The wide expanse of mountains and valleys opens before you like a scene from a National Geographic documentary. You are being driven on a mountain road that skirts like a serpent. Besides, a deep ravine threatens to swallow your cab, but you almost forget it all, as you look with awe at the breathtaking landscapes in front of you. These are just the kind of experiences you will get from our Spiti Valley Road Trip Tour Package. The trip will etch a lasting memory in your minds. The Thrill Himalaya is not just offering you a tour package. We are going to take you on a thrilling adventure trip into the heart of Himachal Pradesh. Come and let us embark on a sojourn to Spiti Valley and experience the cold desert landscape in the most astonishing ways.
Table of contents
- What is special about Spiti Valley road trip via Manali
- Experience the Spiti Valley road trip via Manali with this guide
- Snapshot of Spiti Valley Road Trip Tour Package
- Spiti Valley Package with Chandratal Trip itinerary
- Night stopovers on the Spiti Valley road trip via Manali
- Spiti Valley Adventure Trip - Route and Landscapes
- When To Plan The Spiti Valley Road Trip Via Manali
- Weather in Spiti Valley
- Why Book the Spiti Valley Tour Package with The Thrill Himalaya
- Why choose the Manali to Spiti Valley route for this trip
- Shimla vs Manali – which is better for the Spiti Valley tour
- Places to visit in the Spiti Valley adventure trip
- Things to do in the Spiti Valley road trip via Manali
- Explore the Thrill Himalaya Tour Packages to visit the Spiti Valley
- Major considerations for Spiti Valley Package with Chandratal
- Why is acclimation necessary for Spiti Valley & Chandratal Lake tour?
- Permits for this tripTotal distance covered in this tourFAQ
- Conclusion
What Is Special About The Spiti Valley Road Trip Via Manali
You may feel that the Spiti Valley road trip via Manali is just another trip that you are booking with The Thrill Himalaya. But this is more than a trip. You are, in fact, stepping into the heart of Himachal Pradesh and going beyond the usual tourist destinations like Shimla and Manali. In fact, Manali is where the Spiti Valley itinerary really starts. You leave the lush green valleys and apple orchards of Manali far behind and drive into a world that is steeped in Tibetan Buddhism. This is the Middle Land, as it is popularly called, and on the tourist map, it is called the Spiti Valley. There are so many special things about this Spiti Valley & Chandratal Lake tour, and some of the defining features are given below.
Cold Desert Environment
Spiti Valley is a cold desert, and it looks similar in landscape to Ladakh. The valley is named after the Spiti River, which flows through the valley. Being situated at a high altitude of 3800 to 4500 meters, the Spiti Valley experiences very little rainfall. The deep gorges and ravines, carved out of the Spiti River, lend scenic charm to the landscape. The terrain is rocky and filled with boulders and stones. The barren hills are bordered by snow-clad mountains of the Himalayas. The landscape of Spiti Valley transforms in every season. Winter brings heavy snow, and the temperatures can touch -15 to -20 degrees Celsius. Spiti Valley is one of the cold desert environments in India, apart from Ladakh.
High Mountain Passes
You will cross the High Mountain pass on this Spiti Valley Road Trip Tour Package. After you leave Manali, the landscapes change dramatically, and you begin to enter the Spiti Valley region. This is a region of high mountain passes like Kunzum Pass, which is a connecting pass between the Lahaul and Spiti Valleys. The broad valleys and towering mountains on both sides of the pass are perfect for nature photography. Kunzum Pass is located at an altitude of 4,590 meters (15,059 feet above sea level.
Strange Rock Formations
One of the most striking things to look out for in this Spiti Valley Tour Package is the strange rock formations. In fact, so bizarre are these rock formations that they resemble an alien landscape. These rock formations are a result of strong geological processes for millennia. Some places where you can view these rock formations are Chango Village (Moonland Chango), Pin Valley, Kaza to Chandratal route, places between Kaza and Dhankar, and Langza/ Hikkim Villages. You can make short halts along the route and photograph these rock formations.
Remote Villages
Although the landscape of Spiti Valley may look desolate, there are many small hamlets and villages here. In fact, visiting these villages is one of the highlights of the Spiti Valley tour with the Chandratal Lake itinerary. Komic, Langza, and Hikkim are some of the villages you should visit on this trip. But along the route, you will also come across smaller settlements. Interacting with the villagers will let you have a closer look at their nomadic lifestyle and rural culture.
Monasteries that look like Fortresses
In fact, the monasteries in Spiti Valley look like they are fortresses built on rocky cliffs. This is the general impression that these monasteries give you. Perhaps the finest example of this is the Dhankar Monastery, which looks so dangerously perched on the rocky hillside. But the most scenic monastery is the Key Monastery. This monastery is built on a low hill and overlooks the Spiti River. The architecture of these monasteries is made in such a way that it blends with the topography and makes optimum use of the available materials. In olden times, these monasteries were used to keep a watch over the valleys and look out for enemies.
