Spiti Full Circuit – Manali to Shimla Road Trip via Chandratal

Transfer from Manali to Chandra Tal

1. Wake Up and Breakfast

• Morning Routine: Wake up early to make the most of the day.
• Breakfast: Enjoy a hearty breakfast at your hotel in Manali to prepare for the long journey ahead.

2. Check-Out and Departure

• Check-Out: Complete the check-out process from your hotel in Manali.
• Depart for Chandra Tal: Begin your journey towards Chandra Tal Lake.

3. Scenic Drive Highlights

• Atal Tunnel:
  • Details: Drive through the Atal Tunnel, a remarkable engineering feat that connects Manali to Lahaul and Spiti Valley. This tunnel, one of the longest high-altitude tunnels in the world, offers a unique driving experience through the heart of the mountains.
  • Terrain Change: As you exit the tunnel, witness the dramatic shift from lush green valleys to the brown, arid landscapes of Lahaul.
• Lahaul Valley:
  • Journey: Traverse the starkly beautiful Lahaul Valley, characterized by its rugged terrain and high-altitude desert landscapes.
• Kunzum La Pass:
  • Details: Cross Kunzum La, a high-altitude pass at 14,931 feet. It serves as the gateway to Spiti Valley and offers stunning panoramic views of the surrounding mountains.
  • Photography: Make sure to stop for photographs and take in the breathtaking scenery.

4. Arrival at Chandra Tal

• Evening Arrival: Reach Chandra Tal by evening. The journey from Manali involves rugged and sometimes challenging roads, so expect to arrive in the late afternoon or early evening.
• Check-In: Upon arrival, check in to your campsite near Chandra Tal. The accommodations are typically in tents or basic lodgings designed to withstand the cold mountain conditions.

5. Evening Activities

• Explore Chandra Tal Lake:
  • Details: After settling into your camp, take some time to explore Chandra Tal Lake, known for its crescent shape and stunning turquoise waters.
  • Relaxation: Enjoy a peaceful walk around the lake and the tranquil environment.
• Dinner:
  • Meal: Have dinner at the camp. Meals are often simple but hearty, prepared to keep you warm and energized in the high-altitude setting.

6. Stargazing and Overnight Stay

• Stargazing: After dinner, take advantage of the clear, high-altitude skies to enjoy stargazing. Chandra Tal offers spectacular views of the night sky, including the Milky Way Galaxy.
• Overnight Stay: Rest for the night under the expansive sky filled with stars. The cold, clear air provides a perfect setting for a night of stargazing.

Additional Tips:

• Warm Clothing: Pack plenty of warm clothing, including layers, hats, and gloves. Even in summer, temperatures at Chandra Tal can drop significantly at night.
• Altitude Adjustment: Take it easy and acclimatize to the altitude. Drink plenty of water and avoid strenuous activities immediately upon arrival.
• Camera Gear: Bring a good camera and tripod for capturing the stunning night skies and landscape. The clear air at high altitude offers excellent visibility for astrophotography.

Explore Spiti Valley and Transfer to Kaza

1. Breakfast at Chandra Tal Camp

• Morning Routine: Wake up and enjoy a warm breakfast at your camp near Chandra Tal. Prepare for an exciting day exploring the beauty of Spiti Valley.

2. Departure and Exploration

• Check-Out: Complete the check-out process from your camp.
• Key Monastery:
  • Location: Drive towards Key Monastery, which is about 40 kilometers (25 miles) from Kaza and typically takes around 1.5 hours to reach.
  • Visit: Explore the Key Monastery, an important Tibetan Buddhist monastery situated on a hilltop. The monastery is known for its stunning architecture, ancient murals, and panoramic views of the Spiti Valley.
• Chicham Bridge:
  • Location: From Key Monastery, drive to the Chicham Bridge, which is approximately 30 kilometers (19 miles) away.
  • Visit: The Chicham Bridge is one of the highest suspension bridges in Asia, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding gorges and valleys. The drive to the bridge includes some rough terrain, so travel carefully.

