8-Day Solo Spiti-Chandra Tal Adventure from Shimla to Manali with Local Transport & Stays

Day 1: Shimla to Narkanda

Shimla to Narkanda, India on May 20, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Wake & Bake Cafe, Shimla

Enjoy fresh and healthy breakfast options at this popular cafe open from 7am to 10:30am, perfect for a hearty start.
INR200, 1h

8:30am

Bus from Shimla to Narkanda

Catch the local HRTC bus from Shimla ISBT to Narkanda; buses depart regularly around 8:30am, 11am and 2pm. The journey takes approx. 2 hours on scenic hilly roads.
INR100, 2h

11:00am

Check-In at Hotel Snow View Narkanda

Located close to Narkanda bus stand, this hotel offers good mountain views and comfortable rooms for solo travelers.
INR1500, N/A

11:30am

Explore Hatu Peak

Visit Hatu Peak located about 13 km from Narkanda; take a shared cab or taxi. The spot offers panoramic views of the Himalayas and apple orchards.
INR300, 3h

3:00pm

Lunch at The Apple Shed

Enjoy local Himachali cuisine with fresh local apples in a cozy setting open till 5pm.
INR350, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at hotel

Relax with simple home-cooked food at the hotel restaurant.
INR250, 1h
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Day 2: Narkanda to Kalpa

Narkanda to Kalpa, India on May 21, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Hotel

Fuel up with breakfast at your hotel before the day-long travel and exploration ahead.
INR200, 1h

9:00am

Bus/Shared Taxi from Narkanda to Kalpa

Local shared taxis or buses connect Narkanda to Kalpa, about 3-4 hours journey with stunning mountain views. Confirm departure at local stand as timings vary.
INR250, 4h

1:00pm

Check-in at Hotel Kinner Kailash

Stay in this lodge facing the Kinnaur Kailash range; great facility for solo travelers with good security and wifi.
INR1500, N/A

2:00pm

Lunch at Cafe Kalpa

Order freshly made Tibetan momos and local trout at this quaint cafe open till 6pm.
INR400, 1h

3:30pm

Visit Kalpa Monastery and Suicide Point

Explore Kalpa Monastery and then take a short hike to Suicide Point for an awe-inspiring landscape viewpoint, open anytime.
Free, 3h

7:00pm

Dinner at Hotel Kinner Kailash

Enjoy a warm and hearty dinner with local delicacies like sidu bread and buckwheat dishes.
INR300, 1h
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Day 3: Kalpa to Tabo

Kalpa to Tabo, India on May 22, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Start early with a healthy breakfast to prepare for the drive towards Spiti Valley.
INR200, 1h

8:00am

Bus or Shared Taxi from Kalpa to Tabo

Hire a local taxi or catch buses from Kalpa to Tabo via Reckong Peo and Nako; journey usually takes about 6-7 hours with breathtaking landscapes.
INR500, 7h

3:30pm

Check-In at Tabo Guest House

Comfortable guest house close to Tabo Monastery, ideal for solo travelers with good hospitality.
INR1200, N/A

4:00pm

Visit Tabo Monastery

Explore the UNESCO World Heritage site, Tabo Monastery founded in 996 AD, known for its well-preserved frescoes and Buddhist culture. Open until sunset around 7pm.
INR50, 2h

7:30pm

Dinner at Guest House

Savor authentic Spitian dishes in the guest house dining area.
INR300, 1h
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Day 4: Tabo to Chandratal via Kaza & Batal

Tabo to Chandratal Lake, India on May 23, 2025

6:30am

Breakfast at Guest House

Early breakfast to prepare for a long day visiting Chandratal Lake.
INR200, 1h

7:30am

Bus/Shared Taxi to Kaza

Catch early local shared taxis or buses from Tabo to Kaza, the main hub in Spiti, journey takes approximately 2 hours. Confirm pickup time at guest house.
INR150, 2h

10:00am

Explore Kaza Market and Key Monastery

Walk around Kaza Market to stock snacks and visit the iconic Key Monastery located 15 minutes from town. Monastery open till 6pm.
INR30, 2h

12:30pm

Lunch at Dhaba in Kaza

Taste Tibetan-style noodles and thukpa at this local roadside dhaba.
INR250, 1h

1:30pm

Taxi from Kaza to Chandratal via Batal

Hire a shared taxi or jeep from Kaza to Chandratal, passing Batal; journey takes 3-4 hours on rough terrain, reaching Chandratal by late afternoon. Book in advance.
INR1200, 4h

