Shimla Spiti Manali

Route- Shimla - Fagu - Narkanda - Rampur – Sarahan

Early in the morning, meet our representative at the bus station or your hotel and begin a beautiful drive towards Sarahan. The route passes through Narkanda and Rampur Bushahr, offering stunning views of dense pine forests, winding mountain roads, and several scenic food stop points. As you drive through Rampur, you’ll witness its rich royal heritage, once the capital of the Bushahr Kingdom. By afternoon, arrive in Sarahan, peacefully nestled in the Himalayas and known as the gateway to Kinnaur Valley, famous for its serene landscapes and cultural charm.

Experiences:-

• The road is very narrow & steep, and needs an expert driver.

• Hatu Mata Temple (Major Attraction).

• Peaceful environment & beautiful valley views.

• Rampur is a small town with a royal palace (maintained by the Virbhadra Singh family).

Food:-

• Himanchali Breakfast - Savory Siddu- Stuffed with Poppy seeds (khus-khus), Ginger.

• Bhangjiri (similar to flaxseed), served with ghee + green chutney.

• Sweet Siddu - Bhanjiri, Poppy seeds, Shakkar (unrefined sugar), Coconut.

Shopping:-

• Woolen Garments - Shawls, socks, caps (especially Kinnauri-style caps) are popular.

• Wooden Handicrafts - Sarahan’s temple area has carved wooden decorative items, deities, utensils, and small decorative pieces.

Route- Sarahan – Wangetu - Karcham - Sangla Valley

After breakfast, begin your scenic drive from Sarahan towards Wangtu. The route offers breathtaking Himalayan views, passing by cascading waterfalls and the unique rock tunnel, an impressive stretch where the road is carved through a massive rock cliff. A short stop at Taranda Mata Temple, known for blessing travellers on this adventurous route. Continue towards Wangtu and Karcham, where you will witness the stunning Sutlej–Baspa River confluence. From Karcham, drive into the beautiful Sangla Valley (Kinnaur Valley), surrounded by apple orchards, pine forests, and snow-clad peaks. Check into your hotel for a relaxing overnight stay in Sangla.

Experiences:-

• Bheema Kali Temple (Lower level darshan- open only on special occasions, and upper level- open all year).

• Hawa Ghar (Sarahan)- Breezy viewpoint surrounded by trees.

• Mountain Cliff Road Viewpoint - Vertical cliffs, Sutlej River visible below.

• Taranda Mata Temple - Must-visit before entering Spiti.

Food:-

• Fresh organic honey on the route.

• Kadhi-Chawal, Rajma-Chawal in the route Dhaba.

Activities:-

• Temple Darshan.

• Local organic honey on route.

• Smooth roads and scenic mountain drive.

• Scenic cliff-side road views.

• Bridge Crossing.

Shopping:-

• Local organic honey.

Route - Sangla- Rakchham- Chitkul – Sangla Fort - Kalpa

Your morning begins in Sangla, where you first visit the Kamakhya Devi Temple and Badrivishal Temple, two peaceful spiritual sites set against the dramatic backdrop of the Kinnaur mountains. After offering prayers, start your scenic 15 km drive to Rakcham Village. This tiny Himalayan hamlet is surrounded by towering peaks, alpine meadows, and the glistening Baspa River flowing right beside it, perfect for photography Baspa Valley.

Continue the journey from Rakcham to Chitkul, famous as “India’s Last Village. on the Indo–Tibetan road. Explore the traditional wooden houses and enjoy a quick meal or tea break at the iconic “Hindustan Ka Aakhri Dhaba. Later, drive to Reckong Peo, the district headquarters of Kinnaur. On the way, stop at India’s First Voter’s Wooden House, a historic landmark connected to Shyam Saran Negi ji. If Time allows, after the tour, reach Kalpa and stay overnight.

Experiences:-

• Enjoy one of India’s most scenic Himalayan drives along the Baspa Valley.

• Witness traditional Kinnauri culture, lifestyle, and wooden temple architecture.

• Feel the thrill of reaching Chitkul - the last village of India, surrounded by snow-covered peaks.

• Taste authentic Himalayan snacks and local food at roadside dhabas.

Food:-

• Local Rajma (Kidney Beans) - very tasty, creamy texture, grown in the valley.

• Local Potato - Kinnoori Aloo with butter - mild spices, fresh local potatoes, Aloo-Gobhi – homemade style.

