Spiti Left Bank Trek
TREK DIFFICULTY
Moderate
TREK DURATION
10 Days
HIGHEST ALTITUDE
14,200 Feet
GROUP SIZE
12
TREK DISTANCE
10
BASECAMP
Himachal
BEST TIME
May and September
PICKUP POINT
Chandigarh
Overview of Spiti Left Bank Trek
The left bank of Spiti Valley is home to one of the world's most picturesque and stunning high-altitude treks. Located in the cold desert area of Spiti Valley, this trekking route begins in Langza, a small town renowned for its fossils and rich history. This area also contains some of the planet's largest and most remote agricultural communities, which experience six months of large-scale winter isolation every year; local people here still rely on traditional ways of living, utilising animal husbandry as their primary food source.
Throughout your adventure along Spiti's left bank, you'll experience stunning views and scenery, as well as an opportunity to immerse yourself in the culture and history of ancient village life. Your trek will include hiking through the villages of Hikkim, Komic, Demul, Lahlung, and many more remote places that have been untouched by tourism for decades. By walking an average elevation of 4300 m (14100 ft) for this trek's duration, you'll discover a wide range of unique landscapes—the largest ones being mountains and flatlands—and interact with them from a 'slow' perspective, ultimately pulling yourself away from contemporary distractions while reconnecting to the nomadic way of living.
History and Cultural Background
The Left Bank of Spiti has been used for hundreds of years and has been an important link, allowing communities to connect with one another through villages, monasteries, grazing lands, and trade routes. These trails have been used in the past by farmers, monks, and pastoralists who moved livestock to different areas depending on the seasons and climatic conditions.
Buddhism has a strong influence over virtually every aspect of life in this area—mani walls, chortens, prayer flags, and ancient gompas are all present throughout Spiti Valley. Villages such as Komic and Lahlung are not only places of great geographic importance, but they are also centers for the continued preservation of the teachings, rituals, and architecture of Buddhism in extremely cold and high conditions. In addition to providing visitors with beautiful scenery, trekking through these villages provides an invaluable opportunity to witness how people endured such a harsh environment over multiple generations.
Highest Villages on Earth
This trek passes through villages over 4,000 meters above sea level, where agriculture, water access, and daily survival depend entirely on seasonal cycles.
Fossils at Langza
Langza is known for its discoveries of marine fossils, evidence that millions of years ago, this area was submerged in Tethys Sea.
Vast Cold Desert Landscapes
There are a lot of open valleys, eroded mountains, deep gorges, and magnificent skies to be found in Spiti. The main attraction in Spiti is its raw beauty.
Cultural Immersion
Staying in the villages allows you to interact with the people, learn about their food and culture, visit their monasteries, and find out more about the cultural practices of high-altitude living.
Complete Digital Detox
Because of limited network connectivity, this trek is great for giving your mind a break, which leads to a complete digital detox by disconnecting you from the outer world.
Difficulty: Moderate
Fitness level: High
Average altitude: 4,300 Metres (14,200 Feet)
The trek itself isn't technically difficult—no glaciers or exposed ridgelines/snow are present on the whole journey. However, spending extended periods of time over 4,200 m (approx.) requires exceptional levels of stamina, previous experience at high altitudes, as well as a high level of mental toughness. This is truly not a trip for the novice trekker.
The ideal time to go is between May and September.
These are the ONLY acceptable times when trails and roads are open and safe to use.
May-June: Some remaining snow patches, great contrast.
July/August: Stable weather conditions and warmer temperatures.
September: Beautiful, crystal-clear skies but cold nights with the best viewing conditions.
