Trekking in Spiti Valley

1. Hampta Pass and Chandratal trek

When it comes to Trekking in Spiti valley, one of the most unmissable trails is the Hampta pass leading up to Chandratal lake. Located at 14000 feet above sea level, the pass connects the Kullu valley to the Spiti Valley.

The trail itself is extremely picturesque. The serpentine path winds across the magnificent Pir Panjal mountains and ends in the foothills of the majestic Himalayas. The variety of landscapes that you experience as the trial progresses is what makes this trek a simply unparalleled experience.

From the green meadows of Kullu and Manali to the bare landscape of the Lahaul region, you can literally feel the ground changing underneath your feet. But what will steal your heart is the destination – the turquoise blue Chandratal lake which has mesmerized many travellers over the years.

The pristine waters of the lake, the disconnect you feel from the rest of the world, the natural splendour of the forests surrounding the lake, and the reflection of the majestic Himalayas in the waters – it will all make you feel as if you have stepped into a fairytale world.

Trek Duration: 5 to 6 days

Difficulty Level: Easy to moderate

Average Cost: INR 8500 per person

2. Bhrigu Lake Trek 

Featuring a significant climb of nearly 6,000 feet from the Gulaba village located at 8,000 feet above sea level to the pristine Bhrigu Lake at a height of 14,000 feet – this Spiti valley trek is known for its adrenaline releasing adventures and picturesque landscapes.

The lush green forests and aromatic orchards of Gulaba village form a pleasing starting point for this trail. As you climb towards the lake, you will get to walk through the beautiful jungles featuring groves and pine and deodar trees.

The snowy peaks of the Pir Panjal mountains will please your eyes and the fresh mountain air will calm your senses. Now, the landscape will start getting more barren as you move upwards.

During the trek, you will also get a glimpse of the Seven Sisters Peaks, the Deo Tibba, and the Hanuman Tibba. What’s more, you will camp at an altitude that is the same as the Rohtang Pass, the highest motorable road in the world. Who wouldn’t want to brag about that!

At the end of the trek is a high altitude glacial lake that will delight and mesmerize you. Legend says that Maharishi Bhrigu used to meditate here, hence the lake is now considered sacred.

If you wish, you can also stop at the hot Sulphur spring near Vashisht on your way back. It will be a calming and relaxing experience to take a dip into the hot water at the spring.

Trek Duration: 4 days

Difficulty Level: Easy to moderate

Average Cost: INR 7000 per person

3. Kheerganga Trek

One of the easiest Spiti valley trek, Kheerganga trail is perfect for beginners who don’t have a lot of experience in trekking. The achingly beautiful Parvati valley, along with pristine views of the Tosh river, the glacier of Lahaul valley, and the majestic Himalayan peaks await you at this trail.

The trek starts in Barsheni village, the meeting point of Parvati and Tosh rivers. As the trial proceeds, you will be walking along the top of the ridge, and you can expect some tricky terrains like difficult descents, crossing gorges, and walking along the gushing Beas river – but the overall trail is still easier than other trails in the valley.

You will also get to see many interesting sights such as the Shiv temple and the Rudra Nag waterfall which looks like a serpent. Enjoy the views of ancient shrines, and go through quaint tribal hamlets with beautiful wooden homes. You will also get to see many marijuana fields on the path.

Stretched out amongst beautiful green fields and rocky outcrops, the vistas of this trek will leave you spellbound.

Trek Duration: 2 to 4 days

Difficulty Level: Easy

Average Cost: INR 2000 per person

4. Pin Parvati Trek

Starting at the Barsheni village, this Spiti valley trek features a variety of fascinating views of the region.

You will reach the maximum height of 5300 meters during this trek, and you will be crossing the lovely green valleys of Kullu, steep slopes, barren mountains, gushing rivers and dramatic landscapes of the Spiti Valley. The Pin Parvati pass links the Parvati valley of Kullu to the Pin Valley of Spiti, hence the name.

The most exciting part of this trek is that you will get to witness abundant natural beauty in your path. Dense alpine forests and colourful meadows full of flowers await you in Parvati valley. As you head to Rudranath and then Khirganag, you will witness the barren Himalayas and beautiful villages.

Soak in the striking views of snowy peaks as you cross over to Spiti Valley. You can also visit the Pin Valley National Park and the Great Himalayan National Park on your way, where you can catch a glimpse of some indigenous Himalayan flora.

Trek Duration: 11 days

Difficulty Level: Easy to moderate

Average Cost: INR 5700

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Spiti valley trekking is 55 km long, and it will take you at least 5 days to cover the entirety of it. As far as difficulty level is concerned, the trail is easy to moderate and can be done easily with a little bit of training.

Quite an important information to note, the best time for Spiti valley trek counts summer season in. From the month of April to October, one can trek in the hidden treasures quite smoothly. It is so as the maximum temperature strikes around 23 degrees whereas minimum hangs in around 3 degrees.

