About Winter Spiti Trek

Location: Himachal Pradesh
Trek Duration: 8 Days
Difficulty Level: Easy to Moderate
Season: Winter (Dec - Feb)

Winter Spiti - Nestled high in the Trans-Himalayan region of Himachal Pradesh, Winter Spiti is a breathtakingly cold desert destination known for its dramatic landscapes, frozen rivers, ancient monasteries, and raw Himalayan beauty. During winter, Spiti transforms into a snow-covered wonderland, offering a truly unique and adventurous experience at altitudes ranging from 10,000 to 14,000 feet.

Experience the magic of walking on the frozen Spiti River, witness stunning ice formations, explore ancient Buddhist monasteries covered in snow, interact with resilient local communities, and immerse yourself in the stark beauty of the cold desert. This winter expedition takes you through picturesque villages like Kaza, Kibber, Chicham, and Tabo, offering an unforgettable journey into one of the most remote and beautiful regions of the Indian Himalayas. The trip combines adventure, culture, spirituality, and natural beauty in the most extreme winter conditions.

DAY 0 - DEPARTURE FROM DELHI/CHANDIGARH

Begin your winter adventure with an overnight journey from Delhi or Chandigarh to Shimla. Board a comfortable bus or vehicle in the evening. The journey takes you through the plains and gradually into the mountains. Get ready for an exciting winter expedition to the cold desert of Spiti Valley. Rest during the overnight journey as you head towards the Himalayas. Prepare yourself mentally and physically for the extreme winter conditions and breathtaking landscapes that await you in Spiti Valley.

DAY 1 - SHIMLA TO CHITKUL/SANGLA

Arrive in Shimla early morning. After breakfast, begin your journey towards Chitkul/Sangla. Drive through scenic mountain roads, passing through Rampur, Jeori, and Sangla Valley. The drive takes approximately 8-10 hours covering 250 km. Witness the beautiful Baspa River flowing through the valley. Pass through apple orchards and charming Kinnauri villages. Reach Chitkul or Sangla by evening. Chitkul is the last inhabited village near the Indo-Tibet border. Check into your accommodation. Explore the village and acclimatize to the altitude. Enjoy the serene atmosphere and snow-covered landscapes. Overnight stay in Chitkul/Sangla.

DAY 2 - CHITKUL TO TABO

After breakfast, begin your journey from Chitkul to Tabo. Drive through the stunning Kinnaur and Spiti valleys. Cross the Khab Bridge where Sutlej and Spiti rivers meet. Pass through Nako village with its beautiful frozen lake. The drive takes approximately 8-9 hours through challenging winter roads. Witness the landscape changing from green valleys to barren cold desert. Reach Tabo by evening. Tabo is famous for its ancient monastery, one of the oldest in the Himalayas. Check into your accommodation. Visit Tabo Monastery if time permits. The monastery is over 1000 years old and houses ancient murals and scriptures. Overnight stay in Tabo.

DAY 3 - TABO TO KAZA

After breakfast, drive from Tabo to Kaza, the headquarters of Spiti Valley. The drive takes approximately 2-3 hours covering 50 km. Pass through Dhankar village and monastery perched on a cliff. Witness the confluence of Spiti and Pin rivers. Reach Kaza and check into your accommodation. Kaza is at an altitude of 12,500 feet. Spend the day acclimatizing and exploring Kaza town. Visit the local market, interact with locals, and experience the unique Spitian culture. Prepare for the exciting days ahead exploring the frozen landscapes and ancient monasteries. Overnight stay in Kaza.

DAY 4 - EXPLORING KAZA

Full day to explore the stunning attractions around Kaza. After breakfast, visit Key Monastery, the largest and most iconic monastery in Spiti Valley. The monastery sits atop a hill offering panoramic views of the valley. Explore the ancient prayer halls, murals, and Buddhist scriptures. Visit Kibber village, one of the highest inhabited villages in the world at 14,200 feet. Experience the harsh winter life of the locals. Visit Chicham Bridge, Asia's highest bridge connecting Chicham and Kibber villages. Walk on the frozen Spiti River (if conditions permit). Witness stunning ice formations and frozen waterfalls. Return to Kaza by evening. Overnight stay in Kaza.

DAY 5 - KEY MONASTERY | KIBBER | CHICHAM

Another day to explore more of Spiti's winter beauty. Visit Langza village, known for its giant Buddha statue overlooking the valley. The village offers stunning views of Chau Chau Kang Nilda peak. Search for marine fossils in the area (Spiti was once under the Tethys Sea). Visit Hikkim village, home to the world's highest post office at 14,400 feet. Send postcards to your loved ones from this unique location. Visit Komic village, one of the highest motorable villages in Asia. Explore Komic Monastery and interact with monks. Experience the extreme winter conditions and resilient lifestyle of Spiti locals. Return to Kaza. Overnight stay in Kaza.

DAY 6 - KAZA TO KALPA

After breakfast, begin your return journey from Kaza to Kalpa. Drive back through the same route via Tabo and Nako. The drive takes approximately 10-11 hours. Stop at various viewpoints and take photographs of the stunning winter landscapes. Witness the sunset over the snow-covered mountains. Reach Kalpa by evening. Kalpa is a beautiful town in Kinnaur district offering stunning views of Kinner Kailash peak. Check into your accommodation. Relax and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere. Overnight stay in Kalpa.

DAY 7 - KALPA TO DELHI

Wake up early to witness the sunrise over Kinner Kailash peak. The golden rays illuminating the snow-covered peak is a sight to behold. After breakfast, check out and begin your journey back to Delhi. Drive through Shimla and continue towards Delhi. The drive takes approximately 12-14 hours. Stop for lunch and refreshments along the way. Reach Delhi by late evening or night. Trip ends with unforgettable memories of Winter Spiti - the frozen rivers, ancient monasteries, snow-covered landscapes, warm hospitality of locals, and the raw beauty of the cold desert. Depart for your onward journey with a heart full of Himalayan experiences and stories to share.