🔰Date: 20-28 Feb, 2026Spiti in winter is not just a destination - it’s an invitation to explore a world untouched by time. Imagine walking through a landscape where every step crunches over fresh snow, where the sky is a brilliant canvas of icy blues, and where mountains rise like silent guardians, inviting you to explore their secrets. The villages of Spiti, covered in thick blankets of frost, seem to sleep - but inside their stone houses, life glows warmly. With fires glowing, stories flowing, and steaming bowls of momos and thukpa being shared, you’re welcomed into the warmth of Spiti’s mountain life.
Shades of Payanam is ready to take you on an unforgettable journey to the coldest desert of the Himalayas, where every moment is a celebration of nature, culture, and the quiet magic of winter.
🔰TRIP HIGHLIGHTS:- Begin your journey with a quiet pause in Narkanda - a calm mountain stopover to breathe, settle, and prepare for the heights ahead.
- Wake up in warm, local homes and dreamy resorts wrapped in snow-draped valleys. Let the cold outside meet the comfort inside.
- Savor Himalayan food made the old way - slow, simple, soulful.
- Drift into Chitkul, the last village before India melts into the Indo-Tibet border. It feels like the edge of a story.
- Tread across Asia’s highest suspension bridge, with the wind carrying your heartbeat.
- Mail a memory from the world’s highest post office - a postcard that travels farther than you do.
- Step into monasteries older than the silence around them. Let the peace sink in.
- If you’re lucky, the mountains might reveal their secret - the snow leopard, the silent king that almost never shows itself.
- And before you say goodbye, spend one final night in Shimla. Shop a little, eat a lot, unwind completely… then head home with a heart full of winter.
🔰Detailed Itinerary:
❄️Day 1: (Fri, 20th Feb) - Touch down, take off to the mountains
We land in Chandigarh and make our way directly to Narkanda, where we’ll acclimatize, rest, and take in the crisp mountain air.
Upon booking confirmation, we’ll provide the flight details so the entire team can fly together.
🚍Travel Distance: 160km
⏱️Travel Time: 6hrs
✅Inclusion:- All Transfer
- Accommodation in Narkanda
- Meals: Dinner
❄️Day 2: (Sat, 21st Feb) - The Road to Sangla ValleyOur winter trip to Spiti Valley starts with a beautiful drive from Narkanda to Sangla, passing through the stunning Kinnaur Valley. We’ll stop along the way to admire the views and the famous Kinnaur Gate before heading deeper into the mountains.
The last stretch of the drive, about 95 km along the Baspa River, feels truly magical. By evening, we’ll reach Sangla Valley, where we’ll be staying in a cozy resort nestled at the foothills of the Himalayas.
🚍Travel Distance: 170km
⏱️Travel Time: 6hrs
✅Inclusion:- All Transfer
- Local Permit
- Accommodation in Sangla Valley
- Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
❄️Day 3: (Sun, 22nd Feb) - The Last Hamlet of the Himalayas – ChitkulImagine waking up to a mountain dressed in pure white snow, shining like gold as the first rays of the morning sun gently fall on it. Even in –10°C cold, the scene feels warm, calm, and almost unreal. After enjoying this breathtaking start to the day, we’ll take a slow, refreshing walk to the Baspa River, flowing quietly right across from our resort.
Our day continues with a visit to the last inhabited village of India before the Indo-Tibet border. Here, you’re free to explore the village at your own pace - talk to the friendly villagers, wander through the old wooden houses, and breathe in the quiet beauty of the valley.
Later, we’ll have lunch at one of the most famous - and the last -restaurants before the border.
Our day ends with a scenic drive to Kalpa, a peaceful village in the Kinnaur Valley known for its breathtaking views of the majestic Kinnaur Kailash range.
🚍Travel Distance: 72km
⏱️Travel Time: 3hrs
✅Inclusion:- All Transfer
- Local Permit
- Village Entry
- Accommodation in Kalpa
- Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
❄️Day 4: (Mon, 23rd Feb) - Frozen Lakes, Ancient Temples, and Timeless TrailsWe’ll begin our day with a short walk-through Kalpa, a charming village where locals believe Lord Shiva resides atop Kinnaur Kailash. The shivling-shaped rock formation here is a sacred pilgrimage site. Kalpa beautifully blends Indo-Tibetan culture, with ancient wooden temples standing beside peaceful monasteries. We’ll relax on benches overlooking the majestic Kinnaur Kailash mountains.
Next, we set off toward Tabo, stopping at Nako along the way. The frozen lake at Nako glistens under the winter sun, creating a magical, almost surreal scene. It’s the perfect place for a stroll and to enjoy a relaxed lunch surrounded by serene nature.
Our journey continues with a visit to one of the oldest monasteries in the region, home to a naturally preserved Tibetan monk - a truly mystical glimpse into the past. As the day winds down, we arrive in Tabo, where a cozy homestay awaits, offering warmth, comfort, and a taste of local hospitality
🚍Travel Distance: 160 km
⏱️Travel Time: 5 hrs.
