About this Himachal Tour
The full Spiti loop, no backtracking
The definitive Spiti circuit. Enter via Kinnaur from Shimla, cross the high desert to Kaza and the Key Monastery, camp near the shimmering Chandratal lake, then exit over Kunzum La and through the Atal Tunnel to Manali.
Because it is a loop, you never retrace your route - every day brings new scenery, from green Kinnaur to stark Spiti to alpine Lahaul.
Trip Highlights
Kinnaur to Spiti to Lahaul, all in one loop
The clifftop Key Monastery
The blue Chandratal lake
World's highest villages: Komic, Langza, Hikkim
Kunzum La & the Atal Tunnel
Kalpa & Kinner Kailash views
Tabo & Dhankar monasteries
Trip Gallery
A taste of the trip
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Nine days looping Shimla to Manali via Spiti
- Drive from Shimla into Kinnaur's Baspa valley.
- Sangla and a visit to Chitkul, India's last village near the border.
- Drive to Kalpa via Reckong Peo.
- Evening views of the Kinner Kailash range and apple orchards.
- Drive past Nako lake into the cold desert.
- Reach Tabo; visit the 1,000-year-old monastery.
- Visit the dramatic Dhankar Monastery and fort.
- Optional Dhankar lake walk; continue to Kaza.
- The iconic Key Monastery and Kibber village.
- Langza (Buddha & fossils), Hikkim (highest post office) and Komic.
- Explore the lush Pin Valley National Park.
- Mudh village and riverside walks.
- Drive over towards Kunzum La to Chandratal.
- Camp near the stunning blue moon lake.
- Cross Kunzum La and descend via Batal and Gramphu.
- Through the Atal Tunnel to Manali.
- After breakfast, depart Manali for Chandigarh/Delhi.
- The full Spiti loop, complete.
What's Included
Transparent pricing — no hidden surprises
- All arrival & departure transfers
- 8 nights hotel stay (Kinnaur, 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
Doing it as a loop - up via Kinnaur from Shimla and out via Kunzum La and the Atal Tunnel to Manali - means you never retrace your route. You also ascend gradually through Kinnaur, which is far better for acclimatisation.
The full loop is possible only in summer, roughly June to October, when Kunzum La is open. Outside that, Spiti is reached only via Kinnaur (the winter route), and the Manali side is closed.
You cross Kunzum La at about 4,550m and stay at Kaza (~3,800m) and Chandratal (~4,300m). We ascend gradually via Kinnaur, keep the pace easy and carry oxygen, which greatly reduces altitude issues.
Chandratal (the moon lake) is a stunning crescent-shaped high-altitude lake. We stay in fixed camps a short distance away (camping right at the lake is restricted). Nights are very cold but the stargazing is unreal.
They range from smooth tarmac in Kinnaur to rough, unpaved stretches around Kunzum, Batal and Chandratal. It is bumpy and remote in places - part of the adventure - and we use sturdy vehicles and experienced drivers.
A mix of comfortable hotels/guesthouses in Kalpa, Tabo and Kaza, and fixed tented camps near Chandratal. Facilities get simpler as you go higher and more remote.
Indian nationals do not need inner-line permits for the main Kinnaur-Spiti circuit. We advise on any local rules and handle formalities where needed.
Yes, if you are reasonably healthy - the gradual Kinnaur ascent is ideal for first-timers. Consult a doctor if you have heart or breathing conditions, and tell us so we can pace it carefully.
