Some journeys aren’t just about the destination—they’re about the stories that unfold along the way. Our road trip through Spiti Valley was one of those adventures. Starting from the charming town of Kalpa, we set out on a rugged yet breathtaking route towards Manali, winding through some of the most surreal landscapes imaginable.
Planning our Spiti Valley Road Trip
What started as a simple plan for a peaceful workation in the hills of Himachal turned into one of the most thrilling adventures of our lives—an unforgettable road trip from Bangalore to Spiti Valley. The idea of working from the mountains had been on our minds for a while. But little did we know, our route to Manali would take us through the raw, untouched beauty of Spiti valley.
Being road trip lovers at heart, we knew flying straight wasn’t our style. That’s when we decided to turn it into a full-fledged road trip. And just like that, Spiti crept into our itinerary—because how could we resist when we were already so close?
After planning our leaves and finalizing the Spiti valley itinerary, we started preparing ourselves for the most memorable trip of our lives.
We spent two peaceful weeks in Kalpa, a dreamy Himalayan village in Himachal Pradesh before we began a 7-day journey across the wild, lunar-like terrain of Spiti Valley, ending in Manali. This route tested our limits, rewarded us with jaw-dropping views, and connected us with the heart and soul of the mountains.
Here’s a glimpse into our Spiti Valley itinerary
Day 1: Kalpa to Tabo – Entering the Land of Monasteries
Leaving behind Kalpa’s mesmerizing sunrise over Kinnaur Kailash, we set off towards Spiti Valley, eager for the landscapes and adventures that lay ahead. The road was scenic but rugged, hugging the edges of the mighty Sutlej River, offering thrilling turns and endless views of the barren Himalayan mountains.
Our first stop was Nako Lake, a tranquil body of water surrounded by traditional Himachali homes. A short walk led us to the serene banks of the lake, where the reflection of the snow-capped peaks made for a picture-perfect moment.
From Nako, we detoured to Gue Village, home to India’s only naturally preserved mummy of a Buddhist monk, believed to be over 500 years old. The small, isolated monastery had an eerie yet fascinating aura. By late evening, we reached Tabo and called it a night.
Day 2: Tabo to Mudh Village (Pin Valley) – Into the Heart of Spiti’s Hidden Paradise
The morning in Tabo was magical, with golden light hitting the barren mountains. We explored the 1,000-year-old Tabo Monastery, often called the “Ajanta of the Himalayas” due to its stunning ancient murals. Walking through its dimly lit chambers felt like stepping back in time.
Our next destination was Pin Valley, one of the most stunning yet unexplored regions of Spiti. The drive was an adventure in itself—narrow, winding roads that led us into a valley where lush greenery contrasted beautifully against the rugged backdrop.
We visited Kungri Monastery, where the monks welcomed us with warm butter tea, sharing stories of their simple yet spiritually fulfilling lives. From there, we headed towards Mudh Village, the last motorable village in Pin Valley.
Mudh felt straight out of a painting—tiny mud-brick houses, prayer flags fluttering in the cold breeze, and the Pin River flowing peacefully through the valley. As the evening set in, we strolled through the village, chatting with friendly locals who shared tales of harsh winters and self-sufficient living. The vast land and the gorgeous mountains lured us to camp under the skies.
Day 3: Mudh to Kaza via Dhankar Monastery – The Cliffside Wonder
Bidding farewell to Mudh, we made our way back towards the main Spiti highway, stopping at the Dhankar Monastery, an architectural marvel clinging to a steep cliffside. Once the capital of Spiti, Dhankar offered breathtaking views of the confluence of the Spiti and Pin Rivers below. If you have time, make sure to trek up to the hidden Dhankar Lake, a short but challenging hike leading to a pristine high-altitude lake.
By afternoon, we reached Kaza, the largest town in Spiti. After days of isolation, Kaza felt lively with its cafés, markets, and travelers from around the world. We explored the local market, sipped cappuccinos at The Himalayan Café, and watched the sun set behind the mighty Himalayas.
