7 Days in Spiti A Chandigarh Mountain Drive

• 6 Nights / 7 Days

Day 1: Chandigarh to Shimla – Gateway to the Himalayas (Approx. 115 km / 4–5 hrs)

Your mountain adventure begins with a drive from Chandigarh to Shimla, the capital of Himachal Pradesh and a classic hill station known for its colonial charm. As you ascend into the hills, enjoy beautiful valley views and winding pine-scented roads. After reaching Shimla, check in to your hotel and explore local spots like Mall Road, Christ Church, or Jakhoo Temple in the evening. Rest well for the exciting road ahead.

Day 2: Shimla to Kalpa via Sarahan – Apple Orchards & Snow Peaks (Approx. 220 km / 8–9 hrs)

Leave early for Kalpa, a quiet Himalayan village famous for its apple orchards and views of the Kinnaur Kailash range. En route, visit Sarahan and the ancient Bhimakali Temple. The drive offers stunning river valleys and changing terrains. Once in Kalpa, soak in the sunset over snow-capped peaks and enjoy a peaceful night in this offbeat mountain hamlet.

Day 3: Kalpa to Nako – Into the Cold Desert (Approx. 100 km / 4–5 hrs)

After breakfast, drive toward Nako, a high-altitude village near the Indo-Tibetan border. The route takes you deeper into the Trans-Himalayan landscape with dramatic terrain changes. On arrival, visit the Nako Lake and Nako Monastery, and explore the charming streets of this serene village. Spend the night amidst pure silence and starlit skies in a traditional-style guesthouse or homestay.

Day 4: Nako to Tabo – Monasteries and Moon Landscapes (Approx. 70 km / 3 hrs)

Today, head further into the Spiti Valley as you drive to Tabo, home to the 1,000-year-old Tabo Monastery, often referred to as the “Ajanta of the Himalayas”. The drive offers unique views of barren cliffs, rock formations, and winding roads. After exploring the monastery and nearby caves, relax in your guesthouse and enjoy the quiet spiritual vibe of Tabo.

Day 5: Tabo to Kaza – Exploring Dhankar & Spiti Heartland (Approx. 50 km / 3 hrs)

Depart Tabo and make your way to Kaza, the administrative capital of Spiti. En route, stop at Dhankar Monastery, dramatically perched on a cliff overlooking the Spiti and Pin Rivers. Once in Kaza, check-in to your hotel and explore the local bazaar and cafés. In the evening, visit the Kaza Monastery or take a short acclimatization walk around the valley.

Day 6: Key – Kibber – Langza – Hikkim – Komic Excursion

After breakfast, embark on a local sightseeing tour covering Spiti’s iconic high-altitude villages. Visit Key Monastery, one of the largest and most scenic monasteries in the region. Continue to Kibber Village, known for its stone houses and rare wildlife sightings. Next, explore Langza (famous for fossils), Hikkim (home to the world's highest post office), and Komic (one of the highest motorable villages). Return to Kaza in the evening for a cozy overnight stay.

Day 7: Drive Back to Chandigarh (Option 1 via Manali / Option 2 via Shimla)

Your Spiti expedition comes to an end as you begin the return journey to Chandigarh. You can either drive back the same route via Shimla (with a stopover in Kalpa/Rampur), or if roads are open, exit through Manali by crossing the Kunzum Pass and Rohtang Pass (depending on weather conditions and time). Reach Chandigarh by late evening or the next morning (if with a night halt). Your unforgettable 7-day mountain drive through Spiti concludes with surreal landscapes and a heart full of Himalayan memories.