Experience the Spiti Valley road trip via Manali with this guide
The points below will serve you as a textual guide to what the Spiti Valley high altitude road trip experience is like.
Day 1: Chandigarh to Manali – Tunnels, Bridges, and Greenery
The Spiti Valley Road Trip Tour Package starts as soon as you arrive in Manali from Chandigarh. You will drive on national highways, which have excellent road conditions. As soon as you enter Himachal Pradesh, the hills start to appear. You will drive through tunnels and cross various bridges in this stretch. On this drive, you will pass through various places like Sunder Nagar, Mandi, Pandoh Dam, and Kullu. From Pandoh Dam onwards, you will pass through the majestic hills and mountains of the Himalayas. Deodar forests start to appear from Kullu onwards. The Beas River flows beside you in Kullu. You can make a short halt at the Kullu Shawl Factory and view the artisans weave the woollen shawls by hand, and buy some shawls and Himachali caps.
Day 2: Manali to Kaza – Valleys, Mountain Passes, Viewpoints
This is the actual day when you start your Spiti Valley adventure trip. You will pass through the beautiful Solang Valley. The views of the snow-capped mountains and deodar forests in Solang Valley will be the perfect start to this tour. After crossing the Atal Tunnel, you will view the change in landscape. The green valleys of Manali will be replaced by the barren mountains of Lahaul Spiti, and beyond that, you can view the snow-capped Himalayas. They can make a short halt at Gramphu Snow Point to view the carpet of snow in the valleys. Batal is another place where you can halt for some time and view the landscape. After Batal, you will cross the zig-zag Kunzum Pass. At this point, the landscapes change dramatically, and you enter the Lahaul Spiti region. You can view the Spiti River flowing beside you. Make a short halt at Kunzum Mata Temple and pray for a safe journey. You will come across some fantastic viewpoints on this route, and here you can view the strange rock formations and desolate cold desert landscapes that are so famous about the Spiti Valley.
Day 3: Sightseeing in Kaza – Life in the Heart of Spiti
This is the day when you will do sightseeing in Kaza and its nearby places in this Manali to Spiti Valley road trip. The villages near Kaza are spectacular, remote places with the most sublime of landscapes. You can view pastures, hills and lofty snow-capped mountains beyond that. The villages are very isolated places, but are connected with motorable roads. Komic Village is reputed to be the highest motorable road in the world. Hikkim Village has the highest post office, and this post office is fully functional. You can send a postcard from this office to your address, and this is one of the favourite things to do in Hikkim. In Langza, you can view fossils of prehistoric reptiles. Kibber Village is known for its wildlife sanctuary and natural beauty. You can cross the Chicham Bridge and view the deep valleys and ravines. Monasteries like Key Monastery are centuries-old Buddhist temples with rich heritage. You can explore the local market in Kaza and buy some local souvenirs.
Day 4: Kaza to Tabo – Monasteries, Mountains & Mysticism
You are now travelling in the Spiti Valley and enjoying the most beautiful of landscapes. Today you will visit Tabo and view some fascinating places on the route. Kaza to Tabo is the most scenic route in the Spiti Valley sightseeing package. You will view the sprawling Pin Valley, and this is the gateway to the Pin Valley National Park. The national park is home to rare Himalayan wildlife. As you drive onwards, you will see the Dhankar Monastery, which looks like carved out of a vertical rock face. At Needle Rock Viewpoint, you can view the needle-like rock structures, which are very unique formations in the Spiti Valley. Tabo Monastery is a centuries-old monastery and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is a huge complex of smaller shrines, monasteries, and temples. You can explore the nearby Tabo Caves. Because of its unique architecture, Tabo Monastery is also called the ‘Ajanta of the Himalayas’.
Day 5: Tabo to Chandratal Lake – Camping under the stars
We now drive back to Kaza and onwards towards Chandratal Lake. The Chandratal Lake camping is the main highlight of this Spiti Valley adventure trip. This lake is situated at a high altitude of 14,100 feet (4,300 meters). At this height, the air is free of pollution, and the waters of the lake are crystal clear. You can view the Milky Way Galaxy from the camp. Explore the surrounding area near Chandratal Lake and admire the natural beauty. On the way to Chandratal Lake, you will have to drive through the zig-zag Kunzum Pass. This high-altitude mountain pass is a challenging drive due to its sharp twists and turns.
Day 6: Chandratal to Manali – The Return Journey
On the way to Manali from Chandratal, you will drive through the Lahaul region. This region has a similar landscape to the Spiti Valley. As you continue on the drive, you will reach Sissu Village, and this is where you can view Sissu Waterfall, Sissu Lake, Sissu Snow Point, glaciers, and wonderful landscapes.
