rivers
- See the Leo Purygal Peak from Khab Bridge
- Have your lunch at Nako Lake
- Meet the dreaded Malling Nalla ahead of Nako
- After Chango – Sumdo you will enter Spiti Valley.
- After Sumdo police registration, detour towards Geyu Village to visit the 500-Year-old Mummy
- About 8 – 9 Hrs drive, depending upon the breaks you take in between
- Overnight at Tabo
Day 5 | Tabo – Dhankar – Dhankar Lake – Pin Valley (Mud Village)
- Visit Dhankar Monastery and Dhankar Lake and leave after early lunch
- Enjoy the magnificent vistas all-day
- Traverse the Pin Valley | Kungri – Sagnam – Mud – Tailing
- About 4 – 5 Hrs of drive in the day
- Overnight at Mud Village in Pin Valley
Day 6 | Pin Valley – Kaza – Ki – Kibber – Gette – Tashigang – Kaza
- Head for Kaza, headquarters of Spiti Valley
- Have lunch at Kaza and check in to Hotel
- Visit Ki – Kibber – Gette – Tashigang in the second half of the day
- Ki is a famous monastery and others are places to explore as a lovely drive
- Tashigang is where the road ends but again beautiful drive
- About 4 – 5 Hrs of drive in the day
- Overnight at Kaza
Travel Tip: You can always refer to my detailed travel guide of Kibber Village.
Day 7 | Kaza – Hikkim – Komik – Langza – Kaza / Losar
- Today visit the road less traveled or offbeat places near Kaza
- Great view of Chau Chau Kang Nelda peak from Langza
- Statue of the Buddha near Langza looking down the valley
- The Tanggyud monastery at Komik is one of the most important and the highest monastery in the Spiti Valley
- You can move to Losar if you would like to stay away from the hustle-bustle of Kaza
- About 2 – 3 Hrs of drive in the day excluding Losar
- If planning to go to Losar, Enjoy the most scenic drive of entire Spiti Valley between Losar and Kaza at an easy pace
- About 2 – 2.5 Hrs drive between Losar and Kaza, depending upon the breaks you take in between
- Overnight at Kaza or Losar
Travel Tip: You can always refer to my detailed travel guide of Langza Village.
Day 8 | Kaza / Losar – Kunzum Pass – Chandratal / Battal
- Visit Chandratal via Kunzum Pass and enjoy the day there
- Camps are about 2.5 KMs from the lake, either stay there or back to Battal where there is a PWD rest house now though without electricity. But, no point going back a painful ride to Losar over Kunzum Pass unless you want to stay in the guest house with electricity. Better stay at Battal and save time as well as energy for the next day.
- About 4 – 5 Hrs drive minimum
- Overnight at Battal or Chandratal Camps
Day 9 | Battal / Chandratal – Kunzum Pass – Rohtang Pass – Manali
- Head back to Manali via Rohtang Pass
- Drive through Battal – Chattru – Gramphu towards Rohtang Pass is out of the world
- About 7 – 8 Hrs drive easily if you do not get messed up Rohtang Pass
- Overnight at Manali
Day 10 | Manali – Delhi
- If there is time explore Manali, that is if going by overnight Volvo which starts around 5.30 PM
- Manali Local sightseeing which includes Hadimba Temple, Manu Temple, Mall Road, Local Monastery, Old Manali, Vashisth Hot Water Springs (never found it interesting), etc.
- About 12-14 Hrs drive, depending upon the breaks you take in between
- Back Home
Day 11-12 | Buffer Days
Buffer days to be kept in case of road closure due to landslides or snowfall or perhaps you want to enjoy more 🙂
Add-On Days for Spiti Tour
If you have more days then perhaps you can choose any of the days to explore more beautiful places within Spiti Valley…
- Spend a day to explore more of Kinnaur Valley, maybe after Shimla stay at Sarahan before reaching Sangla or at Chitkul/Sangla itself.
- Spend a Day to explore Rama Valley and Lingti Valley that includes Demul, Lallung
- Spend a day to explore Mane Village in Spiti Valley
Why travel to Spiti from Shimla side?
In this article, I started the trip from Shimla side and exit the Spiti Valley from Manali side due to three basic advantages.
Firstly, Spiti Valley is a cold desert situated in the Trans-Himalayan region at an altitude of 11000+ Feet mostly and hence, your body will require a certain amount of acclimatization before you enter the Spiti Valley.
Going via the Shimla side will help you gradually increase the altitude and your body gets acclimatized properly. Hence, there is less chance of getting hit with acute mountain sickness. If you start from the Manali side then you reach high altitude terrain pretty quickly which increases the chances of mountain sickness that can spoil the trip.
Secondly, you get a chance to traverse the Hindustan – Tibet Highway which is one of the world’s most treacherous or adventurous (some call deadliest too :)) roads. Riding or driving on Hindustan – Tibet Road is a journey in itself even if you do not visit any places in Spiti Valley 🙂 …
Thirdly, you do not need Rohtang Pass permits when you are not traveling to Spiti Valley from Manali side. Rohtang Pass permit is required to travel beyond Rohtang pass in case you travel to Rohtang Pass from Manali side. Hence, travel to Spiti from Kinnaur helps you avoid the process of getting the Rohtang Pass permit first.
So, with these three reasons in mind, I prefer to travel to Spiti from Shimla side and exit via Manali side. However, you can read my top five reasons to travel to Spiti via Kinnaur Valley.
However, in case you are not interested, we can discuss a Spiti Valley itinerary from Manali as well. In fact, you can search my blog for the dedicated itinerary.
Petrol Pumps After Shimla to Spiti Valley
Please note these petrol pumps that come on the route from Shimla to Spiti Valley and up to Manali. You do not need to worry about fuel or petrol from Delhi to Shimla or Manali to Delhi, but once you enter Kinnaur and further to Spiti Valley, make sure you have enough fuel or petrol stocked up to complete the trip.
- Theog
- Narkanda Do Top Up Here
- Rampur After crossing the town, the last one on the right side is pretty reliable
- Jeori
- Tapri – Do Not Miss
- Rekong Peo
- Kaza – Do Not Miss
Do I need Permits for Spiti Valley?
Foreign Nationals visiting the protected areas of Spiti Valley and Kinnaur Valley are required to get the Spiti – Kinnaur inner line permits or ILP. Domestic (Indian) tourists do not require any permits. If you are Indian, then just carry a valid photo ID proof of your nationality to be on the safe side.
FAQs – Spiti Valley Travel Plans
Let us look at some of the common questions travelers ask about a Spiti Valley tour from Delhi. I hope you find them useful too.
Well, the detailed travel plan explained in this article is equally applicable for a trip from Chandigarh to Spiti Valley. You can replace Delhi with Chandigarh in the above plan, and most of the day-wise plan should remain the same. You may try to do Chandigarh to Sarahan on Day 1 instead of sleeping at Narkanda.
The cost of Spiti Valley tour depends upon the mode of transport you pick. An 8-10 day itinerary of Spiti Valley by public transport may not cost you more than Rs 12000, while a trip to Spiti Valley by car or bike may cost you under Rs 15000. On the other hand, if you go for a rental bike or rental car, the prices increase based on the model of bike or car you rent. Hence, you may not need those costly Spiti Valley tour packages from Shimla or Manali.
Well, a Spiti Valley itinerary of 5 days will look like three days to reach Kaza from Shimla side and then two days to travel back from Spiti Valley via Manali side. Hence, you will be on-road for all 5 days. You may save one day in case you travel from Manali side both ways. However, I will advise you to plan a trip to Spiti Valley with at least 8 days in hand to make some sense of it.
You should at least make a Spiti Valley trip in 8 days as you need 5 days in total to reach Spiti via Kinnaur side and come back from Manali side. So, having three more days will help you explore Pin Valley, Langza, Hikkim, Komic, Ki, and Kibber Villages around Kaza.
Conclusion
I am sure the above itinerary if not help you 100% with planning a trip to Spiti Valley but can certainly act as a starting point for your upcoming Spiti Valley trip.
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Do share your valuable thoughts or questions or doubts that you may have and we can discuss more your upcoming travel plans for Spiti Valley 🙂
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1,633 Comments
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Dheeraj Bhai,
Considering the road condition of Kinnaur-Spiti vallies (especially in Kaza – Manali section), which one between these two will be better – Innova or Xylo?
Sukanta, both will be able to do it but still I will give an inch win for Xylo 🙂
Hello Dheeraj,
We are planning a trip from Shimla to Kaza in the extreme winter (January to be precise) and we can get upto 10 days of leave for this trip. We would be traveling from Bangalore. I would be grateful to you if you can answer some of our concerns.
1. We are a group of 6 and we know we need a vehicle like pajero for the drive. Would such vehicles be available for hire in Shimla in winter ? Where can we check for good drivers ?
2. Could you give an approximate itinerary for our travel and places to cover ?
3.What are the essentials to carry for trip ? Are warm clothes available for hire in Shimla ?
4.Should we carry food ? Which are the good hotels to stay ?
5. Is there a tour operator u know who we can speak to about this winter trip ?
Awaiting your response
Shraddha
Hello Shraddha,
Before I start it will be extreme adventure last year one of my friend attempted it, was stuck for 6 days of heavy snowfall in Nako and then 7 days at Puh, overall about 12-13 days in the middle of no where with very basic food and place to stay. So, please take a call in case you are fine with such exceptional weather turnout too.
1. I do not think you will get a Pajero on rent
2. How many days do you have in hand, one is mentioned above in the article with an exception that you need to back track from Kaza to Shimla in the same way
3. It is extreme adventure and you will need loads of good quality woolens to beat the cold up there.
4. Yes, do carry lot of food. Most hotels will be closed, if your plan materialize let me know I will confirm if couple of places I know that remain open will be open this year or not. Overall just forget hotels.
5. Get in touch with Tsering at 09418208987, he is more than a friend to me. Will offer you best price. Both are run by him only. He has home stays too.
Hi Dheeraj,
Thanks again, after a successful trip to Ladakh last year, this time we are opting for Spiti. I would like to have some info on Hotels/budget home stays. And approximately how much Xylo/Innova could cost you a day?
Also, the person you mentioned (Tsering) is Lara Tsering? As easrlier I made some inquiries and Lara Tsering replied to me (He is more of an agent) and the first 5 digits of mobile number starts with above mentioned.
Thanks,
Pooja
You can get connected directly to some drivers in Spiti Valley or Kinnaur Valley at the link: List of Taxi Drivers for Spiti Valley & Kinnaur Valley. These drivers can come and pick you up from Manali / Shimla / Delhi / Chandigarh too, of course with a price of pickup as well.
The rates of the taxis are about Rs 3000-3500 per day depending upon the number of days you plan to travel, more the days, less the price.
Otherwise, taxis in general are also available on the spot from Shimla or Manali from respective taxi stands
For stay options in Kinnaur and Spiti, check the link: Some Good Options of Stays in Spiti Valley / Kinnaur Valley
No, he is Tsering Bodh whom I have mentioned and he runs Sakya Abode, Snow Lion and Kumphen hotels in Kaza. Lara is different and yes, he is an agent works for different companies and also sells his own tour.
Hi Dhiraj- Complement you for being so informative and helpful. My question is which is best time to travel to sipti valley from shimla september 2nd week or october 1 st week in terms of sceneic beauty. Also I am told hotel prices go up significantly after sep 20 is that your experience too ?
September or October first week should be good time to travel up there in Spiti Valley with autumn colors in the valley in full bloom 🙂
How do we travel from Dhankar to mud village/pin valley ?? Public transport or taxis available??
Ranjit, yes, from Dhangkar you need to get down to Atargoo bridge and from there you will get the shared taxis to Pin Valley / Mud village shared by the locals. Dhangkar to Atargoo bridge you can either hitch hike or take the taxi going to Kaza and get down there.
Dheeraj Bhai,
Our plan for Kinnaur-Spiti valley is during the second half of September, around that time of the season –
a) will monsoon be still a problem?
b) will snowfall start on the upper reaches of Spiti valley?
Thank you.
Kinnaur is not a good place to be in monsoon and in case it rains there could be landslides and all.
Hi dheeraj – we are planing to go to spiti between 10 th to 18th aug.. Couple of queries i had :
1.Weather
2.Self drive from manali – any issues?
3.If on public transport can a bike be hired at spiti? Ifyescould you suggest?
4. Suggestive itenary for 7 days
Abhishek,
1. Weather you have to face monsoon hgassles for sure in lower hills but once you are in Spiti, you are in rain shadow.
2. No, you just have to take permits from Manali to pass Rohtang Pass.
3. Bike will not be available in Spiti, Manali you can rent bikes.
Thanks dheeraj!! Really appreciate your help and your wonderful blog !!!!
You might like:
Day 1 : Reach Manali by overnight volvo of 28 and stay overnight at Solang Valley as preferred for acclimatization
Day 2 : Manali / Solang – Kaza
Day 3 : Kaza – Dhangkar – Tabo – Kaza OR Kaza – Langza – Komik – Hikkim – Kaza
Day 4 : Kaza – Ki – Kibber – Chandratal
Day 5 : Chandratal – Manali
Day 6 : Chill around Manali and take evening Volvo
Day 7 : Reach Delhi by overnight Volvo from Manali
Hi Dheeraj
Thanks for a great writeup, its really enlightening & informative. I’m planning a trip to spiti this October & i would go with your suggested itenary i.e Narkanda, Kinnaur etc. I however have a couple of questions,:
1- is this route Hindustan-Tibet route more treacherous than the Manali highway?
2- is there any other problem with Manali highway apart from AMS
3- Do taxi unions in these areas create problems for taxis & self drive cars from outside H.P
4- Could you please suggest name of some hotels which offer decent stay & food
Thanks! looking forward to your reply
Hello Zogi,
1. Not really but yes at places it is more than Manali – Leh
2. Again not really as a major hurdle on Manali – Leh Highway.
3. No, spiti valley does not have such restrictions for outside taxis
4. You can refer the link: https://discoverwithdheeraj.com/india/himalayan-hotels-guest-houses/good-stay-options-spiti-kinnaur-t1218.html
I want to Travel from Deldi to Spiti Valley (Via Shimla) by bike to enjoy the trip.
My preferred schedule is 1 Sep’15 to 9 Sep’15. Can you please suggest me the itenary for my travel.
Also please let me know, are the road conditions Ok for travelling via Bike.
Also please if you can suggest some must carry items for biking.
Abhinav, you have about 9 days in hand and can cover following route as per below plan:
Day 1 | Delhi – Narkanda
Day 2 | Narkanda – Kalpa
Day 3 | Kalpa – Nako – Nako Lake – Geyu Mummy – Tabo
Day 4 | Tabo – Dhankar – Dhankar Lake – Pin Valley (Mudh Village) – Kaza
Day 5 | Kaza Local Sightseeing
— Ki, Kibber, Gette, Tashigang in the second half of the day
— Sakya abode or snow lion are two best options at Kaza. Get in touch with Tsering at 09418208987, he is more than a friend to me. Will offer you best price. Both are run by him only. He has home stays too.
Day 6 | Kaza Local Sightseeing (Hikkim, Koumik)
— Hikkim, Komik, Langza circuit
Day 7 | Kaza – Kunzum Pass – Chandratal/Losar
Day 8 | Chandratal – Manali
Day 9 | Manali – Delhi
Hello dheeraj ,
Your site is just awesome. Really appreciate your efforts.
Well I am in a dilemma and looking for your suggestions. We live in bangalore and have only 9days (8aug-16aug) in hand to visit any place.
1) Where to go Spiti or leh ?
2) Are 9days enough to visit Spiti Valley ?
3) If we plan for Spiti what route you suggest, through manali or shimla as flights to manali are very expensive as compared to shimla from bangalore. But we have time constraints too.
4) Around how much a taxi charge on per day or /km basis ?
5) Spiti or leh trip which will be a cheaper one, if we compare.
Thanks in advance
Hello Priya,
If you have 9 days then go with Spiti Valley. Get a flight to Chandigarh and from there travel by road to Spiti Valley and come back from Manali side. You can check a very balanced and most common itinerary for Spiti Valley followed by many travellers including me at the link here for 10-11 days: Most Common Itinerary for Spiti Valley.
You can skip some days like Sangla Valley, some sightseeing to make it 9 days. You can get connected directly to some drivers in Spiti Valley or Kinnaur Valley at the link: List of Taxi Drivers for Spiti Valley & Kinnaur Valley. These drivers can come and pick you up from Manali / Shimla / Delhi / Chandigarh too, of course with a price of pickup as well.
The rates of the taxis are about Rs 3000-3500 per day depending upon the number of days you plan to travel, more the days, less the price.
Otherwise, taxis in general are also available on the spot from Shimla or Manali from respective taxi stands
For stay options in Kinnaur and Spiti, check the link: Some Good Options of Stays in Spiti Valley / Kinnaur Valley
Regards
Dheeraj
Thanks a lot Dheeraj
Dheeraj Bhai & Others (DOW),
I was lucky enough to find your pages on the very first day I started planning for Kinnaur- Spiti trip this year. Going through your suggestions and advices. These are really really helpful. I doubt whether there are any similar circuit-specific travel guides in India other than DOW. Great initiative and a treasure-site for nature tourist! Thank you all. May irritate you with many questions before we actually make the trip in September.
Sukanta, thank you so very much for the compliments. Glad to know that DoW was helpful in making your travel plans to Spiti Valley and Kinnaur Valley. Feel free to post any queries you have.
Dheeraj Sir Please help, i read almost all the post here but m still confuse so please make my itinery fresh.
We four guys are reachinh simla on 5th october by afternoon. Now we have to reach delhi on 11th oct afternoon and we want to complete the circuit from simla-kalpa-kaza-chnadrataal-manali. So please give a itinery where we can complete all dis.
Vivek, I will suggest that you go from Manali side that late in season and come from Shimla side. Is it fine for you?
Thank you dheeraj sir for your prompt reply, now if I go through Manali side den acclimization is a problem and if i go through manali side than wat sud be the proper itianery.
Yes I understand that acclimatization will be a problem but that late in season it is not advisable to travel the road from Manali – Kaza. You have just 7 days, may be try to extend by a day and do:
Day 1 : Reach Manali by overnight volvo of and stay overnight at Solang Valley as preferred for acclimatization
Day 2 : Manali / Solang – Kaza
Day 3 : Kaza Rest day. May be do Ki, Kibber in the evening.
Day 4 : Kaza – Langza – Komik – Hikkim – Kaza – Pin Valley
Day 5 : Pin Valley – Dhangkar – Tabo
Day 6 : Tabo – Nako – Nako Lake – Kalpa
Day 7 : Kalpa – Narkanda
Day 8 : Narkanda – Delhi
OR in case you are confident of the weather do this:
Day 1 | Delhi – Narkanda
Day 2 | Narkanda – Kalpa
Day 3 | Kalpa – Nako – Nako Lake – Geyu Mummy – Tabo
Day 4 | Tabo – Dhankar – Dhankar Lake – Pin Valley (Mudh Village) – Kaza
Day 5 | Kaza Local Sightseeing
— Ki, Kibber, Gette, Tashigang in the second half of the day
— Sakya abode or snow lion are two best options at Kaza. Get in touch with Tsering at 09418208987, he is more than a friend to me. Will offer you best price. Both are run by him only. He has home stays too.
Day 6 | Kaza Local Sightseeing (Hikkim, Koumik)
— Hikkim, Komik, Langza circuit
Day 7 | Kaza – Kunzum Pass – Chandratal/Losar
Day 8 | Chandratal – Manali
Day 9 | Manali – Delhi
hats off to you sir, You clear all my doubts and best itineary, So you guys are doing very good job. After the tour I will definately share my views with you.
