Traverse the treacherous yet breathtaking "Middle Land" on this ultimate 10-day circuit. Starting from Shimla's lush valleys, you will ascend into the barren high-altitude desert of Spiti. As of late September 2026, the Manali-Kaza road via Kunzum Pass is open, but challenging conditions persist with rough patches, active water crossings, and potential washouts, especially on the Gramphu-Batal stretch. A new spell of widespread heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, and gusty winds is affecting Himachal Pradesh from September 26-29, with isolated rain continuing until October 2. This brings a renewed low to moderate flash-flood and landslide/mudslide risk, particularly affecting districts like Shimla, Mandi, Kullu, and Kinnaur. The Shimla-Kinnaur route (NH-5) is currently completely blocked at Nigulsari due to a massive landslide (as of September 24-27), requiring a detour via Tranda Link Road with a 30-minute walk to cross the affected section. First snowfall of the season was reported in Spiti and Kinnaur on September 27. Travelers should expect significant delays, avoid night driving, stay updated on daily road status, and be prepared for route changes. Highlights include the world's highest post office, ancient monasteries.
Leave very early to escape city traffic. Take NH44 towards Ambala.
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Stop at Giani Da Dhaba (Dharampur) for parathas and chai on the Chandigarh-Shimla highway.
280 km
Avoid entering Shimla town; take the bypass towards Kufri/Theog.
350 km
Check into a hotel. Visit Hatu Peak if time permits for sunset views.
405 km
Descend towards the Sutlej river valley. Note: NH-5 is currently blocked at Nigulsari due to a massive landslide (as of September 24-27). A detour via Tranda Link Road is available, requiring a 30-minute walk to cross the affected section. Expect significant delays and challenging conditions.
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Turn right at Karcham towards Sangla Valley (Baspa Valley). Cross the bridge over Sutlej.
140 km
Stop at a local eatery in Sangla market. Try the local buckwheat pancakes.
160 km
Reach the last village of India. Visit 'Hindustan Ka Aakhri Dhaba'.
185 km
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Walk down to the Baspa riverbank. Explore the Mathi Devi Temple.
Backtrack to Karcham and head up towards Reckong Peo and Kalpa. Be aware that NH-5 is currently blocked at Nigulsari due to a massive landslide (as of September 24-27). A detour via Tranda Link Road is available, requiring a 30-minute walk to cross the affected section. Expect significant delays and challenging conditions.
Check in. Head to the Suicide Point for photos. Enjoy sunset views of Kinner Kailash.
Important: Fill up full tanks at Reckong Peo petrol pump. Next reliable pump is Kaza.
Enter the high-altitude desert terrain. Cross the Akpa bridge.
Stop at Nako village. Walk around the sacred lake and visit the monastery.
Cross the notorious Malling Nullah landslide zone. Drive carefully.
Take a slight detour to see the 500-year-old naturally preserved mummy of Monk Sangha Tenzin.
Visit the 1000-year-old Tabo Monastery (Ajanta of Himalayas). Stay in a homestay.
Ride up to Dhankar Monastery, perched precariously on a cliff.
A 1-hour hike to the hidden Dhankar Lake for stunning views.
Reach Kaza. Check into hotel. Refuel at the world's highest retail outlet.
Visit The Himalayan Cafe or Sol Cafe in Kaza market for dinner.
Visit the iconic Key Gompa, the largest in Spiti.
Cross Chicham Bridge (Asia's highest suspension bridge) and visit Kibber village.
See the giant Buddha statue overlooking the valley. Look for marine fossils.
Visit Komic (highest motorable village) and post a letter from Hikkim post office.
Head towards Losar. Register at the police check post.
Kunzum Pass (4590m) is open. However, monsoon rains have made the Manali-Kaza route via Kunzum Pass extremely challenging with rough patches, active water crossings, and potential washouts. Exercise extreme caution.
Access to Chandratal Lake from Kaza via Kunzum Pass is possible. However, the access road from Kunzum Pass is very rough due to monsoon conditions. Campsites are generally operational in August.
Arrival at Chandratal is possible via Kunzum Pass. However, the access road from Kunzum Pass is very rough due to monsoon conditions. Campsites are generally operational in August.
Departure from Chandratal towards Manali via Kunzum Pass is possible. However, monsoon rains have made the route extremely challenging with rough patches, active water crossings, and potential washouts.
Chacha Chachi Dhaba at Batal is accessible, but the road conditions are rough due to monsoon.
Chattru is accessible via the Manali-Kaza route, but expect challenging conditions.
Access to Atal Tunnel from the Manali-Kaza route is possible.
Arrival in Manali from Chandratal via Kunzum Pass is possible, but expect significant delays and challenging conditions due to monsoon-affected roads.
Take the NH3 along Beas river. Enjoy the 4-lane sections near Kullu.
Stop near Mandi or Sundernagar.
Reach Chandigarh. End of the mountain riding leg.
Leisurely start. Cruise on NH44 back to Delhi.
Final pitstop at Amrik Sukhdev or Haveli.
Trip concludes.
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Tuned for this route's terrain, weather, and altitude.
