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MountainBea Expedition

Motorcycle9 nights · 10 daysSpiti

★ 4.8 MountainBea on Google, 208 reviews

Spiti Bike Trip: Full Circuit with Shipki La

Ride the full Spiti circuit on a Royal Enfield Himalayan: Sarahan, Chitkul, the Shipki La route, Kaza and Chandratal.

₹32,999per person

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Duration
9 nights, 10 days
Distance
1,300+ km
Highest point
4,650 m
Season
June – September
Difficulty
Moderate
Group
Up to 15 bikes per batch, with a tour captain, mechanic and backup vehicle

Overview

A 9 night / 10 day motorcycle expedition around the full Spiti circuit, from Delhi to Delhi. You ride a Royal Enfield Himalayan from Sarahan to Manali, through Chitkul, Kalpa, the Shipki La route, Nako, Kaza and Chandratal, with fuel, a mechanic and a tour captain included.

It is not a hectic ride. Day 2 is a full acclimatisation day in Bhuntar, and the ride starts on day 3. Beyond the standard circuit it adds Sarahan, the Shipki La route and Tashigang, home of the world's highest polling station at 15,256 ft.

Our crew is from Himachal and has run motorcycle and 4WD expeditions since 2018. A backup vehicle carries your luggage, an oxygen cylinder and an oximeter, and you can take a seat in it whenever you need a break.

  • The Shipki La route from Kalpa to Nako, with the Khab Sangam where the Sutlej and Spiti rivers meet
  • Sarahan and the Bhimakali Temple, with views of the Shrikhand range
  • Chitkul, the last inhabited village near the Indo-Tibet border
  • Tashigang and the world's highest polling station at 15,256 ft
  • Key Monastery, Hikkim post office, Komic, Langza and the 360-degree viewpoint at Kaza
  • Kunzum La at 4,551 m (14,931 ft), a water crossing and a camp night at Chandratal
  • Complimentary helmet, an official expedition completion certificate and a full day to acclimatise

Best time to go

June to September

  1. January
  2. February
  3. March
  4. April
  5. May
  6. June, in season
  7. July, in season
  8. August, in season
  9. September, in season
  10. October
  11. November
  12. December

Is this trip right for you?

Grade 3 of 5 · Moderate

Travel style
Motorcycle
Trip type
Guided group ride
Start and finish
Delhi to Delhi
Group size
Up to 15 bikes per batch, with a tour captain, mechanic and backup vehicle
Documents
Valid driving licence for riders, a government photo ID and Aadhaar card for the Shipki La route, riding layers, gloves and personal medicines
  • Best for

    Riders who want the full Spiti circuit on a Royal Enfield, with the Shipki La route and a full acclimatisation day, shared or solo.

  • Travel pace

    A rest day in Bhuntar first, then riding days of about 50 to 175 km. Not a hectic ride: the plan keeps time for acclimatisation and sightseeing.

  • Vehicle and support

    Himalayan or Scram 411, or Himalayan 450 (recommended), shared by two riders or ridden solo, with fuel and a helmet. A Royal Enfield mechanic, marshals and a backup vehicle with oxygen travel with the group, and you can bring your own bike or take a seat in the taxi.

  • Altitude and readiness

    The route climbs to Kunzum La at 4,551 m (14,931 ft) and Tashigang at 4,650 m (15,256 ft). Day 2 is kept free to acclimatise, and the route to Shipki La depends on permissions and weather.

This trip may not suit you if

  • You have never ridden a motorcycle. You can still come: take a seat in the backup vehicle (₹1,500 per day) or in the taxi.
  • You have a heart or lung condition and have not asked your doctor about travel above 4,500 m.
  • You want a fixed route. The Shipki La and Chandratal legs depend on permissions, snow and road conditions.

Not sure? Ask a trip captain. We would rather tell you now than on the road.