Snapshot of Spiti Valley Road Trip Tour Package
| Spiti Valley Road Trip Tour Package | |
|---|---|
| Duration | 6 Nights / 7 Days |
| Destinations | Manali, Solang Valley, Kaza, Key Monastery, Langza, Komic, Hikkim, Dhankar, Pin Valley, Tabo, Chandratal Lake, Sissu |
| Best Season | June to September |
| Altitude | Kunzum Pass 4,550 meters (14,931 feet) |
| Acclimatization | Manali and Kaza |
| Departure / Arrival | Chandigarh |
| Stays | Manali, Kaza (2 days), Tabo, Chandratal Lake, Manali |
| Inclusions | Accommodation in hotel/ Chandratal Lake camps, meals, transport vehicles, driver, toll, fuel |
| Exclusions | Train/ flight tickets, entry tickets, guide charges, camera fees, personal expenses |
Spiti Valley Package with Chandratal Trip itinerary
The Spiti Valley itinerary 7 days 8 days is planned in such a way that you can have the maximum experience of Spiti Valley. The Thrill Himalaya has ensured that you get to visit more and more sightseeing places in Spiti during this trip.
- Day-1: Arrival in Manali & Local Sightseeing
- Day-2: Manali to Kaza via Solang Valley & Kunzum Pass
- Day-3: Kaza Sightseeing – Langza, Hikkim, Komic & Key Monastery
- Day-4: Kaza to Tabo via Dhankar & Pin Valley
- Day-5: Tabo to Chandratal Lake (Camping Experience)
- Day-6: Chandratal Lake to Manali via Sissu & Atal Tunnel
- Day-7: Departure from Manali
Night stopovers on the Spiti Valley road trip via Manali
During the Spiti Valley adventure trip, you can make stopovers for the night at these places. You will get decent hotels/ homestays in Manali, Kaza and Tabo. At Chandratal Lake, you will enjoy a camping experience. Here you will stay in tents and camps.
- Manali: Good quality hotels and homestays
- Kaza: Homestays, hotels, guesthouses
- Tabo: hotels, homestays
- Chandratal Lake: camping tents
Spiti Valley Adventure Trip - Route and Landscapes
Though this tour takes place in Himachal Pradesh, it is not your average hill station trip. In fact, the tour actually starts from Manali, and you drive onwards towards the cold desert environment of Lahaul and Spiti Valley. The landscape of this region is very much in contrast to the green valleys and deodar forests of Kullu Manali. Often, the roads are rugged and rocky, and you have to drive on narrow mountainous roads. You can view the barren mountains and hills of Spiti Valley on this route. You can make short halts at several viewpoints on this route and view the fantastic rock formations and raw landscapes. There is no traffic on the road, and this makes the scenery all the more beautiful.
When To Plan The Spiti Valley Road Trip Via Manali
You can plan the perfect trip to Spiti Valley if you know the best time to visit the Spiti Valley road trip. Spiti Valley experiences its warmest climate from June to August. This is the best time to plan a trip to Spiti Valley. This is the time when the roads leading to the valley are open to tourists. The Atal Tunnel is a blessing for motorists who experience the ease of driving in the tunnel. The mountain passes like Rohtang Pass and Kunzum Pass are also open, and you will have easy access to the remote villages near Spiti Valley. You can visit most of the tourist attractions of the Spiti Valley very conveniently. Roads are free of snow during this period, as most snow has melted. The Thrill Himalaya strongly suggests that you plan your Spiti Valley trip during the summer season.
Weather in Spiti Valley
Perhaps of all the factors, weather plays the most important role in deciding on the trip to Spiti Valley. If you want to know about the best time to visit Spiti Valley, then you will have to understand the weather and climate of Spiti Valley in different seasons. In this way, you can enjoy the Spiti Valley & Chandratal Lake tour with The Thrill Himalaya even better.
Spiti Valley in Summer vs Winter
In summer, it is best to visit the Spiti Valley. The winter snow has melted, and all the major roads are open. It means you can easily reach the remote villages and tourist attractions. Summer in Spiti Valley is from May to October. It is best for road trips, camping at Chandratal Lake, and sightseeing. You can spot the snow leopard in the lower reaches of the Spiti Valley. Winter, on the other hand, is not a good time to visit Spiti Valley, as the major roads like the Manali Kaza Highway are closed due to heavy snow. Winter starts from November and lasts till April in Spiti Valley. Temperatures can drop to minus 30 degrees Celsius. Road accessibility is very limited at this time due to heavy snowfall.
Spiti Valley in September October
You can also consider September or October as travel time to the Spiti Valley. This is the autumn season in Spiti Valley, and the Spiti Valley weather conditions are favourable for tourists. The monsoon season has ended, and the skies are clear during this time. Spiti Valley road conditions are also good, and the Kinnaur and Manali routes are open. This is the time just before winter, and you can take full advantage of this by planning the Kinnaur Spiti Valley tour. This landscape is still lush green after the fresh rainfall, and the valleys are covered in greenery. You can visit the major tourist attractions in the Spiti Valley. Planning the Spiti Valley road trip via Shimla or the Spiti Valley road trip via Manali is possible during this period.