Moreover, as winters are about to approach in October, some areas experience snowfalls as well, allowing the peaks to get covered with white-clad. During extreme winters of January, most areas become inaccessible even at the base camp, so no question arises to hike to the top.

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Considered as one of the most beautiful Spiti valley treks, Dhankar lake trail is a magnificent offbeat route that you will love exploring. It will take you through the lush green parts of Manali as well as the barren, dramatic landscapes of the Spiti valley.

It is an easy to moderate trek, so it is recommended to undergo some training before you take it up. But despite the challenging terrain of this region and the difficulty of trekking to the 4200-meter cliff where the lake is nestled, you will enjoy your trek because of the magnificent views it offers.

Chandratal is a moderately difficult trek. It is classified as an easy to moderate trek and therefore, it is not recommended to commit to it without any training or acclimatization.

As for the cost, it largely depends on what kind of transport, accommodation and meal options you choose. A budget trek can be completed in INR 10k per person if it is done in 6-7 days.

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If you are striking Spiti only for trekking expedition, you may need to change your mind once again and visit famous places like Tabo monastery and Lhalung monastery in Spiti valley.

Visit Kunzum pass which is settled at 4590 m, Pin valley national park, Kibber village, Losar village, charming Udaipur, Darcha to name a few. Even while crossing from one place to another, views within Spiti valley are indeed breathtaking. While choosing trekking as a major call, Chandratal, Suraj Tal, Dhankar lake are all waiting to get explored.

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If you want to try trekking in Spiti valley, here are some of the most important things you should carry:

1. A water bottle to keep you hydrated
2. Snacks like trail mix, dry fruits, energy bars and chocolates
3. A backpack where you can keep all your things and travel hands-free
4. Trekking shoes or hiking shoes so that you can walk comfortably
5. A swiss knife for multi-purpose functioning
6. A torch or flashlight for helping you see things in the dark
7. A hand sanitizer to keep things germs free
8. Trek pants or trousers to keep yourself comfortable
9. A cap or hat
10. A sunscreen or sunblock to protect yourself from sunburn

When concerned about trekking costs, it all depends upon the package you wish to select or the peak you wish to hike to. It is so as the number of days spent on the trek and stay, along with camping, food cost and shopping vary.

For example, since Hampta pass trek can be done in 4-5 days, a mere cost of approximately Rs 8000 will work. And if Pin Parvati is taken into account, the days required are around 10, and cost hikes up accordingly to around Rs.20,000. So a range of around Rs 8000 to Rs 22,000 can be kept in mind, apart from personal and travel expenses.

Start the trip with biking towards the valley to mark the adventure beginning. After here, do not skip out a trekking session on the wonderful peaks, camping under the stars on the barren slope and river rafting to satiate the adventure crave.

Moreover, take your bike or car around the monasteries, passes and experience the nature love with your own eyes.

Spiti valley trekking can cost you anywhere between INR 5000 to 50,000 – depending on the circuit, how many days you plan on spending there, and what kind of accommodations and meal options you want.

For example, for a 3-4-day trip to Chandratal lake or Kheerganga, INR 10k would be enough. A shorter trip to Pin Valley would be done in 5k per person. But if you want to complete the entire Lahaul-Spiti circuit, you will spend a minimum of 80k per person for a 10-day trekking trip.

Here are some of the most interesting things to do in Spiti Valley:

1. River Rafting

For adventure loving people, river rafting in the valley is one of the most exhilarating things to do. With a background of snowy mountaintops, picturesque views all around you, and the cool breeze in your face – you will feel all your senses coming alive. You can try river rafting in Spiti and Pin rivers.

2. Visit the Pin Valley National Park

For animal lovers and wildlife enthusiasts, the national park offers a chance to get a glimpse of the endangered animals of the Himalayas. You can see snow leopards, Siberian ibex, snow cocks, gazelles, and partridges here.

3. Camping at Chandratal lake

Nestled at 4300 meters above sea level, the lake is one of the most beautiful places in the valley and camping here will offer you a chance to witness the pristine waters of the lake sparkling in the moonlight.

4. Trekking in Spiti

The valley has a variety of treks and trails that allow you to explore its untouched and unparalleled beauty in raw form. You can trek to Kheerganga, Pin Valley, or Chandratal lake. All the treks are easy to moderate, so with a little training, almost anyone can undertake these treks.

5. Visit Buddhist Monasteries

The valley is a religious centre for Buddhists, and you will see a variety of monasteries and gompas here. Most of these places are thousands of years old and you will see a variety of ancient manuscripts, murals and paintings here. It is worth exploring the spiritual spaces to get to learn about the Buddhist religion, and also to get a glimpse of the architecture of those times.

