road trip to spiti valley from delhi

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• Delhi to Spiti Valley: Travel Guide

• Himachal Pradesh
• Spiti Valley

On the other hand, while the Manali-Kaza route ascends quickly in fewer days, it lets you see the breathtaking beauty of high mountain passes like Rohtang and Kunzum. Explore these mesmerizing mountain passes and more as part of your Spiti Valley packages , ensuring an unforgettable journey through the majestic landscapes of the Himalayas.

Route 1: Delhi - Shimla – Spiti

Route 2: delhi - manali – spiti, quick navigation.

Essential Information

How many days it take to reach spiti from delhi.

Best Time for Delhi to Spiti Valley Trip

Delhi to Spiti Valley Road Condition

Best Itinerary for Delhi to Spiti Valley

Delhi to Spiti By Bus

Delhi - shimla - spiti route by bus.

Delhi - Manali - Spiti Route by Bus

Places to Visit on Delhi - Shimla - Spiti Route

Top Experiences To Do in Kufri

Best of Manali

Reckong Peo

Chandratal Lake

Places to Visit on Delhi - Manali - Spiti Route

Solang valley.

Best of Ladakh

Rohtang Pass

Kunzum Pass

Must Visit Places in Spiti Valley

Key monastery.

While Himachal Pradesh is home to a dozen different monasteries, this spectacular place is not just the biggest, but also the oldest one around. A must visit tourist place in Spiti Valley ,  the Key Gompa is encircled by picturesque mountains and soothing valleys. A wonderful example of monastic architecture and decorated with beautiful paintings, murals, manuscripts, and wind instruments.

Top Experiences To Do in Key Monastery

Perched at a staggering altitude of 4200 meters above sea level, you have to witness the unparalleled beauty of Chandratal to believe it. A sanctuary from the lightning fast city life, this lake is slowly becoming one of the most attractive tourist places in Spiti valley. With the spellbinding backdrop of majestic mountains and meadows covered with gorgeous wildflowers, the lake is the perfect place to click Instagram worthy pictures.

Top Experiences To Do in Chandratal Lake

Pin Valley National Park

India's highest cold valley National Park, this place was constructed to preserve the unique natural flora and fauna of Himachal Pradesh and is named after the gorgeous Pin River and acts as an interface between the Lahul and Spiti Valley. Against a backdrop of barbarous, rugged snow-covered mountain peaks of the Spiti Valley, the national park is home to Himachal's ferocious predators, the snow leopards, and their prey, the ibex.

The terrain is rough and precarious, so train hard and get into those fitness programs before you undertake this captivating journey. The sanctuary also witnesses a strong spiritual influence due to the presence of Buddhist monasteries around the area.

Location: Near Kaza.

Timings: 6 AM to 6 PM throughout the week.

Top Experiences To Do in Pin Valley National Park

Third highest lake in India and 21st highest in the world, the Suraj Tal is a divine water body surrounded by barbaric bare mountains and soothing valleys. It is a common belief that anyone who takes a dip in the pristine emerald waters of the lake is cleaned off their sins.

Whether you want to visit the Suraj Tal for spiritual reasons or to simply revel in the unsurpassed natural charm – you won’t regret it. An absolute haven for avid trekkers, the lake offers an asylum to refresh and recharge during the hectic Manali-Leh trek. Adrenaline junkie motorcyclists and mountain bikers will find this place a wonderful stopover on their journey.

Top Experiences To Do in Suraj Tal

Tabo monastery.

Tabo Monastery is one of the most wondrous places to visit in Spiti Valley.   Founded a millennium ago, the temple is a unique amalgamation of history, culture and natural splendor. In the cold barren deserts of Tabo valley, the monastery appears as a sanctum from the brutality of barbarous rocky mountains around.

It houses centuries worth of Buddhist culture, tradition and heritage – a treat for history and cultural buffs. For those of you interested in art and handicraft – witness the amazingly preserved paintings, murals and sculptures. Or just kick back and take in the healing environment as calmness ascends over your being.

Discover the peaceful Tabo Monastery in the Himalayas with Spiti Valley Packages , where you can explore ancient Buddhist traditions and enjoy stunning mountain views in a serene setting.

Kunzum Pass is your high road to adventure, connecting Lahaul and Spiti valleys at an altitude of 4,551 metres. With 15 thrilling hairpin bends, it offers an adrenaline rush amidst the snow peaks and valleys. The temple of goddess Kunzum Devi stands guard here, blessing the travellers. It is a haven for bikers, trekkers, and photographers seeking extraordinary sights and thrilling experiences.

Discover the stunning Kunzum Pass where you can enjoy breathtaking views and thrilling adventures amidst the beautiful Himalayas with Spiti Valley Packages .

Best of Leh

Nestled in one corner of the beautiful Indian state of Himachal Pradesh, Kaza happens to be a tranquil and serene destination in Spiti Valley. Packed with majestic snow-covered mountains, bubbling rivers, picturesque landscape, and shimmering streams, this dreamy place is no less than a paradise on earth. 

The entire town of Kaza is categorized into 2 parts – New Kaza and Old Kaza. While the former accommodates the king’s palace, the latter is home to government offices. The presence of historical wonders, monasteries, and gompas adds a sense of magic to this charming town. At present day, the Himalayan town of Kaza features an exotic amalgam of ancient culture and modernity that is sure to leave every traveler totally awestruck and spellbound.

The pristine locales and mountainous terrain of Kaza lure tourists who are interested in experiencing spirituality as well as adventurous activities. The place even forms a base camp from where travelers can venture to experience activities such as mountaineering and trekking. Some well-known trails that start from the town of Kaza include Pin-Bhaba, Parang-La, and Pin-Parvati. In addition to trying adventure sports and visiting various Buddhist shrines, tourists flocking here also like to take a walk to the small villages nearby Kaza town, which offers an exciting and unique experience.

One can access Kaza from Lahaul Valley and Kinnaur Valley. While the latter route stays open all year round, the former route only opens during the summer season. Winter season in this destination comes with extremely low temperatures that make the weather of the town immensely cold. During this time, the locals prefer staying indoors and only venture out in case of absolute urgency. They always keep food supplies stocked up for this time of the year and utilize the whole time indoors by producing handicrafts.

The town of Kaza is blessed with a plethora of decent accommodation facilities and food outlets, helping tourists in having a comfortable vacation. All the elements put together, make tourism flourish in this small Himalayan destination.

Top Experiences To Do in Kaza

Dhankar lake.

Tucked atop a small hill at an impressive altitude of 4100 meters above sea level, the Dhankar, with its dazzling blue waters, is one of the most popular places to visit in Spiti Valley. The lake sits at the end of the famous Dhankar Lake trek known for its treacherous paths, rocky snow-capped mountains, and incomparable vistas. Adventure enthusiasts and photography lovers are enchanted alike by the magical realism of the trek. The Dhankar Fort Monastery sandwiched between Spiti and Pin rivers offers a special spiritual touch as it plays hide and seek on the trail. And once you reach the lake, the rare and diversified views will make your jaw drop! Location:  Near Rohtang Pass connecting Kullu and Lahul.  Timings: No timing restrictions.

Top Experiences To Do in Dhankar Lake

Kibber is a village located in the Spiti Valley of Himachal Pradesh at an elevation of 4270 meters. This village is surrounded by stunning mountains and landscapes. The Tibetan-style houses in Kibber, built with stone and bricks, are impressive to see. The village's landscape is unique in the Spiti Valley, featuring fertile fields that yield abundant crops, even for trading. Also called Kyibar, it is famous for the Kibber Wildlife Sanctuary and the Kibber Monastery.

Top Experiences To Do in Kibber

Dhankar monastery.

Dhankar Monastery is located in Lahaul and Spiti Valley at 3,894 meters. It is recognized as one of the hundred most endangered monuments in the world. This monastery is also known as Dhangkar Gompa, and it was built around 1000 years ago by Lama Lha-od. It is one of the primary Buddhist centres and tourist attractions in Spiti. The Monastery also houses centuries-old Buddhist paintings. Visitors can experience the amazing beauty of Spiti Valley from the Dhankar Monastery.

Top Experiences To Do in Dhankar Monastery

Nako village.

Nako village, situated in the Himalayan mountains, is a tranquil getaway that captivates visitors with its beauty and quiet. This charming community, encircled by majestic peaks and verdant surroundings, provides an insight into the way of life in the Himalayas. For those looking for peace and natural beauty, Nako is the ideal location because of its gorgeous surroundings and welcoming residents. Nako village promises a memorable experience in the heart of the Himalayas, whether you choose to explore the village's meandering lanes or just take in the breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains.

Top Experiences To Do in Nako Village

The Nako Lake is located in Nako village of Kinnaur district, Himachal Pradesh. Situated at an altitude of 3662 meters, it is famous for its dense willow forests and beautiful mountain views. This lake in the Nako village is a pilgrimage destination for Buddhist followers. Legends say that Lord Padmasambhava (one of the founding fathers of Tibetan Buddhism) meditated here, making it sacred. So, no one is allowed to bathe, swim, or put their feet in the waters of the Nako Lake.

Location: Nako Village, Kinnaur, Himachal Pradesh

Timings: It can be visited at any time.

Entry Fee: No entry charges

Top Experiences To Do in Nako Lake

Tabo is a small village in the Spiti Valley in Himachal Pradesh. It is a treasure trove of culture and is home to the Tabo Monastery which is also known as the "Ajanta of the Himalayas." This ancient village is surrounded by snowclad Pir Panjal mountains and it is a great place to learn about Buddhist culture as well as traditions. Tabo is also an excellent destination to visit for those seeking tranquillity and historical exploration.

Things to Know for Delhi to Spiti Trip

Petrol pumps.

Mobile Connectivity

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Safety Tips & Guidelines

Things to Carry

Clothes to Carry

Medical Facilities

Medical Facilities on Delhi - Manali – Spiti Route  -  Lady Willingdon Hospital (Mission Hospital), Model Town, Siyal, Manali -  Rawat Clinic, Near BSNL Telephone Exchange, School Road, Manali -  Dr. Behl’s Hospital, Siyal, Manali -  Ayurvedic Dispensary, Damphug, Himachal Pradesh

Information About AMS and Acclimatisation

Places for Night Stopover

Delhi - shimla – spiti route.

Delhi - Manali – Spiti Route

Spiti Tour Packages

Spiti valley from delhi | free lahaul excursion.

About the Tour:

Imagine starting your journey in Delhi, leaving behind the city's chaos, and entering the serene landscapes of Manali and Spiti Valley, where rugged mountains meet clear blue skies. Kaza, Tabo, Dhankar, Pin Valley, and the shimmering Chandra Tal Lake will be your playgrounds, each offering a unique flavor of Spiti's natural beauty and ancient monasteries. This journey is a rare opportunity to explore remote high-altitude villages and ancient monasteries and connect with the warm-hearted locals.

Quick Info:

• Route: Delhi  -  Manali - Kaza - Tabo - Dhankar - Pin Valley - Chandra Tal - Manali - Delhi
• Duration: 7 Days, 6 Nights
• Start Point: Delhi
• End Point: Delhi

Spiti from Chandigarh | FREE Highest Motorable Village Excursion

About the tour :

The Spiti Valley Tour Package from Chandigarh is your ticket to an unforgettable adventure. From the organized charm of Chandigarh to the breathtaking landscapes of Narkanda, Chitkul, Kalpa, and Kaza, this journey immerses you in the beauty of the Himalayas and the warmth of local culture. You'll explore remote villages like Komic, Langza, and Hikkim, where time stands still, and end at the mesmerizing Chandra Tal in Manali. It's a voyage that will leave you in awe and touch your heart deeply. 

Quick Info :

• Route: Chandigarh - Narkanda - Chitkul - Kalpa - Kaza - Komic - Langza - Hikkim - Chandra Tal - Manali - Chandigarh
• Duration: 9 Days, 8 Nights
• Start Point: Chandigarh
• End Point: Chandigarh

Chandigarh To Spiti Bike Expedition | Royal Enfield Special

Get ready for an epic adventure trip Spiti Valley Bike Trip through the rugged and breathtaking terrain of the Spiti Valley on two wheels Starting in Chandigarh, you’ll pass through the twists and turns that lead you to the snowy paradise of Narkanda, the remote beauty of Chitkul, and the peaceful charm of Kalpa. As you ride further, you'll encounter hidden gems like Nako, Gue, and Tabo, each with its own story to tell. However, the real thrill comes when you hit the trails of Kaza, Key, Langza, Hikkim, Komic, Chicham, and the high-altitude Kunzum Pass. It's an invitation to explore, connect, and create stories. So, gear up for an unforgettable adventure and answer the call of the mountains!

• Route:  Chandigarh - Narkanda - Chitkul - Kalpa - Nako - Gue - Tabo - Kaza - Key - Langza - Hikkim - Komic - Chicham - Kunzum Pass Chandratal, Manali - Chandigarh
• Duration:  9 Days, 8 Night
• Start Point:  Chandigarh

Best of Meghalaya

Winter Spiti Road Trip | Girls' Special

Your 7 day adventure starts from Chandigarh. You travel all the way around seeing popular, beautiful and hidden sites in the Spiti Valley and come back to Chandigarh. Stay at great places, eat local food, travel around the valley, know the culture and visit landmark spots that will take your breath away. Read the advisory and inclusions carefully before going for the tour. 

In peak winter i.e. January and early February all the places might not be open due to adverse weather conditions. We will keep you updated of the same in case any last minute changes need to be made to your plan. 

Manali to Spiti | FREE Langza Excursion

Get your head out of the car window and indulge in the breathtaking views of the rugged Himalayan terrain as you embark on an adventurous trip to Spiti. Every curve in the road will greet you with endless valley views, snow-clad peaks, and a moon-shaped lake. The journey will take you through iconic attractions such as the Hadimba Temple, a serene Buddhist temple, the Clubhouse, the ancient Siyali Mahadev temple, the enchanting Van Vihar, and the rustic charm of Old Manali. Experience the thrill of driving through the Atal Tunnel under the famous Rohtang Pass and be mesmerized by the picturesque landscapes of the Kunzum Pass. Explore the vibrant town of Kaza and be amazed by the impressive Chicham Bridge, suspended between towering cliffs. Finally, prepare to be captivated by the ethereal beauty of Chandratal Lake, nestled amidst majestic snow-capped peaks.

Spiti Valley offers the perfect playground for adventurous off-road driving, with the added bonus of the possibility of spotting the ever-elusive Snow Leopard. Enjoy the fresh mountain air as you traverse the isolated slopes of the last village, creating memories that will last a lifetime. 

Quick Facts:

Route:   Manali - Atal tunnel - Kaza - Hikkim - Komic - Langza - Key - Kibber - Kumzum Pass - Chandratal - Rohtang Pass - Manali

Duration: 5 Days, 4 Nights

• Start Point: Manali
• End Point: Manali

Spiti Valley in Winter 2022: Paint It White

Best of Spiti Valley | FREE Chandratal Lake Excursion

Begin the adventure with our Spiti Valley Tour, starting from the picturesque town of Manali and taking you through the awe-inspiring landscapes of Kaza, Kibber, Komic, Hikkim, Langza, Kunzum La, and the mesmerizing Chandratal Lake. This tour is about the immersive experience of connecting with the locals, experiencing the cuisine, and understanding the way of life. Don't miss out on this soul-enriching journey that will make your heart long for more

• Route:  Manali - Kaza - Kibber - Komic - Hikkim - Langza - Kunzum La - Chandratal and Manali
• Duration: 6 Days, 5 Nights

Spiti Valley Tour Package from Shimla | FREE Excursion to chitkul

Let me paint a vivid picture of what awaits you as you embark on a journey from Shimla to Spiti Valley, from the serene beauty of Chitkul to the remote charm of Nako, Gue, and the captivating Key, Kibber, Kaza, Komik, Hikkim, Langza, Dhankar, and Kalpa. The journey becomes an exploration of nature's hidden gems, with each turn offering a new adventure. It's an opportunity to connect with untouched beauty, delve into ancient cultures, and create memories that will stay with you forever. Get ready to immerse yourself in its charm.

• Route: Shimla - Chitkul - Nako - Gue - Key - Kibber - Kaza - Komik - Hikkim - Langza - Dhankar - Kalpa - Shimla
• Duration: 6 Days, 5 Nights
• Start Point: Shimla
• End Point: Shimla

Manali To Spiti Bike Expedition | FREE Kaza Excursion

Fuel up your bikes from the world’s highest petrol pump at Kaza and fire up the rider in you for a most thrilling biking expedition into the rustic land of Spiti. This valley will fascinate you with its ever-changing vistas, the tricky terrain, and the nerve-chilling high altitude views that will give you a feel of being on top of the world. 

Feel like being on top of the world, as you look down at a tiny truck that lies below Asia's highest suspended Chicham Bridge. After a long riding haul, experience a unique calmness at your pitstop by the vibrant yet peaceful vibes of the 1000-year-old Key monastery that stand aloof on this rugged terrain. Don't forget to t ake a perfect postcard picture in the “I’m a conqueror” pose with your bike by the sparkling turquoise lakes, and cherish your dream vacation for life.

Route:  Delhi - Manali - Jibhi - Rampur - Chitkul - Kalpa - Kaza - Chandra Tal - Manali - Delhi

Duration:  11 Days 10 Nights

Start Point:  Delhi

End Point:  Delhi

People Also Ask About Spiti Valley

Which route is better manali to spiti valley or shimla to spiti valley, how can i go to spiti from delhi, how far is lahaul spiti from delhi, is spiti valley open in december, what does spiti mean.

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Located close to India’s eye-catching Spiti river in the Spiti Valley, the Key Monastery is one of the must-visit places in Himachal Pradesh. Also known as the Kye Gompa or Ki and Kee Monastery, the spectacular Tibetan Buddhist Monastery is located on a picturesque hilltop at an altitude of 4,166 meters above the sea level. If you're planning to explore the spiritual and cultural treasures of the Spiti Valley, don't forget to include a visit to Key Monastery in your Spiti Tour Packages for an enriching journey through the Himalayas.The 1000-year-old monastery which dates back to 1100 CE is also the largest in Lahaul and Spiti district of India. The magnificent Key Monastery is believed to have been established by Dromtön (Brom-ston, 1008-1064 CE) who was a student of Atisha, a famous teacher of the 11th century.Home to around 250-300 Lamas, who are spiritual leaders in Tibetan Buddhism, the stunning monastery serves as a fully-functional religious training ground for Lamas run by a Gelug sect of Tibetan Buddhist monks. The historic monastery with a breathtaking architecture will leave you spellbound with a resemblance to fantasy fiction.Surrounded by beautiful snow-capped Himalayas and glaciers, the monastery is visited by thousands of devotees and tourists from all over the world who come here to seek tranquility and inner peace. The pristine location of the monastery with gorgeous villages covered in snow and long winding roads will give you an unforgettable experience.As you step inside this amazing monastery, you will notice its beautiful walls which are covered with murals and paintings depicting the 14th-century monastic architecture, influenced by Chinese culture. It is also popular for its rare manuscripts, unique wind instruments, Buddha idols and a marvelous collection of weapons to ward off attackers and protect the monastery.With a fascinating history behind its emergence, the Key Monastery survived many attacks by the Mongols. Nevertheless, in the year 2000, it witnessed a grand celebration of completing 1000 years in the esteemed presence of the Dalai Lama.Experience the spiritual ambiance and rich history of Key Monastery as part of your Spiti Valley adventure with tailored Spiti Valley packages from Delhi.

Popularly known as the trekker's paradise, Chandratal Lake is reckoned as the most charismatic lake situated in the laps of Himalayas. This enticing lake is perched on the Samudra Tapu plateau which lies in close proximity to Chandra river. Situated at an altitude of 4300 meters, Chandratal offers the most splendid views of the Spiti region. If you're planning a trip to the Himalayas, don't miss out on including Chandratal Lake in your Spiti Valley Tour.The lake is crescent-shaped, and that is how it got its name. If you are looking for a perfect blend of adventure and laidback holidays, there could not be a better site to kickstart your journey than Chandratal. The road to Chandratal lake takes you through treacherous trails of Batal which will set your adrenaline pumping.Discover the beauty of Spiti on a trip from Delhi, where you'll find the stunning Chandratal Lake, offering a peaceful retreat amidst the mountains. With a Spiti tour package from Delhi, cherish unforgettable moments by the tranquil shores of Chandratal Lake.On your way, you will also get to climb the glaciers between Kunzum pass and Rohtang Pass. This mesmerizing site has much folklore attached to itself but what lures its visitors is its turquoise blue water, majestic mountains and serene surroundings which make it an apt place for camping. Sprawled over an area of 2.5 kilometers, Chandratal sees a massive influx of travelers during the summer months.In the winter months, this place majorly remains in the bucket list of adventure enthusiasts who want to push past their limits.

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Road Journeys from Delhi to Spiti Valley

• Post last modified: UPDATED ON: April 25, 2020

The rugged, barren and secluded landscape of Spiti Valley in Himachal Pradesh is one of the most sought destination in India. Every year in the peak travel season of summer months, thousands of visitors travel to Spiti Valley. Because of its geographical location, Spiti is one of the least developed region in terms of the public transport.

View this post on Instagram View of Dhankar Village from the trekking trail to Dhankar Lake. #SpitiValley #HimachalPradesh #India #IncredibleIndia #DhankarMonastery #DhankarGompa #Trekking #DhankarLake #DhankarVillage #Travel #Photography #Monastery #Buddhism #TibetanBuddhism A post shared by Solo Backpacker (@solobackpacker) on Apr 24, 2020 at 11:40am PDT

Although the population density of Lahul and Spiti District is the lowest (Two person per sq. km) in India, but it is in a dire need of a good public transport due to the tourist rush. It’s beneficial to travel in the region by a private car or a hired cab. It’s beneficial to travel in the region by a private car or a hired cab. This post is intended to provide some information on the road journeys from Delhi to Spiti Valley using the public transport. It also explains the public transport in the villages of Spiti Valley.

1. Delhi To Spiti Valley Road Journeys

A) delhi-shimla-reckong peo-kaza route, delhi-shimla, shimla-reckong peo, reckong peo-kaza, b) delhi-manali-kaza route, delhi-manali, manali-kaza, c) which route is better, 2. public transport in spiti valley.

• Kaza to Kye, Kibber, Chicham and Tashigang Village
• Kaza to Lanza, Komik and Demul Village
• Kaza to Pin Valley (Mud and Sangam Village)
• Kaza to Dhankar Village
• Kaza to Tabo Village
• Kaza to Chandra Taal

There are two routes to reach Spiti Valley from Delhi using the public transport. The first route is via the state capital Shimla, and second one is via Manali. Spiti Valley is accessible throughout the year via Shimla and Reckong Peo. The route via Manali passes through the high altitude mountain passes Rohtang La and Kunzum La. Therefore, it is only available for few months in the summer. The best way to explore the valley is to make a complete circuit while proceeding via Shimla and return via Manali.

The route is an all-weather route open throughout the year, however it is extremely prone to the landslides during the monsoon. According to the Google Maps, this route is 755 kms long and needed 13 hours and 10 mins to travel by your own car. But in reality, It takes up to 30 hours to complete this route from Delhi to Kaza if you travel by your own car. It takes up to 36 hours if you travel using the public buses without an extended break that is highly recommended on this route. The journey to Kaza from Delhi primarily involved three steps: Delhi to Shimla, Shimla to Reckong Peo and Reckong Peo to Kaza. You may also get a direct bus to Reckong Peo from Delhi ISBT as well as from Chandigarh ISBT.

By Road: It requires 8-12 hours by road depending on the mode of transport. There are two ways to reach Shimla:

Direct Bus From Delhi: You can travel by a direct bus (Volvo AC and Ordinary) from Delhi ISBT (Kashmiri Gate) to Shimla (Tutikandi). Volvo bus covers this journey in 9 hours, while ordinary bus in approx 10 hours. Volvo AC Bus fare is Rs.965 per person and Ordinary Bus fare is Rs 440 per person. Starting from 0500 AM till 11.30 PM, there are many ordinary and AC buses available from Delhi to Shimla. They belong to Himachal Roadways, Haryana Roadways or to Punjab Roadways. There is one bus at every hour during the daytime. In the evening from 06.30 PM to 11.30 PM, you can get a bus at every half an hour. Most of the buses (at least 10 in day) operated by Himachal Roadways are Volvo AC and few buses are ordinary.

Apart from this, Himachal Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation (HPTDC) also runs two Volvo AC Buses from Delhi at 8:00 AM and 20:30 PM, fare is Rs.950. The AC buses start from Himachal Bhawan, Mandi House however it is possible to board them from Delhi ISBT. In Shimla, HPTDC bus drop off point is near Victory Tunnel.

Many private operators also provide AC bus services from Delhi to Shimla. Most of these buses are available from the back side of Kashmiri Gate Metro Station. The tickets price for the private AC buses normally vary from Rs. 900 to Rs. 1200.

Delhi to Chandigarh and then Chandigarh to Shimla: Chandigarh is 250 kms away from Delhi and Shimla is further 120 kms away from Chandigarh. There are lots of ordinary as well as AC buses running between Delhi ISBT and Chandigarh at every 10-15 minutes round the clock. If you do not get a direct bus to Shimla from Delhi, you can board a bus going to Chandigarh and from there; you can travel by another bus to Shimla. Normally, you can get a bus to Shimla in every 10 minutes from Chandigarh. The ticket price is Rs. 230 for ordinary buses and Rs. 575 for AC buses from Delhi to Chandigarh. Fare is Rs. 180 for ordinary buses and Rs. 350 for AC buses to travel from Chandigarh to Shimla.

Important Note: There are two ISBTs in Chandigarh. One is in Sec.17 and another is in Sec.43. Sec.17 is the hub for the buses departing towards Delhi. Sec.43 is the hub for the buses departing towards northern side to the state of Himachal Pradesh and Jammu and Kashmir. So if you catch a bus from Delhi to Chandigarh, it may terminate at Sec.17 ISBT. In this case, you can catch a local Chandigarh Transport Undertaking Bus to Sec.43, which is about 15 minutes away and fare is Rs.10 for AC bus. From Sec.43, you can catch a bus to Shimla. You can also catch a bus from Delhi going to the places like Mandi, Joginder Nagar, Kullu, Manali in Himachal Pradesh. These buses drop you at Sec.43 in Chandigarh.

By Air: Shimla Airport is located at Jabarhatti, approx. 22 kms away from the Mall Road. Few years ago, the airport became non-operational. Currently, there is no air connectivity between Delhi and Shimla.

By Train: Shimla is connected to Kalka with a narrow-gauge railway link. Few trains operate from Kalka to Shimla on the daily basis. This railway service is a part of the UNESCO World Heritage under the Mountain Railways of India along-with The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway and Nilgiri Railways.

To read more about Kalka-Shimla Railways, please check this post: An Unforgettable Journey on Kalka-Shimla Railways

Kalka is connected to the various parts of India by Express and Superfast Trains. The train journey from Delhi to Kalka and then Kalka to Shimla requires the same time as of the bus journey. Depending on the train connection at Kalka, it may be even more time taking. Therefore, many people opt for the bus journey from Delhi to Shimla. However, the train journey on Kalka-Shimla Railways is an experience, that must be try during a trip to Shimla.

Shimla is a most sought, over-crowded hill station near Delhi and the honeymooner’s paradise in India. If you want to rest here, you can spend many days exploring the beauty around this hill station. From Shimla, your next stop should be at Reckong Peo. There is no railway track beyond Shimla, therefore bus journey is the only option. It takes around 8 hours to complete the journey from Shimla to Reckong Peo. During a conversation many people refer it as Peo. It is also known as Kinnaur.

There are many government as well as private buses running between Shimla and Reckong Peo at nearly every hour from 05.00 AM in the morning till 08.00 PM. Beyond these hours, there are only 2-3 buses to Peo. You can get these buses from Shimla ISBT at Tutikandi, which is 3 kms away from the old bus stand below the Mall Road. Few Buses are available from the Old Bus Stand as well. All the buses going to Peo stop for the passengers at Lakkar Bazaar Bus Stand in Shimla.

This part of the journey is very crucial to decide the total time of your travel between Delhi and Kaza. There is only one bus going away from Reckong Peo to Kaza leaving at 06.30 AM. Therefore, your arrival time at Reckong Peo and your body’s need for rest is very crucial for onwards travel beyond Peo.

Important Note:  There are two government ordinary buses operate from Shimla to Kaza in the evening. First government bus departs from Shimla at 06.30 PM and second one (Hamirpur-Kaza) at 08.00 PM. But none of this bus goes up to Kaza. You get a bus ticket direct to Kaza, but you are supposed to leave these buses at Reckong Peo in the morning. The bus conductor issues the seat numbers for onward travel. After reaching Reckong Peo, you have to board another bus that is going to Kaza at 6.30 AM.

There is a private bus by Kumar Bus Service at 07.00 PM from Shimla New Bus Stand. They claim to go upto Kaza, but in my knowledge they go upto Yangthang only, one hour before Nako Village and well before Kaza. So, be sure about the destination while boarding on that bus. In peak tourist season, they may operate upto Kaza.

Alternate Bus Availabillty:

Delhi-Reckong Peo Ordinary Bus:  This bus departs from Delhi ISBT at 08.10 PM in the evening and arrives Reckong Peo at 04.45 PM in the next day afternoon. Bus fare is Rs. 765 per person.

Chandigarh-Reckong Peo Deluxe Bus:  There is a deluxe bus service from Chandigarh to Reckong Peo. The bus departs from Chandigarh at 05.50 PM and fare is Rs. 750 per person. One Deluxe bus service is also in the morning. I am not sure about the departure time. Ordinary buses also operate between Chandigarh to Reckong Peo (05.30 AM, 07.50 AM, 11.00 AM and 08.30 PM).

Return Buses from Reckong Peo to Shimla:  In day time there are plenty of buses at hourly basis from Reckong Peo to Shimla starting from 4.30 AM. In the evening, last bus to Shimla departs at 07.00 PM.

What to do in Reckong Peo? Reckong Peo is the district headquarter of Kinnaur Valley. You can explore Kalpa, Roghi, Chitkul Villages and Sangla Valley for next 2-3 days from Reckong Peo.

Kalpa is a picturesque village full of Apple Orchards. Check this post to read about Kalpa: Wandering in Kalpa

Foreign Nationals visiting Spiti Valley has another work to complete. They need an Inner Line Permit (ILP) to travel beyond Akpa Police check post on Reckong Peo-Kaza route. This is strictly enforced. Foreign citizens can spend their time in Peo arranging for an Inner Line Permit for onwards travel to Spiti Valley.The Inner Line Permit can also be arranged at Shimla.

The final part of the journey from Reckong Peo to Kaza takes about 11 hours depending on the weather and the road conditions. Only one ordinary bus operates from Reckong Peo to Kaza, popularly known as Kaza Bus. The bus leaves Peo Bus Stand at 06.00 AM and reaches Kaza around 05.00 PM. Fare from Reckong Peo to Kaza is Rs.650 per person. Popular tourist attractions of this route are Nako Village (Bus reaches at 12.00 PM), Tabo Village (reaches at 04.00 PM) and Schichling Village ( reaches at 04.45 PM).

It is on you to decide whether get off from the bus at any of these villages or to reach Kaza first. If you get off from the bus in any of these villages, next bus will be available only on the next day.

Alternate Bus:  If you miss the Kaza Bus, then you can get another bus Rampur-Tabo bus at 09.00 AM from Reckong Peo. This bus reached Tabo Village in the evening at 07.00 PM. There is another bus operating between Reckong Peo and Chango ( 40 kms., 2 hour prior to Tabo). If you intended to go to Nako Village first, then you should try this bus. You can also take this bus upto Chango and make alternate arrangement for onward travel to Tabo at least. Departure time of this bus from Reckong Peo is about 12.00 PM.

Return Bus from Kaza to Reckong Peo:  Only one ordinary bus departs from Kaza at 7.30 AM and reaches Peo at 04.30 PM. From Peo, you can get a bus at 07.00 PM to Shimla. You can buy a direct ticket to Shimla while coming back from Kaza to Peo.

This route is available only during the summer months from the Second week of June to the first week of October. Sometimes it may get open by first week of July. Manali to Kaza road passes through two high-altitude mountain passes of Rohtang La and Kunzum La. Because of the heavy snowfall during the winter months, the road remains out of bound for the vehicular traffic.

Manali to Kaza route is shorter than Shimla to Kaza route. Apart from Rohtang La and Kunzum La, famous Chandra Taal (Moon Lake) is also lies in the vicinity of this route. Foreign citizens don’t need an Inner Line Permit to travel on this route from Manali to Kaza. But, if they want to proceed beyond Tabo (especially between Hurling and Spillo on Kaza-Shimla Route), then they need an Inner Line Permit.

According to the Google Maps, this route length is 735 Kms from Delhi to Kaza, and it requires 12 hours 16 mins to travel by a car. But due to the high-altitude mountainous terrain, it requires about 24 hours time to complete this journey from Delhi to Kaza. This route consists of two parts of the journey: Delhi to Manali and Manali to Kaza.

By Road:  Manali is a popular hill station and also a honeymooner’s paradise. There are many ordinary as well as AC Volvo buses available between Delhi ISBT and Manali starting from 06.30 AM in the morning till 10.30 PM in the night. Delhi to Manali bus service is not as frequent as in case of Shimla. In the morning, there may be 3-4 buses between 06.30 AM and 10.30 AM. In the evening, there is a bus in every 30 minutes between 06.30 PM and 10.30 PM. Volvo AC buses are available only in the evening from 06.00 PM to 10.00 PM at every 20-30 minutes. Fare for the ordinary bus is Rs. 770 per person. For 2×2 AC bus, the ticket price is Rs. 1250 and for AC Volvo buses, it is Rs. 1675.