Vivek, thank you so much 🙂
Hi Dheeraj,
I hope all is well with you.
I’m in the midst of finalizing our trip to Spiti-Ladakh in August; we will have to spend one night in Sarchu on our way to Leh; I wanted to know whether it is possible to sleep at the ‘luxury’ tent camps used by tour groups & some private minibus operators even though we’ll be travelling independently with our own driver & vehicle (we have already contacted a driver from the list you provide on your website) & whether it is necessary/possible to book accommodation there in advance.
Thank you so much in advance for your help.
Veronique
Veronique, yes, all is good, Thank you 🙂 … I hope you doing well too.
You will be able to find the accommodation on the spot in those luxury camps as well. They do not run on 100% occupancy and there is mostly the space available. Unless you are extremely unlucky, you will find the camp available for sure.
Hello Dheeraj,
Just to say thank you so much for your help! Sorry it took me ages to do so!
Take care,
Veronique
Pleasure, that you found the info. shared on DoW Travel Platform as useful enough.
Hi Dheeraj and Veronique,
Are you starting from Manali? Can you share your itinerary for covering Leh and Spiti? We are planning to leave from Manali on August 2nd.
Regards,
Dhairav
Dhairav, how many days do you have in hand for Spiti trip?
Hi Dhairav, Hi Dheeraj
Sorry for my late answer, I was away for a few days; here is my itinerary (roughly speaking): we will be leaving from Simla & have around two weeks:
1. Sarahan
2. Kalpa
3. Nako
4-9 Tabo- Kaza-Pin valley- Dhankar etc… I’m not sure in which order but basically we want to spend a few days in the area & take our time to explore.
10. Keylong
11. Sarchu
12. Leh;
13. Spend a few days exploring region around Leh
Please feel free to share your comments/advice/suggestions/question with me
This is roughly the plan, not really fixed because we want to stay flexible & play it by ear; a lot of the trip will be determined by the places we go & people we meet; we might end up not going to Ladakh at all!
Best wishes,
Veronique
Looks really good as per the flow of places. Do add Chitkul/Sangla before Kalpa in the plan. Amazing place to be in. Also, the order will be first comes Tabo, then comes Dhangkar, then Pin Valley diversion and then Kaza after coming back from Pin Valley.
Hi Dheeraj, Great to see your initiative to guide all of us…. A quick check with you..a) I am planing in mid of Sep’15 from Delhi-Spiti via Shimla in my Ford Ikon 1.3l & back on the same route —- is it ok to take Ikon? b) How much would be the tentative budget for the entire trip including petrol, food & stay, taxes(if any)? c) Can you please share the contact details for the stay at each individual place?
Can I have your reply in my inbox or an intimation on your response?
Appreciate your early reply…
Many thanks in advance.
Best Regards,
Avijit
Avijit, definitely challenges will be there for suare from road to Kaza to Manali rest shall be fine. you can take as around 1000 per day for food and stay. For stay options in Kinnaur and Spiti, check the link: Some Good Options of Stays in Spiti Valley / Kinnaur Valley
Hi dheeraj
thank u for this iteinary, it was really good.
im planning something similar and was hoping if you could guide me for a road trip.
im planning a 4 day trip to manali rohtang losar and back. (Leave from delhi on wednesday night and leave from manali for delhi on sunday night)
I dont have a car and will be using public transport to get to manali from delhi and maybe rent/hire a cab frm there on. Can you guide me, how i plan this road trip (manali-losar-manali ) by renting a car and where do i plan my stays, and roughly how much it will cost me ? (6 people )
Your feedback will be highly appreciated.
thanks in advance for your time and advice.
Nakul, why are you going to Losar, better do Chandratal instead of Losar. Losar is nothing but just a village in Spiti like other villages of spiti 🙂 .. You just have 4 days and shoul do Chandratal. Check: Chandratal Lake | Cheapest Ways To Travel There
Hi Deeraj.!
Your itinerary are so helpful and the route very interesting.!!!
i’m planning to go India this end of August~can you kindly share how the weather that time and is it possible for us if we have this kind of route>>
Delhi-Shimla-Kaza-Manali-Delhi
in about 7 days? or do you have any suggestion for us ?
thank you in advance.!!
please let me know if it is wise enough to travel Manali to kaza and kaza to shimla during Mid oct with a child (2yeras). (my tour details is just opposite of which you have mentioned )
Avinandan, well thing is you have to travel as early as possible from the Gramphu to Kaza no mans land zone as soon as possible that late in the season. There will for sure be risk of AMS and hence, it will be better to make an attempt to reach at Tabo to sleep at lower altitude. It depends on person to person to take the children of such age group because AMS do not matter with respect to age or sex or any fitness level. It can happen to anyone of any age or sex or fitness I shall say :D… The issue with children is that they tend to exert the body considering it the same kind of place they belong to and this elevates the chances of getting struck with AMS. Secondly, they are not much expressive about their uneasy feelings, so it is parents who need to watch out and take care that the child is not suffering from uneasy feelings, headache or nausea and is behaving properly. With less than 3 year child, I think he/she will also be NOT able to convey the uneasiness she may feel. You have to be vigilant and if you notice any such feeling or he/she tells you about such a feeling then please do not ascend anywhere, either descend to lower altitude or stay at the same place to watch things overnight and if symptom increase then start descending immediately. Same is applicable for any adult as well. And yes, do keep the body adequately hydrated!!
Also, PLEASE read the article: Traveling to Ladakh with Kids or Babies. This article covers this topic in complete detail.
Thanks sir, this is just the perfect answer for me. I was exactly looking for these.
I am aborting the trip for the time, just cant risk my sons health for my amusements.
Thanks a lot boss you saved me from a lot of trouble .
Happy to help brother !!
Respected Sir, I am planning my journey from manlai to kaza , kaza to kalpa, kalpa to sangla, snagla to sarahan , sarahan to Shimla.
just keeping keylong out as the roads may be closed during the MId oct.
Can you confirm that, is it safe enough to start the journey from 20th oct. I am having 2 senior citizen (60yrs) and one child (2yrs) with me.
Just replied at the link: https://discoverwithdheeraj.com/spiti-valley-most-common-itinerary/comment-page-4/#comment-339459
Hi Dheeraj: I find your blog very informative and I’ve been following it for quite sometime now. I intend to see the beauty of Himachal & Spiti is what comes to my mind. My plan is to leave from Delhi on 29th July (night time) and have to be back by 5th Aug (late night). Please could you suggest a feasible itinerary. If, doing Spiti seems to tight, could you suggest some other places that would fit the days we have in hand.
We would be 2 guys; car option is Safari or XUV. Please also suggest which one should we take. Regards, Saurabh
Saurabh you might like to attempt this:
Day 1 : Reach Manali and stay overnight at Solang Valley as preferred for acclimatization
Day 2 : Manali / Solang – Kaza
Day 3 : Kaza – Dhangkar – Tabo – Kaza OR Kaza – Langza – Komik – Hikkim – Kaza
Day 4 : Kaza – Ki – Kibber – Chandratal
Day 5 : Chandratal – Manali
Day 6 : Manali – Delhi
Day 7 : Buffer day as there will be rains in lower hills which can cause hassles
Thanks Dheeraj! Couple of clarifications:
1. Which car would you suggest for this terrain? XUV or Safari (none of them is a 4×4)
2. Is there any specific reason you haven’t suggested an itinerary via Shimla?
3. Any specific need to carry Oxygen cylinders?
Regards,
Saurabh
1. I will suggest if you have a reliable Safari, then go with it.
2. The above plan in the article is from Shimla only bhai 🙂
3. If you travel as per above itinerary, you will not need it.
Hi Dheeraj
Can we club Leh-Ladakh trip with Spiti Valley itinerary ?
If yes,How??What will be the route if we start from Delhi,cover leh-ladakh first and then want to move towards Spiti and coming back from Shimla?
I know it sounds a crazy idea but how many days will be required and what will be the plan??
Thanks
Harsh, yes you can, need to have about 20 days for it. Do you have that many days in hand?
I am planning to shift my job so might be taking a gap of 15-20 days in between.
What will be the itinerary for the same??
Thanks
Harsh, I will suggest you to spend some more time at all these night halt places in plan covered above. Opt for trek to Mount Kanamo or do the 5 village trek from Kibber to Langza to Komik to Hikkim to Demul to Lhalung in 5 days to experience the raw Spiti Valley at its best.
Hi Dheeraj ,
A huge applause to you with incredible journeys i made through your posts/suggestions.Thanks a ton buddy.I am planning to visit spiti valley upto kaza only with my bike[Thunderbird].
Here is the detail itinerary :
30th July : Chandigarh to Manali[manali stay]
31st July : Manali to Kaza[Kaza stay]
1st August : Kaza to Chandartal [staying in chandartal-Jamaica tent]
2nd August : Chandartal to manali
3rd August : Manali to Delhi.
kindly suggest me if this itinerary is good to go ahead.?
Thanks in anticipation ,
Regards,
Tanmay
Replied here: https://discoverwithdheeraj.com/spiti-valley-most-common-itinerary/comment-page-4/#comment-338972
Hi Dheeraj ,
A huge applause to you with incredible journeys i made through your posts/suggestions.Thanks a ton buddy.I am planning to visit spiti valley upto kaza only with my bike[Thunderbird].
Here is the detail itinerary :
30th July : Chandigarh to Manali[manali stay]
31st July : Manali to Kaza[Kaza stay]
1st August : Kaza to Chandartal [staying in chandartal-Jamaica tent]
2nd August : Chandartal to manali
3rd August : Manali to Delhi.
kindly suggest me if this itinary is good to go ahead.?
Thanks in anticipation ,
Regards,
Tanmay
Tanmay, there is no point adding Kaza to your trip, it will add unnecessary treacherous journey. I will say rather to do Chandratal in relaxing manner:
Day 1 | Delhi – Manali and stay overnight at Solang Valley
Day 2 | Solang – Khoksar/Sissu
Day 3 | Khoksar/Sissu – Chandratal
Day 4 | Chandratal – Manali
Day 5 | Manali – Delhi
Hi Dheeraj,
I have been reading all your posts since the last 15 days. It is of immense help. Appreciate your effort in guiding everyone. We are a group of 12 Guys ( 8 Bikers and 4 in a an Innova) doing a ride from Shimla
to Manali , starting 0n 21st from shimla and ending on the 28 th at Manali. We would be following your
suggested “most common itinerary”. However i have a few questions?
* Is 7 days enough to complete your suggested route.
* Does a person having a High Blood pressure can handle the AMS .( Also a rider)
* Any additional precautions to be taken for a BP patient who is on medication for it anyways.
* What % of roads would be really slushy/slippery? what could be the maximum stretch at a time.
* Any thermal clothing required? ( 21st July to 28th)
* Any other advice welcome!!!
Hi Ashwin,
1. 7 days will be a bit tight.
2. Please read: https://discoverwithdheeraj.com/india/himalayan-travel-guides/acute-mountain-sickness-acclimatization-t16-20.html#p12523
4. From Shimla to Manali, majority part of the roads will be like a dirt track starting from Kinnaur Valley.
5. Do carry at least one pair of heavy woolens as in case weather turn the tide, you will be running for warmth. So, must carry one pair of heavy woolens and a jacket.
Hello Dheeraj!! I’m planning a trip to Spiti in September as per the itinerary suggested above (Shimla-kaza-Manali). Can you please tell me if bike or car is available for hire on this route anywhere beyond Shimla? I mean, I was thinking if I can take public transport upto Kaza or anywhere in between from Shimla and then hire a self drive car or bike from Kaza for moving around nearby places.
Kartik, it will not be possible to hire any self drive vehicle in Spiti Valley. but, yes there are buses available to travel from Shimla to Reckong Peo and then from Reckong Peo to Kaza. Also, shared taxis run from Rampur to Kaza and Reckong Peo to Kaza.
Thanks a lot Dheeraj!
Hi,
We are planning a trip to Lahaul Spiti in August…trying to follow the itinerary as suggested above by Dheeraj..
However, we need to start on a Saturday or Friday late evening from Delhi and have to reach back Delhi by next Sunday morning…
Where can we best adjust in the above itinerary ?
Is it reasonably possible to reach Manali from Chandrataal camping to be able to board the volvo on the same day ?
Kindly suggest stay options too..
Vaibhav, in that case best will be that you club Day 5 and Day 6 and if required skip either of Day 2 or Day 3
Hey Dheeraj
How would it be to ride in sep? Would the route you have given above feasible by by bike? Best dates to start riding from Simla in Sept? Same numer of days as given in your blog above?
Thank you,
Regards,
Deepak
Deepak sir, Hello !!
September is one of the best time to visit Spiti Valley and you will enjoy like anything. Make plan in second or third week of September and it will be an amazing experience, the late the better as the autumn colors plus the spiti apples comes to life in the valley. Yes, add a day or two in the above plan to visit Sangla Chitkul as well before you reach Kalpa. Let me know if you want me to describe in the plan.
Thank you so much for your prompt reply Dheeraj. I would be grateful if you can give me an alternate plan as well.
We have not yet confirmed our travel plans. But shall keep you in loop to take all possible assistance from you.
Cheers
Deepak
Deepak sir, alternate plan, you mean entering from Manali and exiting from Manali only? This is one more I can suggest:
Day 01 : Reach Manali and stay overnight at Solang Valley as preferred for acclimatization
Day 03 : Manali / Solang – Kaza
Day 04 : Kaza – Dhangkar – Tabo
Day 05 : Tabo – Lingti Valley (Lallung) – Pin Valley
Day 06 : Pin Valley(Mud) – Kaza – Ki – Kibber – Kaza
Day 07 : Kaza – Langza – Komic – Hikkim – Demul – Kaza (Stay at Komic or Langza or Demul)
Day 08 : Kaza – Langza – Komic – Hikkim – Demul – Kaza (Stay at Komic or Langza or Demul)
Day 09 : Kaza – Chandratal
Day 10 : Chandratal – Manali
Day 11 : Manali – Delhi
Hi Dheeraj,
I am planning to go for this trip in July from Delhi. The only question in my mind is mode of transportation for me. I will be travelling along with my wife and younger brother. Now I have 2 choices:
1) Go by Swift car(which can accomodate 3 of us and our luggage too)
2) Go by bikes(1 classic with ladakh carrier for luggage and 1 thunderbird)
Can you please suggest me which option to choose considering the road condition also through out the journery
Saurabh Swift will be more comfortable and will give you ease in case you are not used to bike. However, at the same time it will be quite bad road conditions and swift will face challenge for sure especially ahead of Kaza towards Kunzum Pass to Gramphu – Rohtang Pass road. For hatchback/sedan taking on Manali – Leh Highway Or Spiti Valley via Manali Or Ladakh, please refer the link: FAQ | Can I do Leh – Ladakh / Spiti / Manali – Leh trip in Hatchback or Sedan? for more details.
Hi Dheeraj,
Due to some unavoidable reasons, i couldn’t plan my trip that time. Now I have sufficient time to go for that trip, so i wanted to know will this be a right time now to hit the roads and explore spiti ?
Yes Saurabh, this is the best time to travel in September as rains will fade away by then.
Hi,
Dheeraj ji ,
First of all , thanks for the support and guidance that you pour into the forum that is of immense help always.
I was planning a short trip to spiti from Manali side . My itinerary planned is :
Day 1 Manali – Kaza
Day 2 Kaza – Tabo – Dhankar – Demul – Tabo
Day 3 Tabo – Pin Valley – Mudh
Day 4 Mudh – Ki Monastery – Kibber – Komik – Langza – Kaza
Day 5 Kaza – Chandratal Lake
Day 6 Chandratal Lake – Manali
Please answer the few queries :
1) Can I do the trip myself by booking cab from Manali , I prefer Volvo from delhi / Manali . If yes , can you give any reliable driver no.
2) Is the quote given by travel agents too high , we are a family of 2 , the price seemed steep to me.
3) Are the listed travel agents reliable? Any idea or suggestion on tour operator in spiti.
Kind Regards.
PS: Sorry for typing a very long question 🙂
Hi Himadri
1. Yes, you can surely do it. Get in touch with Tsering at 09418208987 who is in Spiti and runs Sakya Abode, he is more than a friend to me and will help you in anyway he can.
2. So, you meant they are charging about 34-38K for the tour for two? If yes, seems OK types to me but still ask Tsering if he can manage less or else best is that you hire taxis on the spot from Manali taxi stand and run into to Spiti and go with on the spot bookings.
3. No idea, we usually promote directly locals only or someone I know personally like Tsering.
Regards
Dheeraj
Hi Dheeraj, do you suggest to add keylong in above plan..is it really worth a visit? If yes what route needs to be followed n how much time is needed to cover it..i plan to do a Delhi- Shimla- spiti-manali circuit..please advise
Amit, I will suggest you can skip Keylong for the time being and make a trip to Lahaul Valley exclusively sometime ahead from Manali side and explore up there for 4-5 days.
hi..dhiraj last year we travelled to leh as per your guidelines. this year,we are planning to travel to shimla-kalpa-kaja-manali by taxi from 18 july to 27 july as per your itinerary.kindly make it much better or add sum places which we left.itinerary is as ; 18july; shimla to sanghla ;(night stay at sanghla)
19 july; sanghla -chitkul-kalpa(stay at kalpa)
20 july; stay at kalpa
21 july; kalpa-nako lake-geyu mummy-tabo(stay at kalpa)
22 july; tabo-dhankar lake-pin valley -kurgi-sangam-mud -tailing(stay at mud village)
23 july; pin valley-kaza-ki-kibber-gette-tashigang-kaza(stay at kaza)
24 july; kaza-hikkim-komik-langza-kaza(stay at kaza)
25 july ; kaza (local sightseeing)
26 july; kaza-losar-chandartal(stay at batal)
27 july; return to manali
as on 20 july we stay at kalpa or move forward towards kaza and on 25 july we are in kaza what places we can add on this day..thanks in advance…kindly add places which we are left…thnks
Vishal, instead of stay at Kalpa it is better that you spend extra day in Sangla / Chitkul. Rest looks fine to me. While in Kaza, just rest or may be go over to Chandratal and rest there in lap of complete nature.
thnks dear ..
Hi Dheeraj,
We four friends are doing road trip to spiti valley from June 21 to July 4. So we have total 13 days, one day as a buffer. We will be travelling in XUV W10 AWD. Our tentative itinerary is ,
June 21 Mumbai-Udaipur/Bhilwara (My friend stays at Bhilwara)
June 22 Udaipur/Bhilwara – Chandigarh
june 23 Chandigarh – Rampur/Sarhan
June 24 Rampur/Sarhan – Sangla Valley – Kalpa
June 25 Kalpa – Nako
June 26 Nako – Mud Village
June 27 Mud village – Kaza
June 28 Kaza/Losar
June 29 Kaza/Losar – Chandratal
June 30 Chandratal – Manali
July 1 Manali
July 2 Manali – Delhi
July 3 Delhi – Udaipur
JUly 4 Udaipur – Mumbai
I need your help on following point,
1. How can we save one day without compromising on sight seeing and visit to all interesting places. We want have few walks in spiti (We do not intend to do treks). Want spent some time in villages.
2. Is it possible to reach Sarhan on June 23. Chandigarh-Sarhan seems to be very long drive. How much time it should take ?
