Spiti Motorcycle Trip from Delhi: An Unforgettable Ride to the Land of High Mountains
The Spiti Motorcycle Trip from Delhi is amongst the most desirable adventure trips in India. It’s a sheer road trip which provides motorcyclists with the opportunity to climb high-altitude passes, drive through stunning mountain landscapes, and witness the great cultural heritage of the Spiti Valley. Spiti, commonly referred to as “Little Tibet,” lies in the north-eastern region of Himachal Pradesh, famous for its arid landscapes, historic monasteries, and picturesque Himalayan vistas. Such a motorcycle tour from Delhi to Spiti is a challenge for the body as well as the mind, a truly unique experience for those seeking adventure.
The ride takes you through varied landscapes, from the vibrant streets of Delhi to the peaceful, uncharted glories of the Spiti Valley, famous for Buddhist monasteries, picturesque valleys, and villages frozen in time. The journey is laden with challenges, such as steep mountain roads, unreliable weather, and mountain riding at high altitudes, which makes this trip a perfect adventure for seasoned bikers.
In this article, we’ll walk you through a step-by-step overview of the Spiti Motorcycle Trip from Delhi, covering a day-wise itinerary that will lead you on your path to this thrilling journey.
Route Overview
The Spiti Motorcycle Trip from Delhi is roughly 1,000 kilometers depending on the itinerary you follow. The ride will take more than 8 to 10 days depending on your pace, how many stops you make, and the weather. The trip starts from Delhi and passes through main towns like Chandigarh, Shimla, Narkanda, Kullu, Manali, and Rohtang Pass, before reaching the final destination of Spiti Valley where you have very scenic villages like Kaza, Tabo, and Keylong.
Spiti’s challenging roads, high-altitude mountain passes, and dramatic landscapes will test your endurance, but the reward is the unforgettable beauty and adventure the valley offers.
Day-Wise Schedule for the Spiti Motorcycle Trip from Delhi
Day 1: Delhi to Shimla (350 km)
The trip starts early morning from Delhi. The initial part of the journey is a ride through the plains, towards Shimla, the capital of Himachal Pradesh. Although the road is largely on well-laid roads, traffic may be dense as you drive out of the city.
Upon reaching Shimla, enjoy the beautiful colonial architecture, scenic hill station vibes, and cooler temperatures. Shimla serves as a perfect starting point to acclimatize to the hilly terrain. Riders typically stay overnight in Shimla to rest before tackling the more challenging sections of the trip.
Distance: 350 km
Time: 7-8 hours
Overnight Stay: Shimla
Day 2: Shimla to Narkanda (60 km)
Day 2: You drive from Shimla towards Narkanda. The drive is twisty and gives you panoramic views of the surrounding hills and valleys. Narkanda, at an altitude of 2,700 meters, provides lovely alpine scenery and is a good spot for a short break. You’ll have to drive through tiny villages and forests along the way, giving you a flavor of the countryside of Himachal Pradesh.
Distance: 60 km
Time: 2-3 hours
Overnight Stay: Narkanda
Day 3: Rampur (80 km)
Breakfast would be followed by a drive on the scenic countryside of the charming hills. A small town amidst the Sutlej River valley, Rampur is a pleasant place with a beautiful landscape to stop and treat yourself to a local snack or two. Since it’s relatively short, take your time here and soak up the scenery while you continue journeying deeper into the mountains.
Distance: 80 km
Time: 3-4 hours
Overnight Stay: Rampur
Day 4: Kullu to Rampur (150 km)
Today is going to take you nearer to the Spiti Valley. From Rampur, you will proceed to Kullu, which is famous for its green valleys, grassy meadows, and scenic rivers. The road becomes increasingly tough as you approach the foothills of the Himalayas. Kullu is a favorite amongst nature enthusiasts and trekkers for its scenery and tranquility. It is an excellent place for an overnight halt in the Kullu Valley.
Distance: 150 km
Time: 6-7 hours
Overnight Stay: Kullu
Day 5: Kullu to Manali (40 km)
On Day 5, you have a short ride from Kullu to Manali, a hill resort that welcomes tourists and adventure lovers alike. The ride to Manali is fairly smooth, and once there, you’ll find plenty to do, such as local touring, shopping for souvenirs, or simply unwinding before the more challenging rides that follow.
Distance: 40 km
Time: 1-2 hours
Overnight Stay: Manali
Day 6: Manali to Keylong through Rohtang Pass (115 km)
Day 6 is perhaps the most exciting and challenging stretch of the trip. You will drive through the famous Rohtang Pass (3,978 meters) and then move on towards Keylong, which serves as the gateway to the Spiti Valley. The Rohtang Pass has volatile weather and heavy traffic but provides spectacular panoramic views of the surrounding peaks and valleys.
Once the pass is crossed, the road to Keylong becomes more isolated, less crowded with vehicles and a tougher road. Keylong is a small quiet town amidst the towering mountains and provides a great overnight halt.
Distance: 115 km
Time: 6-7 hours
Overnight Stay: Keylong
Day 7: Keylong to Kaza (180 km)
The journey from Keylong to Kaza, the Spiti Valley’s capital, is arduous and lengthy. The landscape grows drier and rockier as you climb into the high-altitude desert of Spiti. This journey involves crossing numerous mountain passes such as Kunzum Pass (4,551 meters), one of the region’s highest and most renowned passes. The pass has stunning vistas of the surrounding mountains, including the imposing Chandrabhaga range.
On reaching Kaza, you are greeted by the vast emptiness of Spiti, a far cry from the lush valleys that you have traversed so far. Kaza is a tiny town where you can unwind and acclimatize to the height.
Distance: 180 km
Time: 7-8 hours
Overnight Stay: Kaza
Day 8: Visit Kaza and Surrounding Monasteries
Use this day to visit the attractions of Kaza and the surrounding countryside. Stop at the Tabo Monastery, an over 1,000-year-old site of fame, and the Dhankar Monastery, set high up on a mountain overlooking the valley. Depending on your time schedule, ride out to the nearby village of Langza, where there are fossils everywhere and great vistas of the snow-topped mountains.
You will also get to mingle with the locals, who still lead a traditional life away from the influence of modernity. The serene atmosphere presents the ideal setting for a relaxing day of introspection.
Overnight Stay: Kaza
Day 9: Narkanda to Kaza (210 km)
Today marks the beginning of the return journey from the trip, driving you back towards Narkanda. The roads might appear easier on this return journey, but it’s still a long drive in the mountains. Soak up the scenery on your return, reminiscing about the wonderful experiences of the last couple of days.
Distance: 210 km
Time: 8-9 hours
Overnight Stay: Narkanda
Day 10: Narkanda to Delhi (350 km)
On the final day, you’ll ride back to Delhi. The roads are familiar, and the ride is mostly on highways, but the excitement of completing this incredible motorcycle journey lingers throughout the ride.
Distance: 350 km
Time: 7-8 hours
End of Trip: Delhi
Best Time for the Spiti Motorcycle Trip
The best season for the Spiti Motorcycle Trip is May to October. These months have more favorable weather and most of the high-altitude passes such as Rohtang Pass and Kunzum Pass are open. But it is to be kept in mind that weather can turn out to be unpredictable, so bikers need to be prepared for cold at higher altitudes.
