Begin your exciting journey from Amritsar and drive towards Narkanda, passing through the scenic foothills of the Himalayas. The road winds through the beautiful landscapes of Shimla, surrounded by lush pine forests and lush apple orchards, offering a refreshing experience with every twist and turn. As you make your way through the winding roads, you’ll be mesmerized by the cool, crisp air and breathtaking views. Upon reaching Narkanda, check-in at your hotel for an overnight stay. This charming hill station offers a peaceful ambiance, perfect for unwinding and enjoying the serene mountain atmosphere.
On Day 2, continue your journey from Narkanda to Sarahan. Begin with a descent into the Sutlej Valley near Rampur, where the road follows the river banks, offering spectacular views of the lush valley and rugged terrain. As you drive along the rock-carved roads of Kinnaur, the landscape becomes more dramatic, with towering cliffs and lush greenery around the river. After reaching Jeori, the road begins to climb upward, taking you through a series of winding roads towards the village of Sarahan, nestled at the foot of the majestic Shrikhand Mahadev Range. The village offers a peaceful retreat surrounded by lush forests and terraced fields. Visit the famous Bhimakali Temple, known for its architectural beauty and spiritual significance. It offers an awe-inspiring view of the mountain range and the surrounding valleys. The serenity of Sarahan, along with its cool climate, makes it an ideal spot to relax. After a day of exploration, settle in for an overnight stay at a local guesthouse or hotel in Sarahan.
On Day 3, you’ll begin your journey by retreating down from Sarahan into the valley. Continuing along the Indo-Tibet Highway, you’ll drive towards Karcham, where the Sutlej and Baspa Rivers converge. Here, you’ll pass the massive Karcham Dam, which is a vital part of the region’s hydroelectric power generation. After crossing the dam, continue along the scenic banks of the Baspa River, a serene and peaceful stretch that offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and forests. This picturesque drive will lead you to the Sangla Valley, one of the most beautiful and unspoiled valleys in the Himalayas. The lush, green valley, surrounded by towering peaks and dotted with quaint villages, is a paradise for nature lovers and photographers alike. Upon reaching Sangla, you’ll find yourself immersed in the tranquility of this stunning region. Enjoy the peaceful ambiance and stunning landscapes before resting for the night at your hotel or campsite in Sangla.
Today’s journey will take you to the last village of India before Tibet in this region – Chitkul. The blooms of wild roses during the summers and the high mountains along the head of the valley are a treat for nature lovers. From here we retrace back to Karcham and continue along the Indo-TIbet highway before turning left and climbing the pine forest slopes till we reach Kalpa. A beautiful Himalayan village that offers one the best views of Snow Peaks right across the valley looming large in front of you. Kinner Kailash peak is one of the abodes of Lord Shiva.
On Day 5, you’ll leave Kalpa and head deeper into the high mountains of the Spiti region. As you descend from Kalpa, you’ll follow the Sutlej River upstream, with every mile revealing a dramatic transformation in the landscape. The lush greenery of the Kinnaur region gradually gives way to barren, rugged terrains, indicating your approach to the Spiti Valley. Your first stop is Nako, a picturesque village known for its artificial Nako Lake, where you can take a moment to enjoy the serene surroundings. Afterward, continue your journey toward Gue, a remote village famous for housing India’s naturally preserved mummy. This fascinating mummified monk, almost 600 years old, offers a unique insight into the region’s rich cultural history. From Gue, you’ll continue your drive to Tabo, known for its ancient monasteries and breathtaking landscapes. On arrival, check into your accommodation and unwind after a day filled with exploration and stunning views. Overnight stay at Tabo.
Tabo has a monastery 1021 years old which is also a UNESCO World Heritage site. This ancient monastery is rich in Murals, Frescos, and Paintings that tell the story of the Buddhist pantheon. Drive to Dhankar Monastery, perched on the edge of a 300m cliff is a sight to behold and looks straight out of a movie set. An hour-long trek takes you to the beautiful Dhankar Lake situated above the Dhankar village, which is a great way to get introduced to High Himalayan Trekking. After Dhankar you drive to Lhalung a lesser-known village situated on the slopes of Lingti Valley also home to the most beautiful monastery of Spiti – Serkhong Gompa (The Golden Temple). Overnight at Lhalung.
Drive to Pin Valley – a tributary of the Spiti river, ‘Pin’ originates deep in the Trans Himalayan mountains leading to one of the ancient trade routes and the popular trek of Bhaba Pass. It is also home to the magnificent Snow Leopard and several Trans Himalayan animals and rare birds protected under the National Parks of India. You’ll drive through this beautiful valley up to the last village of Mudh before heading towards Kaza – the administrative capital of Spiti. Overnight at Kaza.
Drive on the twisting high roads of Spiti to reach Komic, the highest village in the world with a motorable road at 4580m. Have the most amazing experience of sending postcards to your loved ones from the World’s Highest post office at Hikkim (4440m). Continue driving on these high roads above 4300m with the magnificent Himalayas jutting in front of your eyes to reach Langza – the most beautiful Himalayan Village with a 6303m Peak Mt. CCKN adorning its backdrop. Overnight at Langza.
The drive takes you towards Manali over Kunzum Pass before heading upstream of Chandra River till you reach the Hidden Jewel of the Himalayan mountains, the blue Jewel, Chandratal translated as Moon Lake. From the roadhead, you will have to trek for 15 min to reach the lake and if you feel energetic enough you can do the Parikrama or Circumambulation of the lake to witness its true glory. Overnight at Chandratal Camps.
Drive to Manali on some of the most beautiful roads in the entire Himalayas. One is surrounded by several snow peaks, mile-long glaciers, numerous waterfalls, and several rivulets, along with the Chandra River accompanying all the way. An adventurous journey over rocky river beds, boulders, and streams, that will never be forgotten. We cross the Rohtang Pass and finally descend to Manali. After the most memorable trip of your life, you head back to Manali with a lot of photos, videos, and friends from the high Himalayas. Overnight at Manali.
After a refreshing breakfast, begin your return journey from Manali to Chandigarh. This scenic drive offers one last chance to soak in the beauty of the mountains and reminisce about the unforgettable memories you’ve made on this journey—be it the surreal landscapes, the peaceful monasteries, or the warmth of the people. By evening, you’ll reach Chandigarh, marking the end of a truly transformative experience in the heart of the Himalayas. Depart with a heart full of gratitude, a phone full of pictures, and a lifetime of stories to tell.