3. Is it possible to leave early from Sarhan/Rampur, do Sangla valley and reach Kalpa for halt. Will it be very tiring ?
4. Halt at Nako on june 25. Is it ok ? or should I stay at Tabo ?
Information on your blog is of immense help in planning this road trip. I appreciate your efforts. We are very thankful to you. Waiting for your help.
Subhash
subhash, please find my replies below in the same order:
1. You can save a day by doing:
June 25 Kalpa – Tabo
June 26 Tabo – Mud Village – Kaza
2. Yes, very much possible. It should be around 10 Hrs drive at max.
3. Yes, but will take about 7-8 Hrs
4. To save a day go to Tabo
Thank you very much Dhiraj. We are keeping our itinerary flexible. At least till Tabo. Depending upon situation we will decide where to stay. If Kanzum la is not open( by the time we reach there,) we may have to return via Shimla only. In that case again we will have review our plan. I am preparing a contingency plan. I would share it with you. I will need your guidance. Thanks. Regards.
Subhash.
Kunzum Pass is already open and also Batal to Gramphu road will also open now in 2-3 days at max. Few bikers have already crossed the road by pushing over snow block.
Thanks Dheeraj !!!
We will be able travel to Manali via Kunzum la !! Its great news.
I am troubling you again…we are carrying tent and would like to do some camping during our tour. Is this idea workable ? Any dos and don’tsI ? Could you please suggest sites at Rampur, sarhan, kalpa, tabo, kaza, chandratal etc. Any other place which is good for camping.
I am searching on web, various forums but i could not find useful information. So your tips will be of great help.
Regards.
Subhash.
Note : Today we started from Mumbai and reached Bhilwara (as per the schedule).
You can pitch your own tents anywhere but I will suggest you pitch them at a place where there are some dhabha or other tents put up by locals or where other camping guy pitch theirs or somewhere near some house in local village or in their garden/lawn. All you will need is to gently ask them (villagers/dhabha guys/camping guys) for permissions. Most likely they will allow, other wise negotiate for small little tip or move on to some other such place nearby. This will give you sense of security too and availability of washrooms and food if required.
But, keep in mind that camping at the lakes like Chandratal Lake is not allowed as it is under Ramsar wetland reserve site. Hence, you need to pitch these camps away from Chandratal lake near other camps near parking area.
Hi Dheeraj,
We four friends are doing road trip to spiti valley from June 21 to July 4. So we have total 13 days, one day as a buffer. We will be travelling in XUV W10 AWD. Our tentative itinerary is ,
June 21 Mumbai-Udaipur/Bhilwara (My friend stays at Bhilwara)
June 22 Udaipur/Bhilwara – Chandigarh
june 23 Chandigarh – Rampur/Sarhan
June 24 Rampur/Sarhan – Sangla Valley – Kalpa
June 25 Kalpa – Nako
June 26 Nako – Mud Village
June 27 Mud village – Kaza
June 28 Kaza/Losar
June 29 Kaza/Losar – Chandratal
June 30 Chandratal – Manali
July 1 Manali
July 2 Manali – Delhi
July 3 Delhi – Udaipur
JUly 4 Udaipur – Mumbai
I need your help on following point,
1. How can we save one day without compromising on sight seeing and visit to all interesting places. We want have few walks in spiti (We do not intend to do treks). Want spent some time in villages.
2. Is it possible to reach Sarhan on June 23. Chandigarh-Sarhan seems to be very long drive. How much time it should take ?
3. Is it possible to leave early from Sarhan/Rampur, do Sangla valley and reach Kalpa for halt. Will it be very tiring ?
4. Halt at Nako on june 25. Is it ok ? or should I stay at Tabo ?
5. Assuming kanzum la is open ! How much time it should take to reach to Manali from Chandratal ?
Information on your blog is of immense help in planning this road trip. I appreciate your efforts. We are very thankful to you. Waiting for your help.
Subhash
Replied here already: https://discoverwithdheeraj.com/spiti-valley-most-common-itinerary/comment-page-4/#comment-335930
Dear Dhiraj,
Returned from spiti valley expedition. Tour has been safe and fantastic. Thanks for help and support.
Subhash.
Awesome Subhash, glad to know that, would you mind share a travel tale or a photo tale in DwD Community to treat us 😉 …
Hi Dheeraj bhai….
As per ur suggestion we have visited tirthan valley last year… and wht a wonderful experience that was… we stayed at Riverside Resort……Awesome place….
This year i am planning to visit spiti inspired by ur reviews…
We r 2 friends with Wives and 3 kids 6 , 8 and 10 yrs….all girls….
Our trip dates are 17th to 29th june..
We r entering from shimla side and planning to visit chandratal too. we want to complete the circuit…
Is it possible??? what would u suggest???
Is it okey to visit chandratal at this time with such kids…..
In Kaza Sakya abode or Snow lion???
Plz reply fast if possible……..
Arun by the time you will reach there Manali – Kaza route will be open. So, you can follow the plan above in the article. You will not go wrong with Sakya Abode or Snow Lion though being old style, I love Sakya Abode more.
Dheeraj bro thanx for ur prompt reply………………
will follow ur lead…………
wht abt chandratal????
is it safe to visit there with kids as i already spoke to bishan thakur and he told me that we have to trek atleast 7-8 kms…
wht would u suggest????
Arun, in that case better avoid Chandratal on this trip and do it someother time. Trekking with kids for about 7-8 KMs on that route, I will not recommend.
Hi Dheeraj,
I am just planning for my spiti trip sometime in september’15. 4 of us are planning to travel. Can v hire a self driven SUV like pajero sport from delhi. And our priority is to photograph snow leopards & other wildlife. We are fine with 12 to 15 days starting from bangalore. Kindly help us with an itinerary.
Thanks & regards,
Praveen.
No idea about Pajero Sport bu XUVs and EcoSport are available for rent at Zoomcar. Snow Leopards are spotted in winters only. You can check a very balanced and most common itinerary for Spiti Valley followed by many travellers including me at the link here for 10-11 days: Most Common Itinerary for Spiti Valley.
Add rest day in between as you want.
Dheeraj we are planning for a road trip from chandigarh to spiti valley via shimla. And come to manali fron kunzum and rohtang pas respectively. I read your itinerary and will follow the same. My question is whether the cabs from chandigarh be allowed to drive all areas, especially spiti and rohtang. As i heard only local cabs are allowed in rohtang. Please guide.
Yes Nikhil, you can take any car outside Himachal or Spiti to travel to these places as there is no restrictions up there. Since, you are going from Shimla side and coming down from Manali – rohtang side, so even the rule applicable for upper cap of vehicles to Rohtang Pass will not be applicable.
Thank you Dheeraj for prompt reply. It would be kindful of you if you can suggest some cab operators from chandigarh.
You can get connected directly to some drivers in Spiti Valley or Kinnaur Valley at the link: List of Taxi Drivers for Spiti Valley & Kinnaur Valley. These drivers can come and pick you up from Manali / Shimla / Delhi / Chandigarh too, of course with a price of pickup as well.
The rates of the taxis are about Rs 3000-3500 per day depending upon the number of days you plan to travel, more the days, less the price.
Otherwise, taxis in general are also available on the spot from Shimla or Manali from respective taxi stands
Thank yrou Dheeraj Sharma for list of taxi drivers for shimla to spiti valley. One more help sir, can u please suggest some budget stays in 1. Mud village, 2. Losar, 3. Battal, 4. Chitkul.
I am planning spiti dis mid-september. We are 3 or 4 people. Is my plan mentioned below is good? And lastly is it possible to reach manali dis time?
Day 1 Shimla or Narkanda.
Day 2 Chitkul or Racham
Day 3 Stay at same place
Day 4 Kalpa
Day 5 Stay at kalpa.
Day 6 Tabo
Day 7 Stay at Tabo
Day 8 Pin valley
Day 9 Kaza
Day 10 kaza or Losar
Day 11 Chandratal or Battal.
Day 12 Manali
Day 13 Stay at Manali
Day 14 Return to Chandigarh.
I know its a long trip but i prefer to enjoy alongwith travel.
My another querry is also whether i can skip either stay at chandratal or losar and drive to Manali directly. Dat wayz i can add an extra day @ Kaza as recommended by you in your comments string. Or please suggest modifications. And also please add on some locations to stay if i am missing on some. Thanks regards Nikhil shah
Plan looks good, For stay options in Kinnaur and Spiti, check the link: Some Good Options of Stays in Spiti Valley / Kinnaur Valley
Skip the stay at Losar and go to Chandratal directly from Kaza. Save that day and do Hikkim, Komik, Langza for sure
Dhiraj Bhai, Namaskar. I with my friend want to have a tour through Spiti & Lahulvally along with a small portion of Kinnour. My itinerary follows: Manali- Kie- Kibber( 1 night halt)- Kaza ( 2 n/h)-Dhankar-Tabo ( 1n/h)-Nako( 1n/h)-RecongPeo(1 n/h)- Rakcham( 2 n/h)-Shimla..drop. Total journey includes of 8 nights/9days. Now I am looking for a car/taxi service from Manali through net. Most of them suggest me to take a medium size vehicle(sumo/xylo..like) instead of a small car for two person only & they are asking for around Rs 35k to 40k. The journey may start in the 1st week of october’15. Am looking for a more affordable way to tour this dreamland by car/taxi only . Because last year we tried from Shimla -R Peo…onwards in Oct2014 but my friend got sick while travelling a long 12 hours journey by bus from Shimla. after that on the very next morning we could not board the crowded bus to Kaza from R-peo bus stand. Private cars asked rs20,000/ from us to drop at Kaza only, which forced us to cancel the Spitivally tour.We diverted tour towards Rakcham-Chitkul-Shimla for rest 10 days. We are looking for your most experienced ideas/informations for the above mentioned itinerary, even we may look for shared car from Manali. Please show us the solution. Thanks.
You can get connected directly to some drivers in Spiti Valley or Kinnaur Valley at the link: List of Taxi Drivers for Spiti Valley & Kinnaur Valley. These drivers can come and pick you up from Manali & Shimla too.
The rates of the taxis are about Rs 3000-3500 per day depending upon the number of days you plan to travel, more the days, less the price.
Otherwise, taxis in general are also available on the spot from Shimla or Manali from respective taxi stands
We are planning a trip from shimla to leh via kinnaur and coming back from manali side. We are quite aware about terrain as we belong to shimla. We just wanted to plan a best trip and thus require help.day wise help will be appreciated. Want to cover spiti valley, chandertal lake,pangong lake, nako lake, tabo monastery for sure. Sangla trek we have already visited so wana skip that. Could u plan for us. Your help will be highly appreciated
Mohit, please refer the article above which has the exact plan which you need.
Hi Dheeraj,
Firstly thanks for taking your time out to answer my query on the Srinagar – Leh route as a part of the same journey i wanted to ask i plan to cycle from Gramphoo to Kalpa with detour to chandratal
Please can you answer the following questions.
Which places on this route can i take night halts ( food + accommodation) starting from Gramphoo i plan to do this route in a span of 9 days.
I have been told that on this route the road is almost no existent in certain parts especially from gramphoo to Kaza. any update on this brother?
Vinni, this is what can be followed: Khoksar, Batal, Chandratal, Kibber, Kaza, Tabo, Nako, Kalpa, Sangla, Sarahan, Rampur/Narkanda
HI DHEERAJ,
We r planning leh ladakh tour from 4 july to 19 july. We r 4 friends on two royal enfield 350 bike.. This is our schdule:
4 july jalandhar to patnitop
5 july patnitop to srinagar
6 july srinagar to kargil
7 july kargil to leh
8 july leh rest
9 july leh to hunder
10 july hunder to leh
11 july leh rest
12 july leh to pangong 225 km
13 july pangong to tso moriri 235 km with shortcut route
14 july Tso moriri rest
15 july tso moriri to sarchu 220 km
16 july sarchu to kaza
17 july kaza to rampur/ or u suggest any
18 july. Rampur or u suggest to shimla
19 july shimla to jalandhar
1. Accrding to our schdule how much petrol should carry by us. Nd where should we find petrol pump from pangong to kaza route..
2. What is ur view on our schdule?
3. Nd can u provide us list of hotels, atm and petrol pump on pangong to kaza route??
Hello Anvinder,
Sarchu – Kaza is not possible in one day or else very very long. May not be able to do it. You need to carry fuel for around 800 KMs from Leh to Keylong. Regarding direct route you plan to take from Pangong Tso to Tso Moriri, please refer: Tips for Pangong Tso to Tso Moriri Direct Route
Please read these articles and based on the details/risks highlighted, take a go-no-go decision.
First confirm if you plan to take Kaza route or not and then we can see to add them, I do not see any point taking Kaza route here with just couple of days only in hand. Best is include Chandratal only.
Hi Dheeraj,
Would like to thank you for helping so selflessly people here. Really appreciate your work. Last year , your blog helped me a lot planning our trip to Leh. Again Thanks for that.
This time, me any my travelling partner are planning to do lahual spiti valley trip from Delhi in a self driven rented car.
This would be our first self driven journey.
Would like you to please help and guide us in planning our trip and advise us with the do’s and dont’s.
we are starting on 2nd July and have vacation till 13th July noon. what will be the condition of roads. will the passes be open.
Thanks in advance.
Amber
Thank you Amber, good to know you as returning visitor to blog 🙂 🙂
Road conditions will be OK though it remains as is all round the year and roads will be open by that time. You will face challenges for sure while driving from Kunzum Pass to Manali. I will strongly suggest that you go through and read my series on Ladakh Self Drive tips at the links below:
7 Useful Tips for a Self Drive to Leh – Ladakh
You can check a very balanced and most common itinerary for Spiti Valley followed by many travellers including me at the link here for 10-11 days: Most Common Itinerary for Spiti Valley.
Regards
Dheeraj
Hi Dheeraj,
That was really helpful. Thanks again. 🙂
Could you please advise on one more thing. As we are planning to rent a car, so will there be any problem if it is non HP (Himachal Pradesh), reason I m asking this, what i heard is non HP cars are not allowed on few passes.
Also are there any permits which are needed?
Thanks a lot in advance.
Amber
amber, for Spiti Valley going from Shimla side and coming from Manali side, there will be no problems in taking a non hp car.
Thanks Dheeraj.
May god bless you forever for your kindness.
People like you are very less.
I really wonder what do u do for living. But for sure i can see this as your passion.
Take care sir.
Thanks again. You earned my respect. 🙂
Thank you very much, these blessings are the best return of the effort 🙂
Hi Dheeraj
could you please advise, if Ford Figo can make it through Delhi-Shimla-Spiti-Lahaul-Manali-Delhi?
Thanks
Amber
It can but it will be tough, very tough specially from Kunzum Pass to Gramphu stretch which is more like a river bed than anything else. For hatchback/sedan taking on Manali – Leh Highway Or Spiti Valley via Manali Or Ladakh, please refer the link: FAQ | Can I do Leh – Ladakh / Spiti / Manali – Leh trip in Hatchback or Sedan? for more details.
Hi Dheeraj, this is an amazing itinerary. We are a group of 5 friends going from Delhi in a privately owned Innova of a taxi operator. Will that be of any concern. I heard outside taxis are not allowed there. And all the passes open for this route : Delhi – Narkanda – Chitkul – Kalpa – Tabo – Kaza – Kunzum Pass – Chandrataal Lake – Rohtang Pass – Manali – Delhi. We can take the whole route in our own car? And do we have to pay for Rohtang Pass? Please suggest if we are going to face any problems regarding it.
Thanks
Ashwin
No, that will not be of any concern except the driver should know the terrain and have experience of handling such road conditions. There is no restriction of outside taxis in the state of HP or at least in Spiti Valley. You can make this trip in that car but road from Kaza to Manali will only open around 25th June, so after that you can make the circuit. Road from Shimla to KAza to Kunzum PAss is open right now but road ahead is closed which will open around 25th June.
Hi Dheeraj,
Amazing to see how your passion is helping a lot of people to make one of the most memorable trips of their life times! “Awesome” is the word I have for you and the DOW site. DOW rocks !!
Coming to the query, I’m doing a road trip to Spiti valley this June with my friend. I thought to follow the itinerary you had suggested in reply to one of the queries here.
Itinerary: From 19th June 2015 till 28th June 2015. (Opted for Self drive option from Zoom cars per your suggestion)
Day1 Delhi – Shimla
Day2 Shimla – Narkanda – Kalpa
Day3 Kalpa – Nako – Nako Lake – Geyu Mummy – Tabo
Day4 Tabo – Dhankar – Dhankar Lake – Pin Valley – Kaza
Day5 Kaza – Ki – Kibber – Gette – Tashigang
Day6 Kaza – Hikkim – Komik – Langza circuit – Kaza
Day7 Kaza – Kunzum Pass – Chandratal (Assuming Kunzum Pass is open)
Day8 Chandratal – Rohtang Pass – Manali (Assuming Kunzum Pass and Rohtang Pass are open)
Day9 Manali – Delhi
Day10 Buffer
But right now, since it looks very unlikely that the Kunzum pass will be open, I cannot complete the circuit. So,
1. Can you please suggest an itinerary that I can follow from Kaza starting from day 7
2. Will it be possible to cover Sangla/Chitkul on the way back to Delhi via Shimla route
3. In how many days can I reach Delhi if I were to go back in the same route from Kaza
Please suggest. Appreciate your patience helping us plan our Himalayan trips.
Thank you Jagadish !! 🙂 🙂
1. You can do, Kaza – Kalpa, Kalpa – Sangla – chitkul, Chitkul – Shimla/Narkanda, Shimla/Narkanda – Delhi in that case
2. Suggested above
3. Suggested above
Regarding Kunzum Pass and Rohtang Pass, both passes are open now but the road from Kunzum Pass to Gramphu is not open which will take much more time. Check the latest update on the exact road conditions between Manali – Kaza on the community thread at: https://discoverwithdheeraj.com/india/road-status-conditions-f32/manali-kunzum-pass-spiti-valley-road-status-2013-t36-90.html#p21263
Regards
Dheeraj
Wow.. That was a super fast response. Less than 12 hours !! Thanks a lot Dheeraj 🙂 I’m very happy and excited to be a part of DOW community.
Thank you and if in case you happen to be happy to spread smiles, please execute our initiatives of DoW Causes on your own when you travel there, in order to help the local community up there in remote Himalayas. You can check more details about them at: DoW – Causes | A Step Towards Responsible Travel and can execute them on your own.
Hi Dheeraj,
Me and my friend are planning to explore Spiti Valley in the last week of July. Can you please confirm if this is doable by bus? and where can we hault overnight if we are travelling by bus?
Thanks in advance.
Dharmesh
Dharmesh, yes it is very much doable by bus but you need to loose on flexibility a bit. There is a bus that runs from Chandigarh to Reckong peoo in night and drops you in Reckong peo in morning around 8.30 AM. Reach there and rest in Peo or Kalpa. Then next day catch the daily bus running between Reckong Peo to Kaza. you can get down at Tabo and catch the same bus next day after sightseeing in tabo to reach Kaza. On the way back, there is a bus that runs at 5 or guess 7 AM from Kaza to Manali, take that bus to reach Manali. Around Kaza, either you will need to hire private taxi or rely on shared taxi to villages.
Me along with 3 friends are planning for a biki ride to cover Spiti Valley starting from Delhi from 6 July to 12 July.Is it too risky for first ride for any biker??
Mohit, if it is a first ride, I will suggest to better restrict just to Kinnaur and plan Spiti some other time
Hi Dheeraj. Nice work with the website 🙂
We were planning bike trip for spiti to start from delhi on 4th July and come back on 12th. Could you please suggest itinerary considering this is our first bike trip. How far should we go as far as spiti valley is concerned?
