Having ridden to Spiti Valley multiple times, I can confidently say it’s one of India’s most thrilling motorcycle journeys. The Shimla to Manali Spiti Circuit takes you through high-altitude deserts, remote villages, and some of the world’s most treacherous yet stunning roads.
In this detailed Spiti Valley Circuit itinerary discussing the entire Shimla to Manali route, I’ll share my detailed day-by-day itinerary, road conditions, best practices for solo & group riders, cost breakdown, best time to visit, and recommended travel agents. I’ll also link my previous Spiti travelogues and a YouTube video for visual reference.
Here are links to a couple of my previous road-trips to Spiti Valley, check:
Spiti Valley Itinerary – Shimla to Manali Circuit
Day 1: Shimla to Sarahan (180 km, 6-7 hrs)
Shimla to Narkanda (65 km, 2 hrs):
- Smooth tarmac through apple orchards. Stop at Dhalli’s Coffee House for cinnamon rolls.
- Hatu Peak Detour (20 km round trip): A steep climb with 14 hairpins (gravel patches). The 360° view is worth it—I once saw a Himalayan griffon here!
Narkanda to Rampur (75 km, 2.5 hrs):
- Descend to the Sutlej Valley. The road hugs cliffs—watch for falling rocks (I lost a mirror here in 2019).
- Rampur Fuel Stop: Last proper petrol pump before Spiti. Fill up and carry a 5L jerrycan (trust me, you’ll need it in Kalpa).
Rampur to Sarahan (40 km, 2 hrs):
- Narrow, winding roads with no guardrails. Locals drive like they’re in Fast & Furious—honk before blind curves.
- Pro Tip: Reach Sarahan by 5 PM to visit Bhimakali Temple before sunset. The 800-year-old wooden architecture is hauntingly beautiful.
Stay Options:
- HPTDC Hotel Sarahan: Basic but clean (₹1,500/night). Hot water is erratic—shower early.
- Homestays: Try Shanti Cottage (₹800/night). Their siddu (local bread) with ghee is legendary.
Day 2: Sarahan to Chitkul (120 km, 5-6 hrs)
Route Breakdown:
Sarahan to Jeori (30 km, 1 hr):
- The road follows the gushing Sutlej River.
- Stop at Jeori’s red bridge for photos (but don’t linger—monkeys steal snacks).
Jeori to Karcham (40 km, 1.5 hrs):
- Beware: This stretch has active blasting zones (check timings with locals). I once waited 2 hours for dynamite clearance!
Karcham to Chitkul (50 km, 2.5 hrs):
- The Baspa River accompanies you. Roads are 50% broken—stand on footpegs to absorb shocks.
- Last Fuel Warning: No petrol beyond Sangla.
Key Stops:
- Sangla Meadows: Park your bike and hike 20 mins to Kamru Fort. The wooden balconies creak like a horror movie—but the views? Divine.
- Chitkul’s “Last Dhaba”: Eat at Banjara Café—their momos are stuffed like pillows. Say hi to owner Raju; tell him Dev sent you.
Stay Options:
- Banjara Camps (₹2,500/night): Heated tents with mountain views.
- Homestays (₹500/bed): Shared bathrooms, but hosts like Dorje Bhai will lend you woolen socks.
Day 3: Chitkul to Kalpa (80 km, 4-5 hrs)
Route Breakdown:
Chitkul to Sangla (30 km, 1.5 hrs):
- Retrace your route back to Sangla. The morning light on the Baspa Valley is magical—stop at Batseri village for chai.
Sangla to Recong Peo (40 km, 2 hrs):
- The road climbs steadily with sheer drops. In 2020, I saw a bus scrape a cliff—ride wide on turns.
- Permit Alert: Visit the DC Office in Recong Peo for your Inner Line Permit, needed only for NON- Indians (opens at 10 AM).
Recong Peo to Kalpa (10 km, 30 mins):
- A steep, winding ascent. Kalpa’s apple orchards smell like heaven in September.
Key Stops:
- Suicide Point (Recong Peo): Not for the faint-hearted! A 1,000ft vertical drop with no barriers.
- Roghi Village: Walk among ancient Kinnauri houses with intricate wood carvings.
Stay Options:
- Kinner Villa (₹2,000/night): Balconies face Kinner Kailash—wake up to sunrise on the peaks.
- Zostel Kalpa (₹1,200/bed): Backpacker-friendly with a bonfire pit.
Day 4: Kalpa to Nako (100 km, 5-6 hrs)
Route Breakdown:
Kalpa to Puh (60 km, 3 hrs):
- The Sutlej Valley narrows into a gorge. Roads are paved but crumbling—dodge potholes the size of craters.
- Malling Nala: The most landslide-prone zone in Himachal. In 2021, I helped push a stranded Bolero—don’t stop here during rains.
Puh to Nako (40 km, 2 hrs):
- A moonscape emerges as you climb to 3,662m. The air thins—drink water hourly to avoid headaches.
Key Stops:
- Gue Village (Detour): Visit the 500-year-old mummy of Sangha Tenzin. The road is brutal—best for ADV bikes.
