Imagine driving on a dusty mountainous road. It winds like a snake through a barren landscape. The towering Himalayan Mountains stand before you like giants. Their icy peaks and glaciers shimmer in the sun. Rivers run parallel to the road, following you at every twist and turn. In the distance, you spot hilltop monasteries perched on craggy cliffs. With the Spiti Valley Chandratal Tour Package, this vision becomes reality. On this trip, you enjoy guided visits to Spiti Valley major tourist attractions, seamless transportation, comfortable accommodations, and expert local insights. This Spiti Valley road trip offers an unforgettable and well-organized adventure in the high Himalayas of Himachal Pradesh.
Table of contents
- Why Spiti Valley Chandratal trip is a legendary Himalayan journey
- Snapshot of the Spiti Valley & Chandratal Lake Tour Package
- Best route to reach Chandratal Lake
- Why is this Shimla route best to reach Chandratal Lake?
- Incredible Places to visit in the Spiti Valley Chandratal Tour Package
- Things to do in Spiti Valley
- Spiti Valley road trip itinerary
- Things to consider for Spiti Valley Chandratal Tour Package
- Best time to visit Spiti Valley Chandratal Lake
- Acclimatization Guidelines
- Why Spiti Valley with Chandratal is the Ultimate Himalayan Road Trip
- Discover the Magic of Spiti Valley’s Cold Desert Landscapes
- What Makes Chandratal Lake the Most Beautiful Lake in Himachal
- Budget Guide: Cost of Spiti Valley Chandratal Tour Package
- Safety Tips for Chandratal Lake Camping
- Spiti Valley vs Ladakh – Which is Better for Road Trips
- FAQ
- Conclusion
Why the Spiti Valley Chandratal Trip is a Legendary Himalayan Journey
There are so many reasons why the Spiti Valley road trip is among the best Himalayan adventures. The Spiti Valley & Chandratal Lake Tour Package is the ideal option for you if you're looking to embark on an adventure-filled trip.
Cold desert landscape
The Spiti Valley trip takes you deep into the rugged environs of Spiti Valley. This is a cold desert region where rainfall is scanty, and the landscape is dry and arid. The landscape of Spiti Valley, in some places, resembles that of an alien planet. Barren hills, shaped into strange formations, dominate the landscape. There are huge boulders and scree that threaten to become loose and fall down the valley. In the distance, the snow-capped mountains seem to stand as giants guarding this strange landscape. You can view this type of landscape in winter alone. Our Spiti Valley Winter Trip offers you the most surreal winter landscapes of Spiti Valley. This is Spiti, the Middle Land, as it is called. You have to visit the Spiti Valley to experience the cold desert terrain.
Tibetan Buddhist culture
Spiti has a thriving Tibetan Buddhist culture that still exists in the land. The Tibetan monasteries here have guarded this ancient Buddhist culture and are the centres of traditional knowledge and culture. The monks live in these monasteries and meditate here to gain deeper insight into the Buddhist way of life. Our Spiti Valley Tour from Manali with Chandratal is one such tour where you can experience this Tibetan culture more closely. You can interact with the locals and monks and gain from these interactions. The festivals that are celebrated here are dedicated to the Buddhist gods and deities.
Remote high-altitude villages
The villages in Spiti Valley are some of the most remote places in India. These villages are situated in high-altitude regions of the Spiti Valley. Some villages, like Langza, are known for their prehistoric fossils. The Komic village is reputed to be the highest village in the world that is accessible by a motorable road. The villages like Nako and Tabo are small villages that come on the way to Kaza. You can have a more immersive experience of Spiti Valley in our Spiti Chandratal Bike Trip. The monasteries in these villages are ancient and historic. You will come across many such small villages on this epic Himalayan journey.
Ancient Buddhist Monasteries
When you look at the terrain of Spiti Valley, you'll notice white-washed structures perched delicately on rocky cliffs: these Buddhist monasteries are important cultural attractions to visit on your Spiti Valley road trip. They serve as centres of Tibetan Buddhism and guardians of Buddhist heritage. Some, like Dhankar and Key Monasteries, are centuries-old temples. Tabo and Nako Monasteries are also worth visiting for their spiritual significance. The mummy in Gue Monastery, around 500-600 years old, is that of a Buddhist monk.
