Spiti Valley in Himachal Pradesh, India, is a breathtaking destination known for its rugged terrain, scenic landscapes, monasteries, and unique culture.Here are some of the best routes
to explore Spiti Valley

Best Routes to Explore Spiti Valley

1. Classic Circuit: Shimla → Spiti → Manali (Gradual Ascent)

This is the most popular route to Spiti as it allows you to acclimatize better by starting at lower altitudes. It offers lush greenery in the early stages and transitions into the rugged beauty of Spiti Valley.

Day-Wise Itinerary

• Day 1: Shimla → Narkanda → Rampur (130 km; ~4-5 hours)
  
  

• Highlights:

• Drive through pine forests and apple orchards.

• Stop at Narkanda for views of the Sutlej River Valley.

• Visit Hatu Peak (optional).

• Stay: Rampur or Narkanda.

• Day 2: Rampur → Sarahan → Sangla (90 km; ~4 hours)
  
  

• Highlights:

• Sarahan’s Bhimakali Temple: A mix of Buddhist and Hindu architecture.

• Scenic drive through the Baspa River Valley.

• Chitkul: India’s last village near the Tibet border.

• Stay: Sangla or Chitkul.

• Day 3: Sangla → Kalpa (50 km; ~2 hours)
  
  

• Highlights:

• Kalpa’s panoramic views of the Kinnaur Kailash mountain range.

• Explore the old-world charm of Kalpa village.

• Stay: Kalpa.

• Day 4: Kalpa → Nako → Tabo (170 km; ~7-8 hours)
  
  

• Highlights:

• Nako Lake: A serene high-altitude lake.

• Tabo Monastery: Over 1,000 years old, with ancient murals and scriptures.

• Stay: Tabo.

• Day 5: Tabo → Dhankar → Kaza (50 km; ~3-4 hours)
  
  

• Highlights:

• Dhankar Monastery: Perched dramatically on a cliff.

• Dhankar Lake (2 km trek).

• Stay: Kaza.

• Day 6: Explore Kaza (Local Villages & Monasteries)
  
  

• Highlights:

• Key Monastery: Spiti’s largest and most iconic gompa.

• Villages of Langza (fossil hunting), Hikkim (highest post office), and Komic (world’s highest motorable village).

• Stay: Kaza.

• Day 7: Kaza → Chandratal Lake (90 km; ~6-7 hours)
  
  

• Highlights:

• Kunzum Pass (4,551 m): Stunning mountain vistas.

• Chandratal Lake: Crystal-clear lake with camping options.

• Stay: Camps near Chandratal.

• Day 8: Chandratal → Manali (130 km; ~7-8 hours)
  
  

• Highlights:

• Cross Rohtang Pass (3,978 m).

• Scenic drive back to Manali.

• Stay: Manali.

Pros:

• Best acclimatization due to gradual altitude gain.

• Covers cultural and natural highlights extensively.

Challenges:

• Longer duration.

• Roads between Tabo, Kaza, and Chandratal can be treacherous.

2. Manali to Spiti (Shorter Route, Steeper Ascent)

This route is faster but involves a rapid gain in altitude. It’s ideal for those short on time but requires proper acclimatization preparation.

Day-Wise Itinerary

• Day 1: Manali → Rohtang Pass → Chandratal (130 km; ~7-8 hours)
  
  

• Highlights:

• Rohtang Pass: Panoramic views of the Himalayas.

• Kunzum Pass: Prayer flags and breathtaking landscapes.

• Chandratal Lake: High-altitude camping experience.

• Stay: Camps near Chandratal.

• Day 2: Chandratal → Kaza (90 km; ~4-5 hours)
  
  

• Highlights:

• Stop at Losar, the first village of Spiti.

• Explore Kaza town in the evening.

• Stay: Kaza.

• Day 3: Explore Kaza (Local Attractions)
  
  

• Highlights:

• Key Monastery, Hikkim, Langza, Komic.

• Stay: Kaza.

• Day 4: Kaza → Tabo → Nako (110 km; ~6-7 hours)
  
  

• Highlights:

• Tabo Monastery & Nako Lake.

• Stay: Nako.

• Day 5: Nako → Kalpa → Sangla (150 km; ~7-8 hours)
  
  

• Highlights:

• Scenic drive along the Sutlej River.

• Stay: Sangla or Kalpa.

• Day 6: Sangla → Shimla (230 km; ~8-9 hours)
  
  

• Stay: Shimla or Chandigarh.

Pros:

• Shorter and faster.

• Includes Chandratal early in the trip.

Challenges:

• Rapid altitude gain may lead to AMS (Acute Mountain Sickness).

• Rough roads near Kunzum Pass and Chandratal.

3. Offbeat Route: Chandigarh → Shimla → Spiti

This route is excellent for travelers starting from Chandigarh or the nearby plains.

Day-Wise Itinerary

• Day 1: Chandigarh → Shimla → Narkanda (180 km; ~6 hours)
  
  

• Stay: Narkanda.

• Day 2: Narkanda → Sangla → Kalpa (180 km; ~7 hours)
  
  

Also Read



Himachal Pradesh- sukoon matlab himachal



Rajasthan - A Tourist Paradise



Julle! Spiti – Adventurous Solitude



Adorning the Northwestern Lap of the Himalayas: Himachal Pradesh



Rajasthan - A Tourist Paradise