Spiti and Kinnaur Valley Biking
19 Days | Biking 13 Days
Suitable for families with young children
Kunzum La (4551M)
Highest point/ Max altitude
Fitness Grade
Hard
Combination of moderate and strenuous 6-8 hours of activity per day with very steep uphill and downhill sections, often at high altitudes. Some physical preparation recommended.
A classic biking tour exploring the remote valleys of Himachal Pradesh. From the picturesque and verdant Kinnaur valley to rugged, semi-arid Spiti and Lahaul, this exciting trip journeys through incredible mountain scenery, visiting ancient Buddhist monasteries and traditional villages en route. Cycling is the perfect way to appreciate the majesty of the landscape at a gentle pace, to get close to the environment and the people who live here.
Share this page
Gallery
Tour Highlights
- Cycle through spectacular Himalayan landscapes and remote mountain villages
- Explore the region’s Tibetan monasteries, including Tabo “the Ajanta of the Himalayas”
- Visit Shimla hill station, the summer capital of the British Raj
- Experience the contrasting Kinnaur and Spiti valleys up close
- See the remarkable Rock Garden near Chandigarh
- Flexible tailor-made booking options
Best Season
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
Tour Details
Starting from Delhi we drive through the northern plains to the enchanting hillside town of Shimla, summer capital of the British Raj. After local exploration, we will proceed north along the Hindustan-Tibet road to reach Sarahan and its famous Bhimakali temple.
We start our biking adventure from Sarahan, passing through the beautiful Kinnaur valley along Sutlej River. The lush green environs and apple orchards gradually peter out, to be replaced by the barren mountain landscape of the Spiti valley, home to the Tibetan Buddhist monasteries of Dhankar, Ki, Kibber and Tabo. Tabo is popularly known as the Ajanta of the Himalayas for its magnificent wall-paintings and frescoes.
Biking through the higher reaches of Spiti, we will pass incredible rock formations and dramatic sandstone scenery before crossing the Kunzum La (‘La’ means Pass in Tibetan) (4551m) and descending into the comparatively green Lahaul valley. We will continue along the Chandra River passing through traditional villages as we climb towards the Rohtang La (3979m) to enter the lush Kullu valley.
After a day relaxing in delightful Manali, we will drive to Delhi en route visiting some popular sites around Chandigarh, including the extraordinary Rock Garden of artist Nek Chand.
-
Flexibility Guaranteed
Please note: You can use this itinerary as a guide to fully customise this tour as per your budget and requirements. Flexible options include travel dates and duration, places, activities and experiences, hotel category (star/rating) and any specific requirements that you may have.
-
DAY 01 - Delhi
Arrive Delhi and transfer to hotel
Arrive at Indira Gandhi International Airport, Delhi our KVT's representative will meet and would assist you there, later board the vehicle and transfer to hotel for check-in. Rest of the day is free for you to relax at hotel or can explore the surroundings by own.
Overnight Hotel
-
DAY 02 - Shimla
Drive to Shimla
Early morning after breakfast we load our luggage then drive to Shimla. Shimla is the capital city of the Indian state Himachal Pradesh; it is the popular tourist destination in summers and in winters as well. One can enjoy the Mountain Train Journey from Kalka to Shimla. Reach Shimla by late evening and check-in to the hotel. (2205m | distance: 380km approx.)
