Spiti Valley — the "Middle Land" — is one of India's most extraordinary destinations. Perched at altitudes between 3,800–4,500m in the Himalayas, this cold desert landscape is unlike anywhere else in the country. Ancient Buddhist monasteries cling to cliffsides, crystal lakes shimmer at impossible altitudes, and the stark moonscape terrain takes your breath away.
Our 9-day circuit enters via Shimla (the scenic route through Sangla Valley) and exits via Manali, covering every iconic spot — Key Monastery, Dhankar, Tabo, Chandratal, Pin Valley. A genuine adventure for those who seek the road less taken.
Inner Line Permit Required
Indian nationals need an Inner Line Permit for Spiti. Foreign nationals need a Protected Area Permit. We handle all permit paperwork for your group — included in the package price at no extra charge.
Key & Dhankar Monastery
Centuries-old Tibetan Buddhist monasteries perched dramatically on cliffsides at 4,000m+.
Chandratal Lake Camp
Overnight camp beside the crescent moon lake at 4,300m — stargazing like nowhere else on Earth.
World's Highest Post Office
Send a postcard from Hikkim (4,440m) — the world's highest operational post office.
Authentic Homestays
Stay with Spitian families in traditional mud-brick homes — genuine cultural immersion.
Kunzum Pass (4,551m)
Cross the iconic high mountain pass connecting Spiti and Lahaul valleys.
Pin Valley National Park
Habitat of the elusive snow leopard and rare Himalayan wildlife in a pristine alpine valley.
Shimla Arrival — Orientation & Rest
Arrive in Shimla and meet your MilesNPeople expedition leader. Check into hotel, trip briefing, gear check, and permit documentation. Evening stroll on The Ridge and Mall Road for last taste of city life before the mountain adventure begins.
Shimla → Sangla Valley (Kinnaur)
Drive into Kinnaur through dramatic Sutlej gorges. Pass Rampur, Jeori and descend into the stunning Sangla Valley — a lush green paradise before the high-altitude desert begins. Visit Bering Nag Temple.
- 7:00 AM: Early breakfast and departure from Shimla
- Pass Rampur Bushahr — historic trade route town
- Karcham junction — enter Sangla Valley
- 2:00 PM: Arrive Sangla village (2,620m)
- Check in to guesthouse / homestay
- Evening: Walk along Baspa River
- Visit Kamru Fort and Bering Nag Temple
Sangla → Nako → Tabo
Cross the dramatic Malling Nallah and enter the stark Spiti landscape. Visit Nako Lake — a sacred high-altitude lake surrounded by willow trees. Continue to Tabo, home of the "Ajanta of the Himalayas" — a 1,000-year-old Buddhist cave monastery complex.
Tabo → Dhankar → Kaza — The Heart of Spiti
Morning visit to the spectacular Dhankar Monastery and lake (3,890m). Drive to Kaza — the district headquarters and base for all Spiti adventures. Evening explore the market and Pin River confluence point.
- 8:00 AM: Drive from Tabo toward Dhankar (1hr)
- Hike 30 minutes to Dhankar Monastery (3,890m)
- Optional: Trek to Dhankar Lake (1.5hr round trip)
- 12:30 PM: Continue to Kaza (3,800m)
- Check in to hotel in Kaza
- Afternoon: Explore Kaza market, local cafes
- Visit Pin-Spiti confluence point at sunset
Local Village Circuit — Key, Kibber, Hikkim, Langza
A full day of iconic Spiti highlights. Marvel at Key Monastery (the crown jewel) clinging to a rocky promontory. Drive to Kibber village, Hikkim Post Office (world's highest), and Langza with its famous Buddha statue overlooking fossil-rich hills.
- 8:30 AM: Drive to Key Monastery (4,166m) — 12km from Kaza
- 1.5hr exploration of the monastery complex
- 10:30 AM: Kibber Village — highest motorable village in Asia
- 11:30 AM: Hikkim — send a postcard from the world's highest post office
- 1:00 PM: Lunch at Langza village
- 2:30 PM: Langza Buddha statue and fossil search
- Evening: Return to Kaza, optional star-gazing session
Pin Valley National Park Exploration
Drive into the Pin Valley — home to the rare Siberian ibex, Tibetan wolf, and possibly snow leopard. Trek to Mud village for views of Pin Parvati Pass. Visit Sagnam and Gulling monasteries in this pristine valley.
Kaza → Chandratal Lake — Overnight Camp
The most spectacular day of the trip. Drive via Losar village and cross the mighty Kunzum Pass (4,551m). Descend to the crescent-moon shaped Chandratal Lake at 4,300m. Set up camp beside this ethereal turquoise lake and witness a Himalayan sky full of stars.
- 8:00 AM: Departure from Kaza
- Drive through Losar — last village in Spiti
- 11:00 AM: Kunzum Pass (4,551m) — temple visit & prayer flags
- 1:30 PM: Arrive Chandratal campsite
- Afternoon: Circumambulate the lake (2.5km trail)
- 5:00 PM: Sunset photography — colours are extraordinary
- 7:00 PM: Dinner at camp
- 9:00 PM: Star-gazing session (no light pollution)
Chandratal → Gramphu → Manali
Morning sunrise at Chandratal is magical. Drive over Rohtang Pass toward the green valley of Manali — the contrast from Spiti's barren landscape is dramatic. Arrive Manali by evening for a well-deserved rest, hot shower and celebration dinner.
Manali — Departure & Farewell
Final morning in Manali. Post-trip breakfast and farewell. Transfer to Manali bus stand or airport as per your onward journey. Optional: extend your stay to explore Old Manali, Hadimba Temple or Solang Valley.
Your journey's altitude changes across 9 days — acclimatisation is gradual and well-planned.
Included
Not Included
The Chandratal overnight camp was the most incredible night of my life. Woke up at 4am to see the Milky Way reflected perfectly in the lake. Our guide Tenzing was phenomenal — knew every corner of Spiti intimately. Life-changing trip, 100% worth every rupee.
MilesNPeople handled everything perfectly — permits, homestays, meals. The homestay families were so warm and welcoming. Key Monastery at sunrise had us all in tears. If you're debating whether to do Spiti — just go. This team will make it magical.
Spiti is accessible only from June to mid-October. The sweet spot is July–September when both Rohtang Pass and Kunzum Pass are open, the landscape is at its most vivid, and the weather is relatively stable. July–August has the mildest days but nights are cold (5–8°C). October is drier with possible early snowfall — dramatic but roads can close.
Yes — altitude is taken seriously. Our itinerary is designed with gradual acclimatisation (we ascend via Shimla and Kinnaur, not directly from Manali). We carry oxygen cylinders and a first-aid kit. Avoid alcohol the first few days, stay hydrated, and inform your guide immediately of any symptoms. Those with cardiac or respiratory conditions should consult a doctor before booking.
This is a road-based tour, not a trek. Most sightseeing is done by vehicle with short walks of 15–45 minutes. The main physical challenge is altitude. You should be in reasonable health and fitness but you don't need to be an athlete. The Dhankar Lake optional trek (D4) and Chandratal circumambulation (D7) are the most demanding sections.
Mobile connectivity is very patchy. BSNL has the best coverage in Spiti — get a BSNL SIM before departing. Kaza has reasonable internet. In remote areas (Chandratal camp, Pin Valley), there is no connectivity at all. This is part of the magic — full digital detox!
Absolutely. We offer a 7-day express version (₹18,500) skipping Pin Valley and doing Chandratal as a day trip. We also offer 11-day extensions including Lahaul Valley and Keylong. Private custom groups can be arranged for any group size. WhatsApp us to discuss.