The Complete Spiti Manali Journey (8 Days)
Shimla - Kaza - Manali
Tour Overview
The Complete Spiti Manali Journey is the ultimate road trip for those who want to experience the drastic shift in Himalayan landscapes. Starting from Shimla, the “Queen of Hills,” you will travel through the deep gorges of Kinnaur, following the Sutlej River. As you cross into Spiti, the scenery changes from lush green mountains to a stark, high-altitude cold desert.
You will explore the ancient monasteries of Tabo and Key, and stay in Kaza, the heart of Spiti. The return journey is equally thrilling as you cross the mighty Kunzum La pass and camp near the moon lake, Chandratal. Finally, you will drive through the engineering marvel of the Atal Tunnel and descend into the beautiful Kullu Valley to end your journey in Manali.
Tour Highlights
- One-way epic route: Shimla to Manali via Spiti.
- Explore the rugged and beautiful Kinnaur Valley.
- Visit the ancient Tabo Monastery and Key Monastery.
- Discover the highest villages: Langza, Hikkim, and Komic.
- Cross the thrilling Kunzum La pass (14,931 ft).
- Camp near the breathtaking Chandratal Lake.
- Drive through the iconic Atal Tunnel into Manali.
Day-wise Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Shimla
Arrive in Shimla and check in to your hotel. Spend the day exploring Mall Road, Ridge, and Christ Church. Evening briefing with the tour coordinator. Overnight stay in Shimla.
Day 2: Shimla to Kalpa (220 km / 8-9 hours)
Early departure towards Kinnaur via Narkanda and Rampur. Drive along the Sutlej River and enter the Kinnaur Valley. Reach Kalpa by evening and enjoy the majestic views of the Kinner Kailash range. Overnight stay in Kalpa.
Day 3: Kalpa to Tabo via Nako (160 km / 7-8 hours)
Cross the famous Malling Nalla and drive through the barren landscapes of Nako. Enter the Spiti Valley and continue to Tabo. Visit the ancient Tabo Monastery in the evening. Overnight stay in Tabo.
Day 4: Tabo to Kaza via Dhankar (50 km / 2-3 hours)
A short scenic drive today. Visit the cliff-hanging Dhankar Monastery and the Pin Valley junction. Continue along the Spiti River to reach Kaza. Rest of the day is free for acclimatization. Overnight stay in Kaza.
Day 5: Kaza Sightseeing (Langza, Hikkim, Komic, Key)
Full day sightseeing around Kaza. Visit Langza (fossil village), Hikkim (highest post office), and Komic (highest motorable village). Later, visit the iconic Key Monastery. Overnight stay in Kaza.
Day 6: Kaza to Chandratal via Kunzum Pass (100 km / 5-6 hours)
The most thrilling day of the tour! Ride towards Losar and cross the mighty Kunzum La pass. Take a detour to the breathtaking Chandratal Lake (weather permitting). Camp near the lake or at Chatru/Batal depending on weather conditions.
Day 7: Chandratal to Manali via Atal Tunnel (120 km / 6-7 hours)
Drive down the rugged terrain of the Gramphu-Lahaul road, passing through the beautiful Lahaul Valley. Cross the newly built Atal Tunnel and enter the lush green Kullu Valley, reaching Manali by evening. Farewell dinner. Overnight stay in Manali.
Day 8: Departure from Manali
After breakfast, check out from the hotel. You can drop your vehicles at our Manali office and proceed for your onward journey. The tour officially ends here.
What’s Included
- 7 Nights accommodation (Hotels & Camps on twin/triple sharing basis).
- Daily Breakfast and Dinner (MAP plan).
- Well-maintained 4×4 SUV (or Royal Enfield motorcycle if selected).
- Experienced local driver (for SUV) or Road Captain (for bikes).
- Backup vehicle for luggage and mechanic support (in bike tours).
- All fuel, tolls, and parking charges.
- Inner Line Permits for Spiti Valley.
- First-aid kit and Oxygen cylinders.
What’s Not Included
- Travel to Shimla and return from Manali.
- Lunch and any other meals not mentioned in inclusions.
- Personal riding gear (if riding a bike).
- Monastery entry fees and camera charges.
- Personal expenses (laundry, tips, shopping, alcohol).
- Travel Insurance or medical expenses.
- Any cost arising due to natural calamities (landslides, snow, road closures).
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is this called the "Complete" Spiti journey?
This tour is called "Complete" because it covers both the entry (via Shimla/Kinnaur) and the exit (via Kaza/Lahaul/Manali). You get to experience the green Kinnaur valley, the barren Spiti desert, and the stunning Lahaul valley, including the famous Chandratal Lake and Atal Tunnel, all in one trip.
Do we need to ride/drive on the same road twice?
No, this is a one-way route. You enter Spiti via Shimla and exit via Manali. This ensures you see new landscapes every single day without having to retrace your steps, making the journey much more exciting.
Is the road from Kaza to Manali safe?
The Kaza to Manali route via Kunzum Pass and Gramphu is an adventurous off-road track. It is rough and has water crossings, but it is completely safe if you have an experienced local driver or road captain with a well-equipped 4x4/SUV or Adventure bike.
Can we stay overnight at Chandratal Lake?
Yes, we camp near Chandratal Lake (weather permitting). However, nights are extremely cold, and basic facilities are available. If the weather is bad or you prefer a hotel, we can stay at Chatru or Batal instead.
Can I start this tour from Manali and end at Shimla?
Yes, we can reverse the itinerary for you. Starting from Manali and exiting at Shimla is also a great option, especially if you are traveling from Delhi or Chandigarh and want to end your trip closer to home.
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