At-a-glance
- Duration: 12 Days / 11 Nights
- Elevation Peak: 4,551 m (Kunzum La)
- Optimal Season: Mid-June to Mid-October
- Physical Demand: Moderate to Sustained (Gradual physiological staging from 2,000m to 4,500m)
- Starting/Ending Points: Shimla to Manali (or Chandigarh to Chandigarh loop)
- Indicative Tariff: Price on request.
Overview
The definitive grand overland expedition across northern Himachal Pradesh. Designed to respect the physiology of high-altitude travel, this 12-day route follows the gradual ascent through Kinnaur before crossing into the rain-shadow desert of Spiti, camping by sacred Chandratal, and exiting under the Pir Panjal range via Manali.
Day-by-day itinerary
- Day 1: Chandigarh to Shimla / Narkanda (130 km / 4 hrs / 2,200 m): Initial elevation step; briefing on mountain hydration discipline.
- Day 2: Narkanda to Sarahan (110 km / 4 hrs / 2,165 m): Visit the multi-tiered Bhimakali temple sanctuary; night halt with views of Shrikhand Mahadev.
- Day 3: Sarahan to Sangla & Chitkul (105 km / 4 hrs / 3,450 m): Enter the Baspa river gorge; explore Chitkul, the last village on the Indo-Tibet trade route; night in Sangla.
- Day 4: Sangla to Kalpa & Roghi (45 km / 2.5 hrs / 2,960 m): Acclimatization rest day; walk through apple orchards with panoramic views of Kinner Kailash.
- Day 5: Kalpa to Nako & Tabo (150 km / 5.5 hrs / 3,280 m): Cross Khab river confluence; walk around sacred Nako Lake; arrive at 996 AD UNESCO World Heritage Tabo Monastery.
- Day 6: Tabo to Dhankar & Mudh in Pin Valley (70 km / 4 hrs / 3,750 m): Cliff-perched Dhankar Gompa; enter the vibrant red-rock Pin Valley National Park; stay in Mudh village.
- Day 7: Pin Valley to Kaza & High Fossil Villages (80 km / 3,800m–4,400 m): Fossil hunting in Langza beneath the Buddha statue; highest post office at Hikkim; night in Kaza.
- Day 8: High Gompas & Chicham Bridge (50 km / 4,200 m): Morning chanting at Key Gompa; traverse the spectacular Chicham suspension bridge; visit Kibber.
- Day 9: Kaza to Chandratal via Kunzum Pass (95 km / 5 hrs / 4,300 m): Cross Kunzum Pass (4,551m); 1.5 km gentle hike to the azure waters of Chandratal (Moon Lake); fixed camp stay.
- Day 10: Chandratal to Manali via Atal Tunnel (120 km / 6 hrs / 2,050 m): Navigate the Batal and Gramphu riverbeds; transit beneath the Pir Panjal via Atal Tunnel to lush Manali.
- Day 11: Manali Heritage & Deodar Rest Day: Unwind in Old Manali, visit Naggar Castle and local thermal hot springs; celebration dinner.
- Day 12: Manali to Chandigarh Departure: Transfer along the Beas river corridor to Chandigarh airport or railway station.
Inclusions & Exclusions
Included: High-clearance 4x4 expedition vehicle with seasoned mountain driver; all fuel, interstate permits, and green taxes; 11 nights hand-picked homestays, heritage cottages, and insulated Chandratal tents; daily breakfast and dinners; onboard medical oxygen cylinder; Inner Line Permits.
Excluded: Lunches and roadside cafe expenses; personal trekking equipment; medical insurance; monument tickets.
Flexibility / Road conditions & Eco-Zone Directives
Kunzum Pass is seasonally cleared by BRO typically between mid-to-late June and mid-October. Outside of this operational window, circular crossings are unfeasible and the route adapts to a Kinnaur in-and-out corridor. Travelers must allow 48 hours for altitude acclimatization staging before entering high Spiti. In accordance with environmental directives, Chandratal camping is restricted to designated eco-campsites 2–3 km before the lake.
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