Day 4: Exploring Kaza – Key Monastery, Kibber & Hikkim
This day was dedicated to exploring the nearby villages and places around Kaza. Our first stop was Hikkim, home to the world’s highest post office. At 4,400 meters above sea level, we mailed postcards to friends and family—an act that felt both surreal and special. Not far from here is Komic Village, among the highest inhabited villages on Earth. Don’t forget to have a chai or Maggie is a must at the world’s highest restaurant! Its small cluster of houses and the ancient Tangyud Monastery gave us a glimpse into the isolated yet spiritually rich lifestyle of the locals.
Next, we stopped at Langza, often called the “fossil village.” Langza is famous for marine fossils scattered around the area—remnants of a time when this region lay under the Tethys Sea. The large Buddha statue overlooking the village added a sense of serenity to the already magical landscape.
As the sun began to set, we visited the magnificent Key Monastery, the largest in Spiti, perched dramatically on a hill above the Spiti River. The view from the top was ethereal, especially under the golden light of the evening. We were welcomed warmly by the monks, who offered us traditional butter tea as we explored the ancient prayer halls filled with murals, manuscripts, and centuries-old relics.
For a truly immersive experience, we chose to stay overnight at the Key Monastery. The simple monk dormitories offered basic accommodations, but the peace and spirituality of the setting made it a unique and memorable stay. Waking up to the sound of morning prayers echoing through the valley was a moment of pure magic.
Day 5: Kaza to Chandratal via Kibber & Chicham Bridge – The Moon Lake Awaits
This was one of the most exciting and unforgettable days of our Spiti Valley road trip!
We had planned an early start towards Chandratal Lake, but a small hiccup delayed us—we had to visit a mechanic in Kaza for some quick fixes on our vehicle. Once everything was sorted, we finally hit the road, full of excitement and adrenaline.
We decided to take the scenic route via Kibber Village and Chicham Bridge once again. This time, bathed in the soft morning light, the landscape looked even more magical. The Chicham Bridge, one of the highest suspension bridges in Asia, hung majestically over a deep gorge, linking two mountain cliffs. Standing on the bridge, with the fierce winds and the dizzying drop below, was nothing short of thrilling.
After soaking in the views, we continued toward Losar, the last village before Chandratal. Losar Checkpost is the final point where you have any mobile network connectivity—after this, it’s just you, your vehicle, and the towering mountains.
The journey ahead became more challenging as we approached the rugged Kunzum Pass, perched at a staggering height of 4,551 meters (14,931 feet). The road conditions worsened considerably here—narrow dirt tracks, endless potholes, steep climbs, and sharp hairpins greeted us at every turn. Water crossings and loose gravel made the drive even trickier, demanding full concentration and nerve.
Ideally, we should have halted at Losar and continued the next morning, but in the heat of the moment, adrenaline took over our better judgment. Against all recommendations, we decided to push ahead toward Chandratal. It was already dark, and navigating the treacherous roads under a moonless sky turned the drive into a heart-pounding adventure.
After battling the rough terrain and surviving a night drive like no other, we finally reached Chandratal around 9 PM. Looking back, it was not the safest decision, and we wouldn’t recommend anyone to drive at night on these roads. But it was a once-in-a-lifetime experience—a night full of lessons, thrill, and memories we’ll cherish forever.
We quickly settled into a campsite near Chandratal as we had little time and energy to set up our own tents. Despite the exhaustion, the moment we looked up, everything was forgotten—the night sky was absolutely magical. We saw the Milky Way with our naked eyes, a glittering river of stars stretching across the heavens.
Though we are decent photographers and managed to capture some beautiful shots, no camera could truly capture the feeling of that night. What you witness with your own eyes, amidst the cold winds and utter silence, is beyond any photograph.
Day 6: Chandratal to Manali – Back to Civilization
We woke up early in the morning, our hearts filled with excitement to finally witness one of the most beautiful lakes in India—Chandratal Lake, also known as the “Moon Lake.” After a short yet slightly challenging 1.5 km trek from the parking area, we reached the lake, and the sight quite literally took our breath away.