Appreciate your help!
Pranav, you have about 9 days in hand and can follow the plan as below:
Day 1 | Delhi – Narkanda
Day 2 | Narkanda – Kalpa
Day 3 | Kalpa – Nako – Nako Lake – Geyu Mummy – Tabo
Day 4 | Tabo – Dhankar – Dhankar Lake – Pin Valley (Mudh Village) – Kaza
Day 5 | Kaza Local Sightseeing
— Ki, Kibber, Gette, Tashigang in the second half of the day
— Sakya abode or snow lion are two best options at Kaza. Get in touch with Tsering at 09418208987, he is more than a friend to me. Will offer you best price. Both are run by him only. He has home stays too.
Day 6 | Kaza Local Sightseeing (Hikkim, Koumik)
— Hikkim, Komik, Langza circuit
Day 7 | Kaza – Kunzum Pass – Chandratal/Losar
Day 8 | Chandratal – Manali
Day 9 | Manali – Delhi
Thanks for the reply. Would the roads be open by then? We would like to keep a buffer for a day atleast. What should we skip from the above.
Yes Pranav, by that time roads will be open. You can club Day 5, 6 or Day 7, 8. So, basically if you see day 7,8 you have your buffer with you and beyond that you wont need any buffer.
Dear Mr. Dheeraj,
I am Planning to visit Spiti valley via shimla & return via manali from Delhi for 9~10 or 11 days with family. We have already visited Shimla & Manali earlier. This time Planned to leave delhi early morning on 6th June 15 by my own car – SX4 (Petrol). Can you advise me suitable itinerary for the tour which is not very hectic and staying places. Also I have some confusion in mind.
1. Is SX4 is suitable for this region.
2. Or going by public transport (Bus & taxi) is more suitable.
3. Is it safe going with family (crime/ rains or other natural things)
4. If we need to book accommodation in advance
5. Is extra fuel is to be carried in jerry cans & petrol station availability
6. Can we go to manali I.e Kunzum-Rohtang- stretch will be open.
Regards
Raisuddin Saifi
Hi Dheeraj,
I just read your reply to Abhishek. It seems that Kaza-Manali Road is not Open. But one of my colleague (member of DoW) told me that it is open. Can you please advise.
Regards
RSAIFI
Rasaifi, I think that DoW member is not really updated to the thread of the Manali – Kaza road conditions in DwD Community. This was the last update: https://discoverwithdheeraj.com/india/road-status-conditions-f32/manali-kunzum-pass-spiti-valley-road-status-2013-t36-90.html#p20857
According to above update from last week, it is apparent that road from Manali to Kaza will not open by third week of June at the very least.
Thanks Dheeraj, I will postpone my plan to 3rd 4th week of July.
RSaifi
Hello Saifi,
1. SX4 will surely face some challenges and you might have to have some scratches underbelly of it at places. In case you love your car more than advaneture, better that you do by taxu
3. Natural things no one can predict but crime wise I have not heard any suh cincident especially with tourists
4. Not really, you will get on the spot in case you OK with searching here and there.
5. Not requeired but do not miss the fuel pumps mentioned int he article above
6. Most likely that stretch will be closed.
Regards
Dheeraj
Hi Dheeraj
I am planning a bike trip to Lahaul – Spiti with two of my friends in September first week,
Please tell me if we can get bikes on rent for the entire trip (entering from Shimla and back to Chandigarh via Manali). We are also open to start our trip from Manali, in case getting bikes is an issue in Shimla.
Also please tell me if September first week is a good time to travel. We are quite flexible in our timing, so we can change as per your suggestion.
Thanks a lot
Chandan, yes, there are few bike rentals in Shimla though I do not know the exact details of them. Even Chandigarh has few bike rentals too. Best is to start from Shimla side and come back from Manali side and September will be a great time to travel. Shift it by couple of weeks like 2-3 week of September and you will be able to eat the apples in Spiti which are never available in our markets as they are only exported. The taste is like nothing beats them 🙂
Thanks for a prompt reply Dheeraj. Will keep spiti apples in mind while finalizing the plans 🙂
Will bother you with some more queries once we decide our itinerary.
PS: A big thanks for your blogs on Leh. Helped a lot last year on our trip.
Sure Chandan, for the itinerary, please refer the article above and it will help you draft the best suitable itinerary to enjoy up there most. You can follow it as is as well 🙂
Hi Dheeraj
We have finalized the trip dates from 7-16 September. We are planning to start the trip from Manali as finding good bike rentals in Shimla is a problem.
Is it possible that we start from Manali and follow your above itinerary backwards (Day 10 as Day 1 and so on) and end our trip in Shimla?
Chandan, just ensure that you do either
Manali/.solang – Khoksar
Khoksar – Chandratal – Kaza
OR
Manali / Solang – Battal
Battal – Chandratal – Kaza
in the initial days so as to avoid altitude sickness. Rest you can follow backwards after taking rest for a day in Kaza.
Dheeraj
For the Spiti valley trip from 7th – 16th Sept, please see if the below itinerary would work
Day 1: Reach Manali from Chandigarh
Day 2: Manali to Chandertal via Rohtang pass and Gramphu. Night stay at Chandertal Camps
Day 3: Chandertal to Kaza via Kunzum Pass
Day 4: Kaza – Hikkim – Komik – Langza – Losar
Day 5: Losar to Pin Valley covering Kaza – Ki – Kibber – Gette – Tashigang
Day 6: Pin valley to Tabo covering Dhankar lake
Day 7: Tabo to Kalpa
Day 8: Kalpa to Sangla
Day 9: Sangla to Shimla
Day 10: Shimla to Chandigarh
Thank you very much
Hi Dheeraj,
I have plans to visit Lahaul – Spiti as per the following itinerary:
13 june -> chandigarh to sarhan
14 june -> Sarhan to sangla
15 June-> sangla to kalpa after spending some time in chitkul(avoiding staying there due to the altitude)
16 june -> kalpa to tabo
17 june -> tabo to kaza
18 june-> kaza to losar
19 june -> losar to manali ( visit chandrataal)
20 june -> manali to tirthan
21 june -> tirthan to chandigarh
If 13 june seems too hectic we will probably stay at narkanda instead and do narkanda->sarhan and sarhan->sangla i.e. break it in two days and skip tirthan. YOUR VIEWS on this???
Also I have arranged travel through Vinkal and have following queries:
1) Since going from kaza to manali will require travelling over Kunzum Pass can you please tell me the dates by which it is supposed to open.
2) Vinkal ji told me that an extra amount will have to be paid if kunzum is closed and we will have to return back to chandigarh via kinnaur.
most importantly:
3) Is it Ok to go with parents? They don’t have any specific heart or breathing problem but they are not used to a lot of physical exercises. As per above itinerary only Kaza and Losar seem to be greater than 10000ft. I am hoping by then they will be acclimatized enough to sleep above 10k feet.
Abhishek, your plan is fine given the fact that road from Manali to Kaza will open by the time you planning to visit it. I highly doubt this year the road from Manali to Kaza will open before 20-25 June. So, you will be at mercy of road opening. You can reach Sarahan, no worries
2. Yeah, because the run becomes longer in that case
3. You are increasing the altitude gradually, so it seems fine. Drink good fluids all throughout the journey.
Thanks for your inputs Dheeraj ^_^ . When it comes to planning a trip to the Himalayas DOW definitely comes to the rescue 🙂 (Planned and executed a Ladakh trip last year based on the info here 🙂 )
I really Hope Kunzum opens in time for the Trip.
Is there any way of visiting Chandra Taal if Kunzum is closed?
Abhishek, Kunzum Pass opens much early but it is the road between Gramphu at Batal that has much big glaciers which are not cut and poses big challenge. Regarding Chandratal road, it comes on the way up to Kunzum Pass from Batal, a diversion on left comes which goes to 12.5 KM and rest you need to trek. Now, when the Kaza – Manali road opens, then PWD goes over to clear the rocks and any snow remains on the diversion road of 12.5 KM to chandratal, so in case the road between Gramphu – Batal is not open AND snow has not melted on the Chandratal diversion road then you will find the road closed in some part else open. Otherwise take the vehicle to the point where road is closed and then trek the remaining part of 12 KMs but do ensure that you be back to Batal at least in safe and sound shape by eevening else it is not a place to spend night alone 🙂 🙂
Hi Dheeraj,
We are planning for Delhi-Srinagar-Leh-Manali-Delhi tour. Thanks to DOW, it helps us a lot. But after reading your articles over spiti valley, we want to include it in our itinerary. But we can not go further Sarchu.
Can we include spiti valley in our itinerary ?
how many more days required for spiti valley ?
Can you please suggest itinerary for sarchu-kaza-kalpa-Shimla with night halts and places of interest ?
We, two friends with our families are planning for this once in a life time trip.
Preetam, from Manali, you should at least have around 4-5 days to explore Spiti Valley to some extent. Then from Kaza you can exit towards Keylong – Sarchu anyways. All depends if the road is open or not and it appears that road will open in thrid or fourth week of June only as of now.
Thanks very fruitful information.. Last year we travel leh as you guided. This year we are planning to cover shimla -kalpa -kaja -manali from 16 July to 24 July As per your itinerary By taxi from shimla. Can rain affected our tour..?? Or we prepond or postponed our tour..?? Can u plz snd any shimla based taxi no..?? How much approx it cost 4 it..??thanks wait 4 ur reply.??
I think it should be fine to travel in that window Vishal. You can get connected directly to some drivers in Spiti Valley or Kinnaur Valley at the link: List of Taxi Drivers for Spiti Valley & Kinnaur Valley. These drivers can come and pick you up from Manali & Shimla too.
The rates of the taxis are about Rs 3000-3500 per day depending upon the number of days you plan to travel, more the days, less the price.
Otherwise, taxis in general are also available on the spot from Shimla or Manali from respective taxi stands
Thnks dear 4 fast reply , what about rain on dese days..??
Now a days due to mostly rains are delayed, hope it should be fine but it is one of those window where it can and it may not.
Hi Dheeraj, I have been ‘on’ and ‘off’ planning the trip and have made a few booking already taking leads from DOW. I’m about to make the bookings of the rooms and just wanted to get your opinion on the plan and a few suggestions.
I have booked with Vinkal and his friend for 2 Innova’s at 3000 INR per day.
I’m still open for changing the dates and route, If you recommend.
Day 1:
Chandigarh – Shimla
Stay: Hotel Prashant
Day 2:
Shimla – Narkanda – Sarahan
Stay: Hotel Trehan
Day 3:
Sarahan – Sangla (Kinnaur Valley)
Stay: Prakash Hotel
Day 4:
Sangla – Chitkul – Sangla – Kalpa
Stay: Hotel Aucktong
Day 5:
Kalpa – Nako – Nako Lake – Geyu Mummy – Tabo
Stay: Sidharth Guest House
Day 6:
Tabo – Mane – Dhankar
Stay: Unable to contact ‘Dhankar Monastery Guest House’ (Parul Gupta +91-9418646578) – Any other options available? Or at Mane?
Is it worth staying or can we move on to Pin/Mud and stay there instead?
Day 7:
Dhankar – Dhankar Lake – Pin Valley (Mud Village)
Stay: Tara guest House
Day 8:
Pin Valley – Kaza – Ki – Kibber – Gette – Tashigang – Kaza
Stay: Sakya Abode
Day 9:
Kaza – Hikkim – Komik – Langza – Kaza
Stay: Sakya Abode
Day 10:
Kaza – Losar
Stay: Do you recommend staying at Losar? And if you know any stay options?
Day 11:
Losar – Kunzum Pass – Chandratal – Batal
Stay: Do you recommend staying in Batal or Chandratal? Keep in mind that I will be accompanied by 4 members who are 50+
Day 12:
Batal – Rohtang Pass – Manali
Stay: Hotel Pinegrove
Day 13:
Manali – Chandigarh
Stay: Any recommendation?
Day 14: Chandigarh
Stay: Any recommendation?
Day 15:
Chandigarh – Bangalore
And finally do you know if there has been any problems after the recent earthquakes?
Thank you 🙂
Hi Madhu,
1. Better to stay saw in homestay at Mane Villages, different experience altogether 🙂
2. Skip Losar nothing much as you can stay over at Chandratal.
3. No reports of any issues with earthquakes.
Regards
Dheeraj
Thanks Dheeraj 🙂
Do you have any contact numbers of home stays in Mane? Or can I find them on the accommodation list on DOW? Asking as I’m on road and won’t be able to check. 🙂
Thanks!
Madhu, ask for Sonam ji after reaching Mane. He has a big homestay right at the end of the upper Mane village. He knows DoW too and you will be able to find the house, most people will know him in the village.
Thank you so much Dheeraj, but one last thing. Do you have the contact details of Sonam Ji?
Just that I cannot take chances with 12 members! would be better to confirm before dropping in 🙂
Madhu, you can call up Tsering bhai at Sakya Abode and give my reference. He will be able to provide you the contact details of Sonamji at Mane Village.
Hi Dheeraj,
Me and my friends are planning a trip to Spiti in June end.Previously we planned to take the route from Shimla and end at Manali but due to lack of days we are thinking of taking the route from Manali to Kaza and return to Manali.
Would require your help in planning the itinerary as couldn’t get much detail regarding this route.
Would like to visit Kaza, Tabo and Chandrataal lake.
Would start from Delhi by early morning 21st June and have to reach back by 28th June Night to Delhi.
Dhiraj, it all depends if the road from Manali – Kaza will open or not. It is almost end of May and at present even the Kunzum Pass is not open last what I heard. Usually it opens in first week of May. The main challenge lies only ahead of Kunzum Pass between Gramphu and Batal. I doubt if it will open by that time or not.
Hi Dheeraj,
Thanks for the inputs, so given the span of days i have would the route from shimla to Manali for Spiti would be fine??
Thanks.
Yeah, 8 days in hand Manali to Manali doing Spiti Valley should be fine.
Day 1 : Reach Manali by overnight volvo of and stay overnight at Solang Valley as preferred for acclimatization
Day 2 : Manali / Solang – Kaza
Day 3 : Kaza – Dhangkar – Tabo
Day 4 : Tabo – Pin Valley
Day 5 : Pin Valley – Kaza. Do Ki, Kibber in the evening.
Day 6 : Kaza – Langza – Komik – Hikkim – Kaza / Losar
Day 7 : Kaza / Losar – Chandratal – Manali
Day 8 : Reach Delhi by overnight Volvo from Manali
Hi Dheeraj,
Thank you for such detailed information. I and my wife is planning for a Spiti Trip. Tentative itinery is to reach Shimla by 20th of June, 2015 and have a full 7 days in hand with an exit to Manali. Is it possible to have a trip to this place with this number of days? If so which all places I can cover during the trip?
Sarath, it all depends if the road from Manali to Kaza will open or not. Seems 40:60 at present. You can try below:
Day 1 | Narkanda – Kalpa
Day 2 | Kalpa – Nako – Nako Lake – Geyu Mummy – Tabo
Day 3 | Tabo – Dhankar – Dhankar Lake – Pin Valley (Mudh Village) – Kaza
Day 4 | Kaza Local Sightseeing
— Ki, Kibber, Gette, Tashigang in the second half of the day
— Sakya abode or snow lion are two best options at Kaza. Get in touch with Tsering at 09418208987, he is more than a friend to me. Will offer you best price. Both are run by him only. He has home stays too.
Day 5 | Kaza Local Sightseeing (Hikkim, Koumik)
— Hikkim, Komik, Langza circuit
Day 6 | Kaza – Kunzum Pass – Chandratal (if open)
Day 7 | Chandratal – Manali
Day 8 | Manali – Delhi
Dheeraj Bhai,
The plan for the Spiti trip is going on as suggested by you. Could you please tell me if it will be safe (from Humans and from nature) as I and my wife only will be travelling by hiring a SUV from Shimla?
Sarath bhai, human related crime is rarest of rare, in fact never heard in may last 5 year of travel to these places especially with regard to tourists. Regarding nature, bhai that no one can predict even sitting here in Delhi we cannot be certain that nature does not have anything in store for us. It is a surely a fragile place, especially the kinnaur valley and that is what adventure is all about.
Dhiraj Bhai,
I have planned my trip accordingly and finalised.
Day 1 29-06-2015 Ernakulam to Bangalore night flight
Day 2 30-06-2015 Bglre to Chandigarh and proceed to Narkanda
Day 3 01-07-2015 Narkanda to Sarahan (Bhimakali Temple)
Day 4 02-07-2015 Sarahan to Chitkul (Sangla Valley)
Day 5 03-07-2015 Chitkul-Kalpa
Day 6 04-07-2015 Kalpa-Nako-Nako Lake-Geyu Mummy-Tabo
Day 7 05-07-2015 Tabo-Dhankar-Dhankar Lake-Pin Valley(Mudh Village)-Kaza
Day 8 06-07-2015 Kaza Local Sight Seeing (Ki, Kibber, Gette, Tashigang, Hikkim, Koumik)
Day 9 07-07-2015 Kaza to Losar and Chandratal and stay at Chandratal or Losar
Day 10 08-07-2015 Chandratal-Manali
Day 11 09-07-2015 Manali-Chandigarh
Day 12 10-07-2015 Chandigarh-Cochin
Day 13 11-07-2015 Chandigarh-Cochin
Day 14 12-07-2015 Chandigarh-Cochin
Hope the itinery is OK..
Could you please tell me if there are any buses plying from Chandigarh to Narkanda? I am reaching Chandigarh by Day 2 noon.
Also where could I find accommodation at Chitkul?
Sarath, looks good to go your Spiti Valley plan. Yes, you will be able to get Chandigarh to Narkanda bus, please check HRTC website for schedules. In Chitkul, go with panchali guest house.
Dheeraj, Thanks for a fabulous initiative. Like you, I am also a Delhi based keen and observant traveler and appreciate Himalayas in all their bloom and gloom alike.
Rahul, I and my brother are driving our SX4 from Delhi on Jun 21 and will be back by Jun 30 (We have 2 vacancies in our Car right now). Due to my kids school from Jul 01, I can’t delay it any further. The only 2 concerns are Kunzum La & Batal-ChandraTal road – the former might be open after June 15 (in bad shape though), the latter has a very bleak probability of being open by Jun 28 (which is when we plan to leave Kaza for Batal). If its open, we’ll attempt otherwise we’ll have to proceed to Manali. Please feel free to email me on gtechengineers@gmail.com to exchange notes and know more.
P.S: We drove our SX4 through the snowy Mughal Road to Kashmir last Winters following it up with Srinagar, Gulmarg, Pahalgam, Kokernag
Good to connect with you Ankit 🙂
Hi Dheeraj,
We are planning a trip to the spiti in month of june, will reach Delhi on 19th June night and have to get back to Delhi by 28th June morning.
Have prepared following itinerary, over which would require your esteemed advice:
20th June- Reach Shimla(Stay Overnight)
21th June-Shimla to Sangla
22nd June-Sangla to Chitkul
23rd June-Chitkul to Kalpa
24th June-Kalpa to Tabo
25th June-Tabo to Kaza
26th June-Kaza to Chandrataal
27th June-Chandrataal to Manali
Reach Delhi by 28th June.
I have very little knowledge about the trip currently, would like to know which places could be accomodated in this journey and what are the places to visit. Would like to visit Chandrataal for overnight camping.
How long would it take to reach from Chandrataal to Manali?
Kindly provide your suggestions.
Thanks.
