Spiti Snow Self Drive
DURATION: 8N / 9D PICK UP/DROP: Shimla MAX ALTITUDE: 15,000 ft BEST TIME: Oct - Apr
DRIVE ON THE WHITE GOLDDevelop and hone your skills of snow and ice driving. Adventure to cherish for lifetime
ON THE CULTURAL & EXPERENTIAL TRAILExperience living in a home stay with a Spitian family in -30°C and cherish local cuisines
THE MOST ELUSIVE ANIMALTest your luck by playing the odds of spotting Snow Leopard – the grey ghost of the Himalaya
EXPLORE THE REMOTENESSIdentify where do you belong. In the peace and zen or the usual craziness of cities
EXPEDITIONS
21st oct to 29th oct
09th nov to 17th Nov
27th nov to 5th Dec
27th Dec to 04th Jan
15th Jan to 23rd Jan
30th Jan to 7th Feb
15th Feb to 23rd Feb
1st March to 9th March
15th March to 23rd March
3rd April to 11th April
Distance
about 1200 kms
DRIVING CONDITIONS
60% Tarmac 40% Broken/Icy Conditions
VEHICLE TYPE
Only 4×4 SUV
CHALLENGE
90%
DRIVING DAYS
9D
DURATION
8N / 9D
Spiti Snow Self Drive
This was way back in 2011 when no one had ever thought that Spiti was even reachable in December except of course the Indian Army. So, the first step for us was to connect with our acquaintances there and everything else became history.
Over the next 3 years, we gradually started putting together all the building blocks needed for a memorable expedition and a comfortable stay and that’s how “SPITI SNOW DRIVE” started.
Trust me, you would never want to miss this expedition to Spiti. That’s because it always offers something unique, something new which is difficult to encapsulate in words.
Come and experience yourself.
Yogender Chander
Hosting Himalaya
ITINERARY
Day 01
Arrival at Narkanda
- Arrival at NarkandaxArrival at Narkanda. Our team at Tethys Resort will welcome you. Freshen up and unwind in the cozy and warm rooms of Tethys, and soak yourself in the beauty of deodar forests and apple orchards. Narkanda is about 6 hours (185 km) drive away from Chandigarh airport. Followed by briefing and drinks, cozy up around flickering flames and the fragrance of the bonfire wood logs. After dinner, we’d call it a day.
Day 02
Narkanda-Sangla
- After breakfast, a short group briefing sets the tone for the adventure ahead. The drive begins —winding roads tracing the contours of the Sutlej River, past rugged cliffs and traditional Himachalihomes. As you cross Karcham and ascend into Sangla Valley, the landscape transforms. Toweringpeaks, terraced fields, and the melodic flow of the Baspa River welcome you into this jewel of Kinnaur.By evening, you check into a resort in Sangla. As darkness falls and the cold sets in, the bonfire is litonce again. With steaming cups of chai and light-hearted banter, the group gathers — sharing songs,playing games, and soaking in the peace that only mountain evenings offer.
Day 03
Sangla-Chitkul-Sangla
- Today, you travel deeper into the valley to Chitkul, the last village on the Indo-Tibetan border. The roadmeanders past pine forests and snow-laden peaks, opening up to breathtaking views of the KinnaurKailash range. In Chitkul, time slows down. Traditional wooden homes, prayer flags, and the icy watersof the Baspa create a picture-perfect scene. You enjoy a riverside lunch, surrounded by towering cliffsand the soft whisper of the wind. After a leisurely afternoon, the return to Sangla offers more photo opsand scenic detours. Back at the stay, the evening once again turns magical - Pre heated Bukhari,laughter echoing through the valley, spontaneous dance moves, and songs that carry through the coldmountain air.
Day 04
Sangla-Tabo
- An early start sets the stage for a day of dramatic transitions. Leaving the green valley of Sangla, youdrive into the stark, surreal beauty of Spiti. First stop: the tranquil, frozen waters of Nako Lake,surrounded by ancient mud houses and wind-carved prayer stones. Further ahead lies the hauntinglybeautiful Gue Monastery, home to a 500-year-old mummified monk — a spiritual relic suspended intime. As you descend into Tabo, the landscape becomes more Lunar than earthly. Tabo, known for itsover 1,000-year-old monastery and mud-walled structures, is a town steeped in ancient wisdom. Inthe evening, warm bukhari fires and candle-lit conversations light up the night. The group gathers tounwind — sharing the wonder of the day, humming old songs, and sipping on herbal tea or local brewas snowflakes drift silently outside.