Chandratal Lake
In addition to Spiti Valley, you will visit another spectacular place on this trip – Chandratal Lake. This is a freshwater lake that is fed by glaciers and underground springs. Chandratal Lake is a very scenic lake and is best for camping and trekking. When you come near the lake, you can view the reflection of the mountains on the still waters of the lake. There is no pollution here, and so you will see the waters of the lake, which are crystal clear. Swimming or bathing is prohibited in the lake. You can stay in the camps and tents around the lake for the night and enjoy stargazing.You can also consider our Lahaul Spiti Chandratal Lake Tour for an immersive cultural tour of Lahaul Spiti with Chandratal Lake trip.
Himalayan road adventure
The real thrill of this journey is driving on the Himalayan roads. These are not your regular city roads that are covered in asphalt and tar. They are high-altitude mountain roads, which are dusty and dangerous. Driving on these roads is an adventure in itself, and you can embrace this adventure in our Spiti Valley Trip Package. The roads wind their way around the mountains and have hairpin bends, strange twists, and turns. On one side, you may view the deep valleys, and on the other, the towering mountains and cliffs. This may seem a dangerous thing, but at the same time, it is one of the most adventurous things to do. Due to the long distances between major places, you may have to drive for around 7-8 hours.
More places covered
According to the Spiti Valley Chandratal Tour Package itinerary, you will begin this tour from Shimla. Though the Shimla route is longer compared to the Manali route, you will cover more places on this route. You will drive through some of the most scenic landscapes of Himachal Pradesh on this Spiti Valley tour from Delhi. The tour starts from Shimla and then goes on to Narkanda and the Kinnaur region. It then moves forward and goes through Sangla/ Chitkul, and further to Kalpa/Reckong Peo, Nako and Tabo. As the tour progresses, you will visit Kaza and the nearby attractions and villages around Kaza. The route then turns to Chandratal Lake, and here you can do camping for a night. Like this, the tour covers Shimla, Kinnaur, Sangla, Tabo, Kaza, Spiti Valley, and Chandratal Lake.You can also consider the Spiti Valley Kinnaur Tour Package for a complete tour of Kinnaur region.
Diverse landscapes
The most amazing fact about this Spiti Valley Chandratal Tour Package is the diversity of landscapes. You will come across green valleys and dense forests near Shimla to Narkanda. The terrain changes as you near the Kinnaur region; the mountains seem to get barren and loftier. Once you reach Sangla Valley, you will get a glimpse into the barren and desolate environment of Spiti Valley. From here on, you enter the Spiti Valley and experience what it feels like to live in the cold desert environment. Grey hills, strange rock formations, and an arid climate seem to dominate the landscape of Spiti Valley. The river confluences lend a scenic sight to the eyes. The first view of Chandratal Lake is like the star attraction of this entire tour.
Snapshot of the Spiti Valley & Chandratal Lake Tour Package
| Spiti Valley Chandratal Tour Package | |
|---|---|
| Duration | 7–8 days |
| Best Season | May to October |
| Altitude | 2,200m (Shimla) to 4,300m (Chandratal Lake) |
| Acclimatization | Kalpa or Kaza |
| Departure / Arrival | Delhi |
| Stays | 1N Sangla/Chitkul, Kalpa, Tabo | 2N Kaza | 1N Chandratal Camps |
| Inclusions | Volvo tickets, accommodation, transfers, permits, guide, sightseeing, meals |
| Exclusions | Insurance, medical expenses, evacuation, personal expenses |
Best route to reach Chandratal Lake
If you want a complete tour of Spiti Valley along with camping at Chandratal Lake, then you can consider the route from Kaza. We offer this route in our Spiti Valley Chandratal Tour Package. The entire route Shimla > Narkanda > Sangla/ Chitkul > Kalpa > Tabo > Kaza > Chandratal Lake covers some of the most scenic landscapes of Himachal Pradesh. Though this route is longer compared to the Manali route, it covers more tourist attractions of the Lahaul & Spiti Valley.
Why is the Shimla route the best to reach Chandratal Lake?
- The route covers most scenic places near Shimla, such as Kufri, Fagu, Theog, and Narkanda. This is the initial stages of the Spiti Valley road trip, and you can view dense forests, green valleys, river streams, and the snowy mountain range of the Himalayas in the far distance.