3. Drive to Kaza

• Journey Details: After visiting Key Monastery and Chicham Bridge, continue your drive towards Kaza. The distance from Chicham Bridge to Kaza is around 40 to 50 kilometers (25 to 31 miles), and the drive can take approximately 2 to 3 hours, depending on road conditions.

4. Arrival in Kaza

• Check-In: Arrive in Kaza by evening. Check into your hotel or guesthouse. Kaza is the administrative center of Spiti Valley and offers a range of accommodation options, from basic to more comfortable stays.
• Relax: After the long drive, take some time to relax and freshen up at your accommodation.

5. Evening in Kaza

• Dinner: Enjoy dinner at your hotel or a local restaurant in Kaza. Sample local Spitian cuisine and relax after a day of exploration.
• Overnight Stay: Spend the night in Kaza.

Explore Hikkim, Komik, and Langza

1. Breakfast in Kaza

• Morning Routine: Start your day with breakfast at your accommodation in Kaza.

2. Departure for Day Trip

• Check-Out: If needed, check out from your hotel or guesthouse in Kaza. Make sure to pack essentials for a day of exploration.

3. Visit Hikkim

• Location: Hikkim is approximately 19 kilometers (12 miles) from Kaza, and the drive takes around 1 to 1.5 hours.
• Highlight: Visit the Hikkim Post Office, the highest post office in the world at an altitude of about 4,400 meters (14,400 feet). Send postcards to your loved ones and experience the unique charm of this remote location.

4. Continue to Komik

• Location: From Hikkim, drive to Komik, which is around 8 kilometers (5 miles) away, and the drive takes about 30 minutes.
• Highlight: Visit the village of Komik, which is known for its stunning views and high altitude. Have lunch at the highest café in the world, enjoying both the food and the incredible panoramic views.

5. Explore Langza

• Location: From Komik, drive to Langza, which is approximately 20 kilometers (12 miles) away, taking around 1 hour to reach.
• Highlight: Visit Langza, known for its impressive Buddha Statue. The statue, located on a hill overlooking the village, offers magnificent views of the surrounding landscape and is a significant cultural and religious site.

6. Return to Kaza

• Drive Back: After exploring Langza, return to Kaza. The drive back is around 30 to 40 kilometers (18 to 25 miles), taking approximately 1.5 to 2 hours.

7. Dinner and Overnight Stay

• Dinner: Enjoy dinner at your hotel or a local restaurant in Kaza. Reflect on the day’s adventures and enjoy a relaxing meal.
• Overnight Stay: Spend the night in Kaza, resting after a day of exploration.

Transfer from Kaza to Kalpa with Tabo Monastery Visit

1. Breakfast in Kaza

• Morning Routine: Start your day with breakfast at your hotel or guesthouse in Kaza.

2. Check-Out and Departure

• Check-Out: Complete the check-out process from your accommodation in Kaza.
• Departure: Prepare for your journey to Kalpa, which involves a drive of approximately 200 kilometers (125 miles).

3. Visit Tabo Monastery

• Location: Tabo Monastery is about 50 kilometers (31 miles) from Kaza and typically takes around 2 hours to reach by car.
• Highlight: Explore the Tabo Monastery, one of the oldest and most significant Buddhist monasteries in the Spiti Valley, established in the 10th century. The monastery is renowned for its ancient murals, sculptures, and historical significance.
  • Activities: Walk around the monastery complex, admire the ancient art, and learn about its rich history and cultural importance.

4. Drive to Kalpa

• Journey Details: After visiting Tabo Monastery, continue your drive to Kalpa. The journey from Tabo to Kalpa is approximately 150 kilometers (93 miles) and typically takes around 6 to 8 hours, depending on road conditions and traffic.
• Scenic Route: Enjoy the scenic drive through the mountainous terrain, passing through beautiful valleys, and observing changing landscapes as you descend from the high-altitude Spiti Valley to the lower altitudes of Kalpa.

