A 6-Day Spiti Valley Itinerary via Manali — The Perfect Short Trip

Six days is just enough to experience the highlights of Spiti Valley — Chandratal Lake, ancient monasteries, high-altitude villages, and the stunning Manali–Kaza highway. Here's how to plan it smartly, with a strategic base at Batal.

Day 1: Delhi → Manali (Acclimatise)

• Overnight bus from Delhi; arrive Manali morning

• Check in and rest — this day is entirely for acclimatisation

• Light walk around Manali town; avoid strenuous activity

• Early dinner and sleep by 9 PM

Day 2: Manali → Batal (Samsara Camps) — ~115 km, 5–6 hrs

• Leave by 6 AM to beat traffic at Atal Tunnel

• Take the Atal Tunnel → right at Gramphu towards Spiti Valley

• Stop at Khoksar for breakfast

• Continue through Gramphu → Batal — arrive at Samsara Camps

• Check in to Swiss tent at 3,900 m altitude — rest, acclimatise, enjoy bonfire

📌 Samsara Camps is at Batal on the Manali–Kaza Road, 14 km from Chandratal Lake. Pre-book: +91 9716008029

Day 3: Day Trip to Chandratal Lake from Batal

• After breakfast, drive/ride to Chandratal Lake (~14 km from camp)

• Spend 2–3 hours at the Moon Lake (4,270 m altitude)

• Photography, guided walk around the lake perimeter

• Return to Samsara Camps, Batal for lunch

• Option: Cross Kunzum Pass and drive towards Kaza in the afternoon

Day 4: Langza, Hikkim & Komik — Highest Villages

• Drive through Chicham Bridge towards Langza — see the giant Buddha statue

• Visit Hikkim: world's highest post office — send a postcard!

• Explore Komik and Tangyud Monastery

• Return to Kaza for overnight stay

Day 5: Dhankar & Tabo Monasteries

• Dhankar Monastery — cliff-perched above Spiti–Pin river confluence

• Tabo Monastery — UNESCO Heritage site with 1,000-year-old murals

• Overnight in Tabo

Day 6: Departure to Manali or Shimla

• Return via Shimla route (longer but no pass crossing required) OR

• Return via Manali — long day, same mountain roads back