Day 01: Arrival in Chandigarh & Drive to Narkanda

Itinerary: Arrive at Chandigarh Airport or Railway Station. Your driver will meet you and begin the journey into the Himalayas. The initial drive is through the plains before you start ascending into the mountains. This day is for travel and acclimatization to a moderate altitude.

Distance & Travel Time: Approx. 180 km, 6-7 hours.

Highlights: Enjoy the scenic transition from the bustling city to the peaceful mountain roads.

Stay: Narkanda

Day 02: Narkanda to Kalpa via Kinnaur Valley

Itinerary: After breakfast, begin your drive to Kalpa. Today's journey will take you through the stunning Kinnaur Valley, often called the "Land of Gods." The road will run alongside the Sutlej River, offering spectacular views. Upon arrival, check into your hotel and spend the evening enjoying the breathtaking view of the Kinnaur Kailash range.

Distance & Travel Time: Approx. 160 km, 6-7 hours.

Highlights: The first glimpse of snow-capped peaks, and the majestic Kinnaur Kailash, which is a sight to behold, especially at sunset.

Stay: Kalpa

Day 03: Exploring Kalpa & Chitkul

Itinerary: Today you will take a day trip to the remote village of Chitkul. Known as the last inhabited village on the Indo-Tibet border, it sits on the banks of the Baspa River. You can walk around the village, chat with locals, and soak in the raw, untouched beauty. Later, you'll return to Kalpa for the night.

Distance & Travel Time: Approx. 60 km one way, 2-3 hours.

Traveller Enjoyment: Feel a sense of adventure at the "end of the road." Take a photograph at the "Hindustan Ka Akhri Gaon" sign. The peace and quiet here are unmatched.

Stay: Kalpa

Day 04: Kalpa to Tabo (Entering Spiti Valley)

Itinerary: The journey today is long and challenging as you transition from the green Kinnaur Valley to the arid landscape of Spiti. The road is rough, but the views are spectacular. This is a crucial acclimatization day. Upon arrival in Tabo, check into your guesthouse.

Distance & Travel Time: Approx. 150 km, 7-8 hours.

Highlights: You'll see a dramatic change in scenery as the green mountains give way to barren, multi-hued cliffs.

Stay: Tabo

Day 05: Tabo & Pin Valley to Kaza

Itinerary: In the morning, visit the 1000-year-old Tabo Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its ancient mud-brick structures and priceless frescoes are a sight to behold. After, drive towards Kaza, the sub-divisional headquarters of Spiti. En route, you'll enter the stunning Pin Valley National Park, a cold desert landscape with unique flora and fauna.

Distance & Travel Time: Approx. 60 km, 3-4 hours with stops.

Highlights: Stepping back in time at Tabo Monastery. The stark, colorful beauty of Pin Valley.

Stay: Kaza

Day 06: Kaza & Its Monastic Treasures

Itinerary: This day is dedicated to exploring the area around Kaza. You will visit the majestic Key Monastery, a large Tibetan Buddhist monastery and a training center for monks. Perched on a hilltop, it offers a magical view of the Spiti River. Later, visit Kibber village, one of the highest villages in the world with a motorable road.

Distance & Travel Time: Approx. 40 km, 2-3 hours.

Traveller Enjoyment: Witness the morning prayers at Key Monastery. The spiritual chants and beautiful setting create an unforgettable experience.

Stay: Kaza

Day 07: High-Altitude Villages & The World's Highest Everything

Itinerary: Today, you will explore the highest motorable villages in the world. You will visit Komik, the world's highest village connected by a motorable road. Then, head to Hikkim to send a postcard from the world's highest post office. Finally, visit Langza, known for its giant Buddha statue and the possibility of finding marine fossils.

Distance & Travel Time: Approx. 40 km loop, 4-5 hours.

Traveller Enjoyment: Sending a postcard from Hikkim is a unique souvenir. The feeling of being "on top of the world" in Komik is incredible.

Stay: Kaza

Day 08: Kaza to Chandratal Lake via Kunzum Pass

Itinerary: This is one of the most exciting days of the trip. You will cross the treacherous yet magnificent Kunzum Pass (15,060 ft). After the pass, you will descend to the stunning Chandratal Lake (The Moon Lake), a high-altitude alpine lake known for its crystal-clear blue waters. You will check into your camp near the lake.

Distance & Travel Time: Approx. 100 km, 6-7 hours.

Traveller Enjoyment: The first sight of Chandratal is simply breathtaking. The night sky is incredibly clear and perfect for stargazing.

Stay: Chandratal Camps

Day 09: Chandratal to Manali

Itinerary: After breakfast, begin your final leg of the Spiti circuit. You will cross the famous Rohtang Pass and descend into the lush green Kullu Valley. The transition from the stark brown mountains of Spiti to the vibrant green of Manali is a truly remarkable sight.

Distance & Travel Time: Approx. 120 km, 6-7 hours.

Highlights: The sudden shift in scenery. The feel of lush green after the arid Spiti desert.

Stay: Manali

Day 10: Manali Local Exploration

Itinerary: A day to relax and explore Manali. You can visit the ancient Hadimba Devi Temple, stroll through the charming streets of Old Manali, and enjoy the cafes and markets.

Stay: Manali

Day 11: Manali Excursion

Itinerary: Enjoy a day trip to the adventure hub of Solang Valley. You can indulge in activities like zorbing, paragliding, and snow activities if the weather permits. You can also drive through the Atal Tunnel, a modern engineering marvel, to see the Lahaul Valley.

Stay: Manali

Day 12: Manali to Chandigarh

Itinerary: After breakfast, begin the long drive back to Chandigarh. This is primarily a travel day to cover the distance and get you closer to your departure point.

Distance & Travel Time: Approx. 310 km, 9-10 hours.

Stay: Chandigarh

Day 13: Departure from Chandigarh

Itinerary: Depending on your flight schedule, you can visit local attractions like the Rock Garden or Sukhna Lake. Afterwards, you will be transferred to the Chandigarh Airport or Railway Station for your onward journey, filled with memories of an incredible journey.