Overnight Hotel
-
DAY 03 - Sarahan
Drive to Sarahan
This morning after breakfast we will be transferred to Sarahan by road, Sarahan is a remote mountain village and the gateway to the Kinnaur Valley. Sarahan has the famous Bhimakali Temple dedicated to the mother goddess Bhimakali; the temple is a fusion of Hindu as well as Buddhist architecture. Sarahan is surrounded by mountains and snow-capped peaks. Reach Sarahan and check-in to the Guesthouse. (2313m | distance: 180km)
Overnight Guest House
-
DAY 04 - Wangtu
Cycle to Wangtu (Cycle 47Kms/1823M)
Today morning we will try out our bikes with the help of mechanic and make any necessary adjustments if requires, then start our onward journey to Wangtu where we stay for the night. Wangtu is located on the old Hindustan-Tibet Road, reach there and check-in to the guesthouse. (1823m | Cycle approx. 47km | with some steep ascents)
Overnight Guest House
-
DAY 05 - Ribba
Cycle to Ribba (Cycle 52Kms/3745M)
This morning we have breakfast and then begin cycling towards Ribba, which is a large populous village located between Purbani and Rispa villages. Ribba is also known as Rirang which is well known for its grapes orchards. The ride is a bit challenging but loaded with breathtaking views which will give you strength to go on. (3745m | Cycle approx. 52km)
Overnight Guest House
-
DAY 06 - Puh
Cycle to Puh (Cycle 47Kms/2837M)
Today morning we start cycling towards Puh (2837m) another beautiful small town located above national highway 22. Puh is also known as Spuwa, this town is well known for its natural beauty, almond, apricot and grape orchards and vineyards also for its beautiful green fields. The ride is loaded with breathtaking view, later we reach Puh and check-in to the guesthouse. (2837m | Cycle approx. 47km)
Overnight Guest House
-
DAY 07 - Chango
Cycle to Chango (Cycle 65Kms/3058M)
Morning have breakfast and get ready for the mesmerizing ride which will take us to Chango (3058m) situated on the left bank of Spiti River. Chango is the last village in Kinnaur valley and mainly Buddhism is followed but Hinduism is also followed here, there are some temples in the village. Later reach Chango and check-in to the guesthouse. (3058m | Cycle approx. 65km)
Overnight Guest House
-
DAY 08 - Tabo
Cycle to Tabo (Cycle 42Kms/3280M)
Today we enter Spiti valley from Kinnaur valley the landscape will change here from lush green mountains to barren desert mountains, we start cycling in the morning from Chango to Tabo (3280m) another beautiful town in Spiti valley located on the banks of Spiti River. On the way to Tabo we will cross the Malling Nallah (Major water crossing) the ride will be challenging here depends upon the weather condition after crossing the Malling Nallah we follow mountainous road to reach Tabo. (3280m | Cycle approx. 42km)
Overnight Guest House
-
DAY 09 - Kaza
Cycle to Kaza en-route visit Tabo and Dhankar Monasteries (Cycle 48Kms/3650M)
Early morning we have breakfast then visit the famous Tabo monastery where the 14th Dalai Lama held the Kalachakra ceremonies. Tabo monastery was founded in 996 AD and it is more than thousand years old. Then we cycle towards Dhankar village where we will visit Dhankar monastery (3894m), it is located on the cliff in Dhankar village which used to be the capital of Spiti Valley. From the monastery one can have a beautiful view of the confluence of Spiti and Pin rivers. Later we continue our cycle ride towards Kaza (3650m), reach there and check-in to the guesthouse. (3650m | Cycle approx. 48km)
Overnight Guest House
-
DAY 10 - Kaza
Explore Ki monastery and Kibber village or full day at leisure (3650M)
Today in the morning after having breakfast we can ride to Ki monastery (4166m) situated on a hill top close to Spiti River. It is the largest Buddhist monastery in Spiti valley and biggest centre of Buddhist learning. Ki monastery was founded in 11th century and a religious training centre for Lamas (monks). After that we can ride to a high mountain inhabited village that is Kibber village (4270m). It has a Kibber Wildlife Sanctuary and a monastery; it is a small village with houses painted in white with red rooftops. Or else we can just relax at the guesthouse and enjoy the beauty of Kaza. (3650m)
Overnight Guest House
-
DAY 11 - Hansa
Cycling to Hansa (Cycle 45Kms/3745M)
This morning after having breakfast we head to Hansa village where we stay for the night. There is a monastery in Hansa village and the ride is all the way up to reach Hansa village. After the challenging ride we reach Hansa village where we stay at the guesthouse. (Cycle approx. 45km)
