About this Himachal Tour
The scenic Manali-side entry to Spiti
A summer expedition into Spiti from the Manali side, crossing the dramatic Kunzum La pass into the high desert. Reach Kaza, visit the Key Monastery and the world's highest villages, and camp beside the mesmerising Chandratal lake.
A shorter, punchier alternative to the full loop, ideal if you are starting from Manali and want maximum Spiti in a week.
Trip Highlights
Kunzum La, Chandratal and Spiti's icons
The high Kunzum La pass
A night by Chandratal lake
The iconic Key Monastery
Langza, Hikkim & Komic
Dhankar & the Pin valley
Return via the Atal Tunnel
Trip Gallery
A taste of the trip
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Eight summer days into Spiti from Manali
- Arrive in Manali; rest and acclimatise.
- Trip briefing and gear check.
- Drive through the Atal Tunnel and Batal towards Chandratal.
- Camp near the blue moon lake; short walk to the shore.
- Cross the prayer-flag-draped Kunzum La pass.
- Descend to Kaza, Spiti's main town.
- The postcard Key Monastery and Kibber.
- Kaza market and monastery.
- Langza's Buddha statue and fossil fields.
- Hikkim's highest post office and Komic.
- The dramatic Dhankar Monastery and fort.
- The lush Pin Valley and Mudh village.
- Long, scenic drive back over Kunzum and through the Atal Tunnel.
- Overnight in Manali.
- After breakfast, depart Manali for onward journey.
- A week of high-desert magic complete.
What's Included
Transparent pricing — no hidden surprises
- All arrival & departure transfers
- 7 nights hotel stay (Spiti & Lahaul)
- Daily Breakfast & Dinner
- All sightseeing & transfers by private vehicle
- Driver allowance, fuel, tolls & parking
- 24x7 on-trip support
- Train/air fare to the start city
- Lunches & personal expenses
- Rohtang permit, adventure & activity charges
- Entry tickets, ropeway & pony rides
- GST as applicable
- Anything not listed under inclusions
Things to Carry
High-altitude cold-weather essentials
Important Notes
Please read before booking
Altitude: Spiti, Kinnaur and Chandratal sit at 3,000–4,300m. We build in acclimatisation and keep the pace gentle to reduce the risk of mountain sickness (AMS).
Roads & Season: High passes like Kunzum and the Atal Tunnel route are seasonal; the summer Spiti circuit runs roughly June–October, while winter Spiti is a special snow experience.
Connectivity: Mobile network and ATMs are limited beyond Kaza and Reckong Peo. Postpaid SIMs work best; carry enough cash.
Permits: Indian nationals do not need inner-line permits for the main Spiti and Kinnaur circuit; we advise on any local requirements before you travel.
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know before you book
This is a shorter out-and-back from Manali over Kunzum La, focusing on core Spiti (Kaza, Key, Chandratal, high villages). The full circuit adds Kinnaur (Kalpa, Sangla, Tabo) as a loop, which needs more days.
It gains height faster (over Kunzum La at ~4,550m early on), so acclimatisation matters more. We start with a Manali night and a Chandratal camp to ease in, keep the pace gentle and carry oxygen.
Only in summer, roughly June to September, when Kunzum La and the Batal road are open and snow-free. Outside this window Spiti is reached only via Kinnaur.
Kunzum La (~4,550m) is a high mountain pass with a stupa and fluttering prayer flags, marking the gateway between Lahaul and Spiti. Travellers traditionally do a respectful round of the stupa for a safe journey.
Yes - you overnight in a fixed tented camp near Chandratal (camping at the lake itself is restricted to protect it). It is cold but the stargazing and sunrise over the lake are unforgettable.
The Batal-Chandratal-Kunzum stretch is rough and unpaved with river crossings, while the Atal Tunnel side is smooth. Sturdy vehicles and experienced drivers handle it; expect a bumpy, adventurous ride.
No trekking is required, but you should be healthy enough for high altitude and long, bumpy drives. Consult a doctor if you have cardiac or respiratory issues, and tell us so we can pace it.
Yes - many travellers add a couple of Manali days for Solang and old Manali before or after the expedition. We can build it into one trip.
