The last two days of the Kinnaur-Lahaul-Spiti road-trip is about driving down from Chandrataal to Manali, spending a night there, and then finally driving down to Chandigarh to board the flights to our respective cities. The road-trip started from Chandigarh to Shoghi. Then we crossed beautiful places of Kinnaur like Jeori-Sarahan, Sangla-Chitkul, and Kalpa-Nako. Later, we entered Lahaul-Spiti district and visited Gue-Tabo, Dhankar-Mud, Kaza and neighboring villages around Kaza. On the 10th day, we visited Chandrataal Lake before exiting Lahaul-Spiti district the following day. Read more to know where we stayed, what we eat, and places we visited in Manali before finally saying goodbye to our drivers at Chandigarh Airport.
Highlights of Day 11
- Goodbye Chandrataal
- Chandrataal to Batal
- Batal to Gramphu
- Gramphu to Manali via Rohtang Pass
- Himachali Lunch
- Temples in Manali
- Dinner at the Mall Road
Goodbye Chandrataal
It was 5 AM in the morning; we had to wake up early to depart Chandrataal. We slept nicely under warm blankets, but it was a pain waking up so early. I was glad that it was warmer inside the tent. Because outside, it was pretty cold in the Chandrataal campsite.
The main reason behind departing Chandrataal so early is that the road to Manali, especially the Batal-Gramphu stretch, is very treacherous and hostile. The road gets worse when the sun shines on top because the ice starts melting. Hence, it is advisable to cross Gramphu before noon.
Also, all the drivers drive down almost together at the same time. If there is any problem on the road, they can help each other and keep driving forward. If you are driving alone with no other cars nearby, then it is risky because if there is any kind of problem you face on the road, there will be no one to help you out as the road is very rarely traveled.
Chandrataal to Batal
We departed Chandrataal at around 6 AM. The road from Chandrataal to Batal was okay compared to the road from Kunzum Pass to Chandrataal from the previous day. Batal is just an hour away from Chandrataal. We took a small break there.
Batal to Gramphu
The real roller coaster ride began at Batal. The road to Gramphu is crazy; however we survived! We again stopped in between at Chhatru for another break. We took around 3 hours to reach Gramphu from Batal.
Gramphu to Manali via Rohtang Pass
At 10 AM, we reached Gramphu and we took multiple hairpin-bend curves to reach Rohtang Pass. As we climbed up the road, the weather got colder. We had no options but admire the chilling and dramatic beauty of Rohtang Pass. As the place is very touristy, we faced some traffic jam and it took around 3 h to reach our hotel in Manali.
HPTDC Log Hut in Old Manali
We reached Manali at around 1 PM. I had booked our overnight stay in Old Manali. The road is lined with small cafes and guesthouses. It is like a laid-back travel center. The hotel is located on a steep in Old Manali and the views are worth the steep.
We checked in at a 2-BHK room in HPTDC Log Huts called Orchard Huts for a night. The property is huge and beautiful, located in Old Manali.
Lunch in Vibes
I was really interested in trying out Himachali cuisine, and Google recommended us a restaurant called Vibes. It is just a 20-min walk from HPDTC Log Hut. It is located few meters off the Mall road, right in front of the gate of Van Vihar Park. Mall Road is the heart of Manali; in fact, it is the most attractive destination for travelers.
Places to Visit in Manali
There are many places to visit in and around Manali. But we just focused on visiting the 3 famous temples in the town. No, I am not so religious but the architecture of mountainous temples always attract me. We called our drivers to meet us at the Mall Road from where we were picked up.
1. Hadimba Temple
The ancient Hadimba temple, also known as Dhungri Temple, is actually a four-tiered pagoda. It was built in 1553 and has a facade of wood carvings.
2. Manu Temple
You have to hike a bit to reach Manu temple but the hike is worthy because of the incredible views of the surrounding. The pagoda-style architecture of Manu temple stands out amid the deep valleys and mountain peaks.
3. Vashisht Temple and Hot Water Springs
Vashisht is a small village located on the other side of Beas river 10 min uphill from Manali town. The major attractions are the temple and hot springs there. The temple holds highly spiritual importance, but the hot water springs makes the destination more exciting as it is believed to have healing properties.
Dinner at the Mall Road
It was already dark when we came back to the Mall Road to have dinner. It is lined up with plenty of eateries. Mount View and Chopsticks are the most renowned restaurants there for trying out some Tibetan delicacies.
Total Distance Traveled: 135 km
Highlights of Day 12
- Goodbye Log Hut Manali
- Brunch at Himalayan Organics
- Manali to Chandigarh via Sundernagar
Goodbye Log Hut Manali
We had a comfortable sleep in the cozy rooms of Log Hut Manali. Richie got some fresh fruits from the morning market. I prepared fresh smoothies to sip in and relax for a while before checking out from the property.
Brunch at Himalayan Organics Juice Bar & Cafe
We checked out from Log Hut at around 10 AM. Few of our friends wanted to do some shopping, so we had an hour’s time in hand in Manali. Richie and I had no plans to shop, so we were just strolling. We came across a lovely juice bar and cafe, so we thought of checking it out.