✅Inclusion:- All Transfer
- Local Permit
- Entry fee
- Accommodation in Tabo
- Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
❄️Day 5: (Tue, 24th Feb) - Journey Through Spiti’s Hidden HeartOur day start with a peaceful stroll through the village, taking in its quiet charm and local life. Enjoy a warm, hearty breakfast before we hit the road to Kaza, the vibrant heart of Spiti. On the way, we’ll stop at the breathtaking Dhankar Monastery, perched high on a cliff at 12,774 feet. This ancient monastery, over a thousand years old, is one of the 100 most endangered monuments in the world - a true wonder to behold.
Our journey continues to a hidden frozen waterfall, a magical sight in winter, followed by a visit to Pin Valley, the secret home of the rare snow leopard. If the weather is favorable, we’ll also explore Mudh, the last village in Pin Valley, where 30 traditional houses shelter around 200 people.
In the evening, settle into a warm and welcoming Tibetan homestay. Enjoy delicious local cuisine, experience the simple joys of Spiti life, and connect with your hosts, who will make you feel like family.
🚍Travel Distance: 60 km
⏱️Travel Time: 3 hrs.
✅Inclusion:- All Transfer
- Local Permit
- Entry fee
- Accommodation in Kaza
- Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
❄️Day 6: (Wed, 25th Feb) - A Day in Spiti’s Most Iconic SpotsOn this day, we will explore the local attractions around Kaza. Our journey begins at the Fossil Village of Langza, where you can see marine fossils that are millions of years old.
Next, we’ll find peace and awe before the majestic giant Buddha statue, standing tall against the rugged Spiti landscape.
Our journey then takes a thrilling turn as we cross Asia’s highest suspension bridge at Chicham, feeling the wind and the dizzying height beneath our feet. But the surprises don’t end there - Hikkim awaits, home to the world’s highest post office. Imagine sending a letter to your loved ones from 14,567 feet above sea level, in temperatures as low as –20°C - a truly unforgettable experience!
After a full day of exploration, we will return to our cozy homestay before the temperature drops and the mountains grow wild.
🚍Travel Distance: 80 km
⏱️Travel Time: 3.5 hrs.
✅Inclusion:- All Transfer
- Local Permit
- Entry fee
- Accommodation in Kaza
- Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
❄️Day 7: (Thu, 26th Feb) - Farewell to Himalayan HeightsToday marks our last day in the high-altitude region of Spiti. We will start by visiting the magnificent Key Monastery, the largest monastery in Spiti, which is home to around 200 monks. This serene place offers a glimpse into the life and traditions of the monks and stunning views of the surrounding valleys. After exploring the monastery, we will begin our long descent from Spiti towards the beautiful Kinnaur Valley. Along the way, we will make a few stops to enjoy the scenic landscapes, capture photographs, and stretch our legs. By evening, we will reach Rampur, where we will stay overnight, resting before continuing our journey towards Shimla the next day.
🚍Travel Distance: 280 km
⏱️Travel Time: 7 hrs.
✅Inclusion:- All Transfer
- Local Permit
- Entry fee
- Accommodation in Rampur
- Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
❄️Day 8: (Fri, 27th Feb) -A Cozy Night in the Heart of ShimlaOn our final day in the mountains, we’ll drive down to Shimla, arriving by evening as the town glows with the soft lights of dusk. The night will be perfect for exploring its charming streets, wandering through bustling markets filled with local crafts, and tasting a variety of street foods - from steaming momos to sweet treats - each bite a new little adventure. After days spent surrounded by the quiet, snowy mountains, this lively evening will feel wonderfully refreshing. We’ve booked a cozy hotel where we can rest deeply and carry the memories of our mountain journey with us.
🚍Travel Distance: 160 km
⏱️Travel Time: 5 hrs.
✅Inclusion:- All Transfer
- Accommodation in Shimla
- Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
❄️Day 9: (Sat, 28th Feb) - Time to fly back homeAs our unforgettable time in the Himalayas comes to an end, we will enjoy breakfast before heading back to Chandigarh Airport.
🚍Travel Distance: 120 km
⏱️Travel Time: 3.5 hrs.
✅Inclusion:- Airport Drop
- Meals: Breakfast
🔰TRIP COST: INR 29500 /- ✳️Basic:- Total number of slots: 14
- Age group: 20 to 40
- Solo participants will be given first priority. Group bookings are limited to a maximum of two people
- A comfortable Tempo Traveler will accompany us for the entire road trip (Chandigarh to Chandigarh)
✅Inclusions:- Inclusions are listed in each day's itinerary above.
❌Exclusions: - Air Fare
- Meals which are not mentioned in the itinerary are excluded. (You will need approx. ₹500 per day)
- Any Cameras other electronic tickets
- Room heater charges, if required, are extra.
- Any personal transport expenses for places not mentioned in itinerary.
- Local transfer in Shimla (Hotel to shopping area and back)
- Costs applicable in case of early departure if you choose to exit the trip midway.
- Cost incidental to any change in the itinerary/stay on account of flight cancellation due to bad weather, ill health, roadblocks, landslides, floods, and/or any factors beyond control. If flights get canceled due to the weather, we will arrange alternative stays at minimal cost.