- After Narkanda, you can view the Sutlej River flowing parallel to your route. This is the point from where the Kinnaur region starts, and you can view waterfalls, huge mountain landscapes, mighty boulders, and barren hills of the Kinnaur mountain range.
- You can cover the major places of Lahaul & Spiti on this tour. These include the Kinnaur region and remote villages like Chitkul, Tabo, Nako, Komic, etc. Kaza is the main hub of tourism in the Spiti Valley. You can reach Chandratal Lake from Kaza.
The route is also best for acclimatization. The altitude increases gradually on this route, and there is no sudden change in altitude. The body can adjust to the change in height better in this way. You can stay in Kaza for two nights, and this helps acclimatize the body to the high altitudes. - The camping experience at Chandratal Lake is the highlight of this trip. You can actually see the Milky Way Galaxy very clearly at Chandratal Lake. Even the Spiti Valley is best for viewing the stars and planets. The skies and atmosphere are pollution-free, and this makes the air clear for the best visibility of the night sky.
Incredible Places to Visit in the Spiti Valley Chandratal Tour Package
If you book the Spiti Valley Travel Package, you can visit so many places in Himachal Pradesh.
Bhima Kali Temple – Shakti Peeth Temple at Sarahan
This highly revered temple of Bheema Kali is dedicated to Goddess Bhimakali. The temple is 800 years old and has Tibetan architecture. The wooden carvings, silver-carved doors, and décor in the temple are worth watching. This is a Shakti Peeth temple and has other smaller shrines.
Sangla Valley – Apple orchards and Baspa River
This is a scenic valley, which is also known for its apple orchards. Sangla Valley is the gateway to Chitkul, the last inhabited village near the Indo-Tibetan border. The Baspa River flows through the valley, and trout fishing and camping are adventurous activities you can do here.
Chitkul – Last Inhabited Village
This village of Chitkul is famous as the last inhabited village near the Indo-Tibetan border. Chitkul has the cleanest air quality in India. You will get the best views of the Baspa River, green meadows, and the Himalayan mountain peaks from Chitkul. The 500-year-old Mathi Temple is famous in Chitkul.
Kalpa – Scenic views of Kinnaur Kailash
Kalpa is a village in the Kinnaur region of Himachal Pradesh. It is from Kalpa that you can get clear views of the Kinnaur Kailash mountain peak and Shivling Peak. Kalpa is famous for its apple orchards, Buddhist-Hindu temples, panoramic Suicide Point, and nomadic villages.
Nako Village & Nako Lake
You will pass through Nako Village on the way to Tabo. Nako is a small village famous for Nako Monastery and Nako Lake. The lake completely freezes in the winter season. Nako Monastery has many statues and murals of Buddhist deities.
Tabo Monastery – The Ajanta of the Himalayas
The famous Tabo Monastery is one of the amazing Buddhist temples in the Spiti Valley. The monastery is still in operation, and monks actively meditate and hold sacred rituals. This is one of the oldest monasteries and is famous as the Ajanta of the Himalayas. It is a complex of temples, meditation caves, and a library.
Dhankar Monastery & Cliff Village
The striking thing about Dhankar Monastery is its structure, perched on a rocky cliff. This monastery offers panoramic views of the Spiti River and the peaks. Dhankar Monastery is more than 1000 years old and looks like a fort from a distance.
Key Monastery – Spiritual Heart of Spiti
Also called Kye Gompa, the Key Monastery resembles a huge fort. Its complex is vast and built on the side of a hill. It is a major center of Tibetan Buddhism in the Spiti Valley. The statue of Maitreya Buddha is very famous in this monastery. Many young monks receive education and training in this monastery.
Kaza – Base for Spiti Valley sightseeing
If you want a base for the Spiti Valley, then Kaza is the right place for you. You can visit many villages near Kaza and do sightseeing. Kaza is also good for acclimatization. You can clearly view the Spiti River flow from Kaza. Tourists stop here on the route to Kibber, Chandratal Lake, and other high-altitude treks.
Langza – Fossils & Giant Buddha Statue
This is a high-altitude village famous for the statue of Maitreya Buddha. The statue is golden in color and is 30 feet tall. Langza is also called the Fossil Village, as many prehistoric fossils are found here. Langza is also counted among the highest villages in Asia that is connected by motorable roads.