Why Book the Spiti Valley Tour Package with The Thrill Himalaya
The Thrill Himalaya is the best tour agency to book a Spiti Valley tour package. We offer the best Spiti Valley package price to our guests. Many years of experience in organizing Spiti Valley & Chandratal Lake tour have given us a leading edge over our competitors. You can benefit from our knowledge and expertise when you book our affordable Spiti Valley tour. We have grown to be the best Spiti Valley tour operator as we offer the best tour experience of Spiti Valley. Our Spiti Valley tour costs fit within the budget of most tourists. They face the least amount of difficulty in Spiti Valley tour booking.
Why choose the Manali to Spiti Valley route for this trip
Less travel time to reach the Spiti Valley
You take very little time to reach the Spiti Valley if you take the Spiti Valley road trip via Manali. If you see the road map, then you will notice that Manali is located very close to the Spiti Valley. The road distance between Manali and Spiti Valley is just around 196 km, and it will take 6-7 hours to reach it. The Kinnaur Side road trip to Spiti Valley takes longer. For example, the Spiti Valley road trip via Shimla, then you will have to cross the Kinnaur region too, and that significantly increases the travel time.
Fewer chances of rockfall and landslides
Though the roads from Gramphu onwards to Kunzum Pass are bad, the route still poses less threat of landslides. You will also have to encounter water crossings from Manali. But compare that to the Kinnaur route, then we can definitely say that this Manali route is better. The Kinnaur route to the Spiti Valley has far more landslide-prone zones. Malling Nalla, Nako are some areas on the Kinnaur route which are known to be very treacherous for rolling stones and landslides.
Accessible to motorists
Compared to the Spiti Valley road trip via Shimla, the Manali route is better for motorists and public transport. You can take an overnight bus from Delhi and reach Manali in the morning hours. Moreover, the Atal Tunnel has eased the trouble of motorists, and they can safely cross the Rohtang Pass by the Atal Tunnel.
Mountain Passes
If you want to cross mountain passes, then the Manali route is better. You can cross both the Rohtang Pass and Kunzum Pass from the Manali route. It offers a sense of adventure on your trip. If you cross the Rohtang Pass, you enter the Lahaul region, and crossing the Kunzum Pass lets you enter the Spiti Valley.
Shimla vs Manali – which is better for the Spiti Valley tour
If we have to do a comparison of which is better for the Spiti Valley Tour – Shimla or Manali? Then, you must know that travelling by the Shimla route will take 2-3 days to reach the Spiti Valley. It is because of overnight stays at Sangla, Kalpa, and Tabo. But there are many other factors to consider before we decide which route is better – Shimla or Manali.
- The Shimla route is better for first-timers as they will not have difficulty in acclimatization. Spiti Valley road trip via Shimla is a perfect tour that we offer. The Manali route is better for adventure lovers who have experience of travelling to high altitude zones.
- Spiti Valley Road trip via Manali is steep with rapid altitude gain. The altitude gain is 6700 ft (2040 m) in Manali to 15000 ft (4572 m) in Kunzum Pass in just a few hours. Acclimatization is difficult on this route, and there is a higher risk of altitude sickness. The Shimla route is better for acclimatization, as there is a gradual increase in altitude. The altitude gain is 2200 m (7200 ft) in Shimla to 3660 m (12000 ft) in Nako in 3-4 days.
- The Shimla route is open from May to October in the summer months. The Manali route is open from mid-June to October and is heavily dependent on snowfall and the opening of Rohtang Pass.
- The Shimla route is longer, and the travel time from Shimla to Kaza takes 2-3 days. The Manali route is shorter, and if you drive non-stop from Manali and reach Kaza, it will take 10-12 hours.
- There are good road conditions till Kalpa on the Shimla route. From Nako, there are a few rough patches, but they are manageable. On the Manali route, you can face rough roads from Gramphu. You will have to cross river streams, slush, and loose gravel till Kaza.
Places to visit in the Spiti Valley adventure trip
You can cover so many places in the Spiti Valley travel package India. All these places are major tourist attractions in the Spiti Valley. You can pass by some of these attractions on the route or make short halts and admire their natural beauty.
Mountain Passes
Rohtang Pass
You may not actually cross this pass, but drive very near to Rohtang Pass. You can view the mountain pass from your cab. Gramphu Snow Point will give you better views of Rohtang Pass. You can make out this mountain pass by its zig-zag route. This is one of the major mountain passes in Himachal Pradesh and separates Manali from the Lahaul Spiti Valleys.
Kunzum Pass
You will actually have to cross Kunzum Pass on the way to Chandratal Lake. Actually, you will have to drive on this mountain pass while going to Kaza and while returning from Kaza towards Chandratal Lake. This is the highest point of elevation of this entire route. The height of Kunzum Pass is approximately 4,590 meters (15,059 feet) above sea level.
Valleys
Solang Valley
This is one of the most beautiful valleys in Himachal Pradesh. Solang Valley is a major tourist attraction in Manali. This valley is full of flowers and meadows during the summer. Winter brings snowfall, and the entire valley is covered with white snow. Solang Valley is known for its winter sports activities and trekking.
