Spiti Full Circuit – Shimla to Manali Road Trip

Overview

The Spiti Valley Full Circuit is a 9-day, 8-night road trip organized by Capture A Trip, covering the stunning landscapes, ancient monasteries, and cultural highlights of Himachal Pradesh’s Spiti Valley, Kinnaur, and Lahaul regions. The tour starts from Delhi, loops through Shimla, Kinnaur, Spiti, and Manali, and returns to Delhi, offering a mix of adventure, culture, and natural beauty. It’s designed for travelers aged 16–42 due to the high-altitude, rugged terrain and packed itinerary, though customizations are available for other age groups. The package is ideal for group tours, solo travelers, honeymooners, families, or bike enthusiasts, with tailored options like bike trips or luxury tours.

Package Details

Duration

• 9 Days, 8 Nights (including overnight travel from/to Delhi)

Starting Price

• ₹24,999 per person (as of 2025, subject to group size, season, and add-ons)

  • Variations (e.g., bike tours, luxury packages) range from ₹15,000 to ₹50,000 depending on inclusions, group size, and transport mode.

Departure Cities

• Primary: Delhi

• Alternate options: Chandigarh, Shimla, or Manali (additional costs may apply for pick-up/drop-off)

Route

• Delhi → Shimla → Narkanda → Chitkul/Sangla → Kalpa → Nako → Tabo → Kaza → Langza → Hikkim → Komic → Key Monastery → Chandratal Lake → Manali → Delhi

• Covers ~1,200 km, including the scenic Hindustan-Tibet Highway (NH05) and Atal Tunnel.

Detailed Itinerary

The following itinerary is based on the Spiti Valley Full Circuit package as described on Capture A Trip’s website.

Day 1: Delhi to Shimla

• Departure: 9:30 PM from Delhi via AC Volvo bus.
• Activity: Overnight journey to Shimla (~350 km, 8–9 hours).
• Stay: None (overnight travel).
• Notes: Bring snacks and a travel pillow for comfort.

Day 2: Shimla to Chitkul/Sangla

• Morning: Arrive in Shimla, freshen up, and have breakfast.
• Activity: Drive to Chitkul (~230 km, 8–9 hours) via Kufri, Narkanda, and Sangla Valley. Explore Chitkul, the last Indian village near the Indo-China border.
• Highlights: Baspa River, wooden houses, apple orchards.
• Stay: Hotel or homestay in Chitkul/Sangla (double/triple sharing).
• Meals: Dinner included.

Day 3: Chitkul to Kalpa

• Morning: Breakfast, explore Chitkul village, and witness sunrise over the mountains.
• Activity: Drive to Kalpa (~70 km, 3–4 hours) via Reckong Peo. Visit Roghi village and enjoy views of Kinner Kailash.
• Highlights: Apple orchards, traditional Kinnauri villages.
• Stay: Hotel or homestay in Kalpa.
• Meals: Breakfast and dinner.

Day 4: Kalpa to Nako/Tabo

• Morning: Breakfast, depart for Nako (~150 km, 5–6 hours).
• Activity: Visit Nako Lake and enroute villages. Continue to Tabo (~50 km, 2 hours) if time permits.
• Highlights: Nako’s serene lake, Tabo Monastery (over 1,000 years old).
• Stay: Hotel or homestay in Nako or Tabo.
• Meals: Breakfast and dinner.

Day 5: Tabo to Kaza

• Morning: Breakfast, visit Tabo Monastery and its ancient caves.
• Activity: Drive to Kaza (~50 km, 2–3 hours) via Dhankar Monastery and village.
• Highlights: Dhankar Monastery’s cliffside setting, Spiti River views.
• Stay: Hotel or homestay in Kaza (double/triple sharing).
• Meals: Breakfast and dinner.

Day 6: Kaza and Surrounding Villages

• Morning: Breakfast, full-day exploration of Spiti’s high-altitude villages.
• Activity: Visit Langza (Buddha statue), Hikkim (world’s highest post office), Komic (world’s highest motorable village), Key Monastery, and Chicham Bridge (Asia’s highest suspension bridge).
• Highlights: Send postcards from Hikkim, dine at Komic’s highest café.
• Stay: Hotel or homestay in Kaza.
• Meals: Breakfast and dinner.

Day 7: Kaza to Chandratal Lake

• Morning: Breakfast, drive to Chandratal Lake (~90 km, 4–5 hours) via Kunzum Pass.
• Activity: Trek to Chandratal (Moon Lake), enjoy stargazing.
• Highlights: Crescent-shaped lake, pristine Himalayan views.
• Stay: Campsite at Chandratal or Batal (multiple sharing).
• Meals: Breakfast and dinner.

Day 8: Chandratal to Manali

• Morning: Breakfast, drive to Manali (~134 km, 6–7 hours) via Atal Tunnel.
• Activity: Optional self-exploration of Manali (Vasishta Temple, Hadimba Temple, Mall Road).
• Highlights: Atal Tunnel (world’s longest at 10,000 ft), Lahaul Valley.
• Stay: Hotel in Manali.
• Meals: Breakfast and dinner.

Day 9: Manali to Delhi

• Morning: Breakfast, check out, and board AC Volvo bus to Delhi (~540 km, 12–13 hours).
• Activity: Overnight journey back to Delhi, arriving early morning.
• Stay: None (overnight travel).
• Meals: Breakfast.