Spiti Valley Circuit Trip Manali to Shimla

Overview

About Spiti Valley Circuit Trip Manali to Shimla

Spiti Valley Circuit Trip through which one travels from Manali over the Chandratal to Shimla is one of the most fascinating drives in the middle of the Greater Himalayas. This stunning route provides an amazing combination of stunning rough terrains, ancient monasteries, the wild and angelic natural scenery that will make you feel stunned in Spiti Valley Tour Package.

It commences at Manali, a beautiful hill station located in the district of Kullu. So, the next destination where you will be going through a sightseeing tour is the overwhelming Rohtang Pass that features snowy mountains and breathtaking views. The transitional phase that one gets to undergo as the terrain descends into the Spiti Valley is the epitome of a dream world of arid mountain ranges, deep ravines and sheer desolation.

Spiti Valley alone is a cold desert area with high altitude, characterized by monastic institutions with strong reference to Buddhism perched on cliffs representing culture and belief. Tourists can also visit the Key Monastery, Tabo Monastery, and the Dhankar Monastery that provide a sneak peek into the historical background of that area along with the sightseeing of marvelous monasteries.

The journey to Shimla continues with the themes change and as you move forward, thick forests, lush green valleys, sparkling rivers etc is what you get to see. The route passes by many picturesque villages, numerous fascinating views of high mountains, snowfields and fresh meadows can be seen.

Shimla, the last place to visit, is a delightful colonial town, immaculately styled with colonial architecture. It even has a beautiful Mall Road for walking, majestic structures scattered around the city and finally a wonderful sight of Himalayas starting from the window of the train.

Best Places to Visit in Spiti Valley Circuit Trip Manali to Shimla

1. Shimla– Home to the capital of Himachal Pradesh, Shimla also boast some buildings of Victoria era such as the Viceregal Lodge and Christ Church. Mall Road and Ridge are the most shop Dick and the most popular places where one can find restaurants and other eateries and can actually feel the liveliness of the Hill station.

2. Chitkul– The last settled village in Himachal, near the Indo-Tibetan border, is full of absolute beauty, wooden houses, superb farming land for peas and potatoes. This village is ideal for trekking, taking a picnic and for tourists who just want to have the touch of the natural feeling of a countryside.

3. Sangla Valley– Sangla is also called Baspa Valley, with apple laden trees, lush greenery, Baspa River making its way through the valley. A few other attractions that make historical importance include the Kamru Fort with a temple known as the Kamakhya Devi temple.

4. Khab Sangam– The beautiful location efficiently denotes the unification of Spiti and Sutlej rivers and the steep mountains on the backdrop. At present it is located close to a village named Khab and Owing to the unevenness of rocks and the spectacular view it has become a favorite tourist spot for the people traveling in Spiti Valley. In this way, the two rivers confluence with each other and joining their forces symbolizes the integration of the barren and rocky landscape of Spiti with the fertile and fertile geography of Kinnaur. 

5. Gue Monastery- Home to the 500 year old preserved mummy of a monk named Sangha Tenzin Lamah, this is a monastery that is quite famous and has a somewhat spooky allure. This mummy is surely a remnant of a once active spiritual history and practice of the people of the region.

6. Nako Village and Lake- Nako is a beautiful village perched in a height of 2362 meters featuring a calm outspread area surrounded with willow & poplar trees in the middle of a lake. It possesses ancient monasteries and rock carved caves which further enhances it spiritual as well as historical side.

7. Tabo Monastery- Tabo Monastery was initiated in the year of 996 AD and rich in paintings on walls, clay images and stucco work. Now known as the ‘Ajanta of the Himalayas,’ it is an IDA and world heritage site nominee and a scholars’ residence.

8. Dhankar Monastery- Located at a height of 4,017 meters and surrounded by towering mountains, the Dhankar Monastery is an architectural marvel, perched right on the edge of the Spiti and Pin rivers. There is a small hike from the monastery to the beautiful Dhankar Lake that gives one a chill and a view.

