Detailed itinerary
Spiti Valley Express — Kaza via Manali 5N/6D
From
₹23,900
Spiti in under a week, entering over Kunzum Pass from Manali. Base yourself in Kaza and work outward: Key Monastery and Kibber, the world's highest post office at Hikkim, the fossil fields of Langza, Dhankar and Pin Valley, and Komik at nearly 15,000 ft. Best for travellers already acclimatised or short on days.
Trip at a glance
- Kunzum Pass at 14,931 ft
- Key Monastery and Kibber village
- World's highest post office at Hikkim
- Langza fossils and the giant Buddha
- Pin Valley National Park and Dhankar
Day by day
6 days, start to finish — travel, activities and where you sleep each night.
- 1
Day 1
Manali to Kaza over Kunzum Pass
A long, spectacular first day. Leave Manali early, cross through the Atal Tunnel into Lahaul, follow the Chandra river to Batal and climb Kunzum Pass (14,931 ft) before dropping into Spiti. Eight to ten hours of river valleys, scree slopes and no trees at all. Check in at Kaza (12,500 ft) and rest — acclimatisation matters more than sightseeing tonight. Overnight in Kaza.
- 2
Day 2
Kaza local — Key, Kibber, Hikkim and Langza
The classic Spiti day. Key Monastery, stacked up its hill in fortified tiers and still a working Gelugpa school. Kibber, one of the highest villages connected by motorable road. Hikkim, where you post a card from the world's highest post office. And Langza, with its giant Buddha looking out over a valley floor that is full of marine fossils from the Tethys Sea. Overnight in Kaza.
- 3
Day 3
Dhankar Monastery and Pin Valley
Drive to Dhankar, the thousand-year-old fort monastery perched on a spur above the Spiti–Pin confluence, with the option of the short but steep trek up to Dhankar Lake. Afternoon across into Pin Valley National Park — snow leopard country in winter, ibex country year round — and the village of Mud at the road's end. Overnight in Kaza.
- 4
Day 4
Komik, village life and stargazing
Up to Komik, among the highest villages in the world with a motorable road, and its small monastery with a snow leopard emblem. The day is deliberately slow — local cafés, village lanes, the light on the ridges. After dark, the real highlight: Spiti's sky at 14,000 ft with no humidity and no light pollution, the Milky Way clearly visible. Overnight in Kaza.
- 5
Day 5
Kaza to Manali over Kunzum Pass
Early departure from Kaza and back over Kunzum Pass, with an optional detour to Chandratal — the crescent-shaped 'moon lake' at 14,100 ft — if the road is open and time allows. Long drive down through Lahaul to Manali. Overnight in Manali.
- 6
Day 6
Departure from Manali
A leisurely morning in Manali — Old Manali cafés, the market, or simply a slow breakfast — before your onward journey to Chandigarh or Delhi.
Inclusions & exclusions
What's included
- Accommodation in homestays, guesthouses and hotels on sharing basis
- Daily breakfast and dinner through the circuit
- Private vehicle (Tempo Traveller/SUV) for the entire route
- All sightseeing and village visits as per the itinerary
- Inner Line Permits where applicable
- Driver allowance, fuel, tolls and parking
- Trip captain and on-road support
- Oxygen cylinder and first-aid kit in the vehicle
Not included
- Travel to and from the start/end point (Shimla or Manali)
- Lunches and any meals not specified
- Monastery donations, camera charges and entry fees
- Optional treks with local guides (Dhankar Lake, Chandratal walks)
- Personal expenses, tips and shopping
- Costs due to roadblocks, landslides or route changes
- Any medical or evacuation expenses
- Travel insurance and medical expenses
- Anything not specifically mentioned under Inclusions
Where you stay
Homestays and guesthouses in Kaza, Tabo and Kalpa, run by local families — simple, warm and the best way to see the valley.
Good to know
Which side should I enter Spiti from?
The Shimla–Kinnaur route gains altitude gradually and is far better for acclimatisation, which is why the longer itineraries use it. The Manali route is faster but climbs to 14,900 ft on day one — fine if you've been at altitude recently.
Do I need to worry about altitude?
Yes. Kaza is at 12,500 ft. Drink plenty of water, skip alcohol, and take the first evening easy. We carry oxygen and our trip captains are trained to spot AMS early.
Is Chandratal guaranteed?
No. The road to Chandratal opens roughly June to early October and closes with snow or rain without notice. We attempt it whenever conditions allow and are honest when they don't.
What are the homestays like?
Clean, family-run rooms with warm bedding and home-cooked Spitian food. Some have attached bathrooms, some are shared, and hot water is often bucket-supplied. That's the trade for staying in villages at 14,000 ft.
Is there network and ATM access?
Only BSNL and Jio postpaid work reliably, and only in Kaza and Tabo. Kaza has the only ATM in the valley and it runs dry often — carry enough cash for the whole trip.
Ready for Spiti Valley, Himachal Pradesh?
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