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Himalayan Standard
Spiti Valley Circuit & Chandratal Expedition
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LocationKaza, Spiti Valley
Duration7 days
Max Altitude15000 ft
Distance850 km road + 25 km hikes
GradeModerate
Overview
A Look at the Expedition
Known as the 'Middle Land' between Tibet and India, Spiti Valley is a mystical trans-Himalayan wonderland of cold desert landscapes, dramatic barren canyonlands, whitewashed high-altitude hamlets, and ancient Tibetan Buddhist monasteries perched precariously on sheer cliffs.
This iconic 7-day expedition takes you across the complete Spiti circuit: ascending via the lush Kinnaur valley, exploring the 1000-year-old Tabo and Dhankar monasteries, reaching the world's highest post office at Hikkim, crossing Asia's highest suspension bridge at Chicham, navigating the formidable Kunzum Pass (14,931 ft), and camping beside the enchanting crescent-shaped turquoise waters of Chandratal (Moon Lake).
Highlights
- Sacred Monasteries of Tabo, Dhankar & KeyStep inside millennium-old monastic fortresses containing invaluable ancient murals, scriptures, and meditative shrines overlooking vast valleys.
- Chandratal Lake CampingCamp near the legendary turquoise 'Lake of the Moon' at 14,100 ft and witness mesmerizing reflections of the Chandra Bhaga peaks.
- World Record High VillagesSend postcards from the world's highest post office in Hikkim (14,567 ft), visit Komic (highest motorable village), and hunt marine fossils in Langza.
- Chicham Bridge & Kunzum PassCross Asia's highest suspension bridge spanning a 1,000-ft deep canyon and traverse the prayer flag-draped Kunzum Top (14,931 ft).
Quick Facts
Base CampShimla / Manali
SeasonSummer, Autumn
MonthsJune | July | August | September | October
Rail HeadChandigarh Railway Station (310 km) or Kalka
AirportBhuntar Airport, Kullu or Chandigarh International Airport
Trail TypeHigh Altitude Trans-Himalayan Circuit | Rugged cold desert gorges, 1000-year-old cliffside monasteries, high passes, and moon lake
Day by Day
The Itinerary
A carefully crafted journey ensuring you experience the best of the landscape while acclimatizing safely.
01
Drive from Shimla to Chitkul / Sangla Valley
Depart early morning from Shimla, traversing the scenic Hindustan-Tibet road (NH05) along the Satluj River (240 km, 8-9 hrs).
Pass apple-growing regions of Narkanda and Rampur, entering the rugged gorges of Kinnaur.
Arrive at Chitkul (11,320 ft), the last inhabited Indian village near the Indo-Tibetan border. Overnight stay in riverside hotel/homestay.
02
Chitkul to Nako & Tabo Monastery
Drive past the Khab confluence where the Spiti River meets the Satluj River.
Visit the picturesque Nako Lake village and marvel at the changing desert mountain textures.
Arrive in Tabo (10,000 ft, 170 km, 6 hrs) and explore the UNESCO World Heritage Tabo Monastery, founded in 996 AD ('Ajanta of the Himalayas').
03
Tabo to Dhankar Monastery, Dhankar Lake Hike & Kaza
Drive up the cliffside to Dhankar Monastery, an ancient fortress monastery built high above the confluence of Spiti and Pin rivers.
Embark on a rewarding 1.5-hour hike to the alpine Dhankar Lake (13,500 ft).
Continue the drive along the Spiti riverbed to Kaza (12,000 ft, 80 km total), the commercial heart of Spiti Valley.
04
Kaza - Key Monastery, Kibber, Chicham Bridge & Highest Villages
Visit the iconic Key Monastery (13,668 ft), the largest monastic training center in Spiti Valley.
Drive to Kibber and cross the engineering marvel of Chicham Bridge hanging 1,000 ft above a vertiginous gorge.
Explore Langza (fossil village with giant Buddha statue), Komic (15,027 ft, world's highest village connected by motorable road), and post letters from Hikkim's highest post office (14,567 ft).
Return to Kaza for local café dining and cultural interactions.
05
Kaza to Kunzum Pass & Chandratal (Moon Lake)
Drive through Losar village and begin the dramatic ascent to Kunzum Pass (14,931 ft).
Offer prayers at the Kunzum Mata temple and soak in majestic views of the CB (Chandra-Bhaga) range.
