9-Day Road Trip Itinerary from Surat to Spiti Valley: Scenic Adventures and Cultural Exploration

Day 1: Surat to Udaipur

Surat, India to Udaipur, India on May 5, 2025

7:30AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Start your day with a hearty breakfast at your Surat hotel, enjoying traditional Gujarati dishes like Thepla and Fafda to fuel your long drive ahead.
INR200, 1h

8:30AM

Drive to Udaipur

Embark on a 7-8 hour scenic drive covering approximately 520 km, heading north through vibrant Rajasthan towards the City of Lakes, Udaipur.
Fuel and toll costs approx INR3500, 8h

5:00PM

Check-in and Relax

Upon arrival, check into your Udaipur hotel and unwind after the day's drive, preparing for an evening stroll.
Hotel cost varies, 1h

6:30PM

Dinner at Ambrai Restaurant

Dine at Ambrai, known for lakeside views and delicious Rajasthani and North Indian cuisine, open till 11PM.
Approx INR700 per person, 2h
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Day 2: Explore Udaipur

Udaipur, India on May 6, 2025

8:30AM

Breakfast at Tribute Café

Enjoy a relaxing breakfast featuring artisan coffee and light continental fare in a quaint setting.
INR300, 1h

10:00AM

Visit City Palace

Explore the sprawling City Palace complex offering panoramic lake views, intricate architecture, and royal history. Open 9 AM to 5:30 PM.
INR300, 2h

12:30PM

Lunch at Jagat Niwas Palace

Savour traditional Rajasthani thali overlooking Lake Pichola in an atmospheric heritage hotel restaurant.
Approx INR600, 1.5h

2:30PM

Boat Ride at Lake Pichola

Take a 1-hour boat ride to enjoy views of the palaces and ghats from the water, a serene experience until 5:30 PM.
INR400, 1h

4:00PM

Visit Jag Mandir Island

Stop at the island palace accessible by boat, known for its romantic architecture and tranquil gardens.
Included in boat ride cost, 1h

7:00PM

Dinner at Upre by 1559 AD

Delight in rooftop dining with views over the lake, offering a fusion of local and global dishes.
INR800 approx, 2h
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Day 3: Udaipur to Manali

Udaipur, India to Manali, India on May 7, 2025

7:30AM

Early Breakfast

Eat a quick breakfast at your hotel featuring local and continental options to prepare for a long journey to Manali.
INR250, 1h

8:30AM

Drive to Manali

A long drive of around 12-13 hours (approx 720 km) through diverse landscapes transitioning from plains to mountains.
Fuel and tolls approx INR4500, 13h

9:30PM

Check-in at Manali Hotel

Arrive and check into your Manali accommodation to rest after a long day on the road, preparing for mountain adventures ahead.
Hotel cost varies, Overnight
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Day 4: Manali Local Sightseeing

Manali, India on May 8, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at Café 1947

Enjoy freshly brewed coffee and a mix of Italian and Indian breakfast options by the river.
INR400, 1h

9:30AM

Visit Hadimba Devi Temple

Explore the ancient cedar forest surrounding this serene wooden temple, open from 6 AM to 6 PM.
Free, 1h

11:00AM

Walk around Old Manali

Stroll through cobbled lanes filled with cafes, markets, and local handicrafts, experiencing local culture.
Free, 2h

1:00PM

Lunch at Johnson's Cafe

Sample Himachali specialities along with continental dishes in a cozy location, open till 5 PM.
INR600 approx, 1.5h

3:00PM

Visit Manu Temple and Tibetan Monastery

Explore local spiritual sites that highlight the diverse cultural heritage of Manali.
Free, 1h

6:00PM

Dinner at The Lazy Dog

Enjoy relaxed dining with a focus on international dishes and local ingredients, open until 10 PM.
INR700 approx, 2h
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Day 5: Manali to Kaza (Spiti Valley)

Manali, India to Kaza, Spiti Valley, India on May 9, 2025

6:00AM

Early Breakfast

Have an early breakfast at your hotel to start the mountain drive while roads are clear and traffic light.
INR300, 0.5h

6:30AM

Drive Manali to Kaza

Drive along the Manali-Leh highway, entering the scenic and challenging Spiti Valley, this 8-hour drive covers 210 km with breathtaking views.
Fuel cost approx INR1200, 8h

3:00PM

Check-in and Rest in Kaza

Settle into your guesthouse or hotel in Kaza, the main town of Spiti Valley, acclimatising to the altitude.
Varies, Rest of day

5:00PM

Walk around Kaza Market

Take a gentle walk to explore the local market and sample traditional snacks with approachable shops.
Free to explore, 2h

