Spiti Valley Round‑Trip Itinerary: Kolkata – Spiti – Kolkata

Day 1: Kolkata → Ambala (Train)

Morning: Board the 3A express from Kolkata to Ambala Cantonment. Enjoy the comfortable sleeper journey with scenic views of the plains.

Afternoon: Arrive at Ambala, check‑in at a pre‑booked hotel and have a light lunch. Use this time to freshen up after the long ride.

Evening: Take a short walk around the historic Ambala Cantonment market to experience local flavors before resting for the next day's drive.

Day 2: Ambala → Narkanda (Car)

Morning: Depart Ambala in a private car provided by the tour organiser. Drive through the foothills of the Himalayas, crossing the famous Haryana‑Punjab border.

Afternoon: Reach Narkanda and enjoy a leisurely lunch. Explore the Harsil‑Narkanda trek trail and the Hatu Peak viewpoint.

Evening: Check‑in at a cosy lodge, relax by the fireplace, and savor a traditional Himachali dinner.

Day 3: Narkanda → Chitkul (Car)

Morning: Start early and drive towards the pristine Kinnaur valley, crossing the stunning Jalori Pass.

Afternoon: Arrive at Chitkul, the last inhabited village on the Indo‑Chinese border. Stroll along the Chitkul River and photograph the iconic wooden houses.

Evening: Stay in a homestay, interact with locals, and enjoy a warm cup of tea while watching the sunset over the Himalayas.

Day 4: Chitkul → Nako (Car)

Morning: Depart Chitkul and head towards the high‑altitude village of Nako in Spiti, crossing the Jalandhari Pass.

Afternoon: Reach Nako and visit the serene Nako Lake. Take a short hike to the ancient Nako Monastery.

Evening: Overnight at a guesthouse, with the night sky illuminated by countless stars.

Day 5: Nako → Tabo (Car)

Morning: Drive from Nako to Tabo, often called the “Ajanta of the Himalayas”. Enjoy the rugged landscape of the Spiti Valley.

Afternoon: Explore the world‑renowned Tabo Monastery, admiring its ancient frescoes and intricate murals.

Evening: Relax at the Tabo Guest House, with optional bonfire and storytelling sessions.

Day 6: Tabo → Chandratal Lake (Car)

Morning: Depart Tabo and travel towards the breathtaking Chandratal Lake, crossing the dramatic Kibber Pass.

Afternoon: Arrive at Chandratal, a high‑altitude crescent‑shaped lake. Take a gentle walk along its turquoise shore and soak in the panoramic mountain views.

Evening: Set up camp by the lake, enjoy a simple dinner under the stars, and relish the tranquil ambiance.

Day 7: Chandratal → Manali (Car)

Morning: Drive down from Chandratal to Manali, passing through the lush valleys of Kullu.

Afternoon: Reach Manali, check‑in at a hotel, and explore the bustling Mall Road and the historic Hadimba Temple.

Evening: Enjoy a leisurely dinner at a local restaurant, sampling Himachali specialties like “siddu” and “babru”.

Day 8: Manali → Ambala → Kolkata (Car + Train)

Morning: Depart Manali early, drive back to Ambala Cantonment for the return train.

Afternoon: Board the 3A train from Ambala to Kolkata. Relax on board and reflect on the adventure.

Evening: Arrive in Kolkata, concluding the round‑trip journey.

Time and Cost Estimates

• Train (Kolkata–Ambala & return) – 12 h each way – ₹4,000 per person
• Private car hire (8 days) – 8 × ₹5,000/day – ₹40,000 total (shared cost)
• Ambala Cantonment (stay & meals) – 1 night – ₹2,500
• Narkanda (lodging & meals) – 1 night – ₹3,000
• Chitkul (homestay) – 1 night – ₹3,500
• Nako (guesthouse) – 1 night – ₹3,000
• Tabo (guesthouse) – 1 night – ₹3,000
• Chandratal Lake (camp) – 1 night – ₹4,000 (camp fee & equipment)
• Manali (hotel) – 1 night – ₹3,500
• Meals (average ₹800 per day) – 8 days – ₹6,400

Total Estimated Cost per Person: ₹69,900

Tips

For a more relaxed pace, add an extra day in Manali or Nako to explore nearby trekking routes and local culture. If you need to shorten the trip, skip the overnight stay at Chandratal and head directly from Tabo to Manali, reducing the itinerary by one day while still covering the main highlights.