Hikkim Village - World's Highest Post Office
The village of Hikkim is famous for its Post Office, which is the highest in the world. Sending postcards from this post office is a favourite activity of tourists.
Komic Village - Highest Motor-Accessible Village
This village is very famous for being the highest motorable village in the world. Tangyud Monastery is situated in this village. Tourists normally visit Komic Village along with Hikkim and Langza Villages.
Chicham Bridge – Asia’s Highest Suspension Bridge
The Chicham Bridge ranks as the highest suspension bridge in Asia. Chicham Bridge is built over a 1000-foot deep ravine and is a major engineering marvel. It is a huge tourist attraction in the Spiti Valley. The bridge replaced a ropeway that locals used to cross over the ravine.
Pin Valley – Famous high altitude national park
This is one of the most reputed cold deserts in India. Pin Valley is known for the Pin Valley National Park and is home to endangered Himalayan creatures. Pin Valley is famous as a trekking destination, a wildlife viewing area, and a remote village.
Kunzum Pass – Hairpin bends and Gateway to Spiti
This high-altitude mountain pass connects the Lahaul and Spiti Valleys. You will need to cross Kunzum Pass to visit Chandratal Lake. You can view the breathtaking scenery of glaciers and snow-capped mountains from Kunzum Pass. The Kunzum Devi Temple is highly revered by tourists, who seek her blessings for a safe trip.
Chandratal Lake – The Moon Lake of the Himalayas
This crescent-shaped lake is a high-altitude lake in the Spiti Valley. Chandratal Lake is a famous camping destination in Himachal Pradesh. Its changing colors and dramatic landscape make it one of the most scenic lakes. It is a favourite trekking place for adventure lovers.
Things to do in Spiti Valley
Whether it is trekking you want to do or stargazing, there are so many things to do in the Spiti Valley adventure trip.
- Nomadic villages are the best places to explore for cultural experiences in the Spiti Valley. Villages like Langza, Kibber, and Komic are situated in very high altitudes. Langza is famous for its fossils and Buddha statue. Komic is regarded as the highest village with a motorable road. Hikkim has the world’s highest post office.
- Tibetan Monasteries are both cultural and religious places you can explore. Key Monastery, Dhankar Monastery, and Tangyud Monastery are places that have safeguarded Tibetan culture and Buddhist teachings. Tabo Monastery is nicknamed the ‘Ajanta of the Himalayas’ due to its ancient architecture.
- You may spot wild creatures apart from domesticated sheep on this tour. Pin Valley National Park is best for wildlife viewing. You should carry high-quality DSLR cameras/ binoculars so that you can view close-up views of the wild animals and birds.
- Scenic panoramas like the Spiti-Sutlej confluence at Khab, Needle Rock formations, moon-like lunar landscapes, Spiti River viewpoints, and the Kunzum stupas are incredibly scenic. The views of the icy glaciers, snow-capped mountains, Chandratal Lake, and Kinnaur Kailash peak are also must-sees in our Spiti Valley road trip.
- Camping at Chandratal Lake is, without doubt, the most treasured experience of this trip. You can explore the surroundings of Chandratal Lake and spot some wildlife. At night, you can watch the Milky Way Galaxy and the stars in the clear night sky.
- Spiti Valley Bike Trip will offer you a more immersive experience of Spiti Valley. You can interact with the locals in a way never experienced before, and also get to see the natural beauty of Spiti Valley more closely.
- Gue Mummy at Gue Monastery is another famous attraction you can visit on this route. The mummy is still carefully preserved even after all these years. The mummy is of a Buddhist monk, and the mummy is estimated to be around 500-600 years old.
- You can do sightseeing around Kaza and explore the villages and monasteries. Major attractions around Kaza include Kibber, Komic, Langza, and Hikkim. Kaza will give you a complete cultural experience of the Spiti Valley. You can visit Key Monastery and Kibber Village to get a first-hand view of its traditional culture and Tibetan mysticism.
- There are many viewpoints you can come across on this Spiti Valley trip. Sutlej Valley Viewpoint, Kinnaur Kailash Valley Viewpoint, Sangla Valley Viewpoint, Rakchham Valley, and Tabo Caves are some of the best places for photography and adventure.