Pin Valley
Pin Valley is where the Pin River flows and forms this wonderful valley. The Pin Valley National Park is home to the rarest of Himalayan wildlife. There are many Buddhist gompas within the park. The higher regions of this park have snow-covered peaks. You can visit Pin Valley and get the best Spiti Valley trekking experience. You can go on a guided safari in this national park and spot Snow Leopard, and other creatures that live in the high altitude regions of Spiti Valley.
Spiti Valley
The valley formed by the Spiti River is known as the Spiti Valley. Much of the landscape of Spiti Valley is barren mountains and cold desert terrain. But in summer, Spiti Valley is covered in grass and wildflowers. Spiti Valley has a Tibetan culture and many Buddhist monasteries like Dhankar, Key, Tabo, etc. The villages in Spiti Valley are the highest villages in the world.
Monasteries
You can book the Spiti Valley package including Kaza Key Monastery from The Thrill Himalaya. These monasteries are the shrines of Tibetan Buddhism and essential tourist places in the Spiti Valley.
Tabo Monastery
This is one of the major Buddhist monasteries in the Spiti Valley. Tabo Monastery is actually a huge complex with many temples apart from the main shrine. Tabo Monastery is termed the Ajanta of the Himalayas. There are many ancient manuscripts, Thangka paintings, wall murals, statues and Tibetan décor.
Key Monastery
This monastery is one of the oldest monasteries in the Spiti region. Key Monastery stands on a craggy hilltop and overlooks the Spiti River. Many students still receive education in the Buddhist religion in this monastery. Key Monastery is also the largest of the monasteries in the Spiti region. Inside the monastery, there are wall paintings, manuscripts, cells, assembly halls, and accommodation for students and monks.
Dhankar Monastery
This particular gompa or monastery is one of the most scenic ones in the Spiti Valley. Dhankar Monastery is located on a rocky cliff and looks like carved out of the rock itself. The monastery offers striking views of the confluence of the Pin and Spiti Rivers. The monastery looks more like a fortress from the outside.
Kungri Monastery
This monastery is also one of the monasteries to visit on the Spiti Valley road trip. Kungri Monastery is considered the second-oldest monastery in Spiti and was built in 1330. The architecture of Kungri Monastery is beautiful and has Tibetan décor.
Villages
You can book the Spiti Valley tour covering Hikkim Komic Langza with The Thrill Himalaya. A tour of these villages is a cultural experience and will reveal the true beauty of Spiti Valley to you.
Komic Village
This village is one of the highest villages in the world and is situated at 15,500 ft. Komic Village is known for the Tangyud Monastery, which is a 14th-century Buddhist monastery. Komic Village is connected by a motorable road and is famous because of that.
Hikkim Village
You can visit Hikkim Village on our Spiti Valley group tour. Hikkim Village is famous for its post office, and it is the highest post office in the world. Hikkim is situated at 4,400 meters (14,567 ft). You can reach Hikkim by road from Kaza. It is a favourite thing among tourists to send postcards from this post office.
Langza Village
Perhaps the strangest thing about Langza Village is its fossils. These fossils are of marine animals, and you can find these fossils in Langza. These fossils are millions of years old and belong to the marine animals that lived in the Tethys Sea, which once existed here. There is a 1000-year-old golden statue of Buddha called Maitreya Buddha in Langza, which is another major attraction.
Kibber Village
This village is more famous for the Kibber Wildlife Sanctuary. You can spot rare Himalayan wildlife in Kibber. It is one of the permanently settled villages in the Spiti Valley and is accessible by motorable road. Kibber is closely situated to Key Monastery and Chicham Bridge. Kibber is also a major halt for those who want to do a Spiti Valley bike trip.
Viewpoints
In this Spiti Valley Road Trip Tour Package, you can visit several viewpoints. These viewpoints offer scenic views of the Spiti River and the surrounding valley. You can view strange rock formations from these viewpoints. These Spiti River Viewpoints are perfect for photography. Some viewpoints offer panoramic views of the cold desert rock structures and the rustic terrain.
Chandratal Lake
Because of its name, it is also called the Moon Lake. Chandratal Lake is a crystal clear lake in the Spiti Valley and is a favourite trekking and camping spot for adventure lovers. Camping is the best thing to do at Chandratal Lake. You can take walks near the lake shore, but camping is allowed only 3 km from the lake. This lake is the best attraction and the highlight of this Spiti Valley sightseeing package. Due to the purity of the air and no pollution, you can clearly see the stars and the galaxy in the night sky near the lake.
Kaza Local Market
A walk in the Kaza local market will give you a shopping and cultural experience. You can buy Tibetan handicraft items in this market. Clothing made from Yak wool, Thangka paintings, incense holders, and prayer flags are the common things available in this market.
