Anand More’s Spiti Valley Adventure with Thrillophilia: A Thrilling Himalayan Road Trip Done Right

Kiran’s Spiti Trip, discovering breathtaking monasteries and majestic Himalayan landscapes

Thrillophilia Verified Booking
PNR: BKDJFGTK4LH
Review: ★★★★★
Travellers: Anand More, Kiran Ashish
Trip Duration: 9 Days | 8 Nights
Destination: Spiti Valley
Date of Travel: 28 June 2025 to 06 July 2025
Region: Spiti Tours
Package Booked: Spiti Valley Full Circuit | Monasteries, Mountains & Moonscapes

“It was an amazing experience covering one of the most dangerous and thrilling road trips in India, with utmost safety and care by the Thrillophilia team.”

Some road trips are about reaching a destination, while others make the journey itself the main attraction. Spiti Valley belongs firmly to the second category.

For Anand More and Kiran Ashish, this nine-day adventure meant taking on winding Himalayan roads, dramatic valleys, high-altitude landscapes and remote settlements. Every stretch of the journey promised something different, from the green valleys around Kinnaur to Spiti’s stark mountain wilderness.

There was plenty to look forward to, but also a natural question. Could a journey known for its challenging roads still feel comfortable and safe throughout? With Thrillophilia managing the journey and carefully planned transfers connecting each destination, Anand and Kiran could focus on enjoying the landscapes rather than worrying about the road ahead.

Here’s how their Spiti adventure unfolded.

Chitkul: Where the Road Starts Getting Interesting

Kiran’s Spiti journey, soaking in serene lake views and majestic Himalayan landscapes

The mountains began revealing their wilder side as Anand and Kiran travelled from Shimla towards Chitkul. The road wound through Kinnaur Valley, with the Sutlej River, apple orchards and Himalayan villages accompanying them along the way.

At Karcham, the confluence of the Sutlej and Baspa Rivers created a dramatic introduction to the journey ahead. Further along, Chitkul appeared as a remote Himalayan settlement surrounded by towering mountains and the rushing Baspa River. A stop at Hindustan Ka Akhri Dhaba added a lighter moment to the day. After hours on the road, a warm cup of tea against that mountain backdrop felt like the perfect reward.

Nako: The Landscape Takes a Dramatic Turn

Leaving Chitkul behind, the journey continued towards Nako through increasingly rugged terrain. The lushness of Kinnaur gradually gave way to the dry, dramatic landscapes associated with Spiti.

The route passed through Reckong Peo before reaching Khab, where the Sutlej and Spiti Rivers meet. It was here that the landscape began feeling distinctly trans-Himalayan. Nako offered a quieter contrast. The peaceful lake reflected the surrounding mountains, while Nako Monastery introduced Anand and Kiran to the Buddhist traditions woven into everyday life here.

Kaza: Ancient Monasteries and Villages Above the Clouds

Kiran’s Spiti adventure, embracing the mountains with joy and unforgettable moments

The journey towards Kaza brought some of Spiti’s most fascinating cultural experiences. Gue Monastery offered the unusual story of its naturally mummified monk, while Tabo revealed centuries of Buddhist history through its ancient murals.

Dhankar added another spectacular perspective, with its monastery dramatically perched above the valley. The combination of ancient architecture and immense mountain scenery made the journey feel like travelling through another era.

Kaza then became the base for exploring the valley’s celebrated high-altitude settlements. Key Monastery offered sweeping views, while Langza brought its giant Buddha statue and fossil-rich landscape into view.

At Hikkim, Anand and Kiran reached the world’s highest post office and experienced the novelty of sending a postcard from such an extraordinary altitude. Komik completed the day with traditional houses, expansive views and a sense of life far removed from the ordinary.

Chandratal: When the Road Becomes the Adventure

The journey towards Chandratal brought the kind of roads that explain Spiti’s reputation as one of India’s most thrilling road trips. The terrain became increasingly rugged, while every bend opened into another enormous Himalayan panorama.

Kunzum Pass was one of the major highlights, offering breathtaking views from an altitude of 15,059 feet. The road itself became part of the experience, constantly shifting between dramatic mountain slopes and vast open valleys.

Then came Chandratal, the crescent-shaped Moon Lake tucked away among the mountains. Its clear waters reflected the surrounding peaks and sky, creating a landscape that felt almost unreal. For Anand and Kiran, this was perhaps the perfect expression of Spiti. The destination was beautiful, but reaching it through such extraordinary terrain made the experience even more rewarding.

From Sissu to Manali: A Softer Finish

After the stark landscapes of Spiti, the journey gradually transitioned towards greener valleys. The drive from Sissu to Manali brought a noticeable change in scenery as towering barren mountains gave way to lush slopes and flowing rivers.

Passing through the Atal Tunnel added another memorable experience before the journey continued towards Manali. The changing landscape made it feel as though the group was slowly returning from Spiti’s remote world. The final sightseeing around Manali offered a relaxed ending. Hadimba Temple, Mall Road, Club House, Old Manali and the Tibetan Monastery brought together history, local culture and the easygoing atmosphere of the hill station.

By the time Anand and Kiran boarded their Volvo back to Delhi, the nine-day journey had covered an extraordinary range of landscapes and experiences.

Why Anand Recommends Thrillophilia

“It was an amazing experience covering one of the most dangerous and thrilling road trips in India, with utmost safety and care by the Thrillophilia team. Enjoyed a lot without any complaints. Surely would join again.”

For us at Thrillophilia, a Spiti trip is about more than simply connecting destinations on a map. The route demands thoughtful planning because the roads, altitude and terrain can change the experience completely.

That is why the journey was structured with carefully planned transfers, comfortable stays and a route that allowed Anand and Kiran to experience Spiti without unnecessary stress. From Chitkul and Nako to Kaza, Chandratal and Manali, every stop added another layer to the adventure.

Anand’s words capture the outcome better than anything else. The trip delivered the thrill he expected from Spiti while giving him the reassurance of a well-organised journey.

And when a traveller finishes a road trip this demanding saying, “Surely wud join again,” we know the mountains left the right impression.

Also Read: Siddhartha and Sunil's Complete Spiti Valley Circuit with Thrillophilia