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MountainBea Expedition

4WD SUV8 nights · 9 daysSpiti

★ 4.8 MountainBea on Google, 208 reviews

Winter Spiti 4WD Expedition

The ultimate white expedition: eight nights through snow-covered Kinnaur and Spiti in a 4×4.

₹32,999per person

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Duration
8 nights, 9 days
Distance
~1,350 km
Highest point
4,513 m
Season
October – March
Difficulty
Challenging
Group
Seats in 4WD SUVs: Jimny, Scorpio N, Hilux or Fortuner

Overview

Spiti in winter is one of the coldest, quietest places in the Himalaya, with temperatures that can fall to -40°C. This 8 night / 9 day expedition drives the full snow circuit in a 4×4 with a Himalayan-trained driver.

The route goes up from Shimla through Narkanda and Kinnaur to Tabo and Kaza, with a full day for Key Monastery, Kibber, Hikkim, Langza and Komic, then returns the same way.

Snow-chain support, fuel, tolls, permits and breakfast and dinner at every hotel are included. If a road is closed, Pin Valley is dropped and the plan adapts.

  • 4×4 drive across snow-covered Kinnaur and Spiti
  • Chitkul, Nako frozen lake, Tabo and Dhankar in winter
  • Key Monastery, Kibber, Chicham Bridge and Komic
  • Hikkim post office under snow
  • Snow-chain support and Himalayan-trained drivers
  • Departures through peak snow months, January and February

Best time to go

October to March

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

Is this trip right for you?

Grade 4 of 5 · Challenging

Travel style
4x4 expedition
Trip type
4WD SUV with a driver
Start and finish
Delhi to Delhi
Group size
Seats in 4WD SUVs: Jimny, Scorpio N, Hilux or Fortuner
Documents
A government photo ID, layered winter clothing, insulated footwear, gloves and sunglasses
  • Best for

    Travellers who want a winter 4WD journey through Kinnaur and Spiti with an experienced driver.

  • Travel pace

    Consecutive mountain drives. Snowfall and road access can change the sightseeing plan.

  • Vehicle and support

    A 4WD SUV with a Himalayan driver. Jimny and Scorpio N allocations depend on your group, and Hilux or Fortuner upgrades and self-drive cost extra.

  • Altitude and readiness

    A high-altitude winter route in very cold conditions. Confirm acclimatisation, personal readiness and route access with the team.

This trip may not suit you if

  • You do not cope well with cold. Nights fall well below freezing.
  • You need a fixed plan. Snow can change it, and Pin Valley is only visited when conditions allow.
  • You want lunch on the road included. Lunch on travel days is extra.

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

Day-by-day itinerary

Delhi – Shimla – Narkanda – Kalpa – Tabo – Kaza – Kalpa – Shimla – Delhi

Route mapSchematic: stops are approximate
1Shimla (1, 8)2Narkanda3Kalpa (3, 7)4Tabo5Kaza6Komic
  1. 1. Shimla, about 2200 metres
  2. 2. Narkanda, about 2700 metres
  3. 3. Kalpa, about 2296 metres
  4. 4. Tabo, about 3280 metres
  5. 5. Kaza, about 3650 metres
  6. 6. Komic, about 4513 metres
  7. 7. Kalpa, about 2296 metres
  8. 8. Shimla, about 2200 metres
Altitude along the routeMetres, approximate. Highest point: Komic, 4,513 m
1,5003,2505,0002,200Shimla2,700Narkanda2,296Kalpa3,280Tabo3,650Kaza4,513Komic2,296Kalpa2,200Shimla
Altitude at each stop, in metres
Shimla2200
Narkanda2700
Kalpa2296
Tabo3280
Kaza3650
Komic4513
Kalpa2296
Shimla2200

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 Shimla (overnight)— · 8–9 hrs

    Overnight AC Volvo from Delhi (Kashmiri Gate or RK Ashram) to Shimla. Keep a light jacket handy for the cold morning.

    Meals
    Dinner en route (self-arranged)
    Stay
    Overnight journey
    Distance
    —
    Drive
    8–9 hrs
  2. Day 2Shimla to Narkanda~65 km · 2–3 hrs

    Drive via Kufri and Theog through apple orchards and pine forests.

    Shimla → Kufri → Theog → Narkanda

    Meals
    Breakfast, dinner
    Stay
    Narkanda
    Distance
    ~65 km
    Drive
    2–3 hrs
  3. Day 3Narkanda to Kalpa via Sangla~165 km · 6–7 hrs

    Through Rampur, Jeori and Wangtu into the Kinnaur Valley, with views of the Kinner Kailash range.

    Narkanda → Rampur → Jeori → Wangtu → Kalpa

    Meals
    Breakfast, dinner
    Stay
    Kalpa or Sangla
    Distance
    ~165 km
    Drive
    6–7 hrs
  4. Day 4Kalpa to Tabo~150 km · 5–6 hrs

    Cross Khab Sangam and Nako, then enter Spiti and reach Tabo Monastery. Network is limited, so carry a power bank.

    Kalpa → Khab → Nako → Tabo

    Meals
    Breakfast, dinner
    Stay
    Tabo
    Distance
    ~150 km
    Drive
    5–6 hrs
  5. Day 5Tabo to Kaza via Dhankar and Pin Valley~110 km · 5–6 hrs

    Pin Valley and Mud village when the road is open, then Dhankar and on to Kaza. If the road is closed or there is heavy snow, Pin Valley is skipped.

    Tabo → Pin Valley → Dhankar → Kaza

    Meals
    Breakfast, dinner
    Stay
    Kaza
    Distance
    ~110 km
    Drive
    5–6 hrs
  6. Day 6Kaza local sightseeing60–80 km

    Key Monastery, Chicham Bridge, Kibber, Langza, Hikkim and Komic. Avoid overexertion while you acclimatise.