Day-by-day itinerary

Delhi – Bhuntar – Sarahan – Chitkul – Kalpa – Nako – Kaza – Chandratal – Manali – Delhi

Route mapSchematic: stops are approximate
1Bhuntar2Jalori Pass3Sarahan4Chitkul5Kalpa6Nako7Kaza8Kunzum Pass9Chandratal10Manali
  1. 1. Bhuntar, about 1100 metres
  2. 2. Jalori Pass, about 3134 metres
  3. 3. Sarahan, about 2313 metres
  4. 4. Chitkul, about 3450 metres
  5. 5. Kalpa, about 2296 metres
  6. 6. Nako, about 3660 metres
  7. 7. Kaza, about 3650 metres
  8. 8. Kunzum Pass, about 4551 metres
  9. 9. Chandratal, about 4300 metres
  10. 10. Manali, about 2050 metres
Altitude along the routeMetres, approximate. Highest point: Tashigang, 4,650 m
5003,0005,5001,100Bhuntar3,134Jalori Pass2,313Sarahan3,450Chitkul2,296Kalpa3,930Shipki La route3,660Nako3,650Kaza4,650Tashigang4,551Kunzum Pass4,300Chandratal2,050Manali
Altitude at each stop, in metres
Bhuntar1100
Jalori Pass3134
Sarahan2313
Chitkul3450
Kalpa2296
Shipki La route3930
Nako3660
Kaza3650
Tashigang4650
Kunzum Pass4551
Chandratal4300
Manali2050

Altitude changes fast on these routes, which is why every itinerary builds in a rest day first.

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  1. Day 1Delhi to Bhuntar (overnight Volvo)~500 km · 10–12 hrs

    Assemble at the Delhi pickup point and board the overnight Volvo to Bhuntar. The night drive crosses the plains of Haryana and Punjab, with short refreshment halts at your own cost, and climbs into the Himalayan foothills.

    Delhi → Bhuntar

    Meals
    Not applicable
    Stay
    Overnight journey
    Distance
    ~500 km
    Drive
    10–12 hrs
  2. Day 2Acclimatisation and activity day in BhuntarLocal movement only

    Check in, rest after the night journey and take an acclimatisation session with light activities such as a riverside walk. River rafting is optional at extra cost, and bikes are not included today. The evening has a team briefing, a ride orientation and safety instructions.

    Bhuntar (Kullu)

    Meals
    Breakfast, dinner
    Stay
    Hotel in Kullu
    Distance
    Local movement only
  3. Day 3Bhuntar to Sarahan via Jibhi and Jalori Pass~170 km · 6–7 hrs

    After bike allocation and final checks, ride up through Jibhi and over Jalori Pass at 10,282 ft, along river valleys and forested mountain roads. Pass through the Rampur Bushahr region with a lunch halt, and reach Sarahan for an evening with views of the Shrikhand range.

    Bhuntar → Jibhi → Sojha → Jalori Pass → Aani → Rampur → Sarahan

    Meals
    Breakfast, dinner
    Stay
    Sarahan
    Distance
    ~170 km
    Drive
    6–7 hrs
  4. Day 4Sarahan to Chitkul, Sangla and Kalpa~175 km · 5–6 hrs

    Visit the Bhimakali Temple if you skipped it the evening before, then ride via Karcham Dam into the Baspa Valley. Reach Chitkul, the last inhabited village near the Indo-Tibet border, and stop at the "last dhaba of India". Descend through Sangla to Kalpa, and see Kalpa village in the evening if time permits.

    Sarahan → Bhimakali Temple → Karcham Dam → Chitkul → Sangla → Kalpa

    Meals
    Breakfast, dinner
    Stay
    Recong Peo or Kalpa
    Distance
    ~175 km
    Drive
    5–6 hrs
  5. Day 5Kalpa to Nako via Khab Sangam and the Shipki La route~160 km · 6–7 hrs

    Leave early from Kalpa with views of the Kinner Kailash range and ride the remote Shipki La route through stark, high-altitude, border terrain. The route depends on permissions and weather, and you should carry your Aadhaar card. Stop at Khab Sangam, where the Sutlej and Spiti rivers meet, and reach Nako by evening.