If you reach directly to Chandigarh by a flight or a train, then you should get a bus from Chandigarh ISBT Sec.43 to Manali. Many ordinary and Volvo AC buses operate between Chandigarh and Manali. All the buses from Delhi to Manali also pass through the Chandigarh ISBT to pick the passengers.

Many private operators provide AC bus services from Delhi to Manali. Most of these buses are available from the back side of Kashmiri Gate Metro Station or outside RK Ashram Metro Station. The tickets price for the private AC buses normally vary from Rs. 1200 to Rs. 1800.

By Train:   There is no railway network towards Manali. If you prefer to travel by a train then you should get a train to either Chandigarh or Rupnagar (Ropar). After that you can travel by a bus for the onward journey to Manali.

By Air:   The nearest airport to Manali is located at Bhuntar, about 52 kms away. Air India Regional (Alliance Air) operates a daily flight on small ATR aircraft from Delhi and Chandigarh. However, ticket prices on this sector mostly vary from Rs. 10000 to Rs. 15000 per passenger for one way trip. Bhuntar town is located near Kullu (11 kms) and serves as the gateway to the Parvati Valley (Kasol, Malana, Manikaran, Tosh, Kheerganga Trek etc).

Kheerganga Trek is a beautiful short trek in Parvati Valley. Read here about Kheerganga Trek: Trekking To A Himalayan Heaven Of The Restless Souls

When the route is open in the summer months, Himachal Road Transport Corporation (HRTC) operates one ordinary bus between Manali and Kaza on the daily basis. Departure time from Manali is at 05.00 AM and the fare is Rs.350 per passenger. The bus passes through Rohtang Pass, Batal, Kunzum Pass, Losar and takes about 11 hours to reach Kaza. If you have plenty of time, you can detour at Batal or Kunzum Pass for one day each side trek to Chandra Taal, a very scenic lake at the altitude of 4300 meters. During the peak season, there may be a second bus from Manali at 05.30 AM.

The important point is that once the route is declared open by the authorities, you do not get the public buses for next 2-3 weeks. They only allow small vehicles to run on the road initially. In this period, you can get a shared sumo/jeep. A shared sumo between Manali and Kaza cost you Rs.700 and takes 9 hours to complete this trip. There are ten people in the Sumo; Two on the front seats, excluding driver, four on the middle and four on the back seats. The seats are available at first come first basis.

On the return journey, Kaza to Manali (up to Kullu actually) bus departs at 05.00 AM from Kaza.

Both routes are very scenic and offer an adventurous journey through the towering mountains of the Himalayas. Manali to Kaza route may look shorter in comparison to route via Shimla, but I personally advice to reach Spit Valley from Shimla and Reckong Peo. It requires an additional day and longer bus journeys, but in turns it would be extremely useful for the purpose of sightseeing as well as acclimatization. Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) is something that we can’t neglect in the high altitude terrain and it may plays a crucial role in a pleasant journey.

If you travel via Shimla and Reckong Peo, you gain altitude gradually over an extended period of time. By the time you arrive in Kaza via Shimla, your body is fit to cop-up with the high altitude cold desert of Spiti Valley. In fact, there are many other destinations on Shimla-Kaza route where you can stop for the sightseeing. Starting from Shimla, you may visit Narkanda, Sarhan, Sangla Valley, Chitkul, Kinnaur Valley, Kalpa, Nako etc. before entering in the Spiti Valley. Whatever additional time you spend at these places supports you to acclimatize in a proper manner.

Manali to Kaza route is shorter, and it may save one day of your journey. But, it is not advisable to travel directly from Manali to Kaza without spending one or two days in Manali. Just after Manali, you gain considerable altitude to reach Rohtang Pass and then Kunzum Pass. It is not good to gain such altitude in a single day without proper acclimatization. Many people travel directly on Manali-Kaza route and they don’t get any Altitude Mountain Sickness, but it doesn’t mean everyone is safe from this. AMS can occur anytime to anybody. It’s better to be prepared.

In a nutshell,

• If you have limited time, proceed via Manali-Kaza route at the risk of AMS.
• If you have sufficient time to complete Shimla-Spiti Valley-Manali circuit, then better to proceed via Shimla route and return via Manali route.

There are few public buses to travel from one village to another village in Spiti Valley, but their frequency is limited to only one in most of the cases. It means if you travel from one place to another, then you are supposed to spend a night at that place to get the return bus the next day. Shared jeeps also operate between the villages, and you can avail their services to plan your journey in a better manner.

How to Reach Key (Kye) Monastery and Kibber Village from Kaza?

There is only one bus in the evening. It leaves at 05.00 PM from Kaza and proceeds via Kye and Kibber villages to Chicham Village. The bus returns from Chicham village on the next day at 08.00 AM. You may also find one or two shared jeeps in the evening from Kaza to Kibber village and Tashigang village. There is no shared transport available between Kibber and Tashigang.

The best way to visit Key Monastery, Kibber Village, Chicham Village and Tashigang Village is to hire a jeep from Kaza. The jeep can cover all four villages in a single day and would be a better choice. If you prefer to do it by public transport only, then get the bus or shared jeep in the evening to Chicham Village. Stay there for night and return by the public bus in the morning after spending two days. You can walk for 3 kms to Kibber village and also trek to Kanamo Peak while staying at Chicham Village. Homestays are available in Kibber and Chicham Village.

While returning from Kibber by the bus, leave that at Kye Monastery. After exploring the monastery, you can try hitchhiking to Kaza.

Read here about Kibber Village: Kibber Village in Spiti Valley

How to Reach Langza, Komik and Demul Village from Kaza?

There is only one bus departing to Komik and Demul at 05.00 PM from Kaza. You can reach Demul village in the evening by this bus. On the next day, you may trek from Demul to Komik and then to Langza before walking back to Kaza. Homestays are available in Komik and Demul Village.

How to Reach Pin Valley from Kaza?

There is one daily bus to Mud village in Pin Valley from Kaza at 04.00 PM. You may get 2-3 shared jeeps in the morning as well as in the evening for Mud Village. The distance between Mud and Sangam villages can be covered on the foot before returning to Kaza. Homestays are available in Mud village.

How to Reach Dhankar Village from Kaza?

No public bus is available between Kaza and Dhankar. However, you can get the Kaza bus to Shimla at 07.30 AM. Leave that bus at Schichling and then either hire a vehicle or try walking to Dhankar village. There is another bus at 02.30 PM from Kaza to Chango that you can board up to Schichling. Homestays are available in Dhankar Village.

How to Reach Tabo Village from Kaza?

There are two buses in a day from Kaza to Tabo. One is the Kaza bus at 07.30 AM and another one is at 02.30 PM. Both the buses drop you at Tabo village. If you are entering in Spiti Valley from Reckong Peo side, then it is better to visit Tabo (may be Dhankar also) before going to Kaza.

How to Travel to Chandra Taal from Spiti Valley?

You can catch a bus at 05.00 AM to Manali. The bus drops you at Batal. From there, either walk to Chandra Taal or arrange a hired transport. Coordinate with the bus conductor in advance, so that he could pick you the next day from the same spot, if you want to go back to Kaza. You can also get Manali bus on the next day from Batal.

Hitchhiking and walking is quite common in Spiti Valley. The bus services are limited to only one during the whole day, therefore most of the people use hired vehicle to explore the region. Shared jeeps are available, but they operate as per the needs of the local villagers. They typically bring village people in the morning to Kaza Market and return in the evening to their respective villages.

If you travel to Spiti Valley and find any information in this post as outdated, please drop a comment with the latest information. This will help us to keep it up to date for the benefits of other travellers.

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This Post Has 44 Comments

Hi Just need to know the following :

If one needs to do the entire circuit – Shimla – Kaza – Lasar – Manali in their own vehicle how much minimum days it requires (a relaxing trip)???

What should be the stop over points where a good homestay / hotels will be available for night stay ?? As wish to drive only in day time from 10 AM to 6 PM – 7 PM type with leisure.

10 days..starting from shimla side…. stop over points can be shimla.. narkanda… kalpa…nako…. kaza… manali….. check hotel sites for accurate booking information. and yes.. its adventure trip… please expect less of leisure… if you wish leisure please add more days 🙂

Hi, I’m from Bangalore. I wish to road trip from shimla to kaza ( via kullu, manali, rohtang pass). Journey date is from 30 June to 10 July, 2014. I would like you to know that this is my first road trip up north and its gonna be two of us. So gotta few queries and i would be really grateful for ur suggestions

1: Are the roads open during June- july ?? and a stupid question- are they motorable ?? weather ?? 2: Which mode of transport do u suggest ?? i am not into prospect of riding a bike…. i wish to hire a jeep to drive through… is it possible ?? IF so where can i get vehicles for hire ? 3: Any places on the way or deviations to explore ? 4: After kaza im not sure whether to track back in same route or got through rekong peo, rampur and shimla 5: Are there any places for stopover except the one i mentioned before ( do i need backpacks and supplies )??

Hi, I will be able to solve your queries:

1: Are the roads open during June- july ?? and a stupid question- are they motorable ?? weather ??

There is heavy snowfall in the area last week, so the road opening is delayed, but it is expected to open by the time of your trip. The roads are not in very good conditions, but of course, they are motorable and challenging one. You should really have a brave heart to negotiate with that. Last year, there was heavy rain in the same period, but Spiti falls in rain shadow zone, provided that you cross the Kunzum Pass without any difficulty.

2: Which mode of transport do u suggest ?? i am not into prospect of riding a bike…. i wish to hire a jeep to drive through… is it possible ?? IF so where can i get vehicles for hire ?

Yes, you can hire a vehicle (mostly Gypsy) in manali or any other vehicle from Delhi. Cost is a factor in this case.

3: Any places on the way or deviations to explore ?

Yes, while moving from Manali to Kaza, you can take one day detour to the beautiful Chandartal Lake (vehicle may or may not reach there, so it needs some trekking also), near Losar/Kunzum Pass.

4: After kaza i m not sure whether to track back in same route or got through rekong peo, rampur and shimla.

If you hire the vehicle in Manali, better to return back via Manali, but if you hire a vehicle from Delhi, then you can come via Peo, Rampur and Shimla. You will be able to cover all these beautiful places also.

5: Are there any places for stopover except the one i mentioned before ( do i need backpacks and supplies )??

Decide your rough itinerary, then we will think about the possible stop-overs.

Have a nice trip.

Hi Thank you for sharing your travelogue. The information and the posts are very informative and helpful and I am glad it comes up as the very first search result on google!

I am planning to take benefit from a long off I have starting 10th April. I have 5 days in my hand and I was thinking of doing a solo drive till Spiti and be back by 14th evening. I plan to go completely unprepared (except a backpack, tent and a sleeping bag) and play it by the ear. Doable? I have quite an energy to drive extended hours, i just want to avoid night driving. Do you perceive any challenge/risk/safety issues (considering this will be a solo travel) ? Or would you recommend that i take public transport or do it another time?

The ides is just to be out for a few days and Spiti has been a place i had been wanting to go for a long time.

Thanks Akhilesh

Hi Akhilesh, you can do it alone and there is no problem. But there are still lot of roads are under snow in Spiti, after Nako. Some of my friends went there last month up to Kaza on their bikes. They successfully negotiated with the snow. Assessment is now on you. Driving there is tough, as it is featured among one of the most dangerous roads in the world. But, then lot of people do this and its an ultimate fun. Have a great trip.

Thanks! A question that comes up is if there is enough traffic after Reckong Peo in the event one needs a bit of help? Or the ‘Kaza bus’ is one of the very few vehicles to be seen?

Just went through a weather forecast and it looks like it will be freezing cold in spiti over the next 7-10 days. True?

Traffic is very rare on this route. You can say 4-5 vehicles on one hour. The weather will be favorable only after the end of May.

I appreciate your efforts, time and patience for creating this blog which gives so much information for travel enthusiasts. I am grateful.

My friend and I are planning to travel to Spiti from Delhi (May 3 to May 8)may 9th, we need to be back in Delhi. from your blog, I understand we need to take the Shimla – Kinnaur Route as the other route will be closed. After reading the contents here, we are planning to take a public transport to Shimla and then move to Reckong Peo in another public transport. We plan to stay in Reckong Peo for a night and then move to kaza next day. Any places we could cover in between? Do you think its doable starting from Delhi on May 3rd(late afternoon) and could we reach Delhi on 8th May?

Thanks so much in advance,

Hi Naina, if you start in late afternoon on May 3 from Delhi, then you can’t catch morning bus (May 4) from Reckong Peo to Kaza. So, if you reach Reckong Peo on 4th Morning, spend that day at Kalpa. Start from Peo on 5th Morning and you will be at Kaza by evening. Hire a cab and explore Kibber Village, Kye Monastery and Dhankar Village, all three on 6th May and try to reach Tabo by late evening. Its doable. On 7th Morning, explore Tabo Monastery and catch 9 AM bus to Reckong Peo. You will reach Delhi on 8th Afternoon. Its very hectic, but this is the only way to do this. Else, leave Spiti for another trip of longer duration. Try to explore Kalpa, Chhitkul, Sangla Valley, Sarhan and Narkanda in this 5-days trip.

Thanks Much. We really wanna see Spiti and nothing else :(, so now even if its gonna be hectic we are certainly gonna do it. How about the other route via Manali ? Do you think if there are chances of that being open during first week of May?

Thank you, Naina

Manali-Kaza route will not be open by the first week of May, so only option is Shimla-Kaza route. As I told earlier, its hectic, but doable. You can go ahead. Have a great trip. 🙂

Very Informative!

I am panning a trip to Lahaul Spiti valley as under:

27th Aug 2014: Delhi to Shimla(overnight bus) 28th Aug 2014:Shimla to Reckong Peo by bus 29th Aug 2014:Reckong Peo to Tabo by bus 30th Aug 2014- 5th Sept 2014 : Spiti Left Bank trek 6th Sept 2014: drive and trek to chandratal 7th Sept 2014 :drive(bus or shared taxi) to manali, overnight Manali to Delhi

Is this doable in the time frame?

Any specific advice you would like to provide?

Hi, your plan looks perfect. Its very much doable. What do you mean by Spiti Left Bank trek? is it the trek from Dhankar to Kibber? If yes, then better to do in the reverse order. I didn’t trek, but I heard that from Kibber to Dhankar, its easier to trek in comparison to Dhankar-Kibber direction.

Thanks for your reply.

My plan for Spiti Left Bank trek is as under: Poh-Dhankar-Lalung-Demul-Langza-Kibber-Ladarcha-Kiato.

I decided this way to get better acclimatization Poh being at 3300m and Langza 4300m.

In case , I decide the route you have suggested, then should I take the Delhi Manali route, do the Chandratal trek and then head for Kiato for the 7 day trek? Is it possible to do the Chandratal trek in one day from Manali and head to Kiato the same evening? What mode of transportation is available back from Chandratal to Kiato in the evening or next day early morning. In case we need to do a camping at Chandratal lake for the night how much time will it take to rach the nearest road point to get a vehicle for Kiato?

Ending the trek we can forward to Tabo-Reckong Peo and Shimla.

Thanks in advance!

Hi, if you wish to go from Manali side, then catch the morning 5 AM bus from Manali to Kaza. It will drop you at Batal (6 hours from Manali) or Losar (30 kms further from Batal after passing Kunzum Pass). From both the places, you have to arrange a hitch-hike from local people going towards Chandratal ( vehicles go at least upto 3 kms before Chandratal). Otherwise, its a 12-kms trek from Batal and 14-kms from Losar. Next day, early morning, you can get various jeeps from Batal/Losar going towards Kiato and further onwards to Kaza.

Hi, Thank you so much for your inputs. Your blogs are really very helpful.

Hello, very well written. I’m going to Spiti next month (April) via Delhi – Shimla – Peo – Kaza route with overnight stays at Shimla & Peo. What is your thought on this? And also any info about bus availability in this route during April? I’m on a shoe-string budget, so I plan to take bus only. I have a small backpack with a laptop and a camera. Can this be easily carried in ordinary buses?

Thanks in advance. Keep writing dear!

Hi John, one of my friend just returned last week from Kaza after a bike ride. The road from Tabo to Kaza is covered of snow, but they were able to complete their ride. The whole Spiti Valley is covered under a layer of snow these days. Hope it will be less by April, as summer is approaching. Shimla-Kaza route is open and Buses are available on the route as mentioned in this post. Planning a night halt at Shimla and then Peo is good choice. While staying in Peo, if you have time, do visit Kalpa (6 kms), Sangla and Chhitkul (One day excursion). They are really beautiful. You can carry your backpack with a laptop and camera. Just keep them at appropriate place inside the bus to avoid discomfort. People are honest, so don’t worry about theft, but do keep a watch on your bag. Spiti is totally amazing. You will love it. Have a nice trip.

Hi Dear – this is an excellent article, stumbled up on it when researching for a trip to Spiti in late March.

I am planning to be in Kaza on the 23rd of March. I will arrive in Delhi on the 21st – was planning to take the overnight bus in to Shimla (either HP roadways or the HPTDC bus – which one would you recommend)

When I reach Shimla the next day morning (22nd, 7 AM?) will there be any buses leaving directly to Kaza through Peo? If there is one and I do take it, what time on the 23rd will I possibly reach Kaza?

My return flight from Delhi is tentatively on the 30th of March (8 PM) with an option to extend by one more day. When do you think I should plan to leave Kaza to make it in time for my flight on the 30th?

Also, what is the scene in Shimla or in Peo with regards to private taxis. Will they be available during this season and if yes, what do they typically charge?

I would be very grateful if you could respond.

Hi Ajith, Thanks. You can book any bus, HRTC or HPTDC. Both are good Volvo buses, but HRTC is Rs. 80 cheaper. and, I don’t think, you will be able to get a bus from Shimla to Kaza directly in the morning. Those buses from Shimla generally depart in the evening. Better to take a bus to Peo and make a night halt there (22nd Night). Then, Catch an early bus to Kaza from Peo, and you will be able to reach Kaza by 0400 PM on 23rd.

You need 24 hours to travel from Kaza to Shimla and then 12 hours to Delhi. So better to leave Kaza by 28th Morning Bus, to avoid any en-route delay. This is still a high time for the snow. You can expect road-blocks due to snow. You can also leave Kaza on 29th Morning to reach Delhi by 30th Evening. Please note down the contact number of Shimla Roadways Bus Stand (01772658765) and Reckong Peo Roadways Bus Stand (01786222444). You can speak with them to get a better idea of the bus schedule.

Direct Taxis are available from Shimla as well as from Peo, but I don’t have any idea of the charges. I didn’t use them.

Have a nice trip. 🙂

Many thanks for the response and the details 🙂 Much appreciated! I will ensure that I come back and post an update after my trip.

wow. i will be backpacking around northern India. i will be flying in to Kolkata next week.then work my way west then north.. i plan to go to Kaza upong seeing beautiful photos ive seen just now. i hope the plan works out though. i f you can travel earlier.maybe we can travel together..i will be there 1st or 2nd week of March =)

From the limited knowledge I have, early March it would still be snowing up there in the hills. So please plan for a few days extra to factor in weather-related travel changes. I wish I could have joined you, but unfortunately I will not be able to make it up there any time earlier than 22nd March due to quite a lot of commitments. Avanish has already shared quite a bit of information about buses in this post and in response to my question. Hopefully they are useful for you. If I hear anything else, I will be sure to let you know. Meanwhile, have a great trip to India and keep us posted on how your trip to Kaza goes.

cheers Ajith

Hi, as mentioned earlier, I managed to complete my trip to Kaza and am writing this from the Delhi airport. It took me all of 2 days to return from Kaza (started journey back on the morning of 28th). I got a seat on a shared taxi at Kaza as bus service was temporarily suspended. You can find taxis next to the main bus stand in Kaza. My taxi took me only until Reckong Peo (started journey at 7.30 AM and reached Peo only at 6 PM due to a 3-hr landslide delay just 20 kms short of Peo). The fare for the taxi cab was INR 1000. From Peo, managed to get a bus on the same evening to Rampur where I halted for the night. Reached Rampur at around 11.30 PM after a 5 hour journey through some of the worst roads on the planet! Bus fare – INR 300.

From Rampur onwards back to Shimla there are plenty of options. I personally took a private taxi and finished the ride to Shimla in about 4 hours.

In the mountains, its always good to have a buffer of 6-7 hours as landslides are quite common and can put a spanner in the works. The usual refrain is that it will get fixed in 1/2 hour, but very rarely does 🙂

Hope this helps.

Amazing amazing information. I am planning to go till kaza from delhi via govt buses in 3 days. December 😀 and reside in pwd and Frh(last year i had been till kalpa and sangla valley same time by local buses). my prefer stops are : Delhi(isbt) —- Sarhan(temple, i can reach at 3 pm till here no issues) —–then problem is how to reach Nako second day—–Then to Tabo—-then to Kaza (or i am thinking to hire a car at tabo to roam full day dhakar, kaza, ki kiber and back till eveng to Tabo) —-then to Peo(if from kaza, if from tabo then to shimla)—-Shimla—-Delhi. please please guide me fast. I have just 3 days to go. I need exact matching bus timings etc and can i able to do this. Sunny

Hi Sunny..Do you really wish to plan this journey to Kaza and back to Delhi in 3 days only? That’s the worst thing I can imagine as a traveller. If you don’t have more time then go to another place. Very frankly, in 3 days it is not possible. You can reach Sarhan by 3 PM in a single day. But you can’t do Nako, Tabo, Kaza, Dhankar etc in a single day and again return back to Delhi on the third day. All these journeys are subjected to weather as well as road conditions, that too in this winter season. There are only one or two public buses in a day between two points and if you missed any, then you have to wait till next day. I suggest you to do it in at least 7 days. Go somewhere else in 3 days. Rest is on you. Have a nice trip.

Hi thanks for reply and pardon me for my outstanding English 🙂 I meant that I am planning to move from delhi after 3 days or so. And I would be having a week to travel. But i have inquired about stay at Nako, and everyone is shut, pwd is not answering. Even not sure about Tabo and Kaza . So. I finally decided to move to Malana and Pulga in parvati valley.

Then its really cool..If you are now planning to go Parvti Valley, its good…Otherwise, once you will be on the road, you can always find someone to accommodate you in the night, even in Nako, Tabo or Kaza. By the way, have you been to the places like Kausani, Gwaldam and Ranikhet? They are also very nice for the winter season and can be covered in a week trip. 🙂

No I have not been to these places. Will surely try sometime. Btw thank you for lovely info 🙂

Well written , but unfortunately no time to explore Alas! may be some day i will look into your blog and plan

hi , excellent info,but i need a bit more please. in october is any bus service to pin valley?namely mud and gungri. what about mane gogma-again from kaza, thanks mate .

Yes, you can get a shared jeep from Kaza to Pin Valley in October also, probably up to Mud village. and I didn’t see any bus going to Pin Valley from Kaza. No idea of Man Gogma. 🙂

Well written… very helpful.. this is what I was looking for. thanks brother.

But I found one point missing and that is how to travel from KAZA to spiti valley? Also I am planning to go there in september mid, is it the right time for this manali route??

Thanks for liking it Bro..regarding missing point…What do you mean by Spiti Valley? Can you tell me any specific location, where you want to travel?..Kaza is a part of the valley, in fact, most important town of Spiti Valley. Other places in valley includes Dhankar, Kibber, Kye, Tabo, Demul, Komik etc..So, these all are part of that valley only. So, if you want to know about any particular place, then let me know..I will be happy to help you. Enjoy..Take care. 🙂

Sorry for not putting up my question correctly basically I wanted to know how can one visit all the places in Spiti valley? suppose if I want to go to Dhankar or tabo or any other place in the spiti valley, what is the mode of transport? Also I am planning to go there in september mid, is it the right time for this manali route??

Mid September is a good time, no problem on that..Basic mode of transport between the villages of Spiti Valley is the private cab..Public transport is very less, only one bus goes in a day from Kaza to Kye and Kibber and that comes back next day..Similarly, two public buses between Kaza and Tabo..and so on..Alternate option is to try a hitch-hike, you may obliged easily and even you can try trek to some places to save money on private cab…Please go through my other posts on Spiti Valley. There is total 7 posts on the places in Spiti Valley.

Information provided by in the article is valuable thanks I was going to spiti but stranded at Sangla due to heavy rain Your article will help me in future

Avanish, you are doing a great job by putting this encyclopedia of information for the prospective travellers to the region..money saving tips are helpful

Thanks Pawan for your kind words..

I once took a 24 hr bus ride from Kaza to Shimla and promised myself never again.

Thanks for the info on the bus timings, going on a volvo to shimla will at least help me spend the night in peace.

khoob maje lo bhai jindgi ke.

really informative post for those who are planning a trip there.

Thanks Dear. This is the main purpose of this post.

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Spiti Valley Itinerary – The Perfect Detailed Guide

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Spiti Valley is a cold desert in the remote parts of Himachal Pradesh. While Himachal is known for it's greenery, you won't find much of it in Spiti. However you'll see lots of stunning landscapes and extraordinary monasteries. This Spiti Valley itinerary focuses on the practical aspects of travelling to Spiti from Delhi. You'll find the information for planning a trip to Spiti Valley along with the perfect Spiti Valley itinerary for 8 days that covers all major attractions.

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Table of Contents

Spiti Valley Itinerary for 8 Days

Let's be honest. Spiti, being a remote relatively unexplored land, has many unknowns. It's quite possible that you've done a whole lot of research into your Spiti Valley trip. You've gone through many websites and there is just so much to think of. Are you flustered yet? I know I was. Planning a trip to Spiti wasn't easy. While I did leave some things to chance and spontaneity, I did my research beforehand as well. That's why I've put together everything I know about Spiti in this handy little Spiti Valley itinerary for 8 days. So read on and thank me later. If you have any questions, feel free to drop a comment or send me a message on instagram (@ thespicyjourney ).

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Best Time to Visit Spiti Valley

How to reach spiti valley, shimla to spiti valley, manali to spiti valley, delhi to spiti valley, spiti valley tour cost, what to pack for spiti valley.

• Avoiding AMS during Spiti Valley trip

Renting Bikes in Kaza for a Spiti Valley Bike Trip

Spiti valley hotels, important tips for planning a spiti valley trip.

• April to June : This is the best time of the year to visit Spiti Valley . The snow has melted away and summer is just around the corner. You'll meet lots of travellers and bikers around this time.
• July to August : While it doesn't rain in Spiti Valley, it's the monsoon season in Himachal Pradesh due to which there will be frequent landslides and chances of flood in nearby places. It's best to avoid travelling during this season.
• September to October : September is a good time to visit Spiti Valley. There's no rain or snow and lesser number of people as compared to the summer season. Keep in mind though that it may start snowing anytime in October in Spiti. The road between Manali and Kaza closes when it snows so you'll have to travel via Shimla. The road between Shimla and Kaza is always open.
• November-March : These are the winter months in Spiti Valley. There will be lots of snow, the road from Manali to Kaza will be closed and there will be very few people in sight. If you're one who enjoys a challenge, you can travel to Spiti during this time.

There are two ways of entering Spiti Valley - via Shimla and via Manali. Take a look at the pros and cons of travelling to Spiti from each of these places:

This is a longer route as compared to Manali but it's open throughout the year . Moreover, the plus side is that you can visit Kinnaur valley along the way while coming from Shimla. Kalpa and Chitkul, particularly, are two places that cannot be missed. The biggest plus point for me was that when you take a trip to Spiti Valley via Shimla, you gradually climb higher. Shimla is at a height of 2276 m above sea level, Kalpa at 2960 m, Chitkul at 3480 m and finally Kaza (in Spiti) at 3800 m. Climbing to a high elevation suddenly can give you AMS (Acute Mountain Sickness) but travelling to Spiti from Shimla can help avoid it.

Must Read: Things to do in Shimla - Complete Guide

The route from Manali to Kaza is a shorter one compared to the one via Shimla however the road condition is terrible . In fact, at most stretches there aren't even roads. There are just rocks and lots of water crossings as well. There are two passes on the way - Rohtang pass and Kunzum pass which close the moment it snows . Thus you have to keep a check on the weather conditions. Another negative of this route is the problem of AMS . You will be going from 2050 m to 3800 m in a matter of 10 hours. This can be a problem for some people. If you stop at Chandrataal, you'll be at 4250 m. A lot of people come down with AMS on climbing to this height from Manali. Make sure your bike or car is in good working condition and that you are fully prepared for the crazy but beautiful road from Manali to Spiti Valley .

It's most likely that you'll be starting your journey to Spiti Valley from Delhi. You have two options before you - to either go to Shimla or Manali. There are overnight buses to both these cities. Shimla even has a railway station and an airport. If you have very little time, take an overnight bus from Delhi to Manali and cover Spiti. However, if you want to do a proper trip with 7-10 days in hand, do the Delhi to Spiti valley stretch via Shimla. The route you will be taking is Delhi-Shimla-Kinnaur-Spiti-Manali-Delhi . This is the best way to cover the best spots and enjoy a wholesome trip to Spiti valley.

The cost of a Spiti Valley tour mainly depends on two factors - the kind of accommodation you book and the means of transport. If you desire on making a budget trip to Spiti Valley then book hostels and home-stays rather than hotels. Furthermore, use the cheaper means of getting around such as local buses or even hitchhike. State run buses run through Himachal and can be used to reach Spiti Valley. In fact, there are buses within the popular places in Spiti Valley as well. Hitchhiking is another popular means of getting around Spiti Valley. Since there are many bikers who visit Spiti, it's common to hitch a ride with them. Doing all this will help you make a budget trip to Spiti.

What to pack for Spiti valley generally depends on the time of the year that you visit Spiti. If you're doing Spiti in April, there might be a little cold since the snow has just melted. You'll need a sweater and a light jacket. From May to August, regular t-shirts will be just fine. September might get a little cold so once again, carry a sweater and jacket. Whereas, if you're travelling to Spiti Valley in winter between October and March, be prepared for snow.

Keep in mind that Spiti is a cold desert. The terrain is harsh and there's a lot of dust in the air. Keep yourself covered by wearing full sleeved clothes and jeans or pants down to the ankle . Carry a face mask or buy one at a local shop. It's also advisable to carry some dry snacks in case your vehicle breaks down at the Manali-Kaza stretch or you face a landslide on the Shimla-Kaza stretch.

Avoiding AMS during Spiti Valley Trip

AMS or Acute Mountain Sickness occurs when you reach a high altitude (typically around 4000 meter) suddenly over a short span of time. This happens when you travel from a low altitude to a high one in one day. Ideally, you should gain altitude over a span of 2-3 days . This is the reason I suggest travelling to Spiti from Shimla. Some of the signs and symptoms of AMS are headache, dizziness, vomiting and diarrhoea. You can avoid AMS by taking tablets before hand . However, if you don't do that and experience AMS, there are a few solutions to help curb your problems. Keep yourself hydrated . This is the most important thing to do in Spiti - AMS or not. Keep drinking water. Drink the local seabuckthorne juice and garlic soup as well. If you don't feel well even after 12 hours, you need to get down to a lower altitude immediately and see a doctor.

Once you reach Kaza, there are 3 ways of getting around Spiti - hire a taxi cab, rent bikes or use local transport. The buses within Spiti are very few and the timings are inconvenient for sightseeing. Therefore I suggest either hiring a cab or renting bikes. You can find a range of bikes and even a scooty in Kaza. Make sure you rent one the moment you reach Kaza since this is a popular option and bikes tend to get sold out. Me and a friend rented a Royal Enfield Himalayan from the Himalayan Cafe. The price of bikes ranges from INR 1400 to 2000 depending on the type bike. A scooty will cost you around INR 700. Do note that there is only one petrol pump in Spiti which is at Kaza itself.

This itinerary assumes that you are taking the route from Shimla and Kinnaur . You can take a look at the Kinnaur Valley itinerary where all local sightseeing places and transport options are mentioned. This Spiti valley itinerary will start from Kinnaur and end in Delhi via Manali .

Day 1 - Reckong Peo to Kaza

How to reach kaza from delhi and reckong peo.

In order to reach Spiti from the Delhi-Shimla-Reckong Peo-Nako route, you need to reach Reckong Peo first. There's a direct bus from Delhi to Reckong Peo which is run by the Himachal state transport corporation. since this journey can be long and tiring, you can even break your journey at Shimla, like I did. Take an overnight bus from Delhi to Shimla then take another bus from Shimla to Reckong Peo the same morning or the next morning.

Next, you can either roam around Kinnaur Valley or head straight to Spiti Valley i.e. Kaza.

Whether you're coming from Reckong Peo or Nako in Kinnaur, you can take the same bus that leaves Reckong Peo at 5 am for Kaza . This bus goes to Kaza via Nako and reaches in around 10 hours.

Must Read: Delhi Travel Guide

How to Reach Kaza from Manali

While I personally don't recommend starting your Spiti trip from Manali, if that's how you're going to do it, you need to keep certain things in mind. Firstly, be prepared to avoid AMS. Keep yourself hydrated and take a tablet as a preventive measure. Secondly, choosing the right mode of transport is very important. Don't take the Himachal state run buses (which I highly recommend on any other route) because this route is treacherous and the chances of getting stuck somewhere are high. Due to this reason, I suggest booking a seat in a ride-sharing jeep or mini bus. This ensures comfort and speed even though it costs more than a bus ride. Just ask around the Manali bus stand for jeeps to Kaza and book a seat one day in advance.

