Spiti is not a destination — it's a state of mind. India's 'cold desert', sitting at an average altitude of 4,000m, is a world apart: barren valleys carved by glacial rivers, thousand-year-old monasteries perched impossibly on cliffsides, and a night sky so clean it changes how you see the universe.
Starting from Delhi overnight to Shimla, this 7-day journey winds through Sangla, Chitkul, Tabo, Kaza, and ends with a magical night at Chandratal — the Moon Lake — before descending to Manali. Every turn of this route reveals a landscape more extraordinary than the last.
Journey begins at Majnu Ka Tilla. Board the Luxury Traveller bus. The Delhi to Shimla journey takes about 8—10 hours. Arrive in Shimla early morning, ready to start the adventure.
Reach Shimla early morning and check into accommodation. After a hearty breakfast, board the traveller and head towards Sangla/Chitkul via Kufri and Narkanda. Enjoy picturesque landscapes — lush valleys, terraced fields and winding mountain roads. Check into guesthouse at Sangla/Chitkul. Dinner and overnight stay.
Early start after breakfast. Drive towards Tabo stopping at the Khab Bridge where the Spiti and Satluj rivers converge. Cross Sumdo and enter the high-altitude desert of Spiti Valley. Visit Gue Monastery — home to a remarkable 500-year-old well-preserved mummy. Check into accommodation in Tabo. Dinner and overnight stay.
Rise early, enjoy breakfast, and drive towards Kaza — the largest town in Spiti Valley. En route, visit Dhankar Monastery perched dramatically on a cliff above ancient rocky ridges. Explore its unique architecture, ancient murals, and serene surroundings. Arrive in Kaza by evening. Dinner and overnight stay.
Full day exploring Spiti’s highlights. Visit Key Monastery — the largest in Spiti — with panoramic views of the Spiti River. Drive to Chicham Bridge (Asia’s highest suspension bridge). Visit Hikkim, home to the world’s highest post office — send a postcard! Continue to Komik (highest motorable village) and Langza with its iconic Buddha statue. Return to Kaza for dinner and overnight stay.
After breakfast, check out and drive towards Chandratal Lake. Stop at Losar — the last village before entering Lahaul. Continue through rugged terrain to reach Chandratal (the Moon Lake) by evening. Its crescent shape and crystal-clear waters reflecting surrounding mountains are truly awe-inspiring. Settle into the campsite, enjoy dinner, and stargaze under the Milky Way. Night in tents.
Rise early, enjoy a hearty campsite breakfast, and soak in the serene atmosphere one last time. Begin the drive to Manali through breathtaking landscapes. Reach Manali by evening. Check into the campsite (basic camp with common washroom). Dinner and overnight stay.
Rise early for a sunrise over the mountains. Visit Hadimba Devi Temple set among cedar forests. Explore Old Manali — its bohemian lanes, caf’s, boutiques, and local shops. Check out of the hotel and depart for Delhi in the evening.