- Kunzum Pass is a high-altitude mountain pass that you can visit on this trip. The pass is famous for its zig-zag roads, Kunzum Mata Temple, and scenic views. It is a traditional ritual to offer prayers at Kunzum Mata Temple for a safe journey.
Spiti Valley Road Trip Itinerary
You will board an overnight Volvo bus from Delhi and reach Shimla in the morning. From Shimla, the road trip to the Spiti Valley starts. The tour representative from The Thrill Himalaya will receive you, and then we will drive onwards.
- Day 1: Shimla to Sangla/ Chitkul via Narkanda
- Day 2: Sangla/ Chitkul to Kalpa
- Day 3: Kalpa to Tabo via Khab, Nako, Gue
- Day 4: Tabo to Kaza via Dhankar
- Day 5: Kaza sightseeing tour
- Day 6: Kaza to Chandratal Lake via Kunzum Pass
- Day 7: Chandratal to Manali and Volvo bus to Delhi
Things to consider for Spiti Valley Chandratal Tour Package
- You should plan this tour during the summer months in the Spiti Valley has summer months. March to June is the best time to visit the Spiti Valley. You can also consider the Spiti Valley Winter Tour, which is best for experiencing winter in Spiti Valley. In the winter months, Chandratal Lake freezes completely, and major passes and roads are closed.
- You should acclimatize yourself and adjust your body to the high altitudes of this trip. Kalpa/ Kaza are best for this, and in Kaza you can spend two nights for acclimatization. The gradual increase in altitude in this trip will be best for acclimatization.
- Swimming or bathing is prohibited at Chandratal Lake. Only camping is allowed near the lake, and tents are available for one night's accommodation.
- Do not make long halts along the route. You should try to start your day trip in the early morning hours so that you can reach your destination well before evening. Taking long halts along the route is not recommended. Short halts for photography and relaxing are advisable, though.
- Take altitude sickness medicines and a basic first aid kit during this trip. You have to ensure that you are physically fit for this journey.
- Be prepared for last-minute changes in the tour plan, as sudden changes in weather are possible. You may also experience road halts due to rock fall and bad roads.
Best time to visit Spiti Valley and Chandratal
You can plan your travel for this Spiti Valley adventure trip between June and September. Most travellers prefer the summer season as the best time to visit Spiti Valley and Chandratal Lake. June, in particular, is the best time to visit the Spiti Valley and Chandratal Lake. The lake is now free of snow and is open for camping and trekking. The snow has melted in most areas of Spiti Valley, and the roads are now more accessible. The days are bright, and temperatures range from 15 degrees during the day to 6 degrees at night. At this time, you can see some greenery and wildflowers surrounding Chandratal Lake.
Acclimatization Guidelines
Spiti Valley can be a very challenging place to visit, and this is just because of its high altitude. Your body should adjust to this high altitude and low-oxygen air. Acclimatization is an necessary part of planning this Spiti Valley and Chandratal Lake tour. Before actually embarking on this trip, you should research Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) and Acclimatization guidelines. You can refer to the points given below and get some tips on this:
- You can feel the effects of Acute Mountain Sickness if you ascend the mountains too quickly. The symptoms include headaches, fatigue, dizziness, vomiting, disturbed sleep, loss of appetite, and nausea. This happens because of the low oxygen content in the air at high altitudes.
- Severe cases are called high-altitude cerebral edema (HACE) or high-altitude pulmonary edema (HAPE). Immediate medical attention and possible emergency evacuation are required in such situations.
- You will have to do gradual acclimatization or ascend gradually, which is an effective strategy to tackle AMS. The Shimla to Spiti Valley route is an ideal route, where altitudes don’t increase suddenly. You can ascend gradually and take around 2 days to acclimatize.
- Always stay hydrated and increase your water intake. Consuming 3 to 4 liters daily is ideal. If you reduce your fluid intake, your body becomes more vulnerable to Acute Mountain Sickness.
- You should not do any strenuous activities during this trip and avoid unnecessary exertion at all costs. Rest is essential for this trip, and you should adopt a sleep schedule if necessary.