Where to Stay in Kaza

The view from a private room in Zostel Kaza

There's no shortage of hotels in Kaza. Since it's the capital of Spiti, Kaza has lots of hotels, home-stays, and hostels. I stayed at Zostel Kaza aka Zostel Spiti. It's located close to the market as well as the bus stand. Moreover, it's a big property with lots of open space and incredible views of the river and landscape. I stayed here throughout my trip to Spiti valley. They have dorm rooms, comfortable private rooms, alpine tents and regular tents. The staff was really helpful and I couldn't recommend this place enough!

Check availability at Zostel Kaza on Booking.com

Day 2 - Chicham, Kibber, Key

Start your first day of local sightseeing in Spiti on bike (or scooty or cab or hitchhiking) by visiting some close-by places.

Chicham Bridge

How would you like to be standing on Asia's highest bridge ? That's Chicham bridge for you. Chicham bridge in Spiti Valley is a small yet hauntingly beautiful bridge located less than an hour's ride from Kaza. The road to get here is pretty good by Spiti standards and the landscape is so stunning. Reach here early in the morning before 9 am to beat the crowds and get a picture of the empty bridge.

Kibber is a charming little village near Chicham and Kee. The terrain here is unbelievable. Once you get over how beautiful that is, you'll be stuck admiring the beauty of the village. Each house has the same whitewashed walls with a maroon roof and the same blue and white pattern on it. Once you have visited Chicham, Kibber and Kee, you can either spend the night at the basic rooms in Kee Monastery or stay at Kibber itself. There's a ZostelX property here with great views.

Kee Monastery (Ki Monastery)

Kee Monastery (also spelled as Ki Monastery) is one of the most marvellous works of mankind that I have ever seen. While you ride from Kaza towards Kee, you'll see the monastery looming at a distance. Just watching it from far will give you goosebumps. The monastery is almost 800 years old and still standing strong. You can walk around, sit in the prayer hall and talk to the monks about the history of Kee monastery. You can wrap up for the day either by staying at Kee or Kibber. I suggest staying the night at one of these places because Langza, Hikkim and Komic (which you will visit the next) are at a higher altitude. You need one more day to get acclimated in order to avoid AMS.

Day 3 - Langza, Hikkim, Komic

From Kee or Kibber, make your way to Langza. You'll have to take the road to Kaza and find the diversion for Langza which is just before the Kaza city limits while coming from the Kee/ Kibber side.

Langza is a high-altitude village with views to die for! The scanty little village is identified by the massive Buddha statue at the top. You'll notice this statue as the backdrop for many night photographs. While a lot of people choose to stay at Langza, I found Komic village (descibed below) to be much more beautiful and decided to spend the night there.

Hikkim is a place that must be on your Spiti valley itinerary because it's home to the world's highest post office at 4440 meter. You can buy postcards from the old man selling them on the road when you reach Hikkim or from the cafe/ store right opposite the post office. Keep in mind there's no connectivity here so make sure you get the addresses of your loved ones beforehand. Sending postcards from the world's highest post office in Hikkim is truly a unique and fulfilling experience!

Komic is a remote high-altitude village in Spiti. The Tangyud monastery is the predominant landmark here. This beautiful monastery can be found at the highest point in Komic village. There's a cafe called Spiti Organic Cafe located near the monastery that serves delicious local food. Try the Spiti shahi thali at this cafe if you're looking for authentic local food make from locally grown ingredients in Spiti. You can spend the night at the Not On Maps property which is located right above this cafe.

Check availability at Not On Maps Komic on Booking.com

Must Read: Places to Visit in Dharamshala and McLeodganj

Day 4 - Dhankar and Tabo

There's a direct road which will take you from Komic to Dhankar without having to go via Kaza. This route will also take you through small relatively lesser known villages.

Dhankar is one of the most extraordinary places I've seen during my Spiti trip. This unbelievable village is perched high on a cliff. It makes you marvel at ancient architectural practices of building homes and monastery by placing them within mountains. In Dhankar, you can visit the Dhankar Gompa , the old monastery and hike to the Dhankar lake . The lake is at a higher altitude than Dhankar village. While I didn't do the hike myself, I was told it's a relatively easy one.

Take the road that goes down from Dhankar to Sichling. It's one of the best stretches of road in all of Spiti. From Sichling, ride for over an hour to reach Tabo. Tabo is one of the places that people either love or dislike - there's no in-between. I, myself, absolutely loved this place. In Tabo you'll find the Kalchakra Stupa with a phenomenal backdrop of barren mountains. There are two monasteries in the same complex - the new and old Tabo monastery . While the new monastery is beautiful, the old monastery is breathtakingly serene and peaceful. With intricate hand-painted walls and a delicate structure, it immediately became my all-time favourite monastery. You'll easily find lots of hotels and home-stays near Tabo monastery to spend the night.

Day 5 - Pin Valley

Now coming to the most striking places in all of Spiti. I met a lot of travellers who skipped Pin valley during their Spiti trip but I urge you to include this place in your Spiti valley itinerary. Now, I didn't get good enough pictures of Pin Valley due to the direction of the sun while we rode here in the evening but I assure you it's the most divine place in all of Spiti. While we were riding to Pin valley, both me and my friend agreed at some parts that it felt like we were in Scotland. Whereas at some other stretches, there were grassy mountains on one side, a river flowing down and a long empty stretch of road ahead of us. Nothing can describle the feeling of being there in that moment.

Mudh Village - Pin Valley

We rode right to Mudh village in Pin valley. The sun had almost set by the time we reached here. There are around 8-10 hotels and home stays on the main road of the village. Some of the good ones we saw were Tara Guest House and Pin Parvati Guest House . Due to lack of availability, we ended up at another home stay just between these two. The stays in this village are very basic and almost all of them have a shared washroom only. So be prepared accordingly. Coming to food, the restaurant at Tara guest house had phenomenal food. We had both dinner and breakfast here itself.

Day 6 - Kaza

Spend your last day at Spiti valley by coming back to Kaza, doing local sightseeing and shopping for souvenirs. The Kaza monastery is an impressive structure that can be seen even from far away. Don't miss out on visiting this one. Next, go to the market near the bus stand where you'll find lots of shops selling flags, key-chains, stickers, fridge magnets and the likes. You can take these back home for friends and family.

Buying Tickets : Kaza to Manali

There are 4 ways of going from Kaza to Manali - hired cab, traveller bus, shared taxi and government bus. Obviously having your own taxi is convenient but it's not cost-effective. Taking a bus is the cheapest option but it can be an exhausting journey that starts way too early in the morning. On the other hand, the shared taxi can get quite crammed up. The best option that I found to go from Kaza to Manali was those little tempo-traveller buses. You get comfortable seats and the cost is quite decent. You can find booking counters near the Kaza bus stand. Come here one day prior to your journey to make a booking.

Day 7 - Manali

You'll start your journey from Kaza at 6 in the morning and reach Manali in 10-12 hours depending on the road conditions. Spend a night (or more) rejuvenating and enjoying getting  back cellular connectivity in Manali! I based myself in Old Manali for a few days, staying at Zostel Manali and Alt Life Manali, enjoying the Old Manali vibes. Take a look at this complete Manali travel guide that I've put together based on my 2 visits to Manali.

Check availability at Zostel Old Manali on Booking.com

Day 8 - Delhi

Once you've explored Manali, take an overnight bus to Delhi. You'll find government as well as private buses plying from Manali to Delhi. I took a CabIndia Volvo semi-sleeper AC bus. They provided a blanket in the bus and the journey went quite smoothly.

Must Read: Top 8 Instagrammable Spots in Delhi

During your Spiti Valley trip, Kaza will be your base. From Kaza, you will either be taking day trips of spending a night at father places. In any case, Kaza is the capital of Spiti which has plenty of hotels, home-stays and hostels. Moreover, the only petrol pump in Spiti is located in Kaza itself. During my trip to Spiti Valley, I stayed in Zostel Kaza and moved around Spiti from there. In most other places in Spiti, you'll find family-run home-stays which are not available online. When you reach a place, ask around, see a home-stay for yourself and stay there.

Even after you've planned the perfect Spiti Valley itinerary for 8 days or any number of days and you've read the best Spiti Valley guides, you still need to be prepared. Spit Valley is unlike any other place I've seen before. The landscape and the weather conditions can be unforgiving at times. For this reason, take a look at some of the important tips for planning a Spiti Valley trip:

• Keep buffer days . No matter what the season is - winter, monsoon or just after monsoon, there's always a chance of roads being closed. The Manali-Kaza route is notoriously infamous for it's bad conditions. If even one vehicle breaks down or gets stuck, every vehicle behind it gets stuck. Chances of landslides are also very high For this reason, always keep atleast 1 buffer day in case you get stuck on some road.
• Carry water and snacks . Coming back to the previous point, since there's always a chance of getting stuck somewhere, be prepared for this scenario by always carrying water and light snacks such as chocolates, snack bars or biscuits with you.
• Don't litter . While this is a general advice that should be taken no matter where you go, Spiti, in particular, is a remote place where managing waste is extremely difficult. It's crucial for visitors to realise this and do their best to prevent littering.
• Carry your own water bottle . To avoid generating plastic waste during your Spiti Valley trip, carry your own water bottle and keep refilling it as you go.
• Stay hydrated and avoid alcohol . One of the ways to prevent getting affected by AMS (Acute Mountain Sickness) is to keep yourself hydrated by drinking water at regular intervals. Moreover, refraining from drinking alcohol will prevent dehydration thus reducing the chances of getting inflicted by AMS.

Did You Enjoy this Spiti Valley Itinerary for 8 Days?

Did you enjoy reading this article detailing a Spiti Valley itinerary for 8 days? If yes, take a look at my other articles on Himachal Pradesh . Also, make sure you follow me on my social media handles ( Instagram , Facebook , Pinterest ) to stay up to date with information on more such hot places.

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Thanks for sharing this article! Very informative!

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Road Trips From Delhi to Spiti Valley – The Cold Desert Mountain Valley

  If you love nature and are always awed by its charisma, then we are sure Spiti Valley would be on your wish list for your next trip. The valley that lies amidst Himachal Pradesh and Tibet boundary is a one of a kind destination being a cold desert in India. The picturesque place is influenced by both Indian culture and Tibetan beliefs. You can actually see lots of flags swaying in the air here, and locals chanting their prayers softly while working. Influenced by the Buddhist spirituality, it’s actually a pretty peaceful and attractive destination to visit.

Important Information

• Total distance on road from Delhi — the distance between Delhi to Spiti Valley is 726.2 Km.
• Time required to complete the journey — approximately 17 hours
• Best time to travel — The best time to travel and visit the Spiti Valley is permissible and possible throughout the year (even during the snow). But we may suggest you to visit when they have a slightly warmer climate – that is, from March to June.  

Road conditions and routes from Delhi to Spiti Valley

A road trip from Delhi to Spiti Valley can be possible through two routes.

1. Delhi< Shimla< Spiti Valley  

The main advantage of taking this route is that you’ll get a slightly better and maintained road. Though you’ll face some dirty and slushy roads in between, that’s only a part of the roadway that has to be crossed to reach Spiti Valley.

2. Delhi< Manali< Spiti Valley  

This road isn’t recommended if you are not too keen on adventure and risks. The road is very patchy and dangerous, which makes it prone to high cases of landslides as well. But some adventurous travellers do prefer this way to get the adrenaline rush during their travel.  

10 Best Places to Visit in Delhi to Spiti Valley Journey 

There are some famous and outstanding places to visit in Delhi to Spiti Valley road trip, and must do stopovers and night stays. Before you start the journey, jot down a list of things to do in the Spiti Valley road trip. Let’s help you to create a list!

• Overnight Stay at Sangla
• Strolling the Markets in Kaza
• Hikkim and Langza
• A Tour of The Chandratal lake
• Trekking at Narkanda
• Chitkul Farms
• Mountain Viewing of Kalpa

1. Overnight Stay at Sangla

Start from Delhi towards Shimla through Kufri and Narkanda. You can descend towards Sutlej valley (which is in itself a wonderful place), and move towards Rampur — which is located on the Indo-Tibet highway. You can also catch the sight of some remarkable and large hydroelectric projects on your way at the district of Kinnaur. An overnight stay at Sangla can be a nice decision to take during this journey.

From Sangla you can head towards Chitkul, the last village before Tibet. You can get once in a lifetime view of some alluring Pine trees near the Baspa River while travelling in this route. You can also visit the famous Mata Mandir when in this area. You can head towards Karcham from here to Kalpa to watch the famous Kinner/ Kinnaur Kailash ranges, which has a rock that is 70 feet high and resembles a Shivlinga.

3. Strolling the markets in Kaza

You can also stopover at Kaza –the headquarters of Spiti. You should enjoy their local food, traditional market and a wonderful view when you are in this area. The most salient feature of travelling via road is to experience the life and culture of the people of the area – a stopover at Kaza would enrich you that way.

4. Hikkim and Langza

When you have crossed the highest motorable road towards Hikkim, don’t miss to view the world’s biggest post office here. From here you can move toward Langza, where your eyes shall get rivetted to the magical snow-clad peaks and virgin beauty of nature. You can even take some cool pictures around the largest Buddha statue built at Langza before moving forward.

5. A Tour of The Chandratal lake

The famous Moon Lake or Chandra Tal would be in your way as you move along the Kibber Chicham bridge, which is again an iconic bridge of around 4300 metres. You can then take a stop near the Chandrabha ranges, from where you can get the ideal view of the spectacular Moon lake.

Who could resist Manali when it comes on your way towards Spiti Valley?! The town is famous for its exotic beauty, some absolutely lovely mountains and lots of Buddhist temples.

7. Trekking at Narkanda

You would have heard a lot about Narkanda. It’s a mesmerising 7 km long trek to reach the Hatu peak, which is said to be the tallest peak in this entire place with a height of 11150 feet. There are lots of temples, lakes and farms to be explored and viewed in this region.

8. Chitkul Farms

The Chitkul farms or orchards come in your way towards your drive to the Spiti valley, which is actually very famous. Just don’t miss checking the Tibetan wood carving centre and Bering Nag temple when you are here.

9. Mountain Viewing of Kalpa

Along your way, you can stopover to view the Kinnaur Kailash peaks and apple orchards at Chakka village when in Kalpa. Also, their local markets and traditional food is something that you should definitely try.

Ice skating at Kufri, the most beautiful place and a popular honeymoon destination at Himachal Pradesh, is certainly a must on your list of stopover destinations during your journey. Apart from skiing, you wouldn’t be able to lift your gaze off the snow-clad mountains and enchanting views here.

FAQ About Spiti Valley Road Trip

We know you are tempted and keen to embark on this beautiful journey, but still have some doubts. So, let’s clear them all by checking the answers to the Common queries about the Spiti Valley road trip listed below:

Q.1. How long does it take to reach Kaza?  

Ans. Around 8-12 hours including a sleepover Shimla.

Q.2. Do we require a permit to enter the Spiti Valley?  

Ans. For non residential Indians, yes! And if you are coming from Delhi and are an Indian, just a regular inquiry would allow you in.

Q.3. What ranges of temperature can we expect during the drive ? 

Ans. Anywhere between 20-25 degree centigrade during summer days and 18-20 degree centigrade during the night. And 11-13 degrees centigrade during winter days and as low as -12 to -22 during nights.

Q.4. What accommodation options are available at Spiti Valley?  

Ans. Hotel, lodges and rooms are available in the valley for the comfort of the travellers.

It would be an understatement if we said that the road trip from Delhi to Spiti Valley would be great. It would actually be fantastic and worth cherishing your entire life. Make the trip a relaxed and trouble-free one by choosing the self drive car rental services of Revv.

Must Read: Best Night Out Places in Delhi

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Ultimate Guide to a road trip to Spiti: 5 minute read

A road trip to Spiti is the stuff of dreams. It boasts of some of the most remote panoramas in the world and some of the highest villages of the world. But it is the visions of monasteries perched on hills and barren nothingness that will leave your eyes reeling with wonder. After our self-drive road trip to Ladakh from Delhi NCR a few years ago we had always wanted to drive to Spiti valley, and glad we could do so this year!

Here is EVERYTHING you need to plan a road trip to Spiti including a day-by-day itinerary. Hope it helps you plan this trip for yourself 🙂

Best time to go on a Road Trip to Spiti

The best months are summer months as all hotels and restaurants are open and most places are accessible. If you are driving yourself avoid monsoon months & extreme winter months (although the landscapes are insanely gorgeous at this time). Try to go during summer months (April-July) or autumn (October-November). There are 2 routes to get to Spiti Valley – one is via Shimla and Kinnaur, and the other via Manali and Kunzum Pass. The route via Manali closes in winter months (usually by end October or Early November). Even in summer months when this route is open, it’s advisable to go via Shimla/Kinnaur side to acclimatise to the altitude and come back via the Manali route.

Cost of a road trip to Spiti

If you are driving yourself from Delhi NCR, then expect to spend around INR 15000 on fuel and tolls for the entire circuit. In addition, expect to spend approximately INR 4000 for mid-range accommodation + meals per night of stay. This cost will vary slightly depending on the hotels you choose. In terms of meals, there aren’t many options around, so the cost of meals & groceries stays constant. So an 8 day road-trip to Spiti from Delhi NCR cost us around INR 47000.

You can also take group tours from Shimla or Manali if you enjoy travelling in a group with other solo travellers. Make sure you check the places you will be staying at and the itinerary before paying for group trips.

Connectivity in Spiti

Wifi is, at best, patchy on this roadtrip to Spiti. Make sure you have lots of data and an Airtel or Jio connection as both those networks work very well in most large villages and towns . Good 3G & 4G connections in hubs like Kalpa, Kaza etc ensure you are well connected, even in remote places.

What to pack for a road trip to Spiti

In addition to your regular clothes and shoes, we would suggest packing the following items for your road trip to Spiti as this is a remote destination & infrastructure isn’t the best

• A good quality gimbal for your phone helps in getting better photos & videos. This is the one we use right now – would definitely recommend it
• Good sunscreen that offers SPF 50 protection. Here is the link to the one both of us used on this trip
• A hydrating serum for your skin. I packed this one and loved it
• Your favourite heavy-duty lotion or cream – I’ve been using this one for years 
• A high-quality lip balm as lips tend to get very dry and a comfortable lip tint that goes with every outfit – Revlon’s Sultry is an old favourite of mine . It’s perfect for most Indian skin-tones
• Waterproof hiking/ snow boots
• First-aid kit wand a medicine like Diamox for altitude sickness. In all probability, you will not need this medicine as you are driving and ascending altitude gradually but it is better to go prepared
• Fully body thermals – Uniqlo Heattech thermals are a good choice – they are affordable and will keep you warm
• Toilet paper, snacks, some instant meals and instant beverages, tea bags, and some plates and cutlery. There are long stretches of road without a single shop, especially in winter, so go prepared
• Emergency kit for your car that includes a tyre inflator and puncture repair kit, battery jump start cable , towing rope, and empty 5 litre can for back-up fuel.

Road conditions & driving to Spiti

Road conditions in general are pretty good given how remote the area is. However there are some extremely narrow and unpaved stretches and all throughout lots of stretches with shooting stones, so drive carefully. We wouldn’t recommend anyone who is not extremely comfortable with hill driving in India to attempt this drive. You could opt for a group tour instead

If you do decide to plan this drive, then expect the following road conditions (experienced in November 2021)

Delhi- Solan : Excellent Solan – Rampur : Good Rampur- Wangtoo : Poor & bumpy Wangtoo – Nako : Excellent Nako- Tabo : Bad, mostly unpaved. Roads are being made right now Tabo – Kaza : Average Kaza- Langza : Bad Kaza- Key : Good Langza to Komic: Excellent but narrow Komic-Hikkim-kaza: Bad

Day by day breakdown of a road trip to Spiti

If you plan this road trip during summer you can drive to Spiti via Shimla and drive back through the Atal Tunnel and Manali. However during winter months, the latter is often snowed under. In that case you will have to drive through Shimla on your way to Spiti and on the way back too.

Day 1 : Delhi – Narkanda

Leave Delhi NCR and drive to Shimla/Narkanda. This is a comfortable, though long drive. You could spend a couple of days in this area or leave for your next stop after spending the night there

Days 2 & 3 : Narkanda – Kalpa

On this day you will drive from Narkanda to Kalpa. We would highly recommend spending at least 2 nights in Kalpa as there is a lot to see & do in the area.

There are many home-stays, cottages, and hotels in the area but we ended up staying at Hotel White Castle because it is conveniently located and offers great views from the terrace. It is supposedly the best in the area, but don’t expect too much! Rooms are basic but clean, service is good, and the view from the terrace spectacular. We paid INR 4000 for a double room, including heater & wifi

Spend your time in Kalpa exploring the Kinnaur area- drive to the iconic Suicide point, the tiny village of Roghi, and go on a short hike to drink in mountain views and panoramas

Day 4 : Kalpa to Kaza

On this day, you will drive to Kaza. Make sure you leave at the crack of dawn as this drive is not long but it is peppered with lots of sightseeing. A few places which you must explore on the way to Kaza include

• Tabo Monastery & Tabo Caves
• Dhankar Monastery (must do) If you have a couple of extra days, you could also stay in this area and hike to the gorgeous Dhankar Lake or visit Mudh & Pin Valley National Park

Days 5 & 6 : Exploring around Kaza

At the end of Day 4, you will reach Kaza, which makes for an ideal base to explore the gems of Spiti Valley.

If you visit during winter, then chances are that there will be no tap water in Kaza as water pipes tend to get frozen between November to February. Electricity is also sporadic as power cuts are common and voltage is low. We really did not like the hotel we stayed at, so we are unable to recommend it. However a couple of nice hotels in the area include Dewachen Retreat & Serakhan. Alternatively, there are a lot of homestay options in winter months.

That said, the sights in the area more than make up for these inconveniences. Spend at least 2 full days in Kaza exploring some of the best sights and drives that Spiti has to offer. Some places you must see include

• Hikkim, home to the highest post office in the world
• Langza, home to a stunning statue of Buddha and some gorgeous hikes in the area
• Key Monastery, home to a surreal monastery perched on a hilltop. You could explore the monastery, meet the monks, and even eat at the in-house cafe
• Komic, famous for being the highest village in the world

Days 7 & 8 : Driving back to Delhi

After this memorable adventure, it’s time to drive back home. You can break the journey at Rampur or Narkanda if you are driving via Shimla.

If you are driving back via Manali, then take a couple of days to enjoy the area before heading home. You must visit Chandratal Lake (saved for our next trip in summer :))

That’s it! We hope you enjoyed reading this Guide To A Road Trip in Spiti. If you have any questions or comments please leave them below and we’ll get back to you asap

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15 thoughts on “ ultimate guide to a road trip to spiti: 5 minute read ”.

Hey Savi and vid , I’m planning for my Spiti road trip end of December and I’m not sure of how to dress up in such weather conditions. Can you please help here??

Hey Mounika – do check out this video we made for dressing up for extreme winter in Ladakh, Spiti, Finland etc https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4ojxPXGlXmY

Hi, Do you recommend going around last week of Jan or 1st/2nd week of feb? We will be travelling with 2 kids, aged 2 and 9.

Hey would definitely not recommend travelling with such young kids to Spiti during winter time due to extreme temperatures and lack of infrastructure

Just wanted to pop in and say thanks for this post!

The picture shot in Roghi village has incorrect (Kinnaru) caption. 🙂

Wangtoo – Nako road stretch is not excellent. It is in bad shape in places like Shongtong and Pangi Nallah.

Hey Sonu – anytime. When we went the road was pretty decent 🙂

Hi Savi & Vid,

We are planning to visit Spiti valley in Aug -Sep 22

As you have mentioned the road conditions from Nov 21 with some roads not being good.

Can a premium hatchback TATA Altroz go on such roads ?

Pls suggest

Hey yes should be fine that time of year as most roads are usually open in August/September – though some roads can be a lil tricky due to ground clearance 🙂

Hi Savi, Spiti road trip is undoubtedly one of the best road trip experience ever. The most peaceful and serene I’d say. Your write-up made me remember my trip to Spiti 🙂

Hi Savi & Vid, I am planning this trip with my family, age group from 12-60, would the road trip and weather in June be suitable for elder members of the group?

Hey yes June should be good – but best to check closer to the time as snow melting dates differ from year to year 🙂

Hi Savi & Vid, we are planning to go to spiti from 18th june and your post was really helpful in terms of planning our trip. Just wanted to know how much travel time to expect every day while going from shimla to manali stretch and do we have any options for loo breaks on the way. I know its least to expect but just wanted to have an idea. Also do we experience any traffic through the stetch.

Hii Savi & Vid,

I wanted to go spiti via manali route and come back from the shimla route to make it more adventurous. Which months are the best to choose this circuit? Also do you have an itinerary for this route as well?

Please advice. Thank you 🙂

Thanks for the crisp and lucid information. Would you recommend to visit Spiti in Feb ? I am planning to drive in my Tata Harrier. Any special precautions to be taken ?

Best Regards

Many people do the trip in Feb as roads from Shimla side are fine (unless it snows a LOT). We’d recommend having snow chains for the tyres at that time of the year. We hear Spiti is beautiful in Feb 🙂

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Spiti valley Road Trip – The Complete & Ultimate Travel Guide

Himachal Pradesh

Last Updated on: Nov 18, 2023  

About the Blog: Spiti Valley needs no introduction in the Indian traveling circuit. With its mountains, monasteries and eccentric landscape, Spiti Valley is simply stunning. And it is a perfect place for adventurous souls. With this Spiti Valley travel guide and blog, we have tried to give you as much information about the place we could. Read it to know about the places to visit in Spiti valley and other important information that will help you plan your Spiti valley Road Trip. 

A Spiti Valley road trip or bike trip is actually a dream. The landscape changes as you travel from one region to the other, the monasteries loom in the horizon, there are rivers to cross and the stark barrenness of the land will leave you with nothing but wonder.

We had been planning our Spiti Valley road trip for a long time. The first time we visited Ladakh , I knew that I had to visit Spiti. Well, the trip happened only a few days back, but it was worth the wait.

So, if you are planning for a Spiti Valley road trip and are a bit clueless about what to do, you are in the right place. This travel guide will try to answer your most common queries about Spiti Valley and some more. Hope this helps you plan a perfect trip to Spiti Valley.

Spiti Valley You Tube Video

Oh! We have an entire series on Spiti Valley on our YouTube channel . Please have a look at that!

Spiti Valley – The Middle Land

Spiti Valley is located in the northeastern corner of Himachal Pradesh in the district of Lahaul and Spiti. The region borders Tibet in the east, Ladakh in the north, Chamba and Kullu in the west and Kinnaur Valley in the south.

For the uninitiated, Spiti and Lahaul are two distinct regions (though they are part of the Lahaul and Spiti district). Lahaul is another region centered around the town of Keylong located to the west of Spiti. As for Spiti, Kaza is the most important town of the region.

Spiti is a cold desert. Located at an altitude of between 3000 to 4600 meters, Spiti Valley is cold and barren with a beautiful and unique landscape.

Spiti Valley is also known as the Middle land. In essence, the valley of Spiti is actually a continuation of the Tibetan Plateau. Spiti is topographically and culturally similar to Ladakh in India and the Tibetan Autonomous region. Historically, the area had been a border area. The name, in Tibetan, also means “the middle land” – a place between India and Tibet.

How to Reach Spiti Valley?

Spiti Valley can be reached in two ways. One is from Shimla along the Hindustan-Tibet Highway that passes through Kinnaur Valley. Kinnaur in itself is a gorgeous destination that needs more time to explore.

You can also reach Spiti from Manali via Rohtang Pass or Atal Tunnel and Kunzum Pass. During peak season during the summer, tourists usually do a circular route starting from Shimla and exiting through Manali or vice versa. If you are planning to do a circular trip, then we recommend you enter from Shimla and exit through Manali. This helps you to acclimatize better to the increasing altitude.

Nearest Airport

The nearest airport to Spiti Valley is Bhuntar Airport in Shimla. The closest international airport is Chandigarh. Kaza is about 250 km from Bhuntar and 500 km from Chandigarh. From here, you have to get a bus or hire a car to reach Spiti Valley.

Nearest Railway Station

The nearest major railway station is Kalka Station. You can also take the mountain railways from Kalka to Shimla. From there you can either hire a car or take a bus.

Spiti Valley by Road

Whether you arrive by flight or train, the majority of your journey needs to be done on the road. For your Spiti Valley road trip, you can either hire a car with a driver or drive in your own car. You can also explore Spiti Valley on your bike. This trip is a favourite among bikers and as adventurous as a bike trip in Ladakh.

Spiti Valley from Shimla

The route from Shimla to Spiti is the longer one and requires at least a night stop at Narkanda or Kalpa or Reckong Peo before entering Spiti Valley. This road is better and is open all through the year and you can visit Spiti during the winters through this road. Having said that, it is usual to have landslides and land blocks in this route also during the monsoon season.

The route to Spiti Valley from Shimla passes through the Hindustan-Tibet Highway. This route has its own beauty. The landscape changes as you travel from one region to the other. You will see the difference in vegetation as you cross Shimla Valley to Kinnaur Valley. The difference in landscape and culture will be quite stark as you enter Spiti Valley from Kinnaur. So if you have time in hand, this route is worthwhile to take.

Spiti Valley from Manali

This is the shorter route and you can reach from Manali to Kaza in one day. However, the roads are quite bad. After crossing Gramphu until you reach Losar, the roads are merely dirt tracks and you will be off-roading for the majority of your journey. You might have to cross streams on your way and there can be several roadblocks on the way.

However, these roads are beautiful in their own right. You will cross Kunzum Pass, one of the highest motorable passes in India. The landscape is stark and extremely gorgeous and this journey is going to be a rather impressive adventure.

As this route covers some high-altitude areas, the roads from Manali to Kaza remain open only during the summer, officially between May to September. However, the authorities allow vehicles beyond this time if they see that road conditions are conducive for travel. We took the route from Kaza to Manali in late April.

Spiti Valley on Public transport – the most affordable way to reach Spiti

The most affordable way to reach Spiti and explore the place is with HRTC buses. These buses are limited in number, but reliable and have a fixed timetable. Let me share the timings of a few buses to Kaza as I had gathered during our Spiti Valley road trip.

Shimla to Kaza Bus: 6.30 PM

This bus reached Reckong Peo in the morning. Usually Shimla to Kaza is a long journey and I would recommend to take a night halt at Reckong Peo or Kalpa , stay for a couple of days to enjoy the beauty and Kinnaur valley and then proceed to Kaza.

Reckong Peo to Kaza Bus: 7.00 AM

Kaza to Shimla: 7.30 AM (via Tabo, Nako and Reckong Peo)

Manali to Kaza: 5.00 AM

Shared Vehicles from Manali to Kaza

There are some local cabs and tempo travelers available from Manali to Kaza. Walk around new and old Manali and ask for these tempo travelers. Try to book a day ahead as seats tend to get full. The drivers stop for lunch and breakfast, but they hardly stop for toilet breaks, So be careful with your water intake. Roads are bad, but the drivers are experienced. The price for a seat will cost somewhere around INR 1000-1500.

Self-drive in Spiti Valley

We would recommend you take a car with high ground clearance. Also, if you are taking the Manali route, then try to avoid smaller cars. We had traveled in Innova, but it had got stuck at a stream crossing while reaching Chandratal Lake. We had to walk to the campsite and the car had to be towed out by a Bolero truck.

Also, do this trip only if you are confident in your driving and your car.

Bike trip in Spiti Valley

A bike trip in Spiti is one of the most popular ways to explore the region. During the season, you’ll see many bikers on the road. You can bring in your own bike. Otherwise, bikes can be rented in Manali as well.

Do you need a Permit to Visit Spiti Valley?

There is no permit required for Indian citizens to visit Spiti valley. But foreign tourists require a special area permit to visit the area between Kaza and Reckong Peo.

If you are starting from Manali and want to cross the Rohtang Pass, then you will need a permit. But with the opening of the Atal Tunnel, you can skip the Rohtang Pass and travel via Atal Tunnel and continue your journey towards Kaza.

Protected Area Permit for Foreign Nationals

This is a bit complicated. If a foreign tourist starts from Shimla, they need no permit to visit till Reckong Peo. But beyond that, they would need a permit to visit Nako, Tabo, Gue, Dhankar and Kaza. Refer to the official site for details.

What is the Best time to visit Spiti Valley?

The best time to visit Spiti Valley is between May to September. This is the most popular and peak season for the tourists. However, you can visit Spiti at other times of the year as well. Here is a detailed breakdown of the seasons in Spiti Valley.

April & May

April and May is typically a shoulder season. If you want to visit Spiti valley during April, we recommend the second half of the month.

The roads are accessible and you can reach most of the tourist attractions and villages in Spiti Valley by road in April. It is also the beginning of tourist season and you will see very few tourists during this time. You will also find no problems in finding a place to stay as well. However, the road from Kaza to Manali will be closed during this time.

Historically, the roads to Kaza from Manali via Kunzum Pass open after May 15. But, sometimes BRO allows vehicles to travel through these roads if the weather is good and there is no snow on the roads.

We visited Spiti Valley in the second half of April. We were warned by our driver (who happened to be a fabulous guy) that the roads from Kaza to Manali might be closed and we were prepared to return by Shimla again. Fortunately, on our last day, we came to know that the roads from Kaza to Manali were open and so was Chandratal Lake. We took the road and had one of the best road trip experiences of our life.

Usually HRTC buses between Manali and Kaza are not operational during April and May. You might get shared tempo travelers if the roads are open. Buses from Shimla to Kaza and other buses in that route are operational, though.

June to September (Peak Season)

As mentioned before, this is the best time to visit Spiti Valley in terms of weather and facilities and is also the peak season for tourists. It does not rain much in Spiti Valley and there is no distinct monsoon. It is like the summer season seamlessly merging into the early autumn – something that you will encounter in Ladakh as well.

