Sachin Lama
Founder & Lead Expedition Leader
NIM Advanced Mountaineering (Grade A) · Wilderness First Responder · guiding since 2013
WINTER JOURNEY STANDARD
Ice Climbing in Spiti
Ice climbing on frozen waterfalls in the cold desert valley of Spiti, with winter villages and monasteries on the way.
Reply within 24 hoursNo payment to enquireWritten quote before you pay
Starts fromShimla
Altitude3,800 m
Duration9 Days
SeasonJanuary – February
GradeModerate to Difficult
IS THIS TRIP RIGHT FOR YOU?
Who the Ice Climbing in Spiti suits
Travellers comfortable with sub-zero temperatures and slow winter road travel, who want a guided introduction to the Indian Himalaya in its quietest season.
What you need to join
- Good general fitness and comfort in very cold conditions; no prior climbing experience is needed for the ice-climbing programmes.
- Willingness to follow the leader’s decisions when snow or ice conditions change the plan.
- A signed medical fitness certificate before your booking is confirmed.
- Travel insurance that covers winter activities, high-altitude stays and emergency evacuation.
THE ROUTE
Ice Climbing in Spiti route overview
The Ice Climbing in Spiti is a 9-day winter Himalayan tour in Himachal Pradesh that reaches 3,800 m. Kailasa grades it Moderate to Difficult. The best time to go is January – February.
Spiti is a high cold desert in Himachal Pradesh, and in winter its side streams and cliffs freeze into frozen waterfalls. Kaza, at 3,800 m, is the base for a programme that combines ice climbing with the quiet beauty of the valley under snow.
In winter the Manali route is closed, so the journey runs from Shimla through Kinnaur and Kalpa, then Nako and Tabo, to Kaza. The road can be slow after snowfall, and the itinerary allows for that.
Guides teach crampon and ice-axe technique and then take you on supervised climbs. No previous climbing experience is required, but you should be fit and ready for long drives and cold temperatures.
| Region | Spiti, Himachal Pradesh |
|---|---|
| Starts from | Shimla |
| Highest point | 3,800 m |
| Duration | 9 Days |
| Difficulty | Moderate to Difficult |
| Best season | January – February |
DAY BY DAY
9 Days Ice Climbing in Spiti itinerary
Tap a day to see the route, distances and camps. The schedule can change with acclimatisation, weather and team safety.
Details for this day are confirmed in your trip plan.
Details for this day are confirmed in your trip plan.
Details for this day are confirmed in your trip plan.
Details for this day are confirmed in your trip plan.
Details for this day are confirmed in your trip plan.
Details for this day are confirmed in your trip plan.
Details for this day are confirmed in your trip plan.
Details for this day are confirmed in your trip plan.
Details for this day are confirmed in your trip plan.
9-day option
Spiti Winter Homestay Trail in 9 days / 8 nights from Shimla
Official itinerary for the Spiti Winter Homestay Trail, from Shimla through Kinnaur and Spiti and back. Duration 9 days / 8 nights. Maximum altitude 4,500 m (14,760 ft). Grade: moderate exploration. Pickup and drop in Shimla, Himachal Pradesh.
Day 1: Shimla (2,276 m) to Kalpa (2,960 m), 225 km | 9–10 hrs. Assemble in Shimla (07:30 AM) and drive along the scenic Sutlej Valley via Rampur and Reckong Peo. Arrive in Kalpa, offering majestic views of the Kinner Kailash range. Overnight stay at a hotel or guest house.
Day 2: Kalpa (2,960 m) to Tabo (3,280 m), 150 km | 6–7 hrs. Journey deeper into Spiti Valley via Khab Sangam (confluence of Spiti and Sutlej) and Nako village. Arrive at Tabo, home to the ancient 1,000-year-old Tabo Monastery. Overnight stay in a traditional homestay.
Day 3: Tabo (3,280 m) to Kaza (3,800 m), 50 km | 2–3 hrs. Short scenic drive to Kaza, the administrative headquarters of Spiti. Dedicated acclimatisation day to adjust to low temperatures and high altitude while exploring the frozen Kaza market. Overnight stay in a homestay.
