Lahaul Spiti Valley road trip

Welcome to the ‘City Beautiful’, Chandigarh, a rare epitome of modernization co-existing with nature’s preservation. We will all assemble at JW Marriot Hotel. Check-in at the hotel and rest awhile before you gear up for all the adventures in store. The upcoming days are going to be challenging as we make our way past numerous mountain tops that promise a vision of unparalleled beauty. At night, we have planned a dinner where you get a chance to know your fellow participants who will be akin to your family for the coming 9 days as you wine & dine together!

The convoy will assemble in the dream city of Chandigarh where everyone will meet our representative at the designated hotel. Afterward, we will embark on this thrilling off-roading Lahaul Spiti road trip.

The highways and byways will give way to the mist-covered mountains as soon as we reach Kufri, which is where we will make a quick stop for lunch before continuing our drive.

The drive is both serene and thrilling, as winding roads amplify the excitement with each mile you cover to ascend the Shivalik range, where the small town of Narkanda awaits.

Your cozy retreat, nestled in the backdrop of an Eden-like valley and clear skies, is no less than a slice of paradise. After a long drive, it is the perfect place to unwind with a cup of coffee.

In the evening, we will have dinner with a bonfire, lively music, and great company.

The next morning, we embark on a thrilling drive towards Sangla. En route, we’ll be traversing the Hindustan Tibet Highway, known for being one of the country's deadliest roads. The drive consists of navigating some treacherous Himalayan routes, the occasional breeze caressing your hair along with the sound of the Baspa River keeps you company.

The valley is also bestowed with forests, alpine meadows, and snowscapes that are to die for. As soon as you reach your stay, you’ll feel the tiredness of the day leaving you.

With canopies of apple orchids, cloud-kissed mountains in the backdrop, and the ever-flowing river, our not-so-humble (and we say it with utmost delight) abode for the next two days will make you feel as if you’ve stepped into a storybook.

Travelers who are early birds can wake up early in the morning as we organize village walking tours for those who want to explore the tiny hamlet of Basteri, where we visit the temple and hike to a viewpoint that offers panoramic views of the surroundings. 

In the afternoon, we start our drive towards Chitkul. Renowned as the last village in India, this charming hamlet is also considered to have the cleanest air in the country providing you, quite literally, a breath of fresh air.

En route, we will indulge in a picnic lunch in the middle of the valley where pine trees look over us from above and crystal clear water washes away at our feet. It is truly one of the most humbling and serene experiences of this drive. 

Navigating the jagged terrains of one of the most iconic Himalayan routes, and experiencing the true thrill of offroading, our convoy will head towards Chitkul which is a significant stop in this Lahaul Spiti itinerary.

The trails here are adorned with apple orchards and quaint wooden cottages which provide a delightful sight especially because of their juxtaposition against the majestic Himalayas that stand gloriously in the backdrop. After spending some peaceful moments in this quaint town, we will head back to Sangla where a dinner under the starry skies awaits us.

As we move closer to our destination on our four wheels, traversing the impassable trails that lead us to Spiti with the Himalayas beckoning us closer on every turn, we’ll be witnessingvibrant towns, majestic peaks, and shades of brown and green throughout.

En route, Tabo, we will make a quick stop for lunch at Khab, the confluence of Sutlej and Spiti River. The joy of having a meal against such a striking backdrop is truly unmatched.

After that we get back on the road, conquering some particularly tricky terrains, the ones that are bound to give you the best kind of adrenaline rush, before reaching Tabo which is perched on the banks of the Spiti River.

A tiny hamlet with views and people who will set your heart at complete ease. In the evening, a delectable dinner and skies full of stars (if the weather gods are in your favor) await you. Pro tip: Keep your list of wishes ready because you might catch a shooting star!

Often referred to as The Ajanta of Himalayas, the Tabo Monastery is a national historic treasure containing thangka paintings and other relics that have been preserved since the 9th century making it one of the most revered places in Spiti.

On the other hand, the Dhankar Monastery which sits gloriously atop a spurring rock is a sight to behold as well. But it’s the journey that makes the destination feel more rewarding as the terrain to Dhankar monastery is completely beaten, full of bumps, and will surely give you the adrenaline high you crave.

As we continue our road affair, we’ll conquer many wicked Himalayan trails on our Lahaul and Spiti expedition to discover the picturesque landscapes that have remained hidden for ages before reaching Kaza.

The heart of Spiti Valley and our next destination where we will spend two nights having the time of our lives.

On our sightseeing tour of the day, we will first visit Langza, home to the thousand-year-old Buddha statue that overlooks the entire village and is believed to ward off all kinds of evil like a rightful protector.

The charm of Spiti lies in all the “highs” it has to offer. From the world’s highest post office in Hikkim to the highest motorable road in the world, Komic, this offroading Lahaul Spiti expedition is all about making you embrace the raw beauty of the middle land.

Along with that, we’ll also traverse the iconic Chicham Bridge, which at an altitude of 13,244 ft has the title of being Asia’s highest bridge. The valley of Spiti is the embodiment of postcard-worthy landscapes and one of the most prominent scape that it is known for is the Key Monastery. The largest and oldest gompa in Spiti that also serves as the training center for young Lamas, Key is an iconic landmark that we’ll be ticking off at the end of the day.

After a long day of experiencing the best of Spiti, a delicious dinner and some great company is how you’ll end your day.

Today we will leave Kaza and start our return journey. To say that the drive to Manali is exhilarating would be an understatement as the route consists of sharp bends that will make you feel the best kind of rush.

En route, you’ll be conquering the famed Kunzum Pass as well as crossing the iconic Atal tunnel which is the longest tunnel in the world to be perched at such a high altitude. The drive would be full of twists and turns and conquering them in your sturdy vehicles would be an adventure of a lifetime.

In the evening, a farewell dinner will be organized where the entire group will come together to share not just a meal but stories that they will carry for the rest of their lives.

A 7-day escapade to the Himalayas will come to an end in Manali and the group will part ways with the promise of seeing each other on the road again!