Spiti Valley Winter Expedition – A Complete Travel Guide & Budget Breakdown
Some trips are well-planned, and some happen on the spot. Our Spiti Valley Winter Expedition was one such sudden plan. I wanted an adventure expedition, while Sujata wanted to explore the extreme north. Earlier, I had planned Spiti in summer, but it got canceled. This time, we decided to do it in winter, and within a week, we were all set!
We joined the Spiti Valley Winter 4×4 Expedition (1st Feb to 9th Feb 2025) with Safarnama. It was a Delhi-to-Delhi self-drive expedition, where we traveled in a convoy of 5 premium 4×4 campers (Isuzu and Hilux). Our vehicle was the leader car, and we were accompanied by the convoy marshal.
This blog will take you through our day-by-day experience, covering everything from preparation to challenges, stunning landscapes, local food, and important travel tips. If you are planning a winter trip to Spiti, this guide will help you get started!
Spiti Valley Preparation & Travel Logistics
Since this was a winter expedition, we had to be well-prepared for extreme cold. We planned everything in just a week, so quick shopping and packing were necessary.
Gear & Clothing
We bought most of our winter gear from Decathlon, as they offer reliable and affordable options. The key essentials we packed:
Layered Clothing – Thermal inners, fleece jackets, and snow jackets.
Waterproof & Windproof Gear – Gloves and pants to tackle snow and wind.
Winter Accessories – Woolen caps, neck warmers, and good-quality socks.
Footwear – High-ankle, waterproof trekking shoes for walking on snow.
Essentials – Sunglasses (to prevent snow blindness) and lip balm.
Vinay Kadam - Winter Spiti Valley: Itinerary, Budget & Travel Tips
This was my first flight experience from Pune to Delhi. We went early to the airport so that we could get familiar with the ambience and of course, click some pictures.
Spiti Valley Itinerary & Experiences
Day 1: 1st Feb – Pune to Delhi & Exploring the Capital
Our journey started with a 2:15 AM flight from Pune to Delhi, landing at 4:45 AM. Since our expedition officially began in the evening, we had the whole day to explore Delhi.
We decided to roam around using the Delhi Metro, which turned out to be the most convenient and affordable way to get around. We visited:
Lotus Temple – A peaceful place with stunning architecture.
Rajpath & India Gate – A historical spot with a patriotic vibe.
Qutub Minar – A UNESCO heritage site with incredible history.
In the evening, we took an overnight bus from Delhi to Shimla and rested during the journey.
Day 2: 2nd Feb – Shimla to Kalpa (Start of the Expedition)
Morning: Reached Shimla early morning, where our convoy marshal received us. We checked into a hotel, freshened up, and had breakfast.
After breakfast, we met our trek leader, Shivansh, who introduced us to our fellow travelers and explained the itinerary and important rules. Our group had 13 travelers, along with the marshal, trek leader, and guide.
Afternoon: The expedition began! We got into our 4×4 premium camper (Isuzu & Hilux) convoy, with five vehicles in total. Since we were in the leader vehicle, we traveled with the convoy marshal.
Evening: We reached Kalpa, a small but scenic town. The temperature was below freezing, and the first taste of the Himalayan winter hit us! After checking in, we relaxed, enjoyed a warm dinner, and rested.
Day 3: 3rd Feb – Kalpa to Tabo (A Day of Surprises)
Morning at Kalpa
I woke up early to capture a timelapse of the sunrise. It was freezing, but the view from the terrace was worth it. The golden light slowly touched the snow-covered peaks of Kinnaur Kailash, creating a breathtaking scene.
Despite the cold, there was no snowfall in Kalpa. Many travelers returning from Spiti told us that there had been no snowfall anywhere, which made us a little worried. Were we going to miss the snowfall in Spiti?
After breakfast, we walked around apple orchards. Though the trees had no leaves, we learned something interesting—the inner bark of apple trees turns deep red when a branch is cut. This was a fascinating fact we never knew!
Drive to Gue Monastery
On the way to Tabo, we took a detour to Gue Monastery, a remote place near the India-China border. The monastery is famous for its preserved 500-year-old mummy of a Buddhist monk. It was surreal to see a natural mummy sitting in a meditative posture, still intact after centuries.
Close to China: We were so near the China border that our iPhones switched to China Standard Time! It was a fun moment, realizing how close we actually were to another country.
Reaching Tabo & First Experience with a Bukhari
By evening, we reached our homestay in Tabo. Inside the house, we saw a bukhari (a traditional wood-burning heater) for the first time. It was the coziest spot in the entire house, and we all gathered around it to warm up.