Chicham Bridge
In this Spiti Valley Tour Package, you will have the joy of crossing the Chicham Bridge. The bridge is no ordinary bridge, but ranks as the highest suspension bridge in Asia. The bridge is built over a 1000-foot deep gorge and is a marvel of modern engineering. Chicham Bridge is a favourite tourist attraction in the Spiti Valley. It offers panoramic vistas of the neighbouring areas. Not only this, but it is a vital connectivity between the local villages.
Sissu
While returning from Spiti Valley, you can visit Sissu. This is a small town near the Atal Tunnel. Sissu is famous for its scenic panoramas and natural beauty. Some must-visit attractions in Sissu are Sissu Waterfall, Sissu Lake, viewpoints, and the Chenab River. Sissu Snow Point is a viewpoint from which you can view the lofty mountains and snow-covered peaks of the Himalayas.
Things to do in the Spiti Valley road trip via Manali
You can do many things during the Spiti Valley & Chandratal Lake tour. All these activities will bring you closer to the culture and charm of Spiti Valley. You will experience a new dimension of the Spiti Valley and Himachal Pradesh on this trip.
Camping at Chandratal Lake
There is no doubt that Chandratal Lake is the highlight of this trip. The lake is one of the few high-altitude lakes in the Lahaul Spiti region. Chandratal Lake is also called Moon Lake. Chandratal Lake Camping is the best thing to do at Chandratal Lake. You can stay in tented accommodation near Chandratal Lake and go on nature walks near the lake. The natural beauty of Chandratal Lake will charm you the moment you set eyes on it. The main reason why Chandratal Lake is such a huge attraction is because of its altitude and crystal clear waters.
Stargazing in the night sky
Astrotourism is turning out to be one of the favourite things to do in the Spiti Valley. The clear and pollution-free night skies in Spiti Valley are best for stargazing. The experience of watching the galaxies and stars through the telescope is one that can be enjoyed only in places like the Spiti Valley. Some of the best places for stargazing are Chandratal Lake, Langza Village, and Kibber. You can join a guided tour and stay in any of the Spiti Valley stargazing camps. This is the best way to enjoy telescopic views of the stars and planets.
Experience Buddhist culture
Buddhist culture and Tibetan spiritualism have a very deep influence on the Spiti Valley. The Buddhist gompas and monasteries are a direct example of this. But even in the villages, you can have the first-hand experience of this Buddhist culture. Villagers and common people in Spiti Valley practice this faith and have deep reverence for it. You will find prayer flags fluttering in the wind at several places, like mountain passes, etc. Monks in the monasteries practice daily meditation and Buddhist rituals. The festivals, art and architecture, and daily lifestyle are all living examples of Tibetan Buddhism in practice.
Remote Village Exploration
One of the things to do on this trip is the Spiti Valley village exploration. The villages that you will visit on this trip are very exciting places and not just your normal villages. They are among the highest villages in the world, and their remote location makes them even more special. Every village has something remarkable about it. Hikkim has the world’s highest post office. Komic ranks as the highest village connected by a motorable road. Langza is famous for its golden Buddha Statue and prehistoric fossils.
Enjoy Spiti Landscapes
One look at the Spiti Valley Package with Chandratal will reveal some very scenic viewpoints. These viewpoints are places from where you can look out at the wide expanse of the Spiti Valley in front of you. You can come across waterfalls, glaciers, river streams, and mountain passes on this trip. Rivers like the Chenab and the Spiti River will run parallel to your route. There are several Spiti Valley viewpoints that offer panoramic vistas of the spectacular Spiti Valley. These things make your Spiti Valley trekking experience even more thrilling. You can view high altitude meadows, grassy plains, snow-covered mountain tops, and rocky cliffs from these viewpoints.
Spot Rare Himalayan Wildlife
One of the exciting things to experience in this tour is the Spiti Valley wildlife spotting Pin Valley. The gates of Pin Valley National Park are on this route. Much of the wildlife safari will be by driving and trekking. You must bring your binoculars and DSLR cameras to spot the wildlife in Pin Valley. Some creatures you can spot here are the Tibetan gazelle, the Himalayan Blue Sheep, the red fox, the snow leopard and the Siberian Ibex. You can spot these rare Himalayan creatures only here in Pin Valley National Park.
View Prehistoric Fossils at Langza
It may seem very unusual, but you can actually see many fossils at Langza. These fossils are of marine creatures that lived in the Tethys Sea millions of years ago. In fact, Spiti Valley fossil hunting Langza is a favourite thing to do here. You may buy these fossils from villagers. Or spot some yourself as you explore the region. Langza has become famous as the Fossil Village due to this. The geological forces that shaped the Himalayas are also responsible for bringing up these fossils.
Send a Postcard from Hikkim Post Office
Hikkim is a village near Kaza and is reputed to have the Highest Post Office in the world. Sending a postcard from this post office is a favourite thing to do on the Spiti Valley tour covering Hikkim Komic Langza. Hikkim Post Office is situated at an altitude of 14,567 feet (4,440 meters). You can send letters and postcards to your friends and family from this post office.
