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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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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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[…] channel and ask a query there to get the newest standing on the street. You can too check out How one can Plan a Journey to Spiti Valley for another particulars associated to visiting […]

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.

[…] Also Read: How to Plan a Trip to Spiti Valley […]

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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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The Ultimate Travel Planner for Visiting the Spiti Valley

A Less-Touristy Alternative to Ladakh in Himachal Pradesh

The spellbinding Spiti Valley, located in Himachal Pradesh in India, is often proclaimed by those who see it to be world within a world. With an average height of around 12,500 feet above sea level, it consists of stark high-altitude alpine land. This is scattered with small villages and monasteries, and enclosed by soaring peaks crowned with snow.

Spiti is bordered by Ladakh in the north, Tibet to the east, Kinnaur to the south east, and the Kullu Valley to the south. It shares the same religion as Tibet -- Tibetan Buddhism.

The majority of people who inhabit the area are farmers who produce crops of barely, wheat, and peas. They rise early every morning to attend to their crops. Only one crop per year is possible, due to the extreme weather.

Climate in Spiti

Spiti receives heavy snow fall during the winter. This results in many villages being completely cut off from the rest of the valley. The ideal time to visit Spiti is from May to October. During this time, the weather is sunny and pleasant. Spiti is also the most accessible during these months.

Altitude Sickness

Due to Spiti's high altitude, special care must be taken to avoid altitude sickness. You should allow a couple of days to acclimatize before heading up to the higher villages in Spiti. In addition, you should drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration.

Plan Your Trip to Spiti

Scroll through the following pages of this Spiti travel guide to plan your trip to amazing Spiti. Your experience is sure to be a memorable one, as Spiti is such a unique travel destination.

How to Get to Spiti

Spiti isn't that far away from the rest of India in terms of distance. Yet, due to the condition of the roads, it's not possible to get to Spiti quickly or easily. Even though the drive to Spiti is long, it's far from boring. The ever changing scenery is so stunning, it's unlikely that you'll be tempted to take even the shortest of naps.

There are two routes leading to Spiti. These are from Manali, and from Shimla.

• Manali to Spiti -- the distance from Manali to Spiti is a little over 200 kilometers (125 miles). It can be covered in eight to 12 hours, depending on whether you go by bus or by jeep, and the condition of the road around Rohtang Pass near Manali. It's best to leave Manali as early in the morning as possible (before 6 a.m.), to avoid major traffic congestion and delays at Rohtang Pass. Rohtang Pass and Kunzum Pass are covered in snow for most of the year, with the roads only open from May to October. Therefore, it's only possible to travel from Manali to Spiti during these months. (Note: the road has been opening in late June or early July as opposed to May in recent years). Nevertheless, this route remains the most straightforward way of getting to Spiti. It's also very popular with motorcycle enthusiasts. There's a police checkpoint at Losar village, at the entrance to the Spiti Valley, where foreigners are required to produce their passport and register their details.

To get an idea of what to expect along the way from Manali to Spiti, check out this Manali to Spiti Photo Gallery .

• Shimla to Spiti (via Rekong Peo in Kinnaur) -- the distance from Shimla to Spiti is around 420 kilometers (260 miles). It can be covered in about 20 hours by bus or 16 hours by jeep along the Hindustan Tibet Road. The journey is arduous and best broken up by a stop in Rekong Peo. If you take this route, be aware that foreigners must get an Inner Line permit from the District Collectors office in either Shimla or Rekong Peo. The permits allow travel in the restricted area from Rekong Peo to Tabo. According to the rules, such permits are only issued to groups of two or more people traveling together. However, the office at Rekong Peo is less strict about enforcing this (and less busy too).

Which Route Should You Take?

Both routes have their advantages or disadvantages. Although it's significantly longer, a major benefit of the Shimla to Spiti route is its gradual ascent. This allows for better acclimatization and reduced risk of altitude sickness. The route is also open all year round, except for when there's heavy snowfall in Kinnaur and really inclement weather. Plus, you'll be able to avoid the inconvenience of having to go through Rohtang Pass. The dramatic and at times hair-raising Hindustan Tibet Road is an adventure in itself. Foreigners may not want waste time (two to four hours) getting an Inner Line Permit for this route though. If you have enough time, you can do a complete circuit -- arriving at Spiti by one route and departing by another.

Types of Transport

If you don't have your own vehicle, taking a taxi is the easiest way of getting to Spiti. However, it's expensive! You can expect to pay 8,000-10,000 rupees for a private jeep taxi from Manali (this price will reduce to about 3,500 rupees per day if you book the vehicle for the whole trip including return), or about 1,000-2,000 rupees per person in a shared taxi depending on the size of the vehicle. Buses are cheaper and cost about 400 rupees per person. There are two Himachal Pradesh Road Transport Corporation services a day from Manali to Kaza, and they depart really early in the morning (5 a.m. and 5.30 a.m).

Expect to pay more from Shimla to Spiti. Bus services from Shimla run to Reckong Peo, and then from Reckong Peo to Kaza. You can choose to depart Shimla either early in the morning or in the evening.

Villages in Spiti

Spiti has a total population of around 10,500 people. These people inhabit villages spread over three levels of altitude -- lower, middle, and upper -- with Kaza being the region's main administrative center. Kaza, with an altitude of 12,500 feet (3,800 meters) above sea level is in the upper region, and is popularly used as a base by travelers.

These spectacular photos of the Spiti Valley show its stark beauty.

A trip to Spiti wouldn't be complete without exploring the villages, and discovering exactly what it’s like to inhabit such a remote, high altitude environment. The harsh winters force residents to stockpile food and remain housebound for months at a time. During this period, they occupy themselves by making handicrafts.

There are a number of villages in the Spiti Valley that are of interest:

• Kibber -- once the world's highest village with a motorable road and electricity, it's located not far from Kaza at 14,200 feet (4,270 meters) above sea level. It's popular with travelers and has a few laid-back guest houses.
• Komic -- Asia's highest village with Spiti's highest monastery at an altitude of 15,049 feet (4,587 meters) above sea level.
• Langza -- known for its fossils, is a small village with a huge and colorful statue of Lord Buddha presiding over it. It has an altitude of 14,500 feet (4,400 meters) above sea level.
• Demul -- is a lively and alluring village, with a captivating vista at 14,300 feet (4,360 meters) about sea level. It's an excellent place to spend a day or two at a homestay. It's also becoming Spiti's model sustainable village, with solar power and waste management.
• Lhalung -- located at a height of 12,000 feet (3,660 meters) above sea level, is rich in diverse flora including Seabuckthorn trees.
• Dhankar -- is a large and remarkable village, that was once the capital of Spiti. Located 12,760 feet (3,890 meters) about sea level, the village is an unforgettable sight as it balances precariously on the edge of the cliff face. Attractions include the Dhankhar monastery, ruined fort, lake, and awe inspiring views. (Foreigners require a permit for this area, obtainable in Kaza).
• Hikkim -- has the world's highest post office.
• Giu -- has a 500 year-old mummy.

Monasteries in Spiti

There are five main Tibetan Buddhist monasteries in Spiti -- Ki, Komic, Dhankar, Kungri (in the Pin Valley) and Tabo. Visiting these monasteries is a fascinating experience. Inside, they're filled with mystical dimly lit rooms and ancient treasures. You’ll be able to unearth well preserved artwork, scriptures, and statutes as you delve into the Tibetan Buddhist religion.

The monasteries have significant influence over the lives of Spiti’s inhabitants. Tradition requires that families donate their second eldest son to the monastery in their area, or pay a hefty (and usually unaffordable) fine.

• Ki Monastery -- located not far from Kaza, Ki Gompa is the largest and most accessible monastery in Spiti. It's full of narrow stairways, box like rooms, and courtyards. The monastery rewards those who enter with a magnificent view over the valley. Another highlight is seeing the bedroom that the Dalai Lama slept in during his visit to the monastery. Don’t miss the annual three day Chaam festival, featuring masked dancing monks, that's held at the monastery in late July.
• Tabo Monastery -- founded in 996 AD, Tabo is the oldest monastery and has an important role to play. The Dalai Lama will retire from his duties there. Although Tabo is located two hours from Kaza, it's well worth a visit. There are nine temples in the complex, as well assembly hall, captivating statues, incredibly beautiful art work, and a public library. You'll also find meditation caves nearby. (Foreigners require a permit for this area, obtainable in Kaza).
• Dhankar Monastery -- it's the spectacular rocky setting that makes this monastery special. The sculptures and frescoes are also interesting. (Foreigners require a permit for this area, obtainable in Kaza).
• Komic Monastery -- this small monastery is perched on a desolate hilltop overlooking Asia's highest village.

What to Do in Spiti

To make the most of your trip to Spiti, you'll want to get out and about, and explore its essence. There are a wide range of options for immersing yourself in the attractions that Spiti has to offer.

• Trekking -- adventure enthusiasts love trekking in Spiti. Opportunities are almost endless. Some well-known treks are Pin-Parvati, Parang- La, and Pin-Bhaba. Village to village treks are also popular, such as the one from Kaza to Demul via Komic. It’s possible to visit less frequented areas as well.
• Yak Safari -- if you're not up for trekking (which does require excellent fitness and stamina!) a yak safari is a perfect alternative. Each village family usually owns one yak, which they let roam freely during the summer. Your safari will take place on one of these yaks, fetched by the village boys. A yak safari from Komic to Demul villages takes around four hours, including a stop for lunch.
• Cultural Performances -- Demul and Lhalung villages are renowned for their cultural shows, featuring traditionally dressed dancers and live music.
• Tracking Endangered Wildlife -- track India's exotic and endangered Snow Leopard and Himalayan Wolf in the Pin Valley National Park and Kibber Wildlife Sanctuary.
• Mountain Biking -- traverse little known valleys and plateaus on a mountain bike.
• White Water Rafting -- the Pin and Spiti rivers offer some great white water rafting opportunities.
• Excursions to villages and monasteries.
• Volunteering.

All these activities can be arranged by Ecosphere Spiti , a highly recommended and award winning organization, based in Kaza. Ecosphere has a committed focus on conservation, responsible tourism, and sustainable development.

Adrenaline junkies who want to experience everything should check out Ecosphere's 12 Day Classic Spiti Adventure trip. It combines trekking, biking, yak safari, and whitewater rafting. Departures run from June to October.

Where to Stay in Spiti

You'll find a range of comfortable hotels, guesthouses, and backpacker hostels in Kaza and Kibber.

In Kaza, expect to pay around 1,000 rupees upwards per night for a clean room, with western toilet and 24 hour hot water. Hotel Deyzor is undoubtedly the most popular place to stay, with rooms from 1,400 rupees per night. The next best option is Sakya Abode (in the new part of town). Kaza now has a Zostel hostel and notably it's Asia's highest backpacker hostel. There are dorms, tents, and private rooms. The Traveller's Shed is another new budget option, with dedicated service center for bikers.

Accommodations in Kibber (where backpackers hangout) are cheaper, and more basic. There a number of guest houses to choose from. The best place is Norling Guest House at the entrance to the village, with rooms from 1,200 rupees per night. They offer tours as well as accommodations with balconies. Plus, beer on request.

One of the most fascinating things that you can do in Spiti is to stay in one of the villages with a local family. The rustic homestays are are all very similar in terms of facilities, although each village differs in its nature, and cost around 3,000 rupees per night including meals. Be prepared to use traditional composting toilets, which are not much more than a hole in the ground.

While staying in Spiti’s villages, you’ll be able to dine on delicious home made local cuisine, often consisting of momos (vegetable dumplings), thukpa and thenthuk (hearty noodle soups).

Ecosphere Spiti arranges homestay accommodations for travelers.

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Epic 7 Day Itinerary For Spiti Valley To Experience The Spellbinding Charm Of Middle Land As A Traveler

by Swapnil Sanghavi | Feb 9, 2021 | Himachal , Spiti | 0 comments

Spiti is home to some of most ancient monasteries, highest villages in the world along with insane landscapes. This makes Spiti absolutely worth visiting at least once in a lifetime. Therefore, 7 day itinerary for Spiti will be of a great help for those who are looking to make a brief visit to Spiti.

In my personal opinion, Spiti is a place where even a month will not be good enough to explore the sacred land. But I understand that not everybody has a lot of time. So, 7 day itinerary for Spiti will be great for those who are short on time, but want to get a hang of the middle land.

Best 7 Day Itinerary For Spiti For A Quick Trip To Middle Land

As I said earlier, 7 days are not at all enough to explore Spiti valley. Entering and exiting itself Spiti can take at least 2-3 days. But not everyone can take a lot of time out of their busy lives.

So to experience Spitian culture, villages, monasteries, landscapes in a quick time I have curated not one but a couple of 7 day itineraries for Spiti. By the way, if its your first time to Spiti here is detailed blog on 27 practical tips for Spiti for first-time visitors .

One of them is Spiti circuit Itinerary trip by entering via Kinnaur and exiting via Lahaul with some of the most popular places in Spiti. While the other one is entering and exiting via Lahaul and Manali with some lesser known places.

Epic 7 Days Spiti Valley Itinerary – Experience The Ultimate Spiti Circuit

For this travel Itinerary for Spiti valley, I have considered Kinnaur as the entry point to Spiti and the exit point is the Lahaul route. Of course, entering Spiti via Kinnaur takes a bit longer, but you get to witness the best of both Kinnaur and Spiti.

Also, for this Itinerary I have kept things simple and added the most famous places in Spiti which are a must-visit. By the way here is detailed blog on the best routes for Spiti . This will be really helpful for those looking to visit Spiti for the firs time.

For this Spiti valley Itinerary I have considered the circuit route. That is entering Spiti via Kinnaur and exiting Spiti via Lahaul. Also I have considered famous places that are a must a visit for this Spiti valley Itinerary. So here is run through of places you’ll be visiting on your trip to Spiti. Shimla – Reckong Peo – Tabo – Dhankar – Kaza – Key – Kibber – Langza- Komic – Hikkim – Kunzum La – Manali

For this Spiti valley Itinerary, I have considered the most famous places in Spiti. And I have considered Spiti circuit as the route of this itinerary. So, please note that this Itinerary will be only possible from June to October.

If you are planning to follow this Itinerary after October, then enter and exit via Kinnaur and you should be just fine. The reason you can’t make a circuit trip after October is due to being Kunzum La being closed due to heavy snow after October.

Take an overnight bus directly to Reckong Peo either from Chandigarh or Delhi. HRTC buses leave from ISBT Kashmere gate in Delhi and sector 43 from Chandigarh.

To book tickets online, you can head to HRTC’s online booking website . To book private volvo buses you can use Redbus app or website.

You’ll reach Reckong Peo either in the afternoon or in the evening depending from where you have boarded the bus from that is Chandigarh or Delhi.

Explore Kalpa and Reckong Peo if you have time and overnight at Reckong Peo. Places like Kalpa and Reckong Peo are some of the best places to visit near Spiti which you must visit.

Board an early morning bus to Tabo from Reckong Peo. You’ll reach Tabo by afternoon.

Visit the Gompa at Tabo which is one of the oldest monasteries of our country. Overnight you can stay at Tabo. There are a lot of guesthouses, hotels, homestays in Tabo as per the budget.

Today you’ll be heading the ancient capital of Spiti which is Dhankar or Dhangkar village. Trust me Dhankar is one of the best places to visit in Spiti, such is the beauty of this Spitian village.

Explore the ancient Gompa of Dhankar and if time permits you can also head the celestial Dhankar lake which is one of the famous lakes in Spiti.

There are a lot of homestays in Dhankar. And you should have no problems finding a place to stay as per your budget.

Head to Kaza, the administrative capital of Spiti which is also the biggest town in Spiti. Checkin in the place you have decided to stay and head straight to Key Gompa. Key Gompa is the biggest monastery of Spiti valley.

After paying your respects at Key Gompa, you can head to the pretty high-altitude village of Kibber. Key Gompa and Kibber monastery are quite close to Kaza. So you can easily make a day trip and return back by the dark.

Here is detailed blog on how to reach Kibber village and How to reach Key Monastery . Feel free to check it out.

Today you’ll be heading to some of the highest villages on earth. Langza, Hikkim, Komic are some of the highest villages on earth.

