Spiti Valley Road Trip: Where the Sky Meets the Desert
A Dream Road Trip to Spiti Valley – Where Heaven Meets Earth 🏔️🚙❄️
Every Indian 🇮🇳 dreams of traveling to a place where heaven doesn’t just feel close — it looks like it can be seen and touched... all while we’re still alive. 💭✨
And guess what? That magical place exists — right here in our incredible country — Spiti Valley. 💙
Tucked away in the lap of the mighty Himalayas 🏞️, Spiti is not just a destination — it’s an emotion. The clouds drift lazily past your windows ☁️, snow-capped peaks stand tall like guardians 🧊, and every twist in the road feels like you’re entering a new world. 🌌
Whether you're chasing silence, adventure, or just some soul-refreshing views, Spiti is the ultimate vibe check. 😍🕶️🎒
🌄💫 🏔️🚙❄️
🏔️ Exploring Spiti Valley – Where Earth Touches the Sky
Tucked between Tibet and India lies a mystical high-altitude desert, where silence has a sound, stars shine brighter, and the mountains tell tales older than time. Welcome to Spiti Valley – or as its name literally translates, "The Middle Land." 🇮🇳🇨🇳
Residing at an altitude of 4,270 m, Spiti is where adventure meets serenity. Whether you're a hardcore roadtripper, a photographer 📸, a cultural explorer 🏯, or a seeker of solitude 🌌 — Spiti has something for every kind of traveler.
🗺️ What Makes Spiti So Unique?
🌊 Valley of the River Gods
Spiti Valley primarily spans the majestic Spiti River, which originates from the base of the towering K-111 Peak (6,118 m). Along the way, the river carves its path through side valleys like the scenic Pin Valley and the less-trodden Lingti Valley.
🧘♂️ Tibetan Vibes in Indian Skies
Spiti's locals speak Bhoti, and most follow Tibetan Buddhism. Monasteries here are not just places of worship — they're living museums, breathing centuries of peace, culture, and spiritual depth. 🕉️🛕💭
🌿 A Land of Extremes and Enchantment
❄️ Winter Temps: As low as –25°C (brrr!)
☀️ Summer Highs: A cool 15°C
🏜️ Land Type: High-altitude cold desert, beyond the treeline
🌱 Flora: Over 450 species of plants, including medicinal herbs like Seabuckthorn, Ephedra, Ratanjot, and Artemisia
🐾 Wildlife in the Wild North
Yes, Spiti is remote. But it’s teeming with life! Keep an eye out for:
🐆 Snow Leopard (Panthera uncia)
🐐 Siberian Ibex
🦊 Red Fox
🐺 Himalayan Wolf
🐭 Pika, Weasels, and more
This is a wildlife photographer’s paradise, but always respect the animals’ space.
📷👣
✨ Culture & Festivities – Feel the Pulse of Spiti
Despite the harsh climate, the spirit of the people here is vibrant and warm. 🧡 Here are some must-experience local festivals:
🕍 Guitor Festival – July at Key Monastery
🌈 Ladarcha Fair – Mid-August
🎉 Spiti Losar – Tibetan New Year, November
❄️ Thuckchu – Winter solstice, December
💃 Dachang & Sia Mentok – February celebrations
📮 Fun Fact: Highest Post Office in the World!
Visit Hikkim Village (15,500 ft) 🏔️ — home to the world’s highest post office. Send a postcard from here and flex your altitude game! 💌🌍
🌉 Must-Visit Spots in Spiti Valley
Here’s a checklist for your trip — trust me, every place is a wallpaper in real life:
🌁 Chicham Bridge – Asia’s highest bridge
🌊 Chandra Taal Lake
🏞️ Dhankar Lake & Monastery
🧘♂️ Key Monastery – iconic!
🏚️ Tabo Monastery & Caves
🧭 Kaza – Heart of Spiti
🏡 Hikkim, Langza, Komic, Demul, Losar – the legendary villages
🐾 Kibber Wildlife Sanctuary
🌄 Kunzum Pass
🌸 Lhalung Monastery (Serkhang)
🐴 Mud Village & Pin Valley National Park
🥾 Treks for the Wild Ones
Spiti isn’t just about driving — it’s a trekker’s playground. Here are a few top trails:
⛰️ Kanamo Peak
🧗 Parang La Trek
🏕️ Bhaba Pass Trek
🌿 Pin-Parvati Pass Trek
Feeling bold? Conquer Gya Peak, the highest in Spiti! 💪🏔️
💡 Did You Know?
Some locals say “Spiti” is actually a contraction of Ashwapati — the mythical horse lord of Pin Valley 🐎, from the Mahabharata era. Legends truly walk these lands...
“Sometimes you just need an Adevnture, to cleanse the bitter taste of Life from your Soul”
❄️ What Is This Place? – Welcome to the Cold Desert of Spiti Valley
Imagine a place where Himalayan giants pierce the sky, where the air is crisp and dry, and where you can feel like you're on another planet — yet you're still in India. 🇮🇳
That's Spiti Valley – a cold desert that looks like something straight out of a painting, only more surreal in person.
Think Leh-Ladakh, but many say Spiti is even more raw and untouched — and honestly, we agree. 😍📸
📍 Where Is Spiti Valley Located?
Spiti Valley is located in Himachal Pradesh, around 500 km from Chandigarh, lying close to the Indo-China/Tibet border. 🗺️
It sits high in the mountains at over 4,200 meters and offers one of the most thrilling and scenic road trips in India.
🔄 The Two Faces of Spiti – On Season vs. Off Season
☀️ On Season (April to November) – Spiti Circuit
During this time, you can do the entire Spiti Circuit:
📍 Chandigarh → Shimla → Kinnaur → Nako → Tabo → Kaza → Kunzum La → Chandratal Lake → Manali → Chandigarh
✅ Roads are open
✅ Chandratal Lake is accessible
✅ Weather is pleasant
✅ Ideal for first-timers & road trips
Note: Once Kunzum Pass closes due to snowfall (usually by late October), Manali–Spiti connection is cut off.
❄️ Off Season (Winter Spiti – November to March)
The route shortens, but the experience gets intense!
📍 Chandigarh → Shimla → Kinnaur → Nako → Tabo → Kaza → (Return via same route)
💥 No access to Manali side
💥 Kunzum Pass is closed
❄️ Snow-covered wonderland, minimal tourists, raw Himalayan adventure
Limited hotels, extreme cold, but once-in-a-lifetime vibes
🔥
🚗 How to Reach Spiti Valley
🚘 By Road – The Real Adventure
The journey itself is as epic as the destination. Most travelers choose the route via Shimla – Kinnaur – Spiti.
Roads are generally good, except some rough patches
Nako to Tabo stretch is a bit tricky — drive slow and safe
Must-have mountain driving experience
🚊 By Train
Nearest railhead: Shimla (but still far from Spiti)
From there, hire a bike, car, or taxi, or take HRTC buses (check schedules in advance)
✈️ By Air
Nearest airports: Kullu & Chandigarh
From the airport, start your road trip by hiring a cab or renting a bike
🗓️ Best Time to Visit Spiti Valley
You can technically visit year-round, but your experience will change depending on the season:
🌸 Summer (May–June)
Pleasant weather 🌤️
Melting snow ❄️
Great views + access to Chandratal Lake
🌧️ Monsoon (July–September)
Lush green Kinnaur side
Risk of landslides – proceed with caution!
