8-Day Scenic Road Trip from Chandigarh to Kaza: Himalayan Adventure and Cultural Exploration

Day 1: Travel to Shimla

Chandigarh to Shimla, India on May 16, 2025

8:30AM

Breakfast at Indian Coffee House, Chandigarh

Start your journey with a hearty breakfast at Indian Coffee House, known for authentic South Indian delicacies and vintage ambiance.
INR150, 1h

9:30AM

Drive Chandigarh to Shimla

Embark on a scenic 4-hour drive to Shimla, enjoying the gradual ascent into the Himalayas and beautiful valley views.
Transportation cost varies, 4h30m

2:00PM

Lunch at Cafe Sol, Shimla

Relax with a meal at Cafe Sol offering appetizing Continental and Indian dishes with a view of the mall road.
INR350, 1h

3:30PM

Stroll on The Ridge and Mall Road

Explore Shimla’s famous Ridge area and Mall Road, perfect for sightseeing and shopping local handicrafts. Open all day.
Free, 2h

6:00PM

Visit Jakhoo Temple

Visit this hilltop temple dedicated to Hanuman, known for panoramic views of Shimla. Open until 7 PM.
Free, 1h

7:30PM

Dinner at Indian Coffee House, Shimla

Enjoy classic Indian dishes in a cozy old-world charm setting to end your day.
INR300, 1h
View Hotel Availability

Day 2: Shimla to Manali Journey

Shimla to Manali, India on May 17, 2025

7:00AM

Breakfast at Wake & Bake Cafe

Start early with organic coffees and a delicious breakfast at this popular Shimla café.
INR250, 1h

8:00AM

Drive Shimla to Manali

Enjoy a spectacular 7-hour drive across the Himalayan landscape, passing through mountain valleys and pine forests.
Transportation cost varies, 7h

3:30PM

Lunch at Johnson’s Cafe, Manali

Treat yourself with Tibetan and Himachali cuisine at this renowned restaurant near the Mall Road.
INR400, 1h

5:00PM

Visit Hadimba Devi Temple

Visit this 16th-century wooden temple surrounded by cedar forests, a serene cultural site open till dusk.
Free, 1h

6:30PM

Walk around Mall Road

Explore Manali’s vibrant Mall Road for shopping and local snacks.
Free, 1h

8:00PM

Dinner at The Lazy Dog, Manali

Relish European and Indian fusion food in a cozy, rustic ambiance.
INR500, 1h
View Hotel Availability

Day 3: Manali to Keylong

Manali to Keylong, India on May 18, 2025

7:30AM

Breakfast at Café 1947, Manali

Enjoy a riverside breakfast with Italian and Indian options before heading towards Keylong.
INR350, 1h

8:30AM

Drive Manali to Keylong

Begin the 4-hour scenic drive on the Leh-Manali highway, witnessing high altitude landscapes and pristine rivers.
Transportation cost varies, 4h

1:00PM

Lunch at Royal Café, Keylong

Rest and fuel up with local Himachali dishes in a warm atmosphere.
INR300, 1h

2:30PM

Visit Kardang Monastery

Explore this peaceful 12th-century Buddhist monastery, significant in Tibetan Buddhism, open till late afternoon.
Free, 1.5h

5:00PM

Relax at Hotel or Walk around Keylong town

Leisure time to acclimatize to altitude, stroll the charming town streets.
Free, 2h

7:00PM

Dinner at local guesthouse

Enjoy simple homemade Himalayan cuisine for dinner.
INR250, 1h
View Hotel Availability

Day 4: Keylong to Kaza

Keylong to Kaza, Spiti Valley, India on May 19, 2025

7:00AM

Breakfast at your Hotel, Keylong

Early breakfast with local and continental options to prepare for a long journey ahead.
INR250, 1h

8:00AM

Drive Keylong to Kaza

Undertake a 6-7 hour mountainous drive through stunning Spiti Valley landscapes with multiple stopovers for photography.
Transportation cost varies, 7h

3:30PM

Check-in and Lunch at Kaza Guesthouse

Settle in and enjoy a traditional Spitian meal with fresh local ingredients.
INR400, 1h

