Snow Spiti Expedition 6.0 ex Shimla - Winter Adventure in White Spiti | India's First Cold Desert Biosphere by UNESCO

kanupriya raniwala
Jan 6, 2024
7 min read

Updated: 1 day ago

Key monastery and the valley of Spiti completely covered in Snow in the month of february — Spiti Valley in the month of February

SNOW SPITI EXPEDITION 6.0 6n7d | ex - Shimla | 3* Heated Accom | 4x4 Jimny Drive

⭐ 24 - 30 JAN ⭐ 28 FEB - 6 MARCH ⭐ 19 - 25 MARCH After 6 winters of curating this journey, White Spiti still feels less like a road trip and more like an emotion. Raw, surreal and deeply humbling—this expedition will either leave you speechless or turn you into a storyteller. ITINERARY OVERVIEW

Shimla - Narkanda - Sarahan - Sangla - Chhitkul - Rakcham - Khab - Nako - Tabo - Dhankar - Kaza - Key - Komik - Langza - Hikkim - Kibber - Chicham - Rekon Peo - Kalpa - Roghi Village - Shimla

Day 1 - Shimla to Sarahan via Narkanda

Day 2 - Sarahan to Sangla Valley via Chhitkul & Rakcham

Day 3 - Sangla to Tabo via Nako, Khab

Day 4 - Tabo to Kaza via Dhankar Moanstery

Day 5 - Key, Hikkim, Komik, Langza, Kibber, Chicham day trip

Day 6 - Kaza to Kalpa via Reckon Peo

Day 7 - Kalpa Sight seeing -Transfer to Shimla

Trip ends

The itinerary is designed with utmost care and creativity after your trip leaders made grueling recce trips and spent long time in these regions, with the locals and by themselves to provide with the best, starting from stays, to picnic spots, to local folklore and lifestyle, to some off roading. So embrace yourselves and get ready for an epic adventure!

WHY SPITI DURING WINTERS ? Winter casts a mystical silence over the Trans Himalayas—white valleys, frozen rivers, still monasteries, and villages that feel suspended in time. The landscapes turn so stark and surreal that they seem almost otherworldly.

Adding to its significance, Spiti has now been declared India’s first Cold Desert Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO. This recognition highlights Spiti as one of the planet’s most fragile, unique and ecologically critical high-altitude ecosystems.Our winter journeys are designed to help travellers experience this rare landscape responsibly—supporting local communities, promoting low-impact travel, and bringing awareness to a region where culture, wildlife, and environment adapt in extraordinary ways to extreme conditions.

Expect a journey through shifting cultures, ancient monasteries, snow-laced settlements, and untouched Himalayan wilderness. Perfect for nature lovers, adventure seekers, and photography enthusiasts.

Valleys covered on this drive: Shimla Hills • Sutlej Valley • Baspa/Tukpa Valley • Spiti Valley.

Guests posing for pictures in low light setting with Spiti valley in the backdrop — Rangrik Village from Key Monastery

WHAT TO EXPECT ?

An experienced team of organizers & trip leaders (@kanupriya_r & @arneesh_kalanta) who would guide you through this adventure.
BUDGET STAYS❌ 3* HEATED STAYS✅, with soulful food, hosts with recorded great hospitality to battle the sub zero temperatures. (Please note - You will be getting the best of what's available at this time of the year in a region which is covered in snow for half of the year :))
TEMPO TRAVELLER❌ JIMNY 4x4's / Innova✅from pick to drop. No compromise on safety and luxury. (Seating and car arranngements are basis number of guests)
A dip in ARCHITECTURE, HISTORY & LIFESTYLE
On a lucky day, one can witness wild predators like Himalayan fox, vultures and the ghost animal - Snow Leopard.
Expect temperatures to drop to -15* to - 20* C
Itinerary subjected to change basis climatic and natural conditions.