Ideal for rain lovers 🌧️🌿
❄️ Winter (October–March)
Less crowded 🤫
Fresh snowfall, frozen rivers, silent valleys
Only Shimla–Kaza route open
Harsh but magical 🧊
No running water, dry toilets, extreme temperatures — real Himalayan survival vibes
“Winter Spiti is not just a trip — it's a test of soul, and you come back changed.”
🚦Drive Difficulty Level – Read Before You Ride 🏍️
Spiti Circuit offers every kind of road:
Mountain curves 🌄
Cliffsides 🧗
Riverbed routes 🌊
Rocky stretches 🪨
High passes ❄️
🟢 Road condition: Good overall
🟠 Moderate difficulty — requires mountain driving skills
🔴 Watch out for altitude sickness – hydrate, rest, and carry meds
🕒 Time Needed to Explore
On Season (Full Circuit): 8–9 days
Winter (Short Route): 9–10 days depending on weather and road closures
Pro tip: Keep 1–2 buffer days for unexpected delays due to landslides or snowfall.
🏨 Stay & Camping in Spiti
Plenty of budget stays, guesthouses & homestays
Online booking possible in popular areas
Don’t worry if you haven’t pre-booked — locals are super welcoming
⛺ Camping?
Totally allowed across the circuit!
Avoid military zones 🚫
Camp near Chandratal Lake (must-do if in season!)
🍽️ Food – Simple, Authentic & Soul-Satisfying
Don’t expect 5-star restaurant menus — but you’ll get homely food that tastes even better! 🥘
✅ Maggi, Rajma-Chawal, Momos, Thukpa
✅ Hot soups in cold weather = divine
✅ Most places offer veg & non-veg options
✅ Carry some snacks for remote stretches
🧾 Permissions & Checkposts
At certain points like Kinnaur, Sumdo, and Kunzum, ID checks by BRO/ITBP may happen.
No permits needed for Indians
Just carry a valid photo ID (Aadhar, DL, Passport)
🎒 Essentials to Carry
Warm clothing (layered) 🧥
Good-quality gloves, thermals, socks 🧦
Power bank 🔋
First-aid kit + altitude meds 💊
Water bottle 🚰
Camera – a must! 📸
Torch, extra cash (ATMs are rare) 💡💵
Tissues/wet wipes (essential in dry toilet areas)
Responsible mindset – Don’t litter 🚯
⚠️ Precautions
Drive carefully – landslides can happen unexpectedly
Don’t rush – respect the altitude
Keep friends/family informed about your route
Bikers: Always wear proper riding gear + gloves
🌄 Once in a Lifetime Experience
There’s nothing quite like waking up in a mountain village with the sunrise painting the snow peaks pink, sipping hot chai as the world stands still.
At night, you’ll see a sky bursting with a billion stars ✨ — and realize how small and blessed we truly are.
“Spiti doesn’t change the way you travel. It changes the way you live.”
Ride to Spiti
A Travel Film by Bharath Ramanna
Travel Film
TRAVEL GUIDE
🧭 Ready to Plan Your Own Spiti Valley Adventure?
Looking to explore Spiti on your own terms? 🚗🏔️ Whether you're a solo traveler, a couple on a romantic getaway, or a group of friends chasing adventure — we’ve got something for everyone!
Click below for my complete Spiti Travel Guide — with detailed itineraries, route maps, stay options, travel tips, and budget suggestions:
👇
I’ve covered:
🔄 Spiti Circuit (Summer Route) via Manali & Shimla
❄️ Winter Spiti via Kinnaur side
🏕️ Camping & Adventure Travel
💸 Budget to Luxury Stay Options
🗓️ Day-by-day travel itineraries
🌐 Connectivity & Permit Info
Let this guide be your companion to one of India’s most surreal landscapes. 🏞️📍
An overview of the the travel plan is described below.
“I’ve never met a Mountain view, I Didn’t like”
😎 My Epic Spiti Valley Adventure: 8 Days, 9 Riders, One Unforgettable Journey 🏔️
Back in June 2022, I embarked on my second trip to the magical Spiti Valley — this time for an official assignment. You might wonder: how does a mechanical design engineer working a 9-to-6 train design job end up on an official trip to Spiti? Well, that’s where my true passion — photography — comes in! 📸✨
From Passion to Profession — The Unexpected Call to Spiti
By mid-2022, I was juggling my day job and my love for photography, sharing pictures and videos on Instagram and my blog. I’d say I was about a 2/10 professional at that point — still learning, but passionate as ever! 🤓
Then came a game-changer: my friend Amit tagged me on a Facebook post advertising for a passionate photographer to join an 8-day Spiti Valley trip, capturing cinematic moments and making a documentary. They promised all expenses covered, but payment? That was a mystery.
Initially, I hesitated — 8 days off work, unknown pay, but the chance to visit Spiti in peak season was irresistible (my first trip was in chilly November — winter Spiti!). So I sent my Instagram, travel blog, and recent Spiti work to the organizers. Like many others, I was just one among the crowd… but luck smiled on me!
🍀
They loved my work, we had a call, and bam — I was officially on the team with payment included! This was a proud moment, and a reminder:
“If you’re good at something, never do it for free.” 😍
The Ride to Spiti — 9 Riders, 8 Days of Adventure 🏍️🏔️
With flights booked and bags packed, the ride to Spiti began!
9 riders, including 4-5 amazing folks over 50 years old, proving that spirit and adventure know no age! 🧓🏍️
From Saturday to the next Sunday, we rode through breathtaking landscapes, harsh roads, and cold desert terrain, all while capturing the magic of Spiti.
It was challenging, thrilling, and unforgettable.
Want to See the Journey? 🎥
There’s a full travel film called “RIDE TO SPITI” documenting these 8 incredible days — check it out in the video section or via the link above! 🎬✨
Spiti isn’t just a place — it’s a story, a test of spirit, and an inspiration to keep chasing your passions.
And for me, this official trip turned a hobby into a dream career — one shot, one ride, one story at a time.
Day 1: Chandigarh to Narkanda — The Adventure Begins! 🏍️🌄
We kicked off bright and early at 6 AM with a grand send-off from a swanky hotel — flags waving, banner flying, and spirits soaring! 🎉 Our destination for the day was Narkanda, about 180 km away, roughly a 6-hour drive through winding mountain roads.
Of course, as with every epic road trip, Google Maps decided to play tricks on us — someone missed the route early on, and the group got a bit scattered 🤣. But no worries, by 6 PM, everyone rolled safely into Narkanda, still with 30 km to go!
Our stay for the night was at Agyast Vaas — one of the priciest and most stunning high-peak resorts in the area, sitting just a kilometer before Hatu Peak, the highest point in the Shimla-Narkanda region. 🏔️✨
The Night Was Cold — But the Vibes Were Hot 🔥🥃
Damn, it was freaking cold! ❄️ So what’s better than a cozy fire camp, a peg of whiskey, and some chutta (smoking, for those who don’t know)? 😁 The crystal-clear sky above made the perfect backdrop to just chill and soak it all in.
Among the 9 riders, we had a sleek BMW GS, a Ducati, and the rest were trusty Royal Enfield Himalayans. Me? I was rolling in style with my Fortuner car and our tour organizer, Nikhilesh, keeping things smooth.
