Embark on an unforgettable journey through the Tribal Circuit of Himachal Pradesh, covering the remote and breathtaking regions of Kinnaur, Lahaul & Spiti Valley. Known for its pristine natural beauty, ancient monasteries, and offbeat Himalayan landscapes, this tour offers a once-in-a-lifetime adventure. The Shimla-Kinnaur-Lahaul-Spiti-Manali tour via Kalpa, Nako, Tabo, Kaza, Kunzum La Pass, and Chandratal Lake is a scenic and culturally rich expedition available only from June to October, depending on the opening of Kunzum Pass.
Witness diverse landscapes—from lush green valleys and rocky mountains to snow-covered peaks, icy lakes, high-altitude passes, and glaciers. Capture the essence of the Himalayas through your lens while exploring sacred Buddhist monasteries, interacting with Lamas, and spotting yaks and mountain temples.
Top highlights include:
Offbeat destinations like Sangla, Kalpa, Kaza, Tabo, Dhankar, Pin Valley, Keylong, Triloknath, and Udaipur
A night at Chandratal Lake known for its heavenly views and adventure drive
Ancient monasteries like Tabo, Dhankar, and Key Monastery
Spectacular drives through Kunzum La and Rohtang Pass
Scenic beauty of Spiti Valley’s desert landscape and Lahaul’s river valleys
This adventure-centric itinerary is perfect for thrill-seekers and culture lovers who wish to explore Himachal’s hidden gems and offbeat Himalayan destinations. Starting from Shimla and ending in Manali, this circuit ensures an immersive experience of the untouched side of Himachal Pradesh.
Chandigarh Airport (Google Map)
3 Hours Before Flight Time
A journey through the Tribal Circuit of Himachal Pradesh, covering Kinnaur, Lahaul & Spiti Valleys, offers a surreal mix of offbeat adventure, spiritual richness, and untouched Himalayan beauty. Expect to explore:
Breathtaking landscapes with snow-capped peaks, river valleys, rocky cliffs, and desert-like terrains
Scenic drives through high-altitude passes like Kunzum La and Rohtang Pass
Sacred and ancient Buddhist monasteries at Tabo, Dhankar, and Key
Remote villages with traditional Himachali and Tibetan culture
Stunning natural wonders like Chandratal Lake, Pin Valley, and Nako Lake
Wildlife sightings including yaks, mountain goats, and unique Himalayan flora
A spiritual atmosphere filled with temples, lamas, and centuries-old traditions
Adventure-packed roads, perfect for bike riders, road trippers, and photographers
Traveling this circuit is ideal for those seeking offbeat Himachal tours, cultural exploration, and raw natural beauty away from the crowds.
On arrival at Chandigarh Airport, cab will pick you up & start the journey towards Narkanda, one of the hill stations near Shimla, covered by high trees of pine and deodars. Enjoy a peaceful evening in the lap of nature. Dinner & night stay at hotel.
Start your day with a scenic drive from Narkanda, passing through Rampur, where you can stop to explore the majestic Padam Palace. Continue to Sarahan for a quick visit to the sacred Bhimakali Temple, one of the 51 Shakti Peeths. Later, drive towards the beautiful Sangla Valley, also known as Baspa Valley, surrounded by snow-clad peaks and lush apple orchards. Reach Sangla by evening and enjoy a peaceful overnight stay amidst the serene Himalayan landscapes.
Begin your morning with a short drive to Chhitkul, the last inhabited village near the Indo-Tibet border. Enjoy the stunning views of the Baspa River, traditional wooden houses, and majestic Himalayan peaks. Spend some quiet time amidst nature, walk through the village, and soak in the fresh mountain air. After exploring Chhitkul, return to Sangla and continue your journey towards Kalpa. Upon reaching Kalpa, you’ll be greeted with spectacular views of the Kinner Kailash range, including the sacred Shivling rock formation that changes its color throughout the day. Explore the quaint village, visit the Kalpa Monastery, and enjoy a peaceful evening with panoramic Himalayan views. Overnight stay at Kalpa.
Begin your journey from Kalpa, enjoying views of the Kinner Kailash range, and head towards the scenic village of Nako. Explore Nako Lake, its peaceful monastery, and local culture. Then continue to Tabo, crossing into the remote Spiti Valley. By evening, visit the ancient Tabo Monastery, known for its historic murals and spiritual significance. Overnight stay at Tabo.
Start your day from Tabo, home to the over 1000-year-old Tabo Monastery, one of the most significant Buddhist monasteries in the Himalayas. On your way to Kaza, visit the stunning Dhankar Monastery, dramatically perched on a cliff overlooking the confluence of the Spiti and Pin Rivers. This ancient monastery offers breathtaking views and a sense of spiritual calm.
Continue your journey to Kaza, the sub-divisional headquarters of Spiti Valley, known for its rugged terrain and vibrant Tibetan culture. On arrival, explore the lively local market or relax amidst the high-altitude desert landscape. Kaza serves as a great base for exploring nearby villages and monasteries in the coming days. Overnight stay in Kaza.
Spend the day discovering the spiritual and natural wonders around Kaza, the heart of Spiti Valley:
Key Monastery (Ki Gompa): Begin your day by visiting this iconic 11th-century monastery, perched dramatically on a hilltop. It’s the largest monastery in Spiti and offers panoramic views of the valley below.
Kibber Village: Just a short drive from Key Monastery, this is one of the highest inhabited villages in the world with motorable roads. Explore the village and admire its traditional stone houses.
Chicham Bridge: A little ahead of Kibber, visit Asia’s highest suspension bridge — a thrilling experience with spectacular mountain views.
Hikkim: Home to the world’s highest post office, where you can send postcards to your loved ones from the top of the world.
Komic Village: One of the highest villages in the world connected by a motorable road, it houses the ancient Tangyud Monastery, believed to be over 500 years old.
Langza Village: Known for its gigantic Buddha statue overlooking the valley and for the ancient marine fossils found here, reminding visitors that this region was once under the Tethys Sea.
Return to Kaza by evening after a fulfilling day of high-altitude exploration. Overnight stay in Kaza.
Start your day from Kaza and journey toward the enchanting Chandratal Lake, one of Himachal’s most beautiful high-altitude lakes. En route, you’ll cross the dramatic Kunzum Pass (15,000+ ft), offering panoramic views of snow-capped peaks and glaciers. The route is rugged and adventurous, passing through barren yet mesmerizing Spiti landscapes. On reaching Chandratal, soak in the serene beauty of this crescent-shaped lake, nestled amidst towering Himalayan ranges. Spend the evening enjoying the surreal surroundings and stargazing by the lake. Overnight stay in camps near Chandratal Lake.
Begin your day with a refreshing morning near Chandratal Lake, soaking in the last views of the magical blue waters and surrounding peaks. After breakfast, embark on a thrilling drive towards Manali, descending through the rugged terrain of the Spiti Valley. You’ll retrace your route along the Chandra River, passing remote hamlets like Batal and Chhatru, known for their raw, untouched charm. The journey continues over the majestic Rohtang Pass (13,050 ft), where dramatic mountain views await. By evening, you’ll reach the lush green landscapes of Manali, marking the end of your high-altitude adventure. Overnight stay in Manali.
After breakfast, check out from Manali and drive back to Chandigarh. Enjoy the scenic journey through Kullu and Mandi. On arrival in Chandigarh, you’ll be dropped at the airport or railway station, concluding your memorable Himachal Tribal Circuit tour.