Day 1: Chandigarh to Narkanda
Day 2: Narkanda to Hatu Peak to Kalpa
Day 3: Kalpa to Tabo via Khab
Day 4: Tabo to Dhankar to Lahlung
Day 5: Lahlung to Demul via Rama
Day 6: Demul to Komic
Day 7: Komic to Langha to Kaza
Day 8: Rest day in Kaza
Day 9: Kaza to Manali
Day 10: Manali to Chandigarh
- High-ankle trekking boots
- Thermal layers, fleece, and down jackets
- Waterproof and windproof outer shell
- Sun cap, woolen cap, gloves
- UV sunglasses and high SPF sunscreen
- Personal first aid kit
- Energy snacks, electrolyte tablets
- Reusable water bottles, a headlamp, and a power bank
- Ensure acclimatisation is done correctly. Walk slowly – stay hydrated.
- Avoid alcohol and smoking while trekking.
- Respect and follow the rules of your guide at all times.
- Respect local traditions and monasteries.
- Remove and carry all your rubbish with you. Be responsible when trekking.
- Experienced trekkers
- People who love high-altitude activities
- People travelling for cultural reasons
- People looking for silence, solitude, and self-discovery
To summarise, the trek is not only a trek through lush, green vegetation and up high mountain peaks; it’s about endurance, emptiness, culture, and clarity. The journey through this barren area of the Himalayas will teach you patience, humility, and perseverance. If you are willing to take your time and allow yourself to hear what the mountains are saying to you, it will be much more than just an adventure; it will be a life-changing experience.
Day 1: Chandigarh to Narkanda
Distance: 180km | Drive Time: 6-7 Hours
You'll start your journey early morning from Chandigarh and head towards the tranquil hill village of Narkanda. As you leave the flatlands, you're in for an easy but exciting drive as you navigate the twisting roads going up through the pine forests and orchards of apples. Narkanda is a little less crowded than other hill stations and offers uninterrupted peace.
There's plenty to do in Narkanda—it's known for its apple-growing region, skiing slopes, and catching fish. So, depending on when you go there, you could be greeted by green, lush orchards or a white, snow-covered landscape.
Once you've checked in, take a short walk to explore the town and enjoy the crisp mountain air before having dinner and spending the night in Narkanda.
Day 2: Narkanda – Hatu Peak – Kalpa
Distance: 160 km | Drive Time: 7–8 hours
Wake up early for an acclimatisation hike to Hatu Peak (11,152 ft). Within 2-3 hours, you'll hike through beautiful cedar trees and wide-open landscapes, enjoying great views of the Greater Himalayas. This hike will help stretch out your muscles and condition your body for different elevations in the upcoming days.
After breakfast in Narkanda, drive along very scenic roads into Kinnaur Valley, with a view of the majestic Kailash Range as you approach Kalpa.
In the evening, observe one of the most dramatic sunsets in Himachal Pradesh. Golden light will cover snow-capped peaks. Enjoy Dinner & Overnight Accommodations In Kalpa.
Day 3: Kalpa to Tabo via Khab, Nako & Gue
Distance: 170 km | Drive Time: 7–8 hours
Experience a gorgeous morning view of the Kinnaur Kailash mountains as the sun rises. Enjoy breakfast before driving towards Spiti Valley. Along the way, you will stop at the point where the Spiti River meets the Sutlej River (Khab) for photo ops of beautiful views.
After leaving Khab, you will have time to stop and see Nako Lake, which sits in a picturesque setting and is surrounded by the mountains. Continue to Gue Village, where there is the naturally mummified body of a Buddhist monk that is over 500 years old!
By evening, you will reach Tabo—a lush green area surrounded by arid desert mountain ranges. You will be able to visit Tabo Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that is over 1000 years old and has world-famous murals and meditation caves. If you are up for a challenge, make sure to hike to Tabo Caves!
After your tour of Tabo, enjoy dinner before returning to your guesthouse for the night.
Day 4: Tabo – Dhankar – Dhankar Lake – Lahlung
Drive + Hike: 3–4 hrs drive | 45 min hike (one way)
Following breakfast, you'll make your way to the spectacular Dhankar Village, built on top of cliffs overlooking the Spiti River. After a chance to appreciate the village, you will begin your hike towards Dhankar Lake (4,140 meters).
