Right now, Spiti valley is a hot topic. Until recently, everyone’s dream was going on a bike or road trip to Ladakh. But now, completing the Spiti circuit on bike or by car is the new trend. Now it’s my turn. I am going on a month-long trip to Spiti valley and Leh. I will be travelling from Pune to Spiti to Leh to Kashmir to Pune. From Pune to Pune I’ll cover around 7,000 km. Therefore, I am creating a separate post for the Spiti valley, Leh and Kashmir guide.

This trip has been in the making for three years now. Due to COVID, I had to keep postponing it. Finally, the day has come.

I will be posting a series on Spiti, Ladakh and Kashmir. It is the first post of the series. In this Spiti valley, Leh and Kashmir guide I’ll cover my route, the itinerary and the places I will see.

THE ROUTE

On the map, you can see the route. My journey starts and ends in Pune.

Below I have listed the overnight stay places and the distance I’ll cover each day. I’ll be following this route. The overnight stay might change, but this is the fixed route.

Pune — 1,000 km — Bhilwara — 760 km —Kasauli — 315 km — Chitkul — 111 km — Nako — 128 km — Mud/Mudh — 50 km — Kaza — 186 km — Keylong — 248 km — Tso Kar — 145 km — Hanle — 311 km — Pangong Tso — 274 km — Nubra — 161 km — Leh — 217 km — Kargil — 123 km — Sonmarg — 80 km — Dal Lake — 95 km — Pahalgam — 583 km — Ambala — 818 km — Udaipur — 885 km — Pune.

I will be visiting Spiti first, then Leh and Kashmir. But you can visit Kashmir first and then Leh and Spiti. Just follow the above route backwards. Also, I’ll be travelling from Pune. The road and time it takes to reach Shimla might vary depending on your hometown.

HOW TO TRAVEL TO SPITI VALLEY, LEH AND KASHMIR?

You can travel to Spiti, Kashmir and Leh separately by car, bike, train and aeroplane. But if you combine these three destination as I did. It is possible only with self-driving. Why?

Because hiring a taxi for more than 20 days will be costly. Also, taxis from Himachal Pradesh are not permitted to conduct business in Ladakh and vice versa. You will have to hire a local taxi to tour the city. It is again expensive. And this trip will be tiring.

So if you have time, don’t mind driving, and love travelling, this trip is a must-do. I understand this isn’t everyone’s cup of tea. You can also read the road trip guides to Spiti valley, Leh and Kashmir.

PLACES TO VISIT IN SPITI, LEH AND KASHMIR

Spiti valley, Leh and Kashmir are tourist hotspots. However, I’ll be visiting all the major villages of Spiti valley and the sights of Leh and Kashmir.

I’ll be in Spiti for 6-7 days. I will be visiting the following villages—

• Chitkul
• Kalpa
• Nako
• Tabo
• Dhankar
• Gui
• Kaza
• Mud (Pin valley)
• Batal (Chandratal)
• Hikkim
• Komic
• Langza
• Chicham
• Keylong
• Sissu
• Jispa

I’ll spend the next ten days in Ladakh visiting the following places—

• Tso Kar
• Tso Moriri
• Puga hot springs
• Hanle
• Umling La
• Pangong Tso
• Nubra
• Leh
• Kargil

For the next 5-6 days, I will be in Kashmir visiting—

• Sonmarg
• Dal Lake
• Pahalgam

THE ITINERARY

• I will reach Chitkul at night on the third day.
• On the fourth day, I will explore Chitkul, Kalpa, and Nako.
• On the fifth day, explore the remaining parts of Nako before heading to Tabo. Next are Dhankar and Giu. Drive to Mud in the Pin valley for a night’s stay.
• On the sixth day, I will tour the Pin valley before heading to Kaza, my home, for the next two days.
• Touring the neighbouring villages of Komic, Hikkim, Langza, Kibber and Chicham. Another night stay at Kaza on the seventh day.
• On the eighth day, I will drive to Chandratal. Later visit the Kunzum La. After seeing both places, drive to Keylong.
• The plan for the ninth day is to drive to Tso Kar.
• On the tenth day, I will be seeing Tso Kar, Puga hot springs and Tso Moriri. Afterwards, I will keep driving to Hanle.
• Explore Hanle and visit Umling La on the eleventh day.
• Spend the twelfth day driving to Pangong Tso.
• Marvel at the Pangong Tso. On the thirteenth day, drive to Nubra, my home, for two days.
• Visit Turtuk, the Hunder dunes and the Buddha statue on the fourteenth day.
• On the fifteenth day, travel to Siachen base camp and Panamik hot springs.
• Spend the sixteenth day driving to Leh, home for two days. Later, shop at the Tibetan market.
• Tour Leh city on the seventeenth day.
• On the eighteenth day, drive to Kargil.
• The nineteenth drive to Sonmarg. Spend the day exploring or relaxing here.
• On the twentieth day, drive to Dal Lake, home for two days.
• Explore Dal Lake’s nearby sights on the twenty-first day.
• Drive to Pahalgam on the twenty-second day.
• The next three days are spent driving home.

TIPS FOR SPITI VALLEY, LEH AND KASHMIR ROAD TRIP

After referring to numerous blogs and vlogs, I have compiled a list of helpful tips.

• Carry cash because most establishments don’t accept cards or online payment. Also, ATMs have little or no money.
• Most networks don’t have service in Spiti. BSNL and Jio postpaid works in Kashmir, Leh and most parts of Spiti. Other networks have spotty service.
• Carry extra fuel if travelling to Tso Moriri, Hanle and Umling La. The nearest petrol pump is 200 km away.
• Carry altitude sickness and other medicines. There is no immediate medical assistance nearby.
• Bring plenty of water and snacks. Sometimes there are delays or road closures.
• Book hotels and homestays in advance during peak season.

In this Spiti valley, Leh and Kashmir guide, find the itinerary, route, and tips.

I hope this ignites your wanderlust because

All he needed was a wheel in his hand and four on the road.

jack keRouac