6. Photography at Dhankar Lake

If you want to take some stunning photos of the natural, pristine beauty of the Himalayas, the best place to do that is the magical Dhankar lake. Still untouched by the hordes of tourists, this lake is simply stunning with clear blue waters, dramatic landscapes and lovely vistas.

7. Visit the mummy at the village of Giu

Sandwiched between the towns of Sumdo and Tabo, this charming little hamlet houses one of the most interesting things in the valley, the shrine of a 500-year old dead body. Legends and sayings in the village believe that it is the body of a meditative lama.

Yes, and again yes! Lahaul and Spiti are settled nicely in Himachal’s northern region and to begin with, the locals are very helpful and cheerful in case you require anything for support.

Moreover, the availability of guides shall surely give you confidence for trekking safe and secure where they guide your paths and you can reach your destination safely. Keep the first aid kits and a basic set of medicines along the trail as the paths are usually rocky and weather remains comparatively cold.

A day though might not be enough to cover the extended charm of the valley, yet one can cross through major attractions in a day. Begin your morning with the charm of barren sunrise, and head for white water rafting to mark the adventure beginning.

Visit Pin valley national park and get inspired by the flora and fauna which are really distinct from others. A great set of monasteries wait for you with the names of Key monastery, Kungri monastery, Kangra monastery etc. Bow your heads down and enjoy some camping experience, if time permits. Do not miss out some shopping in local Kaza market while enjoying yummy momos and tea along.

Here are the best places to visit in the valley:

1. Rohtang pass – perched at a height of nearly 4000 meters, this pass features the highest motorable road in the world. You will get to witness the magnificent glaciers, pristine waterfalls, and some of the most breathtaking views of the valley from here.

2. Chandratal Lake – located at a distance of 7 to 8 km from the beautiful Kunzum pass, the Chadratal lake is an extremely pristine water body that has attracted travellers for years. The clear blue waters, the reflection of mountains in the lake, and disconnect it offers from the rest of the world makes Chandratal a perfect destination for photography and nature lovers.

3. Key Monastery – one of the oldest monasteries in the valley, Key Gompa enshrines the idols of Buddha in his Dhyana position and also features a large collection of ancient books and beautiful murals.

4. Kunzum Pass – the high mountain pass is located in the Kunzum mountain range and connects Kullu and Lahaul valley. It offers picturesque views of the Chandra Bhaga mountains and is surrounded by snow-capped peaks of the Himalayas. You can also trek to Chandratal lake from here.

5. Pin Valley National Park – nestled in the middle of the frozen rivers of the beautiful Parvati Valley, this park is home to some of the rarest species of the Himalayas, including the majestic snow leopards and the ibex.

6. Suraj Tal – located just below the Baralacha La pass, this is an unmissable destination for photography lovers. The pristine natural surroundings also attract people who want to get away from the hustle and bustle of more touristy spots.

7. Dhankar lake – set amidst the lush green pastures and offering a captivating view of the majestic mountains around it, this lake is an unmissable destination if you are planning to trek in the valley. The stunning parade of colours near Dhankar lake also makes it one of the most photogenic places in the region.

8. Hampta Pass – the pass offers an entryway into the Spiti valley from Kullu. Hence, it has some of the most contrasting views in the region – with green valley of Kullu on one side and dramatic landscapes of Spiti on the other. That is why it is highly recommended to check out this incredible pass.

There are two routes which could take you to the serene cold deserts of India. Here are the details about both the routes but it is highly important to know that we suggest you to go via Shimla and come back to Manali as it helps in acclimatization as well as covering all the places in one trip.

1. SHIMLA TO KAZA:

This route remains open throughout the year and it covers more places and terrains on the way. You must choose this way to go to the valley as it is less steeper and longer route which helps you and your co-travellers adjusting to the heights before reaching the ultimate heights.

2. MANALI TO KAZA:

If you are travelling after the second week of June and before the 15th of October, then this route can scooch in your plan as it is closed for the rest of the year. However, it is always ideal to choose this route while coming back from Kaza as it is the shorter and steeper route. Or, if you have less days in hand then you can use this route for going and coming back both.

TIP: You have to take a permit before stepping on the Rohtang Pass with your personal vehicle.

We would say, that totally depends on whether you are taking a wholesome package or not. If a package is taken, food will be served at the campsites, whereas if you have planned to pitch in your tent all by yourself, do not forget to carry your own food.

Yet if you are trekking with or without a guide, carry snack bars, chocolates, energy drinks, and water bottles, for sure. You never know how much energy your stomach will require after reaching the top.

Talk about any airport or railway station directly, it’s a No! Connected with Shimla and Kullu, choose to travel through roadways, either by your own bike or car or even decide to hire a cab.

As you begin from Shimla, pass through Kinnaur and with some twists and turns, Spiti is right in front of you. Though the distance between the two is around 420 km, yet the time consumption would be higher than expected due to different roads.