    Kalpa → Khab Sangam → Shipki La route (12,894 ft) → Nako

    Meals
    Breakfast, dinner
    Stay
    Nako
    Distance
    ~160 km
    Drive
    6–7 hrs
  6. Day 6Nako to Tabo, Gue, Dhankar and Kaza~140 km · 5–6 hrs

    Start with an early look at Nako Lake, then ride to Gue to see its famous mummy and on to Tabo Monastery. Stop at Dhankar Monastery, perched above the valley, and arrive in Kaza, the heart of Spiti, with the evening free to rest and acclimatise.

    Nako → Tabo Monastery → Gue → Dhankar Monastery → Kaza

    Meals
    Breakfast, dinner
    Stay
    Kaza
    Distance
    ~140 km
    Drive
    5–6 hrs
  7. Day 7Kaza local sightseeing with Tashigang~50–70 km · 3–4 hrs

    A local ride through Spiti's villages and monasteries: Key Monastery, Chicham Bridge, Hikkim post office, Komic and Langza with panoramic views. In the evening visit Tashigang, home of the world's highest polling station at 15,256 ft, and Pinjoor, then return to Kaza to explore the local market or rest.

    Kaza → Key Monastery → Langza → Hikkim → Komic → Chicham Bridge → Tashigang → Pinjoor

    Meals
    Breakfast, dinner
    Stay
    Kaza
    Distance
    ~50–70 km
    Drive
    3–4 hrs
  8. Day 8Kaza to Chandratal over Kunzum La~80–110 km · 5–6 hrs

    Ride the rough and scenic high-altitude track toward Chandratal, with a water crossing on the way. Reach Kunzum La at 4,551 m (14,931 ft) and then Chandratal Lake, with a short walk to its clear water. Check in to the camps for a night under the stars in the cold desert.

    Kaza → Losar → Kunzum Pass → Chandratal

    Meals
    Breakfast, dinner
    Stay
    Camp at Chandratal
    Distance
    ~80–110 km
    Drive
    5–6 hrs
  9. Day 9Chandratal to Manali, then overnight Volvo to Delhi~110 km to Manali · 4–5 hrs

    Leave early after breakfast and ride via Batal, the Chacha Chachi dhaba and lush valleys as the barren mountains turn to green forest, down to Manali through the Atal Tunnel. Board the overnight Volvo to Delhi. If you would rather stay in Manali, we can arrange it at extra cost, and your Volvo ticket moves to the next day.

    Chandratal → Batal → Koksar → Manali → Atal Tunnel → Delhi

    Meals
    Breakfast
    Stay
    Overnight journey
    Distance
    ~110 km to Manali
    Drive
    4–5 hrs
  10. Day 10Arrive in Delhi~500 km · 10–12 hrs

    Reach Delhi in the morning with your memories of the Himalaya. The tour ends.

    Distance
    ~500 km
    Drive
    10–12 hrs

Dates

Tell us when you want to go

Dates you choose are preferred dates for your request. Our team confirms the current operating schedule and availability with you, and sends a written quote before any payment.

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Pricing

Choose a package (price per person)
Travellers
2

Package total for 2 travellers

₹65,998

Plus about ₹3,300 GST (5%) where it applies. Extras such as a private room or a spare rider are quoted by our team.

Request this quote
  • Bring your own motorcycle: ₹22,999 per person, with fuel, added to the group.
  • Double-sharing room stay: ₹2,000 extra per person.
  • Seat in the backup vehicle: ₹1,500 per day. Extra rider: ₹2,000 per day.
  • Luggage limit is 15 kg per rider; extra luggage is ₹1,000 per kg.
  • Refundable security deposit of ₹6,000 per bike, returned after inspection (engine damage excluded).
  • Optional extras: full riding gear set ₹2,000 per person for the tour, GoPro or Insta360 with mic and helmet mount ₹800 per day, professional tour video and photography (200+ photos) ₹5,000 per person, bike backup loading ₹2,500 per day.
  • Prices exclude 5% GST. Ask us about early-bird offers.

