Plan a Lahaul Spiti self drive road trip to enjoy an amazing journey through the magnificent Himalayas. Such an itinerary gives you the chance to pilot the vehicle yourself and do something really adventurous. Start the journey from Delhi, and head towards Narkanda – a small town that transforms into a buzzing ski resort in winters. The following morning, travel by road to the village of Sangla, situated at an altitude of about 8900 feet. En route, cross the village of Sarahan where the architecture bears a distinct Chinese Buddhist influence. Spend the next day laying in the arms of nature and acclimatising to tough weather conditions. Opt to take part in numerous exciting sports like trekking, river crossing, rock climbing and rappelling in the area.

Upon recommencing this Spiti road trip from Sangla, cross the Himalayas and enter the desert-like valley of the Spiti River. Relish lunch on the shores of Nako Lake along the way, and thereafter move on towards the scenic Tabo village. Reach Kaza in the evening and get some rest. The following day involves an inclusive sightseeing tour with visits to Pin Valley National Park, Ki Monastery, and Hikkim, Komik and Langza villages. This break from the Lahaul Spiti road trip will also prove essential in letting you acclimatise to the diminishing oxygen level and cold weather conditions at higher altitudes.

The next phase of the venture involves driving as well as trekking. Upon recommencing the Lahaul Spiti road tour from Kaza, travel by road to the top of Kunzum La. Later, drive carefully on a rocky, muddy and rough road for around 12 km. As the road ends, disembark from the vehicle and undertake a hiking excursion to reach the high-altitude pond of Chandratal. Enjoy a peaceful picnic on its shores, and later return to Kaza. At dawn, embark on a road journey to the hill station of Manali, and after an overnight stay here travel to Delhi.

Detailed Itinerary:

Day 01: Delhi to Narkanda (411 km/7-8 hours approx.)
Early in the morning, begin the Lahaul Spiti self drive road trip from Delhi, heading towards Narkanda. Look out for changing landscape and scenery during this approximately 7 hours drive. See the vast northern plains transform into deciduous forests in the Shivalik Hills. These in turn will be taken over by forests of pine at moderate altitudes. By the time you reach Narkanda, the pines will be disappeared, and towering pindrows and deodars will be seen.

On arrival in Narkanda in the evening, transfer to your lodging located amidst mesmerising apple orchards. Enjoy watching the bewitching sunset over thickly forested mountains. Later warm yourselves by the side of a bonfire, and then relish a buffet dinner, followed by an overnight stay.

Day 02: Narkanda – Sarahan – Sangla (157 km/4 hours)
In the early hours of a day, enjoy a leisurely and refreshing stroll through the orchards and then relish a nourishing breakfast. Post breakfast, start the road journey to the village of Sangla. Pass through the village of Sarahan, which has buildings made of wood and topped by concave sloping roofs. The Chinese Buddhist influence on the architecture makes evident that the Lahaul and Spiti region is not too far.

Further on the way to Sangla, enjoy a picnic and on arriving in the village, travel to your lodging. Make the most of a breathtaking twilight by sipping freshly prepared tea. End the experience with an overnight stay.

Days 03 and 04: Acclimatisation and Optional Adventure Sports in the Sangla/Chitkul/Rakcham Region
Take a break from this exciting road expedition, and spend two days acclimatising to harsh weather conditions. Put this time to better use by driving to Chitkul – the last Indian village before the India-Tibet border. Notice the vegetation grow thinner at higher elevations, and also see the jungles transform into meadows.

You can enjoy a picnic here or embark on a short hike of about 5 km to the Indian Army border check-post, which overlooks the Tibetan Plateau. Adventure sports, such as rappelling, rock climbing and river crossing can also be enjoyed here, though charges for some of these may apply. Trekking enthusiasts may undertake easy or tough hiking expeditions in the area around Sangla. Also as part of this sightseeing trip, visit some local villages to understand the culture of the inhabitants. Spend the rest of the time sitting on the banks of the hissing Baspa River and gazing endlessly at the mountains.

Day 05: Sangla – Nako Lake – Tabo – Kaza (240 km)
This section of the Lahaul Spiti road trip involves crossing the major ranges of the Himalayas and entering the cold and almost-barren Spiti Valley. Start the journey before dawn to witness a spellbinding sunrise over the mountains in Kalpa. Later, move on to Nako Lake – a small alpine pond next to the Nako village. This sparkling lake is surrounded by deciduous trees that become yellow in autumn and shed their leaves.

Post relishing lunch on the shores of the water body, travel to the village of Tabo, which has the famous Tabo Monastery. Like most such places in the country, Tabo Monastery has temples, halls and stupas; and its interiors are richly decorated with wall paintings. There are also caves carved into the mountains where monks still meditate. Later, travel deeper in the Spiti Valley to arrive in the town of Kaza. On reaching here in the evening, transfer to your lodging and stay overnight.

Day 06: Sightseeing in and around Kaza
Spend the entire day sightseeing in and around the town of Kaza. Also as part of this sightseeing trip, travel to Pin Valley National Park – located between altitudes of 11500 feet and 20000 feet. The cold desert climate of the region supports trees like juniper and birch. Animals, such as snow leopards, Tibetan wolves, griffon vultures and lammergeier are found here.

Get a taste of the local culture by taking trips through the high altitude villages of Komik, Hikkim and Langza. All these villages are situated at around 14000 feet altitude, making them some of the highest settlements in the world. Later visit Ki Monastery, which was constructed in the 11th century. It is built amidst mountain peaks, and from the monastery the Spiti River is visible meandering below. Return to your lodging in Kaza after sightseeing, and enjoy a good night’s sleep.

Day 07: Kaza to Chandratal | Chandratal to Kaza (200 km/7 hours approx.)
Post recommencing this Lahaul Spiti road tour, drive to the summit of Kunzum La. This mountain pass has an altitude of approximately 15000 feet, and owing to this reason it is always freezing here and snow is visible almost all through the year. Following the descent from the pass, drive on a rough, muddy and rocky road for about 12 km. Feel the adrenaline rush and the adventure level of the expedition increase while travelling on this track.

Get off the vehicle at the end of the road, and undertake a minor, yet slightly demanding 2 km trek to Chandratal. Look at the scenery of the lake, have a wonderful picnic on its shores, and later return to Kaza. On reaching the town, travel to your lodging and stay overnight.

Day 08: Kaza to Manali (203 km/4-5 hours approx.)
In the morning, start the penultimate phase of this Spiti road trip by leaving Kaza and heading towards Manali. Ascend to the summit of Rohtang Pass, and upon descending from here see the landscape change yet again. The barren and desert-like terrain of the Lahaul and Spiti region will transform into thickly forested Himalayas once the pass is crossed.

On reaching Manali at dusk, transfer to your lodging and recollect the memories of the journey over champagne and pizzas. Thereafter, enjoy an overnight stay in the hill station.

Day 09: Manali to Delhi (554 km/11 hours approx.)
End this amazing venture by driving from Manali on the winding mountain roads and reaching Delhi.