A hamlet with small houses covered with snow in Spiti Valley — Village of Spiti during winters

DETAILED ITINERARY -

Day 1 - Shimla to Sarahan | 162 kms - 5/6 hrs

Sarahan, the quiet gateway to Kinnaur, welcomes travellers with the sacred calm of Bhimkali Temple—a place where many pause for blessings before entering the higher, wilder Himalayas. Once a summer capital on ancient trade routes, today it remains a gentle, grounding first stop.

• Shimla → Sarahan

• Halt at Narkanda

• Check-in & Temple visit

• Slow evening walk through the sleepy village

O/N Sarahan

Traditional Architecture of Kinnaur in the region of Sangla Valley — Village of Rakcham in Snow, Sangla Valley

Day 2 - Sarahan to Sangla Valley | 100 kms - 4/5 hrs

Sangla, cradled in the Baspa/Tukpa valley, is where Kinnauri culture gently unfolds—wood-carved homes, apple orchards, and the timeless Kamru Fort watching over the river. This detour into Kinnaur leads us through small Himalayan hamlets: Chhitkul, the last village on the road, and Rakcham, a quiet settlement surrounded by forests and snow peaks. It’s the perfect window into Kinnaur’s warm blend of Hindu and Buddhist traditions.

• Morning arti at Bhimkali Temple

• Drive into the Baspa Valley

• Explore Chhitkul & walk through its old temples and monastery

• Continue to Rakcham

• Check-in, bonfire & dinner

O/N Rakcham

Guests enjoying powder snow at Nako lake, Spiti valley — Soft snow at Nako Lake

Day 3 - Sangla to Tabo via Nako Village | 202 kms - 5/6 hrs

Today we leave the forests of Kinnaur behind and begin our ascent into the high, stark deserts of Spiti.Nako, perched above the Sutlej, marks the last village of Kinnaur—its frozen lake, quiet monastery, and stone-built homes showing the final hints of the old Himalayan style.A little ahead lies Tabo, the doorway to Spiti and home to the 10th-century Tabo Monastery—often called the Ajanta of the Himalayas for its ancient murals and spiritual depth.

• Drive via Khab Bridge, where the Sutlej meets the Spiti River

• Lunch stop & monastery visit at Nako

• Enter Spiti Valley

• Check-in and evening to leisure followed by dinner.

O/N Tabo

A girl sitting on the last milestone to Kaza during winters — Entry to Kaza !

Day 4 - Tabo to Kaza via Dhankar | 50 kms - 1.5 hrs

Kaza—Kaja as the locals say—is the heart of Spiti, a small town standing resilient in a landscape of snow, silence and extreme cold. Despite its remoteness, it feels alive with monasteries, warm homes, and the quiet rhythm of mountain life.En route lies Dhankar, a cliff-top monastery perched above the meeting of the Spiti and Pin rivers—an ancient fortress of faith carved into the rocks.

• Morning visit to Tabo Monastery

• Drive to Kaza via Dhankar village & monastery

• Check-in, unwind, explore the town or cozy up indoors

O/N Kaza

Chicham bridge the highest bridge, covered in snow — Chicham Bridge as seen from Chicham

Day 5 - Day excursion to Key, Hikkim, Langza, Komik, Kibber & Chicham

Kaza is ringed by small, high-altitude villages—each with its own story of survival, culture and silence. In winter, these settlements feel otherworldly, and if luck is on your side, you may even spot the Himalayan fox or the elusive snow leopard.

Key, perched above the valley, is Spiti’s iconic monastery with sweeping views.

Langza, the fossil village, sits under the watchful gaze of its giant Buddha.

Hikkim holds the world’s highest post office—send yourself a memory from 14,000 ft.

Komik is one of the highest motorable villages and home to an ancient monastery.

Kibber, known for frequent wildlife sightings, stands quietly against the snow.

Chicham, linked by India’s highest bridge, opens into vast white horizons.

• Full-day circuit of Key, Langza, Hikkim, Komik, Kibber & Chicham

• Return to Kaza by evening and warm yourself in the tandoor room.

