"The spiti valley road trip with Awara Banjara was very good. It was my first ever solo trip but it did not feel like one as everyone in the group was very welcoming and hospitable..."
Spiti : The Highland Circuit (Group Trip)
Delhi — Manali — Kaza — Langza — Komic — Hikkim — Key Monastery — Chicham Bridge — Kunzum Pass — Chandratal — Manali — Delhi
About This Trip
Step away from the ordinary city chaos and answer the raw, wild call of the mountains with Awara Banjara signature Spiti: The Highland Circuit. This immersive 7-day soulful expedition takes you from the green, pine-scented valleys of Manali straight into the stark, breathtaking cold desert of Spiti Valley. Feel the nomadic energy as you cross the engineering marvel of the Atal Tunnel, navigate through wild riverbeds, and ascend the mighty windswept heights of Kunzum Pass.
Live the true Banjara life as you touch the skies in some of the highest human settlements on earth—mail a postcard from the World’s Highest Post Office in Hikkim, gaze at the majestic snow-clad peaks from the giant golden Buddha statue in Langza, and cross Asia’s highest suspension bridge at Chicham. Seek timeless tranquility at the historic cliffside Key Monastery before trading concrete walls for a blanket of million stars during an unforgettable night of alpine camping near the mystical, crescent-shaped Chandratal Lake (Moon Lake).
Designed for true wanderers and mountain souls, this journey blends rugged thrills with deep local exploration. Come back with a camera full of raw memories, dusty trails, and a heart forever anchored in the high Himalayas.
Itinerary
- Your Himalayan journey begins as you board a comfortable overnight Volvo bus from Delhi in the evening.
- Leave the city chaos behind and enjoy a smooth, scenic overnight ride through winding mountain roads as you head toward the cool air of Himachal Pradesh.
- Arrive in Manali by morning and check into your stay to shake off the travel fatigue.
- Spend the afternoon soaking in local mountain culture—wander through the towering pine trees of the sacred Hadimba Devi Temple, explore the rustic lanes of Old Manali, or take a peaceful stroll through Van Vihar.
- Spend your evening soaking up the vibrant vibe of Mall Road.
- Stay overnight in Manali.
- Wake up to an early, thrilling start as you leave green Manali behind.
- Drive straight through the engineering marvel of the Atal Tunnel and step directly into the stark, breathtaking cold desert of Spiti Valley.
- Journey along the wild riverbeds, ascend the mighty Kunzum Pass, and seek blessings at the sacred mountain shrine before arriving in Kaza by evening.
- Stay overnight in Kaza.
- Today is all about touching the skies in some of the world's highest human settlements.
- Visit Langza to witness the giant golden Buddha statue gazing over snow-clad peaks, head up to Hikkim to mail a postcard from the World’s Highest Post Office, and explore Komik, one of the highest motorable villages on earth.
- Return to Kaza by evening for a cozy night.
- Stay overnight in Kaza.
- After a hearty breakfast, head out to explore the magnificent Key Monastery perched dramatically on a hilltop.
- Drive across Chicham Bridge, Asia's highest suspension bridge hanging over a massive gorge, and make your way toward the mystical Chandratal Lake (Moon Lake).
- Experience the surreal beauty of the crystal-clear crescent lake before cozying up for the night at the campsite.
- Stay overnight at the Chandratal campsite.
- Wake up to a crisp, raw mountain morning surrounded by untouched nature.
- Pack your bags and begin your scenic drive back through the Lahaul Valley and Atal Tunnel, returning to Manali by afternoon.
- In the evening, board your overnight Volvo bus back to Delhi.
- Arrive back in Delhi by early morning, carrying a camera full of raw memories, rugged trails, and a heart forever anchored in the Himalayas.
Inclusions
✔ Delhi to Manali & Return AC Volvo Bus Tickets
✔ 4 Nights Accommodation (Hotels / Homestays in Manali & Kaza, and Alpine Camps at Chandratal)
✔ 4 Breakfast & 4 Dinner at Stays
✔ Shared Local Vehicle (Tempo Traveller / SUV) for Spiti Circuit Transfers & Sightseeing
✔ Experienced Trip Captain & Professional Mountain Driver for High-Altitude Terrain
✔ Inner Line Permits / Environmental Fees & Toll Charges
Exclusions
✘ Lunch Meals & Personal Expenses at Cafes
✘ Personal Shopping, Tips, Portages & Mineral Water Bottles
✘ 5% GST & Travel Insurance
✘ Any additional costs arising from roadblocks, landslides, vehicle breakdowns, or extreme weather stay extensions
Package Options
Bike Sub Package Options
FAQs
Acclimatization is key; since you cross Kunzum Pass and stay in high-altitude towns like Kaza (12,500 ft) and Langza, staying hydrated, avoiding heavy exertion on Day 3 and Day 4, and carrying personal prescribed medicines helps your body adjust smoothly.
Postpaid connections like Jio and BSNL work intermittently in Manali and Kaza, but expect complete digital disconnection once you head toward Chandratal Lake or remote high-altitude mountain passes.
Absolutely. Awara Banjara groups are led by experienced trip captains, featuring verified mountain homestays and secure shared transport, making it exceptionally safe and welcoming for solo travelers and women explorers.
While this is a relaxed-pace group road trip rather than a grueling trek, high-altitude regions like Komic and Chandratal involve walking at low-oxygen levels, so light cardio a few weeks prior is recommended.
We use comfortable, experienced commercial mountain vehicles such as Tempo Travellers or reliable 4x4/SUV options driven by local drivers who specialize in handling unpredictable Himalayan terrain.
Basic western or Indian-style restrooms are available at your stays in Manali and Kaza, though remote transit stretches and Chandratal campsite feature more rustic or eco-friendly facilities.
Days are comfortably warm and sunny under the mountain sun, but temperatures can drop sharply below freezing after sunset, especially at high-altitude locations like Chandratal and Kunzum Pass.
Consuming alcohol or smoking is strictly discouraged during transit across high-altitude passes like Kunzum and near sacred or eco-sensitive zones like Chandratal Lake to prevent severe altitude sickness.
Safety comes first; if routes are blocked by unexpected weather, your trip captain coordinates alternative shelter options, though any extended stays or extra transit costs are excluded from the package price.
Pack in layers including thermal inners, a heavy windproof/waterproof jacket, UV-protection sunglasses, sturdy trekking shoes, a reusable water bottle, and essential personal medications.
Reviews
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"Bir was peaceful and the homestay felt like home-cooked comfort food after long days of paragliding and valley walks. Fantastic trip leads!"