Hello Rahul,
This is all subject to the condition that Manali – Kaza route will open but as of now there are no reports and it looks like by that time you planning it will open though Chandratal road does not seems to open by that time. So, there might not be any camps up there during that time and you might want to trek as well in case road is not opened. So, confirm in Batal first and then go ahead to Chandratal. First night better extend to Narkanda and next day do Narkanda to Sangla. On Day 3, do Sangla – Chitkul – Kalpa to save a day and use that day to rest in Kaza. On this day you can visit Langza – Hikkim – Komik.
Regards
Dheeraj
Thanks for the prompt reply.
We don’t have our car will have to hire a taxi for entire trip from Shimla/Narkanda.
According to your suggestion have prepared another itinerary:
20 June- Delhi to Narkanda
21 June- Narkanda to Chitkul (is it doable?)
22 June-Chitkul to Kalpa
23 June- Kalpa to Nako
24 June-Nako to Kaza
25 June-Visit places near Kaza
26 June-Kaza to Chandrataal (If accessible)
27 June-Chandrataal to Manali
Few questions:
i)From where should we hire the car for the entire Journey?
Will we get a taxi from Narkanda?
iii)On 25th June should we get back to Kaza after visiting places or reach Losar?
Rahul, please find below my inputs:
1. On 21, go to Sangla or Rakcham and stay there. From Rakcham or Sangla do Chitkul and get back to Kalpa on 22.
2. Make Kalpa to Tabo doing Nako.
3. Tabo – Pin Valley – Dhangkar – Kaza it will be on 24 then.
4. Rest looks fine.
Regarding queries,
1. You can get connected directly to some drivers in Spiti Valley or Kinnaur Valley at the link: List of Taxi Drivers for Spiti Valley & Kinnaur Valley. These drivers can come and pick you up from Manali & Shimla too.
The rates of the taxis are about Rs 3000-3500 per day depending upon the number of days you plan to travel, more the days, less the price.
Otherwise, taxis in general are also available on the spot from Shimla or Manali from respective taxi stands
2. Best is that you stay at Kaza and do sightseeing in relaxed manner. Next day you are only planning to do Chandratal, so no issues.
Regards
Dheeraj
hi Dheeraj, u must be tired of the thank you’s by now, but thank u again for a wonderful job with this website.
We planning to do the smila kaza chandratal manali circuit just like u described in this article, on bikes.
We want to complete the entire circuit n not miss anything including chandratal lake. We leave from simla on 1st July.
So my questions are…
1. will all the passes be open by then including chandratal. will the rains be a big issue. should we prepone or postpone the trip?
2. im riding a ktm duke 200 with stock tyres. will i need offroad tyres. how much percent of the road is in really bad condition. (i am an experienced rider)
3. i have a small fuel tank. how much is the biggest gap between petrol pumps?
thanks
rs
Hi dheeraj. Waiting for your reply for my questions above. Hope u r getting my messages.
RS, I replied today to all the queries. See if you got it.
Hi Rs
My replies below 🙂
1. Seems good time to travel, the roads will be open and rains may not have reached by that time into Kinnaur.
2. Not really, people mostly do it on stock ones. The last section from Losar to Kunzum Pass to Gramphu is in worst shape that is about 80 KM. Then, Kinnaur to Spiti mostly roads are bad – very bad labled.
3. That can be a concern because after Tandi you do get petrol at Kaza, about 250 KMs. Then from Kaza to Manali again 200 KMs. Calculate based on 3—35% reduction in mileage up there.
Regards
Dheeraj
Thank you dheeraj for the input. Very helpful.
Hi Dheeraj,
The drivers did confirm that chandratal wont be open like u said before but he mentioned return from some other route to manali instead of shimla. How much would it take to reach manali from Losar ? Any viewpoints on the route?
Regards.
That route is almost the same route up to Kingal, ahead of Rampur to return to Shimla. following is the breakup:
Kaza – Kalpa, Kalpa – Shoja, Shoja – Manali, Manali – Delhi. You will be coming back the same route only and then take route over Jalori Pass to reach Manali.
I do not want to go back to manali because it would be just like a night halt to me. Instead i would prefer going to some new place and reach delhi.
Is there any place while returning back from losar to do till chandigarh/shimla where we can have some adventure or hiking?
Chaitanya, go over to Jalori Pass and from there to Tirthan Valley or else spend that day in Chitkul or extra day in Spiti Valley itself. If I were you I will spend that extra day in Spiti Valley only.
Hi Dheeraj, thanks to DOW I had planned my entire Ladakh Trip last year which was brilliant and the little tips given by you were really helpful! I plan to go to Spiti this year, but its just two people travelling this time without a car and a low budget. We plant to join ecosphere over there for travelling in and around spiti and cover mostly the places mentioned in the itinerary except for Chandratal.
We plan to leave Delhi on 29th evening and head to shimla.
29th- leave delhi for shimla
30th- shimla to kalpa
31st- kalpa to Kaza
Is the above doable? Also, I had contacted Dorjey and Tsering who have given me a rate of Rs. 14,000 from Shimla-Kaza (which is very expensive and but need your advice on it). Looking forward to your expert advice as always! 🙂
Hi Gauri,
Yes, the above is doable. Also, the general rates of taxis on that route are Rs 3200-3500 per day based on the number of days of hire. So, 1400 seems OK considering you just need a drop and they will come to pick from Spiti. Better connect with some Shimla driver and see.
Regards
Dheeraj
Thank you!
going on ride to spiti in mid june , can you recommend some accomodation’s at places like
nako,mud and kaza.is it advisable to pitch own tent at nako and Mud as it will be cold at 3500+ Meters.
one more thing can kaza to manali is doable in 1 day say 8-9 hours of ride.
Nitin, you can refer: Some Good Options of Stays in Spiti Valley / Kinnaur Valley
Regarding own tents, if you are used to camping then of course you can pitch your own camps. Kaza to Manali is very much doable. Just start at max. by 7 AM.
thanks dheeraj,
contacted some accomodation at Nako and Mud
1: Lake View Hotel. Ranjit Singh Negi
2: Tara Guest House, Mud
what would you recommend should we advance book the places as,we are not aware of the area and the road conditions may cause delay or force us to change the route due to landslides.
Tara is fine at Mud Village, no idea about lake View at Nako. There isn;t much need to advance book unless you want a particular stay and not ok to search a bit here and there.
Hi Dheeraj,
Does this sound true. If it is that means i can make a round journey with chandratal? Is manali route necessity for chandratal lake?
Check this:
http://www.bcmtouring.com/forums/threads/2015-manali-leh-road-status.62683/page-10
Please can you confirm on it 🙂 🙂 Thanks dheeraj. I hope i am not disturbing you a lot.
Chaitanya, which news are you refering to? The thread is talking about Manali – Leh not Manali – Kaza 🙂 … That is different route and only after Manali – Leh opens, more focus is given to Manali – Kaza which has bigger glacier points than Manali – Leh 🙂
Dear Dheeraj,
When can I expect the manali- kunzum la pass to be opened?.
Regards
Most likely last week of June types.
Hi Dheeraj,
Could you help me plan trip to Spiti next week ? I am looking to start from chandigarh on 16th May and come back by 24th May.
1) What would be the best itinerary given road conditions that time and duration of my trip ?
2) Also, is there any way I could do Chandratal ?
Regards,
Vishesh
Vishesh, Chandratal will not be possible at all. You can follow the below plan for 9 days you have in hand:
Day 1 | Chandigarh – Narkanda – Sarahan
Day 2 | Sarahan – Rakcham/Sangla/Chitkul
Day 3 | Rakcham/Sangla/Chitkul – Nako – Geyu Mummy – Tabo
Day 4 | Tabo – Dhangkar – Dhangkar Lake – Pin Valley – Kaza
— For stay check Sakya Abode or snow lion are two good options at Kaza apart from PWD Guest houses. Get in touch with Tsering, the guy who runs it. He is a very good friend of mine and you can refer my name or DoW to him. Read more about Sakya Abode at: Sakya Abode Kaza – An Enriching Experience in Spiti Valley
Day 5 | Kaza Rest and Local Sightseeing
— Ki, Kibber, Gette, Tashigang
Day 6 | Kaza – Hikkim, Komik, Langza circuit – Kaza, may be in the second half go towards Kunzum Pass or till where the road is open towards it.
Day 7 | Kaza – Tabo – Nako – Kalpa
Day 8 | Kalpa – Narkanda
Day 9 | Narkanda – Chandigarh
Hii..Dheeraj.!!
First of all , many many thanks for such a nice work.Really appreciable. I m a new member & after reading different posts , I joined this group.
We 2-3 people are planning to travel Himachal beauty,adventuorus road trip,some small treck inbetween, camping,& some small adventours activity if possible.
After taking feedbacks from friends they suggested to cover spiti valley. We contacted some local tour operator & got below itenerary by 2 options.
Option 1)
Day 1- Chandigarh- Shimla- Kufri- Narkanda
Day 2- Narkanda- Rampur- Sarahan- Wangtoo- Sangla
Day 3- Sangla- Chitkul- Kalpa
Day 4- Kalpa- Pooh- Khab- Nako- Sumdo- Tabo
Day 5- Tabo- Dhankar- Kaza
Day 6- Kaza- Kye- Khibber- Kaza
Day 7- Kaza- Hikkim- Komic- Langza
P.S.- We can add a hike on Day 6 where you hike from Langza to Komic via Hikkim. It will be a 4 hours hike where you will hike at 4200 meters plus altitude.
Day 8- Kaza- Lohsar- Kunzum Pass- Chandrataal Lake
Day 9- Chandrataal- Batal- Chatru- Gramphoo- Rohtang Pass- Manali
Day 10- Manali- Kullu- Mandi- Chandigarh
List of Hotel/ Camps
Narkanda- Hatu Homestay
Sangla- Kinner Camps
Kalpa- Golden Apple
Tabo- Trojan Guesthouse/ Tiger Den
Kaza- Sakya Abode/Snow Lion/ Kunphens Guesthouse/ Sakya Homestay
Langza- Lara Homestay
Chandrataal- Parasol Camps
Manali- Drifters’ Cafe and Inn/ Dragon Guesthouse/ Sunshine Guesthouse
Option 2 )
Day 1- Around Manali-
Day 2- Manali- Rohtang Pass- Gramphoo- Batal- Lohsar- Kaza-
Day 3- Kaza- Kye- Khibber- Kaza –
Day 4- Kaza- Dhankar- Tabo-
Day 5- Tabo- Sangam- Mudh- Kaza- Langza-
Day 6- Langza- Komic- Lohsar- Kunzum Pass- Chandrataal- L
Day 7- Chandrataal- Batal- Chatru- Gramphoo- Rohtang Pass- Manali-
Head back to Manali after breakfast. Stay in Manali
Day 8- Around Manali-
Take your bus back to Delhi in the afternoon. Trip ends
We are little bit confused as what to cover & not to cover.. We are really interested in adventurous road trip with small adventurous activities,camping,beauty of nature, home stay to know village culture.
Can u pl help to customize above itinerary by adjusting some time in visiting monestries.?? i.e will spend time just to capture beautiful snaps from monestries instead of visit them completely..
Also is it possible to cover 1 day in Solang valley in last day for paragliding,skiing???
If not possible to cover complete circuit in 8-10 days then which to finalize ? manali-spiti-manali or chandigadh-spiti-chandigadh (return by different route??
Also if possible then pl provide some recomonded local tour operator contact details.
Thanks a lot..!!
First options looks quite fine to me. Go ahead with it. For a local contact, Get in touch with Tsering, the guy who runs Sakya Abode. He is a very good friend of mine, associated with DoW for all the noble causes in Spiti Valley and you can refer my name or DoW to him. Read more about Sakya Abode or his contact info at the link: Sakya Abode Kaza – An Enriching Experience in Spiti Valley
Hello Dheeraj
Need your help, we are a group of friends planning to visit spiti valley for about 8-10 days. We will be starting our trip on 24th May. We are considering to follow the itinerary suggested by you in one of your blog, can u please suggest wether all the roads will be open by then, I just came to know Rohtang pass will be open by 15th May.
Nitin, Shimla – Kinnaur side the roads will be open but from Kaza to Manali, the roads will not be open by that time.
Hi Dheeraj, Hope you are fine. Once again I need your guidance – I am planning a trip to Kinnaur valley from May 16th onwards. I am looking forward to your assistance with itinerary, terrain & suggestions.
I stay in Gurgaon & have effectively 6 days to do GGN to GGN, I plan to reach Chandigarh by Friday night (15th May) & start my journey (day 1) from there onwards:
Current Itinerary:
Day1: from Chandigarh to Sarahan – I plan to start by 10AM & reach Sarahan by evening
Is it possible to do around 290Kms on this stretch with enjoying the view aswell?
Day2: from Sarahan to Sangla – Start early around 8AM, visit kamru fort & Chitkul.. Come back to Sangla
I am assuming that total drive should not be more than 150Kms on day 2 & possible on this terrain
Day3: Sangla to Nako lake & back to Kalpa – Start early around 8AM, drive through Kalpa & reach nako lake by afternoon, have lunch & drive back to Kalpa
I am trying to cover Nako lake as I am looking forward to a high point on the journey & I assume Nako lake should be the one… or I should skip it for this itinerary
Is it possible to do Nako Lake from Sangla & back to Kalpa in 1 day?
Day4: Kalpa to Sarahan: Start around 8AM, visit Roghi village & then drive to Sarahan
Day5: Sarahan to Mohali: Start around 9AM, drive back to home
Day6: Mohali to GGN
I would really appreciate your comments on the Itinerary, terrain & suggestion.
Regards,
Vivek
Hi Vivek,
1. Day 1 is fine
2. Day 2 is fine
3. Day 3 it is better that you go to Chitkul not Nako which is far away and Chitkul is almost same in altitude.
4. Day 4 Do Chiktul to Kalpa
5. Day 5 Kalpa to Narkanda
6. Day 6 Narkanda to Delhi/Gurgaon
Hi Dheeraj, Thanks for your quick response, really appreciate the same.
Regards,
Vivek
Hi Dheeraj,
Thanks for the reply. I have an itinarary like this, pls advise me to improve this and how to book hotels.
Day 1: simla- Narkanda- simla
Day 2: simla -Kalpa
Day 3: Kalpa- Tabo
Day 4: Tabo- Dhangkar- Pinvally- kaza
Day 5; Kaza- Losar
Day 6; Kaza- Kunzum pass- chandratal/Battal
Day 7; Battal- Rothangpass- Manali
Day 8; Manali-
Day 9; Maali_ Delhi
Is it possible? Pls give me a clear route within this dates. we are planning June 2 nd week.how can we get booking on hotel?
Yasmin, this is quite possible and doable. and since you will be staying in Chandratal or Batal I will suggest that you spend time in Kaza only on Day 5 and do Ki, Kibber in first half and Langza – Hikkim – Komik in second half. Next day move to Chandratal or Batal from Kaza only instead of traveling to Losar on Day 5. This will help you explore more and at ease.
For stay options in Kinnaur and Spiti, check the link: Some Good Options of Stays in Spiti Valley / Kinnaur Valley
Thanks a lot Dheeraj. sure i will come back to you with more doubts. I want to do this trip.
HI Dheeraj,
First of all thanks for providing all the wonderful itenaries and articles. They are a knowledge bank in themselves.
I am planning a bike trip(1 bike with a pillion) to SPITI valley,mentioned below are the Time lines :-
Start Day and location :-04 JUl from Delhi.
End Day :- I have to reach delhi on 12-Jul evening or 13 Jul till afternoon.
Can you suggest a Perfect itenerary for the same.
Mentioned below are some of my questions regarding the trip :-
1) Is it necessary to Book Hotels beforehand,i ncase we want to book hotels on the go after reaching the places,can we do that ?
2) Are the roads more challenging than MANALI–>LEH
3) What are the minimum apparels required to Beat the cold.
5)Can we include a village stay in t he Itenerary.
Sawan you have 9 days in hand and you can adjust the above article itinerary by doing Narkanda to Kalpa on Day 2 skipping Sangla. And then saving another day by doing Tabo – Dhangkar – Pin Valley – Kaza in single day without staying overnight in Pin Valley. This shall be it.
Regarding queries
1. Not really if you open to search here and there a bit.
2. Yes, the part from Kaza to Manali especially after Kunzum Pass.
3. You riding and if done Manali – Leh, carry the same.
4. Most places are villages only. Losar or Kibber will be apt places or even Langza.
Regards
Dheeraj
Hi Dheeraj,
Thanks for leh ladakh itinerary of yours 🙂 I would always be grateful to u. It was wonderful trip and all made possible by you 🙂
Now its time for spiti this year after i am dropping my plans to Nepal after a very unfortunate thing that hit them.
So i got nothing planned just i recollected your spiti thing which came to my mind after looking for alternatives.
So here is the rough plan:
5th June ( 9am IGI Airport,Delhi) – Delhi – Shimla
6th June – Shimla – Sangla
7th June – Sangla – Kalpa
8th June – Kalpa- Tabo
9th June – Tabo – Pin Valley
10th June – Pin Valley- Kaza
11th June – Kaza – Losar
12th June – Losar-Battal
How do i get from Battal to Manali – I mean i have a little insufficient time which am sure you can help me squeeze it bcoz you know the place and i have seen your experience speak in Leh. 🙂
13th June – Manali – Chandigarh (6:30 pm train) – Delhi
Regards.
P.S. : Will follow up after bit more research .
Can i squeeze a day somewhere… pls Dheeraj guide me soon .. 🙂
Chaitanya, you can do it like below:
5th June ( 9am IGI Airport,Delhi) – Delhi – Shimla
6th June – Shimla – Sangla
7th June – Sangla – Chitkul – Kalpa
8th June – Kalpa- Tabo
9th June – Tabo – Dhangkar – Pin Valley – Kaza
10th June – Kaza local sightseeing, first half in Ki, Kibber and second half do Langza, Hikkim, Komik
11th June – Kaza – Chandratal (if possible at all, though difficult) – Battal / Chandratal if camps up which is difficult
12th June – Battal/Chandratal – Manali (subject to road opening chances of which seems very slim)
This way you canb squeeze a day as well.
Replied at the link: https://discoverwithdheeraj.com/spiti-valley-most-common-itinerary/comment-page-3/#comment-326139
Thanks Dheeraj.
A visit to chandratal is possible right but the road from chandratal to manali wont be open? Is that you meant?
If so would i be able to complete the return from Battal to Chandigarh in 1.5 days to catch a train in time from chandigarh at 6:30pm.
I understand i might not be able to do Losar due to a day less but instead can i skip chitkul village and on the same day reach Kalpa. Would that be a good plan without missing anything from your itinerary ?
Regards.
Batal to Chandigarh in 1.5 days will not be possible. So, in all likelihood you have to drop Chandratal. Chandratal will only be possible with trekking only. I do not see the possibility of a circuit here. Let me know how many max. days do you have in hand as you may only be able to do Kinnaur route only.
I don’t mind if i can’t do a circuit. Been to rohtang before as well as manali. But i wanted to be at chandratal. 🙁
I have in all 9 days from 9am on first day(5th June) to 2am on last day(14th June) i.e. from Delhi to Delhi.
If not chandratal,can you suggest some other place for this many days for a road trip ?
Regards.
Chaitanya, you can leave out Chandratal for some other time as it can be done easily in 5 days from Manali side when roads are open. This journey in itself will be an experience of itself.
Hi Dheeraj,
You think it is still worth going without chandratal lake? Because that was all i knew before i thought of this entire journey :'(
Can you please draft itinerary for me after skipping this so that i can have maximum from this trip before my college starts 🙁
Can i be optimistic on roads to chandratal or there is 0 possibility ?
