Chennai to Spiti: The Ultimate Himalayan Adventure

Note: The circuit starts from Shimla because the route from Manali may be closed due to the Kunzum Pass. However, the route from Shimla remains open throughout the year. Therefore, it’s recommended to start the journey from Shimla and end in Manali (if Kunzum Pass is open). I completed the Spiti Circuit starting from Shimla and ending in Manali on October 1, 2025, successfully covering the entire route.

Accommodation Guide:

Shimla:Zuzu Hostel – Dorm: ₹450 per head | Private room: ₹1000 | 4★ | Limited bike parking on steep roads
Sarahan:Saini Home Stay – ₹700 for 2 people | Private room with view | 5★
Chitkul:Ibex Camps – ₹1500 for 2 people | 4★
Kaza:Various stays available from ₹500 per head | 4★
Delhi:Cheap rooms near New Delhi Railway Station – ₹600 per head | 3★

Self Rental Details:

Horizon Bike Rentals – Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 - ₹1450 per day
Rating: 4★

How to Reach Shimla on a Budget

I took a train from Chennai to Delhi. You can take a train from your city — usually, the fare for a normal sleeper class ticket will be below ₹1000.
Once you reach Delhi, book a Volvo bus to Shimla. The ticket price generally ranges from ₹500 to ₹1500, depending on the season and bus type.
From Shimla, you can rent a bike to start your Spiti ride. The Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 is the best choice for the Spiti circuit due to its power and comfort on rough terrains.

Day 1:(Shimla Local site seeing)

Shimla, the charming capital of Himachal Pradesh, is a scenic hill station known for its colonial architecture, pine-covered hills, and cool mountain air.

If you have plenty time then do a one day local site seeing in Shimla.

Places to visit:

The Ridge – The heart of Shimla with stunning mountain views and colonial charm.
Mall Road – A lively street lined with shops, cafés, and local eateries.
Jakhoo Temple – Dedicated to Lord Hanuman, located atop Jakhoo Hill offering panoramic views.
Christ Church – One of the oldest churches in North India, known for its neo-gothic architecture.

Day 2: Shimla to Sarahan (170 KM)

Today marks the official start of the Spiti Circuit! Begin your journey around 10:00 AM — it’s better to start with a shorter distance on the first day to adapt to the climate and altitude gradually.

Your destination for the day is Sarahan, located about 170 km from Shimla. If you reach early, make sure to explore the famous attractions in Sarahan, such as the Bhimakali Temple and the beautiful views of the Shrikhand Mahadev range.

Day 3: Shimla to Chitkul (110 KM)

Start your day early at 7:00 AM. Although today’s distance is shorter, the roads are mostly off-road, and this is where you’ll truly begin to experience the rugged beauty of the Spiti terrain.

As you leave the highway and ride toward Sangla and Chitkul, the off-road adventure begins — along with some of the most scenic landscapes of your journey.

Chitkul, known as the last village of India near the Indo-Tibet border, is a peaceful and picturesque destination. Try to reach Chitkul by 3:00–4:00 PM so you have enough time to explore its main attractions, as the sun sets early around 6:00 PM in the mountains.

Day 4 – Chitkul to Kaza via Kalpa, Nako & Tabo (350 KM)

Start early at 6:00 AM — it’s a long day with multiple stops. Visit Kalpa for the Kinner Kailash view (optional if short on time), then head to Nako Lake (111 KM) to enjoy the scenic landscapes and smooth roads.

Next, visit Gue Monastery (famous for the mummy of a monk) and continue to Tabo Monastery, one of the oldest in the Himalayas.

If time allows, proceed to Kaza, but note that the Tabo–Kaza stretch is off-road. Otherwise, stay at Tabo or Dhankar for a relaxed evening and stargazing.