7:30PM

Dinner at Local Eatery

Try Spitian cuisine including Thukpa and Momos at a recommended local eatery known for authentic flavours.
INR400 approx, 1.5h
View Hotel Availability

Day 6: Spiti Valley Sightseeing

Kaza, Spiti Valley, India on May 10, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast in Hotel

Enjoy a filling breakfast featuring local and continental options to prepare for a day of exploration.
INR300, 0.5h

9:00AM

Visit Ki Monastery

Discover one of Spiti's largest and most important monasteries, known for its ancient murals and peaceful atmosphere. Open 9 AM to 5 PM.
INR50, 2h

12:00PM

Lunch at Gags' Restaurant in Kibber

Dine at a popular spot offering homely meals in the nearby high altitude village of Kibber, around 22 km from Kaza.
INR400-500, 1h

1:30PM

Visit Kibber Village & Wildlife Sanctuary

Explore the high-altitude village known for traditional architecture and the nearby Pin Valley National Park home to rare wildlife.
Park entry INR100, 3h

5:00PM

Return to Kaza

Drive back to Kaza for evening leisure and rest.
Fuel minimal, 1h

7:30PM

Dinner at Spiti Ras Restaurant

Enjoy a warm dinner featuring local delicacies with cozy ambiance ideal for the cold mountain night.
INR400 approx, 1.5h
View Hotel Availability

Day 7: Explore More Spiti

Kaza, Spiti Valley, India on May 11, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast

Breakfast at your accommodation to energize for another stunning day in the valley.
INR300, 0.5h

9:00AM

Visit Dhankar Monastery and Lake

Explore this historic fortress monastery perched dramatically on a cliff with expansive valley views, open from 8 AM to 5 PM.
INR50 entry, 3h

1:00PM

Lunch at Local Dhankar Eatery

Enjoy simple yet tasty local food at a nearby eatery offering authentic taste of Spiti cuisines.
INR300-400, 1h

2:30PM

Visit Langza Village

Check out Langza's fossil museum and panoramic views; known as the ‘fossil village’ of Spiti, this site offers unique insight into geology and culture.
Free, 2h

5:00PM

Return to Kaza

Drive back to Kaza to relax and prepare for the journey out of Spiti.
Fuel minimal, 1h

7:00PM

Dinner at Hotel

A quiet dinner at your hotel to reflect on the day's adventures and rest well.
Included or INR300, 1.5h
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Day 8: Kaza to Shimla via Reckong Peo

Kaza, Spiti Valley, India to Shimla, India on May 12, 2025

7:00AM

Early Breakfast

Early breakfast to start the long descent and drive to Shimla, passing through Reckong Peo for a brief stop.
INR300, 0.5h

7:30AM

Drive to Reckong Peo

Drive approximately 140 km covering 5-6 hours to the town of Reckong Peo, a charming gateway to Kinnaur region.
Fuel INR800 approx, 6h

1:30PM

Lunch in Reckong Peo

Enjoy Himachali delicacies at a local restaurant in Reckong Peo, including trout and thukpa.
INR450 approx, 1h

2:30PM

Drive to Shimla

Continue driving 8-9 hours approx 220 km on mountainous roads to reach Shimla, the colonial hill station.
Fuel approx INR1000, 9h

11:30PM

Check-in Shimla

Arrive late and check into your hotel, rest overnight in preparation for Shimla exploration.
Varies, Overnight
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Day 9: Shimla Sightseeing and Return

Shimla, India on May 13, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at Café Simla Times

Enjoy a lovely breakfast in one of Shimla's popular cafes known for warm ambiance and good food.
INR350, 1h

9:30AM

Walk on Mall Road and Ridge

Spend your morning strolling the iconic Mall Road, Ridge, and Christ Church area, soaking in Shimla’s colonial charm. Open all day.
Free, 2h

12:00PM

Visit Jakhoo Temple

Short hike or taxi ride to this hilltop temple dedicated to Hanuman, offering panoramic views of the Himalayas.
Free, 1h

1:30PM

Lunch at Wake & Bake Café

Refuel with fresh bakery items, sandwiches, and coffee at this cozy café on Mall Road.
INR400, 1h

3:00PM

Drive back to Surat or proceed to Chandigarh

Depending on your return plans, begin travel either back to Surat by road over multiple days or head towards Chandigarh to catch flight/train connections.
Variable, Variable

7:00PM

Dinner in Shimla or en route

Enjoy dinner at a restaurant of choice or packed meal if traveling late evening.
INR500 approx, 1h
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