PLANNING A TRIP ON FOUR WHEELS TO SPITI VALLEY (2019)

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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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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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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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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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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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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
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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
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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

  1. Get your car serviced before taking off to Spiti Valley.
  2. Carry a portable Tyre inflator.
  3. Get you Tyre's pressure checked daily while on the trip.
  4. Do not drink and drive.
  5. Avoid purchasing Plastic water bottles, rather carry your own bottles and refill them at every pit stop.
  6. Stay hydrated.
  7. Carry a sunscreen, cap, full sleeves clothes to avoid sunburn and a first aid kit.
  8. Start early- reach early
  9. BSNL has widest coverage in Spiti vallley, so you must carry a BSNL sim card for your roadtrip.
  10. 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..!!!!