Discover India's sacred Spiti Valley

Delhi - Chandigarh

Day 1: Land in Delhi

Get your first glimpse of India, as you land at the airport in Delhi. Upon arrival, you will be greeted by your driver, who will take you to your first destination in Chandigarh. One of the best-structured and cleanest cities in India, it is nicknamed 'The Beautiful City'.

Upon arrival at your hotel, you'll be free to relax until evening. Then, visit the serene Sukhna Lake which rests in the foothills of the Sivalik Hills. Enjoy the natural beauty of India and the cool breeze before retiring for the night in your hotel.

Chandigarh - Manali

Day 2: Scenic journey to Manali

Enjoy a refreshing breakfast at your hotel. Then, head off towards Manali. Your journey today will take you through the gorgeous Himalayas - sit back and enjoy the scenic drive.

In the evening you'll arrive into Manali, where you can spend the rest of the day as you wish. Explore the market in Old Manali, and see what the local vendors have in stock. If you get hungry you'll find plenty of authentic flavours to enjoy at the market, or you could try one of the many cafés or restaurants nearby, serving both local and international options. Return to your hotel later on for an overnight stay.

Manali

Day 3: Visit the temples of Manali

After breakfast, start your sightseeing tour of Manali. Your first stop is Vashist, known for its refreshing hot springs and Vashisht Rishi Temple. Continue on to the Hadimba Temple which dates back to 1553, and admire its four-tiered pagoda roof and exquisitely-carved architecture.

In the town itself you'll explore Van Vihar, a small wooded park, before browsing the shops in the area - this is the perfect time to pick up souvenirs for yourself or your loved ones back home. In the evening, enjoy dinner at your hotel in Manali.

Manali - Chandratal

Day 4: Travel on towards Chandratal

Wake up early and check out of your hotel - you have an adventurous day ahead of you! Head to Chandratal, stopping en-route for many exciting excursions along the way. Follow the mighty Chandra River, which leads to many of the area’s most stunning waterfalls. Take in the stunning scenery of wildflowers, snow-capped peaks, and rolling fields.

Stop for lunch in Batal, where you'll soak up views of the beautiful Lahaul Ranges. You'll reach Chandratal in the afternoon, where if you wish, you could take a hike to Chandratal Lake, whose banks are filled with colourful wildflowers. Spend the rest of the evening at your leisure before an overnight stay.

Chandratal

Day 5: Enjoy the natural beauty of Chandratal

Take the day off and enjoy the pure beauty of Chandratal. Rise early to see what is said to be one of the most beautiful sunrises in the world. If you didn't the day before, you could take a short hike to Chandratal Lake - a prime spot for meditation and relaxation. Sit by the water's edge to marvel at its changing colours and the many wildlflowers carpeting its banks. Legend has it that this is the site where fairies descended from the heavens; as you spend time here, you may come to understand why they picked this spot. Then, return to your accommodation for dinner and a relaxing evening.

Chandratal - Kaza

Day 6: The spectacular drive to Kaza

Enjoy a delicious breakfast at camp, before continuing your journey with a drive towards Kaza. Some of the most spectacular scenery of your trip awaits along the way, as you cross the Kunzum Pass - the highest in the region at 4,550m.

Your destination, the town of Kaza, is situated on the eroded flood plains of the Spiti River and is the largest settlement in this comparatively empty corner of the world. Upon arrival, you'll check into your hotel and enjoy the evening free to relax.

Kaza

Day 7: Visit the third-highest village in the world

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel, then visit the largest and most important Buddhist centre in the Spiti valley, the Key Monastery. Take a tour inside this sacred location and marvel at its famous murals, thankas, rare manuscripts, stucco images, and wind instruments.

After lunch you'll head to Kibber, a small village known to be the third-highest inhabited place in the world. It is located in a narrow valley at the summit of a limestone rock, at an elevation of 4,300m. This extreme altitude and the pollution-free air make the surrounding mountains appear incredibly clear. After this marvellous experience, return to your hotel in Kaza and take the evening to relax.

Kaza - Langza - Komic

Day 8: Find marine fossils in Langza

In the morning, check out of your hotel to drive to the village of Langza. It's situated in a beautiful area, surrounded by green pastures, snow-capped mountains, and barren landscapes typical of this region. The area around Langza is known amongst archaeologists for boasting a large amount of marine animal and plant fossils; millions of years ago, it was submerged under the ocean, and its unique climate has helped preserve the fossils remarkably well - you'll easily find them scattered around the surrounding open spaces.

In the afternoon, visit the village of Komic, said to be the highest motorable village in Asia at more than 4,300m. It's home to one of the highest monasteries in the world, the Tangyud Monastery. Stay overnight in a homestay in the village, where you'll enjoy a warm welcome and home-cooked dinner.

Komic - Tabo

Day 9: Journey to Tabo

Today you'll drive to the town of Tabo, home to the famous Tabo Monastery. The latter is said to be over 1,000 years old, and is the largest monastery complex in the area. Upon arrival, you'll check into your hotel and spend the evening relaxing. Take some time to appreciate the peaceful atmosphere of this beautiful place.

Tabo

Day 10: Explore the holy Tabo Monastery

Rise early for a strengthening breakfast, and get ready for a highlight of your trip: the chance to explore the Tabo Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and - according to the Dalai Lama - one of the holiest places in the world. Marvel at the ancient paintings depicting the life of Buddha and the legends from the Jataka tales. The monastery also boasts a priceless collection of scroll paintings, manuscripts, frescoes, and extensive murals that cover almost every wall . Make the most of this special day and take in the unique atmosphere of this wonderful landmark.

Tabo - Losar

Day 11: Journey to Losar

Wake up and enjoy breakfast at the hotel. Afterwards, pack your bags and check out, to start your journey back towards Losar. En-route you'll pass by ravines that drop suddenly down, where you can hear echoes bounce back and forth between the canyon walls. Venture past the peaceful villages of the Spiti Valley, with a stop for lunch, before reaching your destination in the evening. There, spend the rest of the day relaxing after your long drive.

Losar - Manali

Day 12: Captivating mountain scenery

Wake up early to get a head start on your long return journey to Manali; on the way, soak in the magnificent views of the Himalayan mountains - have your camera ready so you can be sure to capture the spectacular scenery. You'll stop in Batal for breakfast and tea, and later on, enjoy another stop for lunch en-route.

Upon your arrival into Manali in the evening, use the remaining time to relax in one of the many cafes or restaurants in town, before retiring to your hotel. 

Manali - Chandigarh

Day 13: Bid farewell to the Himalayas

Savour your breakfast and check out of your hotel, before continuing your return journey towards Chandigarh. Say goodbye to the majestic Himalayas as you descend to lower altitudes and reflect on your experiences. Pull into Chandigarh as the sun sets over India, and spend the rest of the evening at your leisure.

Chandigarh - Delhi

Day 14: Time to say goodbye

Enjoy your last breakfast in India. Check out of your hotel in Chandigarh and start your drive back to Dehli. When you reach the capital, your driver will escort you to the airport. Catch your onward flight and say goodbye to the grand country of India.