Driving in The Trans Himalaya (Sangla Valley, Spiti Valley & Dhauladhar Mountain Range)

Day 1: Arrival in Delhi

Upon arrival at Delhi airport, you will be warmly welcomed by our representative and transferred to your hotel in a private air-conditioned vehicle. After check-in, take some time to rest and recover from your journey. Delhi, with its powerful blend of historic monuments, broad avenues, and modern energy, offers the perfect introduction to your Himalayan road journey. Depending on your arrival time, you may choose to take a short walk nearby or enjoy the hotel’s facilities. The first day is kept light so that you can settle in comfortably before beginning the mountain drive. Overnight at hotel in Delhi.

Day 2: Delhi to Shimla (364 km / Approx. 8–9 hrs)

After breakfast, depart from Delhi and begin your scenic drive to Shimla. As the landscape gradually changes from plains to foothills, the journey becomes increasingly picturesque with pine-covered slopes, winding roads, and refreshing mountain air. En route, you may stop for refreshments and short breaks as needed. On arrival in Shimla, check in to your hotel and relax after the long drive. Shimla’s colonial charm and cool climate make it a beautiful first mountain stop on your itinerary. The evening is free to enjoy the surroundings at your own pace. Overnight at hotel in Shimla.

Day 3: Shimla Exploration

After breakfast, begin sightseeing in Shimla, a hill station known for its colonial heritage and pleasant mountain setting. Visit Christ Church, one of the oldest churches in North India, followed by the historic Ridge, which offers open views of the town and distant mountains. Continue to Jakhu Temple, located on the highest point in Shimla, where you can enjoy panoramic views and a peaceful atmosphere. Walk along Mall Road, the town’s lively promenade lined with shops, cafés, and old colonial buildings. The day combines gentle sightseeing, heritage, and scenic mountain walks. Return to the hotel in the evening. Overnight at hotel in Shimla.

Day 4: Shimla to Sarahan (165 km / Approx. 5–6 hrs)

After breakfast, leave Shimla and drive to Sarahan, often called the gateway to Kinnaur. The road takes you through changing mountain landscapes, deep valleys, and the beautiful Sutlej River corridor. On arrival, check in to your guesthouse or homestay and relax before beginning local sightseeing. Visit the Bhimakali Temple, one of the most significant shrines in the region, admired for its distinctive wooden architecture and spiritual importance. The village setting and quiet Himalayan surroundings give Sarahan a calm and deeply traditional character. Overnight at guesthouse/home stay in Sarahan.

Day 5: Sarahan to Sangla (85 km / Approx. 3–4 hrs)

After breakfast, drive to Sangla, one of the most scenic valleys in Kinnaur. The route offers breathtaking views of mountain ridges, apple orchards, and the Baspa River flowing below. On arrival, explore Bering Nag Temple and Kamru Fort, both of which reflect local culture and history. Continue to nearby villages such as Batseri and Chitkul, where traditional wooden houses and high-altitude landscapes create a postcard-perfect setting. You may also visit the Tibetan wood carving center and interact with locals to understand the region’s culture more closely. Overnight at guesthouse/home stay in Sangla.

Day 6: Sangla to Kalpa (50 km / Approx. 2–3 hrs)

After breakfast, drive from Sangla to Kalpa, the main village of Kinnaur and one of the best places to admire the Kinnaur Kailash range. The route is short but incredibly scenic, with changing views of cliffs, forests, and river valleys. Upon arrival, check in to your guesthouse or camp and take time to relax. Later, visit Sapni Fort or enjoy a slow walk through the village, where traditional Kinnauri houses and local life reveal the charm of the region. The peaceful atmosphere of Kalpa and its mountain panorama make this a memorable stop. Overnight at guesthouse/camp in Kalpa.