😎
The Sunrise Challenge 🌅 — Or the Lazy Man’s Story 😅
After the party, the resort staff told us about a nearby sunrise point — a 1-hour trek up the hill, where we’d need to start by 4 AM to catch the magic at 5:30.
At 1 AM, everyone was sure it was impossible. But me? I was determined. I convinced one guy, Mr. Zubaid, around 50 years young, to join me. A couple of rounds of whiskey later 🥃, we finally hit the sack at 2 AM, with the alarm set for 4.
Did I wake up on time?
Hell no! My lazy self snoozed until 6 AM, cursing my phone alarm. But hey, I had a drone! So I thought, “I’ll just fly the drone and capture the sunrise from above.”
And you know what? The morning vibes looked stunning through the drone’s eye. 🌄
Just then, I spotted someone walking on the trail — it was Zubaid! The man woke up at 4:30 and trekked up all alone to the sunrise point. Talk about inspiration! I felt a bit ashamed but mostly inspired by his spirit. 😊👏
Day 2: Narkanda to Chitkul — Rain, Roads & Resilience 🌧️🏍️
Our goal today was to reach Chitkul, the last Indian village in the Kinnaur region, by 6 PM to catch the sunset. We planned to stay at Rakchham village, just 11 km before Chitkul. Sounds simple, right? Well, you know how it goes in the Himalayas — plans rarely stick 100%! ☹️
Rain, Rain, and More Rain
⛈️☔️
We started late at 9 AM from Narkanda. By the time we hit the infamous cliffhanger road near Rampur, the rain came pouring down hard. Imagine riding in cold weather, soaked shoes and clothes, wet jackets — definitely no easy drive!
Luckily, just when we decided to stop because of the rain, we stumbled upon a little piece of heaven — a cozy tea shop! ☕️😁 Nothing like a hot cup of chai to warm the soul and lift the spirits.
Beautiful Valleys & Winds that Challenged the Drone 🌬️📸
After about an hour, the rain eased up, so we pushed on toward the cliffhanger road. I hoped to capture some epic shots with my drone, but the wind was way too strong. Disappointed? A little. But I still got some great shots with my camera.
Our next stop was a planned lunch at Bhaba Nagar, a stunning valley that’s a must-see for any road tripper. The fresh mountain air, the views of Kinnaur Kailash Parvat, the winding roads, and my favorite soothing music made it a ride to remember.
😍🥳
The Toughest Stretch: Karcham to Rakchham 🛣️💪
By 4 PM, we reached Karcham village, where the road splits — left to Chitkul through Sangla Valley. This 40 km stretch was the most challenging part of our trip. With drizzling rain and muddy, slippery roads, it was a test of patience and skill.
One teammate was freezing and couldn’t continue on the bike, so we gave him a ride in the car. Meanwhile, I swapped to the trusty Royal Enfield Himalayan — no fancy BMW today! 😛 After a quick snack and chutta break (you gotta keep the spirits up), we prayed for safe passage.
As darkness crept in and the icy, muddy roads got scarier by the minute, we finally reached our homestay at 7 PM — exhausted after 2 hours of intense riding. Phew! 🥵
Warmth & Work: Campfire & Camera Duties 🔥📷
Our homestay was a dream — cozy with a campfire ready to warm us up. Everyone freshened up and relaxed with some well-deserved party vibes. But for me, the night was just beginning: copying footage, emptying memory cards from 3-4 GoPro cameras, and charging batteries. The rain had made it a wet, tiring day, but every moment was worth it.
Lights off, sleep mode activated. Tomorrow promised more adventures! 🌙💤
Day 3: Chitkul to Tabo — Rocky Roads, Stunning Valleys & Cold Desert Vibes 🏞️🏍️
Our Day 3 plan was a solid 200 km ride — from Rakchham village (12 km before Chitkul) to the heart of Spiti, Tabo. We hit the sack early around 11 PM the night before to wake up fresh and ready for the adventure.
Morning Hustle & The Last Indian Village 🇮🇳✨
By 7 AM sharp, the crew was up and ready, fueled by fresh tea and some chutta (you know the drill 😉). The last 12 km to Chitkul was tough — rocky, muddy, slippery roads made it a slow 45-minute crawl. But once we reached, wow — the beauty took our breath away!
Chitkul feels like a painting come to life, a serene paradise at the edge of India. If you’re planning a Spiti trip, don’t miss this gem! Just a heads up: in winter, Chitkul is closed due to snow, so plan accordingly.
❄️🏔️
We soaked in the views, captured drone shots, and even took a proud moment with the Indian flag at the border — Jai Hind! 🇮🇳📸
Backtracking to Karcham — Sunrise Meets Valley Views 🌄🚴♂️
Next, we turned back, retracing our 45 km ride to Karcham, the junction on the Spiti highway. Driving this stretch in daylight was a total game-changer compared to the previous night! The Sangla valley unfolded its stunning beauty, with dramatic cliffs and lush green vistas all around.
Yesterday’s rain gave way to clear skies, and the drive felt like a dream. Every twist and turn made us fall deeper in love with the Himalayas. 🥰
National Highway & Village Life: Karcham to Pooh 🍃🏞️
From Karcham, the road turned into a smooth national highway — quiet, sunny, with that perfect cold mountain breeze. Trees began to thin out, and the cold desert landscape of Spiti welcomed us with open arms.
By 2 PM, we reached the tiny village of Pooh. Lunch was simple but unforgettable — aloo paratha with subji and sweets, enjoyed from a balcony overlooking the majestic Himalayas. Food tastes better with a view like this! 😋🍽️
Ka Loops & Nako — Altitude Kicks In! 🏔️📸
Next up were the famous Ka loops — a series of sweeping uphill curves expertly maintained by BRO. I managed some epic drone shots here! Then it was on to Nako, a small village perched on a hilltop, the highest point we’d hit so far.
At 5 PM, we felt the altitude — low oxygen was a reminder to take it slow and rest every couple of hours. Tea, snacks, and warm smiles at Nako gave us the boost we needed. ☕️💪
The Final Stretch: Muddy Roads & Night Ride to Tabo
🌙🚦
From Nako to Tabo, the road wasn’t kind — muddy, rocky, dusty, and downhill. At Sumdo forest checkpost, we got a quick military clearance to enter Spiti’s core region.
By 8 PM, darkness swallowed the route. With no streetlights, it was just our bike headlights cutting through the pitch black and swirling dust clouds. The cold breeze made our hands shiver — I was driving a bike for a friend who preferred the car ride after dark. Safety first! 🏍️❄️
Finally, around 9 PM, we rolled into Tabo. Our homestay host was waiting with warm smiles, traditional rooms, hot soup, fresh rotis, and a comforting dinner. Pure heaven after a long, tiring day!
Of course, my photographer duties kicked in again — transferring camera files, clearing memory cards, charging batteries — before crashing into bed. Another safe day on the road done! 💤📷
Day 4: Tabo to Kaza — Mummies, Mud Village & Milky Way Magic 🌄🏍️🌌
We kicked off Day 4 bright and early at 6 AM! The plan? A quick detour to the Gue Mummy Temple, about 30 km from Tabo, but in the opposite direction towards Sumdo. Not everyone was up for it, but a few of us were buzzing with excitement — so off we went! 🚗💨
Gue Village & The Mummy Temple — A Step Close to China 🇨🇳⛰️
Just 30 minutes later, we arrived at this tiny, traditional mountain village — Gue. Fun fact: your phone’s clock might show Chinese timings here because we’re that close to the border! 🤯 Just one massive mountain away!