The price is indicative. We send a written quote for your dates that lists what is included, what is not, the payment schedule and the cancellation terms, before you pay anything.

Optional extras and what is paid separately

  • Himalayan 450 instead of 411₹9,000 more per person when shared, ₹9,000 more for a solo rider
  • Double-sharing stay₹2,000 more per person
  • Own motorcycle₹22,999 per person, with fuel, added to the group
  • Seat in the backup vehicle₹1,500 per person per day
  • Riding gear, GoPro and photosFull gear set ₹2,000 per person, GoPro or Insta360 ₹800 per day, tour video and 200+ photos ₹5,000 per person
  • Bike deposit₹6,000 per bike, refunded after inspection

What is included

  • Stay7 nights in hotels, hostels and a Chandratal camp, triple or quad sharing
  • MealsBreakfast and dinner at the stays, as per the itinerary
  • RideRoyal Enfield Himalayan for 8 days, fuel for the whole ride and a helmet for rider and pillion
  • CrewTour captain, Royal Enfield mechanic, marshals and a backup vehicle
  • PermitsAll Inner Line Permits and local permissions, and the Chandratal permit
  • SafetyFirst-aid kit, oxygen cylinder in the support vehicle and an oximeter

Included

  • 7 nights in hotels, hostels and camps on triple or quad sharing (double sharing is extra), with a mattress for any extra person
  • Breakfast and dinner at the designated stays, as per the itinerary
  • Royal Enfield Himalayan 411 or 450 for 8 days, from the morning of day 3 to the evening of day 9 (Kullu to Manali), with fuel for the whole ride
  • Complimentary helmet for rider and pillion for the 8 days
  • Tour captain, a Royal Enfield mechanic with spare parts for minor on-route repairs, and tour marshals
  • Backup (luggage) vehicle, with an oxygen cylinder available 24×7 for emergencies and an oximeter
  • Volvo tickets for the overnight journeys from Delhi and back, with pickup and drop at the designated Volvo points
  • All Inner Line Permits and required local permissions. The Chandratal permit is included in every plan except for guests with their own bike or car
  • First-aid kit, safety briefing and acclimatisation guidance
  • 24×7 on-ground and customer support, and help with luggage at remote locations
  • Official expedition completion certificate

Not included

  • 5% GST unless stated as included
  • Lunches, snacks, drinks and any meal not in the itinerary. Non-vegetarian meals are charged extra
  • Entry, camera and activity fees, including optional river rafting
  • Tips, porterage, laundry, phone calls, room service and shopping
  • Room-heater charges where applicable, paid at the property
  • Extra stay or meals caused by bad weather, road closures, snowfall or delays outside our control
  • Medical emergencies, evacuation and costs from natural calamities, landslides or roadblocks
  • Bike damage from negligence or mishandling; a refundable ₹6,000 security deposit per bike is taken before the ride

Packing checklist

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Payment and cancellation

How payment works
  • • Slot booking: ₹3,000 per person, non-refundable.
  • • Confirmation: 20% of the tour cost secures your booking. Payment can be made in instalments.
  • • The balance is due before the second day of the trip.
  • • We accept cards, net banking and UPI through a secure payment link.
Cancellation and refunds
  • • 30 days or more before departure: batch shifting allowed, booking amount non-refundable.
  • • 29–21 days: 25% of trip amount charged.
  • • 21–15 days: 50% of trip amount charged.
  • • 14–0 days: 100% of trip amount charged (no refund).
  • • The booking token is non-refundable within 45 days of departure; 50% is refundable if you cancel earlier.
  • • All bookings are first come, first served and are non-transferable. Only the names on the confirmation may travel.
  • • Trips can be rescheduled if you tell us at least 45 days before departure, subject to availability.
  • • No batch shifting or cancellation is accepted in the last 14 days before departure.
  • • Photos and videos made on our trips belong to MountainBea and may be used in advertising.
  • • We may rearrange the itinerary or transport for weather, road closures or other events outside our control.
  • • Disputes fall under the courts at Kullu, Himachal Pradesh.

