Spiti Valley Excursion from Shimla

Untouched beauty of the Himalayas with a journey through Spiti Valley’s

Discover the mesmerizing landscapes of Spiti Valley, a high-altitude desert in the Indian Himalayas, starting from Shimla. This excursion takes you through winding mountain roads, scenic valleys, and quaint villages that seem frozen in time. Explore centuries-old monasteries, breathtaking vistas, and the vibrant culture of local communities. Ideal for adventure seekers, nature lovers, and photographers, this trip offers a perfect blend of scenic beauty, cultural exploration, and Himalayan adventure.

Highlights of the Tour :

Scenic drive through Kinnaur & Spiti Valleys, passing high mountain passes and rivers
Explore ancient Buddhist monasteries: Tabo, Key, Dhankar, Nako
Visit high-altitude villages: Kalpa, Nako, Kaza, Kibber
Panoramic views of Kinnaur Kailash & Himalayan peaks
Experience Tibetan culture, local crafts, and traditional Himachali lifestyle
Photography opportunities at Spiti Valley’s stark desert landscapes, rivers, and cliffs

Journey at a Glance :

Itinerary:

This thoughtfully planned itinerary ensures a smooth and memorable journey from Shimla to Spiti Valley.

Day 1: Arrival in Shimla – The Gateway to Spiti

Travel : Arrival at Shimla Airport / Railway Station → Check-in at hotel

Arrive at Shimla Airport or Railway Station by morning. Our representative will meet you and transfer you to the hotel.
Check-in, freshen up, and relax after your journey.
In the evening, take a leisurely stroll along the Mall Road, famous for local handicrafts, Tibetan shops, and cafes.
Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.

Shimla : Shimla (2,276 meters), the capital of Himachal Pradesh, was once the summer capital of British India. Surrounded by lush pine forests and the Himalayan foothills, it offers colonial architecture, scenic vistas, and bustling markets, making it the perfect starting point for a Himalayan adventure.

Day 2: Shimla → Sangla / Scenic Drive (Approx. 220 km, 8–9 hrs)

Travel : Drive via Narkanda, Rampur, and Jeori

After early breakfast, embark on a scenic drive to Sangla Valley in Kinnaur district.
En route, stop at Narkanda to enjoy panoramic views of apple orchards and Himalayan peaks.
Cross Rampur, known for its traditional Himachali architecture and lush greenery.
Arrival at Sangla by evening, check-in at the hotel.
Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.

Sangla Valley : Nestled along the Baspa River, Sangla (2,675 meters) is known for its verdant landscapes, apple orchards, and snow-capped peaks. It serves as a gateway to the upper Kinnaur and Spiti regions.

Day 3: Sangla → Kalpa → Nako / Cultural & Scenic Drive (Approx. 100 km, 5–6 hrs)

Travel : Drive via Chini, Reckong Peo, and Kalpa

After breakfast, drive towards Kalpa, stopping at Reckong Peo, the district headquarters of Kinnaur, known for its Himalayan vistas.
Explore Kalpa Village, famous for its apple orchards, traditional Himachali homes, and views of Kinnaur Kailash Peak.
Continue to Nako, a picturesque village on the Indo-Tibetan border.
Check-in at the hotel in Nako. Explore the Nako Lake and ancient Nako Monastery.
Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.

Kalpa & Nako:

Kalpa : Offers stunning views of Kinnaur Kailash and terraced fields along the hillside.

Nako: A tranquil village with a high-altitude lake, ancient monastery, and unique Tibetan-influenced architecture.

Day 4: Nako → Tabo / Spiti Valley Exploration (Approx. 110 km, 5–6 hrs)

Travel : Drive through scenic Spiti landscapes

After breakfast, depart for Tabo, a spiritual hub in Spiti Valley.
En route, stop at Khab Village, where the Spiti River meets the Sutlej River.
Arrival at Tabo, check-in at the hotel.
Visit Tabo Monastery, one of the oldest and most revered monasteries in India, known as the “Ajanta of the Himalayas” for its ancient murals and paintings.
Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.

Tabo Monastery : Tabo Monastery (3,280 meters) was founded in 996 AD and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site candidate. It houses ancient murals, manuscripts, and is a center for Buddhist learning and spiritual activities.

Day 5: Tabo → Kaza / Key Monastery & Kibber Village (Approx. 50 km, 2–3 hrs)

Travel : Short drive with sightseeing

After breakfast, drive to Kaza, the main town of Spiti Valley.
En route, visit Key Monastery, a centuries-old monastery perched on a hill overlooking the Spiti River.
Explore Kibber Village, one of the highest motorable villages in the world, known for its Himalayan wildlife and traditional Spitian houses.
Check-in at the hotel in Kaza. Evening at leisure for photography or a walk in Kaza town.
Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.