9. Kaza- Some of the recommended places to stay in Kaza are the monasteries or homestays. There are several restaurants where you can get some local delicious food, Kaza serves as a starting point when traveling around Spiti Valley. The site is a life support town offering basic amenities and glimpses of local Spitian culture situated in the backdrop of barren mountains.

10. Kibber Village- Kibber is one of those villages which is almost on the edge of habitability as it is situated at an altitude of 4,270 meters. Due to the Darjeeling Tourist Information Centre, the approach to the town is marked by spectacular architecture, it has a wildlife sanctuary and is a starting point for several treks.

11. Chicham Bridge- Chicham Bridge even though it is a small one is the tallest bridge of Asia and is a bridge between the Kibber and the Chicham villages, which passes over a deep gorge. Amazing views are available to photograph on this bridge and even though it is located in the middle of nowhere it is a significant piece of engineering.

12. Langza Village- Situated at an elevation of about 4464 meters, More Siyachen, or known by its recent name, Langza is famous to house a giant Buddha statue overlooking the valley. Moreover, it provides captivating views of the snowy Chau Chau Kang Nilda peak, and it is also popular for the fossil lover as it has a large number of fossils found here.

13. Komic Village- This is one of the highest motorable villages in the world and is situated at an altitude of approximately 4,587 meters above sea level, and is inhabited by Buddhists. Scenic and picturesque village with splendid views of mountains and a chance to peek into the culturally rich and preserved way of life of the Spiti people.

14. Hikkim Village- Located at an altitude of 4,400 meters, Hikkim also sees the marvel of being home to the highest post office in the world. This very small and isolated village is famous for its postcards that can be postmarked at the height of 3,886 meters, a very interesting traveling experience and, at the same time, people can send messages to the outside world from one of the highest settlements on the Earth.

15. Chandratal- Chandratal also referred to as the ‘Moon Lake’ is a crescent-shaped high-altitude lake which is located at a height of about 14,100 ft in Spiti Valley. It has crystal clear water that touches the sky and is surrounded by pristine nature, which makes it a great place for trekking and pitching a tent in the wild.

16. Manali- Manali is a popular hill station situated in the state of Himachal Pradesh, which is known for its natural splendor, adventurous activities and Josh basics. Located in the Kullu valley, the tourist is spoilt for choices as there are places such as the Solang valley, the Hadimba temple and hot springs at Vashisht to capture the tourists’ fancy year in and year out.

17. Atal Tunnel– Atal Tunnel is around 9.02 km in length and is one of the longest highway tunnels globally, it is named after India’s former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee. This tunnel has effectively brought down the distance between Manali and Leh by forty-six km.

18. Kunzum Pass– It is one of the highest motorable passes; situated in the Spiti region in the state of Himachal Pradesh. Located at an altitude of roughly 4600 meters above sea level, It can largely be described as the gateway to the picturesque Spiti Valley. On your way to the pass you will have a thrilling experience in steering through many curves while being surrounded by the majestic hills of himalayas which is indeed a place worth every travelers visit.

19. Solang Valley– Solang Valley is one of the prime attraction spots in Himachal Pradesh state and tourists can enjoy adventure activities like Paragliding, zorbing, horse riding, some photo shoots and skiing in winter.