The mummy temple is a fascinating site, a rare glimpse into ancient preservation in the Himalayas. The village is serene, nestled in a stunning valley — a must-visit if you want to experience offbeat Spiti vibes. After snapping some shots, it was time to head back to Tabo.
Onwards: Tabo → Dhankar → Mud → Kaza 🏍️⛰️
Back in Tabo, bags were packed on the pickup truck, bikes were cleaned, and spirits were high for the day’s ride — about 130 km through some incredible Spiti landscapes.
First stop: the Dhankar Monastery. The uphill curves were a biker’s dream, dry desert terrain glowing under the bright sun, and the monastery itself bustling with visitors. From here, we witnessed the spectacular confluence of the Spiti and Pin rivers — nature’s own masterpiece.
🫠🙏
Mud Village — Hidden Gem of Spiti 💎🌄
Next up was Mud Village, an offbeat treasure about 35 km off the main highway. To get there, we crossed the Spiti river and rode deep into the valley — one of the most breathtaking stretches of our whole trip!
Mud feels like stepping back in time, with its vintage homes, age-old traditions, and endless mountain views. We hadn’t had lunch (breakfast snacks kept us going), so tea and some snacks at the one or two little shops in Mud were pure gold. ☕️🍪
Luck wasn’t exactly on our side — a short drizzle soaked our bike seats and jackets in the already-freezing cold! But hey, a little rain in the mountains just adds to the adventure, right? After some photos, time-lapses, and drone shots, we hit the muddy road back towards Kaza. 🌧️😅
Kaza Arrival & Petrol Pit Stop ⛽🏞️
By 6 PM, we rolled into Kaza — the vibrant heart of Spiti. First things first: a quick petrol stop to fuel up for the next day’s exploring. Early mornings get crowded, so it was smart to prep the night before.
Our homestay was cozy, and after settling in, we even planned to check out a local club. Yep, Spiti’s evolving — now it’s got a nightlife scene too! 🎉🍻
Chasing the Milky Way — Sky Magic in Freezing Cold 🌌❄️
My dream for the night? Capturing the elusive Milky Way from Spiti’s clear skies. The Milky Way shines brightest from midnight to around 4:30 AM — so I had dinner, layered up against the freezing cold, and waited for midnight.
Terrace tripod set, fingers numb but determined, I pointed my camera blindly at the sky, not quite sure where the Milky Way would appear. It was my first time sky-gazing like this! The cold was brutal — I couldn’t take off my jacket to fiddle with settings properly — but after 4-5 tries and about 45 minutes of patience, I finally got a crisp, breathtaking shot.
The clear mountain air gave a faint glow of the Milky Way clouds — magical beyond words. At nearly 1°C, battling altitude headaches and chills, it was worth every shiver. I may have taken 4 chuttas to warm up afterward… okay, maybe just one! 😉🥶
Happy, satisfied, and with a heart full of joy, I finally hit the hay. What a day, what an adventure!
💫📸
Day 5: Exploring Spiti’s Highlights — Hikkim, Komic, Langza & More! 🏔️📬🌉
Day 5 was all about Spiti’s iconic spots, packed into one amazing day — from the world’s highest post office to ancient monasteries and jaw-dropping bridges! We covered roughly 80-100 km in a loop that felt like a rollercoaster of dusty roads, stunning views, and cultural gems. 🛵💨
First Stop: Hikkim — The World’s Highest Post Office 📮🏔️
Our day kicked off at Hikkim, home to the world’s highest post office! This place was buzzing with tourists and locals — honestly, the crowd was a bit overwhelming, but we embraced the chaos. For fun, we all sent letters back home, complete with the special altitude stamp. Imagine getting mail stamped at nearly 15,000 feet! 🫡✉️
Pro tip: The high altitude can hit hard, so take it slow and watch out for altitude sickness — Spiti is beautiful but demanding! 😰
Komic Village — The World’s Highest Inhabited Village 🏡❄️
Next up was Komic, another record-breaker as the highest village with permanent residents. We stopped for snacks at the world’s highest hotel — and boy, the hot fudge chocolate was pure heaven in that chilly air! 🥹☕️ If you’re there, don’t miss it — it’s a hug in a cup.
Langza — Buddha Statues & Crowds ✨🗿
We continued to Langza, famous for its gigantic Buddha statue watching over the valley. The place was lively with visitors, so it was a bit crowded, but the vibe and views more than made up for it.
Chicham Bridge — Asia’s Second Highest Hanging Bridge 🌉😲
Then came one of the trip’s highlights: the Chicham Bridge! This hanging bridge is breathtaking, spanning a deep gorge with views that literally take your breath away. Definitely a must-visit spot in Spiti — and if you dare, there are stays nearby. Just a heads up: nights here are really cold, but perfect for stargazing under those clear Spiti skies.
🌌❄️
Evening at Key Gompa Monastery 🕉️🌅
To wrap up the day, we headed to Key Gompa, Spiti’s most famous monastery. We enjoyed some snacks and soaked in the peaceful atmosphere while watching an unforgettable sunset paint the valley in golden hues. Pure magic. ✨
Back to Kaza — Tired but Grateful 🙌❤️
We rolled back into Kaza, exhausted but buzzing with happiness and awe. Spiti never fails to amaze — every corner a new adventure, every view a postcard. 🌄
Up Next: To the Heaven of Spiti — Chandratal Lake! 🌙🏞️
Ready to chase more breathtaking beauty? Our next stop is the legendary Chandratal Lake — the sparkling gem of Spiti Valley. Stay tuned! 😉
Day 6: Spiti to Chandratal & Batal — A Night to Remember 🌄❄️🔥
Today’s plan was simple but epic: Spiti → Kunzum Pass → Chandratal Lake — a dream route for every Spiti traveler. Staying at Chandratal Lake is the stuff of legends — the kind of night that stays with you forever. Sadly, this time luck wasn’t on our side. All huts and tents at Chandratal were fully booked way in advance. We tried every possible option before leaving Kaza, but no chance.
So where did we end up? At the legendary Chach Chachi Dhaba in Batal — a true oasis in one of the coldest, most inhospitable places on earth! 🥶
The Legend of Chach Chachi Dhaba 🫠❤️
This little dhaba isn’t just a stop for food — it’s home to an incredible couple who have lived here through the harshest winters. Once, during sudden snowfall, some school kids got stuck in the cold, and these kind souls took them in, keeping them safe until rescue arrived by helicopter. Stories like these make you realize how humans can be the warmest light in the coldest places.
The Journey Begins 🌞🚗
We left Kaza at 7 AM under sunny skies with a parcel breakfast in hand — because nothing beats enjoying your morning meal surrounded by silence, crisp breeze, and majestic mountains. Peace, calm, and pure satisfaction.
🥐🍵
But soon, the route got tough.
The Tough Ride to Kunzum Pass 🏔️🛣️
The roads to Kunzum Pass were brutal — rocky, dusty, and tricky, especially on the shadowed side where patches of black ice lurked like sneaky traps. Riding there was a mix of adrenaline and respect for the mountains. Finally, at noon, we made it! The views? Absolutely speechless.