View Confluence of Spiti and Pin Rivers
The Chenab River flows along your driving route till Chandratal Lake Entry Point. From there on, you will see the Spiti River flow parallel to your route. The flowing rivers will be like a feast to your eyes. But when you view the river confluence of the Spiti River from the Dhankar Monastery, it will be a very thrilling experience on this Spiti Valley photography tour. The scenic beauty of this river confluence is unpatrolled and difficult to describe in words. It is only to be seen to be believed.
Walk on Chicham Bridge
What thrill it is to walk on the world’s highest suspension bridge? You can experience this thrill when you cross the Chicham Bridge on the Spiti Valley Tour. In fact, this is one of the best Spiti Valley high altitude road trip experience. Chicham Bridge is built over a 1000-foot-deep gorge, and the sheer depth of this gorge will make you dizzy. The bridge connects the villages of Kibber and Chicham and is like a lifeline to the villagers of this area. It is nothing short of an engineering marvel.
Visit Tabo Monastery, the Ajanta of the Himalayas
In this Spiti Valley monasteries tour, you will have the best experience of visiting the Tabo Monastery. This monastery was built over 1000 years ago and is one of the oldest surviving monasteries in the Spiti Valley. Tabo Monastery is not just a single shrine, but a huge complex, consisting of temples, chortens, monks’ chambers, and other shrines. It has an architecture which incorporates mud, clay and wood. The murals, frescoes, and Tibetan thangka paintings in this monastery are priceless and have survived for decades. That is why this monastery is called ‘Ajanta of the Himalayas’.
Feel the Mystic Tibetan spiritualism in monasteries
It is a surprise how many monasteries you can visit on this Spiti Valley sightseeing package. Some of these monasteries are very famous, while others are lesser known. But the experience of Tibetan Buddhism in these monasteries will be the same, no matter which monastery you visit. Key Monastery, Tabo Monastery and Dhankar Monastery are very famous. But others like Kungri Monastery, Tangyud Monastery are ancient Buddhist temples with a rich historical heritage. At Langza, the famous Buddha statue conjures up feelings of spiritualism in you.
Watch the Giu Mummy
One of the most amazing and bizarre things you should see in the Spiti Valley budget tour is the Giu Mummy. The mummy is believed to be the only preserved Buddhist mummy in India. You can find this mummy in a small temple called Giu Mummy Stupa in Giu Village, near Tabo. The mummy is that of a Buddhist monk, and sits in a meditative pose. It is more than a 500-year-old mummy and is enclosed in a glass case.
Unique Shopping Experience in Kaza Market
Kaza is where you can shop for Tibetan handicrafts and souvenirs during this trip. Exploring the local market in Kaza is like discovering a remote culture that is hidden from the world. You will come across shops that sell clothing made from yak wool here. Prayer wheels and flags are the most common things to buy here. These items are made locally by artisans and are the best items of the Spiti Valley. Some other items you can buy here are shawls, incense stick holders, organic tea and herbal products.
Experience the thrill at Kunzum Pass
One of the highest mountain passes you will come across on this Spiti Valley adventure trip is Kunzum Pass. The high altitude passes in the Spiti Valley rank among the highest motorable passes in the world. It has 15 zig-zag bends and sharp curves. Kunzum Mata Temple near the pass is a highly revered shrine, and motorists pay respect to the deity of this temple for their safe journey. Kunzum Pass is the crossing through which you can visit Chandratal Lake. The pass offers scenic views of the glaciers and snow-capped mountains.
Marvel at the Tabo Caves
One of the most thrilling things you can do on this trip is to explore the Tabo Caves. The Buddhist monks once used these caves to meditate in seclusion. The unusual thing about these caves is that they are carved out of the rocky cliffs near Tabo Monastery. These are more than 1000-year-old caves and offer scenic views of the Spiti River and the broad expanse of the valley.
Explore the Thrill Himalaya Tour Packages to visit the Spiti Valley
In our Spiti Valley tour packages, you will get complete tour assistance for such a difficult tour like Spiti Valley from The Thrill Himalaya. This includes our complete set of tour services along with logistical support, tour guidance, tips on the Spiti Valley trip, etc. Of course, it includes the Spiti Valley tour with accommodation and transport, accommodation in hotels/ camps, meals, transport services, airport pickup and drop, sightseeing in SUV cabs, and others. We recommend that you contact us for more details on the Spiti Valley tour cost, duration of the trip, the Spiti Valley tour with Chandratal Lake itinerary and other such queries.
- The Thrill Himalaya offers the best of the Spiti Valley tours for travellers. You can plan to visit Spiti Valley in winter, and this will be a guided group tour.
- If you want to visit Kinnaur Valley along with Spiti Valley, then you can explore our Spiti Valley road trip tour package from Delhi.
- We offer the best Spiti Valley bike trip, where you can explore Spiti Valley by bike.
- Our Spiti Valley customized trip is also best for customizing your trip.