    Kaza → Key → Kibber → Chicham → Langza → Hikkim → Komic

    Meals
    Breakfast, dinner
    Stay
    Kaza
    Distance
    60–80 km
  7. Day 7Kaza to Kalpa~210 km · 7–8 hrs

    Retrace through Tabo, Nako and Kinnaur as the cold desert turns green.

    Meals
    Breakfast, dinner
    Stay
    Kalpa
    Distance
    ~210 km
    Drive
    7–8 hrs
  8. Day 8Kalpa to Shimla~220 km · 7–8 hrs

    Down the Sutlej valley through Kinnaur to Shimla. Board the overnight bus or stay as planned.

    Meals
    Breakfast, dinner
    Stay
    Shimla / transit
    Distance
    ~220 km
    Drive
    7–8 hrs
  9. Day 9Shimla to Delhi~350 km · 8–10 hrs

    Morning drive to Delhi. Trip ends.

    Meals
    —
    Distance
    ~350 km
    Drive
    8–10 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.

Request your dates

Pricing

  • Deluxe package4WD with driver, deluxe stays₹32,999 per person
  • Premium package4WD with driver, premium stays₹42,999 per person
Package
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
  • • Private vehicle for two people: ₹43,999 per person.
  • • Solo travellers pay ₹6,000 extra.
  • • Hilux or Fortuner 4×4: ₹10,000 extra per person.
  • • Self-drive is available on demand.
  • • Vehicles: solo travellers get a seat in a group SUV, groups of 2–3 get a Jimny 4×4, and groups of up to 5 get a Scorpio N 4×4.
  • • Early-bird discounts apply on selected batches.

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

  • Premium stays₹10,000 more per person than deluxe stays
  • Solo traveller₹6,000 supplement, with a seat in a group SUV
  • Hilux or Fortuner₹10,000 more per person
  • Private vehicle for two₹43,999 per person
  • Monastery entry₹10 to ₹100 per person

What is included

  • Stay6 hotel nights: Narkanda, Kalpa or Sangla, Tabo, Kaza (2) and Kalpa
  • MealsBreakfast and dinner at the hotels, plus welcome tea or coffee
  • TransportAC Volvo Delhi to Shimla and back, and a 4WD SUV with a Himalayan driver
  • Drive costsFuel, tolls, parking, driver night charges and snow-chain support when required
  • PermitsRequired Inner Line permits
  • SupportGround support, a basic first-aid kit and applicable taxes

Included

  • AC Volvo both ways, Delhi – Shimla – Delhi
  • 4×4 SUV for the full Spiti winter circuit with an experienced Himalayan driver
  • Fuel, tolls, parking, driver night charges and snow-chain support if required
  • 6 nights in Standard / Deluxe hotels: Narkanda 1, Kalpa or Sangla 1, Tabo 1, Kaza 2, Kalpa 1
  • Breakfast and dinner at all hotels (MAP) and welcome tea or coffee
  • All sightseeing as per the itinerary and photo stops at snow points
  • All required Inner Line Permits
  • Dedicated ground support team, first-aid kit and all applicable taxes

Not included

  • Monastery entry fees (₹10–₹100 per person)
  • Lunch on travel days
  • Personal, medical and unforeseen expenses
  • Anything not listed under inclusions

Packing checklist

0 of 9 packed

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Payment and cancellation

How payment works
  • • Pre-booking: ₹1,500 per person at the time of booking.
  • • Next 30% is due 20 days before departure.
  • • The balance is due on day 2 of the tour.
  • • You will get a secure payment link, then a confirmation voucher and receipt after full payment.
  • • Want other dates? We can arrange custom departures.
Cancellation and refunds
  • • 31 days or more before departure: booking amount non-refundable; credit note for any balance.
  • • 30–16 days: 50% of the total tour cost charged.
  • • 15 days or less: 100% charged.
  • • Cancellation is non-negotiable and 5% GST applies to the cancellation amount.
  • • 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 Shimla. Your captain shares the exact point, time and bus details before departure.

Which documents should I carry?

An original government photo ID (Aadhaar, driving licence, 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 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 cold does Spiti get in winter?

Temperatures can drop as low as -40°C. Hotels are heated or have heaters, and you should pack proper thermals, gloves and an insulated jacket.

What is the best month for the Winter Spiti expedition?

January and February are the peak snow months. Late December is our top-selling window, and October to November and March are lighter, with less snow.

Is a 4×4 really needed in winter?

Yes. Roads can be covered in snow or ice, so we use 4×4 SUVs with experienced drivers and carry snow chains.

What if the road to Pin Valley is closed?

Pin Valley is dropped when there is a road closure, landslide or heavy snow, and the rest of the itinerary continues.

What are the vehicle options?

Solo travellers get a seat in a group 4WD SUV. Groups of 2–3 travel in a Jimny, groups of up to 5 in a Scorpio N. Hilux or Fortuner costs ₹10,000 more per person.

Can solo travellers join the winter Spiti expedition?

Yes. Solo travellers get a seat in a group SUV and pay ₹6,000 extra.

Where do we stay on the winter Spiti trip?

Six nights in Standard or Deluxe hotels: Narkanda 1, Kalpa or Sangla 1, Tabo 1, Kaza 2 and Kalpa 1. Breakfast and dinner are included at all hotels.

How does payment work for winter Spiti?

Pay ₹1,500 per person when you book, then 30% 20 days before departure. The balance is due on day 2 of the tour, and you get a secure payment link, a confirmation voucher and a receipt.

Can I get a custom winter Spiti departure?

We can arrange custom departures. Message us on WhatsApp with your dates and group size.

Guides to read before you book

Reviews

Google reviews

4.8

Based on 208 reviews

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