Explore the middle land! Spiti Valley, the cold desert mountain valley in Himachal Pradesh, offers stark barren landscapes, ancient Buddhist monasteries, highest villages, turquoise Chandratal Lake, and thrilling high-altitude passes. Visit Key Monastery (1000-year-old), Tabo (Ajanta of Himalayas), Dhankar perched on cliff, Pin Valley National Park, and experience Spitian culture at 12,500 feet average altitude.
Day 1:
Shimla to Kalpa - Early departure from Shimla, drive through Hindustan-Tibet Highway, reach Kalpa village (2960m, Kinner Kailash views), overnight|
Day 2:
Kalpa to Tabo - Drive through Kinnaur-Spiti valley, Nako Lake, reach Tabo (3050m), visit Tabo Monastery (996 AD, Ajanta of Himalayas, ancient murals), overnight|
Day 3:
Tabo to Kaza via Dhankar - Dhankar Monastery (3890m, perched on cliff), continue to Kaza (3800m), overnight|
Day 4:
Key Monastery and Villages - Visit Key Monastery (4166m, largest in Spiti, 1000 years), Kibber Village (4205m), overnight Kaza|
Day 5:
Pin Valley and Highest Villages - Pin Valley NP, Hikkim (4440m, highest post office), Komic (4587m, highest motorable village), Langza (fossil village), overnight Kaza|
Day 6:
Kaza to Chandratal - Drive crossing Kunzum Pass (4551m), reach Chandratal Lake (4300m, Moon Lake), camping|
Day 7:
Chandratal to Manali - Sunrise at lake, drive to Manali via Rohtang Pass, overnight|