Things to do in Spiti Valley Circuit Trip Manali to Shimla

• Visit Ancient Monasteries: One should definitely visit Key Monastery (Kye Gompa) Tabo Monastery, Dhankar Monastery, and others to see the Buddhist heritage of Spiti Valley. They also have beautiful work of architecture, history with murals, and cool surroundings. Engage in meditation sessions or speak to the monks in order to grasp more knowledge on Tibetan buddhism.
• Explore High-altitude Villages: Many of the villages are at high altitudes you may visit a few such as Kibber, Langza and Dhankar. Stroll through the historic town’s typical streets and watch the old houses constructed of mud and stones. Talk to native people to get to know more about their way of life, their traditions, and their schedules. The incredible shots would show empty deserts, large fields, and even snow covered mountains.
• Trekking and Hiking: Engage in exciting and thrilling nature walks and explore beautiful landscapes of the Himalayas. Some of the popular trek routes are Pin Parvati Pass, Chandratal Lake Trek and Dhankar Lake Trek. Trekking in Spiti Valley is very attractive since it will provide you with a possibility to feel completely in touch with the untouched nature, to observe the wild animals, and to visit some of the most secluded valleys.
• Visit Chandratal Lake: While on your tour, take a diversion to the ‘Moon Lake’ also known as the ‘Chandratal Lake’ a spectacular Lake that sits at the base of high mountains and glaciers and the reflection of the surrounding peaks in the water is stunning. It is always special if you can pitch the tent near the Chandratal and if you are a lover of nature, it will really be fascinating when you can sleep under the starry night.
• Experience Local Culture: Attend local events such as fairs, carnivals, and ceremonies in order to observe ceremonial and folk dances, music and other cultural activities and practices among the locals. Winter Bon, celebrated in February or March as the Losar Festival or the Ladarcha Fair in July is a grand cultural event which gives a peep into the cultural heritage of this place.
• Photography and Sightseeing: Capture beautiful nature sceneries, steep terrains like the Rohtang Pass and other passes, beautiful valleys, and ancient monasteries. There are innumerable photo opportunities for the wide-eyed visitor to the Spiti Valley – the stunning Himalayas, unique structures and the ordinary local’s way of life.
• Wildlife Spotting: Explore the beautiful pin valley national park, where different animals like the snow leopard, ibex, blue sheep and different birds are found. Take part in various activities such as guided wild view wildlife safaris or nature walks to view and photograph wildlife & nature gifts of this beautiful region.

How to Reach Spiti Valley Circuit Trip Manali to Shimla

The Spiti Valley circuit trip from Manali to Shimla is best undertaken by road. The journey begins in Manali, a popular hill station in Himachal Pradesh that is well-connected by roads from major cities like Delhi, Chandigarh, and Dehradun. From Manali, you can hire a private vehicle or join a tour to undertake the adventurous drive through the Rohtang Pass, which will take you into the remote and rugged Spiti Valley. The road trip winds through breathtaking landscapes, ancient monasteries, and remote villages, offering a chance to experience the unique culture and way of life in this cold desert region. After exploring the wonders of Spiti, the journey continues towards Kinnaur district, where you can visit picturesque villages like Chitkul and Kalpa before eventually reaching the charming hill station of Shimla, the final destination of the circuit.

Best Time to Visit Spiti Valley Circuit Trip Manali to Shimla

Summer (May to June): The circuit is believed to be best done during the summer months although there are still challenges that may be faced depending on the weather patterns of that time of the year. The roads are available for use while the weather is good and thus this is the best time for tours and other activities. Nevertheless, it gets very hot with the sun all day, and therefore it is necessary to wear proper clothing and to take water with you.

Monsoon (July to September): The monsoon season is largely shunned for the Spiti Valley circuit trip as rain can lead to slippery movement of soil bringing about landslides in the area. Some of the areas may not be accessible, and chances of being stuck in a car or any vehicle are extremely high. But if you can brave a couple showers, this time of year presents fewer people and a countryside colored in shades of green.

Autumn (October to November): Autumn also appears to be a convenient time to visit the Spiti Valley circuit. The climate is comparatively moderate and the atmosphere is quite sunny and fine at times so that one can have a breathtaking view of the surrounding mountains which are usually capped with a bright snow. It is appropriate to visit during this season especially for photographers because the landscapes look bronzed. However, it is recommended that you should carry warm clothes and a jacket since it gets cold mostly at night.