Regards.
I do not see any possibility. You can do following with amount of time in hand:
5th June – Delhi – Narkanda
6th June – Narkanda – Kalpa
7th June – Kalpa- Tabo
8th June – Tabo – Dhangkar – Pin Valley – Kaza
9th June – Kaza local sightseeing, first half in Ki, Kibber and second half do Langza, Hikkim, Komik
10th June – Kaza – Tabo – Sangla
11th June – Sangla – Chitkul – Sangla – Sarahan
12th June – Sarahan – Shimla and then further Shimla to Delhi.
Hi Dheeraj,
I am a solo traveler and my rough itinerary is SHIMLA > SANGLA > PEO > NAKO > KAZA > CHANDRATAAL and …… Actually I am still working on it. I’ll start my trip on 10th May (flexible). I’ll be boarding HRTC Buses and probably taking some lifts for other travelers. I am carrying my own tent, so where ever possible I’ll pitch my own tent. The trip is gonna last for 15-20 days.
What is the estimated cost of travel going to be (considering I’ve my own tent) ?
Is it a good idea to travel alone? (as I’ll be having cash with me)
Is Rs. 5000 enough? (as I am scared about carrying more money than that)
Enlighten me ASAP
🙂
Sumeet, if you planning in May, forget about Chandratal as the road will not be open and trek will not be feasible or recommended at that time. Hence, you have to go from Shimla – Kinnaur side and come back the same way.
You can consider about 600-800 around per day of low budget. Those regions are more or less very safe so do not worry on that front at least 🙂
Thanks man. I think I’ll postpone it for a while, as I need to complete the whole circuit (Shimla to Manali). Thanks for the info 🙂
Best wishes for your Spiti Valley trip 🙂
Hi Dheeraj,
Hope that everyone is ok after today’s earthquake 🙂 .
Me & my family is planning for a trip to Kinnaur & Spiti valley in this September. The itinerary is as follows.
Day 1: Kalka – Simla
Day 2: Simla- Narkanda- Sarhan- Sangla- Chitkul (overnight stay at Chitkul)
Day 3: Chitkul- Rakcham- Sangla- Reckong Peo- Kalpa (including Sangla Local sightseeing)(Overnight stay)
Day 4: Kalpa Local Sightseeing ( Kothi and Roghi Village)
Day 5: Kalpa- Nako- Geu Monastery- Tabo(Overnight stay)
Day 6: Tabo local sightseeing including Tabo- Dhankar- Tabo trip( Overnight stay at Tabo)
Day 7: Tabo- Mudh (Pin Valley) (overnight stay at Mudh)
Day 8: Mudh- Kaja (including Hikim- Komic- Langza)( Overnight stay at Kaza)
Day 9: Kaza( Key- Kibber) (Overnight stay at Kaza)
Day 10: Kaza- Chandrataal- Kunzum La- Rothang La- Manali
Day 11: Buffer day
So, how is the itinerary? Is it worth to stay 2 nights each at Kalpa, Tabo & Kaza? Please feel free to add or discard any place to visit or for overnight stay. 😀
Thanks in advance.
Hi Rony,
Yeah bro, with god’s grace it was scare for almost a minute… Was scared for the family as they were in washroom at third floor 🙁 🙁 … But, god was graceful to us.
Here are my inputs for your travel plan:
1. Day 2 do Narkanda and day 2, stay at Rakcham or Sangla. Chitkul will be too high to sleep on second night.
2. Day 3 spend in Sangla only, may be there visit Chitkul and sleep overnight. Kalpa does not much to offer compared to Sangla and Chitkul. Hence, two days shall go there.
3. Day 6, do Tabo – Dhangkar – Pin Valley. Easy drive
4. Day 7 do Pin Valley to Kaza
5. Day 8,9 as you written
6. Day 11 use at Chandratal stay I Will suggest.
Regards
Dheeraj
Hi Dheeraj,
Glad to hear that everybody is safe. 1st time in life I’ve experienced the tremors. Feeling sorry for NEPAL. It’s a huge blow to them.
As per your input you’ve mentioned to stay 1 night in Chandrataal. But I’ve no idea about the accommodation near Chandrataal. So please let me know what kind of accommodation is available there. As I’m going with my family, so is it safe to stay at Chandrataal?
Soham, this shall solve all your queries related to Chandratal: Delhi to Chandratal Lake Spiti Valley – Travel Guide, refer section of accommodation in this article and you will have all the insights.
Great Itenary Dheeraj. Thanks a lot for writing it.
Me and my three friends are planning for a trip to spiti at around 22nd may. We have 10 days. We will be travelling through public transport and will be using a bus to reach shimla/rampur fro delhi.
Can you please guide us how we should plan out our journey? Also whether it will be better to go for a shared taxi or we can get buses to places like reckong peo, kaza?? Our trip will be from 22nd may to 31st may.
And again thanks for your article. its quite helpful for people like us
Abhishek, you need to use mix of both worlds at times. Some places shared taxis will be used and for longer journeys, you can use buses. You can follow something like below for 10 days
Day 1 – Delhi – Narkanda
Day 2 – Narkanda – Kalpa
Day 3 – Kalpa – Nako – Geyu Mummy – Tabo
Day 4 | Tabo – Dhangkar – Dhangkar Lake – Pin Valley
Day 5 | Pin Valley – Kaza Local Sightseeing
— For stay check Sakya Abode or snow lion are two good options at Kaza apart from PWD Guest houses. Get in touch with Tsering, the guy who runs it. He is a very good friend of mine and you can refer my name.
Day 6 | Kaza Local Sightseeing
— Ki, Kibber, Gette, Tashigang
Day 7 | Kaza Local Sightseeing and go back to Tabo
— Hikkim, Komik, Langza circuit
Day 8 | Tabo – Kalpa / Reckong Peo
Day 9 | Kalpa / Reckong Peo – Rampur/Narkanda/Shimla
Day 10 | Rampur/Narkanda/Shimla – Delhi
Hi Dheeraj
I really like your blog. It’s very informative (Y).
Me and my friend are planning to go to Spiti in beginning of May. Can you help me with this itinerary.
May 1: Will leave for Shimla from Delhi in Evening via Bus
May 2: Will travel to Peo from Shimla via bus. Overnight stay. Let me if there is better place for stopover than Peo accessible via bus
May3: Peo to Spiti. I hope we will reach by afternoon or evening. Stay in spiti
May 4: Explore Spiti
May 5: Back to a place like peo from Spiti for overnight stay
May 6: Will leave for Shimla and then bus to Delhi to reach max by May 7 morning
Do we have sufficient time to explore spiti. If no then which all places will be a must visit in this duration.
Thanks,
Akhil
Akhil, it is very very hectic as you do not have much days in hand. I will suggest that you reach Chandigarh and take the overnight bus to Reckong Peo from Chandigarh which is semi deluxe. Guess it leaves by 8 PM around from Chandigarh. This will give you much needed rest on next day at Reckong Peo or Kalpa. Rest given the days in hand you do not have much option to optimize.
Hi Dheeraj,
I and my friends are planning a trip to lahaul – spiti, in May last (June starting). We have around five days in which we want to cover a round trip . shimla to spiti to lahaul to shimla on bike. We are around 12 people.
I want to ask whether we can manage the whole tour in 5 days or what would be the best way to cover lahaul – spiti in 5 days(if it’s feasible to do so). And how much it would cost per person from shimla and back to shimla on bike.
Thank You.
Abhinav, you will not be able to make it to Lahaul and Spiti in just 5 days. In May the road to Spiti from Manali will not be open and I doubt that if Lahaul will be open for tourists or not. Snow clearance is still slow on pace and roads within Lahaul are not yet open.
Dheeraj,
I have always wanted to experience Spiti. I wonder if its possible for me to be there for 2 months…and also i am travelling alone. Is it safe? I am good at roughing it out… but safety is important.
Can you help me with a plan of action? Means of Travel+time taken to reach destination+expenses+accommodation.
My months of travel are june-july. i want to go thru shimla… as you mentioned its easier to acclimatise. I also want it to be as low budget as possible. i am clueless about how much a 2 month travel and stay would cost. a little guidance would be much appreciated.
ps:
could you suggest a few other places that i could do instead? just in case. something similar in its beauty and isolation… cheap and safe… a place where i can just ‘be’ and write.
Regards
Meghana, the people are very very humble up in Spiti and very warm welcoming. So, you can consider it quite safe. You have 2 month of travel and I will suggest that you have a flow or you want day wise plan? That will be little difficult for me for 60 days 😀
So, would you be interested as a flow from Shimla to Manali or I will say Tirthan covering Kinnaur and Spiti?
Dheeraj,
Thank you for the quick response. No i dont want a day to day itinerary…just a flow. and an approx basic idea of total cost. that is one area i am clueless about.
The tirthan wala path sounds good.
I am ok not visiting too many places… if that helps me save.
Thanks:)
Meghana
Hello Dheeraj,
I’m planning a two week trip in Spiti in August, (I already contacted you about some other info before), & will be hiring a car & driver; I’m coming from France & really want to be sure to get a good driver, preferably local driver from Kaza area, as I speak a little Tibetan. Do you think I need do call to reserve a driver a long time ahead? I also wanted to know whether they speak English? If not I’ll have a friend in India to call for me (unfortunately I don’t speak Hindi & I’m afraid my Tibetan might not be good enough for a long distance phone call + the fact that the local dialect is a little different). Also, will I need do add on food & accommodation for the driver on top of the daily rate of 3000/3500 (which is not an issue, i just would like to know beforehand). Thank you so much in advance for your help.
Take care,
Veronique
Hi Dheeraj,
Just to let you know i’ve managed to contact one of the drivers on your list, & we were able to communicate in English. The question that remains (I’m sorry if this seems like a really silly question, I just want to make sure I take the right amount of money!): Is the cost of petrol included in the 3000/3500 daily rate ? and do I need to include in my budget an extra cost for the driver’s accommodation?
Thank you so much in advance for your precious help,
Veronique
Yes, the cost is inclusive of fuel. You need not pay anything extra beyond day charge. In the end may be a tip as a gesture of service depends upon your own will. Driver’s stay and night charges are also included in 3000-3500 charge. They will arrange themselves.
Dear Dheeraj,
Thank you so much for your prompt reply! Your site is a treasury of great information & I look very much forward to this trip (I first went to Spiti in ’96 & am this time taking my mother & my teenage kids to share the experience!). I’m planning on taking clothes, school supplies & meds to distribute as you suggest on your site. Will keep you posted!
Veronique
Veronique, THANKS A MILLION for participating in DoW Causes and spreading smiles up there in Spiti Valley. You can get in touch with Tsering at Sakya Abode in Kaza and he will be able to help you distribute the stuff where it will be needed most. Thanks again, will look forward to your travel experience back in the community especially the experience of DoW Causes
I replied to the other comment. Let me know in case there is any disconnect or any other doubt 🙂
Hi Dheeraj,
Fantastic blog. Superb information. I have a query – a road trip mid August this year (2015) from Manali ending at Shimla. Itinerary as under:-
Arrive Delhi – 15th August
Take bus to Manali
16th August – Manali to Gemur
17th August – Gemur to Chandertaal
18th August – Chandertaal to Kaza
19th August – Kaza to Komik
20th August – Komik – Pin Valley – Dhankar – Tabo- Nako
21st August – Nako -Sangla
22nd August – Sangla -Shimla
23rd August – Shimla – Delhi
Is this a good itinerary? I thought some stretches were too much. But would like to get your expert opinion as am doing it for the first time. Also is a tempo traveller with 5-6 adults a good vehicle on these roads?
Don’t want it to be risky. It must be a awe inspiring trip but. It back breaking. Your invaluable advice would be much appreciated.
Thanks
Renuka
Hi Renuka,
Well, given the days in hand, the itinerary above seems fine to me. On 19th you can explore Ki – Kibber in the second half of the day as well along with Hikkim – Langza which are around Komik only. In fact you will be going to Komik either from Langza or Hikkim.
If you are just 5 then better get some Xylo or Scorpio, avoid Innova.
With these days in hand hardly you can do anything. I will suggest that you come from Manali to avoid less travel and also Kinnaur is not that good time to be in monsoons as it becomes risky up there.
Regards
Dheeraj
Hi Dheeraj,
Three cheers to you for your prompt reply. Truly appreciate it. Last query- do you think the 20th August is doable. It seems like a looooong stretch. And 10 hours on the road is too much no?
Also you said with time in hand, you can’t do much. What did you have in mind?
Renuka
Renuka, yeah that can be managed. It will be about 8 Hrs max, considering you will spend sometime in Pin Valley and Tabo too. Otherwise, Kaza – Nako is about 4-4.5 Hrs max. drive. The reason I am saying that you have less number of days can be compared to the most common itinerary in relaxing manner suggested in the article above. You are either missing out on some places OR you have to rush through them in day time on the go.
HI DHEERAJ,
WE ARE FOUR GUYS PLANNING TO TRAVEL TO SPITI IN JULY. WE HAVE 10 DAYS IN HAND WE PLAN TO TAKE THE MANALI SPITI ROUTE. I COULDNT FIND ANY DETAILED ARTICLE OVER THIS IN YOUR BLOG HENCE REQUESTING YOU TO SHARE A LINK IN CASE READY. WE PLAN TO HIRE ROYAL ENFIELDS FROM MANALI, NEED YOUR SUGGESTION OVER THE BELOW POINTS
HOPING JULY IS A GOOD TIME TO TRAVEL, WILL THERE BE PROPOER ACCOMODATION AVAILABLE IN SPITI – AS MENTIONED IN ONE OF YOUR ARTICLE JULY WILL HAVE MORE TOURISTS.
HOW IS THE ROAD CONDITION EXPECTED TO BE IN THIS TIME
HOPE 10 DAYS IS GOOD TIME TO COVER SPITI ON THIS ROUTE
IF WE PLAN TO HIRE A CAR SELF DRIVEN WOULD THAT BE GOOD RATHER THAN BIKES. AS I HAVE DONE MANALI ROHTANG FEW TIMES BUT NOT AHEAD DONT KNOW THE ROUTE AND MORE SO THE ROAD CONDITIONS
LOOKING FORWARD TO YOUR SUGGESTION AS ALWAYS.
Pavan, you can check the article: Spiti Valley via Manali | How to Plan Your Journey
July is fine to travel to Spiti Valley from Manali and there will be plenty of stay options available, so no worries on that front. Regarding road condition from Manali to Kaza, that will surely be challenging with lots of water crossings between Gramphu and Kunzum Pass. Better start very very early from Manali to avoid too much water in those water crossings.
Manali – Kaza is one of the most adventurous and challenging roads to travel after Sach Pass 😀
While everyone keeps telling you Thank you for the guidance! Let me start by saying Love you!!
Actually I dont know how is it with rest, but for me once you reply it boosts my confidence to take on to the journey. That’s how actually I did my first one with your suggestion while my Tirthan Valley & GHNP trek.
Just coming to this one if we start by 6:30ish from Manali as the Google map shows distance as 200 kms we can be there in 5/6 hrs.
Thanks Pavan bhai 🙂 🙂 …
Like I said, those are trans himalayas and no one rules there including google 😉 … If u leave at 6 am and all goes well with water crossings and bikes, then you will reach with daylight left 🙂 … Else sometimes the water crossings get to furious to cross.
Hi Dheeraj,
We are 3 person with 2 bikes. planning for Spiti velly with Leh and nubra velly.
We are from Anand-Gujarat, Sending bikes by trains at Chandigarh
our tentative planning is given below
1. 7th June 2015: Chandigarh – Narkanda
2. 8th June 2015: Narkanda – Kalpa
3. 9th June 2015: Kalpa – Kibber
4. 10th June 2015: Kibber – Keylong
5. 11th June 2015: Keylong – Pang
6. 12th June 2015: Pang – Leh
7. 12th June 2015: Leh – Leh
8. 13th June 2015: Leh – Diskit / Hunder
9. 14th June 2015: Diskit – Pangong TSO
10. 15th June 2015: Pangogne – TSO Moriri
11. 16th June 2015: TSO Moriri – Sarchu
12. 17th June 2015: Sarchu – Manali
13. 18th June 2015: Manali – Chandigarh
Please modify if required, and guide us for stay/accommodation.
Hi Suresh,
Please find my comments below
1. Stay at Kaza as Kibber may be much high to stay and you may not be acclimatized that enough. Do Kibber next day while going to Keylong. It will be a very very long run though. Better add some rest day instead of just being on the road.
Regarding Nubra Valley to Pangong Tso route, in order to take Nubra Valley to Pangong Tso via Shyok village, you need not need any permits. However, with such a small distance it appears tempting to be done BUT just to analyze the difficulty I will strongly suggest that you read:Trip Report | Nubra – Shyok Village – Pangong Tso Route. The report is from couple of year back in June & in July/August, most likely the route is washed away. Similar, reports are there from last year as well. So better confirm first, analyze the high risk involved and then only attempt it or better avoid it unless very much sure.
Next possible way is to attempt Wari La route, which is also a bit desolated but doable enough. If your driver agrees to travel on this route then take the Wari La route to Pangong Tso. Remember that any help required on both these routes will be HARD to find in miles of distance. If you have couple of vehicles then only take this route otherwise best is to avoid it.
Regarding Pangong Tso to Tso Moriri route or Pangong Tso to Hanle, the permits to Man – Merak – Chusul – Tsaga or remote Changthang routes are being given by DC office in Leh at ON and OFF basis, so keep your fingers crossed and hope for the best if they start issuing the permits by the time you visit or issue you on your lucky day. Also, even if the permits are given then as well there is no guarantee that you will be allowed to cross Chusul Post or not because since last year several such incidents happened and people with permits also had to return via same route. The story is same this year too and only handful of people have passed through Chusul this year too on their lucky days. Then this is completely a dirt track all the way with quite a bumpy ride upto Tsaga. That churns most things in your stomach 😀 … Finally, totally isolated with no one around you in miles. All this will mean that you will have to risk it for at least a day getting wasted if you are not allowed because there will be no guarantee until you cross Chusul and Tsaga post. Otherwise, you have to take the traditional routes only via Upshi – Chumathang.
You can check the nice, preferred list of accommodation options in entire Leh – Ladakh (Leh, Nubra Valley, Pangong Tso, Tso Moriri) including moderate (cheap budget hotels as well) in the series of articles starting on the link here
Check the link: Some Good Options of Stays in Spiti Valley / Kinnaur Valley
Regards
Dheeraj
Pls email me ur mobile no.
Hello Dheeraj bro,
First of ll congratulations on your blog award. You really deserve it. We need your valuable help. After our successful Manali-Leh trip in March 14, we have decided to go for our next trip during December 15. The below are the following options we have:
1 Guwahati- Tawang
2 Darjeeling – Sikkim zeropoint
3 Manali-shimla-spitivalley
4 leh-pangong-khardungla-kargil- srinagar
We have 12 days (Dec 21st to Jan 1st.
Which would be the best option based on weather, road status and bike rental availability?
Any other good options (route) you have to travel during Dec 15?
Eagerly waiting for your reply.
Cheers,
Sachin
Hi Sachin,
Thanks a ton bro !! Well out of these, I will say to opt any of the 1,2,4. Spiti Valley is not an ideal place to be in December as the road from Manali will be closed and you will need to only traverse Shimla to Kaza and in extreme temperatures. Also, Tawang and Sikkim shall be tolerable as well in terms of cold while Ladakh will be very harsh too though possible with flight connectivity in case you want to see tourist less Ladakh. So, I believe preference shall be given to 1 o 2 only and if you really keen on Ladakh then make a Ladakh trip.