However, it will be prudent to remember that while Spiti Valley gets less rain, monsoons (July and August) are heavy in other parts of Himachal Pradesh – places that you might have to cross before entering Spiti. There might be heavy rains in Kinnaur Valley and Kullu, often resulting in landslides.

During this time, all the hotels and homestays remain open. HRTC buses are also operational fully, also in Manali to Kaza route. Weather is pleasant in Spiti with bright and sunny mornings perfect for your day activities.

October is another shoulder season, similar to that of April. Cold starts setting in and in the second half of the month the number of tourists decreases considerably. It also starts snowing over the Kunzum Pass after mid-October. So if you are planning a Spiti Valley road trip in October, do so in early October, especially in the first 10 days of the month.

November to March (Winter Spiti)

Spiti is a winter wonderland covered in a blanket of white snow. This has made Spiti Valley a coveted destination in the winters and winter Spiti trips are quite common these days. Apart from the snow covered landscape, winter is also the time to spot snow leopards in the region.

However, you need to remember that Spiti Valley is remote and you are not going to get much facilities here in the winter.  Also, not all of the attractions in Spiti Valley will be accessible to travelers during this time.

Winters, especially December and January, are harsh and cold. Temperature at night falls several degrees below zero. Even days are not much better. You need to be prepared to brave the biting cold of the region.

Quite obviously, you will not be able t o travel the entire circuit during this time. The roads from Kaza to Manali will be closed. Plan a trip in December only if you have a very good driver who can maneuver his way through the snow. If you are self-driving or riding, do so only if you are totally confident in your skills.

Spiti in winters is beautiful, but difficult. Do winter Spiti trips only if you are adventurous enough and are ready to face the challenges on the road.

Where to Stay in Spiti Valley?

Gone are the days when finding an accommodation in Spiti was tough. Now, there are many options of stay in Spiti Valley and around. Most of the expensive hotels and resorts can be found in Kaza, the headquarters of Spiti. Tabo also has a few hotels and guest houses.

Homestays at Spiti Valley

However, if you want to experience village life at Spiti, then stay at a homestay. There are many homestays in the region and you can find them in the villages. You might not have to book ahead for a stay at a homestay in Spiti Valley. In these homestays, you stay with the locals, eat local food and understand their way of life and get an insight into the culture. The costs are generally low and depend on the village and season.

We had stayed at homestays in Dhankar, Mud, Langza and Key village during our Spiti Valley road trip.

Backpackers Hostel

There are backpackers hostels at Kaza and Tabo.

Food at Spiti Valley

Food in Spiti valley is a mix of Tibetan, Nepalese and Himachali cuisine. You will find thukpas , momos, thentuk , mokthuk , chowmein in most of the restaurants and eateries. At the homestays, you might get some authentic Tibetan food.

We found good rajma Chawal at Nako and Tabo. At Dhankar, we ate Tibetan bread and thentuk at our homestay. Kaza had several restaurants serving Tibetan food. There was also a North Indian restaurant at Kaza market that served North Indian thali, samosa and chaats with very good milk tea.

At Mud village, our homestay served us chapati and chicken for dinner and sandwiches and aloo parantha for breakfast. At our homestay in Key village, once again we had thentuk and momos.

Also try the sea buckthorn juice or tea at Spiti Valley. It is amazingly refreshing.

If you are a culinary connoisseur, you will have a gastronomy adventure here for sure.

What to Buy from Spiti Valley

You can buy local woolen items, dry fruits, roasted barley and Buddhist memorabilia like prayer flags and incense sticks. I did not find anything special in Spiti Valley to collect as souvenirs. The only thing that piqued my interest was sea buckthorn juice.

Places to Visit in Spiti Valley

Once we visited Spiti Valley, we were quick to realize that the entire Spiti is a tourist destination. There are so many things to see and explore here. Even the mountain ranges looming in the horizon as you drive through the roads will mesmerize you. At every turn of the road, you will see something new and you will never be tired of clicking pictures. But then you have to start planning your trip somewhere. So here is a list of the most popular places to visit in Spiti Valley.

Kaza is the headquarters of Spiti Valley and is the most important town of the region. The small town has most of the hotels and all the HRTC buses arrive at and leave from Kaza. While Kaza itself is a small town and hardly has much to offer in terms of attractions, it can serve as your base to explore the region. There are numerous hotels, guest houses and homestays available in Kaza. There are a couple of backpackers hostels as well. It is perhaps the only place in Spiti Valley where you will get good wifi in some of the hotels.

So you can stay at Kaza, get fuel for your car from the world’s highest fuel station and explore the rest of Spiti Valley.

Tabo is a beautiful place. It is the first major village that you will come across in Spiti valley if you are coming from Shimla.

Tabo is also known as the “Ajanta of Himalayas” because of the ancient Tabo Monastery and the age-old murals that it houses. Tabo Monastery was built sometime in 996 CE. The monastery is located within the village and not on a hilltop. This was a distinguishing feature of the early period monasteries built before 1300 AD. Similar examples can be seen in Alchi Monastery and Mangyu Temple Complex in Ladakh.

Once you enter the Tabo Monastery Complex, you will be transported to a different era. And once you look at the ancient murals, you will understand why Tabo is known as the Ajanta of Himalaya. They are simply grand and magnificent.

Tabo village also has some ancient caves that you can explore.

Tabo is around 50km from Kaza. There are many hotels and homestays found in Tabo – many near the monastery complex and many in the villages. We highly recommend a night stay at Tabo. It is an enchanting place.

Dhankar is located about 36 km from Kaza, but you have to take a diversion from the main road to reach Dhankar Village. The place is known for Dhankar Monastery and Dhankar fort.

Words are not enough to describe the beauty and grandness of Dhankar Monastery and the village. The village looks as if it is hanging from a cliff and your photographer self would definitely want to click several pictures of the village and monastery.

Another attraction at Dhankar is the Dhankar Lake. It is a 5 km uphill trek from the village to reach Dhankar Lake. The trek is easy and can be done by moderately active people without prior preparation. Dhankar Lake is beautiful. But it is the serenity of the place that will take you in.

There are a few homestays at Dhankar village. We stayed at Dhankar for a night as we had planned to do the Dhankar Lake trek. A villager simply opened up his home and invited us to stay there. They only took INR 800 for the room and dinner.

Dhankar can be visited on your journey from Tabo to Kaza.

Key Monastery

Key village is located about 15 km from Kaza and the most famous attraction of the place is the Key Monastery, whose picture has become eponymous with Spiti Valley itself. The Gompa is grand and beautiful and houses several important artifacts, idols and murals. It is one of the largest and most important monasteries in the region. The Key Gompa has temples, prayer halls, meditation rooms, schools, monk’s quarters, and hostels for young monks inside the complex.

Once you are there, you will see several young monks  playing around. You can talk with them, visit the temples and meditation rooms and get a glimpse of the life of the monks.

Key village also has a few homestays and camps. We had stayed at a homestay in Key village as we wanted to stay away from Kaza and experience the village life at Spiti Valley.

Kibber is one of the highest villages in Spiti Valley. It is located about 19 km from Kaza town on the same road as Key. Kibber is also the entry point of Kibber wildlife sanctuary where snow leopards can be seen.

Kibber is a beautiful village. The houses perched on the cliff look quaint and beautiful. Look at the picture if you do not believe me!

Kibber is also the starting point of Kanamo Peak Trek and Parang La Pass trek.

If you have seen the picture of a gigantic Buddha statue lording over snow-capped peaks and valleys, then you have probably seen the Buddha statue of Langza. But that is not the only attraction of Langza. In Langza and a few surrounding villages, you can see marine fossils. It means that some 150 million years ago, Langza was under the sea.

Scientists observe that the Himalayas were not always there. Infact, the Himalayas happen to be one of the youngest mountain ranges on the earth. Earlier there used to be Tethys Ocean in its place. Due to tectonic collision, the mountains emerged and the ocean disappeared. This is the reason, one could find marine fossils at Langza and the surrounding villages. The villagers have preserved these fossils in their houses and you can see them once you visit there.

Langza too, is an extremely beautiful place. There are a few homestays available in Langza. These homestays provide basic amenities, but very warm hospitality. If you have time, spend a night at Langza.  

Komic is one of the highest motorable villages in the world. Located at an altitude of 4600 meters, there is a plaque at Komic saying that “You are at the highest motorable village in the world”. The village has very few houses and there is an ancient monastery at Komic.

We did see a small homestay at Komic. If you want to stay there, you have to ask around.

Hikkim is quite famous because it has World’s highest post office in the village. Quite naturally, the place is quite a tourist attraction is Spiti Valley. The village itself is small and the few houses that are there are spread out.

You can visit the Hikkim post office, talk to the postmaster, buy several postcards and send them over to any address you like.

Pin Valley is one of the most beautiful places that you will visit on your Spiti Valley road trip. The location is in a bit of a different area and you will need an entire day to visit the place. Mud village is the major settlement in Pin Valley that also has a few homestays for tourists and travelers.

Pin valley is quite gorgeous. The landscape is a bit different from Spiti and you can see more greenery here. The Pin River flows by the village and the entire river valley opens up to a majestic view. If you have time, we recommend you stay a night at Mud village. The experience will be quite different from the others.

At Mud, there is not much to do than explore the village at your own lazy pace. You can visit the river bank and spend time there.

Pin Valley also borders the Parvati Valley and Mud village is the base camp for the famous Pin-Parvati Pass trek and the Pin-Bhaba Pass trek.

While you are driving towards Mud village, do not forget to stop and see the confluence of the Spiti and Pin River.

Offbeat Places to Visit in Spiti

Now that you have planned to visit the main attractions of Spiti Valley and yet have some time in your hand, you can check out the following offbeat places in Spiti Valley. Spiti in itself is remote and raw, but these places are not much visited by tourists and can definitely make it in your itinerary.

Gue Mummy Stupa

Yes, there is a mummy in Spiti valley. Gue Mummy Stupa is a latest addition to the attractions in Spiti Valley. Gue village is located about 38 km from Nako. Just after crossing Sumdo, there is a diversion from the main road towards Gue village. The village is about 12 km from the main road and Tabo is another 26 km from the point.

Gue has a monastery, but its main attraction is the Mummy, believed to be almost 530 years old. The mummy you see here is that of the Buddhist monk Sangha Tenzing. It is believed that the monk had undergone the process of self-mummification to attain this state.

As of today, there are only 24 such mummies of monks who had undergone self-mummification. If you look carefully, you can see his teeth, small patches of hair on the head and nails on the body. And all these are not preserved in the way done in Egypt! This process is different.

This mummified body of Sangha Tenzing was found after an earthquake in 1975 opened an old tomb. It was excavated much later in 2004. The glass surrounding the mummy case was placed only a few years back.

You can visit Gue on your way from Nako to Tabo. There are a couple of homestays at Gue village if you want to stay there for the night.

Lingti Waterfall

Lingti is a small village on the way towards Pin valley. The place is famous for its waterfall, especially during the winter season. During summer, Lingti waterfall is just a simple waterfall on the way. But in winter, the waterfall gets frozen and looks quite imposing and beautiful. It’s brilliant, but scary!

Chicham Bridge

Chicham Bridge is the latest addition in the attractions of Spiti Valley. Located at an altitude of 13596 feet, this bridge is said to be the highest motorable bridge in Asia connecting 2 villages – Chicham and Kibber. It took almost 15 years to build this bridge. You can cross Chicham Bridge and take the road forward towards Manali.

Mane is another small, beautiful and offbeat destination in Spiti valley. You can reach there by taking a short diversion near the road towards Pin Valley. Mane village has an ancient monastery which is its main attraction.

Gette and Tashigang

Gette and Tashigang are two villages located on the same route. Tashigang is one of the remotest villages to reach in Spiti Valley. And believe me when I say that we did not see a single person or vehicle on the road when we were driving from Gette to Trashigang!

Well, Gette is a small village with houses so spread out that you will feel there is nothing but emptiness there.

Tashigang is located at an altitude of 15256 feet and has the world’s highest polling station in the village. There are only 52 registered voters in Tashigang and there was 100% turnout during the November 2022 assembly election.

The village is small with a few houses and a gompa in the middle of the village. Due to the altitude, the wind is very strong here.

Well, Tashigang is also located very near to the China border, a mere 30 km away.

Demul & Lhalung

Demul and Lhalunga are two nearby villages connected by motorable roads very recently. You can also trek from Demul to Lhalung if you want. In fact, we have seen many travelers trekking from one village to another in Spiti Valley. Perhaps one day, when we have enough time, we will do that.  Lhalung has an ancient beautiful monastery and the two villages are quite lovely themselves. If you have time at hand, visit these places.

Spiti Valley Itinerary

Here is a glimpse of a most-common itinerary for Spiti assuming you start at Shimla and end in Manali.

Day 1 : Shimla – Sarahan

Day 2: Sarahan – Kalpa

Day 3: Kalpa – Nako – Gue – Tabo

Day 4: Tabo – Dhankar – Pin valley (Mud Village)

Day 5: Mud village – Kaza – Key – Kibber – Kaza

Day 6: Kaza – Hikkim – Komic – Langza – Kaza

Day 7: Kaza – Kunzum Pass – Chandratal Lake

Day 8: Chandratal Lake – Manali

This is a very rushed itinerary for Spiti Valley.

I believe you need time for your Spiti Valley road trip. These days I have seen a 7 days itinerary for the entire Spiti Valley starting from Shimla and ending in Manali. I am not sure how they attain it. I think you will need at least 10 days to do justice to Spiti Valley. There is a separate post about it.

Cost of Spiti Valley Road Trip

The cost of a trip majorly depends on your choice of transportation and accommodation. So here I will divide the cost into modes of transportation, accommodation, food and miscellaneous.

On a Spiti valley Road trip, the major cost comes out to be for that for transportation or fuel if you are self driving or riding. Using public transport is quite cheaper, but it is challenging and difficult if you have time constraints.

As such, in Spiti Valley, travelers mostly commute by hiring a taxi or they self-drive on their cars and bikes.

Here I am assuming that you start the trip at Shimla and end it at Manali.

Cost for Privately Hired Taxi

The rate for taxis from Shimla to Kinnaur Valley and  Spiti valley is usually around INR 3800-4500 per day.

Self-drive by Car or Bike

On this Spiti Valley Road trip, you will probably be driving for around 1600 – 1700 kms in total. If your bike gives a mileage of 25-30 km per litre on an average, with the current cost of petrol (INR 105.00 approx), your fuel cost will be around INR 6,500.00 to INR 7,000.00.

If your SUV gives a mileage of 15 km per litre on an average and with the current cost of diesel (INR 92 approx), your fuel cost will be around INR 10,000.00 to INR 11,000.00.

If you are renting a bike or car, keep that cost in calculation as well.

Accommodation depends on what you choose. For basic homestays, guest houses and monastery stays, you can keep INR 800.00 to INR 1500.00 per night. For mid-budget hotels, it can be upto INR 4000.00.

Food will also depend on what you have and from where you have. If you have your meals at small eateries and dhabas, then it can cost you around INR 100.00 per meal. If you are visiting restaurants and cafes, the cost will be higher.

The trip cost will also increase if you decide to travel to remote places, spend on shopping and other activities.

What to Carry for your Spiti Valley Road Trip?

In addition to your regular clothes and shoes, there are a few things that you should carry during your Spiti Valley road trip. The area is remote, though not inhospitable and the infrastructure is not yet at its best.

• Let us first talk about clothes. During the summer months between June to September, carry cotton clothes, light woolen and a jacket. The mornings are usually quite sunny and warm. For April and October, carry woolen and proper jackets. Also carry socks, scarves and woolen socks.
• If you are visiting Spiti Valley during the winter, you have to carry enough warm clothes, thermals, heavy jackets, socks, scarves, gloves and balaclava.
• Good shoes are also important in any road trips. We usually wear these during our trips.
• Whenever you are visiting Spiti valley, always carry a good sunscreen that offers SPF 50 protection.
• Carry a skin lotion or cream. Also carry a lip-balm.
• Carry Vaseline with you. Spiti is a dry region and Vaseline can be a lifesaver there.
• Also, please do not forget a cap or hat. It will help protect you from the harsh sun rays during the day.
• Carry a basic first-aid kit having general medicines for cold, cough, fever and stomach problems. You may also carry Diamox for altitude sickness. But it is always better to travel slow and acclimatize than taking Diamox.
• Carry emergency kit for your car that includes a tyre inflator and puncture repair kit, battery jump start cable, towing rope, and empty 5 litre can for back-up fuel.

Petrol Pumps in Spiti Valley

On the Shimla to Kaza route, the last petrol pump is at Reckong Peo and Tapri. On the Manali to Kaza route, there are no petrol pumps once you leave the towns.

Spiti valley Travel Guide (FAQs Answered)

You will need at least 8 days for your Spiti Valley road trip assuming you enter from Shimla and return to Manali. This time, you will probably visit the most famous attractions of Spiti Valley. You will need at least 3 days to enter Spiti from Shimla via Kinnaur Valley and at least 2 days to exit to Manali via Kunzum Pass. However, I recommend that you travel slowly and enjoy the vibes of Spiti.

It is always better to start your journey from Shimla, travel through Kinnaur Valley and then enter Spiti. End your journey at Manali after crossing the Kunzum pass. This will help you to acclimatize better.

The best time to visit Spiti Valley is between June to September when the weather is at the best. The mornings are bright and sunny and evenings are cool. It does not rain much in Spiti, so the months of July and August are great as well. However, monsoons are experienced at other parts of Himachal Pradesh like Kinnaur Valley and Kullu and Manali during July and August and there might be landslides and roadblocks because of the rains.

Yes, you can visit Spiti valley during the winter. Spiti is a winter wonderland with a snow covered landscape. Snow leopards can also be seen during this time. However, winters are very harsh and cold and facilities are very less for tourists during this time. Also, the Manali to Kaza road will be closed and you will hardly get any public transport during this time.

Yes, you can do a Spiti valley Road trip by car. Just make sure that your car is a SUV having high ground clearance. Also make sure the driver is confident when driving at treacherous mountain roads.

Yes, there are mobile signals at the towns and in some villages in Spiti valley. Mobile networks of Airtel and Jio are found in Kaza, Key, Dhankar and Tabo village. There was no mobile network in the remote villages like Mud village, Langza, Tashigang and Gue.

You will have wifi at the hotels in Kaza town. Mobile internet is poor and you will not get any internet once you leave Kaza.

Hope this Spiti travel guide helps you plan your perfect Spiti Valley Road trip. If you wish to have an itinerary, we will be publishing a blog on that soon.

Do let us know whether you found this helpful. If yes, please share this blog with youyr family, friends and neighbours.

Keep travelling!

Agni Amrita

Related posts.

Kibber, Gette & Tashigang – Exploring Remotest Corners of Spiti

Chicham Bridge, Spiti – Visiting the Highest Bridge in Asia

Langza, The Fossil Village of Spiti – A Comeplete Travel Guide

Hikkim & Komic (Spiti) – Visit to The Highest Post Office in The World

Mud Village in Pin Valley (Spiti) – A Complete Travel Guide

Dhankar Monastery and Dhankar Lake Trek in Spiti Valley

Spiti Valley is indeed a gem in the Indian travel scene, and your blog beautifully captures its allure. The vivid descriptions and insights into the mountains, monasteries, and unique landscape create a compelling narrative. Your Spiti Valley travel guide is a treasure trove of information, offering a comprehensive look at the must-visit places and essential tips for a road trip. Reading this has sparked the adventurer in me, making Spiti Valley a top contender for my next journey. Thanks for sharing your passion and knowledge, making Spiti Valley even more irresistible!

Thank you so much!

Stunning locations in the Spiti Valley; I want to see them one day.

You will surely see them! Thanks for the comment.

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Spiti Valley Road Trip from Delhi – Itinerary, Food, Stay, Network

Not everyone goes for the Spiti Valley Trip , even if they visit the Leh-Ladakh. I have visited Spiti Valley in all seasons, I also experienced the valley in all white. Yes, completely covered with snow!

I had never been to this place until I forced myself To visit and went for the Spiti Valley tour, adding views of huge snow-covered mountains to my index.

It was a totally unique experience for me as I have been to many places in India, especially in Himachal Pradesh. But, this Spiti road trip was totally unique and mystic. You will definitely adore the natural beauty after visiting this place.

Table of Contents

Information about the Spiti Valley Tour

Spiti could be ruthless if you visit during the Winter season, So I am going to share the best of the Spiti road trip tips and information that will help with safety concerns and to have a mishap-free Spiti trip.

Spiti is open for the whole year, but in the months of November-December-January, February temperature stays very low and goes down to -30, so prepare accordingly, Spiti is a cold desert kind of place so it stays cold the whole year, so If you are planning for a Spiti Valley Road trip, get some good down Jackets.

How to Reach Spiti Valley

You need at least 8 days to cover Spiti Valley from Delhi, You can Include Sangla Chitkul and Kalpa Valley also, it will take more days.

How Far It Is (Kaza)

Current Road Status for Spiti Valley Trip

First of all, let’s talk about the distance to cover for a road trip between Delhi to Spiti.

Delhi to Kaza –  770KM via Shimla (According to Google but it is more than that) (Open)

Chandigarh to Kaza –  560KMs via Shimla (Open)

Shimla to Kaza –  450KM (Open)

Manali To Kaza – (182 KM) – (Closed in winter)

Shimla Route stays open throughout the year but, Manali to Kaza opens and stays accessible before the area gets covered in snow, Roads are in perfect condition, and only 40-50 km of roads are in bad shape.

Spiti Remains cold throughout the year but, from October to March it gets very cold. There are times when the Temperature touches -40 Degrees, severe cold!

During those sub-zero temperature days, everything stands still and life gets very slow. Winter Spiti road trip could be ruthless and it can test your stamina, patience, and mental strength!

Best Time to Visit Spiti Valley

Not set to experience severe winter yet? Let’s talk about the best time to visit Spiti Valley!

March end to July mid –  This is the best time to visit Spiti Valley. But, you can visit in July end too. Take note, due to the monsoon, there are chances of landslides and roads are full of mud. So, it’s better to avoid the July and whole August, i.e., the Monsoon period!

Sept and mid-Oct –  Both Manali and Shimla routes stay open during these months but, sometimes due to heavy snowfall at Kunzum La, it gets close during that period.

November to March – Winters start in October or before November ends in Spiti Valley, and due to massive snowfall, Ice on roads makes driving a challenging task. Manali to Kaza Route stays shut for the whole winter, and only Shimla Route is accessible. Plenty of adventure junkies visit Spiti in winter. So, you are not alone buddy!

HomeStay Options for Spiti Valley Trip

If you visit Spiti then you must own and experience the Buddhist culture and their lifestyle. I will always recommend staying in a Homestay, although, there are plenty of Hotels and  Guest Houses in Kaza, Dhankar, and Tabo .

Homestay options are also available in Kalpa, Recong Peo, Sangla, Chitkul, Nako, Gue Village, Tabo, Kaza, Kibber, Langza, and Komic.  You can find  budget homestays in Spiti Valley  easily. It will cost around 600-1200 INR per person including food, depending on the timing of your visit.

Petrol Pumps in Spiti Valley

There are only a few petrol pumps in Spiti Valley but, you don’t have to worry about it, like in the case of the Leh-Manali trip.

The average distance between two petrol pumps is 200-230 km, hence, a full tank can cover the distance easily unless you choose to burn rubber furiously.

Mobile Network and Internet Connectivity in Spiti Valley

If you travel via Manali, the mobile network on your cell phone will stay put till  Koksar Village , Then you won’t find networks till Losar Village.

If you are traveling via Shimla then you don’t have to worry about the network, A Full 4G network is available but only Jio and Airtel work in many places too.

Note: No need to carry a Postpaid sim, Prepaid sim works there.

Jio, BSNL, and Airtel, these three are the best mobile network sims to carry during the Spiti tour.

Itinerary for Spiti Valley in Winters

If you are planning for an 8-day road Trip to Spiti Valley on your vehicle, then you can cover it like this, make sure you are an expert driver or hire someone who is capable of driving in such situations, as you may face heavy snow in the winter trip.

Day 1: Delhi To Narkanda (Hotel Stay)

Day 2: Narkanda to Kalpa (Homestay)

Day 3: Kalpa to Nako (Stay)

Day 4: Nako to Kaza via Dhankar Monastery (Stay in Kaza)

Day 5: Stay in Kaza and visit Hikkim, Komic, Langza, Chicham Bridge (All around 20-30 Kms from Kaza)

Day 6: Return Journey: Kaza to Gue Village (Stay in a homestay near 500 year old Mummy)

Day 7: Gue to Narkanda

Day 8: Narkanda to Delhi

The same itinerary can be used in Summers, instead of coming from the same route, you can visit Manali on Day 6 and Delhi on Day 7.

If you want to cover Chandratal then visit Chandratal on Day 6 from Kaza and 7th Day Manali and 8th Day Delhi.

Final Words

All these  details about Spiti Valley  come from my personal experience and those of my fellow travelers. You can also check the official website of Lahaul and Spiti Valley to get more details.

As it always happens, details may change in the future but, I hope this write-up gave you a good idea of what to expect and how to prepare for the Spiti Valley tour.

You can write in the comment section if you have any suggestions or if you want to add any information about the Spiti Valley road trip.

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• Know How You Can Pull Off The Perfect Spiti Valley Road Trip On A Budget

27 Mar 2023

After staring at bewitching pictures of Spiti on his desktop day after day, he finally booked himself and his friends a Spiti tour package to actually witness its grandeur with his own eyes. Here’s the full account of his road trip to the Instagram-worthy landscapes of the beautiful hamlet of Spiti where he experienced the best of both worlds – Tibet and India!

Details Of Our 9 Days Road Trip From Delhi To Spiti Valley

Trip Type: Friends Duration: 8 Nights 9 Days Dates: 9th to 17th September 2017 Trip Cost: INR 8,000/- Agent Name: Tanish Tours And Travels Inclusions: Accommodation and All Meals Exclusions: Transfers (Rented Car) and Entry Tickets

“Every hundred feet, the world changes”. To me, traveling is about discovering those changing landscapes and experiencing everything they have to offer. From engulfing in novel cultures, relishing new cuisines, and meeting different kinds of people, there are myriad reasons why I travel!

Working in a travel firm, I had long waited to embark on those poster-perfect realms of Spiti Valley after listening to excited travelers rant accounts of their Spiti trip day after day. And when I finally got the opportunity, I roped in four of my friends , booked a package with a trusted agent, hired a scorpio for my self-drive tour, and set off on an exhilarating journey!

How we made this a budget Delhi to Spiti Valley road trip: Since we only needed to use the hotels to rest at night, we booked ourselves the most inexpensive of accommodations, which even included guest houses of Himachal Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation (HPTDC). We ditched flights and booked ourselves a scorpio for INR 4,500/- so that we may enjoy the changing landscapes of Spiti on our way.

Here’s a day-wise account of our Spiti Valley road trip

On our road trip from Delhi to Spiti , we experienced a mix of thrill, bliss, and luxury of witnessing nature’s beauty like never before. Here’s an account of what we did on our 9-days tour.

Day 1 | 9th September: Overnight journey to Sarahan

We drove all the way to Sarahan from Delhi over the night for our road trip to Spiti Valley , making a halt here and there for rest and refreshments. Though it took us 12 hours to cover the entire distance of 480 km, the journey was rather enjoyable, thanks to my fun-loving friends.

Avneet’s Incredible Solo Trip To Spiti Valley: Tale Of The Mountains From The Eyes Of A Traveler

Distance covered (Delhi to Sarahan): 480 km Time taken: 12 hours

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Day 2 | 10th September: Exploring Sarahan

We reached Sarahan at 1 PM the next day. We checked into Hotel Snowflakes and took some rest before setting out to kickstart our Spiti valley road trip. After taking the load off, we went out to explore the quaint village of Sarahan, taking a stroll and gazing at the beautiful views of mist-covered hills and valleys. We visited the Bhima Devi Temple before returning to our hotel for dinner.

About Hotel Snowflakes: 3.5 Star | Average services and food | No lift | Clean and well-maintained

Day 3 | 11th September: Camping at Chitkul

After immersing in those serene early morning views of Sarahan, we resumed our journey to Spiti. We were met with the most scenic views on our drive to Chitkul, the last inhabited village near the Indo-China border, only to be greeted by even more scenic views when we reached our campsite. The beginning of our Spiti road trip felt nothing less than magical.

Once we had freshened up, we set out to soak in the mesmerizing beauty of Chitkul village, visit the Kadcham Dam, and explore the market area. We returned to our campsite well in time for dinner.

Camping near Baspa River is an experience in itself. Nothing can beat the joy of sitting before a crackling bonfire beside our tent and listening to each other’s’ life stories while the Baspa River flowed nearby. Other than the camping, the views from our campsite were charming enough to melt our hearts. After an elaborate photo session before the campfire, we returned to our respective tents and retired for the night.

About Baspa River Camp: 4 Star | Adventure nature camp | ‘Best river view’ | Delicious meals

Distance covered (Sarahan to Chitkul): 103 km Time taken: 3.5 hours

  An 8 Days Spiti Valley Trip In 2022 Is The Mother Of All Mountain Escapes In India

Day 4 | 12th September: Trotting about in Kalpa

After horking down a delicious breakfast and clicking numerous pictures at the riverside, we resumed our journey for our Spiti road trip . It was yet another scenic journey which led to another beautiful town in the hills of Himachal – Kalpa. Once we had arrived, we checked into the Himachal Tourism Guest House and got ready to set out and experience what this little hamlet had to offer.

  For The Love Of Mountains And Nature: Young, Wild, And Free In Spiti Valley

We first scaled the Reckong Peo District, one of the 12 administrative districts of Himachal, before proceeding to the market, where the colorful range of Tibetan goods and handicrafts was luring people in. Later we visited a hundred-year-old Buddhist monastery, along with other sightseeing tidbits. By the evening we returned to our guest house, which had amazing views of the Kinnaur Kailash Peak waiting outside our windows! Seeing everything around, it felt like it was the perfect and best time to visit Spiti Valley .

About Hotel Kinner Kailash (Himachal Tourism Guest House): 4 Star | Good services | Well-maintained | Awesome views

Distance covered (Chitkul to Kalpa): 63 km Time taken: 2 hours 40 minutes

Day 5 | 13th September: Gallivanting away to Kaza

Post breakfast, we left for Kaza, the longest road journey on our entire trip. On the way, we visited a number of attractions, including the Nako Monastery, famed for its iconographic artwork and intricate designs. Next, we visited the Gue Monastery, which houses the 600-year-old mummy of monk Sangha Tenzin.

We also paid our respects at the Dhankar Gompa in the Dhankar village, and the Tabo Monastery in Tabo village before finally reaching Kaza. After a monstrous traffic jam on the way due to a landslide, we finally reached our destination. We checked in to our hotel, Manglam Guest House, one of the very few places in Spiti with a petrol pump nearby. In fact, we were ecstatic at finally spotting a petrol pump after this long a journey.

We also visited Cafe Sol for lunch, where we gorged on delicious delicacies. Run by a woman from Dehradun who uses the earnings to promote growth and development in Spiti, the cafe is a must-visit for all who visit Spiti Valley. With unending scenic beauty, Kaza was one of the best parts of our trip. One can gaze at those alluring vistas of this beautiful town for hours on end!

About Manglam Guest House: 3 Star | Average | Next to petrol pump | Passable hospitality

Distance covered (Kalpa to Kaza): 196 km Time taken: 12 hours

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Day 6 | 14th September: Scaling the Highest Village in the World

The morning greeted us with unbeatably stunning views of the Spiti Valley while we had our breakfast at the hotel. Later, we set off for Langza, the first stop for the day’s sightseeing. After witnessing various attractions of Langza, we proceeded to Komik via Kibber, the highest motorable village in the world at 14,200 ft above sea level.

We visited the Hikkim Post Office, the highest post office in the world. Here, we also encountered a herd of the Himalayan Ibex, the large, peculiar-looking goats with curved horns found only in and near the Himalayas. Later, we went to the famed Key Monastery to engulf ourselves in its architecture and surreal backdrop. We also visited the Komik Monastery, a peculiar yet attractive sanctum bordered by the barren hills of Spiti.

We thrilled ourselves with another visit to Sol Cafe, where we indulged in a fine cinema experience with the movie Everest, and some delicious snacks, all for just INR 220/- per person. After 7 hours of sightseeing, we drove off to The Taste of Spiti, a popular restaurant in Spiti run by Cafe Sol’s owner and serving lip-smacking Italian, Indian, and Tibetan cuisine. After a delicious dinner, we returned to our guest house in Kaza to rest. Our road trip to Spiti Valley was going so far so good!

These 7 Spiti Valley Hotels Are The Perfect Places To Blend In The Local Himalayan Culture

Day 7 | 15th September: Lake-side camping at Chandra Taal

Post breakfast, we hopped into our car and excitedly drove away to the next happening destination on our Spiti itinerary – Chandra Taal. We were totally looking forward to this mesmerizing gem of Spiti, and it, in turn, didn’t disappoint us!

The first 20 kms of our journey was absolutely scenic, but then the road started to get rougher and more treacherous with every kilometer. There came a point when we there was no road before us, and just a stretch of the rocky dirt path.

We crossed the Kunzum Pass on our way to the lake, where we stopped by and visited the Kunzum Mata Mandir. The temple is an outright fascination for travelers owing to the story revolving around it. The shrine has a sacred stone which is believed to have magical powers. If one isn’t able to stick a coin over the stone it implies that the person is deceitful and dishonest.