Manali to Chandigarh via Sundernagar
We departed Manali at around noon. The journey from Manali to Chandigarh is smooth. It is via NH3. Our drivers drove straight for 10 hours with two breaks of 1 h each – one in Kullu for lunch, and the other in Sundarnagar for dinner – on the way. Richie has relatives staying in Sundarnagar, and treated us with an amazing spread of dinner.
In just 4 hours from Sundarnagar, we reached Chandigarh airport. Our flight from Chandigarh was at late night, so we managed to reach there easily. I guess it was around 10 PM when we reached the airport to board our flights back to our respective cities. We went back with beautiful memories.
Total Distance Traveled: 310 km
NET EXPENSE FOR 1 PERSON (IN INR)
Let us have a look at the expenses of Days 11-12 in India – Chandrataal to Manali to Chandigarh.
- Stay at Log Hut (1 night): 500
- Food and miscellaneous: 550
- Tip to Driver: 500
Total expense (roughly): 1,550 INR
For a more customized itinerary, whether for solo or couple or group of any number of people, feel free to contact me on Contact Us page.
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Oh my! This looks like such an interesting journey. Everything reminds me of my trips to Nepal – the flags, the buildings, and the scenery. I can’t believe you had to wake up so early to leave, but the sunrise seems like it was lovely! Glad you finally got on a real road, too. It’s a great itinerary for sure. Happy travels!
Waking up early is usual tbh.
Wow, those roads look treacherous but truly an adventure! Love the local deities that give you blessings to be safe. I also found Chacha-Chachi Dhaba to be such a great little cultural stop. Loved being able to follow this awesome road trip!
You would love it, Chloe.
You done it again! Another Spiti Valley blog post and more inspiration and advice I need for when I hopefully do the trip (and I am seriously considering this place!). I love the view of the mountain tops from the campsite, what a perfect way to start the day. Not sure about those roads out there but for me, the scenery and the adventure makes up for that. 🙂
Thanks Danik.
I absolutely love how detailed your detailed your post is, one can just pick this up and have a tailor made trip itinerary! That mountain view room was absolutely killer and you are right, it is totally worth the incline! Also, I had heard of Hidimba temple but had never heard of the Manu temple – 4000 years old, so fascinating!
These two temples are actually very popular there.
Saying goodbye to Chandrataal must have been so difficult. I know that I did not want to leave. Reading through your journey was like reliving mine. Of course, we did not get the pleasure of Chacha Chachi Maggi point. Stopped elsewhere. Rohtang Pass looks as refreshing as ever. It is such an amazing bridge between the dusty Spiti valley and Manali.
Great to know you have experienced this beauty.
I had never heard of Gramphu before but that looks stunning. I will add to my list. I had been to Manali a very long time ago for a hike and I loved those mountains and landscapes. I wish to visit it again to see how much it has changed and this time I will make sure I go to Rohtang Pass.
Yes Raksha, you must visit these places when in India.
This trip is so adventurous. You woke up early to avoid melting ice in the afternoon when driving down to Manali. And everyone left at the same time. Really cool! And your dinner at Mount View Restaurant looks so yummy! I can devour two bowls of it. Hehe…
Hahaha, why not!
Ah, this area between Tibet and India is out of this world beautiful! Driving down from Chandrataal to Manali seems like an adventure that I’m sure my husband would love to experience, bur for me driving on these kind of roads is a little scary. Maybe if we found an organized tour I would be more comfortable with the drive. It is at any rate an absolutely gorgeous place to visit and hope to see it someday.
Undoubtedly!
Wow I’ve never heard of this place but it looks beautiful! I love the adventure it entails and that its near Tibet too. I’ve always wanted to visit the region and now I’ll definitely be adding it to my bucket list. I dont mind if the roads are crazy, that’s part of what makes it a bucketlist experience. Thanks for enlightening me with this new destination.
Glad you liked it, Marielle.
Those are incredible views!! A hot tea sounds like the perfect beverage for this adventure. So much detail, I feel like I was right there with you and could easily do this on my own.
Glad you felt so.
The road to Manali sounds incredibly scary. Great tip to leave early to avoid the sun shining and to drive at the same time as others in case you need help. The landscape photos are gorgeous. I was shocked of the photo of the road under the rock cliff. It doesn’t even look as though a car would fit under that! Loved the full-length window view from your room at Orchard Huts. I think Vashisht is my favorite of the stops you made and the photo of Kullu could be a print.
Glad you liked them.
It must have been such an experience to do this road trip. You photos are incredible, the landscape looks absolutely spectacular. I think I’d like to drive on those roads just for the experience, but it must have been nice to finally get on a proper road too.
That’s true Paul.
WOW! These are some stunning landscapes. I have never been on this route before. Since I LOVE Mountains looking to explore this region soon. Thanks for the inspiration!
Visit soon, Saurabh.
These mountains /valley look amazing. A trip to in India and offbeat destinations like this is really in order after COVID settles. The stunning landscapes and the hiking and camping is definitely our kind of places to go to. Thanks for this!
Glad you liked it.