In case you need advice on 1 or 2 options, you can post your queries in DwD Community https://discoverwithdheeraj.com/india/ where experts from that region inthe community will be able to help you out with queries on Tawang or Sikkim.
Regards
Dheeraj
dear dheeraj ji
can we visit to leh via sipti valley??
are roads fine on this route after kalpa..??
iam planning to visit leh from sipti valley in mid june,2015 from delhi and exit from jammu side.
please provide me with an itinerary.
also tell me about the petrol pumps after kalpa…
thank you in advance 🙂
Sourabh, yes you can reach Leh from Spiti Valley route that merges at Manali – Leh Highway at a place called Gramphu. How many days do you have in hand to do it?
Hi Dheeraj,
I regularly read you helpful posts but writing first time.
We 2 friends are planning to visit Spiti Valley in the last week of July or August 2015.
We will be starting from Delhi and taking Manali route.
We would like to cover Chandratal (night stay), Losar, Kaza, Ki, Kibber, Dhankar, Tabo etc.
Duration of our trip would be 8~9 days.
Can you please guide us with the best itinerary with two options, by public transport and by hired taxi from Manali.
What will be the approx. total cost of the transport in both the options?
Also, will it be the best to stay at one place (except Chandratal) to cover all these places in Spiti valley or to stay at different locations?
Thank you in advance 🙂
Rohit, can you do this in opposite direction? That is starting from Shimla side and coming from Manali side?
Hi Dheeraj,
Actually we have already covered Sangla, Kalpa, Rakcham n Recong Peo in our last trip. So we want to explore from Manali side this time..
So can u help me with my query?
Thank you..
Rohit, in that case you follow the below mentioned travel plan:
Day 1 : Reach Manali by overnight volvo of and stay overnight at Solang Valley as preferred for acclimatization
Day 2 : Manali / Solang – Kaza
Day 3 : Kaza – Dhangkar – Tabo
Day 4 : Tabo – Pin Valley
Day 5 : Pin Valley – Kaza. Do Ki, Kibber in the evening.
Day 6 : Kaza – Langza – Komik – Hikkim – Kaza / Losar
Day 7 : Kaza / Losar – Chandratal – Manali
Day 8 : Reach Delhi by overnight Volvo from Manali
Hi Dheeraj,
Thank you for the fantastic itinerary.
I have just few more questions.
1. Can we stay at Vashisth also instead of Solang Valley? Is the altitude of Vashisth is same as Solang valley?
2. We want to spend one night in Chandrtaal camps. So which on of the day visit in day 3,4,5,6 we can cut short or skip?
3. What will be approx. taxi fare for our visit? Do you have contact number of any good taxi driver for Spiti?
Yes, you guys can stay at Vashishth and it will also help in acclimatization though altitude is not same and Solang is higher. For Chandratal Camping, better extend a day to ease out things and stay up there on Day 7. Else on Day 6, start early morning, do the Hikkim – Komik circuit and start for Chandratal on Day 6 and reach there by evening.
You can get connected directly to some drivers in Spiti Valley or Kinnaur Valley at the link: List of Taxi Drivers for Spiti Valley & Kinnaur Valley. These drivers can come and pick you up from Manali & Shimla too.
The rates of the taxis are about Rs 3000-3500 per day depending upon the number of days you plan to travel, more the days, less the price.
Otherwise, taxis in general are also available on the spot from Shimla or Manali from respective taxi stands
Hi Dheeraj,
Your blog and the intricate details within it is commendable. It did not have to much of a research on Lahaul Spiti as DOW blog is more than a savior. Planning to strike the chord as per the route mentioned above, however there are 3 of us for this heavenly journey and we plan to do it on a hired cab. Hence it would be extremely helpful if you could help us out with the following questions :
1) Is it advisable to pre-book a cab for the entire journey from Shimla? If yes then some reliable, reasonable and fruitful contacts will be helpful.
2) Routes and places from where we can book shared cabs or taxis? And the places where we can travel to by availing these shared cabs. If at all shared cabs are available for this route.
3) What would be the estimated package cost only for the hired cab for the entire journey from Shimla to Manali?
4)Will it be advisable to go for a booking for the entire journey upto manali on run-time? I mean to say I would book a cab from the Shimla on the day we reach Shimla.
5) Do we have to pre-book all the places of accommodation for all the areas of interest mentioned above? If yes then again reliable contacts would be helpful.
6) How effective would be bargaining in these places?
Hi Budhaditya,
1. You can get connected directly to some drivers in Spiti Valley or Kinnaur Valley at the link: List of Taxi Drivers for Spiti Valley & Kinnaur Valley. These drivers can come and pick you up from Manali & Shimla too.
The rates of the taxis are about Rs 3000-3500 per day depending upon the number of days you plan to travel, more the days, less the price.
Otherwise, taxis in general are also available on the spot from Shimla or Manali from respective taxi stands
2. Shared cabs are available mostly at almost all important places.
3. Refer above details
4. For taxi, it should be best to have one taxi for entire trip.
5. No need to pre-book that much as you can land there and search for good options. PWD Rest houses are always good except food. You can refer: Good Hotels or Accommodation options in Spiti Valley & Kinnaur Valley
6. The early you land up in the day at a hotel, the more chances for you to get better deal. Though bargaining will not be of too much range.
Regards
Dheeraj
Hi Dheeraj
This is mousumi .Im am very grateful to you,because your suggestion helped me to my kinnaur trip last may14, but i couldn’t complete it up to manali though lahaul spiti due to landslide. I went up to nako.
Main thing is that this year I am planing to lahaul spiti valley last week of june or july from Manali up to Nako. Can you please suggest me the itinerary. and this time I want to travel bit different way , like explore local people and location and their tradition. and advice me about local guide . Most probably this time me and my husband is going without any travel partner. We both are 40 plus and my husband is sugar patient insulin dependant is it risky for us. to save expenses travel by bus, please let me know will it be wise decision for us.
Mousami, July shall be good time to visit Spiti Valley including parts of Kinnaur like Nako. How many days do you have for the trip?
Hi Dheeraj
‘thanks for reply. our trip will be max to max 10- 12 days from kolkata to kolkata.wish to explore lahaul and spiti as much as I can. as earlier I mentioned from shimla to nako I have covered, near maling nullah we compelled to stop our journey due to landslide and stone shooting. Please suggest me itinerary from manali . along with please guide me regarding transport and home stay or guest house.
regards
Mousumi
Mousumi, in that case you can follow the below itinerary for Spiti Valley
Day 01 : Arrive Delhi @ 12:15 pm – Proceed to Manali – Stay
Day 02 : Reach Manali and stay overnight at Solang Valley as preferred for acclimatization
Day 03 : Manali / Solang – Kaza
Day 04 : Kaza – Dhangkar – Tabo
Day 05 : Tabo – Lingti Valley (Lallung) – Pin Valley
Day 06 : Pin Valley(Mud) – Kaza – Ki – Kibber – Kaza
Day 07, 08 : Trek route of Kaza – Langza – Komic – Hikkim – Demul – Kaza (Stay at Komic or Langza or Demul)
Day 09 : Kaza – Chandratal
Day 10 : Chandratal – Manali
Day 11 : Manali – Delhi
In case you want to spend 12 day, you can go towards day trip up to Nako / Malling from Tabo on Day 5 and add that extra day there. On the way to Nako, you can cover Geyu Village where there is 550 yr old mummy.
You can get connected directly to some drivers in Spiti Valley or Kinnaur Valley at the link: List of Taxi Drivers for Spiti Valley & Kinnaur Valley. These drivers can come and pick you up from Manali & Shimla too.
The rates of the taxis are about Rs 3000-3500 per day depending upon the number of days you plan to travel, more the days, less the price.
Otherwise, taxis in general are also available on the spot from Shimla or Manali from respective taxi stands
Check the link: Some Good Options of Stays in Spiti Valley / Kinnaur Valley
Hi Dheeraj,
First let me say, you have done a wonderful job by creating this website. Not only it serves as a good guide to plan your trip but you open up a common man’s world to these heavenly places.
Me and my friends are planning a trip to Lahaul-Spiti this June-July. I am from Kolkata and perhaps can spare only one visit to this enchanting valley in my lifetime, so want to make the most out of it. We had already been to Ladakh 2 years back, which kind of drives us to visit Lahaul-Spiti even more. 🙂
Here is the plan that I have drafted –
Day 1 – Reach Kalka early morning, start for Shimla (120 km, 4 hrs). Can take toy train? Spend night at Shimla.
Day 2 – Shimla – Narkanda – Sarahan (176 km, 8 hrs), night stay at Sarahan.
Day 3 – Sarahan – Sangla – Kalpa (94 + 51) km. Night stay at Kalpa.
Day 4 – Kalpa Sight seeing. Reckong Peo & Chitkul (Kinnaur Dist). Sights of Kinnaur-Kailash.
Day 5 – Kalpa – Kaza (220 km, 10 hrs). Tabo on the way. Try Pin valley if possible. This will be a tough day.
Day 6 – Kaza sightseeing. Kaza – Kibber – Gette – Kibber – Kaza (60 Km). Rest for the day at kaza.
Day 7 – Kaza – Losar – Kunzum Pass – Chandrataal (~ 100 km). Chandrataal can’t be reached directly by car, there is a 1 hour trek. Need to camp at Chandrataal else look for accomodation at Batal. If nothing works out, need to come back to Kaza or Losar.
Day 8 – Chandrataal/Batal – Rohtang Pass – Manali (130 km). (Kaza to Manali is 205 km) Rest at Manali.
Day 9 – Manali to Delhi. Overnight journey.
I have a few queries –
1. Will this plan be too hectic? We will be travelling with our wives.
2. How long does it take to drive from Delhi to Shimla? We have planned to reach Shimla directly by train but also contemplating, taking early morning flight to Delhi and reaching Shimla in the evening.
3. Will last week of June be a goof time to visit? If not, when can we visit at the earliest?
4. How long does it take to drive to Suraj Taal from Chandrataal via Keylong? We are thinking of including this too.
The sight seeing days are buffer days actually. If things don’t work according to plan, we will drop them.
Please feel free to include your suggestions/modifications, if any.
Thanks
Debojit
Hi Debojit,
Thank you bro for the appreciating words !!
1. You can take the toy train from Kalka to Shimla
2. Chitkul will come on Day 3 when you will be visiting Sangla. From Sangla you need to go about 25-30 KM ahead to visit Chitkul and then come back the same route to go to Kalpa.
3. On Day 4, do Kalpa to Tabo to spend more time in Spiti rather in Kinnaur
4. On Day 5 do Tabo – Dhangkar – Pin Valley – Kaza
5. On Day 7, you will be able to reach easily Chandratal after visitin Hikkim, Komik early in the morning. You will find accommodation in July, no worries. Check with Parsol Camps run by Bishan. Check my travel guide to Chandratal for his contact.
Regarding your queries:
1. Almost every day you will be traveling to new place, so that you need to address and make very clear. It is for sure will not be a leisure trip rather an adventure drive.
2. Delhi to Shimla is around 8-9 Hrs max.
3. Last week of June early July is a good time to visit
4. This will not be possible. You can only drive up to Keylong from Chandratal in a day. Surajtal is much ahead of it and can be visited next day only.
Regards
Dheeraj
thank u so much dheeraj for your invitation to DoW causes….for sure we shall contribute to such catholic cause when we travel in valley and also many pats on your back for upholding a humanitarian cause
Anubhav, it will be a great pleasure for us if you can execute these causes up there and share back your experiences with us so that it inspires others to do the same just like Harsha did few days back: https://discoverwithdheeraj.com/india/responsible-travel-f38/topic2315.html
Dear Dheeraj, thank you for offering all the information so well written and prepared for all the enthusiastic travels.
I’m have a thought of doing a trip in July and a bit confused right now. Would be happy to know your suggestions. As I’m not yet in middle of making an itinerary or yet to decide on what to do this will be pretty short 🙂
Things to consider: Family trip which includes my parents (around 60 yrs), cousins and Kids as young as 10 years. A group of ~8/10 people.
1. Ladakh or Spiti (I have been to Ladakh twice and hence leaning towards Spiti as I haven’t seen!)
A. Duration: ~15 days (including travel from BLR)
B. Date: July 4th – 19th, 2015
C: Mode of transportation: Flight, Cab/TT or even open for self drive (ZoomCar) from Chandigarh or New Delhi
2. What would work out cheaper (Leh or Spiti) as most of my cousins are keen on saving money! (me too!)
3. What would be your suggestion keeping the altitude and health in consideration (My dad previously had breathing problems in Bangalore earlier but not lately)
These are the only things in my head right now.
Thank you in advance and Good luck 🙂
Madhu
Hi Madhukar,
1. I will suggest for Spiti Valley with Kinnaur Valley. You can check a very balanced and most common itinerary for Spiti Valley followed by many travellers including me at the link here for 10-11 days: Most Common Itinerary for Spiti Valley.
You can get connected directly to some drivers in Spiti Valley or Kinnaur Valley at the link: List of Taxi Drivers for Spiti Valley & Kinnaur Valley. These drivers can come and pick you up from Manali & Shimla too.
The rates of the taxis are about Rs 3000-3500 per day depending upon the number of days you plan to travel, more the days, less the price.
Otherwise, taxis in general are also available on the spot from Shimla or Manali from respective taxi stands. You can check with Zoomcar too.
Check the link: Some Good Options of Stays in Spiti Valley / Kinnaur Valley
2. Spiti – Kinnaur will be cheaper 🙂
3. Please read the article to know about AMS and acclimatization including the tips to combat AMS, please DO READ: Acute Mountain Sickness and Importance of Acclimatization
Regards
Dheeraj
Appreciate your timely reply Dheeraj.
Your comment has convinced me to go to Spiti now and in-turn I have also convinced the others. 😉
I think I will run with the itinerary you have here depending upon a few more questions I have. Sorry.
Almost confirmed dates:
Reach IXC: 4th July (and stay)
Depart IXC to Shimla: 5th July (Morning)
Return to IXC from Manali: 18th July (and stay)
Depart IXC to BLR: 19th July
No. of days (leaving IXC): 13 – 14 days
Q1. How far is Chandra Tal and does it require trekking, if my parents can do.
And is there any other treks in this Itinerary plan?
Q2. As of now we are around 10 members going and do you suggest taking a Tempo Traveler or 2 cars/SUV.
Additionally how difficult would be Self driving? or should we stick to hiring a cab with driver.
Thank you and wishing you a good long weekend 🙂
Madhu
Hi Madhu,
Good to know it 🙂 …
1. Chandratal is mentioned in the itinerary above and is about 90 KMs from Kaza. It will require about 4 – 5 Hrs to do it from Kaza. The road is upto almost 1 KM before Chandratal and from there you need to trek to the lake.
2. SUVs are mostly comfortable in comparison to Tempo Traveler but does increase the cost as well as do not allow members to travel together. On the other hand tempo travelers are not that comfortable if compared with a taxi like Innova.
Regards
Dheeraj
Hi Dheeraj,
Am planning the trip to Kaza starting from Delhi on 24th March as per your advice.Right now it’s the wife and me and our Scorpio but once I’ve finalized the itineary I will put it to the other people in our group.I had a few questions if you don’t mind..
1. What time of March was your trip ? Will we be able to experience that white cloak over the landscape? I know it’s always unpredictable but we’re driving from Pune only for this..so I thought to ask.
2. Our target is to hit Kaza as soon as possible first and then think about side trips ( maybe to Kibber for a day since we were there in October..and Rekong peo on way back..as we both thought it was a lovely place). So keeping this in mind what should our itineary look like ?
If we leave Delhi @5.00 am can we target Kalpa for 1st night halt or is Rampur more realistic ?
Is it possible to make it to Kaza by next evening in either case ? or should we draw it out over three days ?
3. What would our options be of staying en route and then in Kaza / Kibber / Rekongpeo ( if we can make it) at that time of the year? Are there some contact numbers etc availabe of local people who may be able to help out?
4. Do we need stuff like snowchains on tyres etc to travel on any sectors ? I have no experience of this .My Scorpio is a 4WD though.I do know we might need a small heater for the fuel pump defreezing which may be needed.
Sorry for so many questions..but you the maan buddy..!!
Regards,
Sanjay
Hi Sanjay,
Here are the replies:
1. I went during that period only, guess left on 21st March. The landscape shall be that white only in March during that time or much similar.
2. Day 1 should be somewhere around Narkanda, Day 2 should be Kalpa, Day 3 should be Kaza. The more easy will you go, the more acclimatized you will be reaching Kaza in such harsh conditions. So, go easy in initial days. Acclimatization and not hitting with AMS is the key to make it successful.
3. Only local homestays beyond Kalpa or PWD Rest House without food. There will be no washrooms running and you may need to go with dry pits beyond Kalpa. So, be preapred for it.
4. Small heater shall be good enough for de-freezing. Do not use wiper or pull water from the nozzles to clean the wind screen. It will freeze instantly and can break the wind shield. Snow chains will not be required, we were running on a duster and it sailed all the way 🙂 🙂
Regards
Dheeraj
Thanks Dheeraj,
Much appreciated..will follow your advice.
Will keep you posted also..hope this happens!.
Sanjay
Best wishes for the trip and if in case you happen to be happy to spread smiles, please execute our initiatives of DoW Causes on your own when you travel there, in order to help the local community up there in remote Himalayas. You can check more details about them at: DoW – Causes | A Step Towards Responsible Travel and can execute them on your own.
Hi Dheeraj,
I am planning a trip to kinnaur valley from 15th april to 20th april . we are a group of 4 families with 5 children aged from 1 year to 5 years. is the whether condition ok with these small children in april. we will be travelliong by scorpio from ambala to kalpa via shimla
we have some questions:
1)is the road ok in april?
2) Plz suggest some hotel name in range of rs 1500-2000(kinner villa quoting rs 3500/night).
april 15-ambala-shimla(night stay shimla)
april 16-shimla-sangla(night stay sangla)
april 17-sangla-kalpa(night stay kalpa)
april 18-kalpa-nako(night stay kalpa)
april 19(kalpa-narkanda(night stay narkanda/rampur)
april20(rampur-ambala)
Please suggest it is ok or is a hectic schedule as we will travel with our families and children
Please suggest some hotel at sangla and rampur and kalpa also.
Tanks in advance
Waiting for your reply sir.
Regards,
Hemant Walia
Hello Hemant,
Apart from chitkul, rest all places will be pleasantly cold. Chitkul will have snow and will be a bit more cold though not something unbearable. You can make a day trip to Chitkul from Sangla or Rakcham to be on safer side as with children. Road are not that good after Jeori / Bhawanagar but should be OK for a vehicle like Scorpio. Hotel I suggested in a reply to your other comment.
I believe you can make it to Narkanda from Ambala on Day 1 itself to cut down the journey to Sangla by couple of hours. Rest looks OK though adding Nako feels a little too much considering you are with small kids. Better drop it out and relax in Kalpa or Sangla Chitkul only.
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
Thnx a lot Dheeraj,
As per your suggestion , we will change our plan.
will it be ok to stay in tents in kalpa with small children or we should stay in hotels only?
Regards,
Hemant Walia
HEmant, better to stay in hotels when they are available in Kalpa. Also, Kalpa I do not find that comfortable for camping 🙂
Hii Dheeraj
Thx for the information.
one last question.
we will visit kinnaur in ist week of may.
will it be a busy tourist season at that time as we are not sure of our dates, so we r not planning to book hotels in advance .
can we get hotels without any bookings in kalpa and sangla in ist week of may without any prior booking?