Day 4: Kaza to Key Monastery and Kibber (4,270 m), excursion. Visit the iconic cliffside Key Monastery and interact with resident monks. Proceed to the snow-covered high village of Kibber, a known sanctuary for wildlife, before returning to Kaza for the night.
Day 5: Kaza (3,800 m) to Chicham (4,500 m), 21 km | 1–2 hrs. Cross Asia's famous suspension bridge, Chicham Bridge, straddling a deep gorge. Explore Chicham, a prime habitat for Snow Leopards and Ibex. Overnight stay in a traditional heated village homestay.
Day 6: Chicham (4,500 m) to Langza (4,400 m), scenic drive. Drive to the high-altitude "Fossil Village" of Langza. Marvel at the giant Buddha statue watching over the white expanse beneath Chau Chau Kang Nilda peak. Hunt for prehistoric marine fossils in the snow.
Day 7: Langza (4,400 m) to Dhankar (3,895 m) via Dhankar Lake, drive and trek. Drive towards Dhankar and hike to the frozen high-altitude Dhankar Lake (4,140 m). Visit the historic cliff-hanging Dhankar Monastery looking over the Spiti-Pin confluence. Overnight stay in a homestay.
Day 8: Dhankar (3,895 m) to Kalpa (2,960 m), return drive. Descend through the breathtaking cold desert landscape towards Kinnaur valley. Drive back to Kalpa for a comfortable stay and warm dinner. Overnight in a guest house or hotel.
Day 9: Kalpa (2,960 m) to Shimla, 225 km | 9–10 hrs. Final drive back along the Sutlej river line to Shimla. Expected drop-off in Shimla between 7:00 PM and 8:00 PM for onward travel.
Quotation
Spiti Winter Homestay Trail quotation, inclusions and exclusions
Per person (group batch, Shimla to Shimla): ₹41,000 + 5% GST.
Standard inclusions: Stay is 2 nights in a hotel or guest house in Kalpa and 6 nights in warm traditional winter Spiti homestays. Meals are nutritious vegetarian meals from Day 1 dinner to Day 9 breakfast. Transport is Shimla to Shimla in a non-AC Tempo Traveller or 4x4 snow-ready vehicles. Safety cover is a medical kit, oxygen cylinder and pulse oximeter on board. The team is an experienced Kailasa Treks trip leader and local drivers.
Standard exclusions: 5% GST on the package price. Mandatory travel and trekking insurance. Meals in transit (Day 1 breakfast and lunch, Day 9 lunch and dinner). Personal winter gear, thermal wear, down jackets and equipment. Monastery entry fees or personal photography charges. Unforeseen expenses due to severe weather, roadblocks or snow.
To book or ask a question, email kailasatreks@gmail.com or call +91 7351523841. Office: B83, Kandal, Lane-2, Doon Public Rd, Doiwala, Dehradun, UK-248140.
UNDERSTAND THE PRICE
What the price includes
Here is what the price covers and what it does not. Your written quote confirms the final amount for your dates and nationality.
Included
- Accommodation in hotels and guesthouses on twin or multiple sharing basis
- Meals as per the itinerary (breakfast and dinner at stays, packed lunch on activity days)
- All ground transport as per the itinerary in a heated vehicle where available
- Qualified and experienced trek or climbing leader and support staff
- Inner line and other applicable permits
- First aid medical kit and oxygen cylinder
- Technical equipment: ice axes, crampons, helmet, harness, ropes and ice screws
- Instruction in ice-climbing technique, belaying and rope safety
Not included
- Meals during road journeys
- Any kind of personal expenses
- Mules or porter to carry personal luggage
- Anything not specifically mentioned under the head Inclusions
- Any extra flight booking amount should be paid on actuals by the participant
- Mandatory travel and rescue insurance covering the route’s maximum altitude
- Personal clothing, boots and winter gear
GETTING THERE
How do you reach the start of the Ice Climbing in Spiti?
The expedition starts in Shimla. Day 1 of the itinerary: Day 01 – Arrive in Shimla (2,200 m).
- Winter trips to Spiti begin in Shimla. Take an overnight bus from Delhi or Chandigarh, or fly to Shimla and arrive the evening before Day 1.
