Spectacular Spiti

The undisturbed land of Lahaul-Spiti is blessed with some of the most spectacular and beautiful landscapes – high altitude snow-clad mountain ranges, narrow valleys, pristine rivers, enchanting natural lakes, and beautiful monasteries steeped in time.

Situated in Trans-Himalayas, Spiti literally means 'land in between' borders Tibet in the East and Ladakh in the North has stark cultural and geographical similarities to its neighbors. Spiti often known as Little Tibet is a high-altitude cold desert with stunning beauty and is accessible only 4-5 months a year. We traverse through some of the highest inhabited settlements, adorned with great Buddhist monasteries dating back to over 1000 years and wrapped in legend and folklore.

Home to some of the oldest Buddhist monasteries globally, this trip is suggested for a unique and authentic understanding of the Spitian lifestyle, culture, and Buddhist heritage. We would be staying with the local Spitian people in their homes in several places to enhance our sojourn.

Take a break and experience the mystical land, its people, its rich cultural heritage, and its diverse flora & fauna. Discover the magic of the Spiti valley in the Himalayas.

DAY 01 | ARRIVE IN CHANDIGARH. TRANSFER TO SHIMLA/NARKANDA (120–180 km | 4–6 hrs) 

(No Meals) 

The journey begins! Reach Chandigarh in the morning by 11 AM. You will be received personally by WANDERING SARATHY and the epic journey to Lahaul-Spiti begins as we leave Chandigarh to reach Shimla or Narkanda. by afternoon/evening. Those who wish to travel from Delhi instead of Chandigarh can take a bus to Shimla overnight or early morning and join the group directly in Shimla. 

Depending on time and weather, we either halt in Shimla or continue slightly further to Narkanda (a more peaceful spot with better acclimatization).

Spend a relaxed evening walking around the Mall Road (Shimla) or enjoying pine forest views (Narkanda).  Overnight stay at Shimla or Narkanda. 

DAY 02 | SHIMLA/NARKANDA - KALPA (225–250 km | 8–9 hrs) 

(Breakfast, Dinner)

We begin our road trip into Kinnaur Valley with gorgeous views and riverside stretches. Arrive in Kalpa, a beautiful Himalayan village framed by the Kinner Kailash range. According to legend, Kalpa is said to be the winter abode of Lord Shiva. He couldn't have chosen a better location for himself, with enticingly stunning views of the Kinner Kailash and Jorkandan Peaks towering over the settlement. Kalpa will be our home for the night.

DAY 03 | KALPA - NAKO - GEYU - TABO (160 km | 6–7 hrs)

(Breakfast, Dinner)

We begin our drive from Kalpa, descending along the Sutlej before merging with the Spiti River at Khab. The road is rugged and dramatic—one of the most thrilling in the Himalayas.

On the way, we stop at the peaceful Nako Lake and its ancient monastery. A short detour takes us to Geyu Village, where a 500-year-old mummy still rests in remarkable condition. By evening, we arrive in the ancient village of Tabo. Overnight stay in Tabo.

DAY 04 | TABO - DHANKAR - MUDH - KAZA (95 km | 4–5 hrs)

(Breakfast, Dinner)

The day begins with a visit to the 1000-year-old Tabo Monastery, often called the Ajanta of the Himalayas for its stunning murals and ancient relics. Next, we head to Dhankar, where a centuries-old monastery clings dramatically to a cliffside, offering panoramic views of the confluence below. A site of historical and spiritual significance, it’s listed among the world's 100 most endangered heritage sites.

Later, we visit the serene Kungri Monastery before continuing to Mudh Village - the last motorable village in the scenic Pin Valley. By evening, we arrive in Kaza, the heart of Spiti. Overnight stay in Kaza.

DAY 05 | KAZA EXPLORATION 

(Breakfast, Dinner)

Today is dedicated to exploring the high-altitude wonders around Kaza. We begin with Komic, the highest inhabited village in Asia (14,800 ft), home to the remote Tanggyud Monastery—one of the world's highest motorable monasteries. From there, we visit Hikkim, where you can post a letter from Asia’s highest post office. Next, we head to Langza, a fossil-rich village nestled beneath the towering Chau Chau Kang Nilda peak. Then comes a visit to the iconic Ki Monastery, the largest in Spiti and a true spiritual and architectural gem.

A scenic drive takes us to Kibber, one of the highest permanently inhabited villages, and finally to the spectacular Chicham Bridge, Asia’s highest suspension bridge, set at 13,596 ft. Return to Kaza by evening. Overnight stay in Kaza.

DAY 06 | KAZA - KUNZUM LA - CHANDRATAL (100 km | 7–8 hrs)

(Breakfast, Dinner)

After breakfast, we embark on a spectacular drive towards Chandratal Lake, one of the most breathtaking spots in the Spiti Valley. En route, we cross the majestic Kunzum La Pass (15,060 ft), surrounded by prayer flags and panoramic views of the snow-draped Himalayas.