Day 05
Tabo-Dhankar-Pin Valley-Kaza
- The morning begins with a visit to Tabo Monastery, a UNESCO heritage site filled with ancient muralsand meditation caves. From there, the road leads to the cliffside Dnankar Monastery, once the royalseat of the Spitian kings. Perched precariously over a confluence of rivers, it offers soul-stirring views.Next, the journey winds into the hidden Pin Valley, a place where time stops — vibrant gompas,endangered Himalayan wildlife, and remote villages tucked into the folds of untouched nature. Byevening, you arrive in Kaza, the heart of Spiti. Here, another cozy night awaits — a roaring bonfire orglowing bukhari, delicious food, and the now-familiar warmth of shared songs and stories that wraparound you like a blanket.
Day 06
Kaza-Langza-Hikkim-Komik-Kaza
- Today is all about exploring some of the highest inhabited villages in the world. First, you visit Langza,where fossils of ancient marine life tell tales of a time when these peaks were underwater. Next isHikkim, where you can send postcards from the world’s highest post office - a unique memento of yourjourney. At Komik, one of Asia's highest motorable villages, you find peace at an age-old monasterysurrounded by snowy silence. Returning to Kaza in the evening, the air buzzes with joy and connection.The night comes alive with a local Spitian dinner, soft music, spontaneous singing, and even a littledancing - laughter warming the room as muchas the bukhari does.
Day 07
Kaza-Chicham-Key-Losar-Kaza
- This day is for the soul. You begin with a drive to Chicham Bridge, the highest suspension bridge in Asia,spanning ajaw-dropping gorge. Then you visit the magnificent Key Monastery, perched atop a hill likea watchful guardian of Spiti. Here, time seems to flow slower — monks chant, prayer wheels spin, andthe monastery’s ancient energy invites quiet introspection. Later, you continue to Losar, a windsweptvillage near Kunzum Pass, known for its stark beauty and Buddhist serenity. The return to Kaza is filledwith conversations about the spirituality and grandeur of the day. Your final evening in Spiti becomes acelebration — of life, friendship, and the mountains — with singing, dancing, shared memories, and starry skies above.
Day 08
Kaza-Fagu
- The time has come to say goodbye to Spiti’s rugged charm. Today’s long drive retraces your steps down to the greener pastures of lower Himachal. You descend past Nako, Rampur, and pine-draped hills until you arrive at Fagu, a quiet, misty hamlet near Shimla, known for its cedar forests and apple orchards. Here, the air feels warmer, the roads smoother, but the mountains still call gently. As evening falls, your last bonfire crackles to life. It’s a moment for gratitude - for the bonds built, the songs sung, the silent moments shared under Himalayan skies. With a final round of laughter, music, and reflection, the group toasts to an unforgettable journey.
Day 09
Departure
- After breakfast, you prepare to leave Fagu and return to your onward destinations. The journey may be over, but the mountains have a way of staying with you — in the quiet strength they inspire, the friendships they nurture, and the memories etched in snow, stone, and soul. With hearts full and spirits lifted, you begin the return, already dreaming of the next adventure.
Your Expedition Leader
YC
YOGENDER CHANDER
Important Details
Trip Information
Everything you need to know before joining this expedition.
General Information
- It is a self drive expedition, means come in your own vehicle..!!
- Its a family event - parents, spouses, ladies and kids are welcome.
- Organized in accordance with all Covid-19 protocols.
- For those who are looking for rented vehicles to join, we can help you arrange self drive rental vehicles from Chandigarh/Delhi.
Inclusions
- All Meals, Snacks & Accommodation on Double Sharing Basis.
- Single occupancy available at extra cost.
- Lead and Back Up Car
- Radio Connectivity
- Loads of Fun
Exclusions
- Fuel and inter-state toll
- Travel or medical Insurance
- Any medical emergency or rescue cost
- Political unrest or landslide
- Personal expenses/tips
- Any cost not mentioned in inclusions
Cancellation Policy
30+ Days Before Tour25% Cancellation Charges
15–30 Days Before Tour50% Cancellation Charges
0–15 Days Before Tour100% Cancellation Charges
PHOTOS