🛖Accommodation- You will be staying in a mix of homestays and resorts.
- All accommodation will be in triple occupancy, separate for men and women
- Double occupancy rooms are available with an extra charge, please let us know when you confirm your booking if you would like this.
- All accommodations will have a clean, private washroom, except in Kaza and Tabo.
- In Kaza and Tabo, you will be staying in traditional local Spiti homes. Where clean and hygienic common washrooms are available
- The temperatures will be very cold: -15°C during the day and potentially down to -25°C at night.
- To keep you comfortable, all accommodations are equipped with room heaters and electric blankets.
- We also provide a traditional heating system called a 'Kangri' in all stays. This is very effective, so you should feel warm despite the outside temperature.
- The Kangri will be available 24/7, which is especially helpful because there might be occasional electricity failures.
🛬Flight:- At the time of confirmation, we’ll share the exact flight details to book, so the whole group can travel together.
- We can help you if you need any assistance with flight booking.
- Flights cost approx. ₹19500 from Coimbatore, ₹16500 from Bangalore and ₹17500 from Chennai. In case you arrive very early than the prescribed time, you will have to wait till everyone arrives.
🥗Food:- Homestays will serve simple and authentic Tibetan food, and the resorts will additionally offer North Indian cuisine.
- Most traditional Spiti meals are vegetarian. You may get non-veg options at some of our stays, but not in Kaza and Tabo.
🌡️Weather- We’ll be exploring this trip at a slow pace, moving gradually from low altitude to high altitude. Temperatures will be around -2°C in low-altitude areas, -5°C in mid-altitude regions, and -15°C at high altitudes. At night, it can drop to as low as -30°C.”
✳️Who can be a part of this trip?- This trip is open to all adventure lovers who are comfortable with cold weather and enjoy exploring at an easy pace.
- We normally keep our trips limited and don’t allow groups to join. But if you’re a female participant, you can bring one friend or a family member with you.
- Couples can join the trip, but we limit the number based on the overall group size.
✳️Our Selected Guidelines:- Selection for the trip will be entirely at the discretion of Shades of Payanam. Please proceed with the payment only after receiving a confirmation from our team.
- To confirm your participation, an advance payment of ₹15,000 is required.
- This advance is strictly non-refundable and non-transferable.
- The rest of the amount can be paid in cash during the journey.
✳️Important Note: - This trip is not organized through any agents or third-party vendors. It is a thoughtfully handcrafted experience, curated based on our personal field visits and first-hand knowledge. We've designed this itinerary specifically for those who wish to explore beyond the typical tourist path.
- This itinerary is thoughtfully packed with experiences, so we kindly request everyone to adhere to the scheduled timings.
- There are no treks on this trip. Only short walks.
- Expect some winter rush in Spiti - traffic jams, crowded restaurants, and lines - but the valley’s breathtaking charm will make it all worthwhile.
- Participants are fully responsible for their personal belongings, luggage, and valuables throughout the trip. We shall not be liable for any loss, damage, or theft of personal property.
- This is a rugged off-road adventure. You will encounter narrow, slippery, and unpaved roads, including occasional water crossings and loose gravel. Participants should be mentally and physically prepared.
- The organizer and trip lead reserve the right to remove any participant from the trip at any time if they are found engaging in illicit, disruptive, or inappropriate behavior. This policy is in place to ensure the safety, comfort, and overall experience of all travelers. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation.
❌Cancellation Policy:Cancellation by participant:Advance paid during trip confirmation is strictly non-refundable at any circumstances, as we group book the transports, accommodations and activities. Also note that the advance payment will strictly be not transferrable to someone else or to a future trip, in case you are not joining the trip.
Cancellations made within 10 days of the trip require participants to cover 75% of the total trip cost, since most bookings are confirmed and non-refundable by this stage. You will be required to settle the applicable amount. Please note that non-compliance may affect your eligibility for future trips
Cancellation due to unforeseen situations beyond our control:In the event of trip cancellations due to natural calamities or unforeseen circumstances (e.g. Extreme weather, political unrest, or government-imposed restrictions) - essentially, any situation beyond the control, the remaining amount can be fully transferred.
✳️Registration & Selection Process:- Registration: If you are interested in joining this trip, please complete your registration by clicking on the link provided at the end of this itinerary.
- Invitation & Selection: After you register, participants who are shortlisted will receive an official invitation with instructions for the advance payment. Selection is entirely at the discretion of Shades of Payanam. If the trip is fully booked, you will be informed and added to the waitlist.
- Advance Payment: Shortlisted participants will receive advance payment instructions. Your slot for the trip will be confirmed only upon successful payment of the advance.
- Flight Tickets: After your advance payment is processed and confirmed by us, you may proceed to book your flight tickets.
- Note: Registering for the trip via the provided link does not guarantee a slot. Confirmation is subject to the selection process and availability of slots.
📲For Booking-Related Inquiries:- If you have any questions regarding the trip / bookings, please feel free to reach out to us via WhatsApp at +91 96006 62298 (messages only).
- If you wish to speak with us directly, kindly send a message first, and we’ll be happy to arrange a call at a mutually convenient time.
