PLANNING A TRIP ON FOUR WHEELS TO SPITI VALLEY (2019)
SPITI is a beautiful valley in the state of Himachal Pradesh. I guess the name needs no introduction to all the travelers and backpackers not only in India but throughout the world. A cold desert valley which is home to some of the oldest monasteries, highest villages, highest post office and highest home-stays in the world. Travelling in Spiti is an extraordinary experience and I guess you are reading this blog because you want to experience the wonder of Spiti Valley. So lets plan it. Below is the 8 days itinerary to Spiti Valley starting from Shimla.
ITINERARY
DAY 1: SHIMLA - NARKANDA - RAMPUR - SANGLA
- DISTANCE : 221 km
- TIME : 8 - 9 hrs
- STAY : HOTEL PARADISE SANGLA (Rs. 800-1000)
*Enjoy the view en-route
*Taste the organic and famous cherries and apples on the way to Narkanda
* Lunch at Jeori
*Overnight in Sangla
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*Overnight in Sangla
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DAY 2: SANGLA - CHITKUL - SANGLA
- DISTANCE : 45 km
- TIME: Whole day tour in Sangla Valley/ Baspa Valley
- STAY : HOTEL PARADISE SANGLA (Rs. 800-1000)
* Visit Chitkul, the last Indian village
*Lunch at "hindustan ka akhiri dhaba"
*Visit Kamru Fort in Sangla
*Overnight in Sangla
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*Overnight in Sangla
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DAY 3 : SANGLA - RECKONG PEO - KALPA
- DISTANCE : 45 km
- TIME : 2- 3 hrs
- STAY : HOTEL ASHOKA KALPA (Rs. 1000)
*Enjoy the view on the way
*If you start early for Kalpa, don't miss doing a trek of 4 kms to Chaka Peak
*Witness the view of sunset and sunrise in Kalpa
*Don't forget to miss suicide point at Roghi
*Overnight in Kalpa
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*Don't forget to miss suicide point at Roghi
*Overnight in Kalpa
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DAY 4 : KALPA - NAKO - HURLING
- DISTANCE : 144 km
- TIME : 5-6 hrs
- STAY : HOME STAY HURLING (Rs. 500) {staying in Hurling (19 kms before Tabo) is a cheaper option to stay at, as compared to Tabo}.
*Withdraw cash from ATM in Kalpa (next ATM will be at Kaza)
*Refuel your Petrol/Diesel tank (next Petrol station in Kaza)
*Lunch at Nako after visiting Nako Lake
*Witness the change in landscape from green to dry mountains. You will be making a pit stop after every mile, it is that amazing.
*Overnight in Hurling
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*Overnight in Hurling
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DAY 5 : HURLING - TABO - DHANKAR - MUDH VILLAGE
- DISTANCE: 100 kms
- TIME : 7-8 hrs
- STAY : TARA GUEST HOUSE MUDH VILLAGE (Rs. 700)
*Visit Tabo Monastery
*Have your lunch at Dhankar after visiting Dhankar village and its famous monastery.
*Drive along the Pin river and reach Mudh Village and relax in the midst of a cinematic landscape.
*Overnight in Mudh Village
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*Overnight in Mudh Village
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DAY 6 : MUDH VILLAGE - KEY MONASTERY - KIBBER - CHICHAM - KAZA
- DISTANCE: 80 km
- TIME : 9-10 hrs
- STAY : TASHI DELEK GUEST HOUSE (Rs. 1000)
*Click pictures at the famous Key Monastery
*Visit Kibber Village which is surrounded by the picturesque mountains
*Feel the chilly winds at the Asia's highest bridge named, Chicham Bridge
*Return to Kaza and stroll around Kaza main market.
*Overnight in Kaza
*Return to Kaza and stroll around Kaza main market.
*Overnight in Kaza
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DAY 7 : KAZA - HIKKIM - KOMIC - LANGZA - KAZA
- DISTANCE: 45 kms
- TIME: 7-8 hrs
- STAY: TASHI DELEK GUEST HOUSE (Rs. 1000)
*Visit the world's Highest Post Office in the world and surprise your friends and family by sending them the old school post cards.
* Next visit Komic, the world's highest village connected with a motorable road
* Go see the famous Buddha Statue at Langza Village which has some amazing view.
* Upon returning to Kaza try some unique cuisine at Himalayan Cafe situated in the Kaza main market.
*Overnight in Kaza
*Overnight in Kaza
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DAY 8 (OPTION A): KAZA - LOSAR - CHANDRATAL (and next day Chandratal to Manali)
- DISTANCE: 92 kms
- TIME: 3-4 hrs
- STAY: Only available option in Chandrataal is at Campsite. Expect the rate of a tent somewhere near Rs. 1500 (It would be great if you could negotiate further)
*Visit Losar, a scenic hamlet at the extreme west of Spiti Valley.
*Make a stay at Chandrataal and explore one of the beautiful lakes of Himalayas.
*Next day leave for Manali and finally returning back to home.
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DAY 8 (OPTION B): KAZA - RAMPUR - NARKANDA - SHIMLA
- DISTANCE: 410 kms
- TIME: 13 hrs
*In case Kunzum Paas is closed due to bad weather/snowfall you can go back from the same route you came to Spiti.
*Remember to start early and you can reach Kaza to Shimla in 12-13 hrs.
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IMPORTANT POINTS
- Get your car serviced before taking off to Spiti Valley.
- Carry a portable Tyre inflator.
- Get you Tyre's pressure checked daily while on the trip.
- Do not drink and drive.
- Avoid purchasing Plastic water bottles, rather carry your own bottles and refill them at every pit stop.
- Stay hydrated.
- Carry a sunscreen, cap, full sleeves clothes to avoid sunburn and a first aid kit.
- Start early- reach early
- BSNL has widest coverage in Spiti vallley, so you must carry a BSNL sim card for your roadtrip.
- Leave nothing but Footprints
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I hope you have a great journey to Spiti Valley. If you have any further questions, do let me know in the comment section below. I will be happy to hear from you.
HAPPY TRAVELLING..!!!!