Ever felt like your brain needs a hard reset? That’s your sign to pack a bag and head to Spiti Valley, where even your network signal goes on a digital detox. Out here, your phone stops working, but somehow your soul starts to.
But planning a road trip to Spiti Valley isn’t just about booking a ticket and hitting the road. The terrain is remote, the weather unpredictable, and connectivity scarce, which is why choosing the right Spiti tour package is essential. So, let us take you through the Spiti road trip, which is an emotion for many!
Spiti Valley Road Trip Itinerary
Here is the Spiti Valley road trip itinerary that you can follow as this route is designed for those who want an ideal road trip or Spiti Valley bike trip!
DAY 1: Delhi to Narkanda
Distance: 6-7 Hours (403 Kilometers)
Highlights: scenic drive through Shimla
Stay: Overnight in Narkanda
DAY 2: Narkanda to Kalpa
Distance: 4-5 Hours (163 Kilometers)
Highlights: Sutlej river views, Kinnaur Kailash Range
Stay: Wooden homestays in Kalpa
DAY 3: Kalpa to Tabo via Nako
Distance: 4-5 hours (157 Kilometers)
Highlights: Nako Lake, Tabo Monastery
Stay: Tabo
DAY 4: Tabo to Dhankar to Kaza
Distance: 3-4 hours (60 Kilometers)
Highlights: Trek to Dhankar Lake, Key Monastery
Stay: Return to Kaza
DAY 5: Key, Kibber and Hikkim Circuit
Distance: full day circuit
Highlights: Key Monastery, Kibber and Hikkim
Stay: Return to Kaza
DAY 6: Kaza to Chandratal Lake
Distance: 5-6 hours (100 Kilometers)
Highlights: Kunzum Pass, camp by Chandratal Lake
Stay: camping at Chandratal
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Places to Visit during Spiti Road Trip
A trip to Spiti Valley circuit tour is never a dull experience. Spiti Valley is full of attractions showcasing its rich cultural heritage and natural beauty. Here are some of the best places to visit in Spiti Valley:
The Key Monastery is one of the famous sightseeing points in the Spiti Valley. Situated at 4,166 meters, the biggest monastery in the region is more than 800 years old and belongs to the sect of Tibetan Buddhism known as Gelugpa. This is a monastery where a large population of monks resides and the facilities in the place include a setup for studying and for meditation. It is one of the most popular places to visit during Spiti road trip.
Location: 72X6+4QM, Key, Pinjoor, Himachal Pradesh 172114
Entry fee: NIL
Timings: 6 AM - 6PM
Tabo Monastery, is one of the oldest and most revered Buddhist monasteries in India. Also known as the “Ajanta of the Himalayas” due to its ancient murals and intricate Buddhist art. The monastery is a peaceful sanctuary, with a serene setting and makes it an ideal spot for having a new experience.
Location: 39VM+C56, Tabo, Dhar Gangchhumi, Himachal Pradesh 172113
Entry fee: 6 AM - 7 PM
Timings: INR 30
Komic Village is one of the highest villages in the world, situated at an altitude of 4,587 meters. Towns in the village consist of the Komic Monastery or Tangyud Monastery, which is considered one of the highest monasteries globally. It provides a magnificent look at the mountains around the village and gives the feeling of the traditional way of life of the Spitian people. Do not miss this amazing and one of the best places to visit during Spiti road trip!
Location: 64P6+267, Unnamed Road, Komic, Dhar Lung Wooh, Himachal Pradesh 172114
Entry fee: NIL
Timings: Any time of the day
Langza Village has fossils dating back to millions of years as well as a very beautiful sight of Chau Chau Kang Nilda. It is located at an altitude of 4,400m with a large statue of Buddha on the top of the mountain facing the village. The tourist interest in the village includes Mud House, interaction with local people, and Langza Monastery.
Location: 73GM+8FV, Langza, Hikam, Himachal Pradesh 172114
Entry fee: NIL
Timings: Any time of the day
Hikkim Village - the place which is famous for having the highest post office in the world. Besides this universal fact, it also has a very serene location of the place which makes it a perfect destination for visitors to spend some time here.
Having a high elevation, this village remains snow-capped for a considerable time around the year. So, you should definitely visit Hikkim village when the weather is pleasant for tourists to come here.
Location: Spiti taluk of, Kaza, Dhar Lung Wooh, Himachal Pradesh 172114
Entry fee: NIL
Timings: Any time of the day
Chandratal Lake, also known as the "Moon Lake," is a magical place hidden in the high mountains of Himachal Pradesh, India. It gets its name because the lake is shaped like a crescent moon. "Chandra" means moon, and "tal" means lake.
