Overview

Adventure Geek invites you to Spiti Valley Backpacking trip.
One of the still unexplored and insanely beautiful stretches of the Indian Himalayas, Spiti is a valley of stark landscapes and high snowy peaks stretching to the sky. Gurgling rivers and crystal clear lakes dot the highlands of Lahaul, while an ancient civilization has survived for nearly a thousand years and has preserved its culture against the onslaught of modernity in Spiti.

Spiti valley lies in the western Himalayas at 3680 meters, in Himachal Pradesh in north India near the Tibetan border. Closed to the outside world for over 30 years, this ‘forbidden’ valley opened to foreigners only in 1992. Spiti Valley is as much a journey within as it is without. The lofty Kunzum pass will trivialize our place in the world. The stillness of the Chandratal lake will talk to you of contentment.

The legendary ki monastery will speak to you of man’s industry - physical, yet transcendental. And since all life is cyclical, you’ll again be jolted into insignificance as you trek the ragged & spartan route to some of the highest Himalayan villages in the world. Rise to one of the world’s highest motorable roads en route to Lanza and sway to the sinuous Spiti River below. Indulge the yaks and refresh your paleontology. Lunch with the rank and file at demul and bow to Spitian regalia at Dhankar.

Checkout Our other Backpacking Tour

Short itinerary

  • Day 0: Delhi to Shimla | Overnight Journey
    Day 1: Pickup Shimla - Sangla
    Day 2: Sangla - Via Rakcham - Via Nako - Tabo/Poh
    Day 3: Tabo/Poh - Via Dhankar - Kaza 
    Day 4: Tabo/Poh - Via Dhankar - Kaza 
    Day 5: Kaza - Key Monastery - Kibber - Chicham Bridge - Poh/Tabo
    Day 6: Poh/Tabo - Via Nako - Kalpa
    Day 7:Kalpa - Via Rampur - Shimla 
    Day 8: Shimla - Delhi Drop 
7 Nights 8 Days 30 May and 19 Jun Chandigarh, Chandigarh
Highlights
  • Drive through the mountains
  • Send a postcard from the world's highest post office
  • Drive through a raw, white, and rugged winter.
  • Visit the beautiful key monastery
  • Experience village life and stay in a homestay
  • Indulge in local cuisines
  • Visit age-old temples.
  • Experience Upper Himalayas.
  • Explore the beautiful rustic lands of Kinnaur.
  • Photography Walks.
  • Interaction with Monks.
  • Local Food & Drinks.
  • Stargazing & Bonfire.
  • Experiencing Wildlife.
Itinerary
Day 00

Delhi to Shimla

Delhi
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Meeting Point and Departure
- Meeting Point: Majnu Ka Tilla, Delhi
- Meeting Time: 8:00 pm
- Departure: Board the Volvo Bus to Shimla

Travel Overnight
Travel overnight from Delhi to Shimla by Volvo Bus

Day 01

Shimla to Sangla

Shimla / Sangla
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Morning Arrival in Shimla
- Arrive in Shimla early in the morning via the Hindustan-Tibet highway

🚐Transportation Change and Departure
- Change transportation from bus to Tempo Traveler
- Depart for Sangla/Chitkul

🏨Arrival and Stay
- Arrive at Sangla/Chitkul
- Check-in to the stay
- Retire for the day

Dinner and Overnight Stay
- Enjoy dinner
- Overnight stay at Sangla/Chitkul
Shimla Snowfall: Shimla sees season's second light snowfall; tourism, farming sectors cheer, ET TravelWorld

Important Notes
- All guests must report to the common pickup point
- Pickup time: 08:00 - 09:00 AM
- The vehicle will pick up all travelers together from one point

Travel Details
- Distance covered: 220-250 km
- Travel time: 4-5 hours
- Transportation: Cab/Tempo Traveller
- Meals: Breakfast and dinner

Day 02

Sangla to Tabo

Tabo
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Morning Visit to Villages
- After breakfast, visit Rakcham and Chitkul Village
- Explore the last village on the old Indo-Tibetan Trade Route

Scenic Drive to Tabo
- Enjoy stunning views of the Baspa River and Valley
- Stop at Khab for breathtaking views of the Satluj & Spiti Rivers
- Visit Nako village for lunch and admire its picturesque lake

Arrival and Stay
- Arrive at Tabo- Check-in to the stay
- Retire for the day

Dinner and Overnight Stay
- Enjoy dinner
- Overnight stay at Tabo/Poh

Meals
- Breakfast
- Dinner

Day 03

Tabo to Kaza via Dhankar

Kaza
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Morning Exploration
- After breakfast, check out from the stay
- Visit Tabo Monastery and Caves (minimum 1 hour hiking)

Journey to KAZA
- Start the journey to Kaza via Dhankar
- Visit Dhankar village and Gompa, situated high above the valley
- Stop at Lingti Waterfall en route to Kaza

Arrival and Stay
- Arrive at Kaza, the sub-divisional headquarters of Spiti Valley
- Check-in to the stay
- Retire for the day