Chandratal Adventure Begins 🏞️🚶♂️
From Kunzum, the muddy, dusty roads continued, with the fun twist of crossing cold water streams. For cars, it was a challenge. For bikes? Double the thrill — balance was everything, and speed was the enemy. One wrong move, and it could’ve been a nightmare. Slow and steady was the mantra! 🏍️💦
We reached Chandratal around 2:30 PM. Lunch was waiting, but the real challenge was ahead: a 1.5 km trek at high altitude — with rain clouds gathering ominously.
Half the group wanted to call it quits. The other half (led by my inspiring speech, of course 😉) voted to push on. After all, we’d come so far!
Chandratal — Heaven on Earth 💕❄️
The hike was tough but totally worth it. And then, wow. Chandratal Lake was pure magic — a turquoise jewel cradled by snowy peaks, unlike anything else on earth. I captured some of my best drone shots here, and just as we arrived, a light drizzle turned into the season’s first snowfall. 🥶❄️
That moment — watching snowflakes dance over the lake, in near-zero degrees — was unforgettable. Those who’ve felt snowfall know the joy can’t be put into words. We were all glowing with happiness, hearts full.
Spiti, we love youuuuuu! ❤️
Back to Batal — The Ultimate Cold Party 🎉🌌
After soaking in that beauty, we trekked down, jumped on our bikes, and reached Batal within the hour. At Chach Chachi Dhaba, the warmth wasn’t just from the fire but from laughter, dancing, and stories shared over drinks.
The night was one for the books — even catching the Milky Way again through my camera lens under the coldest, clearest skies. The coldest party ever!
Well… I might’ve had a bit too much and the altitude headache hit hard. 😵💫 Paracetamol + coffee saved me till morning.
Next Stop: Manali 🏞️🛣️
Everyone crashed early, tired but happy.
Good night, Spiti. Till we meet again!
💤💤💤
Day 7: Batal to Manali — The Final Ride & Celebration 🎉🏞️
The last stretch of our adventure began with a 50 km drive from Batal to Gramphu — but don’t be fooled by the distance. It took us a whopping 2 hours to cover it, and the reason? There was no real road. 😶🌫️
The Rocky, Wild Ride 🏍️💥
We had to navigate over sheer rocks, loose pebbles, and impossible terrain the entire way. One tiny slip, and we’d be tumbling down into the roaring Chenab River below.
At first, from Batal, the river looked like a small stream — peaceful and gentle — but as we moved closer, it transformed into a mighty force, crashing over rocks and gushing wild like a true Himalayan river. It was humbling and terrifying all at once.
😓
Chatru — A Breather & A Bite 🍽️
After two grueling hours of bone-shaking ride, we finally reached Chatru — a tiny riverside spot with some shops and campsites. We took a much-needed break, refueled with a light lunch, and soaked in the wild mountain vibes.
The Climb to Gramphu — Heart in Mouth 🧗♂️🚵♂️
Next up was the climb to Gramphu, and this was easily the toughest leg of the entire journey. The dusty, rocky road was steep, scattered with pebbles, and unforgiving.
This stretch was definitely not for beginners — it demanded serious mountain driving skills and nerves of steel. Every twist and turn made our hearts pound as we climbed higher.
Finally, The Highway! 🛣️🎉
Then — like a mirage after a desert trek — suddenly, we met the second tarred road. It was the Manali-Rohtang Highway, smooth and welcoming.
You could feel the collective cheer explode in the group — after hours of humpy, bumpy, rocky hell, tarred asphalt felt like heaven. 😚
Manali & The Legendary Atal Tunnel 🏔️🚗
We cruised into Manali through the famous Atal Tunnel, spirits high and hearts full. The journey was complete — safely and soundly — with just a few scratches and minor injuries to remind us of the tough adventure.
That night, we threw the ultimate celebration party — raising our glasses to successfully completing one of the greatest motorbike circuits in the world: The Spiti Circuit. 🥂✨
Mission accomplished. Memories made. Brotherhood forged.
Here’s to many more journeys ahead!
🚀🔥
Day 8: Manali to Chandigarh — The Journey Home 🛣️🏠
The last leg of our epic adventure — a solid 300 km drive from Manali back to Chandigarh. With the same spirit and caution, we all rode safe and steady.
Sure, some stretches had road construction that tested our patience, but nothing could dampen the joy of completing this incredible journey together.
By the end of the day, we all reached home safely, with hearts full and memories packed to the brim. 💯
Until Next Time… 🤝
The very next day, amidst big hugs and applause, everyone departed for their hometowns — carrying stories, laughter, and bonds forged on the high roads of Spiti.
This is My Spiti Story 🌄
Every moment, every challenge, every breathtaking view is captured in my
YouTube video — "Ride to Spiti."
Don’t miss it — come join the ride and experience the magic with us.
Thank you all! Drive safe, and keep the spirit of adventure alive.
Thank you
😉
“Work, Travel, Save, Repeat”
Once Again… Spiti Tour in Chilling Winter ❄️🏔️
This was my first-ever visit to the breathtaking Spiti Valley back in November 2021 — a winter ride in my trusty Ford Ecosport 🚙❄️.
The whole trip happened last minute. Our friend Manjunath’s wedding was planned in Chandigarh — a love marriage ❤️💍, so you get why Chandigarh, right? Bride’s hometown! Now, being from Bengaluru 🏙️, traveling all the way north was going to be costly 💸, and honestly, the budget was tight. But I had a plan…
What if we combined the wedding with a 1-week tour to Spiti during early winter? November was perfect 🍂❄️. I told the group — most people weren’t interested, but two famous bachelors, Mr. Arun & Mr. Prajwal, said YES! 🙌 So with me & my wife, that made four confirmed travelers 👨👩👧👦.
Leaves were planned, budget locked 💰, tour route set — finally, my dream destination was becoming real: the Indian bucket list spot Spiti Valley. NKN 😁🏔️
After some enquiries, we found out Kunzum Pass was closed due to heavy snow ❄️🚫 — heartbreaking news 💔. But hey, seeing Kaza in winter was still going to be an adventure! We decided we’d go till Kaza and return back 🔄.
The plan: fly to Chandigarh ✈️, pick up a Zoom car 🚗 for 8 days, then drive Chandigarh → Shimla → Kinnaur Kailash → Nako → Mud → Spiti → and back via Rampur Bushahr → Banjar → Kullu → Chandigarh or Manali 🛣️.
Day 0 | Friday 🌙
We flew out on a Friday evening, with a return scheduled 9 days later on Sunday. The flight was about 3-4 hours, landing in Chandigarh by 10 PM — on time! ⏰
Zoom car pickup was at midnight 🌚, just in case of delays. Chandigarh airport is small 🛬, and though you can stay inside, we decided to wait outside for some chai ☕ and chutta (chewing tobacco) 🍂. The cold night breeze welcomed us as we stepped out 🌬️❄️. My wife waited near the gate while the three of us headed to the parking lot to light up and wait.
🚬
Around 12:30 AM, the Zoom guy called — car delivery time! 📞 We inspected the car, did a quick test drive, signed papers 📝 — and finally, the beast was ready: a FORD ECOSPORT, DIESEL 🚙💨. Our journey to the mighty Himalayas was officially on 🏔️.
We hadn’t eaten dinner 🍽️ because it was too early in Bengaluru and too late in Chandigarh — plus no airport hotel was open 🚪. So we hit the Shimla highway 🛣️ to find a dhaba.