Overnight Guest House
-
DAY 12 - Losar
Cycle to Losar (Cycle 10Kms)
After breakfast we leave Hansa village for a short cycle ride to Losar village, the road is quite challenging with some steep ascents. One can have a beautiful view of the confluence of Losar and Peeno streams from the village later reach Losar village and relax for the day. (Cycle approx. 10km)
Overnight Guest House
-
DAY 13 - Chhota Dara
Cycle to Chhota Dara en-route crossing Kunzum La (4551M) (Cycle 48Kms)
Early morning after breakfast we cycle towards Chhota Dara en-route we cross Kunzum La (4551m) which is also a high mountain pass which connects Kullu and Lahaul valley with Spiti valley. After crossing the pass road condition deteriorates as there is no proper road and there will be water crossing on the way, so the ride will be very challenging here and the road is downslope from the pass. But the view alongside the road is breathtaking and will inspire us to cycle more to get the glimpses of Mother Nature. After so much of hard work we reach Chhota Dara and relax at the camps. (Cycle approx. 48km)
Overnight Camp
-
DAY 14 - Marhi
Cycle to Marhi en-route crossing Rohtang La (3979M) (Cycle 60Kms)
Morning we start cycling towards Marhi our next stopover point as cycling today is loaded with full of challenges because of bad road condition and there will be water crossing at some points. The ride is loaded with mesmerizing views along with Chandra River running beside the road. At Gramphoo we will follow the Leh-Manali highway and cycle upwards to reach the mighty Rohtang La (3979m) which is a high mountain pass which closes in every winter due to heavy snowfall. Cross the pass and head towards Marhi the landscape is totally different here as compare to Lahaul and Spiti valley. After crossing the pass we descent down towards Marhi but on the way we will be crossing Rani Nala (water crossing) the road here is loaded with slush of mud (depends upon the weather) later we reach Marhi and rest at the camps. (Cycle approx. 60km)
Overnight Camp
-
DAY 15 - Manali
Cycle to Manali (Cycle 35Kms/2050M)
Today the ride is all downhill and the road condition improves here so after having breakfast we head towards Manali our next stopover point. Reach Manali and check-in to the hotel and relax. (2050m | Cycle approx. 35km)
Overnight Hotel
-
DAY 16 - Manali
Manali, Local exploration (Cycle 20Kms/2050M)
This morning after breakfast we proceed for the local exploration of Manali, visiting Hadimba Temple is an ancient cave temple which is surrounded by a beautiful cedar forest. It is a famous temple in Manali and visited by many tourists every year. Then visit old Manali, Vashisht later after the exploration we return back to hotel. (Cycle approx. 20km)
Overnight Hotel
-
DAY 17 - Chandigarh
Drive to Chandigarh
Morning after breakfast we load our luggage and board the vehicle to drive towards Chandigarh, Chandigarh is the capital of Indian states Punjab as well as Haryana and Chandigarh is also the Union Territory. It is a well-planned city and the master plan of the city was planned by Le Corbusier (Swiss-French architect). Reach Chandigarh and evening is free to relax at the hotel. (Distance: 305Km | 7-8hrs drive)
Overnight Hotel
-
DAY 18 - Delhi
Drive to Delhi en-route visit Rock and Pinjore gardens
Today we drive to Delhi en-route we visit Rock garden consist of an art object, sculptures made from scrap or other kind of wastes (bottles, glasses, bangles, tiles etc.), man-made waterfalls. Then we visit Pinjore garden which is located in Pinjore in the Indian state of Haryana. It is an example of the Mughal Gardens style. After that we continue our drive towards Delhi, reach there and check-in to the hotel.
Overnight Hotel
-
DAY 19 - Delhi
Departure transfer to International airport
Morning after breakfast you will be transferred to the Indira Gandhi International Airport to board the flight for back home.
Tour Map (Only key areas marked)
Send an enquiry
Flexibility Guaranteed! Using the above itinerary as a guide you can fully customise this tour as per your budget and requirements. Flexible options include travel dates and duration, places, activities and experiences, hotel category (star/rating) and any specific requirements that you may have. On receiving your enquiry we will respond with prices and work with you to create a truly personalised holiday experience that is in your budget and personal style.