Fun Night at Tabo
After dinner, our group played Dumb Charades—lots of laughter, crazy acting, and unforgettable moments! Later, the group went for star gazing on the helipad near Tabo Monastery. The sky was unbelievably clear, and one could see millions of stars, something impossible in city life.
Surprise Morning Snowfall!
When we woke up the next morning, we got the best surprise—snowfall had started! The entire landscape slowly turned white, and we felt pure joy. After worrying that we might miss it, witnessing fresh snowfall in Tabo was magical.
Day 4: 4th Feb – Tabo to Kaza (Monasteries, Frozen Wonders & Spiritual Lessons)
Morning at Tabo
We started the day with breakfast at our homestay before heading to Tabo Monastery, one of the oldest and most significant monasteries in Spiti.
Inside Tabo Monastery:
Learned about Past, Present & Future Buddha – A fascinating insight into Buddhist teachings.
Admired the ancient paintings – The monastery walls were covered in beautiful, centuries-old artwork.
Saw meditation caves – From a distance, we spotted caves in the mountains, where monks once meditated in solitude.
Journey to Kaza
Leaving Tabo, we set off towards Kaza, the main town of Spiti Valley. The road was covered in snow patches, and the landscapes were straight out of a painting.
Vinay Kadam - Winter Spiti Valley: Itinerary, Budget & Travel Tips
There is a desk area at the Dhankar Monastery from where you can see the amazing view of the surrounding area. It was really a peaceful experience.
Dhankar Monastery & Lingti Waterfall
On the way, we made a stop at Dhankar Monastery, perched high on a cliff. The view from here was breathtaking! Further ahead, we saw Lingti Waterfall, which was completely frozen—a stunning sight!
Ice Cafe Spiti & Tea Break
One of the unique stops was the Ice Cafe Spiti, which was literally covered in ice. The walls had frost patterns, and everything had a wintery charm. We stopped here for a quick tea break, warming ourselves up in the freezing cold.
Playing in Spiti River & Stone Pyramid
Before reaching Kaza, we made a fun stop at the Spiti River, which was partly frozen. Here, we:
Played in the icy water – It was freezing but exciting!
Built a stone pyramid (5 steps) – A small moment of joy, stacking stones by the riverbank.
Learning About ‘Mane’ (Spiritual Road Blessings)
During the journey, we noticed certain mane (prayer) points on the road, where we had to take a left turn around a prayer structure. Our marshal explained that in Buddhism, everything is done in a clockwise direction. Taking the left turn at these mane points is considered a blessing for the journey.
Reaching Kaza
By evening, we finally arrived in Kaza. The temperature had dropped significantly, and we were ready for the next adventure!
Day 5: 5th Feb – Exploring Kaza & Nearby Villages (Bridges, Monasteries & Freezing Cold)
Morning in Kaza
Waking up in Kaza felt like stepping into a freezer! The temperature had dropped below -20°C, but we were excited for the day’s adventures.
First Stop: Chicham Bridge
Our first destination was Chicham Bridge, the highest suspension bridge in Asia. The view from the bridge was absolutely stunning, with deep gorges and snow-covered mountains all around. Standing there, we could feel the thrill of being at such a high-altitude engineering marvel.
Key Monastery – The Iconic View
Next, we visited the famous Key Monastery, a centuries-old Buddhist monastery perched on a hill. But I wanted a special photo from the famous viewpoint, so I took a small trek up a nearby hill. The climb was worth it—the aerial view of the Key Monastery with the Spiti Valley in the backdrop was breathtaking!
Langza – Marine Fossils & the Giant Buddha
After Key Monastery, we headed to Langza, one of the highest villages in Spiti. Langza is famous for marine fossils, a reminder that this entire region was once under the Tethys Sea millions of years ago! We also saw the giant Buddha statue, overlooking the valley, giving the place a peaceful and divine vibe.
Shortness of Breath & Sea Buckthorn Juice
At such a high altitude, we felt the effects of thin air—shortness of breath and mild dizziness. To feel better, we had Sea Buckthorn juice, a local berry drink rich in vitamins. It worked like magic and gave us a refreshing boost!
Nearby Villages – Kibber & Komic
We also passed by Kibber and Komic villages, two of the highest inhabited villages in the world. It was fascinating to see people living in such extreme conditions.
Evening in Kaza – Local Market & Souvenir Shopping
Back in Kaza, we wanted to explore the local market, but most of the shops were closing by the time we reached. Luckily, we found one open shop where we bought:
Souvenirs – Small local artifacts as memories.
Woolen mufflers – Handwoven and super warm.
The shop owner was incredibly friendly, and we had a great shopping experience, chatting about life in Spiti.
Coldest Night of the Trip!
As the night fell, the temperature dropped below -20°C. It was the coldest night of our trip, and stepping outside even for a second felt like a challenge!
