Overview
The classic Spiti loop, done in the direction that's kindest to your body. You climb gradually through Kinnaur, with nights in Narkanda, Sangla, Kalpa and Nako, before reaching Kaza at about 3,650 m on day five. Two nights there cover Key monastery, Kibber and the high villages of Langza and Hikkim, then you cross to the moon-shaped lake of Chandratal for a night in camp and come out over Kunzum La and through the Atal Tunnel to Manali. It's nine days of the most dramatic road travel in India, with an SUV and a driver who knows every stretch.
Best for: Travellers who want the full Spiti loop with sensible acclimatisation
- Gradual climb through Kinnaur
- Chitkul, the last village on the Baspa
- Nako lake and Tabo's ancient monastery
- Two nights in Kaza for Key, Kibber and Langza
- A night in camp at Chandratal
- Out over Kunzum La and the Atal Tunnel
Day by day
- Day1
Chandigarh to Narkanda
About 180 kmOvernight: Narkanda
Up through Shimla and along the apple-growing ridge to Narkanda at about 2,700 m. A short afternoon walk in the forest or a drive up to Hatu peak for the first big views of the Himalaya.
Road guide: Chandigarh to Narkanda → - Day2
Narkanda to Sangla
About 155 kmOvernight: Sangla
Down to the Sutlej at Rampur and along the river into Kinnaur, then up the cliff road from Karchham into the Baspa valley. Sangla's wooden houses and orchards sit under snow peaks; walk to the Kamru fort if you have energy.
Road guide: Shimla to Sangla → - Day3
Chitkul and on to Kalpa
About 100 kmOvernight: Kalpa
An early drive up the Baspa to Chitkul, the last village before the Tibet frontier, for its wooden temple and river meadows. Then back down the valley and up to Kalpa for sunset on the Kinnaur Kailash range.
Road guide: Shimla to Chitkul → - Day4
Kalpa to Nako
About 105 kmOvernight: Nako
Past Pooh and through the stark gorge at Khab, where the Spiti river joins the Sutlej, then up the switchbacks to Nako at about 3,600 m. Walk around the small lake and the old monastery in the evening.
- Day5
Nako to Kaza via Tabo
About 110 kmOvernight: Kaza
Into Spiti at Sumdo and on to Tabo, whose monastery was founded in 996 and holds remarkable early murals. After lunch, a detour up to Dhankar's cliff-top gompa if time allows, and on to Kaza.
- Day6
Key, Kibber, Langza and Hikkim
About 70 kmOvernight: Kaza
Key monastery on its conical hill, Kibber village, then the fossil-strewn slopes of Langza with its giant Buddha statue and Hikkim, home of one of the world's highest post offices. Back to Kaza by late afternoon.
- Day7
Kaza to Chandratal
About 90 kmOvernight: Chandratal
Up the Spiti valley past Losar and over Kunzum La, then the rough side road to Chandratal, a crescent lake at about 4,250 m. Camps are about 2 km from the lake; walk to the shore for sunset.
- Day8
Chandratal to Manali
About 125 kmOvernight: Manali
Down to Batal and along the rough Chandra valley road, through stream crossings, to Gramphu and the Atal Tunnel. A hot shower and a proper dinner in Manali.
Road guide: Manali to Chandratal → - Day9
Manali to Chandigarh
About 305 km
The drive down the Kullu valley and across the hills to Chandigarh, about seven to nine hours, timed for your onward connection.
Road guide: Manali to Chandigarh →
The Kinnaur–Spiti–Manali loop
Spiti has two road connections: the year-round Kinnaur road from Shimla, and the summer road from Manali over Kunzum La. Using both lets you see everything without backtracking, and in this direction the climb to Kaza is spread over five days.
- Days 1–4: Narkanda, Sangla, Kalpa, Nako (climbing slowly)
- Days 5–6: Tabo, Kaza and the high villages
- Days 7–9: Chandratal, Manali and back
Roads and comfort
The Kinnaur road is cut into cliffs above the Sutlej, and parts of the Spiti and Chandra valley roads are rough and unpaved, with stream crossings near Chandratal. Days are long, with five to seven hours of driving, but stops are frequent and the views remarkable.
Where you stay
Hotels in Narkanda, Sangla, Kalpa and Kaza are simple 3-star or homestay-style on the standard tier, with boutique or better-located rooms on the comfort tier. At Nako and Chandratal, choices are limited to guesthouses and camps.
Route and price at a glance
The Spiti Valley Circuit trip covers about 1,240 km by road over 9 days, with overnight stops in Narkanda, Sangla, Kalpa, Nako, Kaza, Chandratal and Manali. The car is priced on the same basis as our private car tours: 2,250 billable km (the larger of the real distance and 250 km a day) at the vehicle's per-km rate, plus 8 nights of driver allowance, with fuel, tolls and parking included.