We reached our camp at Chandra Taal Lake in the afternoon. After checking into Parasol Camp, we freshened up and proceeded to explore the lake. While the drive to the lake was filled with incredible views, it was nothing compared to the beauty of the lake. By evening, the temperature had dropped to -7 degree Celsius, but the views of this Moon Lake were such that we just didn’t want to leave! Assuring ourselves we’ll back to the lake in the morning, we returned to our campsite.

  Venturing Into The Mountains Hand In Hand: A Couple Adventure In The Magical Spiti Valley

Camping near the lake was just as amazing. Sitting inside small tents bordered by breathtaking views of barren hills and a lake right under the blanket of a star-filled sky made up for an unforgettable experience.

About Parasol Camps and Retreat: 4 Star | Scenic hideaway close to the lake | Great food | Clean

Distance covered (Kaza to Chandra Taal): 200 km Time taken: 7.5 hours

How to reach Chandra Taal Lake from Parasol Camp: 2.5 km drive to the Chandra Taal ‘parking lot’ | Then 0.5 km trek up to the lake area

Day 8 | 16th September: Rohtang Pass, hippie cafes, and Sunny Deol!

As we had promised ourselves the previous night, we went back to the lake and were met by a completely different experience than the previous night. Saying the lake is the most beautiful spot in Spiti, is an understatement!

The lake literally gleams in the morning, and while we were there we noticed it was snowing in the mountains – the perfect backdrop for those zillions of pictures we clicked here. At 11 PM, we left for Manali, our stopover on the way back home. It was yet another struggle with the bad road condition for a stretch of 150 km.

On reaching Gramphu, we were not just met with awe-inspiring views of the Lahaul Valley, but also got to meet renowned actor Sunny Deol, who was shooting for his next Bollywood flick in this quaint Himachal village. Next on our Spiti valley road trip, we took a halt at Rohtang Pass where we spent some time enjoying the snow and views, and basically resting our backs after the lengthy and bumpy ride. From here, the roads got better and we could enjoy the rest of the way to Manali.

We reached Hotel Paramount Inn well before evening and immediately went out to explore the hip town of Manali after freshening up. We went for a leisurely stroll in Mall Road market and hung around in some chic cafes:

• Il Forno Cafe – known for its delicious Italian food and lush, picturesque setting
• Johnson’s Cafe – known for its sumptuous Italian, Indian and European cuisine, lavish interiors, and live music!

About The Paramount Inn: 2.5 Star | Budget stay | Slow staff | Scenic views

Distance covered (Chandra Taal to Manali): 200 km Time taken: 7 hours

Day 9 | 17th September: Driving back home

The overwhelmingly beautiful landscapes of Spiti are enough to put one in a trance! Add to that a road trip and the company of good friends, and you’re sure to get a deadly combination of fun and adventure!

After an early breakfast, we left for Delhi at around 7 AM from Manali, stopping on the way for food and fuel. We reached Delhi at 7 PM, marking an end to our 9 days road trip to Spiti.

Our WOW Moments on this Spiti Valley road trip: The scenic drives | Chandratal Lake | The natural beauty of Spiti | Café Sol | Meeting Sunny Deol | Tibetan cuisine | Camping in Spiti

  These Breathtaking Pictures Are Proof That Abhishek & His Wife Had An Utterly Sensational Trip To Ladakh

Our Not-So-WOW Moments on this Spiti road trip: Driving on the poorly maintained roads from Kaza to Manali | The landslide on the way to Kaza

Tips for future travelers:

• Opt for a self-drive tour to Spiti for the best experience and scenic views
• Keep a lookout for petrol pumps as there aren’t many in Spiti. Don’t miss out on the one in Kalpa
• Only BSNL network works well in Spiti. You won’t get reception with any other network in Spiti
• On a shorter trip duration, make sure you don’t miss out on Chandra Taal Lake!
• Adventure seekers and trekking enthusiasts must visit the Sopana Lake and Pin Valley Trek
• It gets extremely difficult to use washrooms at night at the campsites near Chandra Taal as the temperature drops to -6/-7 degree Celsius. So make arrangements accordingly
• Plan for at least 9 days itinerary for Spiti Valley as that’s the ideal duration for traveling and exploring the valley

Yearning to weave your own tale of adventure in those picture-perfect settings of Himachal? Take inspiration from this Spiti Valley road trip and book your trip to Himachal right away!

Frequently Asked Questions About Spiti Valley Road Trip

Can we go to Spiti valley by car?

You can surely drive to Spiti Valley by car from Manali and Shimla. However, the route from Manali until Kaza is quite rough and gets worsened during monsoons. If you are planning to head from Shimla then the route is comparatively better.

How many days is enough for Spiti valley?

A five days stay in Spiti Valley is enough to explore almost all the experience of this beautiful destination. However, you can extend your stay according to your preferences.

What is the best time to visit Spiti valley?

From March to June is the best time to visit Spiti Valley. The average temperature during this time ranges from 0 to 15 degrees Celsius. Winters are extremely cold here and road connectivity is not reliable during this season.

Is Spiti valley dangerous?

The Spiti Valley circuit is one of the most dangerous roads in India. The road is quite steep and includes asphalt and gravel sections. The road is believed to be even more challenging than the popular Leh-Manali Highway .

Is Spiti valley open?

If you are heading here from Shimla then the roads remain active throughout the year, however, an excursion from Manali to Spiti gets closed during winters as Rohtang Pass and Kunzum Pass closes during this time.

How far is Spiti valley from Delhi?

Spiti Valley is located at a distance of 731.1 kilometers from Delhi and if you are planning to drive non-stop to your destination, the entire distance can be covered in nearly 15 to 16 hours.

How can I go to Spiti from Delhi?

If you are planning to travel via road to Spiti Valley then there is no direct connectivity between both destinations. You need to take a bus from Delhi to Manali and then hire local transport to Spiti Valley.

Is there snow in Spiti valley in June?

If you are interested in witnessing snowfall in Spiti Valley then June is not the perfect month. Planning an expedition during winters will make you encounter the best snowfall here.

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How to Reach Spiti Valley From Delhi

Everything you need to know about how to reach Spiti Valley from Delhi by public transport. Includes all routes, bus times, and fees.

Spiti Valley might technically be in India, but once you arrive, you’ll see that it might as well be on another planet. Massive, sand-colored mountains cover the landscape- making the valley feel more like Mars than Himachal Pradesh.

Colorful stupas and monasteries dot villages, and fluffy yaks and cows can be seen trotting along steep and windy roads.

Temperatures in Spiti Valley rarely make it above 18 degrees. Locals- who look and speak Tibetan- live in flat-topped, square homes- which are often built right into the side of a rock face.

Spiti Valley is one of the most remote places in India. The nearest airport is still a day’s drive away, no trains come anywhere close, and the roads that carve their way through it are perilous, to say the least.

But even so- this incredible frozen mountain land is definitely worth a visit once it begins to thaw in the summer. Read on to learn exactly HOW to reach Spiti Valley from Delhi .

How to Reach Spiti Valley from Delhi

But first… what’s the delhi to spiti valley distance.

Spiti Valley is located way up in a remote corner of Himachal Pradesh. Though the km amount might not look too drastic… keep in mind that when traveling in the mountains, km means nothing . Literally nothing.

A journey that would take 2 hours on a highway or regular road could take 8 or more when you’re driving up here on the sides of cliffs!

The distance between Spiti Valley and Delhi depends on which route you’re going to take, though a road trip from Delhi to Spiti Valley is usually done in one massive loop.

To enter Spiti, you can either head towards Kaza (Spiti Headquarters) via Manali or towards Nako (small village). via Reckong Peo.

Distance from Delhi to Kaza (via Manali): 737 km, approximately 25+ hours if done straight

Distance from Delhi to Nako (via Reckong Peo):  654 km, approximately 20+ hours if done straight

Routes from Delhi to Spiti Valley

During the summer months (usually from May-September but sometimes later or earlier) all the roads to Spiti Valley are open. Nevertheless, keep in mind that weather in the mountains is insanely unpredictable and passes can be blocked without warning.

If you want to complete the entire loop, both the Rohtang Pass AND the Kunzum Pass must be open. If they’re not, you’ll have only one option to enter the valley and will be forced to return the same exact way (through Reckong Peo).

The following guide focuses on public transport, but you can utilize these routes if you have your own vehicle, too.

Route 1:  Delhi- Shimla- Reckong Peo- Nako- Kaza- Manali- Shimla

If you’re looking for the best way to reach Spiti Valley from Delhi, this is it! Why? Well altitude! Heading in this direction ensures you’re gaining altitude more slowly and are less likely to encounter any negative effects of altitude sickness.

Trust me- AMS (Acute Mountain Sickness) is real at 10,000+ feet. You don’t want to experience that on a bus!

If the Rohtang and /or Kunzum Pass is closed, you will NOT be able to head to Manali from Kaza, or from Manali to Kaza. Instead, you’ll only be able to enter or exit through Reckong Peo, the side of the loop which is (mostly) open year-round.

Spiti Valley weather is seriously unpredictable- in 2019, the Kunzum Pass did not open until June 21st due to late and heavy snow.

Route 2: Delhi- Shimla/Manali- Kaza- Tabo- Nako- Reckong Peo- Shimla

Reaching Spiti Valley by this route is only possible when all the passes are open, which you can typically count on in July- September.

If you go this way, be prepared to experience a change in altitude quickly. The Rohtang Pass can also become extremely congested in high season (June).

Read Next: The Ultimate Guide to Parvati Valley

The Best Way to Travel From Delhi to Spiti

Though having your own vehicle is obviously ideal, it’s more than doable to travel around Spiti by public transport.

But like many mountain enclaves, the amount of buses is far too low for the number of people who need to use them, leading to extremely squished conditions!

Hitchhiking is also possible while traveling in Spiti, as is paying for a private taxi at a severe upcharge.

Keep in mind that budget travel will undoubtedly lead to a lot of walking so you definitely want to bring along the best backpack in India (or close to it!) to have a comfy trip.

How Many Days Are Needed to Travel in Spiti Valley?

Y’all- Spiti Valley is FAR. To date, it was the most far-out place I’ve ever traveled to and once you’re inside of it, getting out takes a while.

This is NOT a place you should try to rush to on a 3 day weekend (unless you live in Himachal Pradesh, perhaps).

I’d say 7-10 days should be the minimum amount of time needed to reach Spiti and be able to enjoy it. Considering the amount of time and effort it takes to get here, it’s worth it!

How to Reach Spiti Valley from Delhi by Bus- Route 1

Though there aren’t many buses operating in the valley, getting to it won’t be a problem!

To begin your Spiti Valley road trip, you’ll first have to decide if you want to start off with a casual ride, or if you want to jump off with a super long one. You can go from:

Step 1- Leaving Delhi

Delhi to Shimla

You can reach Shimla by either an AC Volvo or an Ordinary bus. The AC Volvo should cost between 800-1200 rupees whereas the ordinary bus will cost 445 rupees- buses head out all through the day.

You can expect the ride to take between 8-10 hours depending on traffic and road conditions. Click here to see exact times and prices on redBus

Shimla to Rampur

If you do stop in Shimla, you can choose to head to the cute town of Rampur if waking up super early doesn’t appeal to you as it didn’t to us!

Ordinary HRTC buses from Shimla to Rampur depart at 1:45 and 4:45 per the official schedule, though you can also find private ordinary buses intermittently. Bus tickets cost 240 rupees and the ride takes about 4 hours.

Shimla to Reckong Peo

The bus from Shimla to Reckong Peo leaves at a very painful 5:00 AM daily. You can catch this bus from Shimla’s NEW bus stand, which is about 3km from Mall Road. The ride should take about 9 hours and cost 400 rupees .

Note: Shimla is EXTRAORDINARILY overcrowded in the months of May and June. I highly advise that you do not travel here on a weekend as every hotel will be booked out and prices will be unreal. When we got stuck there in June, every accommodation within a 10-mile radius was completely full! If you do head to Shimla, try to do so on an overnight bus so you can keep it moving the next day.

Delhi to Rampur

Rampur is about 4 hours or so from Shimla and in my opinion- is a much better place to rest for a day. Ordinary buses leave Delhi three times a night starting around 6:30 PM and the journey takes about 15 hours. Expect to pay around 680 rupees for a seat.

Rampur to Reckong Peo

We took an ordinary HRTC bus that left Ramour for Reckong Peo at around 9:30 AM, though I’d recommend checking times at the station the night before to make sure this hasn’t changed.

Keep in mind that Rampur has two bus stations. The large one with an actual bus lot is where you’ll need to head. Expect to pay 165 rupees and to be on the bus for 7-8 hours.

Delhi to Reckong Peo

I wouldn’t recommend doing this as it will be EXTREMELY long, but if you’re super pressed to get to Spiti from Delhi as soon as possible- this is your ride.

The ordinary HRTC bus departs Delhi at around 10:00 PM and takes over 18 hours to reach Reckong Peo. The ride costs about 860 rupees.

Spiti Valley Trip Permits

If you’re a foreigner taking this route, you’ll have to get an Inner Line Permit in Reckong Peo. Permits are supposed to be free per government rules, but there’s no way to get one on the ground without the approval of a tourist agency.

And that’s where it becomes… not free. The tourist agency imposes a fee of 400 rupees , which will get you a permit valid for 14 days.

Indians do NOT need to acquire this permit. If you enter Spiti Valley from the other side of the loop (Kaza) you must get a permit in Kaza before heading elsewhere in the valley.

Step 2- Heading into Spiti Valley

Reckong Peo is the last major stop on this side of the loop before you’ll head into Spiti Valley. Regardless of whether you took a break in Shimla or Rampur, you’ll have to make it to Peo to catch a bus into Spiti.

While there is one that leaves Reckong Peo at 5:00 AM each morning destined for Kaza, I HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY advise that you don’t take this one.

It’s unbelievably crowded- we’ve heard of travelers arriving before 4 AM and still not getting a seat. The best option to start your Spiti Valley trip is by first heading to Nako, a beautiful village that’s basically the first of proper Spiti.

Reckong Peo to Nako

A bus heads to Nako from Peo at 12 PM- though don’t be surprised if it ends up being late- ours ending up leaving at 1 PM but it was far from crowded! The bus ride costs 175 rupees and should take between 5-6 hours. Cell phone service will cut off about an hour into the ride.

Read Next: 102 Amazing Indian Street Food Dishes

How to Reach Spiti Valley from Delhi by Bus- Route 2

Though Route 1 (essentially heading east) is preferable, for whatever reason you might be interested in how to reach Spiti Valley from Delhi the other way.

Keep in mind that this route is ONLY accessible once both the Rohtang Pass and Kunzum Pass are open. This can happen as late as June. Here’s what’s up:

Delhi to Manali

The first option is to take a bus from Delhi to Manali. All types of buses run this route, including AC Volvos which cost anywhere from 1000-1800 rupees . These buses leave at night from Delhi ISBT and take around 14 hours. Ordinary buses also leave from 6 PM onwards and will cost about half the price or less.

Note: If you don’t want to spend such a long time on a bus, you can also head to Chandigarh first and then take another bus from there. AC Volvos (1200+ rupees) and Ordinary buses (500 rupees) run from Chandigarh to Manali daily from the ISBT in Sector 43. The ride takes about 8 hours .

Manali to Kaza

Ordinary HRTC buses leave from Manali to Kaza daily at 5 AM and 5:30 AM. It should take about 6 hours to reach Kaza and costs around 200 rupees .

How to Reach Spiti Valley from Delhi by Air

Reaching Spiti Valley directly by plane is not possible. The nearest airport to Spiti Valley would be either Kullu or Shimla, where you would then have to hop on to bus or car.

Seeing as plane tickets cost at least 5000 rupees, it just doesn’t seem worth it in my budget backpacker opinion. Part of the fun in visiting Spiti Valley is the journey- enjoy the road trip!

How to Reach Spiti Valley from Delhi by Train

As you can imagine, there aren’t any train tracks anywhere near Spiti! But if you did want to spice up your journey you do have a few options. You can take a train from Delhi to Chandigarh, and then take a bus to either Shimla or Reckong Peo.

You can also take a train from Delhi to Kalka, and then hop on the famous toy train bound for Shimla, though this is expensive and time-consuming. Then it’s all 4 wheels from there!

Delhi to Spiti Valley Road Conditions

Don’t expect pavement once you enter the valley. Unlike the Manali-Leh highway that leads to picture perfect Ladakh , the condition of Spiti’s roads are not great.

If you’re used to driving in mountain areas you’ll see that they’re not the worst though. I was prepared to be terrified but ended up feeling like I had overhyped myself.

But still- you should NEVER drive in Spiti Valley at night. Even in Kaza, there are virtually no street lights. Here’s my take on the following stretches:

Delhi- Rampur: Good

Rampur- Reckong Peo: Pretty bad with multiple sections of construction

Reckong Peo- Nako: Not too bad, a bit scary at times but relatively decent roads

Nako- Tabo: Slow-moving as a lot of the driving is along the side of a cliff, but the road is decent enough with no construction

Tabo- Kaza: Relatively good for the most part

Delhi to Manali: Very good

Manali to Kaza: Very poor, landslides and water on the road is common

How to reach Spiti Valley from Delhi- Wrap Up

Once you’ve reached Spiti via either Nako or Kaza, you have the entire valley to explore! No matter which way you enter, you should be positioned to continue your Spiti Valley trip and exit out the other side of the loop (unless the road becomes blocked, that is.)

The following are notable villages in the valley, in geographical order heading towards Kaza:

• Mud Village

And that’s that on reaching Spiti Valley from Delhi! If you have any questions or if any of the timings have changed, drop a comment below.

Samantha is the founder of Intentional Detours. Originally from the USA, she’s been backpacking the world since 2017, and is passionate about slow, adventure travel that puts local communities first. She has visited 19 countries and has been living in the Karakoram Mountains of Asia’s Hunza Valley since 2021. She’s super passionate about helping people get off the beaten path anywhere (on a budget of course), and her travel writing has been published in the likes of BBC Travel, CNBC, Business Insider, and more.

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I love how detailed and helpful this post is! I haven’t been to Spiti Valley yet but this has convinced me to go for sure.

So happy to have been helpful Charu! Spiti is well worth the trek it takes to reach it :)

That’s a great post and very detailed info on Spiti. I always wanted to go here and not the crowded leh. Saving this post for future reference

Thanks for sharing this fantastic Article, really very informative. Your writing skill is very good, you must keep writing this type of Article.

Tour & Travel Packages. Best price. Feel free to visit Dream Bharat Travel….

Great post !

Thank you so much! Hope it was useful.

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Spiti Valley Road Trip (9N/10D)

Spiti is a land of monasteries and wide-open landscapes preserved deep in the mighty Himalayas. Spiti and Pin Rivers make their way through the desert mountain valley that is positioned along the Indo-Tibet border, abutting the Zanskar mountain ranges of the Himalayas.  

Spiti has entirely contrasting terrain compared to its sister valley, Lahaul . As you drive into the Lahaul valley from the Manali side, you might notice that this part of the Lahaul & Spiti district is inordinately greener than Spiti valley. 

Culturally and geographically, Spiti is almost indistinguishable from Ladakh. If you never get a chance to visit Ladakh in your lifetime, you can experience similar cultures and landscapes by going on a road trip to Spiti valley.  

Hikkim Village in Spiti Valley

Spiti Valley Road Trip Highlights

• Drive through one of the most treacherous terrains in the world, well-accompanied by wide landscapes and beautiful Himalayan lakes
• Camping, photography, and stargazing at Chandra Taal
• Tabo village and monastery. The 1000-year-old Buddhist monastery is famed for Bodhisattva Stucco sculptures, murals, and rock paintings.  
• Watch the confluence of the Sutlej and Spiti River at Khab bridge. 
• Catch a glimpse of the mighty snowy peaks of the Kinnaur Kailash mountain range while driving on Kalpa-Roghi road. 
• Views of Reo Purgyil peak (the highest peak of Himachal) from Khab and Nako.
• Driving by the banks of the shallow Spiti river. 

Lahaul, Kinnaur, and Spiti Valley of Himachal Pradesh

9 Nights/10 Days

Rs. 35,000/- per person

Spiti Valley Road Map

Spiti Valley Road Trip Map

Spiti Valley Road Trip Itinerary

• Delhi/Chandigarh to Shimla to Kotgarh (410/210 km, 7-9 hrs)
• Kotgarh to Baga Sarahan (80 km, 4 hrs)
• Baga Sarahan to Sangla to Rakcham (155 km, 6 Hrs)
• Rakcham to Chitkul to Kalpa (70 km, 4 hrs)
• Kalpa to Nako to Tabo (150 km, 6 hrs)
• Tabo to Pin Valley to Kaza via Dhankar Monastery (110 km, 6-7 hrs)
• Kaza – Langza – Hikkim – Komic – Key – Kibber – Gete – Kaza (30 km, 4-5 hrs drive time)
• Kaza to Kunzum Pass to Chandratal Lake (90 km, 4-5 hrs)
• Chandra Taal to Atal Tunnel to Manali (134 km, 6 hrs)
• Manali to Chandigarh/Delhi (8-9 hrs)

The cultural and traditional heritage this place holds is over 1000 years old. Monasteries and stupas that have stood unmoved in their places for centuries are witnesses to the great turmoil that took place in the Greater Himalayas to give origin to this heavenly place.

Snow-capped peaks rise on both banks of the Spiti and Pin Rivers to spear the sky and protect its inhabitants from all uncalled-for travesties. The priceless gift of mother nature as a pure environment, crystal clear water, fertile land, picturesque landscapes, century-old glaciers, and snowfields make Spiti a must-visit place on earth.

High passes, lowlands, small and long flights of bridges connecting two ends of the open valley at places have been our companions for years on our journeys to this most beautiful land. We have been driving through these picture-perfect valleys and Himalayan villages for years.

To share one of our most memorable travel experiences with you, we have designed the Spiti Valley road trip in a way that you have time to explore Spiti inside out. From food to Spitian culture to extended natural landscapes, you will get a chance to live the life of a local.

Pin Valley in Spiti

An overland trip to Spiti Valley is one such unmatched experience that leads to craving another Spiti road trip.  

The itinerary that we will follow is set up and customized considering the extreme weather and geographical conditions and to adapt well for driving on the most treacherous road in the world’ – National Highway 5.

We know people by their stories: their quirky ways, their habits, and their life journeys. The road trip to Spiti valley is a great opportunity to get to know not just the fellow road trippers but also the people of the Himalayas – their daily life, food, and cultural practices.

Be it standing at the world’s highest village – Komik (or Komic)’ or driving through the world’s most treacherous road, you will experience it all firsthand and take home lovely memories and myriad adventure tales you lived in real-time.

Just imagine how watching an extended landscape of multiple layers of misty mountains in front of your eyes and clear blue sky above your head would feel. If this is the place you have been planning to be for so long, come join us and let’s make fresh memories that will remain etched in your mind forever.

Detailed Spiti Valley Road Trip Itinerary

Day 1: Delhi/Chandigarh to Shimla to Kotgarh (410/210 km, 7-9 hrs drive time)

We will start our journey from Delhi/Chandigarh in the morning. Through the Himalayan Express Highway and NH5, we would be reaching Kotgarh by the evening — into the heart of the lesser Himalayas. 

All through the drive, we would be gradually gaining altitude — from 656m at Kalka to 2276m at Shimla. This will continue till we reach Narkanda which is located at 2700m. 

From Narkanda, there is a 15km long gradual descent to Kotgarh (altitude 1900m).     

Beautiful roads snaking through forests of pine, deodar, and oak trees offer glimpses of small beautiful villages on the way. We will stop at Shimla and Kufri for a while and then move ahead to reach Kotgarh by evening, which is our halt for the night. 

The overnight stay is at a cottage amidst apple and cherry orchards.

Day 2: Kotgarh to Baga Sarahan (80 km, 4 hrs drive time)

On day 2, we take a connecting road that will take us down to Bithal on National Highway 5. From Bithal, we head towards Rampur Bushahr. At Duttnagar (a place on NH5), we take a left turn and take Duttnagar-Nirmand connecting road. 

This road will take us to the mountain meadows of Baga Sarahan.  Baga Sarahan is around a 45km drive away from Duttnagar.  

Baga Sarahan is a beautiful plain grassland spreading up to miles. Baga Sarahan is about 160 km from Shimla. The open meadow reveals itself to travelers as they traverse through small bridges and narrow, vista roads uphill to finally discover this beautiful gem of nature.

Baga Sarahan is still a hidden Himalayan gem yet to be explored by nature lovers. The place is surrounded by mountains and water streams on all sides. A small village and apple orchards in the periphery of the pasture add another dimension to the beauty of this place. The place receives heavy snow during winters that paint everything from meadows to tall deodar trees to the ancient temple built in traditional white architecture.

Mother nature reveals its first marvel as soon as we reach Taranda to see a deep gorge on the left-hand side of the road. The road roofed by multiple rock tunnels ushers you into Kinnaur Valley. Rakcham is a beautiful village at an altitude of 3050 m. This place has a charm of its own. The green forested mountain beautifies the landscape on either side of the glacial waters of the Baspa River.

Dinner and overnight stay at a camp/cottage in Baga Sarahan.

Day 3: Baga Sarahan to Sangla; Sangla to Rakcham (155 km, 6 Hrs drivetime)

Sangla Valley, Kinnaur

On day 3 of the Spiti valley road trip expedition, we take the same serpentine road to reach National Highway 5. As we reach the Baga Sarahan connecting road-NH5 road junction, we take a left turn and head towards Rampur Bushahr.

At Rampur Bushahr, we may take a halt to visit Padam palace.

The standout of the day’s drive will be traversing the Tranda Dhank (cliff) road span. This tunnel-shaped road stretch is a part of the old Hindustan-Tibet road that was constructed in Viceroy Dalhausie’s time (in the 1850s). You will remember the drive by the huge gorge on the river-side will be remembered by you for each meter driven.

From Tranda, we will continue the drive on NH5 till Karcham. Karcham bridge is the gateway to the Baspa (or Sangla valley). An 18km long connecting road will take us to the town of Sangla.

Dinner and overnight stay at a hotel in Rakcham.

Day 4: Rakcham to Chitkul; Return to Sangla & Drive to Kalpa (70 km, 4 hrs)

Kalpa, Kinnaur

After breakfast, we will drive to the last village of India on the Indo-Tibetan border – Chitkul. The village is at an elevation of 3450m from mean sea level. Don’t be surprised if you see big snowflakes falling from the sky even in the month of May. This place is the starting point for some popular treks like Borasu, Nalgan valley, and Lamkhaga Pass.

We spend the morning hiking along the river and enjoying a blissful day in solitude by the river banks of Baspa.

After Lunch drive towards the village of Kalpa. Kalpa is more famous for the views it offers of the snow-covered Kinner Kailash Ranges. This is the place for an overnight stay in a hotel.

Day 5: Kalpa to Nako; Drive to Tabo Monastery (150 km, 6 hrs drive time)

Finally, on day 5 of the road trip, we would be driving on lunar terrains of Spiti valley.  In the first leg of the trip, we drive along the Sutlej river until we reach a place called Khab. 

Khab is the place where Sutlej and Spiti River meet. From here the road ascends till you reach an elevation of 12000 ft to a place called Nako. 

Nako is a picturesque village with amazing views of snow-covered Manerang Ranges. There is also a lake located on the valley side of the village. This place is the base camp for climbing Reo Purgyil – the highest peak in Himachal Pradesh. Then we proceed further to reach Tabo village by evening for an overnight stay in a homestay/guest house.

Dhankar Monastery Spiti Valley

Day 6: Tabo to Dhankar Monastery to Pin Valley; Drive to Kaza  (110 km, 6-7 hrs drive time)

Our first destination on day 5 will be the Dhankar (sometimes spelled as Dankhar or Dhangkar) monastery. It is a 900-year-old monastery built on a valley spur. The word literally translates to Fort (Kar) built on a mountain (Dhang). 

A 23km long drive on NH505 will take us to a point from where we take a right turn and continue the drive on a serpentine road connecting road (Sichling-Dhankhar Gompa). 

The Dhankar monastery offers vantage views of the valley and the confluence of the Pin and Spiti Rivers. After spending some time at the monastery, we descend down to reach NH505, take a left turn, and continue driving on the highway. 

At Attargo, we drive over the Attargo bridge and start our road journey into the Pin valley. 

Instagrammable places in Pin valley

• Kungri monastery 
• Sagnam village
• Mud village (the last village of the Pin valley). 
• Pin river terraces. 

By the evening, we head back to Attargo and reach Kaza — the administrative center of Spiti valley. 

Dinner and overnight stay at a hotel in Kaza. 

Day 7: Kaza – Langza – Hikkim – Komic – Key – Kibber – Kaza (30 km, 4-5 hrs drive time)

Kaza to Key Monastery in Spiti Valley

Today we drive to the 4400 m high Langza village. After Langza, we head further to the village of Komic, following the route that offers a mesmerizing view of a handful of peaks (all above 6000 m). 

Situated at an elevation of 4513m, Komic is one of the highest villages in Asia and literally means the eye of a snowcock.

From Komic, we’ll make a return trip to Kaza and drive to Key Monastery. After visiting the monastery we head to Kibber village. 

In the evening, we would drive back to Kaza for dinner and an overnight stay.

Langza Village in Spiti Valley

Day 8: Kaza to Kunzum Pass to Chandra Taal Lake (90 km, 4-5 hrs)

Chandra Taal, Spiti

We start the day early as the weather at the 4550 m (15,060 feet) high Kunzum Pass can turn from bright sunshine into snow showers in a minute. 

Kunzum Pass acts as a crossover between Spiti Valley and Lahaul Valley. When in Lahaul, you might notice that this valley is a lot greener than Spiti.

Kunzum Pass offers amazing views of the Chandrabhaga Ranges. It has a Hindu temple and a Buddhist Chorten dedicated to the eponymous Goddess Kunzum Mata.

After a short descent from the pass, we take a detour on a narrow road to Chandratal Lake. Chandra Taal – the name that translates to moon lake – is a beautiful lake at an altitude of 14,100 feet. 

Nestled between the mountain ranges of Chandra Bhaga and Kunzum top, Chandra Taal is acclaimed and admired by travelers as one of the most beautiful lakes in the entire Himalayan region.

After enjoying beautiful views, we will settle for a lakeside overnight stay in camps at Chandra Taal.

Chandra Taal, Spiti Valley

Day 9: Chandra Taal to Atal Tunnel to Manali (134 km, 6 hrs)

After savoring the pristine views of Chandra Taal Lake and surrounding mountain ranges, we would head for Manali. After a short halt at Batal, we drive along the Chandra River to a place called Gramphu.

From Gramphu we can take one of the two routes to Manali:

• Gramphu – Rohtang pass – Kothi – Palchan – Manali
• Gramhpu – Koksar – Chandra Bridge – Atal Tunnel – Solang Valley – Manali

We’ll reach Manali by evening. Overnight stay at a hotel.

Day 10: Manali to Chandigarh/Delhi (8-9 hrs)

Time to bid farewell. Drive through Chandigarh to Delhi.

FAQs about Spiti Valley Road Trip

Q: Is this trip for me?

A: If you are crazily in love with the Himalayas, then Spiti Valley Itinerary, Spiti valley road trip is meant for you. If you have never felt how driving through the world’s most treacherous road and standing on the world’s highest inhabited village feels like, then this road trip is for you. Ear-deafening noise coming from furious Sutlej and Spiti Rivers and the calmness and beauty of Chandra Taal will make your trip worth it.

Q: How is the weather out there?

A: Temperatures might be as low as -2 °C or even lower while crossing Kunzum Pass and Rohtang Pass. And, the only mantra to enjoy this road journey is to be well equipped. It’s perfectly fine if the maximum space of your bag is eaten up by an extra pair of woolen socks, cap, warm jacket, and thermals.

Q: Can I bring my spouse/friend with me?

A: Of course, you can. We will be visiting many beautiful villages, lakes, and monasteries during the course of our journey; which implies, we will be having a good time during the trip.

Q: Is there any trekking involved in the trip?

A: No. This is a road journey. All the destinations you are visiting are accessible by vehicle. At a couple of places, you might have to take short walks, but they cannot be categorized as treks. Anyone with a reasonable fitness level can do most of the activities during the trip.

Q: What is the maximum altitude we will hit?

A: 15,059 feet (4,590 m) at Kunzum Pass

Q: What about the level of physical fitness?

A: A person with reasonable fitness can join the group because there is no trekking involved throughout the trip. Still, it is always good to be fit when going to high altitudes.

Q: Does physical fitness protect against altitude sickness?

A:  As suggested it’s always good to be physically fit when you plan to go to high altitudes. But there is no evidence that people with high physical fitness levels don’t fall prey to AMS (acute mountain sickness or altitude sickness). Rather, they might challenge themselves to exert more, hence increasing the probability of becoming an AMS victim.

Q: Can I drink alcohol at a high altitude?

A: Drinking alcohol at high altitudes is a practice you should avoid in all possibilities, because alcohol can obstruct your breathing, directly hampering the acclimatization process of your body. Furthermore, alcohol may cause dehydration.

Q: Should I take Diamox when going to high altitude?

A: There is no need to take Diamox until or unless your body has enough time for acclimatization. We have planned the trip in stages to offer your body sufficient time for acclimatization during the ascent. Hence taking drugs in the mountains needs to be avoided. You should consider taking Diamox only if you are gaining altitude very quickly (flying to high altitude locations), that too only if you have no history of allergies to the drug.

