Discover Spiti & Sangla
A drive in trans-Himalaya
Planning a trip to Himachal? Our detailed Sangla guide will help you explore one of the most serene valleys in the Kinnaur region.
If driving to the hill stations in the Himalayas is exciting, navigating its remote, far-flung areas takes the thrill to a whole new level. This adventure takes you through Kinnaur, Sangla, and Spiti in Himachal Pradesh, located north of Shimla, where time stands still, nature unfolds in full splendor, and life follows a tranquil pace, unaffected by modern distractions. If you're looking for a Manali tour package for family trips, this drive should be on your radar, especially for a unique experience of the Himalayas.
On this journey, you will witness the raw beauty of the Trans-Himalayas and explore a life that has remained unchanged for centuries. From Manali itineraries to the best season to visit Shimla and Manali, this route covers the isolated mountain terrain and untamed wilderness, following rivers and streams from the moment you leave Shimla.
Plus, if you're planning your journey through northern India, don't forget to explore places to visit in Chandigarh before you head towards the enchanting remoteness of these regions. This drive promises to immerse you in the enigmatic charm of untouched cultures and breathtaking landscapes.
📖Related: Best Time to Visit Sangla & Spiti Valley (Month-by-Month Travel Guide) – Know when to go and what to expect
📍Related: Top Places to Visit in Spiti & Sangla Valley – Discover must-see villages, monasteries, and riverside gems in this quick travel guide.
Places You Shall Visit
Narkanda
Nestled amidst dense deodar forests at about 8700 feet, Narkanda is a charming hill town on the Hindustan-Tibet Road and your first overnight stop after leaving Chandigarh. Known for its sweeping views of the snow-clad Himalayan ranges and sprawling apple orchards, it offers a serene introduction to the high mountains before the journey deepens into Kinnaur and Spiti.
What's in store for you here?
From here you can soak in panoramic vistas of peaks like Guna Tehri and explore the surrounding orchards. Narkanda also serves as a gateway to Hatu Peak, offering crisp mountain air and a quiet pace that sets the tone for the days ahead.
Kalpa
Kalpa is a small village in the Sutlej river valley inhabited by the Kinnauri people and is known for its apple orchards as apples are a major cash-crop for the region. Kalpa is an offbeat destination, perfect for those who are looking for some quiet time in the mountains, surrounded by nature and a very laid-back vibe.
What's in store for you here?
The beauties of Kalpa do not end just there! It throws light on the traditional Himachali architecture with its temples and Buddhist monasteries.
Sangla
The breathtaking Sangla valley, situated in Kinnaur region of Himachal is famous for its red apple orchard and luscious cherry trees. A Large part of this day's journey will be along Sutluj and Baspa rivers, the latter being famous for trout fishing as well.
Sangla, which in Tibetan language means "The Pass of Light" is located in the spectacular Baspa Valley of Kinnaur. A town with a strong Tibetan influence, you will have a lot in store for you to see here. Kamru Fort & Bering Nag Temple with their exquisite architecture, the Tibetan Wood Carving Center and Saffron farms are some of the places you shall visit during your stay here.
What's in store for you here?
Sangla is a town in the Baspa Valley in Kinnaur District of Himachal Pradesh, close to the Tibetan border. Sangla is famous for its wood carving work and other handicrafts such as handmade shawls and caps. An eye for Kinnaur apples which are one of the best in the world would definitely help to keep the doctors away. One thing that set this valley apart from the rest of them is its beautiful cherry trees and red apple orchard. From holy temples to majestic forts and alluring villages, Sangla Valley has a perfect mix of adventurous spots and serene sites.
Chitkul
Chitkul, a village located on right bank of Baspa River, is the last village of the Baspa Valley as well as the last village on the old Hindustan-Tibet trade route. This makes it the last point in India one can travel to without a permit.
What's in store for you here?
Chitkul is also famous for its fair called Phulaich Fair which is attended by many Hindu devotees.
Nako
Located in the Trans-Himalayan range, Nako is a village located close to the Indo-Tibet border. Apart from its serenity, the most important attraction of Nako village is the namesake lake flanked by Tibetan temples and caves.
What's in store for you here?
It is believed that saint Padmasambhava had meditated at the lake site in his lifetime. Interestingly, a waterfall is situated near the lake which is believed to be a home of the fairies!
Tabo
A quaint hamlet on the banks of a mountain river, rugged terrain all around, patches of farm and fruit orchards, smiling faces, a slow pace of life, perfectly in sync with the hum of chants from a monastery wafting through the village….if you can imagine this, you can see all of this in real at Tabo.
What's in store for you here?
The Tabo monastery, founded in 996 CE is noted for being the oldest continuously operating Buddhist monastery in both India and the Himalayas. Apart from the holy significance of the monastery, it must be due to the sheer charm and tranquility of this place that once His Holiness, The Dalai Lama had expressed his desire to spend his retired life at a place none other than Tabo!
Kaza
Kaza, known for its colourful festivals and the Sakya Tangyud Monastery, boasts of high mountains with snowy crowns, crystal clear rivers, streams and barren splendor interspersed with patches of green. In its mountainous terrain and pristine locales, tourists are attracted visitors who want to indulge in adventurous activities and spiritual wellbeing alike.
What's in store for you here?
It is the base camp for trekking, mountaineering and other adventures.
Losar
Situated at a commanding height of more than 12000 feet, at the confluence of two streams- Losar and Peeno, Losar defines calmness and commune with nature in true sense. Towering and beautiful mountains, picturesque mountain streams and gorgeous vistas and landscape resembling that in Ladakh, makes Losar an ideal overnight stop on the drive to Manali.
What's in store for you here?
Before you reach Losar, you shall have short stopovers at Komic, a remote tiny village that is considered to be the highest village in the world connected with a motorable road!
Chandra Taal
Located at an altitude of about 14,200 feet, Chandra Taal is one of the most serene glacial lakes in India. The lake is known to be the source of the River Chandra, a tributary of the River Chenab. It is believed that Chandra Taal got its name from its crescent shape, hence it's often referred to as 'The Moon Lake'.
What's in store for you here?
The lake is also considered to be extremely sacred amongst the locals due to its mention in the Mahabharata hence people avoid dipping their feet in the water of this lake. An easy one kilometer trek from the parking lot gets you to this beautiful Himalayan lake.
Manali
Manali is a quintessential hill station which has something for everyone so not much needs to be said about this popular hill station. It is a melting pot of tourists from all across world and not just India. From natural beauty to amazing eateries, adventure activities to tranquil temples and monastery, this town has it all.
What's in store for you here?
The most amazing part of this leg of your trip would be the drive crossing over the towering Kunzum pass situated at the height of about 15000 feet, before descending into the lush green valleys leading to Manali.