Again, all these villages are quite near to Kaza. So, making a day trip is easily doable. If you are in a group then you should probably hire a private cab.

If you are traveling solo then find like-minded people and hire a cab, that would be quite feasible. Otherwise, it would be difficult to make all of them at once.

Finally your epic trip to the middle land will be coming to a great ending. Today you’ll be heading to Manali while witnessing some of the most scenic landscapes you might have witness in your life.

If you start very early you can even reach Manali via Kunzum La and Atal Tunnel.

Explore the Lesser Frequented Spiti With This 7 Day Itinerary For Spiti

This Spiti valley itinerary for 7 days which I have curated is via Lahaul route both entry and exit. Since the Lahaul route is the fastest way to reach, it is perfect for those who are short on time.

Also, for this itinerary I have included a couple of Lesser known places which usually attracts not so many travelers.

For this Spiti valley Itinerary I have considered a mix of lesser frequented and popular places in Spiti valley. And for this itinerary I have considered Lahaul route for both entering and exiting Spiti. Since it is the fastest way to reach Spiti valley. Here is a brief run through of places you’ll be visiting on your trip to the middle land. Manali – Kunzum La – Kaza – Langza – Komic – Hikkim – Demul – Lalung – Dhankar

For this particular itinerary I have considered a mix of famous and lesser-frequented places. This will enable you to somewhat experience Spiti in a quick time.

If you wish to follow this itinerary, then make sure that your making trip between June-October, as I have considered Lahaul route via Kunzum La which is only open from June to Octobe r. But it is the also the fastest way to reach Spiti valley.

By the way, here is detailed blog on all the safety related questions you might have when visiting Spiti valley. Feel free to check it out.

Board an early morning bus from Delhi ISBT at Kashmere gate. There is one bus departing at 6.40 am from Kashmere gate. You should reach Kullu late in the night and stay there for the night.

Board early morning bus from Kullu at around 4.00 AM. You should easily reach Kaza by 1.00 in the afternoon thanks to Atal tunnel now being operational.

Explore the biggest town in Spiti which is Kaza and rest for the day. And stay overnight at Kaza.

Again, all these villages are quite near to Kaza. So, making a day trip is easily doable. If you are in a group then you should probably hire a private cab. If you are traveling solo then find like-minded people and hire a cab, that would be quite feasible.

Head to the pretty village of Demul today. If you are relying on public transport then you will have to wait till the evening or you can opt of share taxis or hitch hike.

Demul is one of the those villages which offers you a genuine homestay experience with their unique home stay setting. Overnight will be in one such homestay in the village of Demul .

Today you’ll be heading to the village of Lhalung. There is an evening bus to Lhalung but I am not sure very about the timing. But If you want to leave in the morning then you can hire a private cab or use share cabs if at all they are plying.

There is a beautiful monastery in the village of Lhalung which you should definitely visit . Overnight in of the pretty homestays in the village of Lhalung.

By the way, you can check out my detailed blog on 7 celestial monasteries you must visit in Lahaul valley , Spiti counterpart. Feel free to check that out.

Leave Lhalung today and head to the ancient village of Dhankar. Back in the day, Dhankar used to be the capital of the Spiti valley. Trust me the beauty of Dhankar will definitely leave you awestruck.

While there is no public transport from Dhankar to Lhalung directly, but both the places are near to each other. So you can take the help of the locals in case you are relying on the public transport.

Explore the village of Dhankar and do pay your homage at the ancient monastery of Dhankar. And the day will be quite hectic as you have to make it back Kaza for the night.

Bid your goodbyes to the middle land as today you’ll be boarding an early morning 4.00 AM bus to Manali. With Atal tunnel now operational you should be able to reach Manali in the afternoon at around 2.00 PM.

From Manali, board overnight buses to Delhi. There are a lot of buses departing from Manali during evening and night time.

To conclude, I hope that 7 day itinerary will be a great help to you if you are looking to make a quick trip to the Spiti. Personally I feel, that you should have more days in hand if you want to experience Spiti to the fullest.

But I have curated a couple of 7 day itinerary for Spiti in such a way that you get to experience a lot of Spiti without wasting too much time here and there. So, a couple popular places might have been excluded, but then if you have more days in hand then you can explore properly.

Feel free to reach me out if you have any queries and I’ll be happy to help.

Detailed Itinerary for Spiti Valley – 9 Days

Hi Guys, if you have come here from YouTube, you may have already seen my Spiti Valley videos. I recently did the full circuit of Spiti Valley Starting from Delhi, then going to Shimla and returning back to Delhi via Manali. I did this trip with Tripver Community. I took the “Spiti Valley Explorer” which is basically a group trip to shoot a Lunar eclipse on 27th July 2018. I couldn’t witness the Lunar eclipse due to a particularly cloudy weather, but the trip was amazing overall. I ended up learning a lot from this trip including details like the culture, lifestyle of locals, local crops, food the best month to visit Spiti Valley (For a full detailed article on that click HERE ), etc.

I am sharing below the complete Itinerary, route, cost of this trip. You can always customize it further as per your requirements. I’ll also cover different aspects, like things you should know if you are traveling for the first time and FAQs.

Route and Important Stops:

If you are visiting Spiti in a particular season when the weather allows you to complete the full circuit from Shimla to Manali you can opt of taking the complete route as mentioned below (For more details on the ideal travel time and road conditions as per different months click HERE ).

Delhi (Considering Delhi is the start point of the trip)

Narkanda (stay optional)

Rekong Peo or Kalpa (Stay at Kalpa optional)

Kunzum Pass

Manali (Wondering how to spend a day in Manali? You can check my blog post HERE )

You can opt for taking the following detours on the way for a better coverage of places of interest

From Sichling to Dhankar for visiting Dhankar Monastery or Dhankar lake (stay at Dhankar is optional)

From Kaza visit the iconic places like Komic, Hikkim (For the World’s highest Post Office), Lanza and Key Monastery .

The cost of a trip to Spiti Valley will entirely depend on your trip planning, time of visit, mode of conveyance, and the level of comfort you expect. Although I must say, travel to Spiti Valley is not one of those luxurious experiences. Don’t expect fancy resorts, flights, amazing roads etc. You are going to a high altitude location with lesser facilities than usual. But your trip can be relatively more comfortable too, depending on your mode of conveyance. I’ve covered these aspects of travel planning and the average cost below:

Trip under INR 10k: Ideal for Backpackers/Someone with flexible time on their hands

If you are a backpacker or looking for a budget friendly trip and/or time is not really a limitation in travel planning to you, you can consider roughing it out and take local buses where ever possible, hitchhike, and opt for low cost stays. A trip like that can be achieved in as low at INR 10,000. Here’s a useful article that I found on how you can complete the trip in under 10k on the website Nomllers. Check out the article HERE .

Trip under INR 20k: Ideal for working people, with fixed amount of leaves

There are quite a lot of travel companies that offer packaged tours to Spiti Valley under INR 20k. But please be sure that you do your prior research and check the ratings of the Travel company that you travel with. Some points to keep in mind are, other people’s ratings, thoughts and suggestions on facebook pages of the travel company. And whether or not there is some time in between the itinerary for you to be able to explore the place properly.

For my trip, I travelled with Tripver community. The trip that I opted for is called Spiti Explorer Package. The itinerary spans over 9 days. For all options of their Itineraries you can check HERE .

The one that I went on costs INR 17k as per their website listing.

The biggest advantage of such a trip I would say is, that you get to meet a wide variety of people and make good friends. I was travelling solo for mine, and on the same trip I had other solo travellers, couples, married couples, group of friends, siblings etc. It was a great mix and a ton of fun.

Trip Cost between INR 30,000 to 60,000: Ideal For those driving their own vehicle, Car/Bike/Rented Vehicle

For this kind of a trip, you need to consider time, distance, fuel cost, rent of vehicle, Cost of Food, Cost of Stay per day etc. If you are driving a vehicle and are a group of friends, the cost is obviously distributed between the number of people going together. But before you plan this kind of a trip, do read the next topic “some important points”. Below are some average costs for: Distance – Approximately 1500 Km (from Delhi to Delhi) and Duration – 10 days

Fuel cost for Car – 8000

Fuel cost for Bike – 4000

Car rental cost for 10 days (for a good rugged vehicle, inclusive of petrol, no maintenance required)- 35000

Hotel/homestay for 10 days – 10,000 – 20,000 (cost approximation is for 1 person, can be spit between 2 also)

Cost of food – INR 3000 – 5000 (Cost approximate for 1 person)

Cost of servicing own vehicle/car and maintenance (before and after trip) – INR 20,000

Cost of servicing Bike and maintenance (before and after trip) – INR 6,000

My personal opinion is that taking a rental vehicle in this case is way lesser hassle than taking your own vehicle. All these prices are considered on the higher side for safety. I’ve referenced a YouTube video for some of these points. If you want to watch the video click HERE .

Read on for some really important points that you need to keep in mind before planning your own trip

Some important points –

If you are driving to Spiti Valley, please note, and I cannot stress on this point enough, take a rugged vehicle with a good ground clearance. I’ve seen cars like Innova get stuck on the road patch between Kaza to Manali (By far the worst road conditions that I have seen).

A hatchback should not even be considered for driving on those roads. There are some people who take the risk. But I’m just going to put the point here for your own personal safety. The chances of the hatchback skidding, sliding, getting damaged by falling stones etc. are way too high. If you love your life and value it enough, consider paying extra for a rental vehicle, but don’t take a hatchback car.

Whether you are driving a car or a bike, make sure you are a GOOD driver who can handle a vehicle on treacherous roads, blind turns, narrow ways amidst falling stones. Presence of mind is important.

Under any or all situations, while driving on the roads, try and leave from your location as early in the morning as possible, so that you can complete the drive during day light, and the chances of getting clear roads is much higher.

Now that I have spoken enough about driving on the roads, let me mention some ground realities. The roads are bad, yes. But they aren’t impossible either. A lot of vehicles ply on them. There are chances of landslides, but there’s also an active road clearance team stationed to frequently clear the roads for travellers. The worst that can happen is, that you can get stuck for a few hours while a landslide is getting cleared.

For this reason (point 5) don’t ever start driving mid day or late in the evening.

Please seriously consider your health before you travel to Spiti Valley. The altitude is high and so, people are prone to High Altitude sickness and breathlessness. See a doctor before your trip and take medicines like Diamox, that help with acclimatization.

For further getting your body used to the altitude, climb the ascent gradually, taking stops at night at places like Shimla, Narkanda, Kalpa etc. An overnight stay is recommended for acclimatization.

Once you are at the high altitude, do not skip any meal and drink atleast 2L of water/day to stay fit. If you don’t follow, you will feel fatigued and tired way more than usual.

Even I experienced breathlessness at a lot of points, especially while running and climbing (which I keep doing very often), but eating full portion of meals helped a lot.

There is a government run hospital at Kaza which you can visit if you feel sick.

The last point from where you can get petrol during the circuit is at Kaza. Make sure you get a full tank on the way back till Manali

The roads are really rugged and poor, so your vehicle will require frequent checks. So make sure you know the basics of vehicle mechanics. Also, in case you meet with an accident, this point helps.

Talking of maintenance, your vehicle will require conditioning before and after the trip, this point can be avoided if you take a rental vehicle.

A bike trip may seem like a lot of fun while planning, but please note, sometimes when you are carrying a large bag of supplies tied to the bike, and driving on treacherous roads filled with water channels and mud (places where bikes can skid), the trip can turn sour. Factor in these situations during your plan for mental preparation.

Always wear gum boots while driving a bike for preventing your shoes from getting wet in water ways and wet mud.

Hotel Recommendations:

During my trip to Spiti Valley there were a few hotels that I really liked and would personally recommend to others too. In my case the places were all booked through Tripver and arranged by them (Kudos to them). Actually all their hotel picks were great, but these were some of the best ones that I liked. If you plan a trip yourself too, you can consider booking these places. For current rates and tarrifs, I’m providing booking links. You can check competitive pricing on different booking portals too.

Narkanda – Mount View Hotel

Kalpa – Tab Exotic Hotel

Chandratal Lake – Dewachen Pema Thang Camps (This is a camp site that I would highly recommend because it is comfortable, has an attached bathroom, clean linen, and good facility irrespective of high altitude and limited supply of water). For more visual details of the place, you can also check my vlog HERE

Apart from this, even the monasteries in Spiti have the option of stay at an economical rate if you want to experience living in a Monastery. Some examples are Dhankar Monastery, Key Monastery. They have to be booked upon arrival of course.

At Kaza you can also consider living in Zostel.

Day 1: Journey begins from Delhi to Shimla in a comfortable Volvo AC bus at 7 PM

 Day 2:  Arrive in Shimla early morning, and move to the Force Traveler to Reach Narkanda (9,000ft approx) hotel by 12:00hrs.

Day 3:  Set-out early morning post breakfast to Kalpa(9,700ft approx). Stay overnight.

Day 4:  Onward journey to Kaza along with stops like Nako and Tabo Monastery on the way.

Watch my complete experience video of the Road Trip from Shimla to Kaza by clicking on video 1! The journey was of course beautiful. Starting from Narkanda, a green misty town of Himachal Pradesh, to the gradually thinning foliage along the way after Kalpa and Rekong Peo. We also witnessed the famous narrow roads, difficult routes and beautiful villages of Nako, Taba and then finally reached the town of Kaza. Such a good feeling!

Wake up early get started to make the most of the day ahead. We begin with a visit to Langza (14,500ft approx) and see an iconic Buddha statue perched on a hill. Mail postcards to loved ones from Hikkim , the world’s highest post office before diving into a maggie break/packed lunch post which we do a mandatory quick Group Insta moment at Komic, the World’s highest village to return straight for a tasteful dinner in Kaza main market.

Watch the complete video experience of this day in my video 2. Do watch the video till the end for the surprise element of dinner at Kaza Main Market. The energy and the lively atmosphere is infectious.

Day 6: We spent Day 6 in Kaza itself due to a modification in the itinerary. We went to the main Market and also made a stop over at Key Monastery, the largest of all in Spiti.  For the exact itinerary you can check http://www.tripver.com/spiti/explorer/

Day 7:  Started from Kaza towards Chandratal, on the way stopped at Kibber.

Watch video 3 for a detailed visual experience of the journey. The picture that you see in the thumbnail is that of the majestic Key Monastery.

Video 4 is an account of Chandratal lake mostly and the way back from there to Manali. Here a word of caution for most travelers. This route is the worst I have ever experienced in terms of the roads. They are badly broken. See for yourself if you don’t believe me. But it is best that you have a large vehicle with you if you consider driving yourself.

Day 7:  Visited Chandratal lake the same day. Stayed overnight at Dewachen Camp (best in my opinion near Chandratal)

Day 8:  Onward journey towards Manali from Camp. Stopped on the way at Bettal for a meal.

Day 9: Back to Delhi from Manali. Wondering how to spend a Day in Manali? You can check my blog post HERE

Like the itinerary?

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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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• Preparing for Spiti Valley Trip

Best Time to Visit Spiti Valley – A Month by Month Guide

The popularity of traveling to Spiti Valley is increasing day by day. Now more and more travelers want to know about the best time to visit Spiti Valley or travel on the road to Spiti Valley either via Shimla – Kinnaur or Spiti Valley.

The road to Spiti Valley remains open all around the year through Shimla – Kinnaur while the road from Manali side closes in winter as soon as Rohtang Pass and Kunzum Pass close. So, tourists must know about the right time to travel to Spiti Valley.

In this article of the series, “ Comprehensive Travel Guide for Spiti Valley ”, I will try to share my inputs on the best time or season to travel the road to Spiti Valley or in other words what is the best time to visit Spiti Valley.

Let's quickly dive into the details:

When is the best time for Spiti Valley road trip?

We all know that you can travel to Spiti Valley by two routes. One traverses the roads from Delhi via Manali to Kaza, Spiti Valley as Manali – Rohtang Pass – Gramphu – Chattru – Kunzum Pass – Kaza (Spiti Valley). And, then the other one goes from Delhi to Kaza via Shimla – Kinnaur Valley as Shimla – Kinnaur – Nako – Sumdo (Spiti Valley) – Tabo – Kaza.