The short and steep ascent offers many beautiful views of the valley below. The lake is considered holy; therefore, overnight camping is not permitted. Spend some time quietly at the lake before returning to Dhankar.
You will then travel to Lahlung to spend the night. This short hike will help to prepare your body for the upcoming trekking days to come. You will stay overnight at one of the local homestays.
Day 5: Lahlung to Demul Trek via Rama
Trek Time: 4–5 hours
You will begin your first full day of trekking with a steep incline after an initial climb, followed by more level ground. Visit Lahlung’s Sherkhang Monastery, which is believed to be nearly as old as that of Tabo Monastery.
The trail continues along an unspoiled landscape of Spiti: flatland with grass and farms, dry high ridges, and far-off mountains with snow-capped tops. By the time you arrive in Demul, you will have had time to explore the village’s agricultural areas as well as the typical traditional buildings that are found throughout this area.
You will be able to have dinner and sleep at one of the many homestays located in and around Demul.
Day 6: Demul to Komic Trek via Demul Pass
Pass Altitude: 4,770 m | Trek Time: 4–5 hours
Today is our toughest trekking day so far; it is a hard trek to Demul Pass, which becomes easier towards the end. After crossing over the pass, we will descend towards Komic; Komic is one of the highest villages in the world.
On your way to Komic, you will visit the Rama village for a while.
We will arrive in Komic during the afternoon and explore local monasteries and meet people. We will be spending the night in a homestay.
Day 7: Komic – Hikkim – Langza Trek | Langza to Kaza Drive
Trek: 3–4 hrs | Drive: 1–2 hrs
Your last trekking day is simple and beautiful. You will start in Komic and trek to Hikkim, where you will visit the highest post office in the world. You can also send a postcard from there. You will continue your trek to Langza and finish at the impressive statue of Buddha overlooking the valley. Enjoy some time taking pictures before heading to Kaza by car.
You will have a local lunch at a great local restaurant and then enjoy your evening in Kaza, where you'll stay overnight.
Day 8: Kaza Local Sightseeing
Day of Rest and Exploration: Visit Key Monastery, Kibber Village, and Chicham Bridge
Enjoy a rest day. You can visit Key Monastery, which is one of the most significant educational institutions in Spiti. You can also go to Kibber Village and Chicham Bridge, which connect the two sides of a deep gorge. Return to Kaza in the evening to have a warm meal and sleep overnight.
Day 9: Kaza to Manali via Kunzum Pass & Chandratal Lake
Distance: 160 km | Time: 9–10 hours
On the morning of departure, we will head to Kunzum Pass. A stop will be made at the last village in Spiti, Losar, for a tea break. At Kunzum Pass, we will then take a short 20-minute hike to Chandratal Lake, a beautiful lake located at a high altitude.
After that, we will continue our drive through some very rough country and go through the Atal Tunnel and down into Manali, where we will spend the night in a hotel.
Day 10: Manali to Chandigarh
Distance: 300 km | Drive Time: 8–10 hours
This is going to be the last day of our journey; we will leave the hotel in the early morning for the onwards journey to Chandigarh, carrying all the memories of the unforgettable journey.
A high-altitude village trek located in the Spiti Valley that connects many remote villages, including Langza, Hikkim, Komic, Demul, and Lahlung.
It begins in Langza and finishes in Kaza.
Moderate, but it can be very demanding. You will have to continuously trek above 4,200 meters.
No, you need to have previous experience with high-altitude trekking.
The highest point is at 4,770 meters at Demul Pass.
From May to September, the only time when the trek is safe to complete.
No, there are no technical sections or glaciers to cross, but due to the altitude, it can be challenging.
Highest villages and post office, ancient monasteries, fossils to see in Langza, cold desert landscape, and deep cultural immersion.
You will stay in local homestays or guesthouses while in the villages of Spiti.
In a very limited area, no mobile signal in most areas, great for a digital detox.
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