Spiti Valley Full Circuit – Shimla | Kaza | Chandratal
📍 Himachal Pradesh
Overview
Experience the ultimate Spiti Valley Full Circuit from Jaipur/Delhi, beginning your journey from Jaipur/Delhi and travelling towards Shimla before entering the stunning landscapes of Kinnaur and Spiti Valley. The journey covers Shimla, Sangla, Chitkul, Nako, Tabo, Dhankar, Kaza, Hikkim, Langza, Komic, Key Monastery, Chicham Bridge, Chandratal Lake and Manali.
From high-altitude villages and ancient monasteries to dramatic mountain passes and the crystal-clear waters of Chandratal Lake, this circuit offers an unforgettable Himalayan road-trip experience.
Highlights
- ✔ Jaipur/Delhi to Shimla overnight Volvo journey
- ✔ Explore Kinnaur Gate and Karcham Dam
- ✔ Visit Chitkul – the last inhabited village near the Indo-Tibetan border
- ✔ Visit Khab Sangam – confluence of Spiti and Sutlej Rivers
- ✔ Explore the ancient Tabo Monastery
- ✔ Visit Dhankar Monastery
- ✔ Explore Kaza – the capital of Spiti Valley
- ✔ Visit Hikkim – world's highest post office
- ✔ Visit Langza – famous for its world's highest Buddha statue
- ✔ Visit Komic – world's highest motorable village
- ✔ Explore Key Monastery
- ✔ Cross Chicham Bridge – Asia's highest and longest suspension bridge
- ✔ Drive through the stunning Spiti Valley landscapes
- ✔ Visit Chandratal Lake
- ✔ Overnight camping near Chandratal
- ✔ Scenic drive from Chandratal to Manali
- ✔ Free time to explore Manali
- ✔ Overnight Volvo journey from Manali to Delhi/Jaipur
Day-wise Itinerary
- Day 1: Jaipur/Delhi to Shimla | Overnight Volvo Journey
Your Spiti adventure begins with your departure from Jaipur, where travellers will board the bus from Sindhi Camp / Transport Nagar between 8:00 PM–10:00 PM for Shimla. Travellers joining from Delhi will board from Kashmiri Gate between 10:00 PM–11:00 PM. The journey will continue overnight towards Shimla, where you will meet your trip captain and fellow travellers and begin your exciting journey into the Himalayas. Dinner will be self-paid.
- Day 2: Shimla to Sangla / Chitkul
You will reach Shimla around 7:00 AM–8:00 AM, where you can freshen up at a local restaurant before continuing your journey. After breakfast, which will be self-paid, you will board the Tempo Traveller/Mini Bus and head towards Sangla. En route, you will explore Kinnaur Gate and Karcham Dam while enjoying the scenic mountain landscapes. Sangla or Chitkul will be your first stay on the circuit, and you are expected to reach around 6:00 PM–8:00 PM. After check-in, you will have dinner, which will be included in the tour, and relax for the night.
- Day 3: Sangla to Nako
After checking out from Sangla, you will head towards Chitkul, known as the last inhabited village near the Indo-Tibetan border. From Chitkul, the journey continues towards Khab Sangam, where the Spiti River and Sutlej River meet. During the day, you will also visit Gue Village, famous for its 500-year-old mummy. You will then continue your drive through the beautiful landscapes of Kinnaur and Spiti towards Nako. You will reach Nako around 8:00 PM–9:00 PM, check into your hotel and have dinner before resting for the night.
- Day 4: Nako to Kaza
After breakfast, you will check out from your Nako hotel around 9:00 AM and begin your journey towards Kaza. On the way, you will explore the historic Tabo Monastery, one of the most significant monasteries in Spiti Valley, followed by a visit to Dhankar Monastery, another famous monastery surrounded by spectacular Himalayan landscapes. You will also get an opportunity to explore the local markets before continuing towards Kaza. You are expected to reach Kaza around 7:00 PM–9:00 PM, after which you will check into your hotel and have dinner.
- Day 5: Kaza Exploration
After breakfast, you will begin your Kaza sightseeing experience and explore some of the most fascinating high-altitude destinations around the Spiti Valley. The day will take you to Hikkim, known for its famous high-altitude post office, followed by Langza, home to the iconic Buddha statue, and Komic, one of the highest motorable villages. You can enjoy lunch at the World's Highest Café at your own expense and later visit the World's Highest Ice Cream Shop, also self-paid. The journey continues to Chicham Bridge, known for its spectacular height and views, followed by a visit to Key Monastery. At the end of the day, you will return to Kaza and explore the local market before heading back to your hotel for dinner.
- Day 6: Kaza to Chandratal
After breakfast, you will check out from your Kaza accommodation and begin your journey towards the stunning Chandratal Lake. The drive will take approximately 4–5 hours, and you are expected to reach the Chandratal region around 12:00 PM–1:00 PM. After reaching, you can explore the beautiful valley and the surroundings of Chandratal. A forest fee of ₹300 and a private 4x4 vehicle charge of ₹400 are mentioned in the itinerary as additional payments. Registration is managed by the Union of Spiti Valley, and travellers are not allowed to proceed beyond the designated point. You will spend the afternoon exploring Chandratal until around 4:00 PM–5:00 PM before heading to the campsite for an overnight stay beside the lake.