Cancellation Policy

In the event of cancellation of tour/trek/adventure activity/services due to any avoidable/unavoidable reasons, we must be notified of the same in writing. Cancellation charges will be effective from the date we receive the information in writing (email), and cancellation charges will be as follows:

• 30 days or more prior to the departure date: 90% of the total package fee refundable.
• Between 21-30 days prior to the departure date: 60% of the total package fee refundable
• Between 20-11 days prior to the departure date: 30% of the total package fee refundable
• Less than 10 days prior to the departure date: No refund
• No show: No refund
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Stunning road trip from Delhi to Spiti valley 9 Days & 8 Nights | Customizable

Stunning road trip from Delhi to Spiti valley

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Itinerary overview

The Spiti Valley has always been an eye-catching spot for all the tourists. The mesmerizing images of this valley are enough to make all of us drool at the sightseeing of beautiful nature. A cold desert and a mountain valley situated in the Himalayas is filled with snow-clad mountains and pacific. These views not only calm your eyes but also your soul.

Tour highlights

• Camping under the stars in Chandertall lake.
• Explore Kinnaur & Spiti Valley in a single package.
• Spiti valley group trip is all you need to spend some time with your loved ones.
• Visit India’s last village i.e Chitkul
• Explore one of the oldest monasteries in Spiti valley i.e Key Monastery
• Send postcards to your loved ones from Asia’s Highest post office i.e Hikkim.

Itinerary idea in detail

Day1: delhi to shimla.

The thrilling adventurous journey begins by boarding a bus. May sound boring but things are about to get crazy. The craziness starts with the overnight traveling from a busy city, Delhi into the calm mountains of Shimla by a Volvo bus.

Day2: Shimla - Sangla/Karcham

After picking up from Shimla in the morning, we will head towards the Sangla/Karcham. There will be On the way Fresh up & Breakfast. the actual adventure will start when we reach Sangla. The beautiful valley welcomes you with a beautiful sight of Baspa River. This valley is believed to be one of the most beautiful valleys of the Himachal area. So here we will provide you some rest and meals to the hype and energize you up for the coming trip. You will end your day1 with a relaxing night here in Spiti valley hotels.

Day3: Sangla/Karcham - Chitkul - Kalpa

We will head for our main destination for the day that is Kalpa. On our way, we will go through the second last village of the country, Chitkul. It is situated on a high altitude and is covered by snowy mountains. Therefore, it marks for a gorgeous and calming sightseeing experience. Our day2 will end in Kalpa. Its time to sleep to get ready to explore the beauty of Kalpa the next day.

Day4: Kalpa – Nako – Tabo – Kaza

We will start our day3 by exploring Kalpa. After seeing the beauty of Kalpa, we will resume our trip and move ahead towards Spiti valley. Day3 will include many amazing sightseeing experiences such as Nako lake & Tabo monastery. We will end our day3 by reaching Kaza where we stay for the night.

Day5: Kaza- Ki-Kibber, Chicham – Kaza.

On day4 we will explore beautiful places like Kibber and Chicham. You will be mesmerized to see Chicham Asia’s highest bridge & one of the Spiti oldest monasteries i.e Key Monastery. We will go back to Kaza to end our Day4 after all the sightseeing. You will definitely enjoy your second night in Kaza.

Day6: Kaza- Komic - Hikkim - Langza - Kaza

Day5 will mark for an adventure day at Kaza and nearby places. This includes- a trip to Komic followed by Hikkim- Asia’s highest post office and then to Langza village famous for fossils. Then we will head back for our third-night stay in Kaza.

Day7: Kaza - Chandertall

The sixth day will start by travailing from Kaza to Chandertall. In between the traveling, we will have a quick stop at an amazingly beautiful place Kunzum Pass for sightseeing. On the arrival at Chandertall Camps, you have to track your way to Chandertall for sightseeing of its beautiful lake. The night stay for that day is booked in camps at Chandertall.

Day8: Chandertall - Manali

On day seven our return journey starts. In the morning we are going to bid our farewell to Chandertall and heads towards Manali. In between, we will have a quick stop at Rohtang pass. The day will end at Manali where you will rest for the night.

Day9: Manali - Delhi

On eight day we will start our day by exploring local places such as Hadimba Meta Temple sightseeing a Manali. In the meantime, we will board our buses and return to Delhi. The Volvo travel from Manali to Delhi is overnight travel.

Day10: Delhi Drop

We will reach Delhi early in the morning. The Volvo busses will drop all the passengers at ISBT Kashmir Gate.

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Why you ride II : A Solo road trip to Spiti Valley.

“ All that is gold doesn’t glitter, not all those who wander are lost… ” – J.R.R Tolkien

When was the last time you listened to your inner voice, and just decided to get out to the hills on a road trip? I, for one, followed the voice and made plans to visit Spiti valley in Himachal Pradesh this fall. Spiti, the name for cold deserted valley, the middle land between India and Tibet, has mostly barren road for miles yet so picturesque and it makes you forget about the life you were living before you started the trip.

The grandiose Spiti valley

There are mainly two routes by which trippers cover this valley. One route is from Manali via Rohtang Pass, other one is through Shimla via Kinnaur Valley. I chose the latter.

Day 1: Chandigarh to Chitkul , When my fellow rider was too afraid to drive in hills

I started from Chandigarh with a fellow rider who decided to head back from Shimla and thus my ride turned solo.

Roads through Kinnaur

The ride took me through Shimla, Narkanda , Rampur , Sarahan on excellent roads carved on the sides of mountains until I reached Tapri , and that was when the going got tough, this was but a preface for the rest of my journey. First stop was Chitkul after crossing Evergreen Sangla valley.

The last inhabited Indian village before Tibet

Last Indian village before Tibet, and set at a tranquil location in the lap of mountains on both sides and by the banks of Baspa river; the last village where you can travel without a permit. I met a lot of travelers and got to bond with a few of them. A rider traveling solo all the way from Gujarat . Another traveler from Germany and his friend from USA. This is when my mind reminded me again why we travel, you meet people from different culture and perspective about life and stuff which is not the same in your monotonous city life. There you are, sharing and listening to the stories and experiences of life with a person you didn’t know a day before.

Chitkul had amazing night sky, the kind that makes you ponder, do you exist just to do the obligatory 10-6 job?

Galactic Core over Chitkul village

Next morning I said goodbye to my new friends, exchanged our contacts to stay in contact for any future travels and headed for Tabo monastery.

Day 2: Chitkul- Nako – Tabo, Talking about Life and cosmos with an Israeli traveler on the roof of 1000 years old Monastery at midnight.

The roads after Recongpeo, show no mercy. In between there are a few good patches to drive on, the rest is a dirt track which is both treacherous and fun at the same time, landslides are common in this region. There was a time when I felt like it was raining as I heard something as a sound of rain falling over my helmet, which was a surprise as the sun was shining bright in zenith. A few seconds later I found few pebbles and dust falling on the glass of my helmet, and I went full throtlle! (Keep an eye on the road as well the hills above)

After driving for 6-7 hours I managed to reach Nako, a village with a backdrop of Himalayan mountains with melting glaciers. I trekked up to a vantage to have a better look at the much visited Nako Lake.

Just after you cross Nako village and enter Chango , Sumdo Village you enter into Spiti Valley. I reached Tabo monastery by 6, and the first guy I met whom I asked the way to the monastery, was an Italian man, volunteered to work at a local school in the village. Tabo monastery is almost a millenia old, and they also have their guest house facility! I shared the Dorm with an Israeli guy traveling solo from past one month in India.

Milky way Over Tabo Monastery

At midnight, while I was shooting the night sky on the roof of monastery, the Israeli dude joined me and asked me about what I was trying to shoot, the galaxies, comets, the cosmos and how we and the cosmos are related. Talking about life and the cosmos at midnight with a random stranger, yeah!

Day 3: Tabo- Dhankar- Kaza – Losar

Next morning, I started out for Losar, the last village in Spiti before the Kunzum La. On the way was Dhankar monastery, where I met some monks and Buddhist guys who invited me for the Po Cha(Butter tea) straight from the monastery’s kitchen. Before leaving, the monks gave me some papers with prayers written over them and asked me wrote the names of my dear ones on it and throw it from the roof of monastery. The higher the wind takes the papers, the more they consider you will be in luck!

Autumn colors of Spiti

The road to Losar was like driving on Mars, deserted and no people!?

Road to Kaza

It took 3 hours from Kaza to reach Losar, where I met these two Israeli guys traveling to Leh on their 1975 model Royal Enfield bikes!

Overnight, it snowed on the mountains around and the view was something like this.

Day 4 : Losar – Kunzum Pass – Chandra Taal – Manali

The next day, the weather and the view got more better. The way to Kunzum pass was rough but scenic. A few miles from the Kunzum top, I met the two Israeli’s, with one of them struggling on a shortcut to ascend his old Enfield on a steep climb. I, with the other guy pushed his bike through the rest of the climb.

Finally we were able to reach the Kunzum Top. As I was just about to leave, I was invited by the same Israeli friends for some Israeli coffee made on the stove he was carrying with him, It was a offer I couldn’t refuse and just when we finished our cup we met these two English bicyclists who were traveling all the way from London to Indian on Bicycles since January. They described us how they travelled all they way through the european countries and deserts of Kazakhstan and entered India through Pakistan . People really are something!

The dude on the left made some Israeli coffee for us at the height of 14000 ft.

Next destination was Chandrataal lake, one of the main attraction of spiti Valley. I did not encounter a single soul on the way to the lake until I reached the spot where you park your vehicle and walk on foot further to the lake, where I saw some monks on their way back from the lake.

Curves of Spiti

The lake was enchanting. I still do not remember how I spent two hours at the lake just staring at this abyss.

The moon lake

Next stop was Manali, and then to Chandigarh finally, where I would end my jouney and head back to the normal life but I knew that I would come back again soon.

The mountains are always calling, you just gotta listen carefully at the end of the day!

Mountains are calling

…….Hear that sound?

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Spiti Valley via Manali | How to Plan Your Journey

By now you must be aware that you can travel to Spiti Valley via Manali or you can take the route to Spiti from Kinnaur Valley. In the last article of the series “Comprehensive Travel Guide to Spiti Valley,” we talked about how to plan a journey on the road to Spiti Valley via Kinnaur Valley OR Hindustan – Tibet Highway. In this article, I will talk in detail about the other road to Spiti Valley which goes via Manali.

Traveling to Spiti from Manali to Kaza route is one of a kind of an adventure. And for many people, it can easily become a trip of a lifetime. The nasty water crossings and road conditions from Gramphu to Kunzum Pass route make your heart pound like nothing else. Hence, it becomes important that you understand what to expect on this adventurous route to Spiti.

Let's quickly dive into the details:

Spiti Valley via Manali | A Complete Guide

Unlike the long, treacherous, Hindustan – Tibet Highway, the major part of the journey to Spiti Valley from Manali is covered without any trouble up to Manali which is about 570 odd km from Delhi. Still, you can check, how to plan a trip to Manali travel guide article for further details.

On the other hand, the road to Spiti Valley via Kinnaur, commonly known as Hindustan Tibet Highway , is a destination in itself. The arduous journey that runs to Spiti Valley from Kinnaur – Shimla is also termed as one of the treacherous or deadliest roads of the world . However, now in 2022, it is no longer true. The road from Shimla to Kinnaur to Kaza is mostly in good condition and even a small car can do it. While the road from Manali to Kaza is no less than an extreme adventure and it continues to be as of today as well in 2022.

Now, that you know how to travel to Manali from Delhi, let’s cover in detail in this article about planning the rest of the 200 odd km road trip to Spiti Valley from Manali to Kaza.

How many days does it take to reach Spiti Valley from Manali side?

When traveling to Spiti via Manali, you need at least two days to reach Kaza from Delhi via Manali. On Day 1, you can reach Manali, and the next day you can reach Kaza from Manali. However, if you plan to travel from Delhi over Hindustan Tibet Road to Spiti Valley, then it takes three days to reach Tabo with night stops at Narkanda and Kalpa. Hence, traveling via Manali to Spiti will take fewer days when compared to Shimla – Kalpa – Kaza route.

Generally, most first-time travelers plan a road trip to Spiti Valley as a full circuit. That is, they will enter from one side (mostly Kinnaur) and exit via the other side (mostly Manali). After making the first trip, you can always plan more trips to Spiti from either of the routes to focus on remote places in Spiti Valley.

Is there any problem if I travel to Spiti from the longer route of Kinnaur?

The problems of traveling to Spiti via Kinnaur are far less than the benefits it offers. When you travel to Spiti Valley from Shimla side, the altitude is increased gradually as compared to traveling to Spiti from Manali to Kaza side. Traveling from Shimla side helps a lot in acclimatization and reducing the chances of getting hit with AMS. It is the prime reason I do not recommend traveling to Spiti via Manali whenever it is possible.

Having said that, do not forget that the route from Kinnaur Valley to Spiti has its demerits too like long distance and arduous journey over NH05. Please note in 2022, as I updated this article, the road conditions have improved a lot on this route.

When you make a trip to Spiti via Manali, then you should surely know about its terrain, the route from Manali to Kaza, the places that come on this route, the accommodation, modes of travel, basic amenities on the route, time or season to visit, etc.

This will ensure that you have an unforgettable memory of the trip to Spiti Valley . The journey on the road to Spiti Valley via Manali can easily turn into a nightmare if planned incorrectly and can get you in trouble, stranded in the middle of nowhere. In this article of the series, “Comprehensive Travel Guide to Spiti Valley,” I will try to put down all my knowledge for traveling to this road to Spiti Valley from Manali side.

Do not forget to check the five reasons to travel to Spiti Valley from Manali side .

Best Time to Visit Spiti Valley via Manali

The only time to travel from Manali to Kaza is June to October month period. It is this period when the BRO clears the snow on Gramphu to Batal route, and both Rohtang Pass and Kunzum Pass are open. So, the best time to plan a full circuit of the Spiti Valley trip (Delhi – Kinnaur – Spiti – Manali – Delhi) is from June to September – October period only.

With the opening of the Atal Tunnel , you do not need to wait for Rohtang Pass to open but Kunzum Pass as well as the entire Gramphu to Kunzum Pass road still takes time to open due to heavy snow accumulation.

The road from Shimla to Kaza via Kinnaur remains open all around the year barring days of heavy snowfall. Hence, you can always plan a trip to Spiti from Kinnaur side in any month of the year.

The month of September is one of the best times to visit Spiti Valley from Manali or Shimla’s side. In September, the monsoon is gone from Northern India including the parts of Himachal Pradesh like Kinnaur Valley and Manali to Kaza route. The roads get dry, free from mud, and water crossings are less ferocious too.

The snowfall starts in the month of late September or October on high mountain passes like Rohtang Pass and Kunzum Pass that come on the route to Spiti Valley via Manali side. Hence, traveling on this route starts to become risky as winter starts to arrive. Late October and November are when the Manali to Kaza route seriously hibernates for the next six months, only to open in May end or June.

So, in the winter months from November to May, the road to Spiti Valley from Manali side remains closed and the only way to travel to Spiti is from Shimla – Kinnaur side in winters.

You can check my article for the details about a month-by-month season guide for making a road trip to Spiti Valley and understanding when is the best time to visit Spiti via Manali.

Dheeraj Sharma

Modes of Travel on Road to Spiti Valley via Manali

You will have plenty of options to plan a road trip to Spiti Valley. The options start from planning the Spiti trip by public transport to renting a private taxi from Manali and covering the entire Spiti Valley. You can always plan to rent a self-drive car from Delhi to Chandigarh and make a trip to Spiti Valley. Similarly, if you are interested in making a bike trip to Spiti Valley , you do not have any restrictions.

But in the end, you should know what is the best mode of travel to make a road trip to Spiti from Manali. In this section, let us look at our options one by one in detail.

Private Vehicles i.e. Cars and Bikes | Self Drive or Bike Ride to Spiti Valley

Self-drive by car or self-ride by bike is one of the most preferred options to travel to Spiti Valley. A drive or bike ride to Spiti, especially from Manali to Kaza, is an extreme adventure in itself. Making such an adventure road trip is an idea to experience the nature challenges in their raw form in the Himalayas.

Can I take a rented or my bike or car to the Spiti Valley road trip?

Yes, you can take your own or rented, car, or bike to Spiti Valley from Manali side. Unlike Leh Ladakh, where outside Ladakh vehicles are banned for sightseeing in Ladakh, there is no such rule to ban outside Himachal vehicles in Spiti Valley.

Having said that, it is difficult to drive or ride from Manali to Kaza road, especially when you are a first-timer. You should be cautious when driving or riding through the slushy roads, snow, and water crossing, or nallas especially between Gramphu to Kunzum Pass and almost up to Losar village.

Also, it is always handy to learn little maintenance tasks of your vehicle before the start of this arduous journey to Spiti Valley from Manali. Knowing how to repair a puncture and other basic stuff to fix your car or bike will help you a lot in case of an unforeseen situation.

What is the best car for Spiti Valley road trip?

Well, there is nothing as such the best car for the Spiti Valley road trip. It all depends upon the time you are traveling and your driving skills to travel on such rough roads in the Himalayas . Still, it is always better to have a higher ground clearance vehicle, especially from Kaza to Manali road, and a 4×4 will especially help you in the water crossings.

However, I have seen hatchbacks (including Altos and Nano) and sedans traveling to Spiti Valley from Manali side as well. I have taken my sedan on these routes, and with some underbelly scratches, I was able to complete the road trip to Spiti via Manali.

Tips for a bike ride or self-drive trip from Manali to Kaza

Given below are some of the important tips for a road trip to Spiti Valley via Manali – Lahaul route.

• Whenever you are in doubt, always step out of your car, walk down the path, inspect with your foot and plan the path of exit before crossing a dangerous landslide or water crossing on your vehicle. You can also park aside and see how others are crossing the risky section to plan your route of escape.
• In deep water, crossings try to maintain the momentum without any half clutch measures and complete the entire stretch in one go only.
• Similarly, in slush stretches, do not force the issue rather keep the smooth momentum with the required speed to pass you through, without half clutch measures. Do keep an eye on the direction of the vehicle too.
• If you get stuck in slush then try to back and forth your vehicles to get out of the stuck position and use a wooden plank to get out of it.
• It is always handy to ask your fellow co-travelers to get out of the car and push the vehicle from behind, in case, the car is struggling to pass through the slush or water crossing stretch.
• DO NOT forget to help other fellow travelers in need on the route.

Essential things to carry for a self-drive to Spiti

A basic toolkit, screwdriver set, small hammer, puncture repair kit, iron rod, two or three “2 ltr” empty bottles of Pepsi / Coke / Limca, etc. to carry extra petrol or diesel (jerry cans will leak, cold drink bottles do not leak), funnel, towing rope, a spare tube (must for bikes), Elfy or Fevi quick (2-3 sachets), jump-start cables/wires, car inverter, M-seal to prevent leakage, etc. were among the few things which I carry along on my trip to Ladakh or Spiti Valley.

Also, do not forget to get your vehicle (car/bike) serviced about 2-3 weeks before the start of the trans-Himalayan journey . This will ensure that you have proper time in advance to test your serviced vehicle and get fixed any hitches that may have been introduced in that service.

Do not forget to check a 40 MUST-HAVE list of things to pack for a self-drive trip to Spiti Valley .

Hiring a Private Taxi | Taxi Number or Private Number

You can also hire a taxi from Manali or Delhi to travel on the road to Spiti Valley via Manali. It is always better to hire Xylo or Scorpio, and mostly the charges range from Rs 3800 to 4000 per day from Manali depending upon the season of travel, several days of the trip, and your bargaining skills.

It is always best to confirm from the driver if he has done the route from Manali to Kaza and when was the last time he did go on that route. Many times, drivers from Manali are good but sometimes they are majorly bogged onto local routes in  Himachal Pradesh which are in no comparison to the roads of Trans-Himalayas. So, confirm twice before fixing a deal. Hence, it is best to travel to Manali and rent a taxi from a known driver who has been to Spiti Valley routes.

You can always get connected with local taxi drivers in this  list of taxi drivers plying on Manali to Spiti Valley .

Further, self-drive cars available in Delhi and Chandigarh are also a great way to travel to Spiti Valley via Manali from Delhi. These self-drive cars can easily be booked from your starting location point and sometimes proves less expensive than hiring taxis.

HRTC Bus Service & Shared Taxis| Economical mode of travel

You can take the overnight Volvo buses to Manali from Delhi which are run by HRTC or HPTDC. Then daily morning HRTC buses ply buses on Kullu – Manali – Atal Tunnel – Kunzum Pass – Kaza route. Two HRTC buses run between Manali and Kaza every morning. These buses start from Manali to Kaza as soon as the road to Spiti Valley via Manali gets open in the season. Mostly in mid-June.

These buses run from Kullu to Kaza via Manali and it reaches Manali around 4.45 AM and leaves at 5.00 AM. Ticket to Kaza will cost you only about INR 300 approximately per person. So, you can easily make a budget trip to Spiti by public transport using these HRTC buses.

In between, you can also buy yourself a seat in a shared taxi that runs between various places within Spiti Valley. For example, you can cover Dhangkar Monastery, Pin Valley, Kibber/Ki, Hikkim/Komik, etc. all in shared taxis available from Tabo OR Kaza. Even shared taxis run between Losar and Kaza too.

If you are tight on budget, then to get some tips on how to save more, please refer to my article on Planning a low-budget trip to Chandratal Lake . The article will give you many ideas to save costs next time you travel from Manali to Kaza.

How to reach Spiti from Manali side?

The road to Spiti Valley from Manali side mainly has an exciting part from Manali to Kaza. Based on my experience, you can opt to plan a journey on the road to Spiti Valley via Manali in one of the following ways –

Two Day Trip to Spiti via Kaza – Manali Road

This option is the most generally followed option by many people traveling to Spiti Valley. But traveling so quickly to the high altitude of Kaza increases the chances of AMS while reaching Spiti Valley. The general breakup is like below:

• Day 1: Delhi – Manali or Solang Valley (better to halt at Solang as it will help in acclimatization which Manali does not do.)
• Day 2: Manali or Solang Valley – Atal Tunnel – Gramphu – Kunzum Pass – Kaza/Tabo (Spiti Valley)

In this case, I generally suggest that you start very early in the morning and try to reach Tabo instead of Kaza on Day 2 from Manali. Though going all the way to Tabo will mean 2 hrs more journey as compared to Kaza, being 45 odd km ahead. However, it will help you acclimatize better and combat AMS as it is 600 odd Mtrs lower than Kaza. Having said all that, if you take necessary precautions, Kaza is generally OK for the majority of people too.

Three Day Journey from Delhi to Manali to Kaza

Sometimes it is better to traverse the road to Spiti Valley over Manali – Atal Tunnel route in three days. Such a plan may help your body gets a bit more acclimatized to the high altitude of Spiti Valley within these three days. Though unlike traveling on the Hindustan Tibet highway, which provides a gradual ascend. Still, breaking the journey at Sissu/Khoksar in Lahaul or if you have more days, then maybe for a couple of days in Keylong after Manali, will be a great option to undertake on your Spiti road trip.

Anyhow, the general breakup of the journey over Manali – Kaza in three days is like below:

• Day 1: Delhi – Manali or Solang Valley ( better to halt at Solang as it will help in acclimatization which Manali does not do.)
• Day 2: Manali or Solang Valley – Atal Tunnel – Sissu or Manali – Rohtang Pass – Gramphu – Khoksar / Sissu
• Day 3: Khoksar/Sissu – Gramphu – Kunzum Pass – Kaza (Spiti Valley)

This way, spending a night at Sissu or Khoksar will help you a lot in terms of acclimatization. If you have a couple of days, then go ahead and stay at Jispa for these extra days and explore around Lahaul Valley . Finally, on Day 4 make a dash to Spiti Valley over Kunzum Pass from Jispa itself or maybe end that day sleeping overnight at Chandratal instead of Kaza.

Most Common Itinerary for Spiti Valley

In the above section, you learned about how to reach Spiti from Manali side. However, it does not talk about a detailed day-by-day plan to plan such a road trip over Manali to Kaza road. I will recommend that if you are not making a circuit trip, then you can follow my itinerary of a trip to Spiti over Kaza – Manali road only .

Sightseeing on Road to Spiti Valley via Manali

Traveling over this beautiful yet adventurous road to Spiti Valley from Manali is sightseeing in itself. However, while running over it, there are some beautiful places that you can visit alongside this highway to this trans-Himalayan heaven. To name a few,

Manali, Solang Valley (a bit off track, 16 KMs), Atal Tunnel, Rohtang Pass if not going via Atal Tunnel (though I never liked it personally), and then Chandratal (a bit off track just ahead of Batal and it shall always be done while coming back from Spiti Valley).

The whole route from Gramphu to Kunzum Pass to Losar to Kaza is sightseeing in itself. The treacherous it is, the more beautiful it becomes. You will urge to get down every other turn and click pictures on this route.

List of Accommodation or Stay Options on Road to Spiti Valley via Manali

Unlike Hindustan – Tibet Highway, there isn’t much to think about accommodation when traveling to Spiti Valley via Manali. On the first day, you end up at Manali or Solang Valley which has a wide range of hotels and accommodation options.

The next day, you can either stay at Khoksar PWD Rest House or Sissu which has many stay options now. You may even reach directly to Kaza from Manali or Tabo from Manali, which again has many accommodation options available to suit most budget needs. In between, there is a PWD Resthouse at Chota Dhara and a PWD rest house at Batal. The Batal PWD rest house started in July 2013 and is located just before you enter Spiti beyond Kunzum Pass. At Batal, you can also sleep at Chandra dhabha if you are on a budget road trip to Spiti Valley .

You can also go ahead and vouch for these PWD Rest Houses on this route as well as after reaching Spiti Valley. These guest houses are comfortable and economical , but they may not suit the needs of every family. Also, you require bookings for them, and sometimes, in case of some VIP visit, they may try to push you though not in rights. However, in case you are OK with average comfort conditions and cooking/arranging your food, I will suggest staying at these. You can always refer to my article on How to Book HP PWD Rest Houses or FRHs

Acclimatization & its importance on Road to Kaza via Manali

Like Manali – Leh Highway, the journey on the road to Spiti Valley over Rohtang Pass (now Atal Tunnel) and Kunzum Pass is quite challenging, especially beyond Atal Tunnel / Rohtang Pass from Gramphu to Losar. That is why going through Hindustan – Tibet Highway is always preferred for a road trip to Spiti Valley as compared to then going via Manali – Kunzum Pass – Kaza route.

While traveling to Spiti Valley from the route through Kinnaur Valley , you give yourself a chance to properly acclimatize to the high altitudes, thereby decreasing the chances of being hit by AMS. In the return leg, you can come back to Delhi via Kaza – Kunzum Pass – Manali route to complete the entire circuit. This route helps you enjoy the whole or high altitude places of Spiti Valley including Chandratal Lake in a much better way as well.

Having said that if you cannot travel via Kinnaur then on a road trip to Spiti Valley via Manali, it is always good that you take little precautions to minimize the effects of high altitude sickness. Here are some tips which will help to acclimatize the body faster in the first few days of the trip:

• Try to sleep at Solang Valley, not Manali because Solang Valley does help in acclimatization while Manali does not do so.
• Try to reach Kaza with at least 3 night stays or cover Lahaul Valley first if you have time.
• But, if reaching on the second night then better try to reach Tabo to stay over the second night as Tabo is much lower in altitude than Kaza.
• Keep your body properly hydrated.
• Avoid sleeping at high altitudes earlier in the trip.
• Avoid overexertion.
• Avoid tobacco and smoking and alcohol and other depressant drugs.
• Keep your body warm and eat lots of carbohydrates.
• Avoid sleep during the day.
• Sleep in an upright position, if possible.
• Carry preventive medicines for AMS .
• Immediately descend towards Tabo, if symptoms increase.

For more information on Acute Mountain Sickness and all above acclimatization tips, please refer to the following link at least once Acute Mountain Sickness and Importance of Acclimatization

Fuel or Petrol Pumps on Manali – Kaza Road

You will be able to find fuel pumps only at Manali and Kaza . It is crucial not to miss to refuel at Kaza petrol pump. In case you are making a Spiti trip along with Lahaul Valley, you can also fill up petrol at the Tandi petrol pump which falls on Manali Leh Highway just before Keylong.

As per my knowledge, there are ATMs available at Manali and Kaza . Although there is an ATM at Kaza as well now, its working condition may be a question at times.

Hence, it is advised that you carry cash from Manali. I guess you should carry enough cash with you on the trans-Himalayan trip because ATMs at these limited places can run out of money or become un-operational at any day or time.

Places on Road to Spiti Valley via Manali

The places that fall on this route along with approximate distances between them go like Manali – Marhi – Atal Tunnel – Rohtang Pass – Gramphu – Chattru – Chota Dhara – Batal – Kunzum Pass – Losar – Kaza. The approximate distances along with the altitude of these places are shown in the chart below. Having the idea of the route will help you judge over the acclimatization schedule too.

Permits for Manali – Rohtang Pass Road

Since 2010, all vehicles going to Rohtang Pass from Manali side need permits which can be obtained free of cost by showing the vehicle’s RC and DL copy. You can use the Kullu Administration official website or you can also use the recently launched mobile app for the Rohtang Pass permit in 2018. You can check the entire process on how to get the Rohtang Pass permit online or using a mobile app.

Please note that all bikes, as well as cars, need to get this Rohtang Pass permit if you travel from Manali to Kaza route via Rohtang Pass.

Do I still need any permit from Atal Tunnel for Spiti Valley?

But now after the opening of the Atal Tunnel in 2020, you do not need a Rohtang Pass Permit to travel from Manali to Kaza or Spiti Valley.

However, if you are traveling from Kaza to Manali or Keylong to Manali direction and want to visit Rohtang Pass, then you should get the Rohtang Pass permit too which was not required before 2021. Hence, not a reason anymore to start your Spiti road trip from Shimla side and end the trip at Manali.

Before 2021, if you are coming from the Keylong side or Kaza side, then you did not require any permit to ply on Manali – Rohtang Pass road even if you have a non-HP registered vehicle. Rohtang Pass Permit used to be only required if you are going from Manali side towards Rohtang Pass before 2021.

However, when Atal Tunnel opened in 2020 and lot of tourists started skipping this permit. There have been news that now the barrier on Khoksar – Gramphu side do not allow the traffic to ply on Rohtang Pass if you do not have a permit.

Timings of Manali – Rohtang Pass Road

At times, especially at the start of the season when snow is cleared from Manali – Rohtang Pass road, the traffic movement at Rohtang Pass is regulated by timings. Since the ban of tourism at Rohtang Pass around 2015-16, the time regulations are not that common. Rohtang Pass permits are required to visit Manali Rohtang Pass road. In 2020, Atal Tunnel was opened for tourists and now you do not need to travel via Rohtang Pass to Spiti Valley. Hence, Rohtang Pass Permit is not needed anymore.

Don’t have time to read the full article? Check this less than 3-minute video on Discover With Dheeraj YouTube Channel on why you may travel Spiti Valley from Manali side. If you like my video, please do not forget to SUBSCRIBE to my YouTube channel.

Have you ever been to Spiti Valley through Shimla – Kinnaur or via Manali? If yes, please share your viewpoints, suggestions, or inputs as comments below and help other fellow travelers to plan their journey on one of the most challenging roads in India or perhaps the world. This road built on top of river bed like conditions is nothing but quite an adventure especially when you are not used to such road conditions.

Have a travel question?? You can subscribe to my YouTube channel and leave a comment to ask your travel questions on traveling to the Himalayas.

Are you planning to go to Spiti Valley via Kaza – Manali or Kinnaur Valley? If yes, please feel free to ask any questions or doubts you have regarding your plan either in the comments section OR my Instagram account. I will be happy to reply and discuss them with you.

If you know your friends or family are planning a trip to Spiti Valley via Manali, do share this article with them to help them make a memorable trip.

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I am Dheeraj Sharma - a traveler, techie, and Himalayan lover. Since 2009, I have been helping thousands of travelers every year plan memorable & budget-friendly trips to the Himalayas - Smartly, Safely, and responsibly.

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I’m planning for solo travel to spiti and chandratal lake. Is it safe to travel and any options I would get to find fellow travelers? I’m planning on October 1st week and is there any local bus options

Abhi, 1000s of people travel solo to Spiti Valley every year. You can check out my detailed article on the topic as How to make a budget trip to Spiti Valley by public transport

I checked on the link. But it seems to be 6 days. Is it possible to constrain that in 3 days and that Itinerary starts from Shimla. Can you help me to decide from Manali?

Are you planning a trip to Spiti Valley in 3 days?? Bhai, it takes three days to actually reach Spiti Valley from Shimla side and 2 days from Manali side. May be then check: Chandratal Lake | Cheapest Ways To Travel There

Hey i am planning for spiti valley in end of June or in the first week of July for 10-15 days solo trip. can you please help me the best places and the unexplored one and how to reach from Delhi .

