- Shimla districtKufriA stop on the first day’s drive from Shimla towards Sangla.
- Shimla districtRampurA waypoint between Narkanda and Karcham on the Shimla to Sangla travel day.
- KinnaurKarchamThe route junction on the first day before the drive into Sangla.
- KinnaurRakchamA Baspa valley village visited between Sangla and the optional Chitkul excursion.
- KinnaurReckong PeoKinnaur’s district headquarters, on the itinerary before the overnight stop in Kalpa.
- KinnaurPoohA transit stop on the drive from Kalpa towards Nako and Tabo.
- SpitiLosarA stop between Kaza and Kunzum Pass on the seasonal road to Chandratal.
- LahaulBatalA waypoint on the final travel day from Chandratal towards Manali.
- LahaulGramphuA waypoint between Batal and the Atal Tunnel on the journey to Manali.
- SpitiTabo MonasteryTabo’s historic Buddhist monastery, visited before leaving for Dhankar and Kaza.
- Shimla districtShimlaHimachal Pradesh’s capital and the usual starting point for the drive to Spiti through Kinnaur.
- Shimla districtNarkandaA small hill town above the Sutlej valley, known for orchards and wide views of the Himalayan ranges.
- KinnaurSanglaThe main village of Kinnaur’s Baspa valley, with wooden houses, orchards and the river below.
- KinnaurChitkulA village of wooden houses at the head of the Baspa valley, often described as the last village on the road towards the Tibet border.
- KinnaurKalpaA village above Reckong Peo facing the Kinner Kailash range, the overnight stop on day 2.
- KinnaurNakoA stone village beside a small lake near the Kinnaur and Spiti border, with an old monastery complex.
- SpitiGueA small village off the Sumdo to Tabo road, known for a naturally mummified monk kept in a shrine.
- SpitiTaboA village in the Spiti valley around Tabo Monastery, founded in 996 CE and famous for its ancient murals.
- SpitiDhankarSpiti’s former capital, with a monastery perched on a crumbling spur above the valley.
- SpitiPin ValleyA side valley south of the Spiti river, protected as Pin Valley National Park.
- SpitiKazaThe main town of the Spiti valley and our base for local sightseeing days.
- Himachal PradeshKey MonasterySpiti’s largest monastery, stacked on a hill above the Spiti river a short drive from Kaza.
- SpitiKibberOne of Spiti’s high villages above Key, gateway to the Kibber wildlife sanctuary.
- Himachal PradeshChicham BridgeA bridge high above a deep gorge linking Kibber and Chicham, often called one of the highest in Asia.
- SpitiLangzaA high village known for fossils in the area and a large Buddha statue overlooking the valley.
- SpitiHikkimA tiny high village whose post office is often described as one of the highest in the world.
- SpitiKomicA high village with an old monastery, on day 6’s circuit above Kaza.
- Himachal PradeshKunzum PassThe high pass between Spiti and Lahaul, at around 4,550 m, open only in the warmer months.
- LahaulChandratalThe “moon lake” in Lahaul, reached by a side road beyond Kunzum Pass. Seasonal.
- Himachal PradeshAtal TunnelThe long road tunnel under the Rohtang ridge, linking Lahaul with the Manali side.
- KulluManaliThe Kullu valley town where the circuit ends, after crossing into the Manali side on day 9.
Know the places along the way
Every stop has a story.
From Kinnaur’s valley villages to Spiti’s monasteries, explore the places that shape your journey.