A Spiti Valley road trip isn’t just about getting to Kaza, or checking Chandratal off your list. It’s all the things that bind those places together—the unplanned stops, the obscure villages, the detours turned highlights.
If you plan to complete the full Spiti Circuit, these 7 pit stops will make your road trip unforgettable.
What is the Spiti Circuit? (Shimla–Kaza–Manali Explained)
The Spiti Circuit is a high-altitude, Himalayan loop that starts in Shimla and ends in Manali (or vice-versa), and passes through some of Himachal’s most remote and surreal landscapes.
Typical Route:
Shimla → Narkanda → Kalpa → Tabo → Kaza → Chandratal → Manali
Best times to complete the circuit:
Mid-June to early October (after winter snow melt and before early winter)
Recommended Duration:
7 – 10 days minimum, for a leisurely well-paced roadtrip
Why choose the Spiti Circuit?:
- Gradual altitude increase via Shimla will help minimize AMS
- Allows you to visit multiple cultural and scenic locations
- Gives you the opportunity to visit off-the-beaten-path villages that most roadtrippers ignore
Why You Shouldn’t Skip These Detours on Your Spiti Road Trip
Spiti’s true charm is not along the highway, but off the highway.
These are the places that slow down time, open up the views and make you remember why you started a road trip in the first place. They’re not just stops, but emotional punctuation marks in your Spiti story.
Here are the stops where every extra kilometre was worth it.
1. Chitkul – The Last Village on the Indo-Tibetan Border
Where is it?
A scenic diversion from Sangla Valley before Kalpa roughly 28 km from Rakchham
Why is it worth the turn:
Chitkul is straight out of a poem. Wooden houses, snow-capped mountain peaks, and the Baspa River rushing past the window of your homestay.
Couple tip:
Spend a night in a homestay on the river. You don’t have Wi-Fi to stop you from back to back experiences.
2. Nako – The Hidden Village by a Sacred Lake
Where is it?
Between Kalpa and Tabo. This is the perfect stop to break the journey
Why stop here:
Nako is like nothing you’ve seen. A tiny village built around a glittery lake, colourful prayer flags fluttering and ancient monasteries.
Travel tip:
Get to Nako by mid-morning to soak in the peaceful lake views and to avoid the strong afternoon winds.
3. Dhankar – Cliff Monastery With a View to Remember
Where is it?
A little detour between Tabo and Kaza
What makes it special:
The Dhankar Monastery literally juts out of a cliff above the Spiti and Pin rivers. The stillness is almost meditative.
Bonus experience:
If you find the time and the energy, you could attempt the trek to Dhankar Lake. Its a 1.5 – 2 hour hike that gives you 360 degrees views.
4. Mudh Village, Pin Valley – A Dreamlike Landscape in Pink & Green
Where is it?
32 km detour from Attargo Bridge after Tabo
Why you must go:
Mudh location is surreal—lush green fields, pink flowers, and towering mud mountains. Mudh is also the base of the Pin-Parvati trek.
Photography tip:
Go late afternoon close to golden hour for good lighting to capture the vibrant colours of the valley.
5. Langza – Fossil-Hunting and The Giant Buddha
Where is it?
16 km from Kaza, being part of the high-altitude village loop
Why you must stop:
Langza is renowned for ancient marine fossils and for its golden Buddha statue facing the snow capped mountains, creating a beautiful moment to pause stillness.
Do not rush:
Plan a slow morning in Langza- walk, explore, talk to locals… if you can, stay to observe the stars from this stunning vantage point.
6. Komic – The World’s Highest Motorable Village
Where is it?
Near Langza, in the same circuit as Hikkim and Langza
What makes it unforgettable:
Komic is wild and gorgeous. You’ll see yaks grazing, have monks praying or meditating, and get to the highest monastery you can drive to.
Altitude advice:
Don’t do Komic on day one of your arrival in Kaza as it is above 15,000 ft. Acclimatise first so you avoid possible altitude sickness.
7. Chandratal – The Moon Lake You’ll Never Forget
Where is it?
Between Kaza and Manali, via Batal
What makes it otherworldly:
Chandratal is an alpine lake that sits in a crescent shape and reflects the sky like a mirror. No light pollution here, so it’s a popular spot for star gazing and the Milky Way.
Plan accordingly:
The altitude is over 14,000 ft. Only attempt after 5-6 days in Spiti. Stay hydrated.
Honourable Mentions – Bonus Pit Stops You May Want to Add
- Gue Village: Home to the famous 500-year-old Mummy Lama temple
- Hikkim: Send a postcard from the world’s highest post office
- Rangrik: Lesser-known and quieter alternative to staying in Kaza
- Losar: A friendly tea stop before the climb to Kunzum La
Tips for Planning Your Spiti Circuit Road Trip with These Stops
- Keep at least one buffer day in your plan
- Avoid visiting high-altitude villages (like Komic or Chandratal) in the first two days
- Refuel at Rekong Peo and Kaza – there are no petrol pumps after
- Network availability is limited beyond Kalpa. Only BSNL and Jio work in parts of Kaza
- Stay hydrated and eat light during ascents
FAQs About Spiti Circuit & Pit Stops
How many days do I need to complete the full circuit with detours?
Plan at least 9–11 days to comfortably explore all the recommended spots.
Which side of the circuit is more scenic—Shimla or Manali?
Shimla side offers slow climbs, orchards, and cultural villages. The Manali side gives you high mountain passes and dramatic terrain.
Can I self-drive or ride a bike to these pit stops?
Yes, if you’re confident on narrow, remote roads. Keep tyre chains and backup tools if going in early or late season.
Is Chandratal accessible in October?
Usually yes until around October 10–15, but always check road and weather conditions in advance.
Final Thoughts – Let the Detours Define Your Spiti Journey
In Spiti, the magic is not just getting to your destination. It’s about stopping when you see something that inspires your heart.
These seven pit stops might look like detours on your map, but they are where you will find all the story!
Need help designing your custom Spiti road trip?
We will be glad to design a couple-friendly, family-safe, or group road trip itinerary that includes all of these finds and allows time for you to enjoy the journey!
Let the Himalayas inspire you, one stop at a time.
Also read: How to Plan a Budget Trip to Spiti from Bangalore