Spiti valley

Start on Friday night, considering you are working and low on leaves. Stop at Murthal or any other Dhabas for food in between. We started at around 6 pm from Delhi and reached Shimla at around 4 am. Escape the hustle bustle of Shimla and drive to lesser explored cousin of Shimla, Narkanda. Spend the day and stay the night at Narkanda. Drive time – 12 hours approx.

Start early from Narkanda and leave for Chitkul in the beautiful district of Kinnaur. While on the way to Chitkul, try to take a fewer stop to reach the destination fast. Stay at River side camps in Chitkul or pitch your own tent. Drive time – 9 to 11 hours approx

We had Kalpa in mind but made last minute changes in itinerary and planned to stay overnight at Nako village. Nako Village is a high altitude village in Kinnaur valley and gives a phenomenal view of the mountains. Drive Time – 8 to 10 hours approximately.

With two major stop in Gue and Tabo, head straight away to Kaza, headquarter of Spiti Valley. Sumdo marks the start of Lahaul & Spiti District and ends Kinnaur district. Stay at Kaza overnight. (You can include Dhankar Monastery in the itinerary but make sure you leave early from Nako or choose to stay back at Dhankar(We skipped Dhankar Monastery and lake). Drive time – 7 to 9 hours approx.

It was by-far the most eventful day in our 10-days road trip and since we were running out of time, we had to manage things really quick. Start early from Kaza and explore villages of Langza, Hikkim, Komic, Kye Monastery and Kibber on the way. Stay at Kibber if it starts to get dark or drive to Losar. We stayed overnight at Losar keeping Chandrataal in mind. Drive Time – 9 to 11 hours depending on stops.

Start early from Losar towards Chandrataal via Kunzum Pass. Keep in mind the roads are bad and you cannot expect to drive at a speed more than 10km/hr. Spend as much time as you can in Chandratal, the beauty is enthralling. Stay at camps in Chandrataal or pitch your own tent. Drive time – 3 to 4 hours.

Start very early because it is going to be the toughest day on road. The route from Chandrataal to Manali is dangerous and difficult. The roads up till Rohtang are in extremely bad condition and it is actually off road route. There are around 21 or more water streams or Nalas flowing through the road, Dongri Nala being the biggest and most difficult ones. The earlier you start, lesser your chances of being stuck. Stay overnight in Manali. Drive Time – 12 hours approximately.

It is up to you how you want to spend you 9th Day and perhaps the last day of your road trip before heading back to New Delhi next day. You can choose to lazily spend your day in cafes of Old Manali, visit nearby Solang Valley, go for cycling or visit Prashar Lake near Mandi. We choose to visit Prashar Lake. Stay Overnight in Mandi. Drive Time – 4 to 5 hours approximately.

The last day of our road trip, we preferred taking it slow and steadily. Start from Mandi around morning 9 to 10 am and drive all the way to New Delhi via Chandigarh. Drive Time – 9 to 11 hours approximately.