- Give proper nutrition to your body. You can eat foods that are rich in carbohydrates and fats so that they give energy to your body. Local cuisine, such as thukpa soup, noodles, and momos, is very beneficial. Carry energy bars, dry fruits, and nuts. Avoid eating heavy food and alcohol, as these can disrupt the acclimatization process.
- Pay attention to your body and identify any potential signs of Acute Mountain Sickness.
- You can try home remedies like ginger tea and garlic for temporary relief.
- Spend a few days at different mountain altitudes for gradual acclimatization. If you feel you have acclimatized, then ascend to higher altitudes.
- Always travel with a group and do not stay alone at any point in time during this Spiti Valley trip. Ensure your group members know about your medical conditions and are familiar with the symptoms of mountain sickness.
- Carry medicines for headache, nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, and cold.
Why Spiti Valley with Chandratal is the Ultimate Himalayan Road Trip
If you like road trips, then there is nothing better than the Spiti Valley Chandratal trip. This trip takes place in the high Himalayas. You can enter a region of unparalleled natural beauty. This tour is the ultimate road trip adventure that ignites the spirit of adventure in you.
Unique home stays
You leave behind the comforts of luxury hotels and stay in homestays. It is not as if hotels are absent here. But the charm of home stays is far more enticing than staying in hotels. You are surrounded by nomadic culture every time, and you learn about the tribal culture and traditions. The local cuisine is relishing and simple, but the aromas and tastes will linger in your mouth for a long time.
Chandratal Lake and its changing colors
The view of Chandratal Lake is undoubtedly exciting. But even more, the changing colors of its waters are a magical experience. The sight of its blue waters in the midst of gray hills and icy glaciers makes the scene panoramic. Chandratal Lake seems to change its color at different times of day. You may spot shepherds grazing their sheep around the lake, or perhaps some bird of prey or migratory birds at the lake.
Monasteries
In this Spiti Valley tour package from Delhi, you will come across Buddhist monasteries. These have incredible architecture and Tibetan culture. These monasteries are places where Tibetan monks live and meditate. These are centuries-old Buddhist temples like Key Monastery, Dhankar Monastery, Tabo Monastery, and many others. You will pass by smaller shrines on the route. Visit the major ones and learn about Tibetan culture and spirituality.
Collect fossils
At Langza, you will come across fossils of extinct prehistoric creatures. You can collect these fossils, and the locals will happily sell them to you at cheap rates. These fossils are those of marine animals. The location where the Spiti Valley is located was once a huge sea. But owing to the movement of the earth’s crust, the land rose and covered the sea beneath. In this regard, Langza Village is also called Fossil Village and is a geological marvel.
Endless Roads, Scenic Vistas
The roads in Spiti Valley seem never-ending and go beyond the mountains. That is the charm and magic of this Spiti Valley road trip. You will love to drive on these roads as they do not have any traffic and are immensely scenic. You are driving on a road that is surrounded by tall mountains, deep valleys, and scenic panoramas. Though the roads are dusty and zig-zag, the thrill of driving on these roads is the best adventure.
Feels like a Safari
The Spiti Valley road trip feels like every day is a safari. In this trip, you are traveling on the road for around 7-8 hours, staying in a camping tent or homestay, and experiencing the Tibetan culture. It is just like you are going on a safari trip across the Spiti Valley.
Discover the Magic of Spiti Valley’s Cold Desert Landscapes
Spiti Valley is a cold desert, and its landscape is very different from Shimla or Manali. Though Shimla and the Spiti Valley are part of Himachal Pradesh, they are like two different worlds. The landscape of Shimla has a lot of greenery, but that of Spiti Valley resembles a cold desert landscape. There are barren hills, glaciers, snow-capped mountains in the distance, and a stark landscape. At some places, you can view strange rock formations and landscapes that look like scenes shot in a sci-fi movie.
What Makes Chandratal Lake the Most Beautiful Lake in Himachal
You might wonder why Chandratal Lake is so beautiful. One major reason for its beauty is that it is free of pollution of any Kind. Being a high-altitude lake, Chandratal Lake is situated in the cleanest of environments. It is fed by melting glaciers and underground springs. There are no humans here who pollute this lake by bathing and boating. It has crystal blue waters which shimmer in the golden rays of the sun.