Shimla to Kaza Route

The route via Shimla – Kinnaur is also commonly known as Hindustan – Tibet Highway or NH-05 . The Hindustan Tibet Road remains open throughout the year via Kinnaur Valley, and you can make a journey to Kaza or Spiti via Shimla – Kinnaur all around the year because there is no high mountain pass that comes on this route which gets heavy snowfall.

It is said to be motorable all around the year; however, traveling to Spiti Valley, especially in the winter months, is not that easy as it reads. The road conditions in winters on the Hindustan – Tibet highway are quite challenging and tough .

Hence, you should avoid traveling to Spiti Valley in winter in case you do not want to try extreme winter cold conditions and live the extreme adventure.

Manali to Kaza Route

Traveling to Spiti Valley via Manali side , by and large, depends first upon the opening of Rohtang Pass and then opening of the route from Gramphu to Kunzum Pass and Kunzum Pass in itself. The snow clearance operations begin in March and continue till May end or June the first half when the road from Manali to Kaza gets open.

This generally takes time and hence, Manali to Kaza route remains closed for almost six-seven months in a year. Rohtang Pass generally opens after April and further, the route to Kaza over Kunzum Pass opens by the second week of June.

So, you have very little time in a year (mid-June to October), in case you are interested in the entire Spiti Valley circuit that is Delhi – Shimla – Kinnaur – Kaza (Spiti Valley) – Kunzum Pass – Rohtang Pass – Manali – Delhi.

But, still, the question is :

When is the best time to visit Spiti Valley?

In the following part of the article, let’s check in detail, how the whole year month-by-month looks like in terms of traveling on the road to Spiti Valley in Himachal Pradesh . After understanding the Spiti Valley weather for these months, you can evaluate which month or season shall work out best for you to plan a Spiti Valley road trip.

Spiti Valley in January – February – March

January, February, and March are called the extreme winter months in Spiti Valley when there is a dense blanket of white snow all around you in Spiti . The road from Manali to Kaza is closed, and most hotels are shut off. You need to rely on limited homestay options in Spiti Valley. Hence, you need to prepare very well for your trip to Spiti in these winter months.

You should not expect much from facilities in Spiti valley in these months. The Spiti Valley temperature in winter can go well below -20 deg C, so you must go well prepared with proper woolen clothing. As snowfall can happen anytime in this period, you should keep buffer days for road closures.

Dheeraj Sharma

There aren’t any toilets with running water or water available in Spiti Valley in the months from January to March. Hence, you need to use dry pit toilets. You should carry a hand sanitizer with you to best maintain sanitization wherever possible. The food will be pretty basic as available in the homestay. Carry a good temperature rating sleeping bag with you as well to beat the cold in homestays.

Roads within Spiti Valley are open only to an extent. Kaza to Losar is closed, and hence it is not the best time to visit Kunzum Pass because the road is closed. Kaza – Langza – Komic – Hikkim – Kaza road remains also closed during peak these winter months.

January has the least snow while February and March have snow in abundance in comparison to all other months. In my honest opinion, March is one of the best time to enjoy winter Spiti trip .

Spiti Valley in April to May

When the months of April – May come, the snow starts to melt, and some link roads within Spiti Valley start to open up. These roads including the road to Losar from Kaza and the road to Pin Valley towards Mud, the road to Lhalung – Demul, or the roads to Langza – Hikkim – Komic circuits.

The opening of Kunzum Pass and the further road towards Manali from Kunzum Pass takes more time. Generally, Manali to Kaza via Kunzum Pass gets open in June only.

However, overall, as the temperature in Spiti Valley comes into a positive scale in April – May, the conditions in Spiti Valley become bearable. The road journey to Spiti Valley is not that hard this period of April – May. The season for Spiti starts to open in these two months only when adventurists from various parts of the country start planning their trips to Spiti Valley .

Hotels start to come out of hibernation, and things, including fruits/vegetables, start to arrive in Spiti Valley frequently. If you are interested in watching snow-studded peaks or want to play in the snow at Kunzum Pass, then this is the ideal time to be in Spiti Valley.

If you are one of those who wants to feel the deserted roads, low tourist count, OK with basic facilities and OK to take a chance on giving up a place or two as that link road might not have opened then it is OK for you to travel in this window. But, keep in mind that you will not be able to do the complete circuit from Shimla to Kinnaur to Kaza to Manali as the road from Kaza to Rohtang Pass to Manali does not get open.

Spiti Valley in June to July

June – July is the beginning of the actual main season to travel to Spiti Valley when a large number of tourists make their journey over these. The season eventually takes the rapid move as the road to Kaza from Manali over Kunzum Pass also opens by the second week of June. This time would mean that the road to Chandratal from Manali will also open up in June and Chandratal is one of the most popular places to visit in Spiti Valley.

In June – July, mostly all the link roads to various sightseeing places in Spiti or remote villages in Spiti Valley also get open in this period. So, you can plan your visit to Langza, Hikkim, Komic, Demul, Lhalung, Pin Valley – Mudh Village , Gete, and Tashigang villages.

Hotels in Spiti Valley are all also open with full facilities, and there is quite a lot of hustle-bustle of tourists all around in Spiti Valley, especially Kaza town. Even Chandratal lake becomes accessible in June soon after the Kunzum Pass opens.

Well, it is one of the good times to make a road trip to Spiti Valley and a desperate retreat from the HEAT of northern cities of India. There are many water crossings active during this period as the snow melts, so it is always better to reach the destination well in the afternoon to avoid getting stuck either in one of those water crossings or behind it.

Hence, follow my “ Leave Early, Sleep Early ” principle very strictly. In the recent past, June appears to have good pre-monsoon showers on the way to Spiti Valley, especially in Kinnaur, and even Spiti experiences one or two spells of snow in June as well, not to forget the (June 2013) tragic flash floods in Kinnaur district. So, even the Spiti Valley weather is somehow becoming unpredictable nowadays. However, this is considered one of the better times to travel over the road to Spiti Valley that is Hindustan Tibet Highway.

Spiti in August

This is the time when the monsoon is in a full flurry in Kinnaur Valley and other parts of Northern India. You MUST understand that Kinnaur is not a place to be in rains with its history of massive landslides and the live landslide zone of Malling Nalla ahead of Nako.

In this period, the roads leading to Spiti Valley are almost in a horrible state as compared to the rest of the year, especially in Kinnaur Valley. In recent years, even the roads from Delhi to Manali have also caused major concerns.

Having said all that, it does not mean that it is not a season to travel to Spiti Valley. The Spiti Valley region falls under the Trans Himalayan region which is generally rain shadowed but in recent past rains have started to reach even Spiti though not that much just frequent drizzles and overcast skies. So, generally, this time shall be avoided, if possible. You may only think about it when you have enough buffer days in hand to face intermittent delays or even cancellation of the trip.

Once you reach Spiti Valley, things remain mostly OK. But do not forget that you have to return via either Manali – Kaza or Kaza – Kinnaur again, which DO experience good monsoon rains, especially Rohtang Pass will be in a big mess, and roads to Mandi may be submerged.

Also, keep in mind that August is also the peak time of apple season and crop transportation, which creates a good amount of traffic jams owing to a high number of trucks that ply on the Kinnaur Valley route. If you happen to be there, then do take one or two cartons of golden apples or red apples from Kinnaur 🙂

You should read my tips on traveling to Kinnaur and Spiti Valley in monsoon time .

Spiti in September to mid-October

This is the time which is my favorite when autumn colors of Spiti are blooming with oranges leaves on the trees enhancing the beauty of magnificent backdrops by many levels. The aqua colors of water in the river add jewels to the pristine beauty all around Spiti Valley.

The Spiti Valley temperature at night and morning is quite cold, in some parts, almost close to 2-3 degrees Celsius. Hence, do carry heavy woolens or thermals at this time of the year with you. You can also get your hands on super delicious Spiti Apples around Tabo or Hurling and even in Kaza at a house of locals. Spiti Valley is famous for its apple. DO NOT miss to taste them or buy them if possible; I am sure you would not have tasted such an apple before 😉 …

If you are a snow lover then you will not like this month as almost all the peaks around you would be naked without any snow on them.

Regarding making the complete circuit, especially after mid of October, yes you can come from the Kinnaur side and go via the Manali side BUT do check the weather updates for few days before making the trip across Kunzum Pass in late October or November when you are at Kaza or Losar.

Kunzum Pass starts getting snowfall by September end and it can be very tricky and risky crossing over it in no man’s land in late October or November. Hence, you need to be very, very sure of the weather, especially in October, when making a move from Kaza to Manali beyond Kunzum Pass. My frank and modest advice will always be to avoid traveling from Manali to Kaza in later October and November .

Spiti Valley in November to December

November – December is generally the winter months in Spiti Valley or at least the beginning of winters. Spiti Valley weather is quite cold during this time, and water starts to freeze in the water pipes. Hence, running water is a luxury at this time of the year.

While traveling to Spiti Valley in November you go through some hardships of ice on the roads, lack of electricity, winter cold conditions with sub-zero temperatures topped with basic facilities as most of the guesthouses get closed.

Kunzum Pass gets closed by November for the next 6-7 months, so one cannot complete the circuit from Shimla – Kinnaur to Manali during this period. You should note that in this winter period, the water in the taps freeze, and people depend on hand pump water at certain places or boiled water in buckets. Kaza especially suffers from a shortage of water in these months and washrooms are big nightmares without tap water.

Do not forget to check what things and clothes to pack for Spiti trip ?

So, in all this period, life is not that easy. In December, the link roads to various places like Gyu Mummy, Pin Valley – Mudh, Gete, Komik, Langza, Losar ahead of Kaza, etc. in Spiti Valley start getting closed one by one after snowfall starts.

Hence, you can only make a trip up to Kaza on this route, and there is always a chance of closure of roads for a few days if it continues to snow for some time during winters. So, if you are making a road trip to Spiti Valley in winters, be ready for extreme adventure and delays too!! Go very well prepared at this time of the year concerning mental levels, physical levels, and food to carry along with having some buffer days.

You should also check my article on the best time to visit Ladakh if you are planning a trip to Leh Ladakh and Spiti Valley together.

Still confused??

When to visit Spiti Valley?

I hope this article will help you decide when to travel to Spiti Valley or Kinnaur Valley. Feel free to ask any queries or share your valuable inputs on the season to travel on the road to Spiti Valley in the comments section below.

I hope you are not looking for any Spiti Valley tour packages. If yes, before committing do check the guides and article on this website before you shell out that money.

Have a travel question?? You can follow me on Instagram and subscribe to my YouTube channel to ask your travel questions in a direct message on Instagram or comment on my YouTube videos.

If you know your friends or family are planning a trip to Spiti, 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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Hi Dheeraj , I have gone through your posts and it seems that you have traveled a lot in the spiti and himachal area. i m planning a trip to himachal . i m planning to leave delhi on 6th oct evening and need to come back on 16 oct night or 17th oct early morning. In this whole trip i have to spent 10th of october morning to noon at dalhousie for urgent work .I have seen dalhousie , khajiyar , shimla, dharamshala and chamba a few times , so i m not interested in those places but i need to be in dalhousie on 10th. Now can u plan me a trip which covers spiti / kinnaur/ lahual/ chandratal in between these days. I have gone through many posts but not able to decide how to plan it .As dalhousie is exactly opposite to spiti and i need to be there in middle of my trip that is on 4th day . Is it possible to plan out anything which can solve my purpose? It would be great if u can help me out. Thanks Regards Dr Pritesh

Hi Dheeraj, very well explained n so much information collected from your post.But i need your final verdict on my spiti valley trip.We ppl will be traveling in the last week of feb 19 so what will be your opinion. Thank you in advance.

Hello… I am planning to visit spiti in next week(14-19august) Is it ok..??means in terms of safety..coming from delhi

Nishu, the roads have just opened from Manali side, Kinnaur side the road is still closed. Please keep an eye on weather before planning to travel to Spiti Valley or Kinnaur Valley in monsoon.

Hi Dheeraj I along with my 4 friends are planning to visit Spiti from September 15 to 24 doing circuit from shimla side.. my query is:- 1. shall we be able to see the colors of autumn? 2. Chances of overcast skies all through the journey?

1. some colours will be there, however October, colours are more prominent. 2. Less chances of overcast skies

Hey. Great post this. Thanks for the detailed information.

Just one question. I am planning to cross the Kunzum pass on the 22nd of September on the way from chandratal to Manali. Is there any possibility of the kunzum pass being closed during that time? Has it even happened in the recent years?

Akshay, very unlikely unless it snows heavily during that time which is rare in recent years. Last year the road was opened all the way up to December 😉

i am planning to visit spiti by the end of july around 22nd july.(9 days trip ) is it safe to travel during monsoon time.Also tell me an alternative plan instead of Kinnaur since you wrote that there are more chances of landslides at that region . (we are interested in doing a full circuit trip from delhi to spiti) thank you 😉

Well, you should read about 10 Tips for a Trip to Spiti Valley in Monsoons

You can do below for Manali plan

Day 01 : Reach Manali and stay overnight at Solang Valley as preferred for acclimatization Day 02 : Manali / Solang – Kaza Day 03 : Kaza – Pin Valley – Tabo Day 04 : Tabo – Dhangkar – Dhangkar Lake trek – Kaza Day 05 : Kaza – Ki – Kibber/Kaza Day 06 : Kibber/Kaza – Langza – Komic – Hikkim – Kaza Day 07 : Kaza – Chandratal Day 08 : Chandratal – Manali Day 09 : Manali – Delhi

WE R PLANNING TO VISIT KAZA,MANALI ON FEB 1 CAN YOU GIVE ME THE TOUR PLAN

You can read: Spiti in Winters – Most Common Itinerary and How to plan a trip to Spiti Valley in Winters

Hi Dheeraj I am planning to travel spiti in the month of August. Please suggest me any precautions due to rains and landslides and which week should i prefer?

It will be monsoon season, you should read: 10 Tips for a Trip to Spiti Valley in Monsoons

we r plaining to visit spiti in mid dec 2018 can we see snow???

Snow starts around that time, but white Spiti or tons of snow can be seen in February – March period

so in mid december which places of himachal Pradesh can we find thick snow???

There are very less places in mid December to find snow in Himachal Pradesh, Rohtang Pass is the best bet but December last year was almost dry and it started snowing in late December only

Hi we are planning to Spiti Valley in 9th June – 16th June or 7th July – 15th July this year. please which time will be best this year for bike trip. if we are going in june will there be snow view? or in july will there be chances of rain/land slide conditions.

I’m planning to complete the spiti circuit from shimla to manali with my Bike Honda Hornet CBS 160cc. should it be good bike option or should i go for some other bike?

Both time windows shall be fine, July will be better as crowd in lower towns will be less because vacation finishes. If you need some snow then June is better. Bike of 160cc should be fine.

I am planning to do the Spiti circuit, in mid October. I will get festival holidays during mid October till first week of November. I have read your blog and your advise on the best season to travel to Spiti.

As I wouldn’t get my leave (for 14-15 days at a stretch), I have no other alternative than mid October. Taking into consideration of my situation, what should be my itinerary? Enetering from Shimla or from Manali?

Kindly suggest me an intinerary.

Thanks in advance

I will suggest that you enter from Manali side so that risk is minimum towards the end of October and do not have to deal with situation of Kunzum Pass getting closed.

Thanks for your prompt response.

Thank you Dheeraj. That answers my question too. Even i am planning Spiti valley tour in mid October from Delhi…

Best wishes for your Spiti Valley trips, have fun and if possible do share the experience on DoW 🙂

Hello Dheeraj , 

Your post is very helpful and thank you for guiding us all through. 

I with 2 of my friends planning to start my trip on 23rd June from Shimla and end on 30th June at Manali on bike .

Could you please recommend if the dates are fine , our main concern is the rains . If it would be heavy rainfall during this time then it would be difficult as there could be land slides . 

Request your suggestion on our trip and dates. 

Dates seem to be OK, if you extend the trip by a couple of days, You can check a very balanced and most common itinerary for Spiti Valley followed by many travellers including me at the link here for 10-11 days: Most Common Itinerary for Spiti Valley .