The next morning, it was still -20°C, marking our final freezing morning in Kaza before heading back.
Day 6: 6th Feb – Kaza to Kalpa (Frozen Lakes & Hidden Secrets)
Morning Departure from Kaza
We woke up to another freezing morning (-20°C) in Kaza. After breakfast, we packed up and began our return journey towards Kalpa. The landscapes looked completely different on the way back, as snow-covered roads gave us new views of the mountains.
Playing at Frozen Nako Lake
One of the highlights of the day was our stop at Nako Lake, which was completely frozen. The thick layer of ice allowed us to walk, slide, and even play on the lake! It felt surreal to be standing on a lake that would be full of water in summer.
The Secret Helipad Spot
Our marshal took us to a hidden spot, a flat land near Nako, which is used as a helipad. The place had stunning views of the mountains all around. It was a quiet, peaceful location that felt untouched and special.
Reaching Kalpa
After hours of driving through snow-covered roads and scenic mountain views, we finally reached our stay in Kalpa. The familiar cozy homestay welcomed us after a long day of travel.
The journey back to Kalpa was filled with fun, laughter, and breathtaking views, making it a memorable part of our Spiti adventure.
Day 7: 7th Feb – Kalpa to Chitkul (The Last Village & One of the Most Dangerous Roads)
Morning in Kalpa – Sightseeing & Sunrise Timelapse
Our day started early in Kalpa with some local sightseeing. This time, I was on time for the sunrise timelapse, capturing the first golden rays hitting the snowy Kinnaur Kailash peaks.
We visited:
A beautiful temple – A mix of Buddhist and Hindu architecture.
Kalpa Monastery – A historical structure standing strong amidst the mountains.
Frozen Taps & First Hot Shower in Days!
The temperature was so cold that water was frozen in the taps, so we had to wait for running water. But the best part? After 2-3 days, we finally got to take a hot shower! It felt like a luxury in these extreme conditions.
Journey to Chitkul – The Last Village of India
After breakfast, we started our journey to Chitkul, the last inhabited village near the Indo-Tibet border. The road to Chitkul is one of the most dangerous roads in Asia, possibly even the 2nd most dangerous in the world. The narrow roads, deep gorges, and frozen patches made the drive thrilling yet breathtakingly beautiful.
Suicide Point – A Thrilling Stop
En route, we stopped at Suicide Point, a spot known for its steep drop and breathtaking view. The cliffs here are almost vertical, making it look extremely dangerous. The most interesting part? When we shouted, an echo bounced back from the surrounding mountains! It was an unexpected and fun experience.
Evening Arrival at Chitkul – Riverside Stay
By evening, we finally reached Chitkul. Our stay was right next to the river, offering stunning views of the frozen landscape. The air was crisp, the surroundings peaceful, and we were now at one of the most remote and beautiful places in India.
Bonfire Under the Stars
Before dinner, we gathered around a warm bonfire outside our stay. The freezing cold made the fire feel even more comforting. Wrapped in our jackets, we shared stories, laughed, and enjoyed the peaceful silence of Chitkul under a sky full of stars. The fire crackled, and the warmth made the moment even more special.
The journey was tiring but worth every moment, and we were excited to explore Chitkul the next day!
Day 8: 8th Feb – Chitkul to Shimla (Frozen Fun & The Journey Back)
Early Morning at Chitkul
We woke up early in the morning as some of our fellow travelers left ahead—they wanted to reach Chandigarh early. The quietness of Chitkul in the morning, with only the sound of the river and the cold mountain air, was magical.
Timelapse & Playing in Ice
Before leaving, I set up my phone for a sunrise timelapse while enjoying the riverside stay one last time. The ice was knee-deep, and we couldn’t resist playing in it! Walking on the frozen layers, feeling the crunch under our boots, and just absorbing the moment—it was pure fun.
The Return Journey to Shimla
After breakfast, we left Chitkul and started our long journey back to Shimla.
Kinnaur Gate – A Picture-Perfect Stop
En route, we stopped at Kinnaur Gate, a grand archway marking the entrance to Kinnaur Valley. The scenic backdrop of snow-covered mountains made it the perfect spot for some amazing pictures. It was a reminder of the beauty and adventure we had experienced throughout our journey.
By evening, we reached Shimla, marking the end of our time in the mountains.
Day 9: 9th Feb – Delhi Exploration & The Last-Minute Flight Rush
Overnight Bus – Shimla to Delhi
Our journey back to Delhi started with an overnight bus from Shimla. By early morning, we reached Delhi, marking the final leg of our trip.
Freshening Up & Exploring Red Fort
Since we had some time before our flight, we checked into a hotel near Chandni Chowk to freshen up. Red Fort was nearby, so we decided to visit.
