December – March
Winter Spiti Expedition
Frozen rivers, white monasteries and snow leopard country — Spiti in its most magical season, reached safely through Kinnaur in a 4×4 with snow chains.
Snow everywhere
Key monastery, Kibber and Langza under fresh snow; frozen Nako lake and Spiti river.
−5 °C day / −20 °C night
Proper down jackets, thermals and gloves are essential. Homestays are heated with bukharis.
Only via Kinnaur
Kunzum pass, Chandratal and the Manali road are closed from November to May.
Snow leopard season
Jan – Mar is peak time to spot snow leopard, ibex and red fox at Kibber.
7 Nights / 8 Days
Winter Spiti itinerary
Day 1
Shimla → Kalpa (240 km, 8–9 hrs)
Early start from Shimla. Drive along the Sutlej to Reckong Peo and up to Kalpa. Night in Kalpa (snow likely from late December).
Day 2
Kalpa → Nako (110 km)
Drive past the Khab confluence and the Ka-zigzag. Walk on the frozen Nako lake. Night in Nako homestay.
Day 3
Nako → Gue → Tabo → Kaza (110 km)
Visit the Gue mummy and Tabo monastery. Continue to Kaza along the frozen Spiti river. Night in Kaza.
Day 4
Kaza → Key → Kibber
Snow-covered Key monastery, then Kibber. Begin snow leopard spotting with local trackers. Night in Kibber homestay.
Day 5
Kibber snow leopard spotting
Full day on the Kibber slopes with spotters looking for snow leopard, blue sheep and red fox. Night in Kibber.
Day 6
Langza → Hikkim → Komic → Dhankar
Snow-covered high villages (subject to road clearance), then Dhankar. Night in Kaza or Tabo.
Day 7
Kaza / Tabo → Reckong Peo (200 km)
Drive back along NH-5 to Reckong Peo. Night in Peo or Kalpa.
Day 8
Reckong Peo → Shimla drop
Drive back to Shimla for your onward journey.
Winter-ready vehicles
4×4 and snow-chain vehicles
Toyota Innova Crysta
6 seats · Dual AC · Captain seats
₹6,000/day · ₹48,000 for 8 days
Mahindra Scorpio (4×4 on request)
6 seats · 4×4 option · Snow chains in winter
₹5,500/day · ₹44,000 for 8 days
Toyota Fortuner
6 seats · 4×4 · Leather seats
₹9,000/day · ₹72,000 for 8 days
Packing list
What to carry
- Down jacket (−20 °C rated)
- Thermal inner wear
- Woollen cap & gloves
- Snow boots with grip
- Sunglasses & sunscreen
- Lip balm & moisturiser
- Personal medicines
- Power bank
- Cash (few ATMs)
- Thermos flask