Detailed Itinerary Of Spiti Valley
Chances are if you are reading this article, then you are well aware of the fact of the challenges you face on the way to Spiti valley. Also, known as “cold desert mountain”, it is like a dare trying to get to the Spiti. It is like a land far away that you hear so much about and people don’t often visit it, but mysterious enough to give it a try. However, due to the isolated region of Spiti, it is pretty hard to draft an itinerary for someone who is visiting it for the first time. Nevertheless, if you are planning to take a road trip anytime soon, and want detailed information on getting there, then this article will help you immensely. You can thank me later!
While traveling to Spiti valley, you must keep in mind that you won’t be able to travel here every month or year. Most people can’t rely on themselves when they visit Spiti again, although there is so much to see. At the same time, I suggest you relax and enjoy the view as the trip is mostly about the journey rather than the destination. Albeit, the entire Spiti circuit ( Shimla to Manali or vice versa ) can be done in 5 days, it is suggested to at least give some 8-9 days to enjoy their journey to its fullest.
Consider catching AMS which you may suffer from during the journey. Spiti is appraised as the highest altitude region and, if this is your trip, it is encouraged to start your journey from Shimla and end at Manali, for better high altitude acclimatization. Hotels are available in Spiti in plenty and in an affordable range of INR 500 per night for 2 people. For people using a motorcycle, a 10 day trip, covering the entire Spiti, with fuel, shelter and food can be easily capped within INR 10,00 per person. In contrast, if you’re traveling in a four wheeler, expect the cost to be around INR 15,00 to INR 17,000.
Keeping that in mind, let us dive into our comprehensive itinerary! Spiti Valley
SPITI VALLEY ITINERARY
DAY 1 – Traveling from Delhi
DAY 2 – Shimla to Sarahan
DAY 3 – Sarahan to Chitkul
DAY 4 – Chitkul to Kalpa
DAY 5 – Kalpa to Nako
DAY 6 – Nako to Kaza
DAY 7 – Visiting Kaza and other villages
DAY 8 – Kaza to Chandratal
DAY 9 – Chandratal to Manali
DAY 10 – Manali to Delhi
DAY 1 – Traveling from Delhi
This is just a long day of journey. Starting early from Delhi, assuming you are, take NH1 towards chandigarh. Take the Himalayan Expressway towards Shimla to get to Chandigarh. Once you’re at Shimla, you choose to stay here or if you have some time to spare, continue towards Narkanda. Personally, I think you should stay at Narkanda as compared to the crowded city of Shimla. It is about 2-3 hours drive from Shimla.
DAY 2 – Shimla to Sarahan
Start early if you stay at Shimla. After some time, you will get the first view of Sutlej river. Resume towards Rampur where you can have lunch as well. Turn on the 16 kilometers long road that goes towards Sarahan, after reaching Jeori. Bhimkali temple and a bird sanctuary in Sarahan is worth a visit.
DAY 3 – Sarahan to Chitkul
On road Sarahan,continue to Jeori getting to Karchham. Witness a dam built over Sutlej at Karchham. Leave the highway again and take the diversion towards Sangla, after Karchham. Continue to drive to Chitkul which is the last village on the road. Chitkul has a beautiful small village near Baspa river.
DAY 4 – Chitkul to Kalpa
On the road, go all the way back to the highway at Karchham to Powari. On road Powari, leave the highway once again and turn on the road going uphill going to Reckong Peo. Coming from Peo, keep going until you get Kalpa. It has a small town famous for its apple orchids. In addition, it presents a magnificent view of Kinner Kailash.
DAY 5 – Kalpa to Nako
Reckong Peo has the last petrol pump until Kaza so make sure that you refill. Go back and drive to Powari. Once on road NH1 Pooh, you will need to register yourself at the check post. Post driving Pooh, the road will remain sublime till Nako. Crossing Kazigs on the road, there are many road bends. Nako also has a small man-made lake but not that amusing. If you’re up to it, do a little bit of climbing on the nearby hilltop to get the entire view of the village.
DAY 6 – Nako to Kaza
From Nako, it’s a smooth drive to Tabo. Traveling won’t be a total challenge. Passing Tabo there is a small village of Dhankar, known for monasteries. You can also see a lake near Dhankar, known as Dhankar Lake. Climb on foot for a few kilometers to reach the lake. You can stay in Dhankar, nearest accommodation available is either at Kaza or Tabo. Go straight to Kaza, after Dhankar. Top tourist Hotspots around Kaza are Tangyud Monastery, Key Monastery, Kibber village,Gette Village, Langza village famous for presents of marine fossils, and the Pin Valley National Park, a protected area for Himalayan high altitude wildlife.
DAY 7 – Kaza and other villages
Get up early the next day from Kaza to drop by in the villages of Gette, Tashigang, Kibber, Kaumik and Langza.Once you leave your accommodation, you will be returning to Kaza by nightfall. You will be surprised to visit old fossils found here which you can even buy, if you are interested in Kaza. In addition, make sure you drop by the small restaurant where you can eat and also see some fossils.
DAY 8 – Kaza to Chandratal
Refill your tank at Kaza, as the next fuel station is at Manali.While coming from Losar, take the down path towards Kunzum Pass. Starting uphill to Batal, find a small road that goes towards Chandratal. Turn on from the lake is about 10 kilometers. Practise caution while driving as it is a narrow dirt trail. In Chandratal visit various campsites where the price will range between Rs. 1500 to Rs. 3000 per person including meals.
DAY 9 – Chandratal to Manali
Once you’re out of Chandratal, drive to Kunzum pass and head to Batal. The road ahead is bad.Although, it will take you a good 5-6 hours just to cross this small patch, it is for a short time. Coming from Gramphoo, turn towards Rohtang Pass and then go downhill into Manali. Overall 7-8 hours drive. Manali has many hotels and you will easily find one within any budget.
DAY 10 – Manali to Delhi
Driving back is just a tedious and long journey of 12-14 hours.
Summarizing your trip in 10 days of Spiti is going to be an spectacular and unbelievable journey you wouldn’t dare let slip out of your memory. Let us know about your anecdotes. Spiti Valley
