Which direction?
Go in through Kinnaur from Shimla and out over Kunzum to Manali if you can. The Kinnaur route climbs gradually, which helps your body adjust to altitude, while the Manali route gains height very quickly. From November to May, when Kunzum is closed, both directions use Kinnaur.
The classic 9-day circuit (Shimla in, Manali out)
Our Spiti valley circuit package follows this route with hotels and a driver.
- Day 1: Shimla to Sarahan or Sangla (about 7 to 8 hours).
- Day 2: Sangla, Chitkul, then to Kalpa.
- Day 3: Kalpa to Nako, via Khab and the Sutlej–Spiti confluence.
- Day 4: Nako to Tabo, with a stop at Gue. Overnight in Tabo, about 3,280 m.
- Day 5: Tabo to Kaza via Dhankar, with a detour into Pin valley if time allows.
- Day 6: Key monastery, Kibber and Chicham bridge.
- Day 7: Langza, Hikkim and Komic.
- Day 8: Kaza over Kunzum pass to Chandratal (summer only), or straight to Manali.
- Day 9: Chandratal to Manali via Batal and the Atal Tunnel.
A 7-day summer trip from Manali
This route climbs fast, so take the rest day seriously and watch for altitude symptoms. It only works from about late June to early October.
- Day 1: Manali to Chandratal via the Atal Tunnel and Batal (about 115 km).
- Day 2: Chandratal over Kunzum to Kaza.
- Day 3: rest and acclimatise in Kaza; short walks only.
- Day 4: Key, Kibber and Chicham.
- Day 5: Langza, Hikkim and Komic.
- Day 6: Dhankar and Tabo, returning to Kaza.
- Day 7: Kaza to Manali over Kunzum.
A 12-day trip from Delhi
From Delhi, add a day to reach Shimla (or Narkanda, to start higher) and a day to return from Manali, plus a spare day for weather or road closures. A comfortable 12-day plan is: Delhi to Shimla; then the 9-day circuit; one spare day in Kaza; Manali to Delhi. Our Spiti and Kinnaur package from Delhi is built this way.
Acclimatisation and spare days
Our altitude sickness guide explains symptoms and what to do.
- Sleep low, climb gradually: Kalpa (about 2,960 m) and Tabo (about 3,280 m) are good steps before Kaza.
- Take an easy first day in Kaza.
- Keep at least one spare day for landslides, snow on Kunzum or illness.
- Don't drive to Chandratal or Komic on your first day at altitude.
Getting around
A private car with a driver experienced on Spiti roads is the most practical way to do the circuit, as public buses are infrequent. Taxis registered outside the area may face restrictions on some local routes, so a Himachal-based driver who knows the checkpoints and road conditions is best. We arrange cars for the whole circuit, from Shimla, Chandigarh, Delhi or Manali.
Frequently asked questions
How many days are enough for Spiti?+
Seven days from Manali in summer is the minimum; nine to twelve days for the full circuit from Shimla or Delhi.
Should I go to Spiti via Shimla or Manali?+
In via Shimla and Kinnaur, out via Manali, for gradual acclimatisation. In winter, only the Shimla route is open.
Can I do Spiti in 5 days?+
Only a rushed Manali–Kaza–Manali trip in summer, which climbs fast. We recommend at least seven days.
What is the Spiti circuit?+
The loop from Shimla through Kinnaur into Spiti, then over Kunzum pass to Manali, or the reverse.
Is the Spiti road trip safe?+
With an experienced driver, a sound vehicle and proper acclimatisation, yes. Roads are rough and weather-dependent.
Can I include Chandratal in the itinerary?+
Yes, from about mid-June to late September, on the Manali side of Kunzum pass.