5. Arrival in Kalpa

• Evening Arrival: Reach Kalpa by night. Kalpa is a picturesque village located in the Kinnaur district of Himachal Pradesh, known for its stunning views of the Kinnaur Kailash range.
• Check-In: Upon arrival, check into your hotel or guesthouse in Kalpa.

6. Dinner and Overnight Stay

• Dinner: Enjoy a warm meal at your accommodation or a local restaurant in Kalpa. The local cuisine often features traditional Himachali dishes.
• Overnight Stay: Rest and spend the night in Kalpa.

Transfer from Kalpa to Chitkul

1. Breakfast in Kalpa

• Morning Routine: Start your day with breakfast at your hotel or guesthouse in Kalpa.

2. Check-Out and Departure

• Check-Out: Complete the check-out process from your accommodation in Kalpa.
• Departure: Prepare for your journey to Chitkul, which is approximately 60 kilometers (37 miles) from Kalpa. The drive typically takes around 2 to 3 hours, depending on road conditions.

3. Drive to Chitkul

• Journey Details: Enjoy a scenic drive from Kalpa to Chitkul. The route will take you through picturesque landscapes, including lush valleys, flowing rivers, and towering mountain peaks.

4. Arrival and Exploration in Chitkul

• Arrival: Reach Chitkul, the last village on the Indian side of the Indo-Tibetan border. Known for its serene beauty and high-altitude charm, it’s a perfect spot to relax and soak in the natural surroundings.
• Explore Chitkul:
  • High-Altitude River: Admire the high-altitude river flowing beside Chitkul. The clear, rushing waters and the surrounding landscape offer great opportunities for photography and relaxation.
  • Mountain Views: Enjoy grand views of the nearby mountain peaks, which provide a stunning backdrop to this tranquil village.
  • Trekking Opportunities: Chitkul serves as a starting and ending point for several high-altitude treks. If you’re up for it, consider a short trek or nature walk to explore the surrounding beauty.

5. Dinner and Overnight Stay

• Dinner: Have a hearty dinner at your accommodation or a local eatery in Chitkul. Local cuisine is often simple but flavorful, featuring traditional Himachali dishes.
• Overnight Stay: Check into your accommodation in Chitkul. Whether staying in a guesthouse or a local homestay, enjoy the cozy atmosphere and peaceful surroundings.

Return Journey from Chitkul to Delhi

1. Breakfast in Chitkul

• Morning Routine: Start your day with a final breakfast at your accommodation in Chitkul. Enjoy the last views of the serene village and prepare for your journey back.

2. Check-Out and Departure

• Check-Out: Complete the check-out process from your accommodation in Chitkul.
• Departure: Begin your drive back to Shimla, which is approximately 200 kilometers (124 miles) away. The drive typically takes around 10 to 11 hours, depending on road conditions and traffic.

3. Drive to Shimla

• Journey Details: The drive from Chitkul to Shimla will take you through a variety of landscapes, including mountain roads, scenic valleys, and charming towns.
  • Scenic Drive: Enjoy the changing views as you travel through Himachal Pradesh. Make stops if needed for refreshments or to stretch your legs.
  • Lunch: Plan for a lunch break along the way. There are several small eateries and local restaurants en route.

4. Arrival in Shimla

• Arrival: Reach Shimla in the late afternoon or early evening. Shimla is a popular hill station with plenty of amenities and options for a quick meal if needed.

5. Evening Journey to Delhi

• Volvo Bus Departure: Board your Volvo bus to Delhi from Shimla. The overnight bus journey typically takes around 8 to 10 hours.
  • Comfort: Volvo buses offer comfortable seating and amenities for a long journey, ensuring you can rest as you travel back to Delhi.

6. Arrival in Delhi

• Back Home: Arrive in Delhi in the morning, bringing an end to your memorable trip.
• Emotional Reflections: As you return home, reflect on the incredible experiences and landscapes you’ve encountered. The memories of the Spiti Valley and Chitkul will stay with you forever.