Winter (December to April): The winters are extremely difficult for the Spiti Valley circuit trip because most roads are blocked due to the snowfall there. But for people who seek for a new experience, this season becomes the only chance to see the area in its natural appearance. The environment is wintry with snow-decking all landscapes, while the monasteries look quiet and calm. However, it is important to mention that traveling at this time, and especially to such a region, needs good preparation, warm clothes, equipment, and, most importantly, the necessary permits.

Things To Pack

Know Before You Go

• The major locations you’ll be visiting in your trip mainly lie in trans-Himalayan region and higher Himalayas. Due to offbeat locations, some regions do not have star category accommodations. Therefore we expect you to prepare your mindset accordingly and don’t expect luxurious amenities and at times, even basic amenities like 24x7 electricity supply, running hot water & wifi services at these properties. Don’t worry we ensure basic hygiene and heart warming hospitality.
• In case of large groups, all rooms may or may not be available in the same property for all the travelers. To accommodate such large groups, we select two or more hotels on the same trip batch. Please note identical facilities and services may not be available between different rooms or accommodations. However, we try our best to maintain similarities in quality services but still we expect you to adjust to these rare conditions.
• In the triple sharing room occupancy, an extra mattress is provided. This is not to be confused with an extra bed. For any kind of room upgradation request, please directly get in touch with the property reception or staff.
• The camp accommodations at various places especially like Jispa, Sarchu, Nubra Valley, Pangong Lake, Chitkul, Chandratal etc. are very basic even though they are distinguished into various categories. Reason being, their offbeat locations with minimal amenities. However, we give our best while selecting the best quality properties for your comfortable stay experience on our trips.
• In hilly areas and high-altitude locations, shortage of water and electricity supply is a natural phenomenon. To overcome the water crisis, certain hotels have fixed schedules for supplying hot and cold water. We strongly regret the inconvenience but do look forward to your cooperation.
• Special facilities such as room with view, early check-in, smoking or non-smoking rooms, same floor, adjacent or interconnected rooms, etc. are truly subject to availability upon arrival at the accommodation, never pre-allotted or cannot be guaranteed prior. Any expenses arising out of this is to be borne by the traveler themselves.
• On our trips, we follow MAP meal plan in which the menu will be on a buffet basis and not on A-la-Carte basis. This fixed menu plan does not include evening snacks and cold drinks/liquor, soups or desserts. If the traveler wants to order beyond a fixed meal plan i.e. on A-la-Carte basis, they are requested to make direct payment for additional items.
• Consumption and serving of alcohol in some properties/rooms is subject to accommodation's rules and regulations. We respect their decisions and request our travelers also to adhere to such rules.
• In hilly regions, no AC will be operational in vehicles like Tempo Traveler / Innova / Ertiga / Xylo / Scorpio or any similar category.
• The vehicle used for your trip will be exclusively used as per the itinerary only (on point-to-point basis) and will not go beyond the specified itinerary to Trip Captain & drivers.
• The nature of group trip departures is very dynamic and varies from month to month or weekend to weekend. Thus, trip prices are also subject to change as per the occupancy on that particular trip batch.
• The Volvo buses from Delhi to Manali/Shimla & back to Delhi are a third party mode of transportation provided by our regular and verified vendors. Kindly note that these are regular running buses on the above mentioned routes and we cannot keep a proper check on them. However, in case of a technical breakdown a new vehicle or alternate option is arranged but at times it takes a little while for the on-ground operations to do so. Therefore, your cooperation and patience is required in such adverse situations.
• The Volvo bus takes pitstop for lunch/dinner/tea wherever required are predefined by the vendor and cannot be modified by us or any traveler as per our convenience.
• Due to unforeseen situations (force majeure/ traffic jams / traffic halts/ diversions/ curfew, Union strike, VVIP movement, etc.) the vehicle reporting may get delayed and in such case, we request you to bear with us and show your cooperation.