This article is about my first bike ride, which I did in August 2019. By that time, I had already done a lot of traveling and had a fair idea of how to plan an entire trip. This particular journey was a bike trip from Delhi to Spiti Valley, where we went via the Shimla route and, after completing the Spiti Valley circuit, returned to Delhi via the Manali side. The Delhi to Spiti Valley bike trip took us a total of 9 days. I was accompanied by two of my friends—three people riding on two bikes.
We took this picture on National Highway 5 which goes towards Himachal Pradesh. We stopped at Murthal where there are many dhabas and had a breakfast break and then continued our journey.
We started from Delhi and stayed in Narkanda on the first night. The next day, we rode through Kinnaur and explored Chitkul, reaching Kaza on the third day—which is also considered the heart of Spiti Valley. From there, we visited Hikkim (home to the world’s highest post office), Komic, Langza, and eventually reached Chandratal Lake, a truly surreal destination. Spending a night at Chandratal was a challenge due to the extreme cold, but it was worth every bit. This 9-day Spiti Valley itinerary gave us memories of a lifetime and an experience that’s hard to describe—something that could never be felt anywhere else.
Day-by-Day Spiti Valley Itinerary
Day 1: Delhi to Narkanda
- We started early from Delhi and rode around 420 km to reach Narkanda.
- The roads till Shimla were smooth, and the weather was pleasant.
- We stayed the night at a local guesthouse with stunning views of apple orchards.
Day 2: Narkanda to Chitkul (via Kinnaur)
- This was one of the most scenic days. We passed through Rampur, Sangla Valley, and finally reached Chitkul, the last village on the Indo-Tibet border. A must visit place who wishes to go to Spiti Valley.
- Chitkul felt like a dream—raw, peaceful, and pure Himalayan beauty.
This picture is taken in Kinnaur district where we saw a bridge over the river, so we took advantage of that opportunity and captured this moment. This bridge looked very long and the sound of the fast flow of water from the river below was a different experience.
Day 3: Chitkul to Kaza
- We started early and had a long journey ahead, crossing Kalpa, Nako, and Tabo to finally reach Kaza, the main town in Spiti Valley.
- The landscapes dramatically changed to barren mountain deserts with raw beauty.
- We spent the night in Kaza and planned to explore nearby villages the next day.
These are our two bikes that took us on this trip, always take care of your machinery because it takes care of you too. If you take right from this bridge, it will lead towards Chitkul Village where we spent a day. A must visit place with lots of different views and experiences.
Day 4: Explore Kaza (Hikkim, Langza, Komic)
- We took a break from riding and explored nearby villages like:
- Hikkim – home to the world’s highest post office
- Langza – the land of fossils and Buddha statue
- Komic – one of the highest villages in the world
- The altitude started hitting us a bit, so we kept ourselves hydrated and rested well.
We took this picture at the world’s highest post office and also wrote a letter to our family from here. But it never reached, however now the location of the post office has been changed and a bigger post office has been built.
Day 5: Day Trip to Pin Valley + Hidden Lake
- Took a day trip to Pin Valley National Park, famous for its unique landscape and Buddhist culture.
- Rode to Mudh Village, the last motorable village in Pin Valley.
- Also hiked/rode to a high-altitude lake (likely Sopona Lake or a lesser-known glacial lake above the valley).
- Returned to Kaza by evening, making it a total of two nights and three days in and around Kaza.
Day 6: Kaza to Chandratal Lake
- Left early for Chandratal, crossing Losar and the mighty Kunzum Pass.
- Faced rough roads and freezing streams before reaching the stunning Chandratal Lake.
- Camped overnight near the lake—unreal views but freezing temperatures.
Day 7: Chandratal to Manali
- Rode to Manali via Batal, Chhatru, and Rohtang Pass.
- Brutal road conditions but jaw-dropping scenery throughout.
- Checked into a hotel, finally got a warm bed and a proper meal.
Day 8: Return Journey to Delhi
- Spent Day 8 relaxing and strolling around Manali.
- Rode back to Delhi on Day 9, breaking the journey with a night halt at Mandi.
- Reached Delhi exhausted but thrilled with a lifetime of memories and 1,600+ km of stories.
Important Things to Carry for a Spiti Valley Bike Ride
If you’re planning a bike trip to Spiti, here’s what you absolutely MUST carry:
- Chain Cleaner & Lube – Daily use on such rough terrains.
- Jerry Can for Petrol (5–10L) – Petrol pumps are rare after Kaza.
- Bike Spares – Tubeless tire kit, clutch wire, spark plug, foot pump.
- Warm Clothes – Even in August, nights can be freezing in Kaza and Chandratal.
- Riding Gear – Helmet, gloves, jacket, knee guards for protection.
- First Aid Kit – Including Diamox, painkillers, ORS, and altitude sickness meds.
- Power Bank – Electricity is not always available in remote areas.
- Snacks & Dry Food – Maggi, dry fruits, protein bars.
- ID Proof & Bike Documents – Carry hard copies and digital backup.
- Hydration Pack/Water Bottles – Staying hydrated is crucial at high altitudes.
Tips for First-Time Spiti Valley Riders
- Get your bike serviced before the trip.
- Start early each day to avoid riding after dark.
- Keep 1–2 buffer days in your itinerary in case of landslides or breakdowns.
- Don’t rely on mobile networks after Reckong Peo – BSNL and Jio work best in Spiti.
- Avoid alcohol and smoking at high altitudes.
- Always ask locals about road and weather conditions.
Those 8-9 days of bike ride from Delhi to Spiti Valley were days which I still remember, I tell them and try to live them. Those moments, bike ride during the day, sitting and playing games at night, planning the next day and experiencing something new every day, even today we three friends remember that trip a lot, we will plan to go there soon and after having new experiences will share them with you.
For more real travel experiences, practical tips, and hidden gems across India, keep exploring TopTravelJourneys.com — your go-to guide for unforgettable adventures crafted straight from the road.