Nestled high up in the Himalayas, Spiti Valley is a hidden gem that promises unparalleled natural beauty and a tryst with rugged mountain adventure.
This cold desert valley with towering snow-capped peaks, ancient Buddhist monasteries, quaint hamlets, and the azure blue Spiti river is an offbeat traveler’s paradise waiting to be explored.
Planning a trip to Spiti can be overwhelming but fret not, as we bring you the ultimate 7-day Spiti itinerary to help you uncover the best of this Himalayan wonderland.
Read on for a detailed day-by-day plan to max out your week-long sojourn in this pristine mountain vale.
Day 1: Arrive in Shimla – Drive to Narkanda
Your Spiti journey kicks off from the hill town of Shimla as you embark on the 10-12 hour long drive to Narkanda.
Take in the breathtaking views of dense pine forests, apple orchards and the mighty Sutlej river as you make your way across Hindustan-Tibet highway.
Spend the night at a homestay in Narkanda to rest and acclimatize for the journey ahead.
Key attractions – Shimla mall road, Jakhu temple
Stay – Narkanda homestay
Duration – 10-12 hour drive
Day 2 – Drive from Narkanda to Kalpa via Reckong Peo
After breakfast, hit the road early morning for the 7-8 hour drive from Narkanda to Kalpa while soaking in the evolving mountainous landscape.
Cross Wangtoo bridge, India’s highest bridge and drive along the muddy Sutlej to enter Kinnaur district. On the way, stop at Reckong Peo, the district headquarters, for lunch before arriving in Kalpa by late afternoon.
Take a short hike to the ancient Narayan-Nagini temple and watch the golden hues of the setting sun fall on the mighty Kinner Kailash peaks.
Key attractions – Roghi village, Kinner Kailash mountain
Stay – Hotel in Kalpa
Duration – 7-8 hour drive
Day 3: Kalpa Sightseeing – Drive to Nako
Start your day early to catch the glorious views of the Kinner Kailash range at sunrise. Post breakfast, go around the apple orchards and breathtaking spots like the Suicide Point.
Drive further to the quaint village of Nako that sits gracefully on the banks of a pristine lake with poplar and willow trees.
Explore the ancient lake, Buddhist temple and spend the night at Nako for stunning star gazing experiences amidst the serene surroundings.
Key attractions – Nako lake, Nako monastery
Stay – Homestay in Nako village
Duration – 3-4 hours drive
Day 4: Nako to Kaza via Tabo Monastery
After breakfast at the homestay, drive towards Tabo which houses the famed Tabo monastery, dating back to 996 CE and also known as the ‘Ajanta of the Himalayas’.
Spend ample time soaking in the ancient murals, stupas and cave paintings at Tabo before heading towards Kaza.
Arrive in Kaza by evening and rejuvenate yourself with some delicious Tibetan food and the stunning views of the valley.
Key attractions – Tabo monastery, Dhankar lake, Pin valley
Stay – Hotel in Kaza
Duration – 5-6 hours
Day 5: Kaza Local Sightseeing
Get ready for an action-packed day as you explore the picture postcard locales around Kaza. Start early with a visit to the quaint village of Langza with its expansive views of the valley and towering mountains.
Walk around the tiny hamlet before heading over to the dramatically located Ki Gompa and Kibber Village – once highest inhabited village in this region.
On your way back, stop at the vibrant Comic village and interact with the welcoming Pangis dressed in their traditional attire.
Key attractions – Langza village, Ki monastery, Kibber
Stay – Hotel in Kaza
Day 6: Drive from Kaza – Chandrataal Lake – Batal
Your sixth day is reserved for a full-day road trip to witness the breathtaking beauty of Chandratal Lake.
Depart from Kaza early morning on a scenic drive to Losar village followed by a picturesque stop at Kunzum Pass.
From thereon continue towards Chandratal Lake while treating your eyes to unparalleled views of the Spiti landscapes.
Spend a few magical hours at this crescent shaped glacier fed lake before heading towards your night halt at Batal.
Key attractions – Kunzum pass, Chandratal lake
Stay – Guesthouse in Batal
Duration – 8-10 hours
Day 7: Drive from Batal to Manali via Rohtang La
On the last day of this exciting Spiti itinerary, trace your way back as you drive from Batal to Manali crossing the mighty Rohtang La Pass.
Revel in the contrasting green landscapes of Kullu Valley after days of traversing through barren cold desert mountains.
Reach Manali by late evening bringing the curtains down on an epic week-long tryst through one of India’s most surreal hidden gems – the magnificent Spiti Valley!
Key attractions – Rohtang Pass, Beas river
Stay – Hotel in Manali
Conclusion
The remote and relatively untouched Spiti Valley with its breathtaking vistas is every nature lover’s paradise waiting to be explored.
Follow this 7-day Spiti itinerary to uncover the region’s centuries-old Buddhist culture, quaint villages, crystalline lakes and magnificent Himalayan peaks for an epic road trip that you’ll cherish forever!
