Nine Days of Mountains, Monasteries & Moonscapes: Reshma’s Spiti Valley Adventure with Thrillophilia

Thrillophilia Verified Booking
PNR: BKDUGIWITQH
Traveller: Reshma Rajagopal
Trip Duration: 9 Days | 8 Nights
Destination: Spiti Valley
Date of Travel: 11 July 2026 to 19 July 2026
Package Booked: Spiti Valley Full Circuit From Delhi | Monasteries, Mountains & Moonscapes

“Very well organised trip; enjoyed a lot. Special thanks to our guide Tarun.”

Planning a Spiti Valley holiday is not simply about picking beautiful places on a map. It is about bringing together remote mountain roads, high-altitude villages, ancient monasteries and changing landscapes into one smooth journey.

When Reshma Rajagopal set out on this nine-day Spiti Valley adventure, the experience promised far more than a conventional Himalayan getaway. Her journey brought together the quiet charm of Chitkul, the stark beauty of Nako, centuries-old monasteries around Tabo and Dhankar, high-altitude villages near Kaza, the surreal waters of Chandratal and the greener landscapes of Manali.

From standing at 15,059 feet at Kunzum La to discovering one of the world's highest post offices at Hikkim, every stretch of the journey offered something unexpected. With the route, stays, transfers and sightseeing organised in advance, Reshma could focus on enjoying the mountains, while her guide Tarun added stories and insights along the way.

Here's how her nine-day Spiti adventure unfolded.

Nako: Where the Landscape Starts Getting Wild

The road towards Nako brought a noticeable change in scenery. Green valleys slowly gave way to dry mountain slopes, dramatic cliffs and the unmistakable high-altitude landscape of Spiti. The Kinner Kailash range appeared along the route, while Khab offered one of the journey’s most striking sights. Here, the Sutlej and Spiti Rivers met at a dramatic confluence.

Nako itself felt quieter and almost dreamlike. Its lake reflected the surrounding mountains, with willow and poplar trees softening the otherwise rugged landscape. Nearby, Nako Monastery offered a glimpse into the Buddhist traditions that have shaped life in these mountains for centuries.

Tabo, Dhankar & Gue: Stories Hidden in the Mountains

The journey towards Kaza brought Reshma face-to-face with some of Spiti’s most fascinating monasteries. At Gue Monastery, she encountered the remarkable story of a naturally mummified monk believed to be around 500 years old.

Tabo Monastery offered an entirely different experience. Often called the Ajanta of the Himalayas, its ancient murals and structures preserve nearly a thousand years of Buddhist history. Dhankar Monastery was dramatically perched above the valley, seeming almost suspended between the cliffs and sky.

Together, these places revealed a side of Spiti that goes far beyond its landscapes. Every monastery carried stories, traditions and traces of a culture that has endured in one of India’s most remote regions.

Kaza: Postcards from the Roof of Spiti

Kaza became the centrepiece of Reshma’s Spiti experience. From here, the surrounding villages opened up some of the most memorable sights of the journey. Key Monastery stood high above the valley, with Tibetan architecture contrasting beautifully against the barren mountains.

Langza brought a completely different kind of charm. Known for its fossils, the village is also watched over by a gigantic Buddha statue overlooking the valley. At Hikkim, Reshma found herself more than 4,400 metres above sea level. The village’s famous post office turned sending a postcard into an extraordinary travel memory.

Komik completed the day with traditional mud houses, sweeping mountain views and enormous open skies. It was the kind of place where the horizon seemed to go on forever.

Chandratal: The Lake That Steals the Show

The road to Chandratal became increasingly dramatic, with rugged terrain and towering peaks replacing the gentler valleys. At 15,059 feet, Kunzum La offered spectacular views across the high Himalayas before the landscape opened towards Chandratal.

The crescent-shaped lake appeared almost like a hidden painting among the mountains. Its crystal-clear waters reflected the sky and surrounding peaks, while changing light gave the lake different shades throughout the day.

With mountains rising around it and almost complete silence filling the landscape, Chandratal felt wonderfully surreal. It was one of those places that photographs struggle to capture properly.

Sissu to Manali: When the Mountains Turn Green Again

The landscape changed dramatically around Sissu. The barren slopes of Spiti slowly gave way to greener valleys as the journey continued through the Atal Tunnel. Crossing the tunnel at more than 10,000 feet marked a fascinating transition between two completely different Himalayan worlds.

Manali brought an entirely new energy. Hadimba Temple stood quietly among tall deodar trees, while Mall Road offered local woollens, handicrafts and plenty of colour. Old Manali added cafés, little shops and views of the Beas River.

The Tibetan Monastery brought a peaceful final touch, with prayer wheels, colourful murals and a calm spiritual atmosphere. After days among Spiti’s stark landscapes, Manali felt like a gentle return to the greener side of the Himalayas.

Why Reshma Loved Her Spiti Valley Journey with Thrillophilia

Destination Experience: Hariom Khandelwal

For a destination as remote and unpredictable as Spiti, thoughtful planning can make all the difference. Thrillophilia’s Spiti Destination Expert Hariom Khandelwal shaped Reshma’s nine-day journey around comfortable stays, carefully planned routes and experiences that showcased the valley beyond its famous viewpoints. Her guide, Tarun, became an important part of the experience. His enthusiasm and detailed explanations added context to the places Reshma encountered, making the monasteries, villages and landscapes even more engaging.

Reshma’s final verdict was simple: “Very well organised trip, enjoyed a lot. Special thanks to our guide Tarun.”

For Thrillophilia, that is exactly what a well-planned Spiti journey should deliver. The logistics stay in the background while the mountains take centre stage.

Also read: Shobha’s Mesmerising Spiti Valley Journey with Thrillophilia