- To get the thrill of crossing mountain passes and visiting remote places in the Lahaul Spiti, you can explore our Spiti Valley Tour.
- To get the best experience of the Spiti Valley road trip, we recommend that you consider our Spiti Valley & Chandratal Road Tour Package from Chandigarh via Manali.
- You can enjoy the Spiti Valley & Chandratal Lake tour, and in this, the camping experience at Chandratal Lake is the real highlight.
- The Spiti Valley & Chandratal Lake tour is a complete package, including trips to Pin Valley, Solang Valley, Spiti Valley and Chandratal Lake camping.
- If you want to go on side excursions to Sangla, Narkanda, Chitkul, Kalpa, then our Spiti Valley trip package is best.
Major considerations for Spiti Valley Package with Chandratal
- The weather is the main factor to consider when planning the Spiti Tour. June is perfect for visiting the Spiti Valley. The snow has melted and is lined on the side of roads, and the rivers start to flow again due to the melting snow. Temperatures remain pleasant.
- You must know that there is rapid altitude gain on this Manali Spiti Valley route. You should make short halts at places to help the body adjust to the changing altitudes and oxygen levels. Experienced travellers will find it easy to adapt to the changing altitudes. This Spiti Valley road trip via Manali is not for first-timers.
- You must stay in your group and adhere to group guidelines. Travelling with a group is the best way to visit the Spiti Valley. That is why the Spiti Valley group tour is best for this. If you stay in the group, you get better assistance and medical support. A group ensures better coordination between group members.
- Kaza has a Community Health Center and good medical facilities. Other places where medical facilities are available are Manali, Keylong, and Shimla. A hospital is located at Reckong Peo and is accessible from Kinnaur. Primary care is available, but there are no specialized doctors. In case of severe medical emergencies, evacuation to Kullu or Shimla is necessary.
Why is acclimation necessary for Spiti Valley & Chandratal Lake tour?
- The Manali to Spiti Valley route is one where the altitudes change suddenly. This change in altitude is not good for the body. In such cases, you are prone to Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS). The altitude gain is high, and it jumps from 2000 meters to 4000 meters within just a few hours. To prevent yourself from getting AMS, you should acclimatize your body by staying in a place like Manali, Shimla, Jispa, among other low-altitude places.
- Driving through the Atal Tunnel will take you from 2000 meters to 4000 meters very quickly.
- Kunzum Pass, Chandratal Lake, Komic, and Kibber are places which are in the range of 4000 – 5000 meters. Oxygen content in the air is very low, and this makes breathing difficult.
- Because of the rapid altitude jump, the body suffers from the effects of AMS, such as fatigue, dizziness, headaches, nausea/ vomiting, loss of appetite, and shortness of breath, among others.
- These symptoms start to show up typically from 2-12 hours after your ascent.
Permits for this trip
Indians will not require any permits to visit the Spiti Valley. But foreigners must carry an Inner Line Permit if they are visiting places near the border. The Thrill Himalaya generally assists tourists with getting the necessary permits.
Total distance covered in this tour
If you start driving from Manali to Kaza, then the total road distance would be approximately 200 – 230 kilometres. But road distances don’t matter on this tour, and the main reason is that the roads are situated in the high mountains of the Himalayas. You will have to pass high mountain passes like Rohtang Pass and Kunzum Pass. These are highly difficult mountain passes to cross due to their zig-zag turns and sharp bends.
It may take hours to cross these stretches depending on the road conditions, snow, and traffic. It requires highly skillful driving skills to be able to tackle these treacherous mountain passes. If you are planning the Spiti Valley road trip via Manali, then you must keep aside at least a day or two for acclimatization and as an extra buffer day. It would mean that the trip will be around 6-7 days in duration.
FAQ
What is the Spiti Valley Package with the Chandratal Package cost?
The cost of the Spiti Valley Package with the Chandratal Package is Rs. 17,500/- per person.
Which mobile networks are available in Spiti Valley?
BSNL has the highest coverage, followed by Jio and Airtel.
Where will I find fuel stations on this trip?
Fuel stations are in Manali, Reckong Peo, and Kaza.
How many days are enough for the Spiti Valley trip?
You must reserve at least 7-8 days for the Spiti Valley tour.
How to book Spiti Valley tours with The Thrill Himalaya?
We offer a Spiti Valley customized trip, a Spiti Valley group tour, a Spiti Valley budget tour, a Spiti Valley tour package with Volvo from Delhi, and a lot of other tour options for the Spiti Valley tour.
Conclusion
If you want to visit Spiti Valley, the best package that we can suggest to you is the Spiti Valley Road Trip Tour Package. You can do sightseeing in Spiti Valley, go on excursions to remote villages, savour the local cuisine, and enjoy camping at Chandratal Lake. This is not just a trip, but an experience of a lifetime. If you have never visited Spiti Valley before, then this is the right time to do so. Plan a Spiti Valley road trip with The Thrill Himalaya and have the best experience of Spiti Valley.