Chitkul to kaza must visit places:

Kalpa – Famous for stunning views of the Kinner Kailash range and its peaceful village vibe.
Roghi Village – Near Kalpa, known for its cliff-edge roads and breathtaking views.
Nako Lake – A serene high-altitude lake surrounded by mountains; perfect for a short stop or lunch break.
Gue Monastery – Home to the 500-year-old mummy of a Buddhist monk, a rare and sacred site.
Tabo Monastery – One of the oldest monasteries in the Himalayas, over 1,000 years old, with ancient murals and prayer halls.
Dhankar Monastery – Perched dramatically on a cliff between Tabo and Kaza, offering spectacular valley views.
Dhankar Lake – A short trek from the monastery leads to this beautiful hidden lake.

Day 5:(Kaza sightseeing)

Komic Village – The Highest Village in the World

Today is the day to experience some of the world’s highest wonders! Start your ride around 8:00 AM, and head towards Komic Village, known as the highest village in the world connected by a motorable road.
Make sure to wear your thermal liners and cold-weather gear, as the temperature drops significantly at higher altitudes — especially during early mornings.
At Komic, you can visit the world’s highest monastery, enjoy a meal at the world’s highest restaurant and café, and simply take in the surreal views of the Himalayas. Spend some peaceful time here soaking in the experience of being at the top of the world.

Hikkim – World’s Highest Post Office

Next, ride to Hikkim, home to the world’s highest post office. Sending a postcard to your family or friends here is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Delivery usually takes 10–15 days depending on the location, and the cost is ₹40 per postcard.

Langza – Buddha Statue & Stargazing

Next, head to Langza, famous for its giant Buddha statue. If you have extra time, staying overnight here is ideal for stargazing, but due to limited days, we continued to the next destination.

Chicham Bridge – Asia’s Highest Suspension Bridge

Next, ride to Chicham Bridge, renowned as Asia’s highest suspension bridge, offering thrilling views of the deep valley below.

Key Monastery – Iconic Spiti Landmark

On the way back to Kaza, visit the iconic Key Monastery. A short walk up some steps will take you to the viewpoint, offering panoramic views of the monastery and surrounding valley.

Day 6 – Kaza to Manali via Chandratal

Kaza to Chandratal Lake: 97 KM
Chandratal Lake to Manali: 111 KM

Chandratal – The Final Stretch of the Circuit

Start early, as this part of the journey tests your patience. From the base, expect rough and heavy off-road conditions. It takes about 4 hours to reach the Chandratal base, and another 1.5 hours for just 20 KM to reach the lake, depending on road conditions and traffic at water crossings.

Be prepared for delays, as narrow roads and stuck vehicles can add hours to your journey. If you have an extra day, consider staying at the campsite by Chandratal Lake to enjoy the serene surroundings.

Manali

The ride from Chandratal to Manali is mostly off-road, with the highway appearing only about 50 KM before Manali. Mobile signals are almost nonexistent, and shops are very sparse, so carry snacks and beverages for the journey.
Reach Manali via the Atal Tunnel, check into your stay, and enjoy some local sightseeing to relax after the long ride.

Manali must visit places:

Hadimba Temple – A beautiful wooden temple surrounded by cedar forests.
Solang Valley – Popular for adventure sports like paragliding, zorbing, and skiing in winter.
Rohtang Pass – Iconic high-altitude pass offering snow and stunning views (check seasonal access).
Vashisht Hot Springs – Natural hot water springs with nearby ancient temples.
Jogini Waterfall – A scenic waterfall accessible via a short trek from Vashisht.
Old Manali Market – Quaint streets with cafés, local handicrafts, and a relaxed vibe

Return to Shimla – Bike Drop

After completing the Spiti Circuit in Manali, ride back to Shimla via Kullu (280 KM) to return the bike. The roads are good, with a mix of hill descents and straight stretches, making it a pleasant and relaxing ride to end your journey.

After returning the bike in Shimla, take an overnight bus to Delhi and then a train to your hometown. I reached Chennai via the Tamil Nadu Express, carrying a heart full of satisfying memories from the Spiti adventure.

If you need more content related to travel, do check out our international tourism and travel within India for more details. I hope you enjoyed it and will see you in the next blog. Happy travel!

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