Spiti Valley Expedition: Kolkata → Kolkata (8 Persons)

Day 1: Kolkata → Ambala (Train Journey)

Morning: Board the 3A express from Kolkata to Ambala Cantonment, enjoying comfortable cabins and scenic views.

Afternoon: Relax aboard the train, with meals provided and time to plan the upcoming mountain adventure.

Evening: Arrive at Ambala, meet the organizer’s driver with the Tata Winger, and transfer to the pre‑booked hotel for overnight rest.

Day 2: Ambala → Manali (Road Transfer)

Morning: Depart Ambala early, cruising through the plains of Punjab and into the hills of Himachal Pradesh.

Afternoon: Stop at Chandigarh for a quick city tour and lunch before continuing the ascent.

Evening: Reach Manali, check into the hotel, and enjoy a leisurely stroll along the Mall Road.

Day 3: Manali – Local Highlights & Narkanda

Morning: Explore Manali’s attractions – Hadimba Temple and the vibrant Old Manali market.

Afternoon: Depart for Narkanda, a serene hill station offering panoramic views of the Himalayas.

Evening: Check into a homestay in Narkanda, unwind with a bonfire and local Himachali cuisine.

Day 4: Narkanda → Chitkul (Kinnaur)

Morning: Drive through the lush valleys of Kinnaur, crossing the iconic Rangla Pass.

Afternoon: Arrive at Chitkul, the last inhabited village of Himachal, and explore its quaint wooden houses.

Evening: Relax by the river, soak in the tranquil ambiance, and enjoy a traditional dinner.

Day 5: Chitkul → Nako (Spiti Border)

Morning: Cross into Spiti via the scenic Kunzum Pass, with breathtaking vistas of barren mountains.

Afternoon: Reach Nako, a high‑altitude village beside a crystal‑clear lake; take a short lakeside walk.

Evening: Settle into the guesthouse, experience the serene night sky of the Spiti plateau.

Day 6: Nako → Tabo

Morning: Depart Nako, traveling through the stark beauty of the Spiti Valley.

Afternoon: Arrive at Tabo, famed for its ancient monastery and vibrant murals.

Evening: Visit the monastery for a cultural immersion, then enjoy a quiet dinner at the hotel.

Day 7: Tabo → Chandratal Lake

Morning: Drive towards the spectacular Chandratal Lake, often called the “Moon Lake”.

Afternoon: Arrive at the lake’s rim, take a leisurely walk along its turquoise waters, and capture stunning photographs.

Evening: Camp near the lake (or stay in nearby guesthouse), relish a campfire dinner under the stars.

Day 8: Chandratal → Manali → Ambala (Return)

Morning: Depart Chandratal and head back to Manali, enjoying the descending scenery.

Afternoon: Continue the drive to Ambala, stopping for refreshments along the way.

Evening: Arrive in Ambala, board the overnight train back to Kolkata.

Day 9: Arrival in Kolkata

Morning: Reach Kolkata, concluding the Spiti adventure.

Afternoon: Transfer to your residence or hotel, with optional debrief and photo sharing session.

Evening: Free time to relax after the journey.

Time and Cost Estimates

• Train Kolkata‑Ambala (one way, 3A) – 12 hrs – ₹2,000 per person × 8 = ₹16,000
• Train Ambala‑Kolkata (return, 3A) – 12 hrs – ₹2,000 per person × 8 = ₹16,000
• Private Tata Winger (8 days) – 8 days – ₹10,000 per day = ₹80,000
• Accommodation (8 nights, max ₹2,000/night) – ₹2,000 × 8 = ₹16,000
• Fuel & Tolls (approx.) – ₹12,000
• Meals (average ₹500 per person per day) – ₹500 × 8 persons × 9 days = ₹36,000
• Entry fees & permits (Monasteries, Chandratal) – ₹5,000
• Total Estimated Cost – ₹191,000

Tips

To extend the trip, consider adding a day in Kaza for its vibrant market and the nearby Key Monastery, or a trek to Pin Valley. If you need to shorten the itinerary, skip the overnight stay at Chandratal and return directly from Tabo to Manali, reducing travel time by a day while still experiencing the core highlights of Spiti.