After reaching Shimla, we freshen up and begin one of the most scenic drives of the trip.

The route takes you through Kufri and Narkanda, gradually transitioning into the rugged terrain of Kinnaur. As you cross the iconic Kinnaur Gate — carved through a massive rock — it feels like stepping into a completely different landscape.

📍 Fun fact: The Hindustan-Tibet Road you travel on today is one of the most dramatic mountain roads in India, carved along cliffs by hand in the early 20th century.

By evening, we reach Sangla or Chitkul, surrounded by mountains and the Baspa River.
The pace slows down here — fresh air, quiet surroundings, and your first real taste of the Himalayas.

We start the morning by visiting Chitkul, often called the last inhabited village near the Indo-Tibetan border.

📍 Did you know? Chitkul sits at around 11,300 ft and remains cut off during peak winters due to heavy snowfall.

From here, we drive towards Kalpa, stopping at Roghi Cliff Point, a dramatic viewpoint overlooking deep valleys.

A quick stop at Peo Market gives you a glimpse of local life in Kinnaur before we reach Kalpa by evening.

Kalpa is known for its uninterrupted views of the Kinner Kailash range, especially at sunrise and sunset.

Today is where the journey truly shifts.

We leave behind the greenery of Kinnaur and begin entering the stark, dramatic landscapes of Spiti. The drive takes you through the famous Ka Loops — a series of sharp hairpin bends that test both driver and nerves.

We stop at Nako village, a small settlement built around a serene lake, before crossing Sumdo, the official entry point into Spiti Valley.

📍 Fun fact: Spiti is a cold desert, meaning it receives very little rainfall and is characterised by barren mountains and extreme weather conditions.

By evening, we reach Tabo, home to one of the oldest monasteries in the region.

The Tabo Monastery, often called the “Ajanta of the Himalayas”, dates back over 1000 years and houses ancient murals and scriptures.

After breakfast, we visit Dhankar Monastery, dramatically perched on a cliff above the confluence of the Spiti and Pin rivers.

📍 Did you know? Dhankar was once the capital of the Spiti Kingdom.

We then head to the iconic Key Monastery, the largest monastery in Spiti, sitting at an altitude of around 13,668 ft.

From here, we cross the breathtaking Chicham Bridge — one of the highest suspension bridges in Asia, connecting remote villages across a deep gorge.

By evening, we reach Kaza, the main hub of Spiti.

📍 Interesting fact: Kaza is known as a plastic-free town, so carrying reusable bottles is essential here.

Today is all about exploring life at extreme altitudes.

We visit:

• Hikkim – home to the world’s highest post office
• Komik – one of the highest motorable villages in the world
• Langza – famous for its giant Buddha statue overlooking the valley

📍 Fun fact: This region was once underwater millions of years ago, and even today, marine fossils can be found in and around Langza.

The landscapes here feel surreal — vast, open, and almost otherworldly.

Return to Kaza by evening for a relaxed night.

We begin our return journey, retracing our route through Spiti and Kinnaur.

The landscapes feel different on the way back — maybe slower, maybe more familiar, but just as beautiful.

By night, we reach Kalpa, where you can unwind after a long drive.

After breakfast, we drive back towards Shimla, slowly leaving behind the high mountains.

By evening, we board the Volvo back to Delhi.

The journey back feels quieter — part tired, part reflective.

Reach Delhi by morning.

The trip ends, but Spiti tends to stay with you — in your thoughts, your photos, and in that subtle urge to go back to the mountains again.

The Experience

This isn’t just about reaching Spiti —
It’s about how you get there.

The slow transition, the changing landscapes, the people, the culture —
That’s what makes this journey truly worth it.