Spiti : Full Summer Circuit

Spiti Full Summer Circuit: The Ultimate Himalayan Odyssey with Awara Banjara

There is travel that lets you see places, and then there is the Awara Banjara journey—where the mountains don't just surround you; they become a part of your soul. Welcome to the Spiti Full Summer Circuit (8 Days / 7 Nights), an epic overland expedition that transitions from the chaotic rhythm of city life into the raw, silence-carved landscapes of the Middle Land. Starting from Delhi and traversing through the emerald gorges of Kinnaur, ancient cliffside monasteries, the highest inhabited villages on Earth, and the mystic shores of Chandratal Lake, this is not just a road trip—it is an initiation into the true Banjara spirit.

The Journey: From Kinnaur’s Deep Gorges to the Cold Desert of Spiti

The complete Spiti circuit is widely regarded as one of the world’s most legendary high-altitude road trips. Unlike short back-and-forth routes, our full circuit enters via the gradual ascent of Shimla and Kinnaur Valley and exits through the wild, adrenaline-fueled off-road terrain of Kunzum Pass, Batal, and Manali. This clockwise route ensures natural acclimatization, allowing your body and mind to seamlessly adapt to the thin Himalayan air.

Your nomadic expedition begins with an overnight transition from Delhi into the misty pine hills of Shimla. From here, our rugged expedition vehicles roll alongside the roaring Sutlej River through the dramatic, rock-carved cliff roads of Kinnaur. Settle into the rustic beauty of Sangla Valley and Chitkul—the last inhabited village near the Indo-Tibet border—where wooden cottages, crisp mountain breezes, and views of the snow-dusted Kinnaur Kailash range set the tone for the adventure ahead.

As we cross the sacred Khab Sangam—the raw confluence of the Spiti and Sutlej rivers—the green alpine forests dramatically yield to the barren, sculpted moonscapes of the trans-Himalayan desert. Along the way, we pause by the reflective serenity of Nako Lake and take a detour to the remote outpost of Gue, home to the 500-year-old naturally preserved mummified body of Buddhist monk Sangha Tenzin.

Ancient Monasteries & Postcards from the Clouds

In the heart of Spiti Valley, history breathes through mud brick and ancient sacred chants. Step inside the 1,000-year-old Tabo Monastery, revered as the ‘Ajanta of the Himalayas’, where sacred wall murals and ancient meditation caves transport you back across centuries. Feel your spine tingle as you gaze upon the dramatic, cliff-hanging Dhankar Gompa, standing defiantly on razor-sharp spires high above the Pin-Spiti river confluence.

Based out of the vibrant desert hub of Kaza, our high-altitude village safari takes you to the literal rooftop of the world:

Hikkim (14,567 ft): Write a heartfelt, ink-on-paper letter from the World’s Highest Post Office and send a piece of the Himalayas directly to your loved ones.

Komic (15,027 ft): Feel the quiet reverence of the World’s Highest Motorable Village, standing beneath fluttering multi-colored prayer flags.

Langza (The Fossil Village): Gaze upon the iconic giant Golden Buddha statue facing the mighty Chau Chau Kang Nilda peak, and walk across ancient shale beds to discover million-year-old marine fossils from the ancient Tethys Sea.

Over Kunzum Pass to the Mystic Waters of Chandratal

No Spiti expedition is complete without visiting the fortress-like Key Monastery, where young monks warmly offer steaming butter tea, and crossing the staggering Chicham Bridge—Asia's highest suspension bridge spanning a thousand-foot vertical gorge.

Conquer the mighty Kunzum Pass (14,931 ft), pay homage at the Kunzum Mata shrine, and descend into the hidden sanctuary of Chandratal (The Moon Lake). Hike along its ever-changing turquoise and deep-blue waters, surrounded by amphitheaters of snow-capped peaks. As night falls over our alpine campsite, sit around the warmth of community conversations and look up at the unpolluted, dazzling expanse of the Milky Way Galaxy stretching from horizon to horizon.

The Wild Off-Road Exit via Manali & Atal Tunnel

The final leg tests the nomadic spirit on the raw off-road trails of Batal, Chhatru, and Gramphu. Navigate glacial water crossings (pagal nalas) and boulder-strewn Chenab riverbeds before piercing through the engineering triumph of the Atal Tunnel. In an instant, the arid desert transforms back into the lush, pine-scented warmth of Manali. Celebrate the triumph of completing the entire circuit with cafe hopping in Old Manali before your overnight Volvo returns you to Delhi.

Why Experience Spiti with Awara Banjara?

Raw, Authentic & Non-Commercial: We don’t run cookie-cutter tourist trips. We travel like a nomadic tribe—staying in handpicked local homestays, sharing regional food, and connecting with local cultures.

High-Altitude Safety First: Dedicated trip captains, certified drivers, continuous acclimatization management, portable medical oxygen cylinders, and emergency protocols.

Seamless, Transparent & Soulful: From permits and comfortable transport to verified stays and stargazing nights—every detail is curated so you can fully lose yourself in the mountain magic.

Pack your rucksack, leave the city routine behind, and claim your seat on the ultimate Spiti Summer Circuit. The Middle Land is calling!