Spiti Valley Itinerary for 7 Days: Places to Visit & Travel Tips


Spiti Valley isn’t just a destination—it’s an emotion. Tucked away in the Trans-Himalayan region of Himachal Pradesh, this cold desert valley offers surreal landscapes, ancient monasteries, and a profound sense of peace. If you’re planning a trip and wondering how to make the most of your time, this 7-day Spiti Valley itinerary will help you explore the best of what this remote paradise has to offer.

🌄 Planning to start from Himachal? Read our spiti valley tour from Manali guide to understand the route, stops, and safety considerations for a thrilling drive.

🛣️ Route Overview

Spiti Valley is accessible via two routes:

  • Shimla → Kinnaur → Spiti → Manali

  • Manali → Rohtang Pass → Kunzum Pass → Spiti

Most travelers prefer the Shimla route for entering Spiti as it allows gradual altitude gain, reducing the risk of AMS (Acute Mountain Sickness). The Manali route is more scenic and adventurous, often used for exiting the valley.

📍 7-Day Spiti Valley Itinerary

Day 1: Shimla/Narkanda to Kalpa

  • Distance: ~230 km

  • Time: 8–9 hours

  • Stay: Kalpa

Start early from Shimla or Narkanda. Drive along the Sutlej River, pass through Rampur, and reach Kalpa by evening. Enjoy views of the Kinner Kailash range.

Tip: Rest well; the altitude and roads can be tiring.

Day 2: Kalpa to Tabo

  • Distance: ~150 km

  • Time: 8 hours

  • Stay: Tabo

En route, you’ll cross scenic villages like Pooh and Nako. Stop at Nako Lake and explore the Tabo Monastery, which is over 1,000 years old. Tabo is also known as the “Ajanta of the Himalayas.”

Day 3: Tabo to Kaza via Dhankar

  • Distance: ~50 km

  • Time: 3–4 hours

  • Stay: Kaza

Before heading to Kaza, take a short detour to Dhankar Monastery, perched dramatically on a cliff. Once you reach Kaza—the heart of Spiti—you can relax or stroll through the town’s small market.

Accommodation Tip: You’ll find a variety of hotels-in-kaza-spiti, from budget stays to boutique hotels with panoramic views.

Day 4: Kaza Local Sightseeing

  • Key attractions:

    • Key Monastery: A 1,000-year-old Tibetan monastery with panoramic valley views.

    • Langza Village: Famous for its giant Buddha statue and fossils.

    • Hikkim: Home to the world’s highest post office.

    • Komic: One of the highest villages in the world connected by a motorable road.

These villages offer both natural and cultural beauty. Spend the night in a homestay in spiti valley for a warm, authentic experience.

Day 5: Kaza to Chandratal via Kunzum Pass

  • Distance: ~90 km

  • Time: 6 hours

  • Stay: Camps near Chandratal (seasonal)

Drive through Losar and ascend the mighty Kunzum Pass (4,551m). The highlight is Chandratal Lake, a crescent-shaped alpine lake that reflects the sky like a mirror. It’s only accessible between June and September.

Spend the night at nearby camps (if open). Remember, nights here are extremely cold—even in summer.

Day 6: Chandratal to Manali

  • Distance: ~120 km

  • Time: 7–9 hours

  • Stay: Manali

This stretch is rough but thrilling. You’ll descend via Batal and Gramphu before joining the Leh–Manali highway. By evening, you'll reach Manali and civilization after days of remote travel.

Don’t forget to bookmark our spiti-valley-tour-from-manali guide to help plan your return route or even reverse the itinerary.

Day 7: Buffer or Leisure Day in Manali

Use this day to rest, shop, or explore Manali’s cafés and old town area. It also works well as a buffer day in case of weather delays or roadblocks—common in the mountains.

🛏️ Where to Stay in Spiti Valley

Accommodation options in Spiti range from simple guesthouses to cozy homestays and well-equipped hotels. In villages like Kaza, Tabo, and Langza, opt for a local homestay in spiti valley for a more immersive experience.

In peak season (June–September), advance booking is recommended, especially for hotels in kaza spiti, which fill up quickly.

🚗 Travel Tips

  • Permit Info: Foreign nationals require permits to enter parts of Spiti. Indian nationals usually do not.

  • Connectivity: Mobile networks are patchy. BSNL works best; prepare for digital detox.

  • Cash: ATMs are scarce beyond Kaza. Carry sufficient cash.

  • Fuel: Refill in Kaza; next reliable pump is in Manali.

  • Altitude Sickness: Acclimatize slowly; avoid alcohol and heavy exertion early on.

🧭 Final Thoughts

A 7-day trip through Spiti Valley offers a lifetime of memories—from monasteries and moon-like terrain to serene lakes and quiet villages. Whether you’re riding through high-altitude passes or sipping butter tea in a homestay-in-spiti-valley, Spiti leaves an imprint on your soul.

This itinerary balances travel time, altitude gain, and sightseeing, giving you a wholesome experience of this magical valley. And if you're up for an unforgettable journey, starting from Manali? Don’t miss our guide on the spiti-valley-tour-from-manali for all the essentials.

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