You can check:

Day 1 | Delhi/Chandigarh – Shimla Day 2 | Shimla – Sarahan Day 3 | Sarahan – Sangla/Chitkul Day 4 | Sangla/Chitkul – Kalpa Day 5 | Kalpa – Nako – Nako Lake – Geyu Mummy – Tabo Day 6 | Tabo – Dhangkar – Dhangkar Lake – Lallung — Homestay Day 7 | Lallung – Pin Valley Day 8 | Pin Valley – Kaza Local Sightseeing — For stay check Sakya Abode or snow lion are two good options at Kaza apart from PWD Guest houses. Get in toufh with Tsering, the guy who runs it. He is a very good friend of mine. Day 9 | Kaza Local Sightseeing — Ki, Kibber, Gette, Tashigang Day 10 | Kaza Local Sightseeing — Hikkim, Komik, Langza circuit Day 11 | Kaza – Kunzum Pass – Chandratal — Camps if put up there by the local or come back to Losar Day 12 | Chandratal – Manali Day 13 | Manali – Delhi

Thanks Dheeraj for this useful information . What about the transportation facilites

Hey , We are six friends traveling to coming to delhi on may 29th , from there we are going to stay kasol for 2 days. After that we planning to spiti for 5-6 days. Our flight back to Mumbai is on 8th June . Can you please suggest an itenary for spitty and how to travel from and to kasol for spiti. We are booking a car which is for 40000/- for 10 nights and it includes all Himachal permits and rohtang permits and toll tax . Is this fare right? Hes charging us 4k per day for permit vila manali rohtang . Please reply

Ronish, well the general rates are about Rs 3200-3500 per day including all Himachal permits. There is only one permit for Rohtang Pass and has to be included. Rest there isn’t any. You can get connected directly to some drivers in Himachal or Spiti Valley or Kinnaur Valley at the link: List of Taxi Drivers for Spiti Valley & Kinnaur Valley . These drivers can come and pick you up from Manali / Shimla / Delhi / Chandigarh too, of course with a price of the pickup as well.

Regarding trip to Spiti Valley from Kasol, well, most likely the road from Manali will open by end of May this year and I will recommend that you stay the night before at Manali and start the trip from there.

Day 1: Reach Kasol Day 2: Kasol Day 3: Kasol to Manali / Solang Day 4 : Manali / Solang – Kaza Day 5 : Kaza – Dhangkar – Tabo Day 6 : Tabo – Pin Valley – Kaza. Do Ki, Kibber in the evening. Day 7 : Kaza – Langza – Komik – Hikkim – Chandratal, if Chandratal is open else stay at Kaza Day 8 : Chandratal / Kaza – Manali Day 9 : Reach Delhi from Manali

Het thanyou for the reply Will all yhe roads for chandratsl and Rohtang be open from 28 th may

Ronish, most likely the road from Manali to Kaza will open by end of May as there is very less snow this year. Also Rohtang Pass is already open now.

1st june :Kasol-Rohtang Pass-Kunzum La-Losar-Kaza(202kms) [Overnight at Kaza Hotel]

2nd june : Kaza-Langza-Komik Ki Monastery-Kibber-Gette-Kaza(26kms). [Overnight at Kaza Hotel] Attractions: Komik Village at an altitude of 4513m. Isolated place. Komik-ki Monastery located at hill top at a height of 13,668 ft.

3rd june : Kaza-Pin Valley-Kungri-Mudh-Kaza(49kms) [Overnight in Kaza Hotel].

4th june : Kaza-Tabo-Dhankhar-Dhankar Lake Trek-Lhalung. (34kms) [Overnight in Lhalung Homestay] Attractions : Dhankar Lake at hill top. Offers amazing view and surrounded by snow laded mountains.

5th june: Lhalung-Losar-Kunzum La-Chandratal Lake(102kms) [Overnight in camps at Chandratal] Attractions: Chandratal Lake at a height of 14,100 ft. Camping site under the gaze of a million stars.

6th june : Chandratal-Rohtang Pass-Manali/Kasol(138kms). [Overnight in Manali/Kasol]

*add solang valley also

Is this itenary proper ?

Best will be to stay at Solang or Manali on Day 1 instead of doing Kasol to Kaza as it saves about couple of hrs. Next, do not come back from Pin Valley to Kaza, go towards Tabo and stay over night. Next day do Tabo – Dhangkar – Lhalung. Confirm first if Chandratal is open or not and then make that plan else spend time in Kaza.

A friend and I are taking our car from delhi to spiti on May 26. We have space for three. Let us know if you wish to join.

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How to Plan a Trip to Spiti Valley – A Complete Travel Guide

Over the last few years, I have written several articles on how to plan a trip to Spiti Valley. These articles are spread over numerous pages and shuffling through trying to find the information that you need can actually be quite a task. So I thought to add this one sticky page at the front; more like an index to all the information.

How to Plan a Trip to Spiti Valley is really a very broad question because there are several aspects to it, and several factors will contribute to how your final plan turns out.

I will break this information as per different aspects of the trip, and provide links to articles where I have detailed the information related to it. Please take a look at the post below and it should answer all your questions about traveling to Ladakh.

If there some a question that wasn’t answered or if you need my advice on your travel plan or itinerary, you can follow me on Instagram and chat with me live there. Or you subscribe to my YouTube channel and ask any questions there.

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Spiti Valley

Spiti Valley is a name that creates many pictures in the minds of those who haven’t been there. While some picture lush green hills, mountain rivers, and waterfalls, others think of it as a barren wasteland, a cold desert very similar to Ladakh.

Whatever the picture is, it attracts thousands of tourists every year. A journey to Spiti is an experience that you will cherish for a long time, probably all of your life.

The name “Spiti” means “The Middle Land” which it actually is; because it is in fact the land between Tibet and India. And because of this very reason, it possesses a unique combination of both Indian and Tibetan cultures. A distinct lifestyle derived primarily out of Hindu and Buddhist beliefs, gelled so well that it’s hard to tell them apart.

Is Spiti Valley Worth It?

I will start with this because it is one of the most frequently asked questions. A lot of people get confused about whether to visit Ladakh or Spiti Valley and then they think about whether or not Spiti Valley is worth visiting. If I am to answer this in a single sentence, yes Spiti Valley is definitely worth every minute or penny that you spend here.

It is going to be a journey that you will remember for all of your life. This trip will give you a taste of many things in terms of vistas and culture. The slow transformation from lush green hills of Kinnaur to barren brown of Spiti and then again the green of Manali will leave you mesmerized.

The white of snow-covered mountains and the blue of the lakes here are like nowhere else. You will get to see an entirely different part of our country and meet people following a very different culture than yours.

Yes, Spiti Valley is very well worth it and you must visit here. In many ways, it will actually be even better than visiting Ladakh.

When to visit Spiti Valley

This definitely is the first question that comes to mind when you think of planning a trip. Choosing the right time to go in my opinion is of utmost importance; both in terms of convenience and sightseeing.

Spiti valley is open by road for all 12 months. When to go to Spiti will really depend on what your preference is but the majority of the tourism happens in the months from June till September.

This is the time when both the routes from Shimla and Manali remain open. Take a look at the article below for more details on what can you expect in which month; and which would suit you the most.

• When is the Best Time to Visit Spiti?
• Spiti Roads: Opening and Closing Times

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Is Spiti Safe?

This is a question that must be addressed and answered before you go visit a new place. In my opinion, a person’s safety is entirely in their own hands and gets driven by the choices they make.

What you should know about Spiti Valley is that the roads here can be really bad, narrow, and sometimes even dangerous to drive on. So a certain amount of driving experience would be required (especially on hills) before you bring your vehicle here.

You definitely do not want this to be your first time when you were behind the wheel in the hills. If it was then I would recommend that you make a short trip to some other hill station and then drive to Spiti.

The local people here are very humble and gentle. The majority of the valley are simple villagers and the crime rate here is next to none.

So as long as you drive sensibly, did not take any unnecessary risks, did not wander alone into the wild on your own, and did not get into arguments with anyone, Spiti Valley is a very safe place to visit.

I would recommend reading through Is Spiti Safe for Tourists for more information and details on this topic.

Permits for Spiti Valley

Permits for Spiti Valley remain to be a topic of confusion really. Take a look at the articles below and these should help clarify any doubts. In a nutshell, as an Indian citizen, you do not need a permit for Spiti Valley. You are free to travel on the circuit any time of the year.

As a foreign national, you will need a permit to travel but it is only for traveling in the area near the Shipki La Pass (between Pooh and Nako). If a foreigner was coming from Manali to Kaza only, they do not need a permit. From the Shimla side, no permit is required for traveling till Reckong Peo but one is needed for going beyond Peo.

Irrespective of whether you are an Indian or a foreigner, you will definitely have to obtain a permit for Rohtang Pass; if you intended to enter the valley from Manali’s side. Go through the posts below please and these should clarify the matter further.

• How to Get Permits for Spiti Trip
• Rohtang Pass Permits: Details, Charges & How to Apply

How to Prepare

Once you have decided when to go, next in line comes the question of how to prepare. Spiti Valley is not really a place where you can just pack your bags and go.

You will have to seriously consider every aspect of the trip and pack accordingly. This will include packing the right kind of clothes, getting your vehicle ready, and carrying every essential item that you will need for the trip.

Below is a link to articles where I have provided this information in detail.

• Clothes for Spiti Trip: What to Pack?
• Carrying your Laptop to Spiti
• How to Transport your Motorcycle for Spiti Trip
• Mobile Network in Spiti – Coverage and Data Connectivity

Spiti Valley with Family

Not too long ago, Spiti Valley was considered a place only for the adventurous type and motorcycle enthusiasts. Back then, people were not even aware of the name ‘Spiti Valley’, and the ones who knew of it as a region close to the border and where no one goes.

Much however has changed in recent times. The number of people visiting Spiti now increases with each passing year and the place is slowly getting transformed into a tourist hotspot.

With that being said, the fact cannot be denied that it is still a high altitude desert where the terrain is not only challenging but dangerous too sometimes.

If you are thinking of a Spiti family trip then you would have to seriously prepare for the journey ahead; especially if you were traveling with a child, or elders of your family maybe.

Please take a look at the following post. The first one details preparations and precautions you would need to practice while coming to Spiti with an infant, toddler, or children of any other age.

The second article talks about how to plan a trip to Spiti if you had your parents or other elders of the family accompanying you.

• How to visit Spiti Valley with Family?
• Planning a Spiti Trip with Children?
• How to Travel to Spiti with Senior Citizens?

What to buy in Spiti Valley

Shopping is of course an important part of any trip anywhere; especially if you are traveling with family. Spiti Valley is considered to be a very remote region. But makes no mistake, there is plenty that you can buy to remember your time here.

Local Warm Socks, Sweater, Shawl, Roasted Barle, Dry Cheese, Barle Powder, and Sea Buckthorn Tea are some of the most common items that are bought by tourists.

But the list just does not end here. It is merely the beginning. Please take a look at Shopping in Spiti – What To Buy and Where for more details on these items and several others.

What to eat in Spiti Valley

One of the must-do things, when you visit a new place, is to try the local food there. You may or may not like it, and it may or may not agree with your stomach but you must do it nonetheless. After all, traveling is in the end all about being in new places and trying new things.

A mix of Indian and Tibetan Cultures, the local food in Spiti valley looks exotic, smells mouth-watering, and tastes delicious. Please take a look at Local food in Spiti – What to Eat in Spiti for a list of some local dishes that you must try.

Get Your Vehicle Ready

Aside from getting ready yourself, you will also have to make sure that your vehicle too is ready for the arduous journey ahead. Spiti Valley is still a remote area where mechanics are rare to find in some places.

Out here, even a simple breakdown or a flat tire can ruin your trip if you weren’t prepared for it. You should know which vehicle to bring to Spiti, how to get it ready and what spares to bring. The articles below will help answer all these questions in detail.

• How to Prepare your Car for Spiti Trip
• Which is the Best Car for Spiti Trip
• How to Prepare your Motorcycle for Spiti Trip
• Which is the best motorcycle for Spiti Trip?

Time Needed

It will entirely depend on where you were coming from and your mode of travel. But assuming Delhi as a starting point, a total of 9 days is what I will recommend for this journey.

You can, of course, do away with a lesser number of days as well but with 9 days in hand, you will be able to make sure that you did not rush anywhere during the trip, saw everything that was worth seeing, and made the best out of your time.

The itinerary section below breaks down the trip by the number of days and gives you an idea of how you can plan your trip.

Itinerary for Spiti Valley Trip

A well-laid itinerary in my opinion is the most important part of visiting Spiti Valley. Based on the days you have in hand, you must have a carefully drafted plan on where do you want to be on which day.

A Spiti trip is not really a frequent affair so while you visit here, you need to make sure that you make the most out of it and visit as many places as you possibly can. I have written several articles providing examples of different itineraries broken by days; links to which I have provided below.

Depending on how long your trip is going to last, you can pick an itinerary from the ones I have listed in these articles.

• 3 Days Itinerary for Spiti
• 4 Days Itinerary for Spiti
• 5 Days Itinerary for Spiti
• 6 Days Itinerary for Spiti
• 7 Days Itinerary for Spiti
• 8 Days Itinerary for Spiti
• 9 Days Itinerary for Spiti
• 10 Days Itinerary for Spiti
• 11 Days Itinerary for Spiti
• 12 Days Itinerary for Spiti
• 13  Days Itinerary for Spiti
• 14  Days Itinerary for Spiti
• 15 Days Itinerary for Spiti
• 3 Detailed Plans to Visit Spiti in 6 Days
• A Detailed Itinerary for Visiting Spiti in Winters
• A Detailed Spiti Itinerary from Manali
• Chandratal Itinerary – How to Plan a Trip for 4 – 5 Days?
• 2 Weeks Itinerary for Spiti Trip
• Shimla to Spiti Itinerary: A Detailed Travel Plan

What to See in Spiti Valley

The next piece of information that you should keep handy is a list of places that you would like to see. You have been told that entire Spiti is a tourist destination in itself which is entirely correct.

Every turn of the road here will present you with something new and you will not get tired of clicking your camera for hours. But there must be some places that can be called the prime attraction, correct?

You are right. In the article below, I have listed every place in Spiti Valley that is worth a visit. Depending on the time you have for the trip, you can decide which one (or all of them) you want to cover.

• Tourist Attractions In Spiti & Its Vicinity
• Festivals of Spiti
• Kaza – Sightseeing, Accommodation, and Other Facilities

Where to Stay in Spiti Valley

After what to see comes information related to accommodation. Spiti Valley is getting more popular with each passing year but the fact is that it still remains to be a remote region.

Knowing what your choices of accommodation are and where you can break your journey for the night is of utmost importance. It will also play a crucial part in drafting your final itinerary and deciding on the number of days for the trip.

In the articles below, I have listed some recommended hotels available on the circuit.

• Recommended and Best Hotels in Spiti
• HPPWD Rest House: Locations, Contacts, Charges & How to Book
• Accommodation in Spiti: Recommended Hotels & Guest Houses
• Accommodation at Chandratal – What are the options
• Camping at Chandratal – Best campsites

Monasteries in Spiti Valley that allow Night Stay

A lot of people look forward to staying at a monastery in Spiti Valley. This is a great choice for experiencing something different and local. However, this option is not available at all the monasteries.

In Spiti Valley, there are only 5 monasteries that I know that have this kind of arrangement. Before you decide to stay here though, please know that your stay will be very basic and may feel uncomfortable to you. But if you want do want to give it a try, then you can stay at either of the following monasteries for the night.

• Key monastery near Kaza
• Tabo Monastery
• Dhankar Monastery
• Kungri Monastery, Pin Valley
• Komic Monastery

How to Travel to Spiti Valley

Now since we have all the information we need, let us talk about how to travel to and in Spiti Valley.

In the articles below, I have talked about how to journey on the two roads leading to Spiti Valley; the Manali – Kaza, and Shimla – Kaza routes; and then how to go to areas like Kibber, Pin Valley, and Chandratal after you have arrived in Kaza.

The first article is a very comprehensive road map of the entire Spiti Circuit; then the following articles are detailed explanations of the route.

• Lahaul Spiti Road Map With Distances
• Spiti via Shimla or Manali – Which one is Better?
• Lahaul Spiti Route Guide
• Riding to Spiti on 100CC Motorcycle or Scooter
• Plan a Trip from Delhi to Chandratal Lake?
• Kaza to Komik, Hikkim and Langza
• Kaza to Kibber, Gette & Tashigong
• Trip to Chandratal Lake
• Spiti Trip In Winters
• How to Plan a Trip to Pin Valley, Spiti

Renting a Bike for the Trip

A trip to a place like Spiti Valley is best when done by your own vehicle. This however is not really a choice open to everyone. For one reason or another, a lot of people travel here by other modes of transport as well of which, renting a motorcycle is one of the top ones.

There are several places that you can rent a bike from for the trip like Manali, Shimla, or Kaza itself. However, before you finalize the deal, you must carefully inspect the motorcycle to ensure that it will not give you trouble anywhere.

In the articles below, I have provided information on where you can rent a bike from with some recommended names; and what is it that you should pay heed to before renting a bike.

• Why and When you should rent a Motorcycle for Spiti Trip
• Where to rent a motorcycle in Manali for Spiti Trip?

Cost of Spiti Trip

The budget for the trip is one of the biggest deciding factors. While your overall expense incurred during the trip will completely depend on your own personal spending habits; some idea of the minimum cost will still be beneficial.

Below is a list of articles that can help you calculate the overall cost you will incur during the trip; and how you can keep it within budget.

• How to Calculate Minimum Budget or Cost of Spiti Trip?
• Calculate Spiti Trip Cost by Motorcycle
• How to Plan a Budget Trip to Chandratal?
• 8 Tips to Make a Budget Trip to Spiti

Public Transport Services in Spiti Valley

Off-late, a lot of people have started to visit Spiti valley using public transport services; either in form of a Bus or shared cabs. If you too are planning a trip here by Public transport, then in the article below you will find information related to bus schedules and shared taxis.

• Spiti Bus Service: Frequency, Fare & Time Table

Last but not the least, below are some articles where I have shared some quick tips to ensure a safe and enjoyable journey. Most of these tips are based on my own personal experience of Spiti Valley after being there several times.

Read through and I am sure this information can be of help to you.

• How to Handle Acute Mountain Sickness In Spiti
• Top 10 Things NOT to do in Spiti
• Why you should avoid traveling from Manali to Kaza in October
• Is it Safe to Travel to Spiti during Monsoon Season?
• Other Facilities In Spiti

Months to Visit Spiti Valley

Which month you would want to go really depends on your own personal preference. Below is a list of articles explaining Spiti valley month by month. The information I have included in these posts is relevant to that particular month only. Depending on which month you want to go in, click on the link and read through the information.

• Spiti in January
• Spiti in February
• Visiting Spiti in March
• How to Plan Spiti Trip in April
• Spiti in May
• Spiti Trip in June
• Visiting Spiti in July
• Spiti in August
• Spiti in September
• How to Plan Spiti in October
• Spiti in November
• Spiti in December

When does Spiti Valley open for Tourists?

Contrary to common belief, Spiti valley actually remains open for all 12 months of the year. People tend to think that it gets shut down in the winter months but that is not true.

Of the two roads connecting Spiti with the rest of the country, it is only the Manali Kaza highway that gets blocked in winter. The reason behind this is that there are two high altitude passes on this route and both of them are notorious for receiving high amounts of snow each year. Yes, I am referring talking about Rohtang La and Kunzum La.

On the other hand, there is not even a single high altitude pass on the route from Shimla to Kaza. Due to this, it remains open throughout the year.

There could be a temporary block if the weather turned extreme and it snowed too much; but even if that happens, authorities clear the road just as soon as they are able to and restore connectivity.

With that being said, the tourist season in Spiti really starts in the month of May. People visit here in other months as well but the majority of the tourism happens only between May and September. This is the time when all tourist areas are open, and all hotels and guest houses are operational.

Is Spiti Valley Dangerous

If you are asking in terms of people then no, it is not at all dangerous. People here are very humble and simple. But if you are asking in terms of terrain then it will depend on how sensibly you travel.

Roads are bad and narrow in some places but as long as you drive sensibly and slow, there is absolutely nothing to worry about.

But if you take unnecessary risks, drive insensibly, try to be at places where you should not be, or get into altercations with people then you are just making things difficult for yourself.

Spiti Valley is a very safe place to visit but the end result will entirely be in your own hands.

Is Spiti Valley safe for a woman to travel alone?

All that I explained above in this article about safety in Spiti valley applies to a solo woman traveler as well. Plan your itinerary well, chose your hotels wisely, keep your folks informed about your whereabouts, do not get over-friendly with everyone you meet, maintain your distance, do not venture out in remote areas all by yourself and you will be fine.

Do not also tell people that you are all alone. If asked, just tell them that you are with a group but alone just for that very moment. I know girls who have been on the Spiti Circuit alone, both by public transport and motorcycle, and they were able to travel without any problem at all.

I hope the information above on how to plan a trip to Spiti Valley was of help. If you have any questions, please feel free to ask in the comments section below. You can also follow me on Instagram  and chat with me live there or  subscribe to my YouTube channel and ask a question there.

Vargis.Khan

Not much to write about me really except for that I love to travel around whenever I can and to wherever I can. This blog is just a small attempt to share my travel experiences with the world. Hope you like it !!!

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Rohtang pass status 2024 – 2025, spiti valley road status 2024 – 2025, chandratal status 2024 – chandratal lake road, 170 comments.

You have defined Spellbinding landscapes, ancient monasteries, and vibrant culture make Lahaul-Spiti a must-visit. Your travel guide is a gateway to adventure and awe-inspiring beauty!

Thank you !!!

Planning to visit Spiti soon, your spiti guide is one of the well informed blog, you have really defined it so minutely, Thanks for this amazing info.

Sir… What will be the taxi cost for 5 days spiti trip from manali side and return through same route to manali?

Hi bro Can I visit to 27th nov 23 to 3rd dec 23 to Spiti trip?? Plz answer I m already packed my luggage for trip solo bike ride.

You will have to go via Shimla Bhai and come back the same way

Hello Vargis, Just read your article about the iteneraries of all the places and much loved all the details of your step by step guide. I’m planning for a 9 days Spiti trip by solo. Can you please help me out the details of the planning procedures, cost of staying and tarnsportation and the best time to visit please? I’ll be much obliged if getting a helpful advise from you.

Hi Mr Vargis, can you please suggest that i am planning to the spiti circuit from Shimla to manali somewhere around 12 jun onwards for around 8-9 days with my family of 04. Can you suggest will it be ok if don’t book accommodation in advance. Will we be able to find it at the spot. What could be pros n cons. Is there any issue of accomodation if we don’t book in advance? Are there good homestay on affordable rates on the route?

Hi Dhirendra – Yes, you will be able to find hotels upon arrivals as well, it should not be a problem.

What be d Surity to reach chandratal or getting d kunzum open in second wk of June? Would you plz recommend any specific tour operator for spiti circle road trip?

It will be open in June for sure. Take a look at the contact me page. I have provided some numbers there.

Hi … Instagram says you can’t receive messages from new contacts . HD few queries for my Spiti trip .

I just messaged you on Instagram

[…] have a look a How you can Plan a Journey to Spiti Valley for another particulars associated to visiting […]

I have visited Spiti during Winder ( Feb) 2020 & 2022, It is just heaven on earth. I visited Laznha, Komic, Hakkim, Kaza, Chichum etc., LIfe Time visit.

Can I go Manali from Kaza on my Maruti Brezza on 8 June

Hello Vargis,

We are group of 4 people trying to plan a tour to and from Chandigarh as it’s the nearest airport.

A private tour organizer I had a word with is quoting about 30k per person for 10 days 9 nights trip including innova taxi to and from Chandigarh, stay as well as breakfast and dinner during this time.

Need your inputs on this if these rates are reasonable, if not what costs should I be looking at for the kind of tour we are planning.

It would be good also if you can share any contacts of tour organizers who are experienced in this area and can provide a better deal.

I visited Spiti Valley in 2021, It’s so beautiful, I have read your article it’s well written and rightly explained…keep it up.

Thank you Robin

Dear Vargis,

I just returned from a fantsastic road trip to the KInnaur & Spiti valleys. I’d like to thank you for the wealth of information that I could gather about the trip from reading your blogs. I also am a travel blogger & if you wish you can read my blogs at https://ghumakkarindian.com/

Keep travelling & keep writing. Best wishes, Lt Col Sudeep Vijai (Retd)

Hello Sudeep Bhai – Just read your blog. Thank you for mentioning me there and for your kind words, I really appreciate it. You may also want to change the category of the post there, it still shows in your bucket list.

I am myself the Son of a retired Army officer. So it felt really great to have someone from the Army like my posts. 🙂

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I like ur article. It is very nice and valuable infermation. We are planing at the end of may from kerala to spiti through shimla.

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Hi Mr. Vargis We have planned to visit Spiti starting from Shimla on 01.11.2020

Our TOUR ITINERARY: Day 01, 01.11.2020: Shimla to Saharan, O/N at SAHARAN Day 02, 02.11.2020: Saharan to Chitkul vai Sangla Chitkul Road, O/N at CHITKUL Day 03, 03.11.2020: Chitkul to Nako, O/N at NAKO Day 04, 04.11.2020: Nako to Pin Valley (Mud Village), O/N at MUD VILLAGE Day 05, 05.11.2020: Pin valley to Kaza, 50 Km, 1.00 hr, Kaza Local Sightseeing: Ki, Kibber, Gette, Tashigang in the second half of the day, O/N at KAZA Day 06, 06.11.2020: Kaza Local Sightseeing (Hikkim, Komik) — Hikkim, Komik, Langza circuit, O/N at KAZA Day 07, 07.11.2020: Kaza to Tabo via Dhankar, O/N at TABO Day 08, 08.11.2020: Tabo to Kalpa, O/N at KALPA Day 09, 09.11.2020: Kalpa to Shimla, O/N at SHIMLA Day 10, 10.11.2020: Shimla to Delhi and Delhi to Kolkata

We are total in 6 persons (2 families). Is it okay or some changes are to be need.

Seeking your observation and guidance.

Thanks and regards.

Ashokesh Biswas Kolkata

see my spiti timelapse video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SDNjH7XS7bE

Amazing blog! Amazing content thank you for sharing knowledge. valuable information!!!

I loved Ur article… We are planning to visit the valley by end of April, hope it’s a good time and we would be traveling from Mumbai to Manali… So how to arrange 4 wheeler or is there any public transport available? You also mentioned about the Rohtang ,that we would require a pass whom to contact so that the pass would be ready by the time we reach Manali…. And if we have to rent a car what are the best options… I have been to Manali and Rohtang but we had hotel transport … But for Spiti valley if u can guide us plzz

[…] Also Read: How to Plan a Trip to Spiti Valley – A Complete Travel Guide […]

Hii vargis bhai..ur vlog just stun me because its reflecting your hardwork and i loved it and its truely helpful.. Brother i want to know can hash is available in kaza and mud village and in recongpeo pls dont mind my question brother because im going with my friend and we want to enjoy it fully for a rememberable journey ..pls reply brother

Bhai it is available everywhere as long as you know who to ask and talk to.

Thnks so much brother for d reply

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Read all your blogs on Spiti and loved the detailed info. Only a true traveler can write such blogs. Huge congratulations to you to have reached this stage in life which many travelers like me just dream about, I have 2 questions for you and would really appreciate if you could help me out-

1) I want to do the complete Spiti circuit and understood from your blogs that the best time to do it is June until September. I have seen the Rohtang pass in movies like “Jab we met” and I noticed that the route of the pass has tall ice/snow walls on both the sides… as if a hill of snow has been cut from middle to make a road. I want to see this particular landscape wherein the vehicle passes from the road with snow walls on both sides. Which week of which month can I see this view of the Rohtang pass? Does this happen when the BRO has just opened the pass in June? So if i start from Shimla on 20th June and reach Rohtang suppose on 30th June (after completing the Spiti circuit),will I still get to see these tall snow walls on Rohtang Pass or will the snow walls melt by then?? Will you in this case suggest to start the Spiti circuit from Manali in the first week of June (here I am assuming that the snow walls will be fresh and intact during the 1st or 2nd week of June). Please clarify me on this. I dont mind starting from either Shimla or Manali…. date of month is also not a constraint… but I really want to see these snow walls on Rohtang road. Please suggest.

2) Like your Spiti blogs, do you also have blogs on Uttrakhand? I want to do Nainital, Almora, Kausoni, Ranikhet, Binsar, Munsiyari, Chopta, Auli and Valley of Flowers. If you have this itiniary/blog, please send me the link. Thanks a lottt in adavance 🙂

Hi my Friend Vargis, You wrote awesome articles and I see your passion in writing and traveling. Very Appreciative:)

I’ve questions : Info : Will reach Chandigarh on 8th and in evening by taxi we will reach kasol (wanted to reach direct till pulga no travel agency is ready to drop why ?).

Questions : Can we travel after 5PM from chandigarh till Kasol for keerganga trek? Ola available and works well ? Or do you have any suggestions ?

Question : How many days before we have to rent a bike for Spiti with rothanpass permission ? from the rental services (This is very confusing) ?

Question : On 11th October we will start journey from Manali to Spiti for chandratal lake and start return journey on13th morning. Will this work ?

This will be really a great help if you can help me with this informations:)

thank you so much in advance Vargis. You are a travel hero:)

Best wishes from: Laxminarayana

Hi Laxminarayana,

Thank you for your kind words.

1. Yes you can travel overnight to Kasol if you have made arrangemetns for a cab and hotel in Kasol. I do not think Ola will work for this. 2. Let them know 3-4 days in advance so they can arrange your permit for Rohtang as well. 3. Yes, provided that the weather holds. It can snow anytime now and if it did, it will ruin your plans.

Hii vargis bhai..ur vlog just stun me because its reflecting your hardwork and i loved it and its truely helpful.. Brother i want to know can hash is available in kaza and mud village pls dont mind my question brother because im going with my friend and we want to enjoy it

Excellent blog, I have read almost all of your posts regarding spiti valley trip and it has been really helpful so far. I am planning to visit spiti starting from Shimla ending at Manali on 25th sep to 2nd of October 2019. Can you please suggest me is it good season to visit and will I face any road closures including rohtang pass? Thank you in advance for your help!

Hi Nikhil – Your timings are OK. Rohtang won’t close that early.

Hello can you recommend any tour operators who have fixed departures to spiti

I do not know anyone who has fixed departures. Sorry.

Dear Vargis Bhai, We are planning to travel to Spiti from 30th September to 8th October from Shimla side. Understanding will be cold but have a few questions. 1. We are travelling by own vehicle from Shimla side. Would we be able to cover Chandratal or would it get closed by then? Or would you recommend from the other side? 2. By when does Spiti start to shut down in October? 3. Any other general precautions ? Regards, Amit

Hi Amit Bhai

1. Yes. 2. The Manali Kaza route and Chandratal remains open in first half of October. 3. See this post please.

https://vargiskhan.com/log/plan-trip-spiti-in-october/

An adventurer you are Vargis and very well info blog, so Kudos to you.. I’m planning a trip from Delhi – Shimla – Spiti – Manali – Delhi from 13 Sep because the way from Manali will be closed in October and I want to see green lush + Chandra Taal Lake.

QUERY : I’m travelling via Activa 125cc with a pillion, Is it possible at this time of the year?

INFO : I’ve done Dharamkot, Lansdowne, Nanital, Rishikesh, Shimla, and itty bitty on my Activa 125.

PS : If my scooty get’s stalled the pillion will push it till needed

Thanks Kashif. You can do this trip but it would very tough with a Pillion rider.

Hi.. any recommendations for travel agents who do fixed departures. I’m a solo traveller and will be happy to join a group

Great post, really helpful.

Just one query, will there be many muddy patches/water crossings on the way to Spiti via Shimla?

I am planning for a bike trip. Just wanted to check on this since will be using footwear accordingly. What do you suggest?

Regards, Robbie

Hi Robbie – There are a couple of crossings between Shimla andd Kaza but mmost are between Kaza andd Manali.

Do you suggest gumboots or waterproof shoes?

Waterproof shoes will be better

You are welcome !!!

Hi Varrgis, first of all thank you so much for your inputs. That has really helped.

I am planning to visit Spiti in June end to July. Need your advise for the points below. 1. Dates? (June 21-30) OR (July 5-13) ?? Which one? 2. I plan to take a zoomcar. Is it a good option? As that will give me independence to explore that area, I am inclined to take a self-driven rental car. 3. Can we find a good stay option on-the-spot there?

1. Both are pretty much the same, not much difference. Try in June though, you will be able to avoid monsoon. 2. Yes 3. Yes

Thank you. One last question.

Hi, I have a good amount of driving experience, have driven 3 hrs at a stretch also. But have no experience in hilly area. Is it okay to drive there on my own?

Yes you should be OK. Just go slow and be careful.

Is Rohtang pass open now? I wanted to cover the complete SPiti circuite from shimla->kalpa->rohtangapass -> manali -> shimla!

No it will probably open by June 1st week

whether BSNL prepaid bought from outside Himachal Pradesh will work in spiti circuit?

Yes it will

Hi Vargis, I am planning to visit Spiti with my wife starting 2nd June from Shimla. Below is my tentative plan. Day1: Shimla to Sangla Day2: Sangla to Chitkul Day3: Chitkul to Nako Day4: Nako to Mud covering Gue Day5: Mud to Kaza covering key, kibber Day6: Kaza -komic,langza, hikkim Day7: Chandrataal (if open)/ stay in kaza Day8: Manali

Does the plan look reasonable? Also am planning to rent a cab. Is it okay to travel in smaller cab as SUVs are expensive.

Hi Amit – Yes your itinerary is fine and yes, it is OK to rent a smaller car as well.

Hi Vargis bro, We 4 friends are planning a trip to Sangla-Chitkul and Spiti. How abt takng a taxi from Shimla or Narkanda to Sangla-Chitkul-Kalpa-Peo then catch bus to Kaza. From Kaza again hiring a taxi to visit all d places arnd ther including Chandratal thn retn to Kaza and take direct bus to Manali. will it be expensive?

Hi Rakesh – It will not be expensive but you will not save too much either. The cost will more or less come out to be the same if you hired a cab for the entire trip.