Before you go

Where do I join the trip?

In Delhi, at the designated pickup point, for the overnight Volvo to Bhuntar. Your captain shares the exact point, time and bus details before departure.

Which documents should I carry?

A valid driving licence, an original government photo ID (Aadhaar, voter ID or passport) and your confirmation. Permits are arranged for you, and the ID is needed to issue them.

How much cash should I carry?

Enough for meals that are not included, snacks, entry tickets and personal spending. In remote places cards and ATMs may not work, so withdraw cash in a town before you head out.

Will my phone work?

Mobile coverage is patchy at high altitude and in remote valleys. Tell your family your route, and expect some days with no signal.

Do I need travel or medical insurance?

Insurance is not included. Check that your own policy covers high-altitude travel and motorcycle riding, and who to call if you need help.

How should I prepare for the altitude?

Rest on the first day, drink water, avoid alcohol on arrival and ascend slowly. Carry your own altitude-sickness medicine, and tell your captain early if you feel unwell. Read our altitude guide before you go.

What if the road or weather changes?

Your captain reviews local conditions each day and explains any route or timing change before it happens. We may rearrange the itinerary or transport for weather, road closures or other events outside our control.

What do I pack?

Warm layers, sun protection, sturdy shoes, your medicines and your ID. The full checklist for this trip is further down this page, and you can tick items off as you pack.

Questions about this trip

How many days is the Spiti bike trip?

It is 9 nights / 10 days from Delhi to Delhi. Day 1 is the overnight Volvo to Bhuntar, day 2 is an acclimatisation day, you ride from day 3 to day 9, and day 10 is your arrival in Delhi.

How much does the Spiti bike trip cost?

From ₹32,999 per person for two riders sharing a Himalayan 411, plus 5% GST. A solo rider pays ₹36,999, and the Himalayan 450, which we recommend, is ₹41,999 shared or ₹45,999 solo.

What is the route of the Spiti bike trip?

Delhi to Bhuntar by Volvo, then by bike through Jibhi and Jalori Pass to Sarahan, Chitkul, Kalpa, the Shipki La route to Nako, Tabo, Dhankar and Kaza, then Chandratal and Manali, and the Volvo back to Delhi.

How many kilometres is the Spiti bike trip?

The full circuit is listed at 1,300+ km. The riding days run from about 50 to 175 km each.

Do I need a permit and which documents should I carry?

All Inner Line Permits and local permissions are included, and the Chandratal permit too, except if you bring your own bike or car. Carry your Aadhaar card for the Shipki La route, plus your driving licence.

Can I bring my own motorcycle on the Spiti bike trip?

Yes. Joining the group with your own bike, with fuel included, is ₹22,999 per person. The Chandratal permit is not included in that plan.

What if I do not want to ride every day?

Take a seat in the backup vehicle for ₹1,500 per day, or choose the seat in the taxi option at ₹32,999 per person. Day 2 is also a rest day.

How many riders are in a batch?

A batch has up to 15 bikes, with a tour captain, a Royal Enfield mechanic and marshals, and a backup vehicle that travels with the group.

When is the best time for a Spiti bike trip?

Our batches run from late May to early October, with June as the start of the season and September as the end. Kunzum La and Chandratal are usually open from June, depending on snow.

What is the highest point on the Spiti bike trip?

The highest point is Tashigang at 15,256 ft (4,650 m), home of the world's highest polling station. Kunzum La is at 4,551 m (14,931 ft).

How does payment work?

A ₹3,000 non-refundable slot booking holds your place, and 20% of the tour cost confirms the booking. The balance is due before the second day of the trip, by card, net banking or UPI through a secure payment link.

Guides to read before you book

Reviews

Google reviews

4.8

Based on 208 reviews

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