TRAVEL ZONE

Shimla to Chiktul

Distance coverded: 360km

We started our journey from Shimla by 9 am. Chitkul is the last village before the Indo-Tibetan border—gougeous landscape. After crossing scenic pine forests and apple orchards at Narkanda region, we entered the breathtaking but extremly beautiful Sangla valley, the road was narrow, dangerous next to Sutlej and Baspa Rivers. The road to Chitkul in Himachal Pradesh is known for being one of the most dangerous mountain roads in India. It's characterized by its steep, narrow, and rough terrain, especially the stretch from Sangla to Chitkul, which includes gravel and is heavily trafficked by buses and trucks. The The panoramic landscape offers views of the snow-capped peaks. We reached Chitkul by around 8:00 pm.

Night stay at Hobbit House

Elevation approx: 11,320ft

Chitkul to Nako village

Distance coverded: 150km

The morning at Chitkul was so refreshing for us, surrounded by snow-capped peaks, dense pine forests, and alpine meadows, Chitkul offers breathtaking views and a serene atmosphere. The village is particularly scenic in spring and early summer, with blooming flowers and green pastures. After the photoshoot at Chitkul river valley, we started around 10am to the Nako. The NH5 and later on NH 505 highway always follow the Sutlej river valley path. The terrain turns stark and rugged as we entered Spiti region. We had crossed the Khab checkpost which is closest highway checkpost to India-China border. We entered to the barren, rocky, and wind-sculpted land, with vast stretches of brown and ochre terrain after the iconic Khab Sangam Bridge, finally reached Nako around 8pm. Nako is a small village on a valley surrounded by many snow-capped mountain peaks, it offers panoramic views that seem almost otherworldly. We were lucky to enjoy snowfall that night at Nako.

Night stay at Hotel Zambala

Elevation approx: 11,900ft

Nako to Kaza

Distance coverded: 115km

Early morning we had experienced the heavenly view, the Nako village and entire region was covered by fresh snow, the 360 degree views form the valley was surrounded by snow-capped mountain peaks. I will never forget that morning beauty that we experience at Nako. On the way to Kaza from Nako we visited the ancient Tabo Monastery (over 1000 years old), it’s on the tentative list for World Heritage Sites. Later we saw the cliff-hanging Dhankar Monastery. The endless Spiti river and it’s valley from the Dhankar Monastery was magnificent, it’s moon-like desert mountains, blue skies, deep valleys. We reached our hotel just after crossing the Kaza which is the main town in Spiti valley.

Night stay at Miklam Homes

Elevation approx: 12,000ft

The Spiti attractions

Distance coverded: 100km

This day we had visited most of the attractions surrounding Spiti. At first we travelled to Langza Village, a quaint village famous for marine fossils and a giant Buddha statue overlooking the valley. After that we went Hikkim village to see the world's highest post office (4,400 m), we send postcards to our friends and family from the top of the world. We visited Komic village, highest motorable villages in the world (4,587 m).
Post lunch we travelled Kibber village to see the Chicham Bridge, asia's highest suspension bridge (13,596 feet from sea level) , offering dramatic views and a thrilling experience. This 114 meters long engineering marvels offers jaw-dropping views of the vertical canyon below and snow-covered peaks around. At last we enjoyed the sunset on Spiti valley from the iconic and largest monastery in Spiti, called the Key Monastery.

Night stay at Miklam Homes

Highest elevation crossed: 14,010ft (Kibber villege)

Return - Kaza to Kalpa

Distance coverded: 230km

Bye bye Spiti, started our return journey to Shimla on the same route because the Kunzum pass, on other route, was closed due to snow falls. From NH5 we took diversion towards picturesque Kalpa village for the night stay.
The phenomenon of a rising moon behind snow-covered mountains is a captivating visual experience, often occurring during winter due to the way the moon's light interacts with the atmosphere and the landscape. We were lucky to experience that fantasy moments by late night in Kalpa.

Night stay at Golden Tab, Kalpa

Elevation approx: 9,800ft

Return - Kalpa to Shimla

Distance coverded: 235km

Kalpa is a breathtaking Himalayan village located in the Kinnaur district of Himachal Pradesh. Known for its panoramic views of the Kinner Kailash range, apple orchards, and peaceful ambiance, Kalpa is often described as a hidden gem of the Indian Himalayas. Kinner Kailash, considered sacred by both Hindus and Buddhists, the peak appears to change colors throughout the day — golden at sunrise, crimson at sunset.
It was our last day in this trip, we started from Kalpa by 10am, we had to take some long halt on the way because for land slides and traffic, finally we reached Shimla around 9pm.

Night stay at The Alpine Heritage Residency, Shimla