• Fresh Trout Fish (available seasonally near the Baspa River).

• Apple-based products (jams, juices, pickles).

Activities:-

• Visit Kamakhya Devi Temple and Badrivishal Temple, known for their traditional Himachali architecture and peaceful surroundings.

• Scenic drive along the Baspa River with mountain views on both sides.

• Enjoy photography by the river and village trails.

• Visiting the Last Indian Village – Chitkul.

• Rivers, bridges, waterfalls, boulders – perfect photography points.

Shopping:-

• Kinnauri caps (green topi)

• Handwoven shawls & woolens.

• Rajma, Chilgoza (pine nuts).

• Apple products.

• Local spices & herbs.

• Local walnuts.

Route -  Kalpa – Reckong Peo – Spello – Nako

Begin your day with a short drive exploring Kalpa / Chini Village, known for its serene atmosphere, traditional Kinnauri homes, and magnificent views of the sacred Kinner Kailash Range. Visit the Kalpa Viewpoint to enjoy a panoramic sunrise over the snow-clad peaks, and make a brief stop at the dramatic Suicide Point, famous for its cliffs and thrilling mountain backdrop.

Continue your journey down to Reckong Peo to Spello, enjoying winding mountain roads lined with apple orchards and rugged terrain. Reach Nako, one of the most picturesque villages on the upper Kinnaur - Spiti route. Explore the peaceful Nako Monastery, take a stroll around the tranquil Nako Lake, and enjoy the calmness of this high-altitude Himalayan hamlet before settling into your stay for the night.

Experiences:-

• Close view of the Sutlej River & tiny vehicle movements far below.

• Scenic slope between two high mountains.

• Visit Suicide Point, locals call it Rogi Viewpoint.

Food:-

• Gur - Ghee Tea with barley Sattu + Chulli ka tel (bitter almond oil).

• Traditional Salted Tea - Special tree bark, Ginger, Butter, Milk, Salt.

• Special Kinnauri Rajma (local variety).

Activity:-

• Visit Suicide Point/ Rogi Viewpoint.

• Watch Kinnaur-Kailash Shivling from multiple viewpoints.

• Visit traditional Kinnauri homes.

• Visit the ancient Kothi Bhagwati Temple.

Shopping:-

• Visit the Reckong Peo Market.

• Explore woollens, caps, mobile stores, grocery stores, and local spices.

• Wool, Angora, Pashmina Clothes.

Route - Nako – Gue Mummy – Tabo - Dhankar

Morning after Breakfast, visit Nako Village, surrounded by high-altitude landscapes and traditional stone houses. After breakfast, start your drive toward Gue Village, home to the mysterious Gue Mummy Stupa. This naturally preserved 500–600-year-old mummy of a Buddhist monk is one of the rarest attractions in the Himalayas and offers a deep insight into Spitian culture and ancient meditation practices.

After exploring Gue, continue your journey through dramatic mountain terrain toward Tabo. Here, visit the historic Tabo Monastery, one of the oldest continuously functioning Buddhist monasteries in the Himalayas. The monastery’s ancient mud-and-wood architecture, intricate murals, and peaceful assembly halls make it a must-visit spiritual site.

Post Tabo, drive toward Dhankar, perched on a rugged cliff with fascinating rock formations around it. Depending on your pace and arrival time, explore the old Dhankar Monastery and enjoy sweeping views of the Spiti Valley from the viewpoint. Overnight stay.

Experiences:-

• Narrow passages & mani stones with Buddhist mantras.

• Traditional Stone, Mud houses with a Small Market.

• Guru Padmasambhava’s Footprints Darshan.

• Home to a 530-year-old self-mummified monk – Lama Sanga Tenzin.

• Standing above Tabo and watching the entire valley.

• Learning about meditation caves used by ancestors.

• Learn about Tabo’s 1000-year-old mud monastery.

Food:-

• Battan Bread with Honey(Mildly salty, Flavoured with kasoori methi).

• Tingmo with Aloo-Palak (Steamed Tibetan bread, potato-spinach curry).

• Thenthuk (Handmade wheat noodles, Vegetable soup.

Tabo:-

• Chhurpi soup (Dried buttermilk cheese, Sattu (barley), Local coriander  & Chhotrep - Mild, sweet-corn-soup-like taste.