The city streets of Chandigarh were nearly empty at midnight 🌃, but every signal had red lights 🚦 and cameras — crossing them meant fines 💸, the Zoom guy warned us. So we stopped patiently at every light 🚗, then finally found a dhaba at 1:30 AM 🕜.
What a feast! Super-duper Aloo Paratha with Dal and butter 🥘 — hot food in the freezing cold was pure bliss 🔥❄️. The dhaba was crowded despite the foggy, cold night on the highway 🌫️🌙. We also tried cold lassi 🥤 — yeah, cold inside and outside! I don’t know how to express that feeling perfectly, but you get it, right? 😅
Our destination that night was Kalpa - Reckong Peo, about 300 km via Shimla → Narkanda → Bhaba Nagar → Karcham junction 🛣️.
Day 1 | Saturday 🌄
We crossed Shimla around 5 AM 🌙, didn’t stop because sightseeing wasn’t part of the plan going to Spiti — maybe on the return if time allowed ⏳. After Shimla, we reached Narkanda around 6 AM — still dark and chilly 🌌❄️. Our stomachs were growling loudly 🍽️, but there was a bigger problem — nature was calling too! 🚽😶
But guess what? No toilets anywhere 😱 — it was freezing cold 🥶, and even if we found one, how clean would it be? Just kidding, but seriously… What were we gonna do? 🤔
At that early hour, all shops and restaurants were closed 🚪❌. Finally, we stopped near a lodge with reception lights on 💡. We politely asked to use their bathroom 🚻, and thankfully, the kind guy agreed — relief! Ahhhh… what a relaxxxxxx moment! 🙌
Now, the best part — the water was damn fuc*ing cold 🥶🥶! Like 8-10 degrees, but it felt way colder 💦❄️. No warm water! Holding our breath, we washed up quickly 😤🧼. Day 1 itself was already an adventure! Haha 😅.
If this is just Narkanda, what will Spiti be like? Maybe we’ll be sliding on ice soon! 😂❄️🧊
We had breakfast in Rampur Bushahr — same old Aloo Paratha 🥘, yum! Then we tackled the dangerous Kinnaur Kailash Cliffhanger road 🏞️🛣️. This place is marked as Kinnaur Gate (Photography point) on Google Maps 📍. Be extra careful while driving here — it’s literally cliff and mountain roads all the way! 😬
No lunch for us — just some Maggie 🍜 and a break with omelettes 🥚, enough to keep us going 🚀.
We reached the turn-off for Reckong Peo on the Spiti highway — a left deviation 🛣️. From here, it’s a 15 km drive uphill to the peak of Kalpa region 🏔️. This drive is absolutely stunning, with jaw-dropping views of the Kinnaur Kailash mountain range 🏞️. Never, ever miss this ride on your Spiti tour — seriously!
😍
We reached our stay at the peak around 4 PM 🌅. I booked this spot earlier after checking photos on Google Maps 🗺️ — and I wasn’t wrong! Two cozy rooms with a balcony facing the majestic Himalayan Kinnaur Kailash mountains 🏔️✨. You can literally see the actual Kinnaur Kailash Shivling — a sacred stone formation standing tall like a miracle 🙏🕉️. If you don’t know what I’m talking about, Google “Kinnaur Kailash Shivling” — it’s truly sacred and mystical.
After watching the sunset from the balcony 🌄☕, we enjoyed some hot coffee and, of course, Chutta 🍂 in the cold 8-degree weather 🥶. Dinner was delicious 🍲, and we hit the bed early around 8 PM 🛏️, resting up for the next great day ahead.
Day 2 | Sunday ☀️🚗
Goooood morning, everyone! 🌄 Today’s plan was to explore nearby attractions of Kalpa and then head towards the mystical Tabo village in Spiti. 🏔️
We visited Suicide Point 😨, Roghi Valley 🌄, Narayana Temple 🛕, and saw the last village of Kalpa — Roghi. The road there was truly dangerous ⚠️ — so be very careful while driving!
Until now, I hadn’t driven — my two friends from Chandigarh were handling the wheels 🚗💨. I was busy clicking photos 📸, filming videos 🎥, and soaking in the valley vibes. But now, the keys came to me! You’d think it’s great I got to drive, right? Nope! I was feeling a bit of mountain sickness 🤢, with a headache 😵💫, and wasn’t really in the mood to drive.
Meanwhile, the troublemakers — including my wife — got some Apple Wine 🍎🍷 from Roghi village and started teasing me like crazy, saying:
"This is the ultimate wine ever tasted — giving the best kick! Awesome, maga!! Super drink!!" 🤪😜
But no sip for me! Nakkan! Because I had to drive.
🚫🍷
We returned to Reckong Peo around 11 AM, grabbed some breakfast 🍽️, and the teasing continued…
Later, we joined the Spiti Highway — the same left turn we took yesterday noon 🛣️.
From here, it was a 150 km drive 🚗💨. I was angry, had a headache, and the teasing over the “great apple wine” was relentless 😤. Eventually, they revealed — it was just apple juice! 🍏🧃 I knew they were teasing all along. I managed to hold my cool 😁.
From here, the green mountains slowly disappear 🌲➡️🏜️. The BRO roads are fantastic 🚧👍, and the desert landscape begins to stretch endlessly 🌵. Traffic thins out, shops and homes become scarce — maybe one small shop or village every 30-40 km. A beautiful, calming drive.
We reached the Ka Loops 🔄 — honestly, buying a drone was the best decision ever! You can’t truly appreciate the beauty of some places without drone shots 🎥🚁. Ka Loops is one of those magical spots.
The BRO roads here are amazing 🤩. From Ka Loops, we ascended to the village of Nako 🏘️ — a small village perched atop the mountain with a sacred Nako Lake 🌊🕉️.
It was around 4 PM when we arrived, but already dark because it’s winter ❄️🌙. We visited the lake, watched the sunset 🌅, sipped tea 🍵 and munched on snacks at the small circle of shops nearby. The chilly air was crisp, the clouds were moody, and the white-capped mountains in the distance were breathtaking 🏔️❄️.
No snow at Nako itself, but the higher peaks were snowy and stunning. We did some shopping 🛍️, but the cold was starting to bite hard 🥶.
Still, we pushed on for another 60 km downhill drive to Tabo 🏔️🌌. The road was muddy, dusty, full of pebbles, narrow cliff passes, and pitch dark 🌑. Trucks and vehicles appeared now and then, and we had to wait for them to pass — quite a daring drive for the night!
We stopped at Sumdo Military Check Post 🚩🪖, where the soldiers were kind but armed with AK-47s 😅🔫 — slightly intimidating but respectful. They questioned us briefly and advised us to reach Tabo early because the nights get extremely cold ❄️🥶.
With caution, we reached Tabo around 7-8 PM
🌙
There are many homestays in Tabo — booking prior is safer to avoid last-minute hassles 🛌. We stayed in a beautiful Buddhist-style homestay 🏡, with warm beds and cozy vibes.
Hot showers warmed us up 🚿🔥, and dinner was hearty — aloo paratha, momos, hot curry, and tea ☕🥟🍛. The temperature was around 2-5 degrees 🥶. When we stepped out for chutta afterward, the cold hit hard again, but it was all part of the adventure!
We all crashed early — good night, friends! 😴✨
Day 3 | Monday ☀️🚗❄️
Monday started fresh — after waking up, a quick breakfast, and getting ready, we headed out to explore Tabo Caves and Tabo Monastery 🕉️🏯.
