5-Day Budget Adventure in Spiti Valley and Chandrataal Lake

Day 1: Travel and Acclimatize

Shimla to Kaza, India on May 11, 2025

6:00AM

Start from Shimla

Begin your journey early from Shimla to Kaza by shared taxi or local bus; the drive covers approximately 12-14 hours with beautiful mountainous routes perfect for acclimatization.
INR1000, 14h0m

8:00AM

Breakfast at Shimla

Enjoy a budget-friendly North Indian breakfast at 'Ashiana & Goofa' serving aloo paratha and chai before departure.
INR150, 1h0m

8:00PM

Check-in Guesthouse in Kaza

Stay at a budget guesthouse like 'Spiti Deyzor Hostel' offering comfortable rooms for INR 600-800 per night, ideal for budget travellers.
INR700, overnight
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Day 2: Kaza Exploration

Kaza, Spiti Valley, India on May 12, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at Jimmy's Cafe

Start your day with hearty momos and Tibetan bread at Jimmy's Cafe, an economical and popular spot among tourists.
INR200, 1h0m

9:30AM

Visit Key Monastery

Explore the iconic Key Monastery, an ancient Tibetan Buddhist monastery showcasing traditional architecture and panoramic views. Opens at 9AM.
INR30, 2h0m

12:00PM

Lunch at Hotel Khangsar

Enjoy simple local cuisine like thukpa and rice at Hotel Khangsar at reasonable prices to fuel your day.
INR250, 1h0m

1:30PM

Visit Ki Gompa and Kibber Village

Visit Ki Gompa (Key Monastery) surroundings and then drive to Kibber Village, one of the highest inhabited villages known for scenic beauty and local culture.
INR100, 3h0m

5:00PM

Evening Tea at Hikkim

Stop at Hikkim village to post postcards from the world’s highest post office and enjoy local tea.
INR50, 1h0m

6:30PM

Dinner at guesthouse

Opt for a simple homely dinner at your guesthouse with local dal and chapati to stay within budget.
INR150, 1h0m
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Day 3: Chandrataal Lake Adventure

Kaza to Chandrataal Lake, India on May 13, 2025

7:00AM

Breakfast at Guesthouse

Early breakfast at the guesthouse preparing for the full-day excursion to Chandrataal Lake.
INR150, 1h0m

8:00AM

Drive to Chandrataal Lake

Travel 56 km from Kaza to Chandrataal Lake, a mesmerizing high-altitude lake surrounded by striking landscapes. The road is rugged, hire a shared jeep for cost efficiency.
INR500, 4h0m

12:00PM

Explore Chandrataal Lake

Enjoy the serene beauty, take photographs, and soak in the tranquil environment. Camping here is an option if within budget; otherwise, plan to return same day.
Free, 3h0m

2:00PM

Packed Lunch

Carry prepared packed lunch from Kaza or buy from local shops; options include sandwiches and fruits for a quick meal.
INR150, 1h0m

3:00PM

Return to Kaza

Drive back to Kaza to rest and prepare for next day journey.
Included in earlier jeep fare, 4h0m

7:00PM

Dinner at local eatery

Visit 'Lhasa Cafe' for affordable Tibetan dishes like fried rice and thukpa.
INR200, 1h0m
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Day 4: Cultural and Spiritual Insights

Kaza to Dhankar, India on May 14, 2025

7:30AM

Breakfast at guesthouse

Simple breakfast featuring porridge and tea to energize for Dhankar trip.
INR150, 1h0m

8:30AM

Drive to Dhankar Monastery

Short 30 km drive to the majestic Dhankar Monastery situated between cliffs with spectacular views. Opens 9AM.
INR50, 1h0m

9:30AM

Visit Dhankar Monastery

Explore this ancient Buddhist monastery known for its history, murals, and spiritual ambiance.
INR50, 2h0m

12:00PM

Lunch at local eatery

Enjoy fresh local cuisine at a small dhaba near Dhankar with momos and dhal fry.
INR200, 1h0m

1:30PM

Visit Tabo Monastery

Optional excursion to Tabo Monastery, about 50 km from Dhankar, renowned for ancient Buddhist scriptures and temples, entrance fee around INR100.
INR100, 3h0m

5:00PM

Return to Kaza

Return to Kaza for overnight stay and dinner.
Included in local transport, 2h0m

7:30PM

Dinner at guesthouse

Enjoy a wholesome dinner with locally prepared lentils and rice keeping within budget.
INR150, 1h0m
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Day 5: Return Journey

Kaza to Shimla via Manali, India on May 15, 2025

6:00AM

Breakfast and Journey Start

Early breakfast and start your descent from Kaza to Shimla via Manali using shared taxis or buses, expect a long day of travel approximately 12-14 hours.
INR1000, 14h0m

8:00AM

Breakfast en route

Stopover at a dhaba along the way in Manali for simple paratha and chai.
INR150, 1h0m

8:00PM

Arrive Shimla

Reach Shimla by late evening, concluding your budget-friendly exhilarating Spiti Valley adventure.
Free, end
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