• Chhotrep - Garlic, green chilli tempering, Cabbage & vegetables & local ghee (Heavy dish).

• Milk + Sattu + Butter + Sugar (local breakfast drink).

Activity:-

• Visit to Nako Monastery (pre-11th century).

• Scenic walk to Nako Lake (2 mins walk) and Complete parikrama of Nako Lake.

• Sacred footprints of Guru Padmasambhava.

• Visit to Gue Mummy Stupa.

• Tabo Cave exploration - Meditation opportunity inside ancient caves.

• The oldest mud monastery in India.

• Visit the ancient 400-year-old tree.

Route – Dhankar – Lingti – Pin Valley – Mud Village

Start your day in Dhankar, and after breakfast, explore the ancient Dhankar Monastery. Detailed visit inside the monastery. The monastery’s age-old prayer halls, narrow pathways, and panoramic viewpoints make this a memorable spiritual experience. From Dhankar, drive 15 km to the quiet and culturally rich Lingti Village. Here, visit the serene Lalung Monastery, one of the oldest Buddhist temples in Spiti, known for its beautiful clay idols and peaceful aura.

After exploring Lingti, resume your journey toward the Pin Valley Gate, and enter the lush, green landscapes of Pin Valley National Park, a stark contrast to Spiti’s rugged terrain. Enjoy breathtaking views of the valley, dotted with colorful fields, yak herds, and towering snow peaks.

Drive onward to Mud Village, the last inhabited village of Pin Valley, and a major highlight of the day. Known for its dramatic scenery, warm locals, and trekking trails, Mud offers an authentic glimpse into remote Himalayan life. Check into your homestay. Overnight stay.

Experiences:-

• Seeing Dhankar Monastery perched on the cliff edge.

• Understanding the meaning of “First of formation, last of dissolution”.

• Mud Village - The Last village of Pin Valley.

• Watching the Mud village landscape at sunset.

Food:-

• Dhankar – Kiu - vegetables, wheat dough bits, Chhurpi- Soup-like dish (Slightly sour, pungent aroma).

• Pakh / Shurship Mix - Sattu + warm water + butter + sugar + Shurship (Light halwa).

• Lalung to Pin valley only food option is Lingti valley.

• Mud Village - Shunali (Local dish) - Wheat dough pieces, Butter, Crushed garlic, Chhurpi powder (Shurship), Sugar, Homemade paneer.

Activity:-

Dhankar- 

• Cliff walk.

• Monastery tour.

• Visit the Nangazen ancient painting room.

• Balcony photography.

Mud Village:–

• Enter Pin Valley (via bridge).

• Stunning mountain landscapes.

• Wooden bridge crossing (thrilling).

Route – Mud – Kaza -Kibber – Chicham – Kaza

Begin your morning in Mud Village, surrounded by the quiet beauty of Pin Valley. After breakfast, start your drive towards Kaza, passing through stunning high-altitude landscapes, rugged mountains, and vast open valleys that define the charm of Spiti. Once you reach Kaza, take a brief break before heading toward one of Spiti’s most iconic landmarks.

Continue your journey to the majestic Key Monastery, perched on a hilltop overlooking the Spiti River. Spend time exploring its ancient prayer halls, murals, and meditation rooms while enjoying panoramic views of the valley. From here, drive to Kibber Village, a picturesque settlement known for wildlife such as snow leopards, Himalayan ibex, blue sheep, and argali during the winter months. The village’s stone houses and peaceful lifestyle offer a glimpse into traditional Spitian culture.

Next, drive toward Chicham Village, crossing the famous Chicham Bridge, known as the highest bridge in Asia. In the evening, drive 19 km back to Kaza, where you can relax at your hotel or explore the local market for souvenirs, warm clothing, and Spiti handicrafts. End your day with a cozy dinner while reflecting on the breathtaking beauty of Spiti Valley.

Experiences:-

• Blue sky without a single cloud.

• Sakya Monastery, established in 2009.

• Key Monastery (Belongs to the Gelukpa school).

• The highest suspension bridge in Asia.

Food:-

• Samosa stuffed with black peas with spicy chutney.

• Tirik Sandwich (Tibetan bread with tomato, cucumber, cheese & omelette).

• Barley-chocolate milkshake (made with jau sattu).

Activity:-

• Cheecham Bridge - The Highest suspension bridge in Asia.