Hey sir, i am planning spiti on a solo trip on 1st june right after my exams ends. Planning to complete the entire circuit. This would be my first solo trip of life and anticipatedly i am expecting it to completely chnge my life , free me out of tensions and motivate me to work for myself ahead in life. Can you tell me what kind of things i can expect during this 1june to 10th june? I mean i love little snow but the greenery medows in between the route is also so wonderful, would i be see both during the route? And where? Also, how much time do i need 9 days enough? And how much should i keep in my pocket, are homestays become costly during this time. It would be an extremely budget travel. Plz guide me sir you have a wonderful guide.thanks

Pranay, I will suggest that you start from reading the article: How to make a budget trip to Spiti Valley by public transport

This will help you go through the commute, plan in detail and overall budget expectation.

hii dhiraj,

we are 4 friends planning for spiti vally around 15th june, 2018. is it right seascon ? can you share your valuable thoughts on this…

Yes, mid June to July end is good time to visit Spiti Valley

Hi Dheeraj,

Cheers for such a wonderful post. We are four friends looking to travel spiti valley in July 1st week. Can you please tell the how can we get the rohtang pass permit or is DL very necessary in those areas? FYI we will be travelling on rented bikes.

Help Appreciated!

Varun you can get the permits for Rohtang Pass by following the details mentioned in the article: Permit for Rohtang Pass – Updates 2017

Thanks for your help Dheeraj.

Is Driving License necessary for the trip or it could be adjusted with any personal ID?

Driving license is necessary to drive/ride

Firstly thanks for your valuable information, I need your help Me and 3 friends are planning to go SPITI VALLEY in second week of may 18″,we can’t take other dates because of some personal reasons,so how can we reach SPITI in above mentioned dates We are from Kerala, we are planning a bike ride. How, where ll’ get bike

You can check a very balanced and most common itinerary for Spiti Valley followed by many travellers including me at the link here for 10-11 days: Most Common Itinerary for Spiti Valley .

Hey Dheeraj, This was indeed useful! Just had a question. How risky is the drive here on an SUV and what should we keep in mind while driving ?

I will strongly suggest that you go through and read my series on Ladakh/Spiti Self Drive tips at the links below:

7 Useful Tips for a Self Drive to Leh – Ladakh/Spiti

hi, i am planning to go spiti this season. I have some queries please ans this.

I am travelling to Spiti on 1 week of August(is it open via manali?)

Vikas, the roads are open but you should read: 10 Tips for a Trip to Spiti Valley in Monsoons

Firstly, thanks a tonne for all the information you continue to provide. This is like an encyclopedia into Spiti. My question was, any info on the possible rumour that due to less snowfall this year around Kunzum, the Manali-Kaza road will be thrown open by April end possibly ? Even the HRTC FB page posted about this and so did the Spiti Valley travels on their FB page. Planning to go via Kinnaur into Spiti and back via Rohtang.

Keep up the awesome work ! Regards.

Thank you Tristan, Manali – Kaza is surely expected to open early this season but personally, I have a feeling it will not open by mid-May to third week of May especially after the two spells of heavy snowfall recently. HRTC FB page is privately run and not govt. run, so I will not 100% rely on the authenticity as if it is coming from GOVT. order. I have talked to locals and they echo my feelings as well. But, BRO definitely is pretty close to Chatru

I am travelling to Spiti on 1 week of may( is it open via manali?) Is it possible to go spiti form manali in 1 day Is it good itinerary for spiti from delhi via manali Day 1 Thursday 

Board the volvo from delhi

Day 2 Friday

Reach manali and stay

head to spiti from manali on bike reach spiti and rest

back to manali and rest

board the volvo to delhi

Spiti valley will not be open by first week of May from Manali – Kaza side. Also, in order to enjoy Spiti valley, you need about 78- days from Manali side and 10-11 days from Kinnaur – Shimla side.

Hi Dheeraj.

I found your blog lately. Appreciate your efforts for helping fellow travelers on their journey.

I need a help planning whole Spiti and Leh-Ladakh itinerary. Have read your post on separate itinerary. I’m kinda clueless on how to plan both places with single itinerary. Since I’m planning to take hiatus from work after April so number of days and dates won’t be issue. But I want to explore whole beauty of Himachal and Leh-Ladakh. So can you please suggest me when will be good time and what is best mode of transport for whole journey. I will be traveling with my partner so I’m ok with self drive SUV or if it is good to hire bike in respect to road condition. Sorry for selfish request. I don’t want to get disappointed coming from South, this will my first trip to north. I have backpacked here and there but this is due for very long on bucket list. Thanks.

Hey Nagendran,

The roads of Manali – Leh and Srinagar – Leh and Manali – Kaza will not be open in April. If you want the whole circuit with Spiti and Ladakh, the roads open in June only. In April you can make individual trips to these places like flying into Leh for Ladakh trip and going – coming back form Shimla – Kinnaur side for Spiti Valley trip.

Thanks for your comment. Sorry I didn’t mentioned I’ll be completely free for a year precisely. So when will best time of year to travel both together. I was thinking to land Chandigarh and start trip from there.

Cool, in that case best month to travel will be September but if you need adventurous trip then mid June to mid July will be ideal. You can start from: Spiti Valley to Ladakh from Manali – Most Common Itinerary

How many days are you planning?

Really not concerned of number of days. But thinking 25-30 days as of now. If I’m flexible with days what are the places I can add along with your 16 days itinerary considering 30days max. Also can you suggest me best mode of transport for whole journey. I will be traveling with my partner so I’m thinking of taking rented self drive SUV or do you suggest to hire bike in respect to road condition.

Awesome, then, in that case, look no further and plan the trip as defined below to include Zanskar Valley too in the plan. You can take the rented self drive car but once you will reach Leh, you need to park it and cover Ladakh sightseeing places by local LAdakhi taxi or some places like Sham Valley and all can be covered by rented bike from Leh. You can even go to Nubra Valley on rented bike if you have experience with riding. Here is the one dream trip you can take 😀

Day 1 | Delhi – Jammu / Patnitop — Overnight at Jammu or Patnitop

Day 2 | Jammu / Patnitop – Srinagar — Enjoy walk around Dal lake and may be Shikara ride as well — If you have time then check out, floating market, Shalimar Garden. — Overnight at Srinagar

Day 3 | Srinagar – Zozi La – Drass – Kargil — Enjoy the vistas enroute — Have late drunch meal at Drass is you are a vegetarian as sometimes it gets difficult to find veg. food at Kargil — Overnight at Kargil

Day 4 | Kargil – Padum (Zanskar Valley) — Head straight to Padum

Day 5 | Padum Local Sightseeing — Enjoy Zangla, Stongde, Karsha

Day 6 | Padum – Zongkhul Monastery – Penzi La Pass – Rangdum — Start back and stay at Rangdum

Day 7 | Rangdum – Panikhar – Sankoo – Kargil — Checkout rock carved statue at Khartse Khar

Day 8 | Kargil – Lamayuru – Leh — Cover Mulbekh Maitrey, Lamayuru Moanstery, Lunar Landscapes — On the way you can also see Gurudwara Pather Sahib, Magnetic Hills, Confluence at Nimmu — Overnight at Leh

Day 9 | Leh Local Sightseeing + Inner Line Permits — To know the about the places to visit check the link: Travel Guide for Local Sightseeing of Leh Town in Ladakh — For more details on inner line permits process and to download application form read the link  here — Overnight at Leh

Day 10 | Leh – Khardung La – Diskit – Hunder – Turtuk — Head for Nubra Valley and stay overnight at Turtuk — On the way enjoy a cup of soup at Highest Motorable Pass (as claimed) Khardung La — enjoy the culture in the Turtuk Village — do mention Turtuk on the permits

Day 11 | Turtuk – Hunder — Spend whole day at Turtuk and reach Hunder by evening — Overnight at Hunder

Day 12 | Hunder – Deskit – Sumur – Panamik – Sumur — Diskit has monasteries with tallest lord Buddha statue and Hunder has sand dunes and bacterian camel safari — Enjoy drive upto Panamik, visit Yarab Tso Lake and back to overnight stay at Kyagar or Tiger or Sumur — Enjoy walks in Hunder, Deskit, Sumur villages for the last 3 days

Day 13 | Sumur/Kyagar – Panamik – Sumur – Khardung La – Leh — Sumur has a famous monastery to check out and Panamik has hot water springs — Overnight at Leh

Day 14 | Rest day at Leh to enjoy local culture and some shopping OR Monastery tour — Monastery tour may include Hemis, Thicksey, Stakna and Shey monasteries. They come on the route of Pangong Tso but as you will be doing day trip, it will be a bit hectic to include them on that day only. — Overnight at Leh

Day 15 | Leh – Sham Valley – Leh — Sham Valley include Alchi, Likir, Basgo Palace, Magnetic Hills, Confluence at Nimmu, Gurudwara Pather Sahib — Overnight at Leh

Day 16 | Leh – Hemis Monastery – Pangong Tso Lake — Cover either of Hemis, Thicksey and Shey on the go towards Pangong Tso — Overnight at Pangong Tso (Spangmik)

Day 17 | Pangong Tso Lake – Shey – Thicksey – Leh — Mention all the places of this route as mentioned above on the permits and Nyoma as well — Overnight at Hanle

Day 18 | Leh – Chumathang – Mahe – Nyoma – Loma – Hanle — Overnight at Hanle

Day 19 | Hanle – Loma – Nyoma – Mahe – Korzok / Tso Moriri Lake OR Hanle – Salsal La – Tso Moriri Lake — Overnight at Tso Moriri lake

Day 20 | Tso Moriri – Tso Kar – Debring (Manali – Leh Highway starts) – Moore Plains – Pang / Sarchu — Try to start early in the day so that you reach Sarchu where the accommodation options are better than Pang — Overnight at Sarchu or Pang

Day 21 | Pang / Sarchu – Baralacha La – Jispa — On the way cover Suraj Tal, Deepak Tal which are on the road sides only — Overnight at Jispa

Day 22 | Jispa – Chandratal Day 23 | Chandratal – Kaza Day 24 | Kaza (Ki, Kibber, Gette) Day 25 | Kaza/Langza Homestay (Hikkim, Koumik, Langza) Day 26 | Kaza – Dhankar – Pin Valley Day 27 | Pin Valley – Tabo – Nako Day 28 | Nako – Kalpa Day 29 | Kalpa – Sangla/Chitkul (if you cannot extend, skip) Day 30 | Sangla/Chitkul (if you cannot extend, skip) Day 31 | Sangla/Chitkul – Narkanda Day 32 | Narkanda – Chail / Shimla – Delhi

I’m finding short of words to thank you on helping me with the detailed itinerary. Having read multiple detailed post of you and your selfless comment on repeated questions, initially I bit hesitated to post a question regarding itinerary. But yet whole heartedly you replied with lengthy detailed information. Thanks once again for your generosity. If you plan to come down to South (Tamilnadu), please do call me I’ll be happy to host you. 🙂

My pleasure buddy !! Happy to help with the Himalayas. Thank you for sharing the contact details, will surely let you know whenever in future I will plan a trip. Much appreciated…

Hi Dhiraj, Last year we completed a superb trip to Ladakh,doing the entire circuit from Srinagar to Manali starting in early June and finishing by mid June. This year we were planning a trip to Spiti valley…Also a full circuit going in via shimla and exiting via Manali….In early June. I am setting aside 15 days for the same. Would it be feasible if we start somewhere around 25thmay from Chandigarh thru kinnaur and exit via kunzum pass somewhere around 8th to 10th june. Also, is it true that the weather is cloudy in Spiti in early June?

Mayoor, it is wonderful to see you back here !! If possible postpone the trip by a week so that there is even higher chance of having the Manali – Kaza road open. Otherwise, it becomes difficult sometimes and the road from Manali – Kaza opens around mid June. Weather wise it shall be fine and like Ladakh Spiti Valley is also a rain shadow region, so it does not rain much there.

Actually due to early school reopening in Mumbai, the latest that i can postpone is by 3-4 days, maybe we can do the Kunzum crossing by 12th june…..should that be ok? I was just going thru the historical data regarding opening of Kunzum Pass. Since last 2 years, it has opened by 2nd June. I am not sure about the state of the road though. I will mostly try to keep a buffer day so that if by chance the pass is closed, I will have to return via Shimla. Is Chandrataal lake journey possible at that time?

The max you can delay, the better. Go ahead with whatever maximum delay you can extend. The state of the road remains bad and it is not just the Kunzum Pass that matters, actually the main problem lies beyond Kunzum Pass between Chatru and Batal where they BRO has to cut off the big giant walls of glaciers. Chandratal lake will most certainly be possible towards mid of June unless there is heavy snowfall this year and the diversion road is still blocked and PWD hasn’t cleaned it yet.

Thanks Dhiraj for your suggestion. I will try to rework & delay as much as possible. Also, wanted to know if there is any Gallery section where we can post some really awesome Photographs along with Captions.

Hello Mayoor,

Sure, feel free to ask any further questions too. Well, you can join our DoW COmmunity Facebook group and shares wonderful photos with us which also gets you a chance to win some cool DoW Goodies: https://www.facebook.com/groups/devilonwheels/

Hi Dhiraj. Sorry for the extremely long Post. I have prepared a tentative Itinerary for Spiti. Pl let me know if any changes or improvement is required

Day 1 : 5th June : Mumbai to Chandigarh via Air. Leave Chandigarh at 12 noon and go to Narkanda via Chail (Is a short visit to Chail Palace possible?). O/n Narkanda.

Day 2 : 6th June : Late sleep-in. Narkanda sightseeing…Hatu Peak, Thanedar, Tanijubbar lake, Ski ground. O/n Narkanda

Day 3 : 7th June : Leave Narkanda early by 8:00 am. Reach Chitkul in evening (Want to avoid staying in Sangla or Kalpa as have already visited both previously) O/n Chitkul. Is this journey possible in a day or is it too long?

Day 4 : 8th June : Relax & then local sightseeing like Batesari village, ITBP camp, walk along Baspa river. O/n Chitkul. How is Samaa Resorts for stay?

Day 5 : 9th June : Leave early…Chitkul to Khab, Nako, Sumdo, Geu, Tabo. O/n Tabo

Day 6 : 10th June : Tabo monastery in morning. Then leave for Pin valley..Kungri, Sangnam, Tailing, Mud village. O/n Mud village. How is Tara Guest house? Does it have an attached toilet?

Day 7 : 11th June : Mud to Laalung to Dhankar to Dhankar lake to Kaza. O/n Kaza

Day 8 : 12th June : Kaza day trip to Langza, Hikkim, Komic & back. O/n Kaza

Day 9 : 13th June : Kaza to Ki, Gette, Tashigong, Kibber & then to Losar. Is it advisable to return back to Kaza or can we stay overnight at Losar to save time the following day.

Day 10 : 14th June : Losar to Chandrataal lake via Kunzum Pass (if Kunzum is open). Can we return to Losar for the night (Is it possible?) or should we stay in the camps there. I have heard that the camps are very basic there.

Day 11 : 15th June : Chandrataal to Manali. O/n Manali

Day 12 : 16th June : Manali local sightseeing

Day 13 : 17th June : Manali to Chandigarh for evening flight to Mumbai

Hey Mayoor, replied you in Q&A section

Sorry Dhiraj, but I couldn’t locate your answer. Should I post the question again in the Q & A section

The only problem sleeping at Chitkul will be AMS as your body may not be acclimatized to sleep at high altitude that early in the trip. I will recommend to sleep at Sangla only.

Try to get a room at Sagnam PWD Rest House, if he does not provide you then go to Tara Guest House for stay. The guest house is more like a home stay with basic amenities. As you plan to stay at Chandratal, I will suggest keeping it simple and stay either at Langza or Kibber. If you stay at Kibber then you can travel to Chichcham and further to Chandratal directly and explore a new route too.

Rest looks good to me.

PS: Sorry I guess I mistook your query with someone else.