5:30pm

Set up Camp at Chandratal

Stay overnight at the camp near Chandratal Lake to enjoy solitude and pristine natural beauty. Camp facilities include tents and meals.
INR2000, N/A

6:00pm

Evening at Chandratal Lake

Relax by the crystal-clear lake surrounded by mountains as the sun sets. Ideal spot for photography and meditation.
Free, 2h

8:00pm

Dinner at Camp

Simple, warm dinner served at the campsite with locally sourced ingredients.
Included in stay, 1h
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Day 5: Chandratal to Manali

Chandratal to Manali, India on May 24, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Camp

Early breakfast at camp to begin the descent to Manali.
Included, 1h

8:00am

Taxi from Chandratal to Manali via Batal and Rohtang Pass

Shared jeep or taxi to Manali covering 6-7 hours. Road crosses challenging Rohtang Pass; ensure vehicle is authorized. Depart early as vehicle permits are limited and subject to weather.
INR1800, 7h

3:00pm

Check-in at Zostel Manali

Popular backpacker hostel offering affordable dorms and private rooms in Manali town center, great for solo travelers looking to meet others.
INR800, N/A

4:00pm

Relax & Local Walk

Explore Mall Road for souvenirs and cafes, walk to the nearby Old Manali area for a tranquil vibe.
Free, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at Johnson's Cafe

Enjoy trout fish, maggi, and continental dishes at one of Manali's renowned restaurants open till 10pm.
INR500, 1h
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Day 6: Manali Sightseeing

Manali, India on May 25, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Cafe 1947

Riverside cafe known for fresh breads, coffees and Italian breakfast dishes open from 8am.
INR350, 1h

9:30am

Visit Hadimba Temple and Van Vihar

Explore the ancient wooden Hadimba Temple and then enjoy a peaceful walk in Van Vihar park. Open all day, no entry fee.
Free, 2h

12:00pm

Visit Manu Temple

Check out this historic temple dedicated to Sage Manu, located in Old Manali; open till evening.
Free, 1h

1:00pm

Lunch at Chopsticks

Sample Tibetan and Chinese cuisine with vegan options in a cozy setting, open till 3pm.
INR400, 1h

2:30pm

Solang Valley Excursion

Take a short taxi ride (30-40 mins) to Solang Valley for adventure activities and stunning views; paragliding and zorbing operational 9am-5pm.
INR1000, 3h

6:00pm

Return to Manali & Rest

Relax back at your hostel or explore local cafes in the evening.
Free, N/A

8:00pm

Dinner at The Lazy Dog

Enjoy multi-cuisine dishes in cozy ambiance, open till 11pm.
INR500, 1h
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Day 7: Manali Leisure

Manali, India on May 26, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at cafe

Try organic juices and bakery items at Café Shiva located in Old Manali, open from 8am.
INR300, 1h

9:30am

Naggar Castle and Roerich Art Gallery visit

Take a taxi to Naggar (30 min) to explore the medieval Naggar Castle and the famous Roerich Art Gallery, open till 6pm.
INR50, 3h

1:00pm

Lunch at Nicholas Roerich Cafe

Dine in the art gallery cafe enjoying local Himachali cuisine.
INR400, 1h

2:30pm

Visit Vashisht Hot Springs

Relax in the natural hot springs located in Vashisht village, open all day, entry free.
Free, 2h

5:00pm

Return to Manali

Return to your accommodation to pack and rest.
INR200 (taxi), 1h

7:30pm

Dinner at Café 366

Enjoy Italian and continental cuisines with a great ambiance, open till 10pm.
INR450, 1h
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Day 8: Return to Shimla

Manali to Shimla, India on May 27, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Zostel

Light breakfast at hostel before long journey back to Shimla.
INR200, 1h

8:30am

HRTC Bus from Manali to Shimla

HRTC bus service to Shimla departs in mornings; journey takes about 8 hours. Pre-book ticket from Manali bus stand.
INR500, 8h

4:30pm

Arrive Shimla and Check-in

Check-in at Hotel Willow Banks or similar near Mall Road to relax after journey.
INR2000, N/A

6:00pm

Evening stroll on Mall Road

Enjoy last evening shopping and street food along Mall Road in Shimla.
Free, 2h

8:00pm

Dinner at Indian Coffee House

Classic North Indian meals in affordable prices open till 9pm.
INR300, 1h
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