• Key Monastery explore - the monastery has 3 floors.

• Wildlife Seen Here – (January-March)- Snow Leopard, Himalayan Ibex, Blue Sheep, Red Fox.

Important Note on Cash:-

ATMs often run out of cash, and online payments don’t work here due to poor connectivity. Carry sufficient cash for Kaza, Langza, Chandratal, and the surrounding regions.

Route – Kaza – Hikkim – Langza – Komic – Kaza

After breakfast, drive uphill to Hikkim, home to the World’s Highest Post Office. Here, you can send postcards to your loved ones stamped from this iconic location, one of the most memorable experiences of the Spiti Valley. Later, continue your journey to Langza, famously known as the Fossil Village of Spiti. Explore the giant Buddha Statue.

Next, drive uphill to Komic, one of the highest motorable villages in the world. Visit the historic Tangyud Monastery, known for its red-and-white fortress-like structure and breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains. Spend time exploring the calm, windswept village and capture stunning photographs of Spiti’s high-altitude desert scenery.

By late afternoon, back to Kaza. Relax at your hotel or enjoy an evening stroll through the Kaza Market, picking up souvenirs, woollens, or local Spitian handicrafts. End the day with a warm dinner while soaking in the serene charm of Spiti Valley.

Experiences:-

Visit the World’s Highest Post Office (14,567 ft).

No mobile network except one BSNL satellite phone.

Giant Buddha Statue facing west.

Chocho Peak (holy mountain).

Food:-

• Enjoy peanut-butter toast and tea at the local Hikkim café.

• At Langza - Yar Saag (wild leafy vegetable), Chulti Sabzi (wild bitter gourd).

Activity:-

• Stunning views of the Spiti valley, clouds’ shadow movement.

• Visit to the world’s highest post office, Hikkim.

• Sending postcards (10–15 days delivery).

Your ride from Kaza to Kunzum Pass unfolds across rugged high-altitude terrain, leading you to the sacred Kunzum Mata Temple, a traditional stop for travelers seeking blessings before crossing the mighty pass. After soaking in panoramic snowy peaks, continue your journey towards Chandratal, a remote biker-favourite destination. The final stretch is a short yet thrilling off-road track that takes you to the lakeside camping area, followed by a 1.5 km trek to witness the moon-shaped Chandratal Lake, where you spend the night under a sky filled with countless stars.

Experiences:-

• Riding through high-altitude landscapes with snow-capped views.

• Feeling the spiritual aura at Kunzum Mata Temple.

• Adrenaline-pumping off-road trail towards Chandratal.

• Peaceful walk to the pristine blue lake.

• Stargazing at night - one of the clearest skies in the region.

• The calm, silent wilderness around Chandratal.

Activities:-

• Scenic ride from Kaza - Kunzum Pass.

• Halt at Kunzum Mata Temple for blessings.

• Off-road biking from Kunzum - Chandratal campsite.

• 1.5 km trek to Chandratal Lake.

• Overnight stay in Chandratal camps.

Route: Chandratal - Batal – Chatru – Gramphu - Manali

The final leg from Chandratal to Manali takes you through some of the most dramatic off-road sections of the entire expedition. Begin your descent towards Batal, where the legendary Chacha-Chachi Dhaba, serving travelers for over 40–50 years, offers warmth and a hearty meal. Continue over the rugged, stone-laden tracks to Chatru, your lunch halt, before pushing ahead towards Gramphu. From here, the terrain gradually transforms as you leave the raw Spiti landscapes behind and roll into the smooth curves leading to Manali, the bustling resort town of Kullu Valley. With this final descent, your high-altitude adventure concludes as you depart from Manali with memories sealed forever.

Experiences:-

• Thrilling off-road ride across notorious Batal–Chatru patches.

• Warm hospitality and nostalgia at Chacha-Chachi Dhaba.

• Scenic valley transitions from barren Spiti to lush Kullu.

• Smooth tarmac towards Manali after days of tough terrain.

• Emotional closure as you ride into a lively mountain town after a remote wilderness.

Activities:-

• Descend from Chandratal - Batal.

• Stop at the iconic Chacha-Chachi Dhaba.

• Ride the rough, rocky stretches of Batal–Chatru.

• Lunch halt at Chatru.

• Long scenic ride via Gramphu to Manali.

• Final departure from Manali.