Spiti Valley Road Trip | The Ultimate Trans-Himalayan Circuit
7D/6N
Himachal Pradesh (Spiti & Kinnaur)
Moderate (High Altitude Road Trip)
15,090 FT
↬ Overview
The Ultimate Himalayan Road Journey with Surmount Adventures
Experience one of India’s most breathtaking and transformative road journeys through the raw, untouched landscapes of the Trans-Himalayan region — the legendary Spiti Valley. This carefully curated expedition takes you through ancient monasteries, high-altitude villages, dramatic mountain passes, pristine rivers, and some of the highest motorable roads in the world.
Spiti Valley, meaning “The Middle Land” between India and Tibet, is a cold desert mountain valley located in Himachal Pradesh. Known for its surreal landscapes, centuries-old monasteries, and unique Tibetan Buddhist culture, Spiti offers a rare blend of adventure, spirituality, and natural beauty.
This expedition begins from the lush green valleys of Manali and gradually transitions into the rugged terrain of Spiti before descending through the scenic Kinnaur Valley and concluding in Shimla. This route ensures proper acclimatization while covering the most iconic destinations of Spiti Valley.
With Surmount Adventures, you experience a professionally managed, safe, and immersive Himalayan expedition with experienced drivers, reliable vehicles, comfortable stays, and seamless logistics — allowing you to focus purely on exploration and adventure.
↬ Itinerary
Departure from Delhi
Meet the group at the assembly point in Delhi (11:00 PM). Begin the overnight journey to the mountains in an AC Volvo/Luxury bus.
Arrival in Manali | Relaxation & Prep
Reach Manali by morning. Check into the hotel and spend the day at leisure. This is a mandatory rest day to prepare your lungs for the high-altitude desert. Explore Old Manali’s cafes or visit the Vashisht hot springs.
- Stay: Hotel in Manali
- Meals: Dinner
The High Pass Crossing | Manali to Kaza
Start early at 05:00 AM, crossing the engineering marvel of the Atal Tunnel to enter the Lahaul Valley. Navigate the rugged “Nalla” crossings of Chhatru and Batal before ascending the mighty Kunzum Pass (14,931 ft), where we stop at the mountaintop temple for blessings. After visiting the turquoise Chandra Taal Lake, we descend into the Spiti Valley to reach Kaza by evening for a comfortable hotel stay.
- Stay: Hotel in Kaza
- Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
The World's Highest Hubs | Hikkim, Komik & Langza
Visit the “highest” trio. Send letters from the World’s Highest Post Office (Hikkim), visit the monastery at Komik (the highest village connected by motorable road), and see the giant Buddha statue at Langza. Return to Kaza for the night.
- Stay: Hotel in Kaza
- Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
Chicham Bridge & Key Monastery | The Cliffside Heritage | Kaza to Tabo
A short but iconic drive to the Key Gompa, a 1,000-year-old spiritual centre. Afterward, walk across the Chicham Bridge, the highest suspension bridge in Asia. Spend the evening exploring the local Kaza market for souvenirs. Travel toward Tabo. En route, visit the Dhankar Monastery, which looks like it’s growing out of the mountain cliffs. Reach Tabo
- Stay: Hotel/Homestay in Tabo
- Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
Border Villages & The Mummy | Tabo to Chitkul
Enter the Kinnaur district. Stop at Gue Village to see the 500-year-old mummified monk. The landscape shifts from barren brown to the lush green of the Kinnaur Kailash range as you reach Chitkul. Visit Chitkul, the final civilian point on the Indo-Tibet border
- Stay: Hotel in Chitkul
- Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
The Last Village | Chitkul to Shimla & Return
Visit Chitkul, the final civilian point on the Indo-Tibet border. Walk along the Baspa River before beginning the long, scenic drive back to the summer capital, Shimla. On the way visit Kalpa. board the evening AC Volvo from Shimla for the return journey to Delhi.
- Meals: Breakfast
↬ Inclusion & Exclusion
- Complete transportation (Tempo Traveller / SUV)
- Accommodation in hotels and homestays
- Daily breakfast and dinner (as per itinerary)
- Experienced mountain drivers
- Expedition leader and on-ground support
- All tolls, parking, and driver allowances
- Route planning and logistics management
- On-tour assistance by Surmount Adventures Team
- Travel to Manali and from Shimla
- Lunch on all days
- Entry tickets to monuments or monasteries
- Personal expenses
- Travel insurance
- Any cost arising due to landslides, weather, or delays
- Anything not mentioned in inclusions
↬ Things to Carry
Mandatory Documents
- Valid government-issued ID proof (Aadhaar / PAN / Driving License)
Footwear
- Sturdy trekking shoes with good grip
- Slippers / sandals (for bus travel only)
Trekking Essentials
- 20–25L trekking backpack
- Personal water bottle (minimum 2–3 litres)
- Dry snacks (biscuits, dry fruits, fresh fruits)
- Ziplock or reusable plastic bag (for wet or used clothes)
Accessories:
- Trekking poles
- Head torch / flashlight (with extra batteries, if possible)
Clothing Essentials
- Dry-fit full-sleeve T-shirt & trekking pants (avoid jeans)
- Sun cap / hat
- Rainwear (raincoat / poncho / umbrella) — For monsoon treks
- Extra set of clothes (For changing after the trek)
Hygiene & Personal Care
- Lightweight hand towel
- Basic toiletries (toothbrush, toothpaste, Sunscreen, etc.)
- Hand sanitizer / wet wipes
Personal Medicine Kit
- Personal prescription medicines (if any)
- Paracetamol (for fever or body ache)
- ORS sachets (for dehydration)
- Antacid tablets (for acidity or indigestion)
- Motion sickness tablets
- Basic band-aids
↬ FAQ's
Yes, with experienced drivers and proper planning, it is completely safe.
June to October is ideal for Manali to Shimla route.
Approximately 4,551 meters at Kunzum Pass.
No, but basic fitness is recommended.
Tempo Traveller or SUVs suitable for mountain terrain.
Traditionally, yes. Devotees believe the yatra is spiritually complete when concluded at Morgaon.
Modest traditional or comfortable clothing suitable for temple visits.