Thanks Dhiraj for your reply. Actually I have read rave reviews from people who have stayed at Samaa resorts, Chitkul about the resort and the verdant surroundings. But, I guess you are right about AMS as day 3 would be too early to spend at Chitkul. I can stay at Sangla on Day 3. Can I spend Day 4 night at Chitkul or would you recommend a day trip only to Chitkul and go over to Kalpa to spend the night

Yes Mayoor, I will go with Chitkul on Day 4 but then again it depends if you are really interested to ease out, go for it and skip Kalpa altogether and move on further towards upper Kinnaur and Spiti. Nako will be better than spending night at Kalpa if you are already spending two nights in Sangla and Chitkul.

Hello sir, is it possible to take lancer cedia for the trip. We are planning for September 2018. Group of 3 people. Consider the fact that that cedia gives a mileage of 10kmpl, are there enough fuel stations to complete the circuit. Your help will be highly appreciated.

Omar, fuel should not be a problem. For taking Lancer Cedia to Spiti Valley, Possible = Yes, Difficult = Yes, at quite a few place. For hatchback/sedan taking on Manali – Leh Highway Or Spiti Valley via Manali Or Ladakh, please refer the link: FAQ | Can I do Leh – Ladakh / Spiti / Manali – Leh trip in Hatchback or Sedan? for more details.

Thank you for the information. I appreciate it.

Moreover the car currently has a GC of 175mm. We might increase a bit further to avoid the bad patches and protecting her more. Currently the car has done 1lac kms mostly on highways.

Cool, as long as you are confident of its working, you should be fine.

Hello Dheeraj, We 5 persons all boys are planning a trip to spiti in 2nd week of December with Fortuner 4*4… Is this possible & also plz suggest where to visit in December..we have been to Leh this June but via Srinagar.

Sourav, it is possible to make Spiti Valley trip in winters but only from Shimla – Kinnaur side. I will recommend that you read: Spiti in Winters – Most Common Itinerary and How to plan a trip to Spiti Valley in Winters

Hi Brother,

When should we travel if we want to avoid more water crossings or bad roads on India-Tibet highway? Especially Malling Nala 😀 Thanks.

In that case you should travel in the month of late September.

Thanks Bro 🙂

By the way, can we do it with a pillion? They say the Roads to spiti are worse than those to Leh

Yes, the roads especially Manali – Kaza is worse than Ladakh roads. Rest mostly similar to Manali – Leh Highway and at places good to average. Regarding riding with pillion, lots of people do it. I do not think there should be any issue besides walking few times specially around Kunzum Pass and Manali – Kaza road.

Thanks a lot Bro.. I appreciate your response 🙂

Hey Brother.. A last question… I’ve seen a news that due to frequent landslides at malling nala, a new road has been built which connects Nako and Chango other than NH5.. Is that true? Or it’s the same road which I see in those youtube vidoes 😀

AFAIK Yuvraj, there is no new road. What they do is they cut the mountain further deeper and make road from it. The road is same but I can confirm from the locals and update. There was a major landslide this year which washed away the road so they had to cut the mountain more to to make the road again.

Oh.. Thanks a lot bro 🙂

Sir , i am planning to travel spiti this october from 10 to 17 .which route should be taken by us ? Manali to shimla ,? And can u tell me kunzum pass will be open or not ?

Hi Himanshu,

You can enter from Manali side and come back from Shimla side. Route will be open through Kunzum Pass now adays up to mid of October. But, a snowfall can block it for a day or two.

Me and and my friends planning for a bike trip to Spiti on 16 oct ,I want to know it will be at that time?

Well PRashad, please read: 5 Reasons to Avoid Manali Kaza Road in October

I wanted to know if I had 4 days to visit spiti, will it be better if I visit only the Shimla side or only the Manali side? 30th September to 3rd October!

In such a case, it will be better to visit from Manali side only. 4 days from Shimla or Manali? Or you want to have travel to Shimla and Manali also included in these 4 days?

Just one side would do… Can I have an itinerary..

Day 1 : Reach Manali and stay overnight at Solang Valley as preferred for acclimatization Day 2 : Manali / Solang – Kaza Day 3 : Kaza – Dhangkar – Tabo – Kaza OR Kaza – Langza – Komik – Hikkim – Kaza Day 4 : Kaza – Ki – Kibber – Gette – Chandratal Day 5 : Losar – Chandratal – Manali Day 6 : Manali – Delhi

Assuming 4 days does not include travel to Manali

Hi Dheeraj, I have been following DoW for a few years now. You are doing a wonderful job! I consulted your blogs in detail for my maiden Ladakh trip last year. Though Ladakh was done in end of August, this year I want to do Spiti but I can make it only in September end. Can you please help me with my planning. We are two people who will be travelling in a Scorpio, but only one of us can drive. Can you please let me know if a full circuit (i.e.Chandigarh-Shimla-Kinnaur-Spiti-Manali-Chandigarh route) can be done realistically in this time of the year. And we want to mix home stays and camping along the way. Can you suggest places which will be ideal for homestays and which places to pitch our own tent? Dates: 28th September to 7th October (+1 Day buffer) i.e. 9 days+1 day buffer.

For stay options in Kinnaur and Spiti, check the link: Some Good Options of Stays in Spiti Valley / Kinnaur Valley .

You can keep an average of 900-1200 per person per day for food and stay on the tour to Spiti Valley.

I will request that you please refer the following articles for planning a trip to Spiti Valley: Spiti Valley via Manali | How to Plan Your Journey AND Spiti Valley via Kinnaur | How to Plan Your Journey

They have all the details. Feel free to let me know in case of any doubts

You can also read: Top 10 Tips for Camping in Ladakh & Spiti Valley

I am planning to go to spiti from 30th sep-7th Oct in i20 car. Is it a good time to go ? Will i 20 be suitable for the trip ? I want to do the complete circuit…Can you please suggest the itinerary

Mohak, time is OK to travel to Spiti Valley. It will be cold a bit and windy. Regarding i20, it will struggle on Manali – Kaza road but water will be very less in water crossings by October first week, so one less hurdle. But, the struggle will be there due to low GC and car will surely take a beating.

Thanks for the suggestion…will look out for an alternative car…can you please suggest the itinerary

Opt to go via Manali – Leh Highway and I will suggest that you refer the thread for more details on the route and night halts though it is of 9 days: Manali – Leh – Ladakh – Manali | Itinerary for 9 Days .

Hello and thanks for a wonderful article!

I am planning on a bike trip going from manali to Key gompa and back during end of september – beginning of october. From Google Maps it says it is about 5 hours each way so I guess this whole trip could take around 4 days including some visits in Spiti valley.

Is the Kunzum pass usually open at these times? Is it usually passable without too many problems?

Thanks in advance!

I should also add that I can start this trip earlier, around 20 September, if it makes conitions more favorable.

Definitely, 20th September, you will be able to enjoy more.

DEan, Google maps and the roads in the Himalayas do not go hand in hand. It will take about 10-11 Hrs to reach Kaza, Key monastery from Manali. Kunzum Pass will be open during that time. With just 4 days, it is possible but like

Manali – Kaza Kaza/Key Kaza and around, Langza, Hikkim, Komic Kaza – Manali

We, five couple with children, wants to visit spiti valley during next May, 2018. We want to start our journey via shimla route and return via manali route. We have spared 8 days for same from chandigarh. So please kindly provide us itinerary for same. We have not visited Leh-Ladakh yet, instead we are visiting spiti valley first. Is it good thing ? We want to book tempo-traveller for our journey. Is the road of rohtang pass remain open during end of May. Please kindly provide me your opinion.

It should be OK to travel in May but the problem is that you cannot do a full circuit of Spiti Valley in May because the road from Manali to Kaza opens in mid-June types.

Regards Dheeraj

Hi Dheeraj We are 4 friends from chandigarh planning to go spiti around 22nd of august via shimla by vw polo so what do suggest is safe to go at this time of year and is polo compatible according to the route? Please reply asap becouse its urgent

The road at Nako is closed due to a massive landslide at Malling Nala. It is expected to open in weeks time but nothing certain.

Me and my husband are planning to visit spiti in 3rd week of september via manali. Could you please suggest whether it is good time to visit spiti

Yes September is a good time to travel to Spiti Valley.

Hi Dheeraj We me and my wife 50 and 47 years of age are planning to go Jalandhar-Simla-kaza-kunjum-Rohtang -Manali -jalandhar from 6 October to 13 oct. 2017 by Pajero sports. Is it fine as these are earliest dates we have. We are only couple. Never been to this route however covered Srinagar Leh Manali thrice by this car. Pl suggest with regard to climate and weather on those days. Regards

Harish sir, It starts to get cold during that time of the year in Spiti valley and there can be occasional snowfall as well. Since you are versed with terrains, it should not be an issue but just don’t any unnecessary risks. Once you reach Kaza, check the weather and then make a call to drive from Kaza to Manali because getting stuck in between Kaza and Manali due to weather will not be pleasant

Thanks for your suggestions. Best as always

Best wishes for the trip sir, if possible keep sharing the updates as it may help others too.

Hello Sir! I am planning to leave for Spiti on 11th of August 2017. Would it be a right time to visit Spiti. Also, considering the recent rainfall in Spiti would you suggest us to go in this month?

I will suggest to check weather and then only venture out. Please do read: 10 Tips for a Trip to Spiti Valley in Monsoons

Also please suggest good places to stay in Kalpa, Tabo & Kaza

I am travelling to Spiti in September, is it fine if we go without booking hotels ?

Yes, Amit, september is a very good time to travel to Spiti valley. You should not worry about stay options and will get on the spot.

We are traveling from 26th of aug to 3rd of sept on motorcycles. Any advise? We are looking to explore more at pin valley,Pls suggest.

Do you need itinerary advice? What is your plan, going from Manali side or Shimla or doing circuit?

Is it advisable to go to Spiti in Novemeber??.

When do the hotels close and what are the chances of finding snow in November??

Also, can you let me know the places where we could find snow starting November last week to December 2nd or 3rd week??

I think I replied to your other comment, please let me know in case there is still any doubt.

We want to visit Spiti in Mid Aug; self drive in a rental jeep. Would any one know of any groups which are planned around that time that we can join?

No Pradipta, please check the DoW Travel Calendar from the main menu.

Hi Pradipta,

If you wish, you can contact me at 9888000543 or [email protected]

Thanks and regards Harry

Hi Dheeraj, Need one advise – we are doing a bike trip from Delhi to Spiti and back via Manali on 23Sep to 30Sep. Our trip is 23 – Gurgaon-Narkanda 24 – Narkanda-Kalpa 25 – Kalpa-Kaza 26-27 – travel in and around Kaza 28 – Kaza-Manali 29 – Manali-Chandigarh 30 – Chd-Gurgaon

We have done this circuit many times; however, not in Sep-end. Any guidance on weather and route planning?

Thanks, Rishi Raj

September end is still a good time to travel Spiti valley and Kinnaur with beautiful colors of fall and of course, apples 😉

Thanks. Also request you to please advise on the two days that we have at Kaza – to help us plan an itinerary. We have seen Tabo and Dhankar and don’t want to stress ourselves too much on these two days by riding a lot.

Day 1 : Kaza – Langza – Komik – Hikkim – Kaza Day 2 : Kaza – Key – Kibber – Gette – Tashigang – Kaza – Rangrik – Chandratal

Hello sir! We r planning for spiti from 24 july to 2 august bt we r confused as its not a right time as many travellers say… we r travelling by our suv .last year we travelled to leh via srinagr in same dates bt not any kind prblm was there ….. jst tell us should we go or not ???? Now it totally depends on your suggestion ….

Happy, you can travel but just keep in mind the tips mentioned in the article: 10 Tips for a Trip to Spiti Valley in Monsoons

Sir! i hv gone through them …. So, we should go ahead without any fear as its not as difficult as peopl says ….

Manali – Kaza is a bit struggle with water crossings and all but rest is fine.

Hi Dheeraj, We are planning to visit SPITI VALLEY or leh ladakh from 25-01 Nov. what would be the best place to visit @ this time?. Planning to cover complete Circuit. Need your suggestions on following: 1. Route/ itinerary? 2. Places to visit? 3. Where to stay?

Kulbhushan, it is winters in trans Himalayas and rough/dry time to travel to these places with minimum facilities open. Are you sure you want to go at such harsh time?

Hi Dheeraj, We are planning to visit SPITI VALLEY from 9-17 sept. Is it good time to visit? Planning to cover complete Circuit. Need your suggestions on following: 1. Route/ itinerary? 2. Places to visit? 3. Where to stay?

Regards, HITESH KUMAR

September is a good time to travel Spiti Valley. With 9 days at hand, you can follow below plan:

Day 1 | Delhi – Narkanda Day 2 | Narkanda – Kalpa Day 3 | Kalpa – Nako – Nako Lake – Geyu Mummy – Tabo Day 4 | Tabo – Dhankar – Dhankar Lake – Pin Valley (Mudh Village) – Kaza Day 5 | Kaza Local Sightseeing  — Ki, Kibber, Gette, Tashigang in the second half of the day Day 6 | Kaza Local Sightseeing (Hikkim, Komik)  — Hikkim, Komik, Langza circuit  Day 7 | Kaza – Kunzum Pass – Chandratal Day 8 | Chandratal – Manali Day 9 | Manali – Delhi

Hi,we planing a trip to spiti valley on 8th of July via shimla- kinnaur side and end up throw rotang pass-manali.please update weather condition

Kaif, weather updates can be checked for Kinnaur and Kaza at weather websites. However, regarding road updates now the roads are open.

Hi, i wanted to visit spiti-kaza -nako-chandratal lake and near by places for my pre wedding shoot on 24th july to 30th july. Is it fine?? Will i get good view and no problems of rain and landslides?? Is it safe???

Sejal, the lower hills starts to get rains during that time while Spiti is rain shadow, you might face issues in lower hills. You can read: 10 Tips for a Trip to Spiti Valley in Monsoons

Hello Sir, I am Shaurya and I would like to know the feasibility of going to Spiti Valley in mid August (11th-15th/16th August). We are a group of 7-8 guys eager to explore the best of Spiti in the limited time we have. I’ve heard the current situation of roads is pathetic, also keeping in mind that we are planning to go in mid August i.e after monsoon , will you advise us to continue with the plan.

Most of us will travel from Delhi/Gurgaon and few are coming from Bangalore and Mumbai via flight. All of us will be leaving on 11th (Friday) night from our respective places and hope to come back by 15th (Tuesday) or 16th (Wednesday) night at the max. Hence kindly suggest a suitable itinerary through which we can make the most of these 4-5 days that we have. Also suggest the most feasible mode of transport keeping in mind the condition of the roads at that time of the year (Private cabs will be preferred).

PS- I understand that we have a time constraint hence we would like to cover the major/best parts in and around Spiti Valley.

Hey Shaurya,

With limited time on hand, you can check: How to make a trip to Spiti Valley in 6 days?

Regarding now traveling in August, well you will face the challenge up to Manali. Once you reach Spiti Valley from Manali, it is a rain shadow region meaning it does not rain much but you have to go through the monsoon hassles for sure in lower hills.

Hi I am planning for a trip to lahaul spiti around 17th or 18th of June 2017. I am from Chandigarh. 1. Which road route will be best for me? 2. Are LMVs like swift, polo fine to travel on? 3. Important points to be noted and taken care of ?

You can check a very balanced and most common itinerary for Spiti Valley followed by many travellers including me at the link here for 10-11 days: Most Common Itinerary for Spiti Valley . For hatchback/sedan taking on Manali – Leh Highway Or Spiti Valley via Manali Or Ladakh, please refer the link: FAQ | Can I do Leh – Ladakh / Spiti / Manali – Leh trip in Hatchback or Sedan? for more details.

Hello Sir, We are a group of 10 people planning to visit Spiti from 13-23 july. I understand from your article that it is not the right season to travel. But we really want to as no other time in the year is convenient for us. So if we had to try our luck, can you please chalk up an itinerary for us? Will be very grateful.

Hi Dhreeraj,

How are you?

Need you help to plan the trip of 6-8 people of Spite Valley this August 15, 2017. We will be travelling from Delhi/Gurgaon. Will planning to leave by Friday (11th ) night and return by 15th Tuesday. As we don’t have that much of time so need to take the shortest route. Also we will be travelling via public transport.

Thanks in advanced..

Soumyadeep, you should plan the trip in such a case from Manali side. There is a direct bus that runs from Manali and Kaza.

