"“Main udna chahta hoon, daudna chahta hoon, girna bhi chahta hoon…”
And honestly? That’s exactly what a road trip to Spiti feels like. You’ll cross rocky roads, get tired, laugh with strangers, maybe even cry at a sunrise. This is your full Spiti itinerary, written not just for your travel plans, but for your travel feelings.
This 8-day Spiti Valley circuit tour itinerary is more than just a trip, it’s a journey through some of the most stunning and peaceful places you’ll ever see. Every day in Spiti feels different. The weather keeps changing, and with it, the whole vibe of the place. You’ll visit beautiful spots like the famous Key Monastery and the ancient Tabo Monastery, and explore quiet villages like Kaza and Langza, where time seems to slow down.
For even more convenience and additional excitement, you might want to take a look at Spiti Valley tour packages. Such packages usually comprise sightseeing services such as guided tours, quality accommodation, and transport to fully maximise your experience. Regardless of which of the mentioned packages you opt for, the primary purpose of these tours is to help you have a value-added experience that will make you fall in love with the enchanting beauty of Spiti Valley.
So, Buckle up for an adventure of a lifetime!
Spiti Valley Circuit Tour Itinerary
Your 8-day Spiti Valley tour plan starts from Manali which is a very beautiful and full-of-life town. Famous for its forests and calmness Manali is the best place from where this journey can begin. Take a day to rest and get over the effects of high altitude as well as visit major attractions within this area. Whenever you want to opt for Spiti Valley itinerary from Delhi, it is majorly suggested to take the Manali route for the adventurous ride!
- Stay: Choose from options like Johnson Lodge & Spa or Apple Country Resort for a comfortable stay.
- Must-Visit: Hadimba Temple, Manu Temple, and Vashisht Hot Springs.
Kickstart your 8-day Spiti Valley tour plan by soaking in the beauty of Manali.
Among all the roads in the world, the route from Manali to Kaza, which is the central region of Spiti Valley, is perhaps one of the most beautiful. Manali road trips touching the Rohtang Pass and Kunzum Pass can take almost 10-12 hours as they pass through the snow-clad mountains and vast valleys. Also, Spiti Valley trip from Manali is something you are going to cherish for a long time.
- Stay: Sakya Abode or Hotel Deyzor.
- Travel Tips: Start early to avoid traffic at Rohtang Pass. Keep your camera ready for some stunning landscapes.
The drive from Manali to Kaza on your 8 days Spiti Valley trip is an adventure in itself.
Kaza is the administrative centre of Spiti Valley where you will be staying for the next several days. There are many things to do in Spiti Valley and the surrounding areas so just take the whole day to go tracing different places of interest. Explore the Key Monastery which is the largest one in Spiti Valley and Kibber Village which is located in the most beautiful place.
- Must-Visit: Key Monastery, Kibber Village, Chicham Bridge.
- Local Cuisine: Try the local Spitian dishes like Thukpa and Momos at local eateries.
Kaza is the hub of your 8 days Spiti Valley trip, offering a mix of spirituality and adventure.
Day 4: Langza, Hikkim, and Komic
The fourth day is associated with the trip to the Langza, Hikkim, and Komic villages situated at the height. Langza is mostly popular for the huge statue of Buddha and rock formations that abound with fossils. There is a Post office at HikkimVillage that is the highest in the world and Komic is one of the world’s highest motorable villages. The Spiti circuit tour itinerary would not be complete without visiting these beautiful villages.
- Must-Do: Send a postcard from Hikkim, explore the ancient Lang Temple in Langza, and visit theKomic Monastery.
- Travel Tips: Carry some snacks and water as there are limited food options in these remote villages.
Discover the charm of high-altitude villages on your 8 days Spiti Valley trip.
Day five begins with the departure towards Dhankar, which is the old royal seat of Spiti. Spiritually beautiful, the Dhankar Monastery is situated on a hill and has breathtaking views of the Spiti Valley. After this, go to Tabo which is famous for being one of the oldest Buddhist monasteries in India still in operation.
- Stay: Dhankar Monastery Guest House or Tabo Monastery Guest House.
- Must-Visit: Dhankar Monastery, Tabo Monastery, Tabo Caves.
The historic monasteries of Dhankar and Tabo are highlights of your 8 days Spiti Valley trip.
