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. Note that the Manali-Kaza road via Rohtang Pass and Kunzum Pass is typically closed from October through May due to heavy snowfall. The Shimla-Kinnaur route is usually open, but can be temporarily blocked by snowfall. Highlights include the world's highest post office, ancient monasteries.
Leave very early to escape city traffic. Take NH44 towards Ambala.
0 km
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. Road is smooth tarmac.
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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
Walk down to the Baspa riverbank. Explore the Mathi Devi Temple.
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Backtrack to Karcham and head up towards Reckong Peo and Kalpa.
40 km
Check in. Head to the Suicide Point for photos. Enjoy sunset views of Kinner Kailash.
65 km
Important: Fill up full tanks at Reckong Peo petrol pump. Next reliable pump is Kaza.
60 km
Enter the high-altitude desert terrain. Cross the Akpa bridge.
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Stop at Nako village. Walk around the sacred lake and visit the monastery.
100 km
Cross the notorious Malling Nullah landslide zone. Drive carefully.
110 km
Take a slight detour to see the 500-year-old naturally preserved mummy of Monk Sangha Tenzin.
130 km
Visit the 1000-year-old Tabo Monastery (Ajanta of Himalayas). Stay in a homestay.
150 km
Ride up to Dhankar Monastery, perched precariously on a cliff.
30 km
A 1-hour hike to the hidden Dhankar Lake for stunning views.
30 km
Reach Kaza. Check into hotel. Refuel at the world's highest retail outlet.
50 km
Visit The Himalayan Cafe or Sol Cafe in Kaza market for dinner.
50 km
Visit the iconic Key Gompa, the largest in Spiti.
15 km
Cross Chicham Bridge (Asia's highest suspension bridge) and visit Kibber village.
25 km
See the giant Buddha statue overlooking the valley. Look for marine fossils.
35 km
Visit Komic (highest motorable village) and post a letter from Hikkim post office.
45 km
Head towards Losar. Register at the police check post.
0 km
Cross Kunzum La (4590m). Circle the stupas to seek blessings.
75 km
Take the narrow dirt path deviation towards the lake (approx 14km from Batal/turn).
85 km
Check into campsites (2km before lake). Walk to the lake for sunset.
90 km
Early start is crucial to avoid rising water levels in nallahs.
0 km
Stop at Chacha Chachi Dhaba. A legendary spot for food and warmth.
15 km
Navigate the boulder-filled road (pagal nallahs) to Chattru. Tea break.
50 km
Enter the smooth tarmac near Gramphu and ride through the 9km Atal Tunnel.
85 km
Descend into Solang Valley and reach Manali. Celebration dinner at Old Manali.
115 km
Take the NH3 along Beas river. Enjoy the 4-lane sections near Kullu.
0 km
Stop near Mandi or Sundernagar.
110 km
Reach Chandigarh. End of the mountain riding leg.
300 km
Leisurely start. Cruise on NH44 back to Delhi.
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Final pitstop at Amrik Sukhdev or Haveli.
200 km
Trip concludes.
250 km