- Day 7: Chandratal to Manali
After breakfast, you will check out from Chandratal around 10:00 AM and begin your scenic drive towards Manali. After several days of exploring the rugged landscapes of Spiti, this will be a comparatively relaxed day where you can enjoy the beautiful mountain scenery along the route. You are expected to reach Manali around 4:00 PM–6:00 PM and check into your hotel. The evening will be free for you to explore Manali at your own pace and relax after the journey. Dinner will be available at the hotel at your own expense.
- Day 8: Manali to Delhi / Jaipur
After breakfast, check out from your Manali hotel around 10:00 AM–11:00 AM and proceed towards the Volvo stand for your return journey. Travellers heading to Delhi will board the bus towards Delhi, while travellers from Jaipur will board the designated bus towards Jaipur. The group will travel back comfortably after completing the Spiti Valley Full Circuit, with Jaipur travellers reaching Jaipur and Delhi travellers reaching Delhi as per the respective bus schedules.
Inclusions
- ✅ Jaipur to Shimla / Delhi to Shimla Volvo journey
- ✅ Manali to Jaipur / Manali to Delhi Volvo journey
- ✅ Tempo Traveller / Mini Bus transportation during the trip
- ✅ Accommodation as per itinerary
- ✅ Hotel stay in Sangla/Chitkul
- ✅ Hotel stay in Nako
- ✅ Hotel stay in Kaza
- ✅ Camping stay near Chandratal
- ✅ Hotel stay in Manali
- ✅ Dinner as mentioned in the itinerary
- ✅ Trip captain / trip leader
- ✅ Sightseeing as mentioned in the itinerary
- ✅ Chitkul visit
- ✅ Khab Sangam visit
- ✅ Tabo Monastery visit
- ✅ Dhankar Monastery visit
- ✅ Kaza sightseeing
- ✅ Hikkim, Langza and Komic visit
- ✅ Key Monastery visit
- ✅ Chicham Bridge visit
- ✅ Chandratal Lake visit
Exclusions
- ❌ Breakfasts/meals mentioned as self-paid
- ❌ Lunch at World's Highest Café
- ❌ Food/drinks at World's Highest Ice Cream Shop
- ❌ ₹300 forest fee as applicable
- ❌ ₹400 private 4x4 vehicle charge as applicable
- ❌ Personal expenses
- ❌ Travel insurance
- ❌ Any additional transportation not mentioned in the itinerary
- ❌ Room heaters or additional hotel amenities
- ❌ Early check-in or late check-out
- ❌ Medical expenses
- ❌ Any expenses arising due to personal reasons
- ❌ Any additional expenses caused by weather, road conditions or itinerary changes
- ❌ Anything not specifically mentioned under inclusions
Things to Carry
Cancellation Policy
FAQs
Is this trip safe?
The trip is led by a trip captain, and the itinerary may be modified or rearranged in the interest of traveller safety.
What is the registration amount?
₹5,000 per person, which is non-refundable and adjusted against the total trip cost.
What is the starting price?
The Spiti Valley Full Circuit starts at ₹16,999 per person on triple sharing.
What are the other room-sharing prices?
Triple sharing ₹16,999/person, double sharing ₹17,499/person and single room ₹19,999/person.
Is breakfast included?
Breakfast is not included where the itinerary specifically mentions it as self-paid.
Is lunch included?
Lunch is not included and lunch at the World's Highest Café is self-paid.
Is travel insurance included?
No. Travel insurance is not included. Participants are advised to arrange personal travel insurance.
What identification is required?
Indian participants must carry a valid government-issued photo ID such as Aadhaar Card, Driving Licence or Voter ID. International participants must carry a valid passport.
Can the itinerary change?
Yes. Since the trip covers high-altitude and weather-sensitive destinations, the itinerary may be modified, delayed or rearranged in the interest of safety.
Are AC rooms provided?
AC rooms are not included due to the hilly regions covered.
Is the Chandratal 4x4 vehicle included?
The itinerary mentions an additional ₹400 charge for the private 4x4 vehicle as applicable.
What are the departure points?
Jaipur travellers will board from Sindhi Camp / Transport Nagar between approximately 8:00 PM–10:00 PM, while Delhi travellers will board from Kashmiri Gate between approximately 10:00 PM–11:00 PM.
Where will I be dropped after the trip?
Jaipur travellers will be dropped back in Jaipur, while Delhi travellers will be dropped back in Delhi through their respective return buses.
Is transportation from Jaipur included?
Yes, Jaipur to Shimla and Manali to Jaipur transportation is included for travellers selecting Jaipur as their pickup location.
Is transportation from Delhi included?
Yes, Delhi to Shimla and Manali to Delhi transportation is included for travellers selecting Delhi as their pickup location.
What happens if I miss an activity or meal?
No refund is provided for unused services, missed activities, meals or sightseeing due to personal reasons or late arrival.