As we descend, the landscape transforms into a surreal high-altitude desert before opening up to the serene Chandratal - a crescent-shaped lake whose colors shift magically with the sky. By nightfall, if skies are clear, witness a dazzling display of stars above this remote Himalayan jewel. Overnight stay in Swiss tents near the lake.

DAY 07 | CHANDRATAL - ATAL TUNNEL - MANALI (120 km | 7–8 hrs)

(Breakfast)

After an early breakfast, we bid farewell to Chandratal and begin our journey towards Manali. Driving past dramatic landscapes, we eventually cross the iconic Atal Tunnel, the world’s longest highway tunnel above 10,000 feet, and descend into the lush green Kullu Valley.

We reach Manali by late afternoon. In the evening, wander through the charming lanes of Old Manali, known for its cozy cafes, bohemian vibes, and scenic riverside spots. Overnight stay in Manali.

DAY 08 | MANALI - CHANDIGARH (280 km | 8–9 hrs)

(Breakfast)

After breakfast, we begin our drive back to Chandigarh, tracing our route through the scenic towns of Kullu, Mandi, and Bilaspur. We reach Chandigarh by evening.

From here, you can board your flight, train, or bus back to Delhi or onward to your next destination.

It’s time to say goodbye - not just to the mountains, but to the incredible friendships and memories built over the past few days.

Trip concludes – with your heart full, soul richer, and a story you’ll be telling for a long time. 

Start Date: June 14, 2025 (Saturday) 

End Date: June 21, 2024 (Saturday)

Pick-up/Drop at Chandigarh International Airport (IATA: IXC). We will inform the pick-up location for those arriving by train/road in due time.

The trip starts and ends in Chandigarh

₹28000 per person (Pay INR 5000 to Book Now!)

• These rates are for Indian Nationals only.
• Group Size: Minimum of 6 participants - Maximum of 16 participants (+) WANDERING SARATHY as your Trip Captain. Please make sure that the trip has reached the minimum number of participants before you reserve your flight ticket.
• Even a single member can join this trip. If you're a single-member traveling alone, you'll be assigned to a room with member/s of the same gender.
• A married couple gets a separate room.
• Suitable for members between the age group of 18-50 years. Generally, we have participants between 20-35 years.
• Opt for Zero Cancellation Fee Protection Extension while booking your flight tickets so that you get a full refund in case of cancellation.

INCLUSIONS

• Accommodation on a double/twin/triple-sharing basis for 7 nights/8 days (hotels/homestays/camps). 
• 7 Breakfast & 5 Dinner (Set Menu) at our place of stay. Meal plan as mentioned in the Itinerary.
• All transfers/sightseeing trips by a luxury vehicle (Toyota Innova or a similar vehicle). Exclusive vehicle for the entire trip from Day 1 to Day 9, but not at disposal. 
• Group airport transfer for arrival and departure in Chandigarh airport. If your flight arrival is at a different time, extra charges will be applicable.
• Services of WANDERING SARATHY who personally leads the group and doubles as a storyteller
• Entry tickets to places of interest 
• All Permits, Toll & Parking Charges

EXCLUSIONS

• Airfare to Chandigarh & return
• Bus fare from Delhi - Shimla and Manali to Delhi/ Chandigarh to Delhi
• Food/Snacks other than mentioned above. 
• Camera/Video charges
• Additional requests, orders, and services availed in the hotel/homestay
• Use of transport for personal use and beyond the designated trip route
• GST extra (5% of trip cost)
• Additional costs arising due to mishaps, political unrest, natural calamities like – landslides, road blockage, etc. In such a case, extras will have to be paid on the spot by the participants directly.
• Personal expenses such as laundry, bottled water, soft drinks, room heater, incidentals, porter charges, tips, medicines, etc.
• Any extra expenses due to delays arising from bad weather & circumstances beyond our control.
• Any item not specified in the ‘Inclusions’.

Please confirm your participation by paying ₹5000 to book your seat. Rest to be paid 30 days before the tour start date. 

Please write to us at unusualescapes(at)gmail.com for our Bank Account Details to transfer the Booking Fee (or) pay via Google Pay using UPI ID: unusualescapes@aubank.

Your spot will be confirmed as soon as we receive your Booking Fee.

**If you can find anyone else to replace you, there’ll be NO cancellation charges. We will then refund your money in full including the non-refundable booking fee.

All cancellations must be received in writing and sent to us via e-mail. We act this cancellation policy based on hotel, airlines, car rental, and other contractors’ policies. The following rules apply for cancellations:

Full Refund if canceled 60 days before departure

45-59 days before departure - cancellation charge at 10% of trip cost

30-44 days before departure - cancellation charge at 25% of trip cost

15-29 days before departure - cancellation charge at 50% of trip cost

Within 14 days of departure - cancellation charge at 100% of trip cost

Refund of the money in case of cancellation will be made within 10 working days after a cancellation request is received (by mail). If you can find anyone else to replace you, there’ll be NO cancellation charges. We will then refund your money in full.