Our summer Spiti backpacking tour is a circuit: Delhi to Shimla, up the Kinnaur valley to Kaza, across Kunzum Pass to Chandratal and out through Manali. Here is what each day looks like.
Day 1: Delhi to Shimla (overnight)
Meet at the Delhi pickup point and take the overnight Volvo to Shimla.
Day 2: Shimla to Sangla
Join the team in Shimla and drive the Indo-Tibet highway along the Sutlej, past Karcham Dam and into the Baspa Valley.
Day 3: Sangla to Kalpa via Chitkul
Visit Chitkul, then drive back through Reckong Peo and Roghi to Kalpa for an evening in the village and its temple.
Day 4: Kalpa to Tabo or Nako
Follow the Sutlej upstream as green hills turn to cold desert. Stop at Nako Lake and monastery.
Day 5: Tabo or Nako to Kaza
Gue village and its mummy, Tabo Monastery and Dhankar Monastery on the way to Kaza.
Day 6: Kaza local, Hikkim, Komic and Langza
Post a card from Hikkim, see Komic and visit Langza, known for its fossils and its Buddha statue.
Day 7: Kaza to Chandratal
Key Monastery and Kibber, then Chicham Bridge and Kunzum Pass at 4,551 m. A short walk takes you to Chandratal Lake and a camp night.
Days 8 and 9: Chandratal to Manali and back to Delhi
Drive via Batal and the Atal Tunnel to Manali, board the overnight Volvo and reach Delhi the next morning.
Questions
How many days do I need for Spiti Valley?
Nine days from Delhi covers Kinnaur, Kaza, Hikkim, Komic, Langza, Chandratal and Manali at a relaxed pace.
Is this a Delhi to Delhi tour?
Yes. It starts and ends in Delhi, with overnight Volvo buses to Shimla and back from Manali.
What is the highest point on the Spiti circuit?
Kunzum Pass at 4,551 m.