- The Manali road to Spiti is closed in winter, so the team drives you through Kinnaur. Snow can slow this road, which is why the itinerary keeps a reserve day.
Your exact meeting point and time are confirmed in your trip briefing.
PACKING LIST
What should you pack for the Ice Climbing in Spiti?
Technical gear for ice climbing is provided by Kailasa; bring your own warm clothing and boots. Winter nights are well below freezing.
Clothing
- Base layers (synthetic or merino), top and bottom
- Fleece or light insulated mid-layer
- Waterproof, breathable shell jacket and trousers
- Insulated gloves plus thin liner gloves
- Warm hat, buff or neck gaiter, sun cap
- Trekking socks and warm wool socks (3–4 pairs)
Footwear
- Insulated, waterproof winter boots
- Gaiters for snow
- Warm camp shoes
Warmth & carry
- Down jacket rated for −15 °C or colder
- Sleeping bag liner or sleeping bag for cold guesthouses
- 40–50 litre backpack with rain cover
- Trekking poles
Personal
- Sunglasses (UV400, category 3–4) and SPF 50 sunscreen
- Headlamp with spare batteries
- Two 1-litre water bottles or a hydration bladder
- Personal medicines and a small first-aid kit
- Quick-dry towel, toiletries and hand sanitiser
- Original photo ID and copies of permits and insurance
WHO CLIMBS WITH YOU
Led by people who live in these mountains
Every Ice Climbing in Spiti team is led by certified Kailasa guides. You meet your assigned expedition leader at the technical briefing three weeks before departure.
Pasang Sherpa
Sherpa & fixed-rope team leader
22+ years on Himalayan expeditions · 16 Everest summits · Lhotse, Makalu, Dhaulagiri
CANCELLATION
What happens if you need to cancel?
What you get back depends on how long before the start date you cancel. You can take a refund or a credit for a future Kailasa trip, valid for one year.
| Before start | Refund | Future credit (same participant) | Future credit (another participant) |
|---|---|---|---|
| More than 60 days | 85% | 100% | Not stated |
| 60 to 30 days | 70% | 85% | 75% |
| 30 to 10 days | 40% | 70% | 65% |
| Less than 10 days | No refund | 50% | 40% |
BEFORE YOU ENQUIRE
Ice Climbing in Spiti questions
Do I need climbing experience?
No. The programme is for beginners, and the guides teach every skill on the ice. You should be fit and comfortable in the cold.
Is the road to Spiti open in winter?
The route from Shimla through Kinnaur is usually open, but snow can delay or close the road for a day or more. The itinerary includes a reserve day, and the team confirms road conditions before departure.
How cold does it get in Spiti?
Nights in Kaza in January and February can fall to −20 °C or lower. Bring proper winter clothing, and expect basic heating in guesthouses.
Is the technical equipment provided?
Yes. Ice axes, crampons, helmets, harnesses and ropes are included. Bring your own warm clothing, gloves and boots.
YOUR EXPEDITION STARTS HERE
Speak to the team before you decide.
Share your preferred dates, nationality and climbing history. Kailasa can assess route fit, then confirm the current itinerary, field support, permits, equipment and final amount in writing.
- STEP 1Share your plansSend your preferred dates and climbing history on WhatsApp or email.
- STEP 2Readiness call & quoteThe team checks route fit and sends the final amount in writing.
- STEP 3Confirm your seatBook once you have read the quote and the booking terms.
Reply within 24 hours · No payment to enquire · Written quote before you pay. Review the cancellation, privacy and booking terms before paying.
KEEP EXPLORING
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THE KAILASA STANDARD
A serious mountain deserves
a serious plan.
No blind checkout. No one-size-fits-all promise. Your enquiry begins with the route, your experience and the questions that matter before you commit.
Start a private planning conversationFit before booking
Your climbing history and readiness are discussed before the team recommends a route.
Safety before summit
Acclimatisation, conditions and field decisions take priority over a fixed summit promise.
Clarity before payment
Ask for the current itinerary, inclusions, equipment plan and written final quote.
Team around the objective
Confirm your expedition leader, support team and departure-specific safety arrangements.