Trip overview
Spiti is a high-altitude desert valley on the border of Tibet, with thousand-year-old monasteries, tiny villages and some of the most dramatic roads in India. This 6 day plan uses the Manali route through the Atal Tunnel and Kunzum Pass, which is usually open from mid-June to September.
After a night in Manali, you cross into Lahaul and drive to Kaza, Spiti's main town. Two nights in Kaza cover Key Monastery, Kibber, the Chicham bridge and the high villages of Langza, Hikkim and Komic. On the way back you spend a night in camps near Chandratal, the crescent-shaped moon lake, before returning to Manali.
Kaza is about 3,800 m above sea level, so this trip suits travellers in reasonable health who can take it slow on the first day. Outside the Manali-route season, we plan Spiti through Shimla and Kinnaur instead.
Trip highlights
- Atal Tunnel, Kunzum Pass and the Lahaul valley
- Key Monastery, Kibber and the Chicham bridge
- Langza, Hikkim and Komic, among the highest villages in Asia
- A night in camps near Chandratal lake
Day-by-day itinerary
- Day 1
Arrive in Manali
Check in, rest and keep the evening easy before the high-altitude drive.
- Day 2
Manali to Kaza via Kunzum Pass
An early start through the Atal Tunnel, then along the Chandra river to Batal and over Kunzum Pass into Spiti. It is a long day of about 8 to 10 hours on rough roads. Overnight in Kaza.
- Day 3
Key Monastery, Kibber and high villages
Visit Key Monastery, Kibber village and the Chicham bridge, then Langza with its Buddha statue and fossil beds, Hikkim's post office and the monastery at Komic. Overnight in Kaza.
- Day 4
Kaza to Chandratal
Drive back over Kunzum Pass and take the side road to Chandratal. Walk to the lake in the afternoon light. Overnight in camps.
- Day 5
Chandratal to Manali
Return to Manali through Batal and the Atal Tunnel. Evening free.
- Day 6
Check out and depart
After breakfast, check out and continue your journey.
This is a suggested plan. We adjust the route, pace and stays to your dates, group and the road and weather conditions at the time.
What's included
Included
- High-altitude landscapes
- Key Monastery
- Kaza
- Scenic valleys
- Local sightseeing
Not included
- Train, flight or bus tickets to the starting point unless added to your plan
- Meals not listed under Included
- Entry tickets, ropeway and monument fees
- Adventure activities such as paragliding, skiing, river rafting and zorbing
- Permits and local union taxis where the route needs them (for example Rohtang Pass)
- Personal expenses, tips and travel insurance
Questions about this trip
When is the Manali to Spiti road open?
The Kunzum Pass road usually opens around mid-June and closes in October with the first heavy snow. Dates change every year, so we confirm the status before you travel.
How do I avoid altitude sickness?
Drink plenty of water, avoid alcohol for the first days, walk slowly and tell your driver if you feel unwell. Spending a night in Manali first helps your body adjust.
Can I visit Spiti in winter?
Yes, but only through the Shimla and Kinnaur route, and it needs extra planning for cold, snow and limited facilities. Ask us for a winter Spiti plan.
Is there mobile network in Spiti?
Network is limited and mostly available in Kaza. Expect long stretches with no signal, especially near Chandratal.