Nestled at an altitude of about 4,300 meters (14,100 feet) in the Lahaul region of Himachal Pradesh, Chandratal is a glacial lake famed for its surreal beauty. Its name, Chandra Taal, comes from its crescent moon-like shape—‘Chandra’ meaning moon and ‘Taal’ meaning lake in Hindi.
The pristine blue-green waters mirrored the surrounding snow-capped mountains and clear sky so perfectly, it felt like we had stepped into a painting—or a dream. The silence, broken only by the crisp mountain breeze and distant bird calls, added to the sacredness of the moment.
After spending a peaceful morning, we came back to the camp, packed up and began the final stretch of our journey. The road to Manali was nothing short of an adventure—river crossings, steep climbs, and the infamous Batal-Gramphu stretch, where we navigated through some of the roughest roads we had ever seen.
Finally, after crossing the lush green valleys of Rohtang Pass, we descended into Manali, where the comforts of civilization—hot showers, WiFi, and fresh food—felt like luxuries.
Day 7: Exploring Manali & Departure
Before heading back home, we explored Old Manali, Hadimba Temple, and Mall Road, soaking in the last bit of Himachal before saying goodbye to the mountains. As we left, we knew one thing for sure—Spiti was not just a destination, but an emotion, an experience that would stay with us forever.
Essential Information for Planning a Road Trip to Spiti Valley
Best Time to Visit Spiti Valley
Summer (Mid-May to September) – Ideal for a road trip as both routes via Shimla and Manali are open. The weather is pleasant, and all major attractions, including Chandratal Lake, are accessible.
Winter (October to April) – Perfect for those who want to experience a snow-covered Spiti. The Manali route is closed, and travel is only possible via Shimla. Extreme cold (-20°C in some places) and limited facilities make this a challenging trip.
How to Reach Spiti Valley
There are two routes to reach Spiti:
- Via Shimla (Open Year-Round) – Kalpa → Tabo → Kaza (Recommended for gradual acclimatization).
- Via Manali (Only Open from June to October) – Manali → Chandratal → Kaza → Kalpa → Shimla.
Most travelers enter through Shimla and exit via Manali for a smooth transition to high altitude.
Permits Required for Spiti Valley
Indian travelers do not require permits.
Foreign travelers need an Inner Line Permit (ILP) to visit Dhankar, Tabo, Kaza, Chandratal, and beyond. Available online or at DC office in Reckong Peo or Kaza.
Vehicle & Road Conditions
Best Vehicles: A 4×4 SUV or a high-ground clearance vehicle (e.g., Thar, Scorpio, Fortuner, XUV 700, or Bolero).
Road Conditions: Expect broken roads, river crossings, landslide-prone zones, and steep hairpin bends (especially on Gramphu-Batal road).
Packing Essentials for a Spiti Valley Road Trip
- Clothing: Layered clothes, thermals, gloves, and a good jacket (temperatures drop drastically at night).
- Footwear: Waterproof trekking shoes (for short hikes to Dhankar Lake, Chandratal, etc.).
- Medical Kit: Diamox (for AMS), painkillers, basic first aid, and essential medicines.
- Documents: DL, vehicle RC, PUC, insurance, permits (for foreign travelers).
- Other Essentials: Torch, power banks, extra fuel (especially on the Kaza-Batal-Manali stretch), dry snacks, and cash (ATMs are unreliable).
Important Travel Tips for Spiti Valley
- Acclimatization – Travel via Shimla route for gradual altitude gain and avoid AMS (Altitude Sickness).
- Fuel Availability – Last fuel pump before Spiti is in Kaza. Always carry extra fuel in jerry cans.
- No Network in Most Areas – BSNL works best in Spiti; Jio & Airtel work only in Kaza. Download offline maps.
- Avoid Driving After Sunset – Roads are treacherous, and help is scarce at night.
- Respect Local Culture – Spiti is deeply Buddhist; be mindful in monasteries.
A Spiti Valley road trip is an unforgettable adventure—harsh roads, breathtaking landscapes, and warm hospitality make it one of India’s best travel experiences. Prepare well, drive carefully, and enjoy the magic of Spiti!