Plz reply as we will be visiting with our families.
Thx in advance dheeraj.
Regards,
Hemant Walia
Hemant, you should be able to get hotels on the spot unless you want to stay at some specific Hotel. You will need to search a little here and there.
hello dheeraj,
first of all a big thank you for such a wonderful blog…..
i am planning to visit lahaul-spiti, with my family in coming may-june. i have some apprehensions for my parents, my dad is about 59, a blood pressure patient and overweight, my mother though physically maintained is 50+ as well. is it risky to go take them beyond manali? if we do take them then what precautions should we take?
thanks in advance…
Hi Anubhav,
First you need to read the thread: Queries on Ladakh trip for High BP
This will help you understand AMS and how it affects people. AMS is not subject to any age, sex or physical fitness and can happen to anyone at any high altitude places. If you will do Lahaul valley first and then move to Spiti Valley and take things easy then Spiti shall be also comfortable. However, all will depend if the road to Kaza from Manali opens up or not during that time of the year as it usually opens up in June only.
Regards
Dheeraj
thank you so much dheeraj for your valuable suggestions, we shall plan and moderate our plan accordingly
Anubha, Best wishes for the trip and if in case you happen to be happy to spread smiles, please execute our initiatives of DoW Causes on your own when you travel there, in order to help the local community up there in remote Himalayas. You can check more details about them at: DoW – Causes | A Step Towards Responsible Travel and can execute them on your own.
Hi Dheeraj
we are looking for a family trip for around 10 to 12 days at himacha on 3rd week of May 2015.
Basically we will start from Chandigarh via Kolkata by train & our first destiny will be in himachal is definitely shimla. now question is that , we want to visit Una, Dharamshala, Mcloidganj,
Dalhousie, Chamba, Khajjiar, Keylong, Lahaul, Spity, Kunzum Pass, Tabo, Kaza, Chandratal Lake etc. will u please guide me for this type of schedule along with a day by day perfect & proper Itinerary.
Finally we will go for a vehicle like Tata sumo or something like that.
What will be our ending destiny for this tour ? please be informed that we will back to kolkata by flight specially, so which airport will match according to our Itinerary, please reply fast , so that we may take quick decision.
Hello Debo,
This is too much to travel in the given days in hand. I will suggest you that you stick to Kinnaur Valley and Spiti Valley only. Kunzum Pass will be closed in May and so does the road to Lahaul Valley as well. All, you can do is visit Kinnaur and Spiti and then on return, you can take the road to Jalori Pass and spend a day or two in Manali before returning back. Does this sound good?
Regards
Dheeraj
Hi Dheeraj,
We are planning a trip to Kinnaur in end of March 2015, starting from Delhi 29th March and back to Delhi 6th April. I want to cover Simla, Sarahan, Sangla, Chhitkul, Kalpa, Nako. Is it possible to go to Kaza during that time? Also is it a good idea to cover Kaza considering the duration?
Thanks & Regards,
Debasree
Debasree, Kaza will be too much in in 7 days and will make things a bit tiring. I will suggest better to focus on Kinnaur Valley if you looking for easy trip. Also, Spiti Valley conditions will be harsh during the time of March. You can read my experience of White Spiti Valley from March to know about the harsh things. So, it is better to enjoy in Kinnaur if you are not that adventurous.
Hi Dheeraj,
We are planning a trip to either Leh-Laddakh or Spiti valley in June-July, 2015. Would that be a good time to visit or not?
Also are these both places safe to visit witha 3.5 yr old kid or its a “no”?
Thanks in advance,
Ruchira
Hello Ruchira,
A happy new year to you and your family !!
Post mid of June, it should be fine to travel.
It depends on person to person to take the children of such age group because AMS do not matter with respect to age or sex or any physical health condition. It can happen to anyone of any age or sex or fitness I shall say :D… The issue with children is that they tend to exert the body considering it the same kind of place they belong to and this elevates the chances of getting struck with AMS. Secondly, they are not much expressive about their uneasy feelings, so it is parents who need to watch out and take care that the child is not suffering from uneasy feelings, headache or nausea and is behaving properly. With 2+ year child, I think he/she will also be NOT able to convey the uneasiness he/she may feel. You have to be vigilant and if you notice any such feeling or he/she tells you about such a feeling then please do not ascend anywhere, either descend to lower altitude or stay at the same place to watch things overnight and if symptom increase then start descending immediately. Same is applicable for any adult as well. And yes, do keep the body adequately hydrated!!
Also, PLEASE read the article: Traveling to Ladakh with Kids or Babies. This article covers this topic in complete detail.
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
PS: Sorry for the late reply, I was on a trip to Kumaon, Uttarakhand for the last 8-9 days.
Hiii Dheeraj,
We were planning to go on a tour at this time of year (starting 27 december) and looking to explore Spiti Valley if u can guide us dat is it a good idea to visit dere in this time if not than if you can suggest any other places to go.Our motive is tovhave a bit adventure and peace.
Thank you in advance,waiting for your reply.
Manpreet
Manpreet, Spiti Valley is going to be very very harsh and challenging. In fact even Kinnaur will be in case you are really interested. I will not suggest a trip to Spiti Valley at this time of the year but in case your adventure urge still forces you I will suggest to make a trip to Kinnaur Valley covering Sangla and Kalpa.
Hi Dheeraj,
You probably will not even remember me..but I made THE roadtrip of my life this October based on your suggestions a couple of years ago…Finally did the Delhi-Manali-Rohtang-Gramphu-Kaza Kibber- Rekongpeo- Shimla-Delhi trip and it was awesome. Also climbed Mt.Kanamo from Kibber ( a 4-5 days short but freezing expedition break :-)) ).I thought I had finally scratched that itch..but came upon a video of some guys doing the trip the otherway around in winter ..then also read the narration of your trip..and I want to go back there again and experience the whiteness of that magical heaven like place..I know right now is not really the time..but when would be the earliest I could do this,you think ? atleast upto Kaza from Shimla..I have a Scorpio 4WD and an 8W crazy bug in my head..but nothing compared to you buddy..!
So waiting for your advise..would like to go before the crowds start..am OK with very very basic amenities for living and food..Thanks
Hello Sanjay,
A happy new year to you and your family !!
Good to know that buddy !! Well, you have already gone through my white Spiti Valley adventure. So, I will suggest that you make a trip in March last week types when conditions become a bit bearable but it is still all white all around. That will be the perfect time. You can stay up there in Homestays which are in general warm than hotels.
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
PS: Sorry for the late reply, I was on a trip to Kumaon, Uttarakhand for the last 8-9 days.
Hi, thanks a lot for detailed description. Me along with my husband are planning to go to Spiti Valley in March2015. The itinerary you mentioned seems to perfect. I wanted to know the cost of your whole trip.
Aditi, in March you cannot follow the above itinerary because road from Kaza to Manali remains buried under snow. It opens in June and remains open safe to travel by mid of October only. Also, you can reach Kaza but it will be some extreme adventure. Check the hardships we went when I traveled there in March and if you are open for it. Here is my detailed story linked under the last article: A Race with Time on Deathway of Kinnaur Valley
Hi, I am a cyclist, would like to ride in Spiti valley, entering from Shimla during fist week of April 2015.
Could you please suggest best itinerary possible with stay options.
Definitely, not looking for covering full circuit by ending in Manali. I have done Manali -leh – kargil-delhi in Y2011.
I want to enter Spiti from Shimla in April and spend 2 weeks of cycling and exit may be thru Jalori pass?
I am fine with extreme cold conditions, not expecting good road conditions though, I have previous experience of cycling in snow covered roads in Uttarakhand during Jan 2013.
Feasible itinerary with stay options highly appreciated. My travel dates are flexible, looking for your valuable suggestions.
Thanks in advance
Regards
Suraj
After looking at March pictures here, I will be very happy to advance it to even Mid March’15 if possible..
Suraj, you can do it in March end too 🙂
sure.. ur the inspiration 🙂
Suraj, this is what I can suggest for a cycle trip to Spiti Valley in April
Simla – Narkanda / Sainj
Narkanda / Sainj – Rampur
Rampur – Sarahan
Sarahan – Tapri / Sangla / Kalpa
Kalpa – Puh
Puh – Nako – Chango (see if you can reach Nako a day before, then you can save a day)
Nako – Chango – Tabo
Tabo – Kaza
Kaza – Ki – Kibber
Ki – Kibber – Langza – Komik
Komik – Demul – Lhalung
Lhalung – Lingti – Tabo
Follow the same back to Sainj, and then from Sainj you can go over to Jalori Pass and stay at Shoja. From Shoja, ride to Bhunter / Mandi and then back home
Check this awesome account of cycle journeys too here too: http://www.masterlyinactivity.com/spiti/intro.html
Thank you so much for insights. Travelogue from masterlyinactivity is very helpful.
Hi, M planning for Delhi to Leh via Spiti and exit through Srinagar in June 2015. Its a bike trip, how feasible is the idea? Any guidance?
Arpit, it is completely feasible. All will depend upon the number of days you have in hand. Also, try to plan this after third week of June so that Kunzum Pass or Kaza to Keylong route gets open. How many days do you have?
Hi Dheeraj,
Really appreciate your quick response.I would be riding from Pune and We have planned our ride for Spiti and Leh from 15/6/2015 (Dates yet not fixed),from Delhi and have around 15(+2 days for buffer) in total.
Rough Itinerary
Day 1:Delhi – Shimla
Day 2: Shimla – Chitkul
Day 3:Chitkul – Tabo
Day 4: Tabo – Kaza
Day 5: Around Kaza
Day 6: Kaza – Keylong
Day 7: Keylong – Sarchu
Day 8: Sarchu – Leh
Day 9: Leh Local
Day 10: Leh – Khardungla – Nubra Valley
Day 11: Nubra Valley – Pangong Lake
Day 12: Pangong – Leh
Day 13: Leh – Drass
Day 14: Drass – Anantnag
Day 15:AnantNag – Delhi
I know it looks hectic, but we want to cover as much as possible. I want you to suggest the feasibility considering road conditions and weather. Would be grateful if you could suggest some major points which are must visit in spiti circuit, and places which we could skip , or at days where are average distance is too less.
Thanks
Hi Arpit
Thank you and sorry for delay as I missed an entire comments page somehow. As you yourself know it is hectic, the only suggestion from my side will be to drop Chitkul and stay at Kalpa or may be do Chitkul trip but do not sleep up there as it might cause AMS issues. In case you can to see Chitkul anyhow.
From Sarchu, you can turn to Tso Moriri and sleep up there and then next day go to Leh from there to make it complete Ladakh trip though ofcourse you will be sacrificing one rest day in Leh.
Regards
Dheeraj
Hello
We are planning a bike tour from Chandigarh- Shimla- Kinnaur- Spiti valley, Kaza- Dharamashala- Mcleod ganj- Shimla- Chandigarh.
Is it possible to travel in second half of May, will the be routs open.
Thank You
Mrudul, it will be highly likely that road from Kaza to Manali over Kunzum Pass will be closed. Hence, you will have to come back from Kaza towards Jalori Pass after Rampur, cross over it to reach Mandi and from there take the road to Dharamshala skipping Manali in case you plan too. Rest all routes should be open and good to go.
Can you please help me in planning the route for spiti valley when entering from keylong. I will be coming down from Leh and i dont want to go to Manali.
Nagarjuna, you can check the route mentioned under the article: Spiti Valley from Manali | How to Plan Your Journey
Gramphu is the junction point from where instead of following the route towards Manali you need to go towards Chatru. So, while coming from Keylong towards Manali you will pass first Sissu, then Khoksar and finally after Khoksar there will be a place called Gramphu, this is where you need to slip down towards Kunzum Pass – Spiti Valley. The right road will take you up to Rohtang Pass – Manali and this slip down road will take you to Spiti Valley.
Thanx for the reply Dheeraj .
I want to do the full circuit entering from Gramphu . Can you Please help me plan a 4-5 day trip starting from Gramphu and all the way to shimla .
Thanks in advance.
You will be starting from Keylong I assume.
Day 1 – Keylong – Gramphu – Batal – Chandratal
Day 2 – Chandratal – Kunzum Pass – Ki – Kibber – Kaza
Day 3 – Kaza and around, may be ride to Hikkim, Komik, Langza
Day 4 – Kaza – Kalpa
Day 5 – Kalpa – Shimla
Hello there! I’m planning a trip to Spiti-Lahaul next August & wish to continue on to Leh. If I manage to find a driver to take us around Spiti, will he be allowed to continu through to Leh?
Thanks so much in advance for your help.
Veronique, You can get connected directly to some drivers in Spiti Valley or Kinnaur Valley at the link: List of Taxi Drivers for Spiti Valley & Kinnaur Valley. These drivers can come and pick you up from Manali & Shimla too.
The rates of the taxis are about Rs 3000-3500 per day depending upon the number of days you plan to travel, more the days, less the price.
Otherwise, taxis in general are also available on the spot from Shimla or Manali from respective taxi stands
Yes, they can continue up to Leh and drop you there. However, from Leh you need to hire a Ladakh based taxi for sightseeing with in Ladakh. For the leh – ladakh taxi union rate list 2014 – 15 including the contacts of some reliable taxi drivers within Leh – Ladakh, check the link here. You can get about 10-12% of discount by directly getting in touch with drivers and of course, talking in person rather on phone always help in bargaining more.
Dera Dheeraj, Thank you so much for your help & all the info about the taxis! I will definitely try to get one of the recommended drivers. Will keep in touch. Take care,
Veronique
Dear Dheeraj,
I already sent a message to thank you but just wanted to make sure as I didn’t see it posted! So, thank you for your reply & your blog in general which is of great help! I will probably have more questions as the trip gets nearer, but in the meantime, I wish you all the best for all your endeavors. Veronique
My pleasure, it is already here: https://discoverwithdheeraj.com/spiti-valley-most-common-itinerary/comment-page-3/#comment-155062
Please feel free to post any queries you have whenever you need to. Always happy to help in any way I can to ease out traveling to this part of the Himalayas 🙂
Hi Dheeraj
Can you please let me know if this route remains open between Dec 20 and Jan 5? We are planning to travel with our family during this period on this circuit.
Cheers
Rajesh
Rajesh, circuit from Kinnaur to Spiti to Manali is not open and with family this is not a period to travel Spiti Valley even from Kinnaur side.
Hi Dheeraj, 3 questions –
1) which is the very earliest time when we can do (in 2015) the whole circuit to experience little wintery climate also?
2)when does all the roads gets open?
3)Is may end a good option to do entire circuit?
1. If you are interested in whole Spiti Valley circuit then only possibility is post mid of June but by that time only snow you will get will be in between Kunzum Pass and Chatru plus Rohtang Pass.
2. Post mid of of June is when the road from Manali to Kaza over Kunzum Pass opens.
3. By May end, roads to do entire circuit might not open. For the last two years, it is opening only after 15th June.
Dear Dheeraj,
Request your urgent reply here..
We are 4 people planning a trip to Spiti Valley along with Chandratal, Kaza, Kunzum Pass.. during Oct 1st week.
Can we complete the journey hassle free in Swift?
Abhishek, please read my replies on the thread: Need Help for a Road Trip of the TRIBAL CIRCUIT/LAHAUL SPITI
Dhiraj,
Few quick questions. I have scheduled to my trip to reach Manali morning of this Saturday i.e. 27 Sep. Group with which I was planning to has apparently indicated their wish to cancel the trip and refund. I want to continue this journey in any case, I have some quick questions.
1. Is it easy to get a cab?
2. Am planning to be there till next Saturday, good enough number of days?
3. Easy to get accommodation?
4. Drivers generally conversant?
Your quick revert will be very very helpful. I don’t wish to cancel this at this stage.
best regards
Chetan
Hello Chetan,
1. It is fairly easy to get a taxi in Manali at Manali taxi stand.
2. Man, that is too much number of days just for Manali. Or is to Spiti Valley you are planning? Even if Spiti, it will be fine. There is a morning bus that runs from Manali to Kaza every morning at 5 AM. Take that bus instead of taxi in that case of Spiti.
3. Very easily available accommodation.
4. Mostly.
Hi Dheeraj
I am planning to visit Spiti Valley from 27th sept to 5th October 2014
I will follow your itinerary with small change which is below
Day 1 – 27th September Delhi – Shimla / Narkanda
Day 2 – 28th September Shimla / Narkanda – Sangla / Chitkul (Kinnaur Valley)
Day 3 – 29th September Sangla/Chitkul – Sangla – Kalpa- Nako – Tabo
Day 4 – 30th September Tabo – Dhankar – Dhankar Lake – Pin Valley (Mud Village)
Day 5 – 01st October Pin Valley – Kaza – Ki – Kibber – Gette – Tashigang – Kaza
Day 6 – 02nd October Kaza – Hikkim – Komik – Langza – Kaza / Losar
Day 7 – 03rd October Kaza / Losar – Kunzum Pass – Chandratal / Battal
Day 8 – 04th October Battal / Chandratal – Kunzum Pass – Rohtang Pass – Manali
Day 9 – 05th October Manali – Delhi
I have some doubts :
1. What about the weather and road condition these days?
2. Which is the most preferable route via Shimla or via manali?
3. Stay options in spiti valley?
I am a single person, carring my bike and first timer on mountain.
Waiting your valuable suggestion and comments on my plan.
Hello Hari,
1. Weather has started getting cold, especially in morning and at night. Night at Chandratal / Batal will be tough.
2. Go from Shimla side and come back from Manali side for better acclimatization.
3. Check: https://discoverwithdheeraj.com/india/himalayan-hotels-guest-houses/good-stay-options-spiti-kinnaur-t1218.html
Dheeraj,
How about below itinerary , i am planning after Diwali i.e. by 25 Oct.
Day 1:- Delhi – Narkanda
Day 2:- Narkanda – Kalpa
Day 3:- Kalpa – Nako – Nako Lake – Geyu Mummy – Tabo
Day 4:- Tabo – Dhankar – Dhankar Lake – Pin Valley (Mud Village)
Day 5:- Pin Valley – Kaza – Ki – Kibber – Gette – Tashigang – Kaza
Day 6:- Kaza – Hikkim – Komik – Langza – Losar
Day 7:- Losar- Manali/Kullu
Day 8:- Manali/Kullu – Delhi
Priyank, it is highly NOT RECOMMENDED to travel beyond Kaza during that late in the season. Many of the water crossings even on Kinnaur route will get frozen in early morning, so driving will not be that easy. Conditions will be quite cold and harsh too with most hotels closed. Please make up your mind first and then let’s discuss about travel plan of 8 days.
Thanks for your reply Dheeraj. I don’t mind travelling in treacherous path, but since my parents will be accompanying me, I need to keep a note of that and thanks for highlighting. Please suggest something for 4 to 5 days in that case and I will like to avoid Manali/Rohtang/Shimla, willing to travel some quite and calm place. And for this journey Storme will be accompanying me so GC & power I consider won’t be an issue.
Secondly, the next thing that comes to my mind is Tirthan Valley/Jalori Pass.
Priyank, I will suggest that for 4-5 days you can travel either to Tirthan Valley OR Pabbar Valley too. Both are nice places. If you can get hold of bookings at Tirthan Valley, it will be quite nice. You can visit Parashar Lake from there too. Barot is also one nice option near Mandi which can be included with temples of Kangra for your parents and Bir-Biling adventure games for you.