The location was stunning, weather sunny yet pleasantly cold ❄️🌞. Standing in front of the sun in that chilly early morning breeze — wow, only those who’ve felt it can truly understand that feeling! 🥶🔥
Today’s plan: Dhankar → Mud → Kaza 🛣️
This route zigzags along the Spiti highway, passing through some unreal desert landscapes 🏜️, needle-shaped rock formations 🪨, and the beautiful Spiti River flowing below 🌊. Roads were mostly tarred, with a few patches here and there — smooth but dusty and cold.
We stopped often, soaking in the breathtaking views and snapping photos 📸 to fill our eyes and hearts with those landscapes.
We visited the Dhankar Monastery 🏔️🕉️ — the road to the peak was narrow, steep, and muddy but totally manageable. From there, you can witness the majestic confluence of the Spiti River and the Pin River — a sight that stays with you forever. 🌊🌊
Next, we headed to Mud village, about 35 km off the Spiti highway (Pin Valley starts here!) 🌄🏘️. Spiti itself is only 25 km away from this point.
It was around 1 PM, and I was set on going to Mud — I’d heard so many amazing things about this hidden gem of Spiti, a beautiful and unexplored part of the Pin Valley, higher than Spiti itself, where snow is guaranteed! ❄️🏔️
Crossing the Spiti River, we entered the Pin Valley mountains, and I instantly thought... 🫰
“This is the most fuc*ing amazing landscape I’ve ever witnessed!”*
🤩
The stretch to Mud was absolutely spectacular — snow started appearing on the mountains and then right on the roads. But beware — on the shaded parts of the road, thick black ice mixed with mud made it super slippery and tricky to cross.
At one point, we faced about 100 meters of thick black ice 😬 — the cliff was right beside the road, and Mud was just 3 km ahead. It was 3 PM already, and no soul in sight.
We decided to turn back — not worth risking with our non-4x4 car. Disappointed and confused… bad luck? Maybe…
Then, a pickup jeep came down the ice stretch — locals driving to work. We asked them about crossing, and they encouraged us to drive slow, following patches of watery tracks.
Sometimes in life, you gotta take a leap of faith 🦶✨.
We carefully crossed without any skids or wheel drags — luck was definitely on our side! 🍀🚗
When we reached Mud, it was pure white everywhere ❄️🤍 — riverbeds, mountains — everything except the roads.
It was literally “Heaven on Earth” 🫡
I’d never seen anything like this before. Even having traveled Uttarakhand’s Badrinath and Tungnath, this view was next level. India is just stunning beyond words! 🇮🇳✨
There are just 1 or 2 small shops in Mud, where we grabbed some snacks and took drone shots 🚁📸.
Knowing the night drive back would be tough, we left by 4 PM, driving cautiously back to the Spiti highway by 5:30 PM — already dark and chilly 🌙❄️.
We reached Spiti Street (Kaza area) around 6 PM — the valley itself is simply breathtaking, the perfect place for our trip and group.
Our stay was booked further out at Rangrik, away from the busy and pricey Kaza town — peaceful, elegant, and cozy with a small chimney in the room to keep us warm 🔥🏡.
By 7 PM, it was pitch dark outside and already below freezing 🥶. We layered up with thermals under our clothes — absolutely necessary for winter in Spiti!
🧣🧤
Dinner was homely and delicious — aloo paratha, momos, tea, rice, dal 🍽️🥟☕. The food was served in the homestay’s kitchen, a traditional low-height home, warm and inviting.
Me and Arun were exhausted 😴, Prajwal was still full of energy 🥸. He even had some local drink with the homestay owner while I was battling mountain sickness 🤢 and Arun was dealing with gastric issues 🤒.
Prajwal even swapped his cigarette for some local beedi and became fast friends with the homestay guy 😂 — part of the travel experience!
My wife played with a cute little local girl, adding to the warmth of the evening 💕.
Later, we kept the chimney going with some wood to keep the room warm 🔥. But at night, the fire died down and smoke filled the room! 😳
Me and Arun were fast asleep, but Prajwal and my wife noticed immediately and opened all the windows to clear the smoke.
We were lucky — God’s grace saved us from any mishap
🙏✨.
After a few minutes, all was clear, and we all drifted back to sleep, in the coldest night yet ❄️🥶.
That was Day 3 — full of thrills, chills, and pure magic in Spiti!
Day 4 | Tuesday 🏔️🚗✨
Plan: Local sightseeing — Kaza → Hikkim → Komic → Langza → Chicham → Key Gompa → back to Spiti (Kaza)
All this can be done in one day! 😮
We woke up around 6 AM. Immediately, I felt the pressure to hit the restroom, but surprise surprise — no tap! 🚽❄️ We had to fetch water bucket-style. I found one and went to get water from the drum...
But wait — the water was frozen solid! 🧊🥶 The drum had a thick layer of ice on top. We had to break the ice just to get water.
How the fu*k were we supposed to wash our a** in below-zero temps?! 🤦♂️😂
Suddenly, the homestay caretaker came to the rescue. He warned us not to use the restroom because the pipes were frozen too! FU*kkkkk... 😱
Then he brought some hot water and poured it into the toilet. After a few seconds, he added more hot water mixed with normal water.
That moment was honestly the happiest moment ever. We finally got freshened up! 🙌🚿
After that, we enjoyed a beautiful breakfast — momos, noodles, aloo paratha, eggs, and tea ☕🥟🥚. Of course, followed by chutta 😌🔥.
Since we were staying in the same place tonight, we left all our bags behind and started our day trip.
Total round trip was around 100-125 km.
First stop — Hikkim, home to the world’s highest post office 📮🏔️. Like everyone else, we wrote letters and dropped them to our own homes — funny but feels great!
Then, we visited Komic village and had hot chocolate at the world’s highest restaurant ☕🥶.
Next was Langza, beautiful as always, then we made it to Chicham Bridge by 2 PM 🌉.
Chicham village has no hotels and we were starving 😩. Like I mentioned before, these places are heaven — cold desert with breathtaking landscapes, a must-see at least once in a lifetime! 🇮🇳✨
Back to Chicham, we searched for shops or snacks but couldn’t find any. We asked locals about hotels — no hotels in sight.
But there was a small function happening nearby. We saw people eating, so we asked if we could join. They welcomed us like their own kids — so warm and kind 🥹❤️.
We had amazing home-cooked food and were full.
Then we asked about the function…
They told us,
"Grandmother’s funeral."
😳🤯
WTF, right?
We were shocked but honestly, the warmth and hospitality overshadowed the sadness. We all ended up laughing quietly, looking at each other — weird but memorable moment.
After that emotional pit stop, we drove to Key Gompa — an amazing monastery 🕉️🙏.
Saw the Spiti River flowing quietly below 🌊, and some little monks playing around, which was heartwarming 🧒🧘.
It was almost evening, and the whole vibe felt very peaceful and pure.
We had coffee at a little shop, completely satisfied with the beauty of Spiti ☕🏞️.
Spiti is so different from Leh — the people, places, homes, roads, weather, greetings, the journey itself — everything amazing.
Can’t wait to revisit ASAP in my Isuzu D-Max 4x4 🚙🔥!
And just like that, the Spiti tour ended... 😩
We couldn’t go further as Kunzum Pass was closed ❄️🚫.
Our next journey? Back. But to where?
Today is still Monday, and the wedding is on Saturday...