Day 6: Pin Valley National Park
Spend day six visiting the Pin Valley National Park , which is among the best places for wildlife lovers. Among the rare species living in the park, it is possible to list snow leopard, Siberian ibex, and several others. It is a must-visit and ideal for relaxation because of its calm surroundings and variations of plants and animals.
- Must-Do: Trekking in Pin Valley, wildlife spotting, and photography.
- Travel Tips: Ensure you have the necessary permits for the park and carry sufficient water and snacks.
Pin Valley National Park is a highlight of your 8 days Spiti Valley trip for nature lovers.
Day seven of your 8 Days Spiti Valley Trip starts at one of the most enchanting sites of the Spiti Valley which is Chandratal Lake also called the Moon Lake. Located at an altitude of 4,300m, the lake is famous not only for its clear water but also for its beautiful reflections. It is a known campsite and has marvellous sunsets and wonderful views over the nearby hills.
Chandratal Lake adds a touch of magic to your 8 days Spiti Valley trip.
Towards the final of your 8-day Spiti valley itinerary , return back to Manali. Relive the great moments and time spent during the week through beautiful scenery on the way back passing through the beautiful landscapes.
- Stay: Optional overnight stay in Manali if required.
- Must-Do: A farewell dinner at a local restaurant to celebrate the completion of your journey.
Conclude your 8 days Spiti Valley trip with a scenic drive back to Manali.
Best Time to Visit Spiti Valley by Car
The best time to visit Spiti Valley by car or bike is from March to June, when most of the travelers have their Spiti Valley trip plan. At this point of time, temperatures are ranging from 0 Degrees Celsius to 15 Degrees Celsius, which is technically the appropriate temperature to have your Spiti Valley circuit tour itinerary.
You will have reliable road connectivity with no blockages at all. Traveling with ease and hassle-free procedure can only be done during the months of March to June. And, on the other hand, the winter season in Spiti is all about extreme snowfall and road blockages. But, winter Spiti is also a thing that many people want to experience and is done via the different route.
Also, it is best to avoid this destination during continuous heavy rainfall and monsoon seasons, in July to September. It is also followed by landslides and slippery roads, that might even spoil your holiday mood.
How to Reach Spiti Valley?
Many people have questions about “how to plan a trip to Spiti Valley?” Let us take you through the different routes that you can opt for.
- By Road: The most common way to reach Spiti is by road via two main routes:
- • Shimla Route: Delhi → Shimla → Reckong Peo → Kaza. This route is longer but better for gradual acclimatization and is usually open year-round.
- • Manali Route: Delhi → Manali → Rohtang Pass → Kunzum Pass → Kaza. Shorter but often closed during winter due to snow.
- By Train: The nearest major railway station is Shimla, connected to Delhi by regular trains. From Shimla, you can take buses or taxis to Spiti Valley.
- By Air: The closest airport is Kullu-Manali Airport (Bhuntar), about 200 km from Kaza. From Bhuntar, you can hire a taxi or take a bus via Manali to reach Spiti.
So, whenever you get an issue about how to plan a trip to Spiti Valley, opt for any of these options and get ready for a lifetime adventure in the majestic Himalayas.
Travel Tips for 8 Days Spiti Valley Trip
- Acclimatize Properly: It is recommended to spend at least a day at Manali, or any other place of lesser altitude before proceeding further into the Spiti Valleys to avoid altitude sickness.
- Plan Your Stops: Try and book all your lodgings in advance for the particular areas that you want to travel to, especially during rush season.
- Pack Wisely: Take additional clothing since weather conditions change a lot, and it may be chilly at one point and hot at another. Keep items that are likely to be needed like a first aid box, hygiene items, and personal prescriptions.
- Stay Hydrated: To acclimatise your body to the altitude, ensure that you drink a lot of water.
- Respect Local Culture: This is especially important when it comes to dress code and legal system. Be polite and request permission to capture photos or take pictures in restricted areas.
Suggested Read: Mane Village Travel Guide: Everything You Need to Know
Understanding your budget for the 7-day Spiti Valley trip would enable you to make the right preparations to have an ideal trip. Here’s a detailed breakdown of Spiti Valley route map, the expenses you might incur:
- Manali to Kaza (Round Trip): The most convenient option is to hire a private conveyance. The fare for an SUV, or a comfortable car for the round trip (Manali to Kaza and back) would be Rs. 25000 to 35000.
