7-Day Scenic Adventure from Manali to Spiti Valley Including Chandratal Lake

Day 1: Arrival and Local Exploration

Manali, India on June 25, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Café 1947

Enjoy freshly brewed coffee and traditional Himachali breakfast items in a riverside café known for its relaxed ambiance.
INR500, 1h0m

9:30am

Visit Hadimba Temple

Explore the ancient cedarwood Hadimba Devi Temple surrounded by lush cedar forests, a serene and historical site dating back to the 16th century.
INR20, 1h0m

11:00am

Walk through Old Manali

Stroll the quaint streets of Old Manali, browse local shops, and experience the authentic Himachali culture and handicrafts.
Free, 2h0m

1:30pm

Lunch at Johnson's Café

Savor Himachali and continental dishes at this popular eatery offering scenic views of the river Beas.
INR700, 1h0m

3:00pm

Visit Vashisht Hot Springs

Relax in natural hot water springs, perfect for soothing muscles before your upcoming travel to Spiti Valley.
INR100, 1h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at The Lazy Dog Lounge

Indulge in multi-cuisine dishes in a cozy setting known for excellent pizzas and local beer options.
INR800, 1h30m
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Day 2: Manali to Kaza Drive

Manali to Kaza, Spiti Valley, India on June 26, 2025

5:00am

Early Breakfast at Hotel

Start early with a simple and energizing breakfast to prepare for the long drive over Rohtang and Kunzum Pass.
INR400, 0h45m

6:00am

Drive from Manali to Kaza

Embark on a scenic but challenging 8-hour drive crossing Rohtang Pass (open 6am-6pm) and Kunzum Pass, witnessing breathtaking mountain vistas en route.
INR0, 8h0m

2:00pm

Lunch En Route at Sissu

Stop at Sissu village to enjoy a packed or roadside meal with views of the waterfalls and mountains.
INR300, 1h0m

6:00pm

Check-in and Dinner at Kaza

Arrive in Kaza, check into a guesthouse such as Spiti Valley Retreat, and enjoy a warm meal featuring local dishes like thukpa or momos.
INR700, 1h30m
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Day 3: Kaza and Nearby Villages

Kaza, Spiti Valley, India on June 27, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Guesthouse

Start your day with a hearty breakfast featuring local bread and jams.
INR300, 0h45m

9:00am

Explore Kaza Market and Monastery

Visit the ancient Kaza Monastery (Dhankar Gompa), open 9am-5pm, and browse the local market for handicrafts and souvenirs.
INR50, 2h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Kaza Bakery

Grab freshly baked breads and savory Nepali dumplings at this quaint bakery beloved by travelers.
INR400, 1h0m

1:30pm

Visit Key Monastery

Drive 15 km to Key Monastery, one of Spiti’s largest and oldest gompas, rich in Buddhist art and history, open until 6pm.
INR50, 2h0m

5:00pm

Relax at Guesthouse

Enjoy the sunset over the valley with views from your accommodation.
Free, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Losar Café

Enjoy traditional Spitian dishes and a warm atmosphere perfect after a day of exploring.
INR600, 1h30m
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Day 4: Chandratal Lake Excursion

Kaza to Chandratal Lake and back on June 28, 2025

6:30am

Early Breakfast at Guesthouse

Fuel up with early breakfast before heading to Chandratal Lake for a day excursion.
INR300, 0h45m

7:30am

Drive to Chandratal Lake

Drive approximately 2.5 hours via Batal, a stunning alpine lake sitting at 4,300 m surrounded by rugged peaks, best visited in daylight (open sunrise to sunset).
INR0, 2h30m

10:00am

Explore and Picnic at Chandratal Lake

Spend time soaking in the tranquil beauty and possibly a short hike around the lake. Carry packed snacks or picnic lunch as no major eateries exist nearby.
INR0, 2h0m

12:00pm

Drive Back to Kaza

Return to Kaza with opportunities to stop for photos along the way.
INR0, 2h30m

3:00pm

Lunch in Kaza

Relax at a local café with a warm meal after your trip to Chandratal.
INR600, 1h0m

5:00pm

Visit Kibber Village

Optional visit to Kibber village, one of the highest inhabited villages in the world to experience rural Spiti life and possibly spot Himalayan wildlife.
INR0, 2h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Guesthouse

Enjoy dinner at your guesthouse featuring local fare and relax after a long day.
INR700, 1h30m
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Day 5: Kaza to Tabo and Dhankar

Kaza, Dhankar, Tabo, India on June 29, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Guesthouse

Prepare for the day’s travel and sightseeing with a nutritious breakfast.
INR300, 0h45m

8:30am

Drive to Dhankar Monastery

Visit the spectacular Dhankar Gompa perched dramatically on a cliff edge overlooking the Spiti River gorge; open 9am-5pm.
INR50, 2h0m

11:00am

Drive to Tabo Monastery

Proceed to Tabo, home to one of the oldest Buddhist monasteries in the Himalayas dating back to 996 AD, a UNESCO World Heritage site open till 5pm.
INR100, 2h0m

1:00pm

Lunch in Tabo

Enjoy homemade Tibetan dishes at a local guesthouse or café near the monastery.
INR500, 1h0m

2:00pm

Visit Tabo Village and Local Museum

Explore the village and the small museum showcasing artifacts and history of Spiti culture.
INR50, 1h0m

4:00pm

Return Drive to Kaza

Head back to Kaza to rest; a picturesque drive of about 3 hours.
INR0, 3h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Guesthouse

Have a relaxing dinner featuring local ingredients to end your day.
INR700, 1h30m
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Day 6: Return to Manali

Kaza to Manali, India on June 30, 2025

6:00am

Early Breakfast at Guesthouse

Prepare early with a light but nourishing breakfast to start your return drive to Manali.
INR300, 0h45m

7:00am

Drive from Kaza to Manali

Begin the spectacular return drive passing Kunzum and Rohtang Pass again, allowing for final panoramic views of the Himalayan landscape.
INR0, 8h0m

1:00pm

Lunch Stop at Keylong

Enjoy a traditional Himachali meal at a local restaurant in Keylong.
INR500, 1h0m

4:00pm

Arrival and Rest in Manali

Check into your hotel or guesthouse and relax after a long drive.
INR0, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Café Amigos

Dine on Mexican and continental specialties at this lively spot often favored by travelers.
INR800, 1h30m
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Day 7: Relax and Departure

Manali, India on July 1, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Have a leisurely breakfast at your accommodation as you prepare for your onward journey.
INR300, 1h0m

10:00am

Relax in Vashisht Village

Spend a relaxed morning exploring peaceful Vashisht Village again or enjoying the hot springs before departure.
INR100, 2h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Village Café

Enjoy a final meal featuring Himachali and continental dishes in a quaint setting.
INR600, 1h0m

2:00pm

Prepare for Departure

Check out and proceed to your next destination or airport.
INR0, N/A
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