- Nako Lake: Walk the kora (circumambulation path) at dusk. Locals believe it’s sacred—don’t dip your feet!
Stay Options:
- Nako Lake View Guesthouse (₹1,500/night): Basic but warm. Their thukpa cures altitude sickness.
- Tara’s Homestay (₹600/bed): Sleep on traditional Kinnauri rugs.
Day 5: Nako to Kaza (120 km, 6-7 hrs)
Route Breakdown:
Nako to Tabo (60 km, 3 hrs):
- Ride through the Spiti River gorge. The road is 50% loose gravel—control speed on descents.
- Tabo Monastery: Founded in 996 AD, its murals rival Ajanta’s. Remove shoes and don’t photograph the deities.
Tabo to Dhankar (30 km, 2 hrs):
- A steep climb to 3,894m. The Dhankar Fort trail is slippery—wear grippy shoes.
Dhankar to Kaza (30 km, 1.5 hrs):
- The final stretch is smooth tarmac. Spot blue sheep near Langza.
Key Stops:
- Dhankar Lake: A 2km hike from the fort. The turquoise water is freezing even in summer—I took a polar plunge here in 2022!
- Lalung’s Buddha Statue: A lesser-known 30ft golden statue.
Stay Options:
- Hotel Sakya Abode (₹2,500/night): Kaza’s most comfortable stay. Book the attic room for mountain views.
- Spiti Heritage (₹1,800/night): A traditional mud house with modern bathrooms.
Day 6: Kaza – Key, Kibber, Komik, Hikkim (Local Exploration)
Route Breakdown:
- Kaza to Key Monastery (12 km, 30 mins):
- A smooth climb to 4,166m. Park at the base and hike the final 200 steps—the thin air makes it exhausting.
Key to Kibber (10 km, 25 mins):
- The world’s highest motorable village till 2017. Visit the snow leopard conservation center.
Kibber to Komik (20 km, 1 hr): - A bone-rattling ride to 4,593m. The Komik Monastery has a 15ft Maitreya Buddha statue.
Komik to Hikkim (15 km, 45 mins): - Post a letter from the world’s highest post office (PIN 172114). I still get Christmas cards from the postmaster!
Stay Options:
- Same as Day 5 (Return to Kaza by evening).
Day 7: Kaza to Chandratal (100 km, 6-7 hrs)
Route Breakdown:
Kaza to Kunzum Pass (75 km, 4 hrs):
- The most challenging ride of the trip.
- River crossings near Losar can submerge your exhaust—ride in 1st gear.
Kunzum Pass to Chandratal (25 km, 2 hrs):
- A 4×4-only track. Park at Batal and take a shared jeep (₹500/person).
- I once walked 8km here after my bike broke down!
Stay Options:
- Camping (₹1,500/tent): No electricity—stargazing is unreal.
- Chacha-Chachi Dhaba (₹300/bed): Basic but warm. Their maggi tastes like heaven at -5°C.
Day 8: Chandratal to Manali (120 km, 7-8 hrs)
Route Breakdown:
Chandratal to Batal (25 km, 1.5 hrs):
- The Chandra River must be crossed at dawn (water levels rise by noon).
Batal to Gramphu (50 km, 3 hrs):
- A mud-and-rock trail with 32 river crossings. My GoPro fell here in 2019—RIP footage.
Gramphu to Manali (45 km, 2.5 hrs):
- Rohtang Pass is crowded with tourists.
- Skip the selfies—head straight to Johnson’s Café in Manali for hot chocolate.
Stay Options:
- Hotel Apple View (₹2,000/night): Hot showers after days of grime!
- Zostel Manali (₹1,000/bed): Celebrate your survival with fellow riders.
Spiti Valley Circuit Road Conditions
1. Shimla to Kalpa (Days 1-3):
60% Tarmac, 40% Gravel. Landslides near Puh can delay you for hours (pack snacks!).
2. Kalpa to Kaza (Days 4-5):
Hell’s Highway: The Malling Nala stretch (30 km beyond Puh) is sheer cliffs with zero barriers. In 2021, I saw a truck’s rear wheel hanging over the edge—ride at 20 km/h max.
3. Kaza to Chandratal (Day 7):
River Crossings: The Chandra River near Batal is knee-deep in July. I dropped my bike here in 2020—learn from my folly: walk the route first.
4. Chandratal to Manali
Pretty good road conditions for this part of Spiti Valley circuit ride.
Spiti Valley Motorcycle Trip: Cost Breakdown
Expense Budget (DIY) Mid-Range Premium Tour
- Bike Rental ₹1,500/day Included Included
- Fuel (Total) ₹6,000 Included Included
- Accommodation ₹500-1,000/night ₹1,500-2,500/night Luxury camps (₹5,000+)
- Permits ₹50-100 Included Included
- Total (10 Days) ₹20,000 ₹35,000 ₹60,000+
When to Go? Best Time For Spiti Valley Trip
Best Window: June-September (but July-August rains trigger landslides—I was stranded for 3 days in 2019).
Secret Tip: Late September has zero crowds but pack a heavy jacket—nights hit -5°C.