For two travellers on standard hotels, that comes to ₹31,000 for 8 hotel nights with breakfast and dinner, ₹75,200 for the car and driver and a ₹15,930 service fee: ₹1,22,130 in all, or ₹61,000 each. Larger groups share the car and pay less per person.
- Day 1: Chandigarh to Narkanda (about 180 km, overnight Narkanda)
- Day 2: Narkanda to Sangla (about 155 km, overnight Sangla)
- Day 3: Chitkul and on to Kalpa (about 100 km, overnight Kalpa)
- Day 4: Kalpa to Nako (about 105 km, overnight Nako)
- Day 5: Nako to Kaza via Tabo (about 110 km, overnight Kaza)
- Day 6: Key, Kibber, Langza and Hikkim (about 70 km, overnight Kaza)
- Day 7: Kaza to Chandratal (about 90 km, overnight Chandratal)
- Day 8: Chandratal to Manali (about 125 km, overnight Manali)
- Day 9: Manali to Chandigarh (about 305 km)
Spiti Valley Circuit price
Per person, by hotel tier and group size. Prices last calculated 21 October 2026 from current rate cards and hotel listings.
3-star hotels, standard camps and homestays
| Travellers | Per person | Group total | Vehicle |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | ₹61,500 ≈ US$725 | ₹1,23,000 | Innova |
| 4 | ₹40,000 ≈ US$470 | ₹1,60,000 | Innova |
| 6 | ₹41,500 ≈ US$490 | ₹2,49,000 | Tempo Traveller |
Per person, twin sharing, all-inclusive of the items listed below. Dollar prices are approximate (₹85 = US$1). Your exact price is confirmed in writing before you book; it depends on dates, hotel availability and group size.
Where the money goes: 2 travellers, standard hotels
- Hotels and camps (breakfast and dinner)₹31,000
- Private car and driver for the whole trip₹75,200
- Our service fee (15% on hotels and transport)₹15,930
- Total for both₹1,22,130
Included
- 8 nights in Narkanda, Sangla, Kalpa, Nako, Kaza, Chandratal and Manali, twin sharing, with breakfast and dinner
- Private car with driver for all 9 days (sedan or Innova for two, Innova for four, Tempo Traveller for six), including fuel, tolls, parking, state taxes and the driver's allowances
- Pickup from Chandigarh and drop at Chandigarh
- Protected Area Permit for foreign nationals, arranged on the way
Not included
- ×Train, bus or flights to Chandigarh
- ×Lunches, drinks and snacks
- ×Entry fees, ropeways, activities and snow gear hire
- ×GST on the package, travel insurance and tips
Good to know: roads, permits and safety
- Kaza is at about 3,650 m and the villages above it are higher. Rest on arrival, drink plenty of water and avoid alcohol for the first days; severe headache, vomiting, breathlessness at rest or confusion mean you should descend and get help.
- Foreign nationals need a Protected Area Permit for the stretch from Jangi to Sumdo, usually issued at Reckong Peo on the way in; it's included in the foreign-national price.
- Chandratal camps are basic, with shared toilets and no heating; nights are close to freezing even in August.
When to go
Plan by month
Where to go in October
The whole year at a glance
- Best time
- Snow likely, roads can close
- Monsoon, landslide risk
- Fine, check weather
- • The loop is only possible when Kunzum La is open, usually from about mid-June to early October.
- • July and August are the busiest months; Spiti stays dry, but monsoon rain can cause landslides in Kinnaur and on the Manali side.
- • September is often the best month, with clear skies and fewer crowds.
Frequently asked questions
How much does the Spiti Valley Circuit package cost?+
About ₹41,000 per person for six travellers on standard hotels, or ₹61,000 per person for a couple, for all 9 days. Comfort hotels cost more, and foreign nationals pay a little extra for the Protected Area Permit; the price table shows every option.
Why go via Kinnaur and come out via Manali?+
The Kinnaur road climbs gradually, which helps you acclimatise. Going in from Manali means jumping to over 4,500 m on the first day.
What vehicle is used?+
An SUV or Innova for two to four people and a Tempo Traveller for six. Sedans aren't suitable for Spiti.
Is there mobile signal in Spiti?+
Limited. Some networks work in Kaza and a few villages; there's none at Chandratal.
Can children come?+
Older children who travel well usually manage, but talk to your doctor about altitude first.
Which car do we get on the Spiti Valley Circuit trip?+
A Toyota Innova for two travellers, an Innova for up to four and a Tempo Traveller for six, with the same driver for the whole trip.
Plan the rest of your trip
- Spiti Valley travel guide
- How to reach Spiti valley
- Spiti Valley Circuit by private car
- Taxi service in Kaza
Price and route sources: Wikipedia: Spiti Valley · Wikipedia: Chandra Taal · Wikipedia: Kunzum Pass · The Thrill Himalaya: Spiti package prices · Spiti Valley Packages: published itineraries and prices
