Your Himalayan serenity adventure begins in Delhi, where you board a comfortable overnight Volvo bus or begin a private drive toward Shimla, the capital of Himachal Pradesh. The overnight journey offers a gradual transition from the cityscape to the foothills of the Himalayas. Rest as you prepare for the exciting mountain expedition ahead.
Arrive in Shimla early in the morning and proceed towards Kalpa, a charming village in the Kinnaur district. En route, pass through Narkanda, Rampur, and Reckong Peo, witnessing apple orchards, deep gorges, and the winding Sutlej River. On reaching Kalpa, check in to your hotel and enjoy views of the majestic Kinner Kailash range. Overnight stay in Kalpa.
After breakfast, continue your drive towards Tabo, one of the oldest Buddhist monasteries in the Himalayas. En route, stop at Nako Lake, a tranquil high-altitude lake in the village of Nako, surrounded by barren beauty and prayer flags. Cross into the surreal Spiti Valley as the terrain shifts to rugged mountains and high-altitude deserts. Reach Tabo and check in to a local guesthouse. Visit the 1000-year-old Tabo Monastery, known as the “Ajanta of the Himalayas.” Overnight stay in Tabo.
Today’s journey takes you deeper into the heart of Spiti. After breakfast, drive toward Dhankar Monastery, dramatically perched on a cliff overlooking the confluence of the Spiti and Pin Rivers. After exploring the monastery and optional hike to Dhankar Lake, continue your journey to Kaza, the headquarters of Spiti. Check in to your hotel or homestay and rest. In the evening, explore the Kaza market and interact with locals. Overnight stay in Kaza.
After breakfast, explore the spiritual and remote highlands around Kaza. Begin with the iconic Key Monastery, a 1000-year-old gompa offering panoramic valley views. Continue to Kibber, one of the highest inhabited villages in the world. Visit Hikkim, home to the world’s highest post office, and Komic, the world’s highest motorable village. Return to Kaza by evening. Overnight stay in Kaza.
After an early breakfast, set off for one of the most scenic drives of the trip – toward the mystical Chandratal Lake (Moon Lake), located at an altitude of 4,300 meters. En route, cross the dramatic Kunzum Pass, offering panoramic views of snow-capped peaks and glaciers. Reach Chandratal by late afternoon and check in to a campsite. Spend the evening by the lake, watching the sunlight dance on its turquoise waters. Overnight stay in tents under the starry Himalayan sky.
Wake up early to witness sunrise at Chandratal. After breakfast, begin the thrilling drive to Manali, crossing through Batal, Gramphu, and the famous Rohtang Pass. The rough terrain and dramatic landscapes make this route unforgettable. On arrival in Manali, check in to your hotel and relax after the adventurous ride. Overnight stay in Manali.
Spend your morning at leisure in Manali – visit Hadimba Temple, Vashisht hot springs, or enjoy a stroll on Mall Road. Later, board your overnight Volvo bus or begin your return drive back to Delhi, bringing your Himalayan Serenity Ride to a close with unforgettable memories of high passes, sacred monasteries, and dreamlike valleys.