Day 7: Kalpa to Nako (110 km / Approx. 4–5 hrs)

After breakfast, continue your Trans Himalaya drive to Nako, entering the higher and more rugged terrain of the Spiti region. The journey becomes more dramatic as the mountains grow drier, the roads more remote, and the landscapes increasingly striking. On arrival in Nako, check in to your guesthouse and begin sightseeing. Visit Nako Lake, a serene high-altitude water body surrounded by barren slopes and snow-dusted peaks, and explore the village’s ancient Buddhist temples. The calm and spiritual atmosphere of Nako provides a beautiful contrast to the longer road journey. Overnight at guesthouse/home stay in Nako.

Day 8: Nako to Tabo (65 km / Approx. 2–3 hrs)

After breakfast, drive onward to Tabo, with a stop at Gyu Village en route to see the famous Gyu Monastery and its preserved mummy, one of the region’s most unusual and fascinating sights. Continue your drive to Tabo, a historic village known for the legendary Tabo Monastery, often called the “Ajanta of the Himalayas” because of its ancient murals and sacred art. Upon arrival, check in to your guesthouse and explore the monastery complex in detail. The quiet desert mountains and spiritual atmosphere of Tabo make this one of the most meaningful days of the journey. Overnight at guesthouse/home stay in Tabo.

Day 9: Tabo to Kaza via Dhankar (50 km / Approx. 2 hrs plus sightseeing)

After breakfast, drive to Kaza, the administrative center of Spiti Valley. En route, stop at Dhankar Monastery, dramatically perched on a cliff overlooking the meeting point of the Spiti and Pin Rivers. If time permits, take a short hike to Dhankar Lake, which offers sweeping views of the valley and surrounding mountains. Continue to Kaza and check in to your guesthouse. The rest of the day is free to relax or explore the small town, local market, and nearby scenery. Overnight at guesthouse/home stay in Kaza.

Day 10: Kaza Excursion

After breakfast, set out for a full-day exploration of Spiti Valley around Kaza. Visit Kye Monastery, one of the region’s most important Buddhist monasteries, known for its whitewashed buildings, prayer halls, and spectacular hilltop location. Spend time interacting with monks and learning about monastic life and spiritual practices. Continue to Kibber Village, one of the highest inhabited villages in the world, where traditional homes and stark mountain landscapes create a remarkable setting. You may also visit nearby villages depending on road and weather conditions. Return to Kaza in the evening. Overnight at guesthouse/home stay in Kaza.

Day 11: Kaza to Manali (210 km / Approx. 8–10 hrs)

After breakfast, say goodbye to the Spiti region and begin your drive to Manali. This is one of the most dramatic and memorable road journeys in the itinerary, passing through high mountain passes, remote settlements, and wide-open Himalayan landscapes. En route, drive through Losar and continue toward Rohtang Pass, depending on road and weather conditions. The scenery constantly changes from barren high-altitude desert to green mountain slopes as you approach Manali. On arrival, check in to your hotel and rest after the long journey. Overnight at hotel in Manali.

Day 12: Manali Exploration

After breakfast, begin sightseeing in Manali, one of Himachal Pradesh’s most popular mountain destinations. Visit Hadimba Devi Temple, a beautifully carved wooden temple surrounded by cedar trees, followed by Vashisht Temple, famous for its hot springs and peaceful setting. Explore Old Manali, where traditional homes, small cafés, and local shops create a relaxed and artistic atmosphere. You may also enjoy a walk along the Beas River or spend some free time shopping for souvenirs. Manali offers a pleasant transition after the stark landscapes of Spiti. Overnight at hotel in Manali.

Day 13: Manali to Dharamshala via Palampur (230 km / Approx. 7–8 hrs)

After breakfast, drive to Dharamshala, with an en route stop at Palampur, a town known for its tea gardens and views of the Dhauladhar range. Enjoy the scenic beauty of the tea plantations and the fresh mountain environment before continuing your journey. On arrival in Dharamshala, check in to your hotel and relax. The evening is free to enjoy the calm atmosphere of the town or take a short stroll nearby. Dharamshala’s peaceful setting and Tibetan influence make it a distinctive destination in the itinerary. Overnight at hotel in Dharamshala.

