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  • Manali, India
  • Kaza, India
  • Chandratal, India

Spiti Valley: Kaza, Key Monastery & Chandratal

Cross high Himalayan passes into Spiti’s cold desert — Key Monastery, Hikkim’s post office, Komic village and a night near turquoise Chandratal Lake.

About this trip

Journey into Spiti Valley, Himachal’s high-altitude cold desert of monasteries, fossil villages and moonlike landscapes. Travel from Manali via the Atal Tunnel and Kunzum Pass to Kaza, visit Key Monastery, Chicham Bridge, Langza, Hikkim and Komic, then camp near sacred Chandratal Lake before returning. Incredible India highlights Key, Kibber, Hikkim, Komic and Pin Valley among Spiti’s principal experiences.

Travel plan:

Day 1 – Arrive Manali
Reach Manali, check in and acclimatise with a light evening walk. Rest well before the high-altitude drive.

Day 2 – Manali to Kaza
Drive via Atal Tunnel, Khoksar, Batal and Kunzum Pass (≈4,551 m) into Spiti. Arrive Kaza by evening and overnight.

Day 3 – Key, Kibber and Chicham
Visit Key (Ki) Monastery, Kibber village and Asia’s high Chicham suspension bridge. Free time in Kaza market.

Day 4 – Langza, Hikkim and Komic
Explore the fossil village of Langza with its Buddha statue, Hikkim’s high-altitude post office and Komic monastery / village.

Day 5 – Optional Pin Valley or Tabo / Dhankar
Day excursion toward Pin Valley (Mudh / Kungri) or Tabo and Dhankar monasteries, depending on road conditions and interest. Overnight in Kaza.

Day 6 – Kaza to Chandratal
Drive back toward Kunzum and divert to Chandratal. Short walk from the parking area to the lake. Overnight at a designated campsite (not lakeside — as per forest rules).

Day 7 – Chandratal to Manali & departure
Return via Batal, Chatru and Atal Tunnel to Manali for onward travel.

Highlights

  • Drive through Atal Tunnel and Kunzum Pass
  • Stay in Kaza, Spiti’s high-altitude hub
  • Visit the hilltop Key Monastery
  • Walk Chicham Bridge with dramatic gorge views
  • Send a postcard from Hikkim’s high post office
  • Explore Langza fossil village and Komic
  • Camp near turquoise Chandratal Lake
  • Experience Spiti’s cold-desert landscapes

Inclusions

  • 1 night’s accommodation in Manali
  • 3 nights’ accommodation in Kaza
  • 1 night’s tented camp near Chandratal
  • 1 night’s accommodation on return / as per circuit plan
  • Daily breakfast (and camp dinner where applicable)
  • Private SUV / tempo for Spiti circuit transfers
  • Sightseeing of Key, Kibber, Chicham, Langza, Hikkim and Komic
  • Chandratal excursion with camping arrangement
  • Driver allowance, parking and applicable permits assistance
  • Trip assistance throughout the holiday

TipBest window is roughly mid-June to September when the Manali–Kunzum route and Chandratal road are open. Acclimatise in Manali, carry warm layers even in summer, and expect long rough road days. Indian travellers typically need no Inner Line Permit for this route; foreign nationals need permits for the Kinnaur approach.

NoteThe ₹34,999 starting price assumes twin-sharing / shared tent. Flights, Volvo to Manali, Rohtang-related vehicle permits if applicable, meals not listed and personal expenses are excluded. Chandratal camping is only in designated zones; lake access and road opening depend on snow and forest rules.