Embark on an unforgettable 12-day journey through some of the most remote and mesmerizing landscapes of Himachal Pradesh with the Shimla–Kinnaur–Spiti–Manali circuit. This high-altitude road trip takes you from the colonial charm of Shimla to the stark beauty of the cold desert of Spiti and the lush valleys of Manali, offering travelers an incredible mix of nature, history, spirituality, and adventure. Designed for explorers who seek raw landscapes and unique cultural experiences, this tour offers the perfect balance of offbeat travel and comfortable stay, making it suitable for families, groups, and even solo adventurers.

Your journey begins in Shimla, the capital city of Himachal Pradesh and a popular hill station known for its pleasant climate and colonial-era architecture. After acclimatizing and exploring the Mall Road, Ridge, and nearby attractions, the route heads towards Sarahan, a beautiful hamlet known for the ancient Bhimakali Temple and panoramic views of the Shrikhand Mahadev peaks. From here, the journey leads into Kinnaur Valley, with its dramatic changes in landscape — from pine forests and river valleys to rugged cliffs and high mountain passes.

Next stop is Sangla Valley, one of the most picturesque valleys in the region, nestled along the Baspa River. Here, you can visit traditional Kinnauri villages and take short hikes to enjoy views of the surrounding mountains. A visit to Chitkul, the last inhabited village before the Indo-Tibetan border, is a highlight of this leg of the tour. The region offers unique cultural insights and warm hospitality, with wooden homes and terraced farms painting a postcard-perfect image.

Moving on to Kalpa, you’ll get breathtaking views of the Kinner Kailash range, considered sacred in Hindu mythology. Kalpa is known for its apple orchards and peaceful ambiance, and makes for a perfect base to explore local monasteries and get acclimatized for higher altitudes ahead. After Kalpa, the terrain starts to change significantly as you enter the high-altitude Spiti Valley, often referred to as “The Middle Land” due to its location between India and Tibet.

The journey into Spiti is a transition into a completely different world — a land of barren mountains, crystal-clear rivers, and ancient Buddhist culture. Your first major stop is Tabo, home to the over 1,000-year-old Tabo Monastery, often called the “Ajanta of the Himalayas” due to its intricate murals and ancient scriptures. From here, you'll head to Dhankar, the former capital of Spiti, where the dramatic Dhankar Monastery is perched on a cliff overlooking the confluence of the Spiti and Pin rivers.

As you move deeper into Spiti, you'll reach Kaza, the administrative center of the valley and a comfortable base for exploring surrounding high-altitude villages. Day trips from Kaza include visits to Key Monastery, the largest and most iconic monastery in Spiti, and the remote villages of Langza, Hikkim, and Komic. Langza is known for its ancient fossils and large Buddha statue overlooking the village, while Hikkim is home to the world’s highest post office, and Komic holds the title of the highest motorable village in the world. Staying in these villages in traditional homestays allows for an immersive cultural experience where you can enjoy home-cooked Spitian meals and learn about the resilient lifestyle of the locals.

After spending time in the heart of Spiti, the tour proceeds towards Chandratal Lake, a crescent-shaped glacial lake at an altitude of 4,300 meters. If weather and road conditions permit, an overnight camp near Chandratal under a starlit sky is a magical experience. The lake’s changing colors during sunrise and sunset, along with the quiet reflection of mountains in its waters, create an otherworldly experience that stays with travelers long after the trip ends.

The tour then crosses the high-altitude Kunzum Pass (4,551 m) and descends into the green valleys of Lahaul, where the rugged desert slowly gives way to pine forests and flowing rivers. The final destination is Manali, a bustling hill station known for its scenic beauty, adventure activities, and lively markets. In Manali, you can relax after days of travel, visit the Hadimba Temple, explore Old Manali, or indulge in local delicacies and shopping. Those interested in adventure can also try paragliding, river rafting, or a short excursion to Solang Valley.

Throughout the 12-day journey, travelers experience extreme diversity — from the pine-scented forests of Shimla and the orchards of Kinnaur to the moon-like terrains of Spiti and the meadows of Manali. This tour covers multiple high mountain passes, ancient monasteries, remote Himalayan villages, and cultural experiences that are unique to this part of India. With comfortable transportation, handpicked accommodations, experienced guides, and all necessary permits arranged, this package offers a hassle-free yet thrilling Himalayan road trip.

• Day 1: Delhi to Manali (Overnight Journey) – Distance: ~530 km, Travel Time: ~12-13 hours, Departure: 8:00 PM from Delhi
• Day 2: Arrival Manali – Local Sightseeing – Distance: Local, Travel Time: ~3-4 hours, Stay: Manali
• Day 3: Manali to Kaza via Rohtang Pass & Kunzum La – Distance: ~200 km, Travel Time: ~9-10 hours, Stay: Kaza
• Day 4: Kaza – Key Monastery – Kibber – Langza – Hikkim – Komic – Distance: ~70 km, Travel Time: ~4-5 hours, Stay: Kaza
• Day 5: Kaza to Tabo to Nako – Distance: ~120 km, Travel Time: ~5-6 hours, Stay: Nako
• Day 6: Nako to Kalpa – Distance: ~100 km, Travel Time: ~4-5 hours, Stay: Kalpa
• Day 7: Kalpa to Sangla – Distance: ~40 km, Travel Time: ~2 hours, Stay: Sangla
• Day 8: Sangla – Chitkul – Sangla – Distance: ~50 km (round trip), Travel Time: ~3 hours, Stay: Sangla
• Day 9: Sangla to Shimla – Distance: ~225 km, Travel Time: ~7-8 hours, Stay: Shimla
• Day 10: Shimla Local Sightseeing – Distance: Local, Travel Time: ~2-3 hours, Stay: Shimla
• Day 11: Shimla to Delhi (Overnight Journey) – Distance: ~350 km, Travel Time: ~8-9 hours, Departure: 8:00 PM from Shimla
• Day 12: Arrival Delhi – Tour Ends