Day 14: Dharamshala Exploration

After breakfast, proceed for a sightseeing tour of Dharamshala and McLeodganj. Visit the Namgyal Monastery, the spiritual center associated with the Dalai Lama, followed by the Tsuglagkhang Complex, which houses the temple, museum, and important Tibetan institutions. Continue to McLeodganj, where colorful markets, Tibetan handicrafts, and cafés create a vibrant hillside atmosphere. Explore the local streets at a relaxed pace and experience the strong Tibetan cultural presence in the region. The combination of spirituality, culture, and mountain beauty makes this a deeply rewarding day. Overnight at hotel in Dharamshala.

Day 15: Dharamshala to Amritsar (210 km / Approx. 5–6 hrs)

After breakfast, drive to Amritsar, the spiritual center of Sikhism. On arrival, check in to your hotel and freshen up. In the evening, proceed to the Wagah Border to witness the famous Beating Retreat ceremony, a powerful display of discipline, patriotism, and ceremony that draws visitors from across the country. Return to the hotel after this memorable experience. Amritsar’s energy, devotion, and history create a meaningful final chapter to the journey. Overnight at hotel in Amritsar.

Day 16: Amritsar Departure

After breakfast, begin your final sightseeing with a visit to the Golden Temple, the most revered Sikh shrine and one of the most peaceful spiritual places in India. Experience the holy sarovar, the devotional atmosphere, and the community kitchen if time permits. Continue to Jallianwala Bagh, a solemn memorial that preserves an important chapter in India’s freedom struggle. Depending on your flight schedule, you may also explore local markets for Punjabi handicrafts and souvenirs. Later, transfer to the airport for your onward journey, bringing this grand Trans Himalayan adventure to a close.

• Assistance on arrival at airport
• 15 nights accommodation in selected category hotels, guesthouses, and homestays
• Daily breakfast at hotels
• Private AC vehicle for airport transfers, sightseeing, and all intercity travel as per the program
• English-speaking local guides on sightseeing days as per program
• Monument entrance fees and activity charges mentioned in the itinerary
• Bottled drinking water in the vehicle
• Government taxes

Hotels used or similar for 15 nights accommodation

Delhi x 1 nights
3* - Madhuban Hotel/ Emarald Hotel
4* - The Royal Plaza/ Country Inn & Suite Saket
5* - Le Meridien/ The Claridges

Shimla x 2 nights
3* - Toshali Royal View/ British Resort 
4* - Clarks Hotel/ Radisson Jass Hotel
5* - The Oberoi Cecil/ Radission Blu

Sarahan x 1 night
Guesthouse/ Home stay

Sangla x 1 night
Guesthouse/ Home stay

Kalpa x 1 night
Guesthouse/ Home stay

Nako x 1 night
Guesthouse/ Home stay

Tabo x 1 night
Guesthouse/ Home stay

Kaza x 2 nights
Guesthouse/ Home stay

Manali x 2 nights
3* - De Vivendi Rresort/ Snowcrest Manor
4* - White Meados/ Orchard House by Aamod
5* - The Himalaya/ Apple Country Resort/ Manuallaya -The Resort Spa

Dharamsala x 2 nights
3* - Hotel Udechee Huts/ Kamal Residency
4* - Grace Hotel/ Shiva Sanctuary - An Amritara Private Hideaway
5* - Fortune Park Moksha/ The Divine Hima

Amritsar x 1 night
3* - Surya Beacon/ Hotel City Park
4* - Ramada Amritsar/ The Fern Residency
5* - Hyatt Hotel/ Holiday Inn Amritsar Ranjit Avenue

• Any flight fare
• Camera charges at monuments if any
• Meals other than mentioned in the inclusions
• Personal expenses such as laundry, liquor, tips, telephone, fax, internet, etc.
• Gratuities and optional activities
• Anything not mentioned in inclusions