Where did we go? What did we do next?
Nkn... Stay tuned!
😎
Day 5 | Wednesday 🛣️❄️🔥
So, on Tuesday, we stayed put in Spiti as planned. Tuesday morning started with the usual toilet struggle 🚽🥶, but we had breakfast bright and early at 7 AM 🍳☕.
Then we decided—Manali it is! 🏔️ But wait, Kunzum Pass is closed! 😩
So, we drove all the way back via Rampur Bushahr → Luhri, and then took a right towards Kullu road via Anni-Banjar. This was a whopping 500 km drive! 😳
We decided to keep going non-stop—no rest, no stay breaks. Started around 8 AM, reached Luhri by 6 PM. The route was:
Tabo → Nako → Bhaba Nagar → Rampur
From Luhri to Kullu road — 50 km of insane hilltop road! ⛰️🛣️
You drive at a steep 30-degree incline for the entire stretch! No overtaking, gotta wait for a spot to pass. This is a shortcut to Kullu compared to going via Narkanda and Shimla highway. Only skilled drivers should take this route — it’s no joke! 🚗💨
After 50 km of non-stop steep driving, the road suddenly started descending sharply. I was driving at around 2 AM, still feeling good and safe.
Suddenly, a truck was parked right in the middle of the road! 🚚🚫
It was stuck, and blocked the entire path — one side mountain, other side cliff, no way to pass.
The driver was just laying down to sleep! 😡👹
We asked what happened, and he said the truck broke down and no help was available till morning. Everyone around was stuck—some people started campfires, some tried to sleep in their cars. The cold was brutal 🥶🔥.
We collected wood with torches and built a small campfire.
It was actually a good experience — chutta was the perfect companion 😙🔥🍫.
My wife slept in the car, while we braved the cold outside.
Morning came around 7 AM, a long traffic queue had formed. No way back either, 50 km return was a no-go. 😤
Some mechanics and locals gathered and worked on the truck. After about 2 hours, the truck was finally ready to move.
Meanwhile, a local with an 800cc car took a daring small path and managed to cross!
😮🔥
Then, a Punjabi guy in a Tata pickup tried the same stunt but lost his brakes and started rolling back towards the cliff! 😱
Thankfully, my friend Prajwal acted quickly, placing a big stone behind the tire — the pickup stopped just in time. Lifesaver move! 🫠👏
Road cleared by 10 AM, we reached Kullu highway, had a late breakfast 🍽️, and booked hotels in Manali for the night.
Got to Manali, but the worst part — our room was NOT cleaned! 😤 There were flowers on the bed from the previous guest! Gross.
We complained and thankfully got another room.
Evening, we hit the Manali streets for some fun — had hot jalebis (or jamoon?), did some shopping 🛍️, enjoyed some booze 🍻 and non-veg food 🍗.
Manali was crowded even on a weekday, vibes were lively.
We all slept like logs that night 😴, exhausted but happy.
Day 6 | Thursday 🌤️🛣️
We checked out early, with one clear plan — Rohtang Tunnel, aka the Atal Tunnel! 🚗💨
Driving through the tunnel was mind-blowing — like entering a whole new world! The south side was green and lively, but once we came out on the north side... BAM! ❄️🗻 White mountains everywhere, a total drastic change. Such an epic experience driving through that engineering marvel. 🙌
After the tunnel, we stopped at a nice spot to chill and play some games 🕹️. Then... the adrenaline moment — me and my wife went paragliding! 🪂💨
I was super scared at first 😰 but then managed to enjoy it. Such a rush and breathtaking views!
After a good lunch 🍽️, we hit the road again towards Kasol.
We reached Kasol by 5 PM, and wow — that place was way more crowded than Manali! 😳 Pubs, bars, hookah lounges everywhere!
🥶🔥
It was cool to see, but honestly, the cultural vibe felt kinda lost in all that hustle and bustle.
We didn’t stay there long — just soaked it in and moved on.
Next mission: Drive straight to Chandigarh overnight — about 250 km, 7-8 hours on the road. 🚗🌙
A long haul ahead, but with all the memories and adrenaline from the trip, nothing felt impossible.
Day 7, 8 & 9 | Friday, Saturday & Sunday 🎊💍✈️
We finally reached Chandigarh early morning around 6 AM, grabbed a room, and just relaxed after the intense road trip. 🙌💤
Friday evening and Saturday morning were all about the wedding celebrations — full-on North Indian wedding vibes! 🥳🍻
Thursday night was a blast with booze, dance, and songs — total energy! 💃🎶🔥
Saturday morning, the wedding itself was beautifully arranged and heartwarming. Such an experience to witness those vibrant traditions. 💐🙏
Saturday night, it was time to say goodbye — our return flight to Bangalore took off late night, and we reached home early Sunday morning.
Spiti Valley — mission complete! 😶🌫️
No more words needed, no endless explanations. Just go and experience it for yourself. I’m sure I’ll visit again and again, no matter what! 🏔️❤️
Thank you for reading my travel story. If you felt anything was off, kindly leave a comment.
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Final Thoughts on Spiti Valley 🌄❄️✨
Spiti Valley is not just a destination — it’s an experience that touches your soul. From the rugged, thrilling mountain roads 🛣️🧗♂️ to the serene monasteries 🕉️ perched on cliffs, every moment here feels like a step into another world 🌌. The cold desert landscapes 🏜️, the dramatic snow-capped peaks 🏔️, and the warm hospitality of the locals 🤗 make Spiti an unforgettable adventure.
Yes, the journey is challenging — icy roads ❄️🚗, scarce facilities 🚻, biting cold 🥶 — but that’s what makes it pure and raw. Every struggle, every leap of faith 🙏 on the slippery mountain passes, every breathtaking sunrise 🌅 from a balcony facing the Kinnaur Kailash, is worth it. It’s a place that tests your limits and rewards you with spectacular beauty and inner peace 🧘♀️.
Whether it’s the quiet moments at the sacred monasteries 🕯️, the joy of bonding over a hot cup of tea ☕ in a remote village 🏡, or the thrill of driving those cliff-hanging roads 🚙🧗, Spiti stays with you long after you leave. It’s a hidden gem 💎 in India’s vast landscape, waiting to be explored by the curious and the brave 🗺️🧭.
If you’re looking for a journey that blends adventure 🏞️, spirituality 🧘, nature 🍃, and culture 🎭 in one wild ride — Spiti Valley is calling 📞. And trust me, once you go, you’ll want to come back again and again 🔄❤️.
Do not Litter
Thank you
Bharath Ramanna 👋
I’m a mechanical engineer ⚙️ who loves planning, structure, and building things — whether it’s a machine or the perfect travel itinerary! Alongside my career, travel has always been a big part of my life. I enjoy crafting detailed plans 📝, exploring unique places 🌍, picking the best routes 🗺️, finding great stays 🏡, and organizing fun adventures with friends . Over time, my friends appreciated my travel planning so much that I felt inspired to share it with the world. 🌟
That’s how this blog was born — a space where I share my organized travel ideas 💡, personal stories 📖, cultural experiences 🎭, food finds 🍲, and practical tips to help others travel more easily and meaningfully. If my plans can bring even a small advantage to your journey, that means the world to me. 🌏❤️
This is how I live my motto:
Travel – Live – Inspire. 🛻🌄🥾
Everything about Spiti Valley - Himachal Pradesh | India
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