Dinner and Overnight Stay
- Enjoy dinner
- Overnight stay at Kaza

About Dhankar and Kaza
- Dhankar Village: Known for its fort and residence of the king of Spiti, offering breathtaking views
- Kaza: The heart of Spiti, a high-altitude cold desert with similarities to Tibet and Ladakh in terrain, climate, and Buddhist culture

Meals
- Breakfast
- Dinner

Day 04

Kaza to Langza, Kommic, Hikkim, and back to Kaza

Langza
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Morning Exploration
- Post breakfast, head out to explore the villages of Langza, Komic, and Hikkim
- Visit Langza, famous for fossil hunting and mud crafts
- Stop at Komic, the world's highest motorable village, situated at 4580 meters
- Visit Hikkim, home to the world's highest post office

Experiences
- Explore the Kaza market on your own
- Send a postcard from Hikkim's highest post office
- Enjoy the breathtaking views of the snow-white mountain peaks and soft brown pastures

About the Villages
- Langza: Famous for fossil hunting and mud crafts, with a strong Tibetan Buddhist influence
- Komic: The world's highest motorable village, with a small population of 84 people
- Hikkim: Home to the world's highest post office, offering a unique experience

Wildlife
- Spot animals like the Tibetan wolf, blue sheep, red fox, hare, snow cock, and Himalayan griffon

Stay and Meals
- Check-in to the designated accommodations in Kaza
- Enjoy dinner and overnight stay at Kaza
- Meals: Breakfast and dinner

Day 05

Kaza to Key Monastry, Kibber, Chicham Bridge, and Tabo

Tabo
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Morning Exploration
- Visit Key Monastery, founded over 1000 years ago by Dromton
- Explore Kibber village, famous for its monastery and wildlife sanctuary
- Cross the Chicham Bridge, the world's highest suspension bridge

About the Destinations
- Key Monastery: A transcendent place of worship and the largest monastery in Spiti Valley
- Kibber: A village at 4200m altitude, known for its monastery and wildlife sanctuary
- Chicham Bridge: The world's highest suspension bridge, connecting Kibber and Chicham villages

Journey to Tabo
- Move towards Tabo after exploring the destinations
- Check-in to the stay and retire for the day

Stay and Meals
- Enjoy dinner and overnight stay at Tabo
- Meals: Breakfast and dinner

Day 06

Tabo to Kalpa

Kalpa
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Morning Journey
- Start the journey to Kalpa after breakfast
- Visit Gue village to see the 500-year-old mummy (subject to road conditions)
- Stop at Nako Village and enjoy the beautiful lake views
- Take in the stunning views of the Satluj and Spiti Rivers at Khab

Arrival at Kalpa
- Visit Roghi Village and Suicide Point
- Catch a glimpse of the famous Kinner Kailash mountain range
- Check-in to the stay and retire for the day

Stay and Meals
- Enjoy dinner and overnight stay at Kalpa
- Meals: Breakfast and dinner

Day 07

Kalpa to Shimla to Delhi

Shimla / Delhi
+

Morning Journey
- Check-out from the stay and start the journey to Shimla
- Enjoy the outer views of Karcham Dam and villages like Wangtu, Tranda, and Rampur
- Board a Volvo bus to Delhi from Shimla

Meals
- Breakfast

Day 08

Delhi Arrival

Delhi
+

Morning Arrival
- Reach Delhi early in the morning
- Disperse the group with fond memories
- End of the Winter Spiti Road Trip

Inclusions/Exclusions

What is included in the tour

  • Train travel: SL/AC coach ticket from Mumbai to Delhi & back to Mumbai.
  • Volvo transfer from Delhi to Shimla and back.
  • Accommodation on a double/triple sharing basis at all destinations as per the itinerary.
  • Breakfast and dinner at all hotels and homestays.
  • Comfortable non-AC vehicle Traveller/Innova shared by ten people, for all days as per the itinerary 
  • Tour leader assistance from Day 1 to Day 8.
  • Monastery/Museum Entrance Fees

 

What is NOT included in the tour

  • Train/flight travel to and fro from Delhi
  • Lunch on all-day
  • Porters
  • Sightseeing in Shimla 
  • Any permits, activities, accommodation, or transfer other than what is mentioned in the itinerary.
  • Any cost arising out of unforeseen circumstances including medical emergencies and act of god.
  • Anything that is not mentioned in the above list of inclusions.

 

Note
Note: Access to high altitude regions of Spiti Valley, especially Hikkim, Komik, Langza Village and Pin Valley etc may be blocked during winter months due to excessive snowfall. Hence, the visit to these locations is weather dependent. In such a case, we will look for the best possible alternatives, as feasible. Note: Travelers residing outside Chandigarh are suggested to book trains/flights reaching Chandigarh no later than 6:00 PM one day prior to the trip start date. Similarly, on the trip end date, book returning flight/trains leaving post 6:00 PM Note: Numerous factors such as weather, road conditions, the physical ability of participants, etc. may cause itinerary change. We reserve the rights to change any schedule in the interest of safety, comfort, and general wellbeing.
Pickup point
Chandigarh, India View on Map