Red Fort & Museum Visit
Red Fort looked majestic in the morning light. We explored its massive gates, Mughal-era architecture, and historical museum, learning more about India’s rich past. Walking through the fort felt like stepping back in time.
Metro to the Airport & The Crazy Flight Experience
After exploring, we took the metro to the airport—a quick and convenient ride. But things got intense when we almost missed our flight! Running through the airport, clearing security, and making it just in time—it was a crazy, adrenaline-filled experience!
The Most Beautiful Flight Views
Unlike our night flight from Pune to Delhi, this Delhi to Pune flight was in the evening, offering breathtaking views of the golden clouds at sunset. Watching the sun paint the sky in orange, pink, and purple hues was the perfect ending to our adventure.
Home Sweet Home
We landed in Pune at 7 PM and finally reached home. The trip was over, but the memories we made would last forever.
Vinay Kadam - Winter Spiti Valley: Itinerary, Budget & Travel Tips
This is a complete guide for your upcoming Spiti Valley Winter Expedition. Feel free to ask your questions or concerns. I have given our detailed experience of Winter Spiti Valley Expedition.
Budget Breakdown for Spiti Valley Winter Expedition
Planning a winter expedition to Spiti Valley requires both financial and physical preparation. Below is a detailed budget breakdown to help you plan your trip wisely.
Flights: Pune to Delhi (Round Trip for 2 People)
Book Early! Flight prices vary based on how early you book. Ideally, book at least 2 weeks in advance for lower fares.
- Our Cost (Last-Minute Booking): ₹30,000 (for 2 people)
- Estimated Cost (Early Booking): ₹20,000 – ₹25,000 (for 2 people)
Spiti Expedition Cost (Delhi to Delhi)
The expedition package covers transport (4×4 or tempo traveler), stay, and most meals (breakfast & dinner).
4×4 Premium Self-Drive Camper (Recommended)
- Cost: ₹30,000 per person
- Why? Reliable in snow, safer for high-altitude climbs (Langza, Key Monastery, etc.)
Tempo Traveler (Budget Option, NOT Recommended)
- Cost: ₹20,000 per person
- Issue: We saw tempo travelers breaking down in the snow and struggling on steep climbs. 4×4 is the safest choice!
Tip: If budget is a concern, try looking for group discounts or early-bird deals.
Food & Extra Expenses
Included in the Package: Breakfast & Dinner
Not Included: Lunch (Plan for ₹200-₹400 per meal per person)
Estimated Lunch Cost for 8 Days: ₹6,000 – ₹8,000 (for 2 people)
Gears & Winter Clothing (One-Time Investment, Highly Recommended!)
Sub-zero temperatures in Spiti require proper technical winter gear. Regular winter clothes will NOT work!
Best Place to Buy: Decathlon (Best quality & value for money)
Essential Gears:
- Layered Clothing: Thermal wear, fleece jackets, snow jackets
- Waterproof, Insulated Boots (for walking on snow/ice)
- Gloves, Woolen Socks, Balaclava
- Good Quality Backpack (water-resistant, sturdy)
Total Cost: ₹50,000 (for 2 people)
(A one-time investment that will last for years!)
Rental Option? Available, but not recommended due to hygiene and fit issues.
Miscellaneous Expenses (Buffer Money)
Mobile Network & Connectivity: Limited in some areas. Carry extra cash for emergencies.
Altitude Sickness Medicines & Essentials: Carry Diamox, personal medicines, and hydration tablets.
Souvenirs & Shopping: Woolen mufflers, local handicrafts – ₹2,000 – ₹5,000.
Recommended Extra Buffer: ₹5,000 – ₹10,000
Total Estimated Budget for 2 People (Delhi to Delhi)
Expense | Cost (₹) |
Flights (Round Trip, Pune-Delhi) | 30,000 |
Spiti Expedition (4×4) | 60,000 |
Food (Lunch & Extras) | 8,000 |
Winter Gears & Backpacks | 50,000 |
Miscellaneous & Shopping | 10,000 |
Total | ₹1,58,000 |
Budget Option (Tempo Traveler + Rental Gears): ₹1,20,000 (Not Recommended)
Final Thoughts on Budgeting:
- Do NOT compromise on winter gear. Proper clothing can make or break your trip.
- Book flights early to save at least ₹5,000 – ₹10,000.
- Pick 4×4 transport over tempo travelers for safety & reliability.
- Carry extra cash for emergencies as ATMs may not work in extreme weather.
Ready for Your Own Spiti Winter Adventure?
If you have any questions, doubts, or need help planning your trip, connect with me on my socials! I’d love to share my experience and help you make this dream trip a reality.