This peaceful lake sits at a height of about 4,300 meters above sea level, in the Spiti Valley. It is surrounded by snow-capped mountains and open skies, making it feel like a dreamland. When the sun shines, the water changes color – sometimes it looks blue, sometimes green, and sometimes it looks like glass, reflecting the sky and mountains.
Location: Himachal Pradesh 175140
Entry fee: NIL
Timings: 7 AM - 5 PM
Spiti Valley Road Condition
The road to Spiti Valley is an adventure in itself! Expect bumpy, uneven paths, narrow roads, and some hair-raising climbs. While the views make it all worth it, the journey can be a bit challenging, especially in high-altitude areas. A sturdy vehicle with good ground clearance will make the ride smoother, but it’s all part of the experience. Just be prepared for a few shakes, rattles, and breathtaking moments along the way!
Here is the route-wise Spiti Valley road condition that you should know about!
Delhi - Solan: Excellent
Solan - Rampur: Good
Rampur - Wangtoo: Poor and Bumpy
Wangtoo - Nako: Excellent
Nako - Tabo: Bad, mostly unpaved
Tabo - Kaza: Average
Kaza - Langza: Bad
Kaza - Key: Good
Langza to Komik: Excellent but narrow
Komik - Hikkim - Kaza: Bad
Cost of a Road Trip to Spiti Valley
While preparing for a road trip to Spiti Valley, one must consider the expenditure ranging from the means of transport, lodgings, food, permits,and other related charges. Here is a breakdown of the typical costs you might incur:
1. Transportation:
- Fuel: Fuel expenses will also be influenced by the total distance the vehicle is used throughout, depending on the vehicle’s consumption rate. Delhi to Spiti Valley is approximately 800-1000 km one way, and the round trip will be approximately 1500-2000 km. The estimated fuel economy is 12-15 km/litre and the best starts at INR 90/litre, thus, make sure you set aside INR 10,000-15,000 for fuel.
- Vehicle Rental: If you are hiring a car or motorcycle the cost of hiring differs ranging from INR 1,500-3,000 for a car and INR 1,000-1,500 for a motorcycle per day. Self-drive car rental for a 10-day trip might cost between INR 15,000 to INR 30,000, while for a motorcycle it can cost anything between INR 10,000 to INR 15,000.
- Public Transport: If one does not have personal means of transport then one can engage in the use of buses and shared taxis for transport. The tariff for experiencing local transport from Shimla/Manali to Spiti Valley and inside the valley fluctuates between INR 5,000-7,000 per individual for the whole voyage.
2. Accommodation
- Standard class options including guest houses and homestays in Spiti are between INR 500 and 1500 per night. In case of stay, depending on the duration of travel, for instance, INR 5,000-15,000 per person for 10 days of travel may be spent in accommodation.
- Camping is another arrangement and costs about INR 1,000-2,000 for one night or even includes meals at campsites.
3. Food
Food in Spiti costs are fairly reasonable. The budget for food is INR 300-500/day; this amounts to INR 3,000 – 5,000 for 10 days of traveling.
4. Permits
As for the Indian citizens, there are no restrictions on obtaining permits for visiting the Spiti Valley. Still, foreigners need to possess an Inner Line Permit (ILP) for some of the zones. The permit cost trends at around INR 600 to 800 per head.
5. Miscellaneous
Extra costs are related to payments for entries to the monasteries, buying souvenirs, and any unforeseen circumstances. For these, one should set aside INR 2, 000- INR 3, 000.
- For a budget road trip on your own vehicle: INR 25,000-35,000 per person
- For a road trip using rental vehicles: INR 40,000-50,000 per person
- For a trip using public transport: INR 20,000-25,000 per person
This approximate cost depends on how long you plan to stay, how you move around, and on the current global fuel costs as well as accommodation costs.
Best Time to Go on a Road Trip to Spiti Valley
The best time to go on a road trip to Spiti Valley is from May to October. During these months, the weather is more favorable, with clear skies and warmer temperatures, making it ideal for road trips.
The roads are generally open, and the snow on high passes like Kunzum Pass begins to melt, allowing for smoother travel. However, if you love snow and a quieter, off-season experience, visiting between November and March offers a winter wonderland, though the weather is harsh, and some routes may be closed.
What to Pack for a Road Trip to Spiti?
- Warm clothes (layers, jacket, scarf, gloves)
- Waterproof jacket
- Comfortable shoes (for walking and hiking)
- Sunglasses and sunscreen
- Moisturizer and lip balm
- Toiletries (toothbrush, toothpaste, wipes)
- Power bank and charger
- Camera
- First-aid kit (pain relievers, altitude sickness tablets)
- Water bottle and snacks
- ID and travel permits
- Cash (ATMs are rare)
