Exploring Spiti in 7 Days

Thursday, September 21: Arrival in Shimla

Arrive in Shimla, the capital city of Himachal Pradesh, and take in the beautiful mountain scenery. Spend the morning exploring the Mall Road, visiting local shops and cafes. In the afternoon, visit the Viceregal Lodge, also known as Rashtrapati Niwas, and learn about its colonial history. In the evening, enjoy a leisurely walk along the Ridge, a popular promenade with stunning views of the surrounding mountains.

• Mall Road: Estimated cost - Free, Time spent - 2-3 hours
• Viceregal Lodge: Estimated cost - INR 50 per person, Time spent - 1-2 hours
• The Ridge: Estimated cost - Free, Time spent - 1-2 hours

Restaurants

• A cozy cafe on the Mall Road that serves delicious breakfast options such as pancakes, omelettes, and freshly baked croissants. Average cost for a meal is about ₹200 per person.
• A popular local restaurant near the Ridge that offers a wide variety of cuisines for lunch including Indian, Chinese, and Continental dishes. Average cost for a meal is about ₹300 per person.
• A rooftop restaurant with breathtaking views of the mountains, specializing in traditional Himachali cuisine for dinner. Average cost for a meal is about ₹500 per person.

Friday, September 22: Shimla to Kalpa

Start your journey towards Kalpa, a picturesque village located in Kinnaur district. In the morning, visit the ancient Kamru Fort, known for its architectural beauty and panoramic views. Afterward, continue your drive to Kalpa, enjoying the scenic landscapes along the way. In the evening, explore the local market and witness the stunning sunset over the Kinner Kailash range.

• Kamru Fort: Estimated cost - INR 20 per person, Time spent - 1-2 hours
• Travel from Shimla to Kalpa: Estimated cost - INR 2,000 per person (private taxi), Time spent - 7-8 hours

Saturday, September 23: Kalpa to Nako

Embark on a journey from Kalpa to Nako, a serene village situated by the banks of Nako Lake. Spend the morning exploring the village and visiting the Nako Monastery, known for its ancient murals and artifacts. In the afternoon, take a relaxing walk around Nako Lake and enjoy the tranquil surroundings. End the day by experiencing a mesmerizing stargazing session in the clear night sky.

• Nako Monastery: Estimated cost - Free, Time spent - 1-2 hours
• Travel from Kalpa to Nako: Estimated cost - INR 1,500 per person (private taxi), Time spent - 4-5 hours
• Stargazing: Estimated cost - Free, Time spent - 1-2 hours

Sunday, September 24: Nako to Dhankar

Head towards Dhankar, a small village perched on a cliff above the confluence of Spiti and Pin Rivers. In the morning, visit the Dhankar Gompa, an ancient monastery with breathtaking views of the valley. Afterward, trek to Dhankar Lake, a pristine high-altitude lake surrounded by snowy peaks. Spend the evening exploring the village and interacting with local residents.

• Dhankar Gompa: Estimated cost - Free, Time spent - 1-2 hours
• Dhankar Lake: Estimated cost - Free, Time spent - 3-4 hours
• Travel from Nako to Dhankar: Estimated cost - INR 1,500 per person (private taxi), Time spent - 3-4 hours

Monday, September 25: Dhankar to Kaza

Continue your journey to Kaza, the largest town in the Spiti Valley. In the morning, visit the iconic Key Monastery, one of the oldest and largest monasteries in the region. Afterward, explore the picturesque village of Kibber, known for its stunning landscapes and wildlife. In the evening, reach Kaza and enjoy a leisurely walk around the town, immersing yourself in the local culture.

• Key Monastery: Estimated cost - Free, Time spent - 2-3 hours
• Kibber Village: Estimated cost - Free, Time spent - 2-3 hours
• Travel from Dhankar to Kaza: Estimated cost - INR 1,500 per person (private taxi), Time spent - 3-4 hours

Tuesday, September 26: Kaza to Langza and Hikkim

Explore the charming villages of Langza and Hikkim, known for their stunning landscapes and ancient monasteries. In the morning, visit the picturesque village of Langza and hike up to the famous Buddha Statue, enjoying the panoramic views of the valley. Afterward, head to Hikkim, home to the world's highest post office. Send a postcard to your loved ones and soak in the serene atmosphere of this remote village.

• Langza Village: Estimated cost - Free, Time spent - 2-3 hours
• Hikkim Village: Estimated cost - Free, Time spent - 1-2 hours
• Travel from Kaza to Langza and Hikkim: Estimated cost - INR 1,000 per person (private taxi), Time spent - 5-6 hours

Wednesday, September 27: Kaza to Chandratal Lake

Embark on a memorable journey to Chandratal Lake, also known as the Moon Lake, located at an altitude of 4,300 meters. Spend the day exploring the stunning surroundings, taking in the breathtaking views of the lake and surrounding mountains. In the evening, camp near the lake and witness the magic of the starry night sky.

• Chandratal Lake: Estimated cost - Free, Time spent - 4-5 hours
• Camping near Chandratal Lake: Estimated cost - INR 2,000 per person (including tent and meals), Time spent - Overnight
• Travel from Kaza to Chandratal Lake: Estimated cost - INR 2,500 per person (shared taxi), Time spent - 6-7 hours

Hidden Gems and Local Favorites

While exploring Spiti, don't miss the opportunity to visit the Pin Valley National Park, a paradise for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts. Take a detour to Dhankar Village and hike up to Dhankar Fortress for panoramic views of the valley. Experience the warm hospitality of the locals by staying in homestays and indulging in local cuisine.

For hotel and flight bookings, check prices on Kayak.