9-Day Spiti Valley Road Trip Itinerary from Delhi (2025)

Explore the unexplored, conquer the Himalayas – one high-altitude pass at a time.

Why Spiti Valley is the Ultimate Road Trip Destination

Craving an offbeat Himalayan adventure? A Spiti Valley road trip is the stuff of wanderlust dreams—harsh yet hypnotic landscapes, ancient monasteries clinging to cliffs, fossil-filled villages, and surreal turquoise lakes that mirror the sky. If you're planning a Delhi to Spiti Valley trip in September, this guide is essential for completing the full Shimla–Kaza–Manali Spiti circuit over nine days.

Whether you’re self-driving, biking, or in a group tour, this route offers stunning scenery and deep soul rewards. Welcome to “The Middle Land,” where every kilometre tests your spirit and nourishes your soul.

📅 Why Visit Spiti Valley in September?

September is arguably the best month to visit Spiti Valley:

• ✅ Stable weather: Monsoon has receded, snow hasn’t arrived.

• ✅ Open circuit: Both Shimla–Kaza and Manali–Kaza routes are accessible.

• ✅ Crisp skies & golden light: Perfect for landscape photography.

• ✅ Fewer crowds: Experience peaceful monasteries and tranquil drives.

  
  

If you’ve waited all year to drive to Spiti, this is your golden window!

🛣️ Spiti Circuit Itinerary (Delhi–Shimla–Spiti–Manali)

🗓️ Day 1: Delhi → Narkanda (434 km | 9–10 hours)

Route: Delhi → Ambala → Shimla → Narkanda

Why it matters: This is your altitude warm-up (2,700 m).

Highlights:

• Drive or hike to Hatu Peak.

• Enjoy a quiet picnic at Tani Jubbar Lake.

• Walk through a local apple orchard at Stokes Farm.

  
  

🛏 Stay: Snowflake Hotel or PWD Guest House

📸 Pro tip: Catch sunset from Hatu for incredible Himalayan silhouettes.

🗓️ Day 2: Narkanda → Sangla / Chitkul (160 km | 6–8 hours)

Route: Narkanda → Jeori → Sarahan (Bhimakali Temple) → Karcham → Sangla → Chitkul

Highlights:

• Visit Bhimakali Temple known for its unique Hindu–Buddhist architecture.

• Take in views of the Baspa River and Sangla Meadows.

• Explore Chitkul, the last village before the Tibet border.

  
  

🛏 Stay: Rakcham Apple Pie or Chitkul Heavens Camp

🥾 Optional: Short trek along the Baspa River or to ITBP checkpoints.

🗓️ Day 3: Sangla → Kalpa (39 km | 2 hours)

Route: Sangla → Karcham → Reckong Peo → Kalpa

Highlights:

• Explore Suicide Point and Roghi cliffs.

• See Kinnaur Kailash views, sacred to Hindus and Buddhists.

• Visit the Kalpa Monastery and Narayan Nagini Temple.

  
  

🛏 Stay: Hotel Maitreya or local homestays

🥾 Optional trek: Chaka Meadows (3,800 m) if you’re up for a short adventure.

🗓️ Day 4: Kalpa → Tabo (160 km | 7–8 hours)

Route: Kalpa → Puh → Khab → Nako → Gue → Tabo

Highlights:

• Visit Nako Lake and its ancient monastery.

• Discover Gue Monastery, home to a 500-year-old mummy.

• Explore Tabo Monastery, famously called the “Ajanta of the Himalayas.”

  
  

🛂 Permits: Inner Line Permit required for Nako and Gue

🛏 Stay: Sakya Abode or monastery guesthouses.

🗓️ Day 5: Tabo → Pin Valley → Kaza (90 km round trip | 4–5 hours)

Route: Tabo → Dhankar → Pin Valley → Mudh → Kaza

Highlights:

• Visit Dhankar Monastery & Lake, perched on a cliff over the Spiti river.

• Explore Pin Valley National Park, known for snow leopards.

• Visit Kungri Monastery, one of Spiti’s oldest.

• Discover Mudh Village, the last motorable village of Pin.

  
  

🛏 Stay: Hotel White Winter, Zangchuk Homestay

🎒 Tip: Entry to Pin National Park requires a small fee – carry cash.

🗓️ Day 6: Kaza Local – Langza, Hikkim, Komic, Key, Kibber (80 km circuit)

Highlights:

• Visit Langza, known for fossils and the famous Buddha statue.

• Check out Hikkim, home to the world’s highest post office – don’t forget to send a postcard.

• Explore Komic, the highest motorable village.

• Visit Key Monastery, the spiritual heart of Spiti.

• Discover Kibber, a wildlife sanctuary home to blue sheep and foxes.

  
  

🛏 Stay: Same as previous night (base: Kaza)

🎒 Tip: Don’t buy fossils – it’s illegal. Photograph them instead.

🗓️ Day 7: Kaza → Chandratal via Kunzum Pass (90 km | 4–5 hours)

Route: Kaza → Losar → Kunzum La → Chandratal track

Highlights:

• Experience Kunzum Pass (4,551 m) along with its temple and panoramic views.

• Visit Chandratal Lake, a turquoise crescent-shaped wonder.

  
  

🛏 Stay: Parasol Camps (2–3 km from the lake; lakeside camping banned)

🌌 Stargazing heaven – minimal light pollution, absolute silence.

🗓️ Day 8: Chandratal → Manali (122 km | 6–8 hours)

Route: Chandratal → Batal → Chhatru → Gramphu → Atal Tunnel → Manali

Highlights:

• Stop by Batal’s legendary Chacha-Chachi Dhaba.

• Navigate slush crossings near Chhatru.

• Enjoy a scenic drive through the Atal Tunnel.

  
  

🛏 Stay: Hotel Niyati or Zostel Manali

💡 Tip: Start early to avoid landslides and afternoon water crossings.

🗓️ Day 9: Manali → Delhi (536 km | 12 hours)

Route: Manali → Mandi → Bilaspur → Chandigarh → Ambala → Delhi

🛣️ Highways: Fast and smooth via NH44.

🗺️ Optional: Detour to Naggar Castle, Prashar Lake, or Kullu Market.

🪪 Permits Required for Spiti Valley (2025 Update)