Budget Guide: Cost of Spiti Valley Chandratal Tour Package
The cost of the Spiti Valley Chandratal Tour Package depends on several factors and is not fixed. Several things may influence the cost of this package, such as the duration of the trip, the travel season, the type of accommodation, and the size of the group, among others. The cost per person is around Rs. 18,000 to Rs. 35,000 for group tours. For private and individual tours, the cost ranges from Rs. 30,000 to Rs. 65,000 per person. These include transportation, accommodation in standard hotels, sightseeing tours, driver charges, fuel, pickup and drop services, and meals.
Safety Tips for Chandratal Lake Camping
You can enjoy your Chandratal Lake camping more if you consider the following safety tips.
- You should acclimatize properly before you begin your camping trip to Chandratal Lake.
- You should stay together and not stray anywhere around the lake.
- Wear thermals and jackets as the temperatures can drop at night near the lake.
- Avoid eating heavy meals and do not consume alcohol when camping near the lake.
- Drink water regularly and stay hydrated.
- Carry essential medicines for your medical conditions and avoid exertion of any kind.
- Do not bathe or swim in the lake, as it is strictly prohibited by the officials.
- Respect the local customs and culture and avoid littering around the lake.
- Do not throw garbage or litter near the lake, and pack the leftover things and discard them in the dustbins.
Spiti Valley vs Ladakh – Which is Better for Road Trips
Most people are confused as to which road trip to take – Spiti Valley or Ladakh? Both of these places have very similar landscapes and cultures. Let us compare both of them and take a closer look at both of these places.
- Ladakh is larger in scale than the Spiti Valley. The landscapes in Ladakh feel wider and more panoramic than the ones in Spiti Valley. Spiti Valley is like the miniature version of Ladakh.
- If you are planning a road trip to Ladakh, it is recommended to reserve at least 14-15 days. Whereas, for the
, 7-9 days are enough. - Ladakh has higher mountain passes than the Spiti Valley. Moreover, Ladakh has desert dunes and massive lakes like Tso Moriri, Pangong Tso, Tso Kar, etc.
- Spiti has a more rugged landscape than Ladakh. There are vertical high cliffs in Spiti Valley, deeper ravines, valleys, and rocky formations, and narrow roads.
- Ladakh is more adventurous, energetic, and perfect for bikers. Spiti Valley is slower and feels more minimalistic than Ladakh.
- Ladakh is easier to reach and is more accessible than the Spiti Valley. You can board a flight to Leh, and places in Ladakh have better road connectivity.
- Spiti Valley is harder to reach, and there are no direct flights to Spiti Valley. You will have to drive for longer hours on narrow mountainous roads and remote stretches in the Spiti Valley.
- Ladakh has a mix of Buddhism and Ladakhi culture, while Spiti Valley has a dominant Tibetan Buddhist influence.
- Ladakh has a higher altitude than the Spiti Valley. There are more chances of getting Acute Mountain Sickness in Ladakh, when compared to Spiti Valley.
- Spiti Valley is a more off-beat exploration place, whereas Ladakh has more high passes, lakes, adventure trips, and diverse itineraries.
FAQ
Which phone network is available in Spiti Valley?
BSNL is available in the Spiti Valley, and you will get Jio and Airtel in Kaza.
Is boating available in Chandratal Lake?
No. Boating is not available in Chandratal Lake.
How many nights' stay are there at Chandratal Lake?
You can stay in tents and camps at Chandratal Lake for a night.
How many months is Chandratal Lake closed for tourists?
Chandratal Lake is closed from November to April due to severe winter snow.
From where can we have the best views of Kinnaur Kailash Peak?
Kalpa offers the best views of the Kinnaur Kailash mountain peak.
Conclusion
The Spiti Valley Chandratal Tour Package is not just about visiting the Spiti Valley. But it is a sojourn into the heart of Himachal Pradesh. While camping at Chandratal Lake is the highlight of this tour, other adventures are just as exciting. The amazing part about this Chandratal Lake trip is that you will visit a new destination almost every day. The Spiti Valley travel guide can be handy in planning your trip. The cultural experiences in Spiti Valley will also give you a glimpse into the traditions and Tibetan culture. If you have never visited Spiti Valley, then this is a great time to plan your trip with The Thrill Himalaya.