Descend into the Chandra Valley towards the mystical Chandratal Lake (14,100 ft, 95 km, 5 hrs).
Walk to the lake shore, capture the mirror reflections of glacial peaks, and camp in alpine swiss tents under a galaxy of stars.
06
Chandratal to Manali via Batal, Chhatru & Atal Tunnel
Catch the early morning light casting golden hues over Chandratal Lake.
Drive through the rugged boulder-strewn terrain of Batal, Chhatru, and Gramphu along the roaring Chandra River.
Pass through the 9.02 km Atal Tunnel and enter the lush green Kullu Valley.
Arrive in Manali (115 km, 6-7 hrs) by evening, check into hotel, and celebrate the epic circuit completion.
07
Departure from Manali
Post breakfast, explore Old Manali cafés, Hadimba Temple, or Mall Road.
Depart by evening Volvo or private taxi towards Chandigarh / Delhi with memories of a lifetime.
Preparation
Eligibility & Fitness
High altitude treks require a baseline of physical fitness. Review the criteria below and check your readiness.
Age RequirementMinimum 10 years. Suitable for adventure enthusiasts, photographers, and regular travelers.
Fitness Criteria
- Ability to handle high altitude (up to 15,000 ft).
- Stamina for daily road travel and moderate day hikes.
Health & Awareness
- Stable cardiovascular health; gradual acclimatization built into the itinerary via the Kinnaur route.
- Drink 3-4 liters of water daily to prevent altitude sickness.
Calculate Your BMI
Logistics
How to Reach
Details on arriving at the base camp and meeting points.
Meeting Point
Shimla Old Bus Stand / Railway Station at 6:30 AM on Day 1
Drop Off
Manali Mall Road / Private Bus Stand by 4:00 PM on Day 7
Travel Options
- 01Overnight train (Kalka Shatabdi) to Kalka, followed by Himalayan Toy Train or taxi to Shimla.
- 02Overnight Volvo bus from Delhi / Chandigarh to Shimla.
- 03Return Volvo buses from Manali to Delhi / Chandigarh operate every evening.
Pricing
Cost Terms
What is included and excluded in the expedition cost.
Inclusions
- Transport: Comfortable SUV (Innova / Scorpio) or Tempo Traveller for entire 7-day circuit.
- Accommodation: 5 nights in boutique hotels/homestays, 1 night in premium swiss camps at Chandratal.
- Meals: MAP plan (Breakfast & Dinner included every day).
- Experienced local road captain and certified high-altitude guide.
- Inner line permits, green tax, driver allowances, toll, and parking fees.
- Emergency oxygen cylinder and first aid kit.
Exclusions
- Lunches and personal snacks/beverages.
- Monastery entry donations and museum tickets.
- Personal gear and travel/medical insurance.
Equipment
Trek Essentials
A comprehensive packing list to ensure you are well-prepared for the expedition.
Basic Gear
50-60L Rucksack / Duffle bag
Heavy down/feather jacket and fleece layers (temperatures can drop to -2°C at Chandratal)
Thermals (top and bottom)
High-SPF sunscreen (50+), lip balm, and cold cream (Spiti air is extremely dry)
UV polarized sunglasses and wide-brim sun hat
Sturdy walking/hiking shoes and thermal socks
Power bank (sub-zero temperatures drain phone batteries quickly)
Policies
Cancellation Terms
Review our cancellation policies and refund options before booking.
Prior to 30 days
- 5% deduction
- 100% credit voucher
Between 29 and 15 days
- 30% deduction
- 80% credit voucher
Between 14 and 7 days
- 50% deduction
- 50% credit voucher
Less than 7 days
- No cash refund
- 15% credit voucher
Emergency Cases
Full voucher provided for route disruptions due to unexpected snow or road closures.
Important Notes
- 01Rescheduling allowed with 10 days prior notice.
Visual Journey
Gallery
Explore the breathtaking landscapes and moments from the Spiti Valley Circuit & Chandratal Expedition expedition.
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FAQ
Know before you goThe Shimla-Kinnaur route offers the most gradual altitude gain, allowing your body to acclimatize smoothly without suffering from Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS).
No, Chandratal Lake and Kunzum Pass are only accessible during the summer and autumn months (mid-June to mid-October) once the heavy snow melts.
BSNL and Jio offer good 4G/calling connectivity in Kaza and major villages like Tabo and Kibber, while remote high areas and Chandratal have limited to no connectivity.