Day 1 : Reach Manali by overnight volvo of and stay overnight at Solang Valley as preferred for acclimatization Day 2 : Manali / Solang – Kaza Day 3 : Kaza – Dhangkar – Tabo Day 4 : Tabo – Pin Valley Day 5 : Pin Valley – Kaza. Do Ki, Kibber in the evening. Day 6 : Kaza – Langza – Komik – Hikkim – Kaza Day 7 : Kaza – Chandratal Day 8 : Reach Manali and take overnight Volvo from Manali to Delhi

Hey Dheeraj,

Is it advisable to travel alone on a self driven trip? I know it depends on individual to individual but thought to ask you.

Also I am in a dilemma whether to explore it in June or in september. The thing is i love the view of snow capped mountains (though I have seen enough of snow in last few years) but at the same time I dont like crowded places. I am more inclined towards the month of September, but open to your suggestions and feedback.

Hey Siddharth,

Lots of people do it every year. You can read: Top 10 Tips for a Solo Trip to Ladakh or Spiti Valley

If you love snow then June is the best time and if you love colors/less crowd then September is the best time.

I have 4 points pls. clear my doubt. We are planning to visit Spiti Vally in 2nd week of Oct-17. We have 2 plane. pls advice which one is good to go ?? We are group of 3 couple (6 people)

From To Day1 Delhi Manali Day2 Manali KAZA Day3 Kaza Local Day4 Kaza Local Day5 Kaza Keylong Day6 Keylong BARLACHA LA & BACK Day7 Keylong Manali Day8 Manali KALKA TO HOWRAH

From To Day1 Chandigarh Kalpa Day2 Kalpa Tabo Day3 Tabo Kaza Day4 Kaza Kaza Day5 Kaza Keylong Day6 Keylong BARLACHA LA & BACK Day7 Keylong Manali Day8 Manali Chandigarh

We tried to conact car driver for the trip but we are informed that no car driver is ready to go from Manali to Kaza through Rotong pass. Is thre any restriction ?? Is snow available at BARALACHA LA in Oct. ?? Hotel or home stay will be available Rs.700/800 p.d at KAZA,TABO or KEYLONG ??

Watting for your valuable reply .

Regards, Soumen(kolkata) M-8697141703

I do not like any of the plans as it does not let you enjoy the beauty of Spiti Valley to fullest and ease. I will recommend focusing just on Spiti Valley and keep Lahaul Valley for some other time.

Yes, you need to get Rohtang Pass permit to cross Rohtang Pass to get to Kaza, Keylong or Leh. Snow will not be present anywhere unless it snows a day or two before your trip or on the trip itself.

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.

The rates of the taxis are about Rs 3200-3500 per day depending on the number of days you plan to travel, more the days, less the price. If you are 2-3 in the group, you can opt for sedan taxi cars as well which charges around Rs 2200 per day.

Otherwise, taxis, in general, are also available on the spot from Shimla or Manali from respective taxi stands. These drivers can help you with finding local stay options too.

Hii Dheeraj, I love to travel basically m solo traveller so i wanted to know that is it posible to travel solo in spiti valley ??. Even i have done solo travelling in ladakh also. Or is there any chances to attach to other group from manali or chances to get sharing taxi from manali for whole spiti valley in this september??

You should read: How to make a budget trip to Spiti Valley by public transport and Top 10 Tips for a Solo Trip to Ladakh or Spiti Valley

Hi Dheeraj, I shall be visiting Spiti valley for the first time this August. Reading about the weather and road conditions in this post made me feel a bit disheartened, given the fact that after much anticipation and wait, I have finally planned a trip to Spiti. August is the only free month that I have. I won’t be bugged down by some rain, but are road blockages frequent? How’s the temperature during that time? Any suggestions on winter/rain clothing that need to packed?

Yes Amrita, especially in Kinnaur, road blocks are common as the mountains are fragile in Kinnaur. You may try your luck from Manali side. Temparatures will be pleasant, light woolens will do for you.

Hey, Thank you for your prompt reply. I am not doing the entire circuit anyway, will stick to manali-spiti-manali route. Keeping my fingers crossed regarding this one. Once in spiti, would I need poncho/rain jackets? What are the chances of visiting and camping near Chandratal during August? Warm regards, Amrita.

I will suggest carrying one, however, Spiti is rain shadow region and we get very little rain up there in Spiti. The road to chandratal will be open, it may be overcast on a rainy day but people do make a visit to Chandratal.

is a sedan-maruti swift or tata indigo fine along shimla-kaza in end-may to earlyjune?

Vinay, Shimla to Kaza is fine but main challenge will be faced on Manali – Kaza route. You have to be very very careful and car will surely struggle and suffer.

Great Information..

I am planning a visit to Spiti Valley in September 17 with my family and complete the circuit as follows:

1. Chandigarh- Narkanda 2. Narkand-Sarahan- Sangla 3. Sangla- Chitkul- Sangla- Kalpa 4. Kalpa-Nako-Kaza 5. Kaza 6. Kaza-Chandratal (can be skipped also) 7. Chandratal- Solang-Manali 8. Manali- Back

Is it possible to do the trek with Hundai I20/ Ford Figo?? I have done Manali-Leh-Jammu with the same type of car.

Any suggested change in itinerary?

Hey Pradeep,

The car will struggle on Manali – Kaza road, so you need to be cautious over the nallas and stones. Also above itinerary is doable but you are not resting much. It will be better to add one day to the plan and halt at Tabo from Kalpa instead of going directly with Kaza. This will give you opportunity to visit Dhangkar and Pin Valley while going from Tabo to Kaza next day.

Hello Dheeraj,

I’m sure your article is going to be very helpful for folks out there. I do appreciate your inputs.

It may sound over-adventurous. Nevertheless, I need to get this done. I’m planning to do this circuit during the winter. May be during the month of Jan/Feb. I will have enough buffer days to cover this trip. So, a mitigation can be achieved in case of an emergency . Just want to know whether I can reach the Spiti Valley from Uttarkhand or I need to depend on the Shimla route alone? I’ve taken all the cons into consideration but apart from that what are the other challenges I might face? I can anytime toggle back and forth to change my plan. So, that shouldn’t affect me much. Since I’ll be on a two-wheeler all alone during the entire trip, I just want to know whether I can get hold of a mechanic if there’s a major issue with the machine. I can take care of small concerns though. Will I get an accommodation during this period? Since I’m in no hurry, it will mostly be a leisure ride. Could you please pour your views?

Vivek, please let me know what route are you planning from Uttarakhand, then I can comment on it if it is feasible or not. Spiti via Kinnaur if road is open can be done in winters too.

Hey, Myself and my friend have decided to take the journey to Spitti, we’re from Chennai,Tamil Nadu and so are not used to high altitudes, So is acclamitisation going to be a major problem and what can we do to face it. And are there any suggestions about insulation clothing that we have to know beforehand ? We’re going on June 22 for a period of 5 days returning on 27. Taking the Shimla Route hoping that it will help us acclimatise at least a little. Thank you very much in advance…

You just have 5 days in hand, so that means you will be just on road and AMS is bound to happen with tired body. Best you will be doing is below in just 5 days in hand:

Shimla – Kalpa Kalpa – Tabo Tabo – Kaza Kaza – Manali Manali – Delhi

Hi Dheeraj We are a group of 7 Adults planning for Manali-Spiti route on 6th jul to 14th July. We have planned to Hire Bikes in Manali. Any Suggestions ?

Bhargav, do you need suggestion on planning the trip like a trip plan or any other question?

Hi Dheeraj We need suggestions on the Flowing questions : 1. Since our plan is Manali-Spiti-Chandratal-Manali , Will stay at Kaza be a central point wherein we can do daily trips around the valey. 2. While returing to Manali we are planning to stay over night at Chandratal, Can you throw some light Camping facility at Chandratal. 3. Any Bike renting agency is Manali which has reasonable costing? 4. Will Rotang be open during Jul-6 to Jul 14th ? 5. Lastly, Wil the Mnson play a spoil sport during these dates?

Your Inputs will be highly appriciated

Please find my replies below:

1. Yes, Kaza should be the place from where you can traverse on day trips. 2. Please accommodation or stay section in the article: Delhi to Chandratal Lake Spiti Valley – Travel Guide 3. Sorry on that front 4. Yes, Rohtang Pass will be open 5. Most likely now a days we are having delayed monsoons, so before mid of July it should be fine to travel

I m planning spiti in last week of May .please suggest wats the weather like ?

Astha, weather is pleasant in Spiti with cool nights/mornings in May. The road from Manali – Kaza will not be open though

Thank you for the valuable information and responses. Last year we went to Ladhak and your inputs were very helpful. This year in the 1st week of October we (a group of 9 including 3 couples) want to visit Spiti. 1) Is it the good time for Spiti? 2) We don’t want to do the full circuit, want to know the best and safe route in October (will it be best and scenic beauty?

Kindly advise

October is a bit cold in night and morning but colors are pretty nice. If you plan to do Spiti in first half of October, it should be even fine to make the circuit but as an exception to the normal route, go from Manali side and exit from Shimla side in such a case.

Hi Dheeraj,. I have never been to the hills on bike and i want to have a bike ride trip from delhi to spiti. Please suggest is it safe cz i m planning to go in june. And want to go from shimla route and what arethe conditions of road and how much days i need for this.

Vaibhav, if you have never been on hills with bike, I will not recommend you to take the bike directly to Spiti on your first trip to hills.

Are the roads are that bad and dangerous ?

Yes, the roads are bad as well as dangerous especially in case there is some rain.

Hihihi, we are planning a trip in 26th September shimla-sarhan-kalpa-chitkul-tabo-kaza-keylong-manali..ends up by 10 the of October. Is it a good time for the trip?how will be doing road conditions?will it be safe to visit each places? We have a 6+yrs kid too

Puja, it is fine to travel on this time window, it will be a bit cold though. Road conditions will be best in comparison to the whole season. Since you have a good amount of days in hand, it should be OK.

Thank u for your suggestions. …

Hi,I want to another thing that is what will be the condition of khunzum pass,could we able to pass through it?and is there any chance of getting show throughout the trip?if yes how much and where?

For the last couple of years, even if during that time it snows at Kunzum Pass, it is not too much. May be just a day’s delay. There will be no snow in september – October up there in Spiti.

Hi, I am going to travel Lahaul Spiti at the end of this September by exactly following your itinerary which you have posted under “Spiti valley:most common itinerary”. Just need your suggestion in following points 1. Where to stay in Tabo? 2. I am planning to stay at Kaza for 3 nights instead of 1 night at Mud villege and 2 nights at Kaza. How far is Kaza from Pin valley? 3. Is it possible to cover both Dhankar lake and Pin valley in a single day? 4. Can you suggest any reliable car rental for 10 days Chandigarh to Chandigarh?

Hello Nandini,

1. There are few options in Tabo. TowDhey Guest House, Kunzum Guest House, Siddharth Guest House. 2. Kaza – Pin Valley first village is about 32 KMs apart and but then up to Mud Village, it is about 49 KMs. 3. Yes, you can easily do Tabo – Dhangkar – Pin Valley – Kaza 4. 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.

Thanks Dheeraj. One more thing, if I stay in Kalpa and plan to do Kalpa-Sangla-Chitkul-Kalpa in a day, is it feasible?

How is the weather during end of September and beginning of October?

You will be coming from Shimla side, right? If yes, then do it first stay at Sangla. Next day do Sangla – Chitkul – Sangla – Kalpa by evening.

It is a fabulous time to travel with lovely fall colors and tons of apples around 🙂

Hi Dheeraj We are planning for one night camping at chandratal. Can you suggest anyone who can arrange that and what are the possible charges?

Hi Nandini,

Please read the accommodation/stay section of article: Delhi to Chandratal Lake Spiti Valley – Travel Guide

Hello Dheeraj, can you suggest some accomodation at Sangla and Chitkul?

Hi Dheeraj, I am travelling to spiti valley in first week of July and completing the whole circuit from manali to shimla. Will it be the best time? Or monsoon will be there?

First week of July should be good to visit Spiti Valley and come back from Manali route.

Hi Dheeraj, we plan to travel to Spiti valley or Leh Ladakh this year after 16th June.. need some help: 1. How many days are required minimum? I can spare 6 days max. Is this trip doable? 2. What’s the best route and best time? 3. I plan to travel with my two young kids- 8 yrs and 5 years. Any precautions?? 4. What do you suggest for that part of year- spiti or Leh- Ladakh?

Looking to hear from you soon.

1. 6 days are not sufficient for a Ladakh trip unless you plan to fly in and out of Leh. 2. Best time for beautiful colors, better roads in comparison is September. 3. In general, it is fine to take the children of such age group because AMS do not matter with respect to age or sex or any fitness level. It can happen to anyone of any age or sex or fitness I shall say :D.. The issue with children is that they tend to exert the body considering it the same kind of place they belong to and this elevates the chances of getting struck with AMS. Secondly, they are not much expressive about their uneasy feelings, so it is parents who need to watch out and take care that the child is not suffering from uneasy feelings, headache or nausea and is behaving properly. With 5+ year child, I think he/she would be able to convey the uneasiness with little efforts. If you notice any such feeling or he/she tells you about such a feeling then please do not ascend anywhere, either descend to lower altitude or stay at the same place to watch things overnight and if symptom increase then start descending immediately. Same is applicable for any adult as well. And yes, do keep the body adequately hydrated!! Also, PLEASE read the article: Traveling to Ladakh with Kids or Babies . This article covers this topic in complete detail. 4. 6 days for both Spiti and Ladakh are too less. For spiti, you can refer: How to make a trip to Spiti Valley in 6 days?

Hey Dheeraj

Thanks for all the updates for Ladhak, last year we planned a trip there. Your blog was of great help 🙂 : )

Now planning for a trip to Spiti. Start date 23rd September and coming back on 3rd October. Want to cover the full circuit. Shimla – Spiti – Manali. Can you suggest is it a good time. Will the manali route be risky to take on those dates.

Regards Rashmi

Yes, Rashmi, that is good time window to travel and you will get a chance to see some vivid colors of Spiti as well as apple loaded trees. Spiti apples are one of the best apples you can ever get a hand on in India 🙂 … You can check a very balanced and most common itinerary for Spiti Valley followed by many travellers including me at the link here for 10-11 days: Most Common Itinerary for Spiti Valley .

Thanks for the prompt response Dheeraj. I read in your article “Kunzum Pass starts getting snowfall by September end and it can be very tricky and risky crossing over it in no mans land.” our return will be somewhere around that time. We are planning this during Durga Puja holiday so will be difficult to shift the dates. Let me know if there is any other way out here. Else will plan for somewhere else and park Spiti for June next year.

Weather conditions have changed now, Kunzum Pass remains open almost in November too now. So, those dates should be OK to travel almost up to mid of October. After that it becomes windy, desolate and cold.

Thanks dheeraj, That was helpfull and one more advice,if we plan to take our tent -do we need to take permission to install it as we want to make this a complete fun trip and something like a survival by our own.please let me know few other places which can be totally extreme and can we do any trekking on the way as we have a lot many days in hand

You can do the village treks (Kibber – Langza – Komic – Hikkim – Demul – Lhalung) once reach Kaza depending on the days in hand. All these are half day treks. Or for a 2-3 hrs, do the trek to Dhangkar Lake from Dhangkar Monastery. Regarding camps, please read Top 10 Tips for Camping in Ladakh & Spiti Valley

Hi dheeraj,we are conform to travel on 11th from delhi,please suggest how could we do both places,we have 10days in total,we can take any route,please suggest.

