Day 1 — Shimla to Sarahan
After pick-up in Shimla, we set off along the scenic Hindustan–Tibet road, following the Sutlej River deep into the Kinnaur region. The drive winds past apple orchards, pine forests, and dramatic river gorges.
Arrive at Sarahan, the erstwhile summer capital of the Bushahr kingdom. Visit the magnificent Bhimakali Temple, a stunning example of Indo-Tibetan tower architecture, before an overnight stay in this peaceful hamlet.
Overnight Stay: Sarahan
Day 2 — Sarahan to Chitkul, Stay Sangla
Drive into the lush Sangla (Baspa) Valley and continue to Chitkul — the last inhabited village on the old Indo-Tibetan trade route. Wander its wooden houses, the ancient Mathi Temple, and the banks of the crystal-clear Baspa River.
On the way explore the Sangla Valley and the historic Kamru Fort, with its terraced fields and snow-dusted peaks all around. Return to Sangla for the night.
Overnight Stay: Sangla
Day 3 — Sangla to Nako
Today the landscape changes dramatically as we cross from green Kinnaur into the cold desert of Spiti. Drive past the confluence of the Spiti and Sutlej rivers at Khab, and up the spectacular Ka Loops to the high-altitude village of Nako.
Set at over 3,600 metres, Nako is built around its serene emerald lake, ringed by willow and poplar trees and an old Buddhist monastery. Soak in the tranquil mountain atmosphere overnight.
Overnight Stay: Nako
Day 4 — Nako to Tabo
A short, scenic drive brings us to Tabo, home to one of the oldest continuously functioning Buddhist monasteries in the Himalayas. Founded in 996 CE, Tabo Monastery is often called the "Ajanta of the Himalayas" for its exquisite thousand-year-old murals and stucco statues.
Explore the mud-walled gompa complex and the meditation caves dotting the cliffs above the village. An optional visit to the Gue mummy can be arranged en route.
Overnight Stay: Tabo
Day 5 — Tabo to Kaza
Continue deeper into the Spiti Valley towards Kaza, the bustling sub-divisional headquarters and the largest township in the region. En route, stop at the dramatic Dhankar Monastery, perched on a spur overlooking the meeting of the Spiti and Pin rivers.
If time permits, take in the views of the Pin Valley before settling into Kaza. Spend the evening exploring the colourful local market and acclimatising.
Overnight Stay: Kaza
Day 6 — Kaza to Key Monastery & Around
A full day exploring the highlights around Kaza. Visit the iconic Key (Kye) Monastery, the largest and most photographed gompa in Spiti, cascading down a conical hilltop like a fortress at 4,166 metres.
Continue to the high villages of Kibber and Chicham, crossing Asia's highest suspension bridge, and visit Komic, Hikkim (home of the world's highest post office), and Langza with its giant Buddha statue and fossil-rich slopes. Return to Kaza for the night.
Overnight Stay: Kaza
Day 7 — Kaza to Kalpa
Retrace the spectacular route back through the Spiti gorge towards Kinnaur, ending the day at the charming apple-orchard village of Kalpa. The drive offers one last feast of soaring cliffs, hanging glaciers, and the turquoise Sutlej far below.
Kalpa is famed for its front-row views of the sacred Kinner Kailash range, especially magical at sunrise and sunset. Explore Roghi village and the nearby Suicide Point viewpoint.
Overnight Stay: Kalpa
Day 8 — Kalpa to Shimla Drop
After a final mountain sunrise over Kinner Kailash, we begin the scenic descent back along the Sutlej and the Hindustan–Tibet road towards Shimla, watching the cold-desert peaks give way once more to green pine-clad hills.
Arrive in Shimla by evening for your drop, carrying home memories of one of the most breathtaking road journeys in the Himalayas. We hope to host you again soon!