Key Monastery & Kibber :

Key Monastery : A spiritual and architectural marvel with stunning views and Buddhist teachings.

Kibber Village : Ideal for wildlife spotting, scenic photography, and experiencing high-altitude Himalayan life.

Day 6: Kaza → Dhankar / Scenic Exploration (Approx. 50 km, 3–4 hrs)

Travel : Drive to Dhankar Village & Monastery

After breakfast, drive to Dhankar, an ancient village perched on a cliff overlooking the confluence of Spiti and Pin Rivers.
Visit Dhankar Monastery, known for its breathtaking location, ancient murals, and spiritual ambiance.
Explore the village and enjoy the panoramic Himalayan views.
Return to Kaza for overnight stay and dinner.

Dhankar Monastery : Dhankar Monastery (3,894 meters) is a historic Buddhist monastery with remarkable cliffside architecture. It offers spectacular sunrise and sunset views over the Spiti Valley.

Day 7: Kaza → Shimla / Departure (Approx. 450 km, 12–13 hrs)

After breakfast, begin your return journey to Shimla via Nako, Kalpa, and Sangla.
Enjoy scenic stops for photography, local interactions, and refreshments en route.
Arrival in Shimla by late evening. Transfer to Shimla Airport / Railway Station for onward journey.

Package Inclued :
Accommodation in well-rated hotels/resorts
Daily breakfast and dinner
Private/sic transportation for the entire tour
Sightseeing as per itinerary
All toll taxes, driver allowances, and parking fees
Pick-up and drop from Chandigarh

Package Excludes:
Airfare/train fare
Any personal expenses (laundry, shopping, etc.)
Adventure activities (paragliding, river rafting, etc.)
Entry fees for monuments, parks, etc.
Travel insurance and medical expenses
Any additional sightseeing or extra usage of the vehicle not mentioned in the itinerary

No refund will be made for any unused accommodation, missed meals, transportation segments, sightseeing tours or any other service. Such unused items are neither refundable nor exchangeable.
Room allocation is subject to hotel availability at the time of check-in and will be provided in the room category mentioned on your confirmation voucher.
No refund can be claimed if the hotel services or amenities do not meet your expectations; such cases will be considered individually on a case-by-case basis.

Cancellation 45 days or more before departure: 25% of the tour cost
Cancellation between 44 and 31 days before departure: 40% of the tour cost
Cancellation between 30 and 15 days before departure: 50% of the tour cost
Cancellation between 14 and 7 days before departure: 75% of the tour cost
Cancellation within 6 days of departure or in case of no-show: 100% of the tour cost
To confirm your booking, please deposit 50% of the tour cost in advance into our company’s account.

Notes

Identity Proof Requirements

Guests are requested to carry two photocopies (xerox) of any valid photo ID proof (PAN Card not accepted) such as Passport, Driving Licence, Voter ID, or Aadhaar Card, and submit one copy at the time of booking. Additionally, guests must carry two passport-size photographs.

Children / Students: Two photocopies of School or College Photo Identity Card (to be submitted at the time of booking).
Adults: Original plus photocopy of Aadhaar Card / Driving Licence / Voter ID / Passport.
Infants: Aadhaar Card or Birth Certificate.
NRI / Foreign Nationals: Mandatory Passport with valid Indian Visa / OCI Card / PIO Card.

Special Notes

The Tour Manager’s service will commence from the first destination mentioned in the itinerary.
Meal services will start from Day 1 at the final arrival destination and continue until departure from the last destination as per the itinerary.
Meal services are not provided during air travel or transit halts.

Road Transportation

All transfers and sightseeing will be provided by air-conditioned coach.
Dalhousie local sightseeing will be conducted by Non A/C Alto / Omni (4 passengers per vehicle).
Dharamshala local sightseeing will be conducted by Non A/C Maruti Van / Alto (4 passengers per vehicle).

Important Notes

In case of insufficient bookings, certain tour categories may be merged with other compatible tour groups to ensure smooth operation.
While every effort is made to maintain the planned itinerary, the programme is subject to change without prior notice due to operational reasons.
In case of a pandemic or similar situation, some sightseeing spots may be temporarily closed. Alternative sightseeing will be arranged where possible.
Guests must comply with mandatory travel requirements such as tests, vaccination certificates, self-declarations, or e-pass formalities as per state or central government regulations. Any additional costs incurred will be borne by the guest.
Manali Travels does not recommend or endorse shopping at any specific shop. Shopping is at the sole discretion of the guest.