So Ankit, you can only make a plan for Spiti Valley and Kinnaur Valley in such a case as roads to Ladakh will not be open. You can plan as below:

Day 1 | Delhi – Narkanda Day 2 | Narkanda – Rakcham/Sangla Day 3 | Rest day in Sangla, visit Chitkul in day time. Day 4 | Rakcham/Sangla- Nako – Geyu Mummy – Tabo Day 5 | Tabo – Dhangkar – Dhangkar Lake – Pin Valley – Kaza — For stay check Sakya Abode or snow lion are two good options at Kaza apart from PWD Guest houses. Get in touch with Tsering, the guy who runs it. He is a very good friend of mine and you can refer my name or DoW to him. Read more about Sakya Abode at: Sakya Abode Kaza – An Enriching Experience in Spiti Valley Day 6 | Kaza Rest and Local Sightseeing — Ki, Kibber, Gette, Tashigang Day 7 | Kaza – Hikkim, Komik, Langza circuit – Kaza, may be in the second half go towards Kunzum Pass or till where the road is open towards it. Day 8 | Kaza – Tabo – Nako – Kalpa Day 9 | Kalpa – Narkanda Day 10 | Narkanda – Delhi

Sir when manali kaza roads gets open

It is expected to open by first week of June. However, it snowed again today, so expect some delay.

Hi please advise as we are planning a trip to kaza on 11th may from delhi and further to leh from shimla route on bike would it be possible at this time of month

No Ankit, the roads from Kaza – Manali and Manali – Leh will not be open by 11th May. So, you cannot make this trip by road.

Hello sir, I am planning to visit Spiti valley in second week of may. Can I find snow along the road?

Rochit, if you travel beyond Kaza towards Kunzum Pass, you will surely find snow around roads in May. This could be a day trip from KAza towards Kunzum Pass to get a feel of tons of snow.

Hi dHEERAJ,

I would like to ask about the route to Kaza. I’m planning to go Spiti on 9th May Night and will come to Delhi on 14th May (NIght). Could you Please let me know about the Route, what should I take to reach there and come back, Is Rohtang route is open? I’m planning to hire a Car “Polo”, would it be fine? Please suggest.

Aanchal, Manali – KAza route is not open and to travel from Shimla – Kinnaur route, it takes 3 days just to reach Spiti and three days to come back. You only have 6 days in hand, so you may not be seeing anything in Spiti but just be on road. Are you sure you want to do it?

Hi dheeraj.

Which is the best travel route for August? And how many days would we require to complete a trip?

Thank you for a great blog.

Blaire, no route is best for August as it is monsoon time and hence, both Kinnaur route and Manali route will offer hassles of monsoons and rains. However, in comparison, route from Manali to Kaza is better as Kinnaur is quite bad & fragile in rains.

Its a awesome post and its great to see how you are replying to all the comments/queries. Thanks !

I am planing a solo bike ride from 16-26 May 2017 for Chandigarh-manali-chandratal-Kaza-shimla-chandigarh. My dates are not flexible.

My queries are: 1. Can i hope rohtang and kunzum to be open enough for a bike… ? 2. I would also like to go to chandratal ….. will it be possible to manage some accomodation in batal and ride upto chandratal and trek the last few kms…. ?? 3. If this trip is totally impossible according to your experience, can you please suggest some other route in remote himalayas for the dates….

Thanks a lot !

Thanks Vikas, glad it is helpful.

It is unlikely that Manali – Kaza road will open by that time of the year. Chandratal road will not be open for sure. Best is to take the trip from Shimla – Kinnaur – Kaza side and hope for Manali – Kaza opens by the time you finish the tour of Spiti else come back the same way exploring Kinnaur.

I was planning to do Spiti trip end April through bus Shimla side. All tickets are already in order. But then just had a crazy idea today. How bout travelling in Chevrolet spark all the way to Kaza and it’s surrounds. Would you recommend it ? We have 9 days in hand ex- Delhi. Thanks.

Well, I have been to Spiti in all sought of vehicles including my sedan as well. So, it is surely possible. Please get in touch with some hotel in Kaza or Tabo to confirm if the road has been opened or not. It will surely take a beating in Kinnaur but it is manageable unless you love your car very much.

Hiiii sir…..well I am planning to visit spiti n doing a solo trip in the month of November will it be a good time to visit? N also I know to drive car but I don’t want to take risk by driving alone. N next thing is that I don’t know how to ride a bike.can you help me in travelling ?

Rutik, by November it gets pretty cold in Spiti Valley. It is possible to travel but I am not sure how much cold sensitive you are. It will be dry and cold in November in Spiti.

Dear Dhiraj,

I am planning to travel to Spiti via Shimla starting 8th May with 2 young children (5 and 9). Would we find good hotels on the way? Please share names of the best hotels at various locations.

Prashant, For stay options in Kinnaur and Spiti, check the link: Some Good Options of Stays in Spiti Valley / Kinnaur Valley .

We are planning to visit Spiti valley in the month of June. From 13th to 18th and places we would like to stay in order are Raksham, Tabo, Kaza, Rohtang. I just want to know is this route possible for us in June and we will be driving Tata Zest and Swift..? Please guide us… Thanks

You are planning a very hectic trip in just 6 days. Also, the road from Manali – Rohtang Pass – Kaza will not be open by that time of the year or would have just opened. Better plan it towards the end of the June. Also, hatches and sedans very much struggle on Manali – Rohtang Pass – Kaza road.

Hi Dheeraj. Great to see that you are replying to all the queries very promptly. Really appreciate. I am Lalit from Bhopal. We are a family of 3 adults. Keeping in view the dates of opening of Kunzum pass I have booked my flights from 15th July to 26th July for a full circuit trip to Spiti valley from Shimla to Manali.

But now I am very anxious as lot of websites are saying this time time would be a rainy season.

I need your advise should I change my dates from 24th June to 5th July or should I stick to the original plan.

Mostly the monsoons are delayed nowadays and July is still a good time to travel to Spiti Valley, IMO. Rather if you look at last few years, June end there are some rains always. Also, once you are in Spiti, you are in rain shadow region and it does not rain much up there.

Sir please tell me if i can complete the whole circuit from shimla side to manali by my swift car or not in the mid June.do i require any permit.

No permit is required if you traveling from Shimla side. Chandratal road may not be open by 15th June, so better that you plan the trip up to Kaza in your car and then take a taxi beyond Kunzum Pass and trek to Chandratal and be back in that taxi.

I’m very much confused to travel spiti in this month…. They are many questions in my mind ! How ? , Which way ?, Where to stay ? , How can I get busses to cover this entire valley ? And much more …. Plz help me with this deeraj sir ! We are not able to plan this area …

Nithin, you mean traveling in the month of April? You cannot do the entire circuit in this month. You have to go from Shimla side and come back the same road.

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Spiti Valley Travel Guide: Cold Desert with Warm Hospitality

Spiti Valley in Himachal Pradesh is what we now call a “ Cold Desert ” sired by the eponymous river. It is a high-altitude area and the mountains even block the monsoon clouds. So, it is a “ rain shadow zone ” where water is always an issue and the land is not very fertile. Modern interventions have slightly improved the prospects but it still remains mostly barren and people cultivate a few things during the brief summer season while the winter is harsh as everything gets buried under snow. This post is designed to provide every practical information you will need to backpack through the Spiti Valley on your own, without going through any commercial package.

This colonial account from 1851 more or less describes everything about the region,

“The Bed of the Spiti (River) is so deep as to prevent its water being of any assistance to the people in cultivating; they depend entirely upon the small streams from mountain feeding their kools… in some seasons when a great abundance of snow has fallen upon the range of mountains immediately above the level ground, cultivation is attempted, but it is very uncertain, and in taking revenue from the country, it cannot be accounted as productive soil.” –  Captain WC Hay, Report on the Valley of Spiti, Journal of the Asiatic Society, 1851

Yes, Spiti no longer needs any introduction. It has become very popular in the last few years and a lot of people are dying to go there. Although I have been there many times and there are lots of posts on various destinations, I have not yet made a comprehensive post on it. So, I think, this is the time to do one.

In this post, I am trying to provide practical information that everyone can use but as usual, the focus is on the budget-friendly but sustainable options that backpackers can use. I have also seen the place gradually developing and adding new facilities every year. So, I think regularly updated posts are necessary.

Jump to Specific Queries

Spiti Valley Travel Guide

Understanding Spiti Valley

So, the entire Spiti Valley is located at a high altitude, between 3000 to 4600 meters. It is cold and barren and this is what gives us the unique landscapes. It was not easily accessible until recently and proper roads have come up only in recent decades. So, this tourism boom here is pretty new. Nevertheless, people are known for hospitality and nowadays most of families depend on tourism.

As you can see from the map above, it is sandwiched by the high mountains of Kinnaur, Tibet, Ladakh, and Lahaul from all sides. Here, do note two things…

Spiti is a part of Lahaul and Spiti District . However, Lahaul is a completely different region centered around Keylong town located to the west of Spiti. They may look adjacent but these are such difficult terrains that you won’t even get a direct bus from Kaza to Keylong. The highway to Ladakh goes through Lahaul.

If you want to explore Lahaul region, I have a different post for that. 

Similarly, you pass through Kinnaur DIstrict to reach Spiti from the Shimla side, which is also a major attraction in itself.

If you want more details into Kinnaur, I have a separate post for that too.

Usual Spiti Travel Routes

Starting from Shimla, the primary travel route in Spiti is the following…

Shimla-Narkanda-Rampur-Jeori-Bhabanagar-Wangtu-Tapri-Karcham-Reckong Peo-Spello-Pooh-Nako-Sumdo-Tabo-Kaza-Losar-Kunzum La-Batal-Gramphoo-Rohtang La-Manali

Everything else not mentioned above is located nearby, to be reached with short diversions from the highway.

How to Reach Spiti?

Spiti can be reached from two sides, from Manali via Rohtang La (3900 metres) and Kunzum La (4600 metres) and from Shimla along the Hindustan Tibet Highway that passes through Kinnaur. During the tourist season in the summers, visitors normally do a circular trip, i.e. enter via one side and exit via the other. However, in the winter, the Manali route gets closed due to snowfall in the high passes. One can still visit through the other route but it gets really difficult during the winters and only hardened adventurers venture into Spiti between December and March.

The nearest major airport is Shimla and Bhuntar (Kullu-Malani), depending on which route you take. From there, you will have to get a bus or hire a car.

The nearest major rail station is Kalka in the plains but you can also take the mountain railway (toy train) to Shimla and then again look for bus/cab. If you are going via Manali, the nearest Major station would be Chandigarh.

You get buses from Manali as well as Shimla to Kaza. However, Shimla to Kaza is a very long way and it is better to halt somewhere in Kinnaur en route.

Spiti on HRTC Buses

So, the most affordable way to explore Spiti is with HRTC buses. Buses are limited but they normally follow a reliable routine. You will also find local buses to many smaller villages from Kaza. I have made a separate post on bus timings as there are a lot of details.

Read this post on Spiti Valley HRTC Bus Timings for more details.

Spiti Road Conditions

When I first took the Hindustan Tibet Road back in 2014, the roads were horrible as a lot of construction was going on. However, things have improved of late as the work has been completed. Due to the sheer nature of the road, you will still have some heart-stopping moments, especially if this is your first time. The inner roads connecting Kaza to other villages are also pretty smooth. Still, I don’t think it is no longer as dangerous as it used to be. The only genuinely difficult portion is the one between Kunzum La and Rohtang La, where the road may disappear and you may find yourself driving through streams.

Where to Stay in Spiti?

Spiti has excellent stay options for travellers and the good news is that they are pretty affordable and there are some interesting options to choose from.

Hotels & Resorts

More expensive mainstream hotels are mostly centered in and around Kaza , which is the headquarter of Spiti. Personally, that is not my style and I never go for them.

Homestays are the best ways to experience Spiti and they are present in almost every village in the valley. You stay with local families, try local food, and gain a better understanding of their lifestyle and culture at the homestays. Costs for the same are generally low. I once stayed in Dhankar for INR 300 including three times food! Prices differ from village to village and also from season to season. I have generally found the homestays in Tabo to be a bit more expensive. Also, do note that outside Tabo and

Backpacker Hostels & Dorms

In Kaza you will find backpacker hostels that are parts of India-wide chains. However, for a more local experience, you can ask around at the homestays too as many of them have large, shared rooms. I have stayed in such places in Kaza itself for as low as INR 400 (Including breakfast and dinner).

Monastery Guesthouses

Another unique and delightful option in Spiti is to stay in a monastery guesthouse. Of course, not every monastery has this option. As far as I know, Tabo Monastery , and Key Monastery have guest houses where you can stay for 200-300 per night. Facilities will be limited but it is a great opportunity to stay in the gompa itself and interact with the monks.

Camping is possible in Spiti and it is most prevalent at Chandertal Lake, which is a bit far from the villages. So, there will be tents set up by service providers already where you can stay and also get food for a night.

Top Places to visit in Spiti

Kaza is the headquarter of Spiti so this is where the bus will leave you. It is a growing town which itself is not exactly a tourist destination but can be your base to explore the region. Scores of hotels, homestays, restaurants, and backpacker hostels are available around the town. Local buses and shared cars to other places in Spiti leaves from Kaza. It is also one of the few places in the valley where you will get Wi-Fi in some hotels but the signal won’t be very strong.

Read my detailed post for Kaza and around .

Tabo is widely known as the Ajanta of the Himalayas because of the ancient murals that can be seen inside the Tabo Monastery, which was built in 996 CE. The monastery complex looks innocuous from outside, with some scattered mudhouses and chortens. However, the moment you enter inside, you will be taken aback by the grandeur and enormity of the murals that have miraculously survived a millennium in extreme weather conditions. The paintings depict scenes from Buddha’s life and other events from Mahayana traditions and the amount of details and finesse in these artworks by the unknown artisans is comparable to the best in the world. Tabo is around 50 Kms from Kaza and if you are entering through the Shimla route, you will reach Tabo before Kaza. There are many homestays in Tabo but if possible, try to stay in the monastery guesthouse for a spiritual experience.

Read my post on Tabo here.

Dhankar is another thousand-year-old monastery in Spiti situated in the village of the same name. It is around 36 Kms from Kaza but the road takes a slight diversion from the highway. Another major structure in the village is the Dhankar Fort, which is not in very good shape now and is believed to be even older than the monastery. The primary attraction of Dhankar is the very setting of the village. It is located higher up from the highway and it looks like it is somehow clinging onto the windswept cliff. Words are hardly enough to describe this view. There is a high-altitude lake called Dhankar Lake, which is around an hour’s hike further from the village. Dhankar also has many homestays that offer stay and food at nominal rates. The facilities offered are very basic although a couple of newer hotels are also coming up.

Read my post on visiting Dhankar Gompa and Village here.

Pin Valley borders the Parvati Valley in Kullu. The famous Pin Parvati Pass Trek connects these two regions. The sparsely populated landscapes here are a photographer’s dream and it has now been declared as a national park. Mud is the only major settlement in the valley and is well connected to Kaza. It is actually a National Park and the possibility of sighting some Himalayan wildlife is also very high in this region including the elusive Snow Leopard.

Key Monastery

Key or Kee Gompa is another major monastery in Spiti which was built in the 11th century. It is barely 14 Kms from Kaza and is easily visible due to its distinctive structure. One of the largest monasteries in the region, it houses several valuable artifacts including valuable paintings and manuscripts. This is another monastery that has a guest house where you can stay.

Kibber village is a bit higher up on the same road as Key. A beautiful village with many homestays, it also works as the entry point to the Kibber Wildlife Sanctuary, where snow leopards are sometimes sighted. It is also the starting point for the Kanamo Peak trek, a very difficult high altitude trek that is gaining popularity of late.

One can find million-year-old fossils lying around Langza, which tell us of an era when there used to be a sea in place of the Himalayas. Apart from that, one should visit Langaza for the sheer views of high latitude plains. The gigantic Buddha statue lording over the village is also an attraction. There are many homestays and restaurants in Langaza nowadays.

Komic is one of the highest motorable villages in the world at around 4600 meters. It can be really cold, especially if the day is cloudy. The monastery at Komic is also a very ancient one and is located even higher than the village.

Hikkim is the world’s highest post office, which makes this sleepy village world famous. You can even visit the post office, meet the postmaster, and send a postcard from here to your friends or to your own place, and receive it after you return.

Chandertaal or Chandratal (Literally, Moon Lake) is a high-altitude lake at around 4300 meters. You can hike to it or hire a car through a difficult road. You can camp near the lake for a night (Camps are already there). It is also the source of Chandra River, which eventually meets Bhaga at Tandi to form Chadrabhaga (Chenab). The views, as expected, are magnificent. While it can be difficult during the winter, one can camp here in the summer. There are multiple routes to reach the lake. One can trek from Batal or there is also a motorable road now that now leaves you just 2 KMs away from the Lake.