5:00PM

Visit Key Monastery

Visit the spectacular Key Monastery, a cultural and religious hub overlooking the Spiti River, open till 6 PM.
Free, 1h

7:00PM

Dinner at Hotel or local café

Enjoy hot typical Tibetan food such as thukpa and momos.
INR350, 1h
View Hotel Availability

Day 5: Kaza Local Sightseeing

Kaza, Spiti Valley, India on May 20, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at hotel

A wholesome breakfast to energize for a day of local sightseeing.
Included in stay, 1h

9:00AM

Visit Dhankar Monastery and Fort

Drive 25 km to visit this impressive monastery perched on a cliff, with breathtaking valley views, open till 5 PM.
Free, 3h

12:30PM

Lunch at local eatery in Dhankar

Enjoy simple Ladakhi meals in the village before returning to Kaza.
INR300, 1h

2:00PM

Explore Kibber Village

Visit one of the highest inhabited villages in the world, known for its traditional architecture and wildlife sanctuary close by.
Free, 3h

6:00PM

Return and rest

Relax at your guesthouse after the day’s explorations.
Free, 1h

7:30PM

Dinner at The Dhaba in Kaza

Enjoy delicious, wholesome food with locally inspired options.
INR350, 1h
View Hotel Availability

Day 6: Pin Valley National Park

Kaza to Pin Valley, Spiti Valley, India on May 21, 2025

7:30AM

Breakfast

Have a filling breakfast at your accommodation to prepare for a day outdoors.
Included, 1h

8:30AM

Excursion to Pin Valley National Park

Travel 30 km to this beautiful park known for its rare flora and fauna, including snow leopards and Siberian ibex, open from 7 AM to 5 PM.
INR100 (entry fee), 5h

2:00PM

Picnic Lunch at Pin Valley's scenic spots

Enjoy lunch amidst nature; carry packed food or buy from local stalls.
INR200, 1h

3:30PM

Return to Kaza

Leisurely drive back to Kaza for relaxation.
Free, 1h

6:00PM

Free time for shopping or rest

Explore Kaza’s small local markets or unwind at your guesthouse.
Free, 1.5h

7:30PM

Dinner at Spiti Kitchen Café

Enjoy well-prepared local and fusion dishes in a friendly setting.
INR400, 1h
View Hotel Availability

Day 7: Chandratal Lake Excursion

Kaza to Chandratal Lake, Spiti Valley, India on May 22, 2025

6:30AM

Early Breakfast

Grab a quick early breakfast to start your day trip to the stunning Chandratal Lake.
INR200, 30m

7:00AM

Drive to Chandratal Lake

Begin a 3-4 hour drive on rough terrain to this beautiful high-altitude lake, known as the Moon Lake, open all day but recommended early visit to avoid crowds.
Free, 4h

11:00AM

Explore Chandratal Lake

Spend time enjoying the pristine turquoise lake, surrounding mountains and photo opportunities.
Free, 2h

1:00PM

Packed lunch by the lake

Enjoy a packed or picnic lunch brought along while soaking in nature.
INR200, 1h

2:00PM

Return drive to Kaza

Begin the scenic return journey to Kaza.
Free, 4h

6:30PM

Rest and refreshments

Relax after your exciting day with warm drinks at your accommodation.
Free, 1h

7:30PM

Dinner at Hotel

Enjoy a relaxed dinner with a variety of fresh local ingredients to round off the day.
INR400, 1h
View Hotel Availability

Day 8: Return to Chandigarh

Kaza to Chandigarh via Manali, India on May 23, 2025

7:00AM

Breakfast and Checkout

Have an early breakfast and pack up for your journey back.
Included, 1h

8:00AM

Drive Kaza to Manali

Long approx 7-hour scenic drive across the mountains, retracing your route via Keylong.
Transportation cost varies, 7h

3:30PM

Lunch at Johnson’s Café, Manali

Enjoy one last taste of Himachali cuisine before you leave the hills.
INR400, 1h

4:30PM

Drive Manali to Chandigarh

Begin the drive back to Chandigarh, about 8 hours, with stopovers for refreshments.
Transportation cost varies, 8h

9:00PM

Arrival in Chandigarh

Reach home or hotel safely after an adventurous Himalayan trip filled with unforgettable memories.
Free, —
View Hotel Availability