O/N Kaza

Settlement of Kalpa, at night during winter. — Kalpa during winters.

Day 6 - Kaza to Kalpa | 208 kms - 5/6 hrs

Kalpa, set high above the Sutlej, is one of Kinnaur’s most graceful villages—where forests, apple orchards and old Himalayan homes sit against the towering Kinnaur Kailash range. Known for its quiet blend of Hindu and Buddhist traditions, Kalpa feels timeless, serene, and touched by myth.

• Drive to Kalpa via the dramatic Taranda Cliff

• Check-in & unwind

• Visit Roghi Village and the famed Suicide Point

• Return for dinner

O/N Kalpa

Jeep car during snow drive in Spiti — Snow drive in Spiti

Day 7 - Kalpa to Shimla | 217 kms - 6/7 hrs

Shimla, the old Queen of Hills, still carries the charm of its colonial past—pine-scented air, heritage buildings and a leisurely walk down Mall Road that brings food, warmth and a little nostalgia.

• After breakfast, drive to Shimla via Rampur Bushahr

• Drop at Mall Road or the bus stand as preferred

Trip ends

Snow covered landscape with road clearing to approach Kaza town, Spiti Valley — Evening walk in Kaza during winters

Trip Details:-

1. Land cost - 27,500/- per person (Max group of 9 Pax)

2. A supplement of 9,999/- is applicable for private rooms (with single occupancy)

P.S - All above cost is exclusive of 5% GST

2. Inclusions:-

1. All stays with heating –Guesthouses / Homestays / Hotels

2. All transport ex Chandigarh by Innova / Xylo.

3. Meals – Breakfast and Dinner.

4. All tolls, Permits, parking and fuel

5. Driver allowances and stays

6. An experienced guide and driver from the community.

7. Coordination and management fees

8. Good vibes! 😊

3. Exclusions:-

1. Any Air/ Train / bus fare which has not been mentioned.

2. Any personal shopping of any type.

3. Any other meals / snacks during the journey etc which have not been mentioned above.

4. Any alcoholic or non-alcoholic drinks.

5. Anything which has not been included above.

4. Please Note:-

1. The itinerary is subjected to changes according to climatic and weather conditions during the trip. During any natural calamity or detour, kindly listen to our experienced Trip Leader and follow his directions. Any cost or exchange of cash will be discussed as per situation.

2. Carry your own water bottles which can be refilled at every stay and stop. Try and eliminate buying packaged water bottles to help reduce plastic disposal. (This is a small step from our side as travel partners and is totally dependable on the guest for execution)

3. Carry dry nashta, dry fruits, and chocolates with you always.

4. For self drive vehicle carry your own snow chains and anti freeze for Diesel.

5. Other details on what to carry will be sent in the next mail on confirmation.

mud house room with carpet — Stay in Kaza

4. TERMS & CONDITIONS.

1. To book your trip with us please have 50% of the trip cost+ 5 % gst as advance in the given account details :-

Kanupriya Raniwala

S.B.I. Bank

Current Acc. 32844391790

Chavni Branch, Kota

IFSC - SBIN0001534

Gpay no. – 8172047843

UPI – travel.a.i.p@oksbi

2. Balance payment of 50% + 5% gst to be done 10 days before the trip commencement date positively.

3. In case of covid state isolation (only), we will have your payment retained with us as a credit note, which could be used anytime with 1 year from your trip date.

4. In case you choose to cancel from your side for any reason then -

A. Any date change to be intimated at least 15 days before the trip date.

B. 50% Refund of the trip cost will be generated 30days before the trip date.

C. 25% Refund of the trip cost will be generated 20 days before the trip date.

D. No refund 7 days before the trip date.

CONTACT DETAILS-

Team Travel AIP - Google Link

Stay in Manali with us - Tra Boutique Stay (@tra_boutique_stay)

Manali, Himachal Pradesh

8172047843 - Whatsapp / Call