- Local Transportation: For local travel within the Spiti Valley, there are shared taxi services and buses are also available. For local tourism, expect to spend INR 5,000 to INR 8,000 travelling via shared taxis or in a tour group.
Estimated Total Transportation Cost: INR 15,000 to 20,000
- Manali: The local medium scale hotels such as Johnson Lodge & Spa or Apple Country Resort cost about INR 3,000 to INR 5,000 per night.
- Kaza: Lodging facilities such as Sakya Abode or Hotel Deyzor fall within the INR 2,000 INR 4,000 range for per night stay.
- Chandratal Lake: Tariffs for camps near ChandraTal are in the range of INR 1,500 to INR 3,000 if booked per night.
Estimated Total Accommodation Cost: INR 8,000 to 15,000 (based on mid-range options)
- Daily Meals: Count about INR 500 to 1,000 per person per day for food and this includes breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
- Local Eateries: The expenses for food depend on the places you try local foods and cost INR 200 to 500 for a meal.
Estimated Total Meals Cost: INR 2,000 to 8,000 per person
4. Permits and Entry Fees
- Permits: Inner Line Permits for restricted areas are relatively inexpensive, within the range of INR 400 to 600.
- Entry Fees: Costs for entering the monasteries and parks can cost between INR 100 to 300 depending on the places.
Estimated Total Permits and Entry Fees: INR 1,000 to 2,000 per person
While following the Spiti Valley route map, these permits and entry fees need to be settled down before you take up the journey.
5. Activities and Experiences
- Adventure Activities: For various adventurous activities such as trekking, river rafting, and being on guided tours you should budget between INR 2,000 and 5,000.
- Cultural Experiences: Local workshops or cultural shows may vary from INR 500 to INR 1000.
Estimated Total Activities Cost: INR 2,500 to 6,000
- Shopping: Budget around INR 1,000 to 3,000 for souvenirs and local handicrafts.
- Emergency Funds: It’s wise to keep some extra cash for unforeseen expenses, around INR 2,000 to 5,000.
Estimated Total Miscellaneous Cost: INR 1,000 to 5,000
Suggested Read: Adventure, Culture, and Solitude: Spiti valley solo trip
- Book in Advance: When it comes to going for a vacation, you need to book the accommodation and the means of transport in advance to save for the best offers.
- Travel in Groups: Split the bills with other travellers to minimise expenses.
- Choose Local Eateries: Choose local foods in order to reduce expenses on foods and snacks.
- Stay in Homestays: As for accommodation, it could be better to find homestays, which are much cheaper and provide closer contact with the locals.
- Monitor Spending: Record your daily expenses so that you can balance the amount you need to spend.
Bonus Tip: Currency and ATMs
Before visiting Spiti Valley, tourists have to know that they may find themselves in a district with little or no access to cash. There is poor availability of ATMs in this area and the few ones available are sometimes out of service, especially in this part of Himachal Pradesh that has few developed towns like Kaza and Rekong Peo.
However, one may face such a situation when there are no nearby ATMs or these machines do not have money, or they are temporarily offline because of connection problems.
It is also important to have enough with you in cash to cater for all your needs till you complete the tour. This involves money for accommodation, meals, transport and any other expenses that would be incurred. While few of the hotels and shops in the larger towns and cities might possibly accept the use of credit cards, most of the businesses, especially those in the remote and rural areas are operated on a cash base.
Therefore, when in Spiti Valley, there are no ATMs around and to avoid any inconvenience, it is advisable to withdraw enough cash beforehand.
These suggestions will enable you to save a lot of your money and ensure that the entire 8 days Spiti Valley trip is full of fun without any financial strain.
Suggested Read: Yak Safari in Spiti Valley: Unforgettable Adventure Awaits
In this 8-days Spiti Valley trip the traveller gets an opportunity to taste the unparalleled beauty of one of the most offbeat and silent beautiful spots of India. Whether you are wandering through monasteries or exploring the villages at high altitudes, enjoying beautiful landscapes or cultural experiences, this travel guide lets you discover the best of Spiti Valley. So, go pack your bags, get set for a journey, and prepare to be mesmerised by the beauty of the Spiti Valley.
Here in this guide, you have all the details that can help reach up to the memorable 8 days Spiti Valley trip including – the route map and destination highlights, an ideal time to travel and how to reach there, the must-visit places, some general and useful tips and tricks, and the most important and mandatory, packing list.
Happy travels!
