We start our epic Himalayan road trip today and start driving towards Kinnaur. Our first stop will be the historic Padam Palace at Rampur, where we will have lunch and then enter the majestic roads of Kinnaur, heading towards Sangla.

With the Baspa river magically weaving itself through the forested slopes, this exquisite 95-kilometer stretch of the Sangla Valley is a sight to behold. Known predominantly for its agriculture, almost every house in Sangla will have cultivations of apples, pears, walnuts, apricots or potatoes.

On the second day of this Spiti Valley Tour, we have breakfast, basking in the first rays of the sun, and later head towards Chitkul.

Chitkul can be described as one of the most scenic settlements in the valley and the last inhabited village before the India-China border. This short drive from Sangla to Chitkul will be one of the most scenic drives you’ll take with plenty of opportunities to take stunning photographs. Walk around the Bapsa river and pay tribute to the Mathi Goddess at the temple in the village. After spending time in Chitkul, we turn around and head to Kalpa.

Legend has it that Kalpa was the winter home of Lord Shiva. If it’s true, he couldn’t have found a more remarkable abode for himself, with enthrallingly majestic views of the Kinner-Kailash and Jorkandan peaks looming right above the village.

Overnight at a hotel in Kalpa.

On the third day of this Spiti Valley tour, from Kalpa, we continue driving on the famous Hindustan – Tibet Highway or the NH 22 – This stretch is famously known as one of “most treacherous roads of the world” by the lonely planet in a visual spectacle. Don’t let that little piece of information deter you because your local drivers are highly skilled and experienced while driving on these roads. As you begin embracing the jaw-dropping views watch the mountains change their colours from the lush greens of the Kinnaur valley to the many hues of brown.

After a quick refueling stop at Puh, we proceed to Nako – the last hamlet of Kinnaur, before we enter the gates of Spiti Valley. We first take a detour to the Gue Monastery to visit the 500+ years old ancient Mummy statue preserved here. This place is the closest to the China border - see if the time changes on your phone here.

We will then head to Tabo, which houses the oldest continuously functioning monastery across India.

We shall drive further ahead to the lesser known village of Mane, which is our stay for the night.

Overnight at a homestay in Mane.

We wake up to the quiet charm of Mane village today, tucked deep inside Spiti Valley.

After breakfast, we set off on a guided hike to the stunning Sopona Lake- a hidden high-altitude glacial lake surrounded by barren cliffs and snow-capped peaks. The moderate trek takes you through dramatic landscapes, scattered shepherd shelters, and grazing herds.

As you reach the lake, soak in the surreal stillness and reflections of the mountains in its clear waters. After spending some peaceful time here, we shall descend back to Mane by late afternoon. Enjoy a warm meal and a quiet evening under a starlit Spitian sky.

Overnight at the same homestay in Mane.

Today we drive words the tiny hamlet of Dhankar. Perched high above the confluence of the Spiti and Pin River, the former capital of the Royals of Spiti Valley also known as the Nono, who ruled the dust-coloured badlands of Spiti Valley, Dhankar is a historic delight.

Walk back in time, as you explore the 1200-year-old Dhankar Gompa which perches precariously between eroded rocky pinnacles on the edge of a cliff. If time permits, do take an hour’s climb above the village to visit the stunning turquoise Dhankar Tso or Dhankar Lake.

Later we head to Pin Valley. Imagine a national park with an abundance of animals and birds, with some rare plant varieties, a river that gushes when it isn’t frozen and trekking opportunities for the adventure-seekers. The Pin Valley promises all this and more. We will head to Mudh, the last village of Pin Valley, for the night.

Overnight at a homestay in Mudh

After a relaxed breakfast, we will head to visit the Kungri Monastery. We then head to Komic - The highest village in Asia, Komik, which literally translates to ‘eye of a snow cock’, is situated at a height of 4513 meters. This farming village has a population of 84 people, living in utter isolation, cut-off from the rest of the world for most parts of the year. This little hamlet ensures to bring you thousands of miles away from your familiar settings to a place of soft brown pastures and snow-white mountain peaks.

Later, we drive to Hikkim where we visit the world’s highest post office. If possible, you might even meet the post-master and hear his stories.

After sending out a postcard, we drive to Langza. Langza village is situated at an altitude of 4400 meters and belongs to the Sakyapa sect of Tibetan Buddhism. Langza houses a population of 137 in 33 households. Once you are here, you can walk around the village and visit the ancient Lang (Temple) which is estimated to be around 1000 years old. At Langza, we shall explore around the large Buddha statue and take a fossil exploration walk. We then head to Kaza.

Overnight at a hotel / homestay at Kaza

Today we visit the world famous Ki Monastery. The car will first stop at the base of the monastery hill for the ultimate photo opportunity of this remarkable structure. Being remotely located atop a hill overlooking endless plains, the Ki Monastery is an obvious choice for those seeking peace and calm.

Then we will move farther up the valley to the picturesque village of Kibber. Located at a height of 4205 meters and 18 km from Kaza, this formerly highest permanently inhabited village in this region, is also a popular base camp to embark on adventure and treks to adjoining mountains of high altitude. From Kibber we will head to the popular Chicham Bridge - the highest bridge in Asia.

We then drive ahead to Kunzum Pass - a popular base camp to embark on adventure and treks to adjoining mountains of high altitude. The expanses of beautiful landscapes and immeasurable beauty of the snow-tipped mountains make the place a haven for nature-lovers and photographers alike.

From Kunzum Pass, we make our way to the mystical and beautiful Chandratal Lake, which translates to Moon Lake, located at a height of 14,100 feet. The Chandra Bhaga mountain range forms a striking backdrop for the lake, which changes appearance according to the pictures painted in the sky. After capturing the colours of the beautiful Chandratal Lake, we drive to our camping site where a hot supper under the gaze of a million stars and the Milky Way awaits us.

Overnight at camps in Chandratal. The camps at the campsite which is almost 3 km from the lake, are Swiss Tents with attached washrooms.

On the last day of this Spiti Valley tour, drive from Chandratal Lake towards Manali. We take a quick stop at Batal for a cup of tea at a small tea shop run by a beautiful old couple. From there, we continue driving on the Kaza - Manali highway and stop at Chhatru for lunch. Drive through the famous Atal Tunnel and reach Manali to end your breath-taking Spiti Valley sojourn.

Here, we bid goodbye to you with our drivers and guide who have been your friends for the past eight days.