Hi sir, Can vehicle( with driver) be hired at shimla for spiti circuit? If yes, from where? What would be approx charges for 10 days vehicle, which vehicle is best ? If you know any good driver , please give details . Thanks

sir. thanks for such good information for spiti valley. each every point is cover in your post. thanks once again

Thanks for taking the time to drop a note Ritesh

Any comments on availability of camps or homestays? Are they available all the time or prior booking is required?

Hi, I am planning to tour lahaul spiti from 11 Jun to 15 Jun, if any group or individual is planning a tour in this period then we can form a group to visit lahaul spiti

Hello VARGIS,

I must say that what I have found here in your blog is by far the best one will come across in the digital medium.

I am from Mangalore and I am at initial stages of planning a 9/10 days trip to cover Spiti circuit . Starting point may probably be Delhi and ending via Manali and Chandigarh.

I have previously covered whole of Sikkim with my wife, mom and dad. Through a Travel agency last year.

And before that I and my wife have been to Ladakh too.

This year since I am planning for Spiti , Probably in July or September,with my family , should I take the help of online travel agency again ? Because I have no idea about how to book a taxi for 10 days from Shimla. The online package is costly (28k per head), but sometimes I feel they will take care of everything na..

Don’t know what to do . Do suggest.

Hi Virgis Bhai…Very useful informations, thanks.

We are planning to go to spiti in 1-2 week of June. Just wanted to know, if it is possible to reach chitkul starting from shimla in 7-8 hours time? As we are thinking of leaving shimla early at 9:00 AM.

Is june 8th to 16th good time to complete shimla – Spiti – Chandratal – Manali – Chandigarh?

Hi Piyush – Shimla to Chitkul will be about 8-9 hours and yes June is a good time

Dear Vargis Bhai, Thank for writing a great article about the hidden of Himachal. It is enriching us. Thanks a lot. We are planning to go Spiti & Lahaul on 25.0819 to 03.09.2019. Any suggestion please inform me.

Thanks Kaustav. It is a good time to go. Just keep a check on the weather before you go.

Thanks a lot. I will be touch with you for your kind information.

This April is good time for spiti?

It is but you can only travel via Shimla.

Nice article, I’m planning to go Spiti via Shimla from 07 June 2019. Do you think if it is the right time? Also, the trip is for 10D/8N. Do you think it will be too exhausting considering I’m from south India?

Hi Rahgav – Yes June is a good time. How are you traveling from South India though?

I have not seen this great documentation for million dollor softwares anywhere. Keep up the good work 🙂

Thank you Abhishek !!!

Awesome yaar!! So much efforts in ur blog. Keep traveling and guiding us. Thanks a ton!!

Thanks for taking the time to drop a note Bhushan.

Your information did helped me alot during my Manali-Leh trip last year so Thanks a ton for guiding.

Next year we are planning a round trip Chandigarh-Spiti-Leh-Srinagar-Chandigarh so i have an unusual doubt as no one or very few have done this route.

While going to Leh from Manali one has to acquire ILP to produce in Rohtang pass and further checkpoints as well. If a person doesnt have the Rohtang stamp on ILP then he will be interrogated in Koksar as to why you missed and all ?

So my doubt is, As we dont need any ILP to do Spiti circuit, if i exit from Gramphoo and directly show up in Koksar then will they allow me to do further route ?

And even if i apply for ILP online and get it before going to Spiti, i would still miss Rohtang pass’s stamp on it and then i will be questioned in Koksar.

Please help me on this as there is no/minimal information on this.

Waiting for your response.

No you do not need Rohtang permit if you are coming from Spiti. Just keep a receipt of the hotel or anything handy and in case they stop you at Kokhsar, just produce the receipt to prove that you are coming from Spiti and not Manali.

Thank for writing a great article about the spiti valley, you have given the complete details about the hidden himachal , keep posting ……

Hello Mr. Katoch, Thank you so much for your kind words. I am glad that the information posted was of help.

Your articles have been really helpful for us to plan our this year’s trip, which is to Spiti. I would like to thank you for that.

We are leaving for Manali on 17Aug and start our Spiti trip from Manali on 18Aug. Eventhough I visited your Road Condition page and forum, however was not able to find any latest info on the same.

So please let me know on how the roads and weather are in the area, if u have any updated info on the same.

The roads between Manali and Kaza is badly damaged Vinod, rest of the route is a mix of good and average. In fact the Manali Kaza route was closed for 2-3 days last week due to landslides.

Thanks Vargis for the reply. It looks like, it will be a gamble.Will come back and let you know how it goes. Regards.

I just confirmed with my contact at Kaza and the roads are all open. Between Manali and Kaza however is in terrible conditions brother.

How are the roads now?

Mix of good bad and ugly

Hi Vargis, thanks for the update bro. We completed the trip. There was rain in those region on 17.08.2018 and due to a landslide we were stuck some 10kms before Chatru for 7hrs. Had to spend the night in Prem Dhaba at Chatru because before Batal a tempo was stuck in the road due to slush. Also, Manali-Leh highway was completely slushy. However, from the next day onwards there was no delay as the weather was fine and the roads dried up. Chatru to Losar is still in bad condition, lots of water streams and rocks. Losar to Kaza is good and on our return we came from Chicham side, which was very good road till Kyoto. Then again from Kyoto to Gramphoo, its bad. Lots of water streams though, Chandratal Road is in very bad condition. The slush was gone on the way back, Rohtang was very foggy and visibility was very low. So I guess the mantra is, if it is rainy slow down the schedule and make the journeys in the morning when the water stream will have less force 🙂

Hi Vinod Bhai – Welcome back. I am glad that your trip went well and thank you for the updates on road conditions brother. Do share some pictures if possible.

Hi Bro, We are planning to visit spiti valley next week. Aug 15th to 26th. Shimla -> Spiti Valley -> Manali. But we heard that roads to spiti valley is closed because of landslides. When it will open and is it safe to travel on these days?

Hi Shylesh, Yes the Manali Kaza road got closed earlier this week due to heavy rainfall. It is expected to reopen in next day or two so you should be OK to ride. Just be prepared for rain, waterproof everything and keep a couple of days as buffer.

Harlo Vargis. i am mr tow and glad that i found ur page. I am interested in a 8days trip to spiti valley and hope taht u can help recommend someone who are experience in photography to help me in planning my trip. i am a landscapes photographer and eventhou i enjoyed the itinerary proposed but i am wondering if it is possible to be in certain places during sunset and sunrise just to get the best light for the landscapes and also some astrophotography in specific location for best composition. i really need an experience guide with photography knowledge to help me and advise my trip. thanks

Hello Mr. Tow – I wish I could be of help in this aspect but I really do not know anyone who could be your guide in terms of photography.

Found your blog and Spiti series just at the right time. 🙂 Thank you for writing these posts. Super helpful and a treat to read.

Thank you Rama

Must say really enjoying your blog… Great detailed posts…

Wow !!! The blog is a perfect answer to all the faqs regaeding the spiti valley road trip.

Thanks Aabhas. I am glad that the information posted was of help.

What an amazing piece of information.I usually read but never comment on blogs, but the first time I’m commenting on your blog..,seriously that’s amazing piece of content.., cheers.

Thanks Uday

Hope you are well! At the outset, thank you so much for creating such informative and exhaustive blogs on travel. I have been an ardent follower, and had planned my Ladakh trip, last year based on your itinerary suggestions – it was awesome. This year, my peeps and I are planning a trip to Spiti tentatively from 3rd to 12th August. All of us are from Delhi and would require to resume office from 13th August. May I request you to share a feasible itinerary, if possible? I understand, you have a busy schedule, but would love to hear from you! Best, Srirupa

Hi Srirupa – Thank you for your kind words and I am glad that the information posted was of help. Before I suggest an itinerary, can you please let me know how will you be traveling? You own car?

Hi Varghis – We usually take the overnight bus to Manali and from there onward, we hire a car.

Thanks again.

Do you just want to cover Spiti valley? I mean reach Kaza via Manali and then come back the same way? I am asking because I would recommend completing the entire circuit since you are hiring a private cab and have 9 days for it. Also, hiring a taxi from Manali will also be costlier. Do it from Shimla. Rent a taxi from Shimla and then finish the journey at Manali.

We would love to cover the whole circuit if you are suggesting that 9 days will be enough to do that! Would you be kind enough to give me some idea about how our itinerary should be? I understand I’m taking a lot of your time but really appreciate your gesture! Thank you so much

Hi Srirupa – For 9 days, you can travel like this.

1. Delhi to Shimla / Narkanda 2. Shimla / Narkanda to Chitkul 3. Chitkul to Kalpa 4. Kalpa to Nako / Tabo 5. Nako / Tabo to Mud Village, Pin Valley 6. Mud to Kaza 7. Kaza to Chandratal 8. Chandratal to Manali 9. Manali to Delhi

Hello Vargis, we intend to travel from 28th Jun’18 to 6th Jul’18. Starting from Rohtak (Haryana) to Spiti Valley & returning to Rohtak. Can you pls suggest an itinerary? We do have one but I would need your expert advice. I am an Indian National. TIA Sewa Singh

How will you be traveling Sewa? By your own vehicle, cars or bikes? Also, Let me know what your itinerary is and I can suggest if a change is required.

HI Vargis, I will be travelling by Royal Enfield Bullet. There will be one more biker and one car. Our tentative itinerary is as below: 28th Jun’18 – Rohtak to Rampur 29th Jun’18 – Rampur to Raksham / Chitkul 30th Jun’18 – Chitkul – Kalpa 1st Jul’18 – Kalpa – Kaza 2nd Jul’18 – Kaza (sight seeing) 3rd Jul’18 – Kaza to Chandratal 4th Jul’18 – Chandratal to Mandi / Manali 5th Jul’18 – Mandi / Manali to Rohtak

We can extend the trip by a day or two, say return to Rohtak on 6th or 7th Jul’18

Hope this information enables you to provide your expert advice. Thanks

If you can extend by 2 days then incorporate a visit to Pin Valley as well. From Kalpa, go to Nako and stay there for the night. From Nako, go to Pin Valley and stay at Mud Village. From Mud Village then, go to Kaza the next day. Rest of your itinerary looks great.

Which car is going to be traveling with you?

Hi Vargis, thanks for your inputs. Much appreciated. Hyundai Santa fe is going with us. Where are you based? Pls share your contact details (if you feel like) on my email [email protected]

Hi Sewa – I am based out of Delhi, just dropped you an email on the mentioned address.

Please be careful on the Chandratal stretch. That road is extremely bad and very narrow, barely wide enough for one car.

Hi Vargis, thanks for connecting. We will be careful on the Chandratal stretch. We appreciate your inputs. You are doing a great job. Let me know if you are ever in Australia. Rgds Sewa Singh

Thanks Sewa. I will surely connect with you if I am ever in Australia.

At Chandratal, stay with Jamaica’s camps, greatly recommended. You can contact him at 9418200183 to book. In case you are not able to reach, just drop a message on watsapp and he will call back.

At Kaza, you can stay at Hotel Spiti Valley right opposite Kaza Monastery. Contact person is Tanzin and his number is 9418927312.

Thanks for sharing these contact details. It will be quite handy. Can I mention your name? And yes look forward to your visit to Australia anytime. Rgds

Yes absolutely. Give my reference and they both will take great care of you. Let me know if I can be of any other help.

Sure Vargis. Will do.

Do let me know how your trip went brother after you return.

Sure brother..

Hi Vargis, we finished our trip yesterday and can’t thank you enough for your valuable inputs. Our itinerary was like this: Day 1 – Shimla Day 2 – Sangla Valley Day 3 – Chitkul (went upto Rani Kund, couldn’t go to Dumti because of heavy flow in the nullah on the way. Camped next to the river) Day 4 – Nako Day 5 – Mudh (Pin Valley) Day 6 – Kaza (visited Langza, Hikkim and Komic). I would recommend staying in Langza, Hikkim or Komic rather than Kaza Day 7 – Chandratal (pitched our own tent) Day 8 – Shamsi (near Kullu) Day 9 – Back home in Rohtak (487 kms ride)

Ride from Kaza to Chandratal was not that bad but Chandratal to Rohtang was hell of a ride…loved every bit of it…real adventure…tougher than the Manali Leh route…did get a chance to view the mummy in Gue village…overall a different experience than the Ladakh trips that I had in the past…

Hi Sewa – I am glad your trip went well and thank you for dropping a note. Do share some pics if possible specially of your trek at Chitkul. Even I have not covered that part.

sir i am planning a trip to spiti valley on sept 9. we are 1 couple and a small child abt 1 yr old. i want to hire a taxi from shimla and have a total to 7 to 8 days and return back to shimla.does the weather ia gd from shimla to spiti.and temp also.kindly provide me the itinary and also sugest hotels and stay point.kindly add stay at chitkul also.

Hi Deepak – Please take a look at the itineraries for 7 and 8 days at the links below. Let me know if you have any other questions.

https://vargiskhan.com/log/spiti-valley-in-7-days/ https://vargiskhan.com/log/how-to-visit-spiti-valley-in-8-days/

Is it possible to plan a trip for 3 -4 days for SPITI? If yes then how ?

See the itinerary section in the post above.

Hi, I am alfas. I am planning to do spiti circuit in coming two months, this time i wish to do in groups. anybody who are planning to do spiti who are looking for travel mate are welcome

Alfas – Post a thread at community forum at the link below and annyone interested can join you.

http://roadragas.com/index.php?forums/travel-partners.20/

Hi Vargis, Planning to travel from manali to Kaza tomorrow, taxi driver is saying there’s a landslide in spiti. Please let me know of that’s a correct information. Thanks in advance

Hi Neha. Yes, there is a roadblock after Batal as of now. Expected to open day after tomorrow, Monday.

hii …can we go by fortuner automatic transmission….are the roads safe …we are planning on 20 th june

Yes you can but it will depend on how good the person sitting at the wheel is.

Can’t thank you enough for all the effort that you put into writing these articles. The information that you provide in your articles, makes it convenient for all the travelers like us to travel a remote region like spiti valley.

Now, We will be travelling in July 1st week and here’s our itinerary for the Shimla – spiti – Manali circuit —

Day 1: Shimla – Kalpa Day 2: Kalpa – Nako Day 3: Nako – Kaza Day 4: Kaza – Komic/Hikkim/Langza Day 5: Kaza – Key/Kibber Day 6: Kaza – Chicham – Chandratal Day 7: Chandratal – Manali

We have excluded places like Chitkul and Mudh village as we are short on time. Do you find the itinerary ok?

We are a group of 5 friends from Bangladesh and we are willing to hire a car/SUV for the trip.

Could you please tell us how much would it cost to hire a standard car for our above-mentioned itinerary for 7 days?

and also what about the permits required? do we need to obtain it beforehand in delhi? or can we just collect the permit from Shimla like others? is that a time-consuming process?

Thanks a lot. Hope to hear from you soon.

Hello Atin,

Just one change needed in the itinerary. You do not need 2 days for Kibber and Langza / Hikkim. All this can be done in a single day. Do this in one day and use the day saved to cover Pin Valley as well.

In terms of arranging the permits and taxi for your trip, please talk to Jamaica @ 9418200183. Give my reference and he will take care of the arrangements for you.

Are the roads safe to travel around mid june?

Roads are always bad in Spiti valley but yes, June is better than traveling in July or August when its raining there.

Dear Mr Vargis Khan,

I m Harish Sharma in Delhi pls advice which date open Manali to leh Highway ASAP

[…] Open for Year 2018 Manali Leh Highway Opens for 2018 How to Plan a Trip to Leh Ladakh… How to Plan a Trip to Spiti Valley… Manali Kaza Road Opens – HRTC Bus Service… Chandratal Lake in June – The Frozen […]

Sure.. Near chandigarh – siswa jungle lodge Near Narkanda – Krish Rauni resort Chitkul – samaa resort Tabo – Namesay homestay Kaza – Sakya Abode (I tried calling the hptdc hotel there too and they to my surprise also said that we have not done it in the past but will be ok with it ) Chandratal – Jamaica camp Still need to do booking on Manali route but didn’t do it as we are planning to cover as much ground as we can and halt at mandi/Sundarnagar

All the above listed hotels were very accomodating to my request.

In Losar (though we are not staying their because by the time we chose to stay the place was booked) , the nomads cottage was also very open to our request .

Hope this helps

Hello sir I have been following your writeups for quite some time now and am an admirer of the efforts you are putting in to help people in planning their Leh and Spiti travel . I have a question though. We are planning to do Spiti circuit in June and are planning to take our dog along with us. We will be consulting his vet on precautions we need to take on the same however wanted to check if yoj know someone who has done this circuit with their pet and if yes then what all places would you suggest as good pet friendly accommodation on this circuit Delhi to Shimla to Kaza to Manali to delhi

Hello Himanshu – I wish I could help you with this question but I really do not have an answer. I don’t know anyone who has done the circuit with their pet dog.

Hey Himanshu,

Could you find anything which would accomodate your pet dog? Asking as I am also planning the same thing. Please share details if you have found something.

Thanks Sunipa

Hello Sunipa.. to my pleasant surprise, I have been able to.find accomodation on the complete Spiti circuit and have gotten the booking done. Most of the places I called were accomodating to my request to allow pet with us. The only place I found issue in was finding a place in chandigarh area that allows pet in property, but eventually found it too.. let me know what your travel itinary looks like and I will tell you accomodations I have found accordingly.. when are you travelling thoigh, if yours is post June 10 then I can share my experiences at those places too

Thanks Himanshu Bhai. Can you let me know the hotels you called? I would like to add that information on a different post to help others.

Really appreciate your effort in providing such good information. Just wanted to know if there’s any expected date when the Manali Kaza route will open. I’m planning a trip from Delhi to Spiti valley between May 12-19 and would like to return via Manali. Assuming the route opens by then, what all permits would I need? I’ll be hiring a cab from Delhi

Thanks in advance

Hi Srujan, It will most probably not be open by your date of travel. Rohtang Pass is expected to open by 16th and after that they will start working at Kunzum..

sorry I mean to say 3000-4000 Feet and not Meter

My another question is I am 35 year old and have undergone Angioplasty 1 year back. Is it ok to visit Spiti or will be there any risk of Acute Mountain Sickness? Please note that I have done the trekking to places which are around 3000-4000 M above sea level after treatment.

I do not really feel qualified to answer that Saket Bhai. Best consult a doctor before going and get a professional opinion.

Hi Vargis Bhai,

I am planning to visit Spiti Valley starting from Shimla around 20th May and then to do complete circuit to get down from Manali side. I will be planning to visit Chandratal Lake on 24th or 25th May and then go to Manali. I will be taking local vehicle on rent.

My 1st question will be is Chandratal Lake open by 24th or 25th May? and 2nd question will be is Kaza – Manali route open by 26th or 27th May?

Thank you very much for providing details.

Saket Bhai – Its really hard to predict right now the way the weather at Rohtang has turned in last one month. Rohtang La is still not open and Kunzum will come after. Manali Kaza in all probability will be open by May end so if possible, try delaying your trip by a couple of weeks.

[…] How to Plan Your Trip to Prashar Lake? How to Make your Car look Stupid –… How to Plan a Trip to Spiti Valley… How to Plan a Trip to Leh Ladakh… How to Plan a Visit to Spiti Valley… How to Plan a Trip […]

Very good article. Thank you

I have few queries that we are planning to go Spiti on 30th June. Is it good time to visit Spiti. Also is it rainy season in Himachal(Kullu, MANALI)?

Hi Som, 30th June is a good time to go. It starts to rain sometime towards 2nd half of July.

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How To Reach Spiti Valley From Delhi – Distance By Road, Train, Bus, Car, Flight

How to reach spiti valley from delhi.

Do you reside in Delhi? Are you planning to visit Spiti Valley from Delhi? Yes? Amazing! Spiti is one of the top 10 lowest-temperature coldest places in India for summer travel. How far is Spiti Valley from Delhi? Well, Spiti Valley is 747 km away from Delhi. And, the Spiti valley trip cost from Delhi depends on the mode of transport you want to travel by. But, before you start your journey, it is very important to know ‘ How to reach Spiti Valley from Delhi by road, train, bus, car, or flight ’. So, continue reading to get this information.’

Read More – How To Reach Darjeeling From Delhi

How To Go Spiti Valley From Delhi By Road

Delhi to Spiti Valley distance by road is around 747 km. There are two courses to reach Spiti Valley from Delhi by public vehicle. The main course is by means of the state capital Shimla, and the second one is through Manali. Spiti Valley is available all through the year by means of Shimla and Reckong Peo. Make sure to collect the Delhi to Spiti Valley route map from your nearest travel office.

Delhi to Spiti Valley road trip by means of Manali goes through the high-elevation mountain passes Rohtang La and Kunzum La. The most ideal way to see the valley is to make a complete circuit while continuing by means of Shimla and returning through Manali. This is how to reach Spiti Valley from Delhi by road .

How To Reach Spiti Valley From Delhi By Train

Traveling via train is a much more reasonable option in contrast to aviation routes. Want to know about the Delhi to Spiti Valley train route?

Well, Spiti Valley doesn’t have a railway station of its own, it may very well be reached by one or the other route via Shimla or Joginder Nagar Railway Station. Visit MakeMyTrip to know about Delhi to Spiti Valley train time.

Delhi to Spiti Valley train ticket price costs around Rs 50 per person.

To reach Shimla, one needs to reach Kalka first and afterward board the connecting train to Shimla. Trains that work between Shimla and Delhi are Himalayan Sovereign, Kalka Shatabdi, and Hwh Dli Klk Mail. One can likewise take the trains from Delhi to Kullu or Dharamshala and afterward continue with the tour by means of road. This is how to reach Spiti Valley from Delhi by train .

Read More – How To Reach Srinagar From Delhi

How To Reach Spiti Valley From Delhi By Bus

Delhi to Spiti Valley bus distance is around 747 km. You can visit MakeMyTrip to know about Delhi to Spiti Valley bus time. Delhi to Spiti Valley bus ticket price is approximately Rs 200. You can also book Delhi to Spiti Valley bus HRTC for your tour.

Delhi to Spiti Valley bus ticket price costs around 1200 INR to reach Delhi to Kaza on a common HRTC transport. You can also do an online Delhi to Spiti Valley bus booking. HRTC Transports are accessible from Delhi for the two courses. This covers Delhi to Reckong Peo admission and afterward Peo to Kaza bus fare. This is how to go to Spiti Valley from Delhi by bus .

How To Go Spiti Valley From Delhi By Flight

There is no immediate association from Delhi Air terminal (DEL) to Spiti Valley by flight. Nonetheless, you can travel to Dharamsala and then take the drive to Spiti Valley. On the other hand, you can travel to Chandigarh and then take a taxi to Spiti Valley. 

The quickest method for getting from Delhi Air terminal (DEL) to Spiti Valley is to fly and board a taxi. Delhi to Spiti Valley flight time takes around 10h 28m. Delhi to Spiti Valley flight ticket price costs around ₹10,000 – ₹16,000. The closest air terminal is Bhutan Air terminal (Kullu). And, Delhi to Spiti Valley flight distance is around 412 km. This is how to reach Spiti Valley from Delhi by flight .

Read More – How To Reach Dalhousie From Delhi

How To Reach Spiti Valley From Delhi By Car, Taxi

The most effective method to reach Spiti Valley from Delhi is by car. Being an Aggregator, CabBazar gives a variety of vehicle choices for Delhi to Spiti Valley taxi booking. You can try for Delhi to Spiti Valley car rental. 

The distance from Delhi to Spiti Valley via vehicle is 767 km. And,  Delhi to Spiti Valley taxi fare is around Rs 8700. Gozocabs likewise gives taxi booking services from Delhi to Spiti valley. This is how to reach Spiti Valley from Delhi by car or taxi .

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ALL GUD THINGS

10 days Itinerary for Lahaul Spiti Road trip

Ask anyone in India , which is your dream destination, and for the sure, the majority will say road trip to Leh Ladakh and only a few will answer Lahaul Spiti. A year back; the same notation was true for us too. So, we did both a 13-day road trip to Leh Ladakh and a 10 day Lahaul Spiti road trip. Honestly, both the God lands left us speechless and Lahaul Spiti valley became our favorite. It is raw, lesser commercialized, lesser densely populated, and more enigmatic than Ladakh – land of high passes ; where only wind and water play at their best to carve and decorate the valley.

The word “Spiti” means middle land between India and Tibet. So, Spiti Valley is the extension of mesmerizing landscapes of Tibet with challenging terrains and adventurous hairpin bend roads everywhere. The place has calming vibes and also can see the perfect combination of Hindu and Buddhist culture.  A true tourist or traveler , photographer, and adventurist cannot delight his eyes and soul just by traveling through this mystical land once. Indeed, he will long for more and start planning his next visit. Take a second visit and still, you will feel the valley is new and it will be exactly like a first visit.

Table of Contents

The route for Lahaul Spiti Road trip

There are two routes to reach Spiti Valley. One can enter from Shimla and exit from Old Manali or vice versa. We did a complete circuit, starting our journey from Manali and taking an exit at Shimla.

Route AllGudThings followed: Delhi – Chandigarh – Mandi – Manali – Rohtang Pass – Gramphu- Kunzum La- Kaza – Tabo – Nako – Sangla – Rampur – Shimla – Chandigarh – Delhi

Total time to reach Kaza in Spiti Valley from Delhi

The total time to reach Kaza in Spiti Valley from Delhi 17 -18 hrs. We advise you to break this journey into 3 days and halt at first Chandigarh or Mandi and if not here in-between, then Manali.

Condition of Lahaul Spiti Roads

Just forget the highways after Manali. There are bumpy and mud roads with potholes all around, most of the journey is like off-roading. At the passes ice will be melting down so additionally the roads will be wet too. Expect huge traffic jams from mid-July to August as there is apple crop transportation too.

Best time to take Lahaul Spiti Road Trip

The best time to do Lahaul Spiti road trip circuit starting from Manali and exiting at Shimla is between June-September. During this period both Rohtang Pass (opens in May) for which you need Rohtang Pass Permit and Kunzum Pass (opens in June) get functional. Whereas the other route via Shimla till Kaza is open throughout the year . Traveling to Spiti Valley in winters to the valley is extremely adventurous but surely tough too. 

Itinerary for Lahaul Spiti Road trip

While taking the Spiti Valley road trip, vistas change at every turn. If you think to blink your eyes or relax for a while, you will surely miss something worthy. So be awake during the whole journey to get soaked in the adventure.

Day 1 (Delhi – Chandigarh or Delhi – Mandi / Manali)

Leave early morning from Delhi to reach Chandigarh/ Mandi or Manali, according to your driving skills and capacity. From Delhi, Chandigarh can be reached in just 5 hrs and further till Manali it will take another 8-9 hrs, so totally journey coming to 13- 14 hrs. The terrain is plain till Mandi and changes after that. From here, the route becomes worth admiring. After reaching Manali rest in your hotel room, and walk to old Manali to enjoy scrumptious dinner.

We usually start our drive from Delhi in the late evening and reach Manali by next morning. After resting for some time, we go to Manali DC office to take the permits for next day.

Attractions on the way : Anandpur Sahib Gurdwara and Rewalsar Lake in Mandi district.

Must try : Do try Siddu and famous Bedawi Chapati / Puri in Mandi.

Day 2 (Manali to Chandratal Lake)

Leave around 7:00 am from Manali for Chandratal Lake . The Lake of Moon lays just 140 km from Manali but it takes almost 7-8 hrs to reach the place. The road to Chandratal Lake has only dirt and stones and no sign of tartar anywhere. On the way, you get to see waterfalls and the so-called Pagal Nallas (unexpected water comes through these). So, be really cautious.

There are several tents nearby the lake for accommodation. We stayed with Tenzin at Tenzin camps which lays almost 3 km from the moon lake. From here the lake can be reached by trekking or driving till one point.

Attraction : Rohtang Pass, also known as the pass of dead corposes and Chandratal Lake

Must Try : Chandra Dhabha at Batal run by a couple Chacha Chachi

Day 3 (Chandratal – Kaza)

After having breakfast and good tea, leave for Kaza which lies almost 100 km. Kaza is the headquarters of Spiti Valley. Along the way, you will cross Kunzum pass, located at 15,600 feet and village Losar.

Attractions: Kunzum Pass on the way, Key Monastery in Kaza, Sakya Tangyud Monastery, and the surrounding villages.

Must Try: Hotel Deyzor for its awesome food and worthy location

Day 4 (Kaza)

Stay at Kaza and explore the surrounding villages like Kibber, Tashigong, Langza for fossils, Gette and Kaumik / Komic village. Also plan to visit the Pin Valley National park, which comes under protected area for wildlife.

Day 5 (Kaza – Tabo)

Start your day early from Kaza and head towards the green village Dhankar (34km) known for one of the oldest monasteries and palace on the hilltop. From there 34 km ahead lays the beautiful village Tabo . Roads are both good and bad and with sightseeing, you will reach by evening.

Attractions: Dhankar Village, Dhankar Monastery, Dhankar Lake, Dhankar Palace, old and new Tabo monastery, Tabo caves, Tabo Helipad .

Must-Try : Stay at Tabo Monastery. They have mud lining rooms that are super cozy and dirt cheap. You can spend one night here in just Rs 500/-.

Day 6 (Tabo – Kalpa via Village Gue, Nako & Rekong Peo)

This day is going to be long as you will be covering 3 -4 attractions on the way before reaching Kalpa. The village Gue lays 8 -10 km inside from village Sumdo (24 km from Tabo) and is known for the sitting 500 years old mummy.

The Village Nako lies 33 km ahead from Sumdo. It is the highest village in the Hangrang Valley and here the bumpy road ends and the perfect tarred road starts. Do read the complete post a walk to the Nako village , to know more.

Kalpa & Rekong Peo lies 103 km from village Nako, which is almost a journey of 3-4 hrs. There is nothing much in Rekong Peo but for sure you will be mesmerized by the views of Kinner Kailash and apple orchards in Kalpa.

Attractions : Mummy at village Gue, Nako monastery, Nako Lake, Chango Gompa, Kinner Kailash from Kalpa, Suicide point, Narayan Nagini Temple, Kalpa Monastery, Sapni fort, and Kamru fort.

Must try: Stay with Himachal tourism guest house at Kalpa, for the best views and food.

Day 7 (Kalpa – Sangla)

After watching the first ray of sunrise at Kinner Kailash and having filling breakfast, leave to check the attractions of Kalpa. By afternoon leave for Sangla, which lays 40 km ahead of Kalpa. Check into your hotel and get lost in the evening beauty of Sangla Valley, Kinnaur . Listen to birds chirping and the flowing Baspa River along.

Attractions: Kinner Kailash, Suicide point, Narayan Nagini Temple, Kalpa Monastery, Sapni fort.

Must-Try : Tents at Kinner Camps, Sangla. We really enjoy staying with them because of their extraordinary hospitality and comfort.

Day 8 (Sangla – Chitkul- Sangla)

The next day, after breakfast drive 22 km from Sangla to the village Chitkul.  It is the last Indian village and the first glimpse of it is enough to leave you transfixed and speechless. On one side you can see the snow-capped arid mountains while on the other side there is a lush green valley with the Baspa River flowing in between.

Attractions: Chitkul, Baspa River, Sangla meadows, 1000 years old Kamru fort, Bering Nag Temple, & Sangla Monastery.

Must try: Evening long walks and apple orchards

Day 9 (Sangla – Shimla)

From Sangla, it is time to cover the last part of the circuit and the last day in hills too. Start early around 7:30- 8:00 am to cover 225 km. Roads are perfectly tarred and in excellent condition. If you have an extra day, do cover Sarahan & Narkanda on the way.

At Sarahan, check Bhimkali Temple and Bird sanctuary whereas in Narkanda visit Hatu Peak, Hatu temple and Jubbar Lake.

Attractions: Karcham Wangtoo Dam & cut out mountains forming ceilings on the highway near Rampur, Kufri.

Must Try: Buy red and golden farm fresh apples and plums.

Day 10 (Shimla – Delhi)

The day 10 th is going to be the toughest day as it is the end of a memorable trip. But cherish up as there are so many memories to take back home and plan the next journey. Roads are in excellent condition and you will be covering 345 km in almost 8-9 hrs.

Attractions: Himalayan Expressway, Timber trail resort at Kalka.

Must try : Good Punjabi food on the Chandigarh- Delhi highway.

Points to Remember before taking Lahaul Spiti road trip

• The Rohtang Pass and Kunzum Pass are high altitude passes, so check the weather forecast with locals before heading out.
• In the mid-July – August, there are spells of rains in the Lahaul Spiti Valley, although being a rain shadow region. So, the drive can be tough as well as risky.
• Always keep a buffer for a day while taking the Lahaul Spiti road trip.
• Get your vehicle properly inspected before hitting for a 1600 km road trip.
• Carry proper car toolkit along.

• Certain places like Rohtang Pass in the Lahaul Spiti Valley can be visited only with permits, so get those arranged timely. The Permit can be taken online or by visiting the DC office in Manali.
• Carry the additional photostat copies of a permit with you, during the trip.
• There is the last and highest fuel station at Kaza after Manali. The next can be found in Rekong Peo and then in Sangla.
• ATM facilities are available in Sangla, Rekong Peo, Kaza, Manali & Shimla
• Take time to acclimatize and don’t rush in the valley.
• Basic Medical facilities are available at Sangla, Rekong Peo, and Kaza. Advance medical facilities can be availed only in Shimla and Manali.
• Don’t expect luxurious accommodation and food in the valley, especially during winters.
• The locals are really nice and ready to help. Do respect their traditions and cultures.
• Remember to keep the valley clean and don’t litter around. Practice responsible tourism.

  Trip Expert 2017 Awards

We have compiled this post for the nomination in “Travel Expert Awards -2017”.

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