Top Offbeat Places and Activities in Spiti

Until recently, hardly anyone knew about Gue but it became suddenly famous as the news about the mummy spread. Basically, it is the mummy of a priest, at least 500 years old, that has been preserved in the monastery. So, in short, you don’t have to go to Egypt to see a mummy. It can be reached through a slight diversion from Sumdo, just after entering Spiti from Kinnaur.

Mane is a lesser-known village in Spiti that can be reached after a short diversion near the road to Pin Valley. It has an ancient monastery, which is the main attraction. It is somewhat away from usual touristy circuit of Spiti, and that is why it is a good way to see Spitian life in its purest form.

Chicham is a small village that was connected to Kibber with a very shaky suspension bridge over a deep gorge. However, recently the bridge was converted to a new motorable bridge. So, the Chicham Bridge is now the highest motorable bridge in Asia and this is what has made this village famous too.

Tashigang is one of the remotest and highest villages in Spiti. It is a few KMs higher up from Kibber. Due to the sheer altitude, the wind is very strong here and it can be bitterly cold. Only a handful of families stay here to cultivate the land during the brief summer.

Demul and Lhalung

Demul and Lhalung are two beautiful nearby villages. They have been connected with the rest of the world through motorable roads only recently. One can also trek from Demul to Lhalung. The monastery at Lhalung is also a very ancient one. Built at around 10th century, it is as ancient as the ones in Tabo and Dhankar.

Snow Leopards in Spiti

Yes, snow leopard sighting has become a major attraction in Spiti but generally, you need to go in winter for the same as they come down to the villages in search of food during the harsh winter. Some agencies have special snow leopard tours but they tend to be expensive.

Top Treks in Spiti

Pin Parvati Trek

One of the most famous and challenging treks in Himachal, the Pin Parvati trek connects Pin Valley in Spiti to Kheerganga in Parvati Valley . This trek lasts around 11-12 days and requires seasoned guides.

Pin Bhaba Trek

This is another major multi-day trek that connects Bhaba Valley to Pin Valley. So, you can hike from Kafnu and reach Mud in Pin Valley (Spiti), or do it from the opposite side from Pin Valley to Bhaba Valley.

Parang La Trek

Parang La trek connects Spiti to Ladakh. It is actually an ancient trading route that is challenging. It takes around 11-12 days. It starts from Chicham, a short drive from Kaza, and then it ends in Korzok in Changtang Valley.

Kanamo Peak Trek

Kanamo is a high peak in Spiti at around 6000 meters, offering you unforgettable panoramic views from the top. It is not far from the touristy village of Kibber, which is the base for this trek. It takes around 2-3 days for this trek to and from Kibber.

Spiti Left Bank Trek

Spiti Left Bank Trek is basically the one where you hike from village to village. It covers almost all the major villages in Spiti mentioned above such as Langza, Hikkim, Komic, Lhalung & Demul. You move from one village to another and stay at the local homestays. It is also easier to quit. In case you feel like giving up, you can simply come down to the main road and find a vehicle to reach Kaza.

Manirang Pass Trek

It is a difficult trek connecting Spiti to Kinnaur. It takes around 5-6 days and connects Mane Village and SPiti to Ropa in Ropa Valley.

What to Buy in Spiti?

There are some interesting things you can buy in Spiti. If you are into shopping, you will find some local woolen items, gemstones, dry fruits, roasted barley, etc along with Buddhist memorabilia like prayer flags and incense sticks. However, the coolest and most unique buy here is sea buckthorn tea and jam.

Phone and Internet Connectivity in Kinnaur

Phone and internet connectivity in lower Kinnaur has improved a lot of late. You should have no problems in Sarahan, Kalpa, or Sangla. However, the moment you leave Peo and start moving northwards, the signal begins to weaken. Especially after Pooh, it more or less disappears. BSNL may work for calls but nothing more than that around Nako.

ATMs in Spiti

ATMs are hard to find in Spiti. Kaza has one or two but they may not also work if luck is not on your side. It is better to get your cash before entering Spiti. Both Manali and Reckong Peo should have enough functioning ATMs.

Seasons in Spiti

November-march.

This is the harsh winter season in Spiti. Everything is buried under snow in this season and the Manali route remains closed though you can enter from Shimla. Be prepared for extreme cold but it will be a different kind of adventure.

I find it a bit of an awkward month. The snow starts melting but it is still too early. The towns in Spiti still wear a deserted look as the tourist flow begins to pick up.

May to September

This is the brightest and most popular season in Spiti. As it does not rain here much, the summer season continues into the monsoon and then till early autumn. However, do note that in July and August it rains in other parts of Himachal. So, while Spiti may remain dry, there may be heavy rains in Kinnaur and Kullu, causing landslides en-route.

This is again somewhat like April. The tourist flow starts decreasing as it gets colder but it is too early for snowfall.

Spiti in Winter

So, visiting Spiti in Winter has become a major trend nowadays. You can do it too but you need to be prepared. Not all facilities may be open during this season, so collect some information beforehand and it is better to be in touch with a local guy. Apart from the snow-covered landscapes, winter is also the season to spot snow leopards.

History & Culture of Spiti

The early history of Spiti is not very well documented but it has always had a closer connection with Tibet, compared to the plains of India. I think most people became aware of it only after the arrival of the British and even as a tourism destination, nobody used to go there till 20th century. Anyway, Buddhism is the mainstay here and that is the best-preserved part of Spiti’s history and heritage. Some of the monasteries like Dhankar and Tabo are pretty ancient, more than 1000 years old.

Food in Spiti

Food in Spiti is basically Tibetan food but there are some unique local items. Of course, due to tourism growth, you will find more mainstream foods too but if you want authentic stuff, you should ask around. Sometimes, the homestay owners can also offer you very good stuff. Interestingly, I have found better restaurants in Tabo compared to Kaza but that is just my opinion. Thenthuk, the “meatier” version of Thukpa, is the most filling budget option for a quick lunch.

Petrol Pumps (Gas Stations) in Spiti

On the Shimla to Kaza route, there are petrol pumps near Tapri and Reckong Peo in Kinnaur and then in Kaza. To be on the safer side, get enough of it even before you even enter Kinnaur. Also, on the Kaza-Manali route, there will be nothing else once you leave the town.

Altitude Sickness (AMS) in Spiti

This is a major concern in Spiti Valley but this is not a predictable one. AMS can always strike at such high altitudes and even I had a mild bout in Kibber once. I did not do anything though. I just came down to Kaza the next day and felt better. The thing with AMS is that it can suddenly strike and it is not always predictable. Some people use medicines but I have never used them. I think the best way is to take it slow and move up gradually. That is why Shimla to Kaza approach is suggested by many because that ascent is more gradual on that side. There is no sure-shot cure for this. In case you feel unwell, plz don’t go higher up and try to reach a place at a lower altitude.

Read my blog on Kibber where I had a mild AMS attack .

Spiti Itineraries

I am not a fan of itineraries but nevertheless, I made one 14 day Spiti-Kinnaur itinerary once on request. You need time for Spiti and you must not hurry up. As mentioned above, very quick ascent can also lead to AMS apart from making it hectic and unenjoyable.

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3 thoughts on “spiti valley travel guide: cold desert with warm hospitality”.

An exhaustive and informative post. There some misspelled names of places like Kundum(it should be )Kunzum and Tashingang(should be Tashigang).

Joginder Nagar Railway station near Mandi is another nearest railway station from Spiti valley.

You can add some more treks under the treks in Spiti valley section that connect Kinnaur to Spiti valley e.g. Manirang or Manerang Pass trek(Mane in Spiti valley to Ropa village in Ropa valley, Kinnaur Larsa we trek( Kaza to Lippa village of Kinnaur).

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I really loved reading your blog. I am also fond of traveling. One of the best places I have been to is Shimla in Himachal Pradesh and absolutely loved its vibe. Other places especially Spiti valley road trip and Kaza to Chandratal lake. These two trips were just amazing.

Offbeat Destinations in Himachal Pradesh Shimla to Kinnaur road trip 2020 Spiti Valley Bike Trip Offbeat places to visit near Shimla 2020 Shimla to Kinnaur road trip 2020

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15 Things NOT to do on Your Spiti Valley Trip

A useful list of things NOT to do on a Spiti Valley trip, as learned from 10 days traveling by public transport through this magical Tibetan hamlet of India.

Spiti Valley is one of those once-in-a-lifetime spots for many. Incredibly remote, vastly different from the rest of India, and challenging to reach, a Spiti Valley Trip is a grand adventure that proves distances should be measured in hours rather than kilometers.

Though there’s a lot of information about the practicalities of reaching and enjoying Spiti Valley… what about those things you WISH you knew, but only learn of once you’re there or ready to leave?

Lucky you- you clicked to the right place! Last summer, I spent 10 days in the valley and learned a thing or two. Now without further ado, here are 15 things you definitely should NOT do on your Spiti Valley trip!

This is number 1 for a reason y’all and the single MOST important thing not to do in Spiti! I know it’s common to speed through hundreds of kilometers on a three-day weekend but please hear me out. Spiti is unlike ANYWHERE else you’ve ever been.

You might be thinking, “Hey, I’ve taken a trip to Leh Ladakh ! I can bust out 800 kilometers in 1 day no problem!” WRONG. The roads in Spiti are nothing like the Manali-Leh highway.

They’re barely paved, jaggedly cut into the side of cliffs, and absolutely cannot be driven on at night as streetlamps basically do not exist.

Even though Google Maps might tell you that you can reach Spiti Valley from Delhi in 18 hours, take that with a grain of salt.

Traffic, perilous conditions, construction, landslides and more will undoubtedly make that well over two days if done straight (which you deff shouldn’t do.)

Spiti is a relatively large valley with tons of villages to enjoy. You don’t want to miss out on what very well may be a place you’ll only visit once!

Regardless of whether you’re driving your own vehicle or taking public transport, I highly recommend that you take at least 7 days for your Spiti valley trip.

We spent 10 days in Spiti, and then explored elsewhere in Himachal. I cannot imagine rushing back to Delhi after all those long rides- it’s really worth waiting for a time when you can properly devote a week or more to your Spiti Valley tour.

2. Ignore AMS

Spiti Valley is HIGH. No seriously- the altitude throughout the valley is not something to take lightly. Most of the villages you’ll visit are well over 10,000 feet (3,500 meters) which is a BIG jump as far as breathing comfortably is concerned.

It’s super important to NOT ignore this risk as you set out on your Spiti Valley trip. Keep your ascent slow, and definitely acquire altitude sickness medication if possible. Diamox (Acetazolamide) is one of the most well-known meds you can get.

Staying hydrated, moving slowly (see #1) and not rushing into any treks are also good ways to keep yourself from getting hit by AMS. If you do start to feel sick while in Spiti, Kaza is the only place with a hospital, and it’s very basic at that.

3. Take the Manali route

If you’ve done even a bit of Spiti research, you’ve come to learn that there are two ways into the valley: one through Reckong Peo, and the other through Manali.

Though the distances are similar, something you MUST keep in mind when planning your Spiti Valley itinerary is that the risks of AMS are much greater when traveling on the Manali route.

Heading that way means you’ll ascend through not one but TWO high-altitude passes in a short amount of time, without much acclimation.

This can definitely make symptoms more likely and more severe, which is why it’s much safer to head on into Spiti via Reckong Peo.

That’s not to say you won’t experience ANY shortness of breath or other AMS related issues, but due to the gentler rise in elevation, you’re going to be much better off.

4. Stop in Shimla

While I definitely think you should head in through the Reckong Peo route- this does NOT mean you have to stop in Shimla or head to Shimla. Sure it might be called the “Queen of the Hills” but to be honest with you, I think Shimla is one of the worst places in India.

Come summertime, thousands upon thousands of people cram into the streets, all hotels within a 10-mile radius sell out, food is insanely overpriced, buses and bus stations are jam-packed, and overall it feels like being in a massive herd of cattle.

Not a vibe you want to encounter on your way to a place as peaceful as Spiti!

When you’re planning a Spiti road trip, I HIGHLY recommend you either: stop in Chandigarh and then head to Reckong Peo from there, or make your first stop in Rampur, a much quieter, cheaper and friendlier place that still has some of the beautiful hill features that Shimla does!

Rampur has a few different hotels you can spend a night in and a ton of delicious food! I recommend staying at Hotel Satluj View, which offers large, comfy rooms for 1000 rupees or less.

5. Forget Sunscreen

Yes Spiti might be chilly, but do not for a second doubt those sun rays! At altitudes of over 10,000 feet, you’re closer to the sun than you may have ever been and it is STRONG.

You’d be hard-pressed to find sunscreen in Spiti, and if you do it’s more likely than not to have whitening cream in it. Definitely bring regular sunscreen along with you- getting burned is easier and more painful than you might think.

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6. Not trying local food

North Indian food is delicious, don’t get me wrong, but if you come all the way to Spiti Valley and only stick to your home favorites, why even come?

Local Spitian food is all kinds of delicious: phakse is a pasta-like dish with tomatoes, Thukpa is a tasty noodly soup, and momos, of course, are at their best on their home turf!

Challenge yourself to only eat Spitian food while in Spiti- all the Punjabi cuisine in the world awaits back below the mountains. However, I do make an exception for butter tea, it may keep folks warm, but it can’t quite be compared to traditional masala chai.

You shouldn’t litter anywhere- but this reminder couldn’t be more important when in Spiti Valley. Spiti is home to so many rare animals and unique flora and fauna.

Most locals do NOT consume anything in plastic, and therefore Spiti is a heck of a lot cleaner than many other places in India.

We MUST keep it that way.

Refrain from buying things made with plastic such as chips or cookies. If you absolutely have to, be SURE that you throw it out immediately or keep it with you until you find a trash can.

Spiti Valley is far too beautiful and remote for it to become a trash bin. We are all guests to this valley, and the least we can do is respect the locals’ homes and neighborhoods.

8. Take in-your-face photos of locals without asking

The people of Spiti Valley are beautiful and incredibly photogenic, but it’s SO important to remember that these are people first and foremost. We are visiting their peaceful homes, and they should not be treated like zoo animals.

During my Spiti Valley trip, I, unfortunately, saw numerous photographers shove a camera in locals’ faces without so much as a hello or thank you.

Spitians are friendly and many will not mind having their photo taken but asking first is ESSENTIAL! Once you get permission, show them the image and thank them before heading off.

Better yet, try to strike up a conversation BEFORE asking for a photo. Many living here do speak Hindi, so communication is possible if you’re a Hindi speaker.

9. Behave Obnoxiously in Villages

One thing you’ll soon notice once you arrive is how peaceful Spiti is. Locals are quiet and lead calm lives- do NOT interrupt their peace!

This is NOT Parvati Valley – do not blast loud music, do not become overly intoxicated, and when wandering about villages, be sure that you are respectful that you’re very likely walking in someone’s yard.

Imagine if your quiet hometown suddenly became a popular tourist destination and it changed completely?

This is especially apparent in Mud Village where it seems to be completely taken over by tourism despite being the most remote place in Spiti. Put yourself in locals’ shoes and act accordingly.

10. Forget to pack appropriate clothes

Even if you travel to Spiti in the depths of summer, be prepared for it to be COLD. Especially at night! In mid-June, Mud Village was only slightly above 0 degrees C. Multiple layers, a thick jacket, gloves, and a good pair of shoes are must-haves when heading to Spiti.

It’s always better to be overprepared than underprepared- if you plan to do any camping throughout the valley, ensure that you have an appropriate sleeping bag and a good tent! Camping in a large tent with other people will also help keep you warm!

You can find the best eight-person tents here , which might sound too big but could even be perfect for four people and four sets of backpacking gear!

11. Forget to purchase a BSNL SIM

As far as internet connectivity goes, Spiti ain’t got much. The ONLY SIM that works in the valley is BSNL, and even then- barely. Airtel will cut out about an hour after Reckong Peo, and won’t work again until Manali.

Though BSNL will only give you 2G at best, I definitely recommend having it just in case of an emergency. Whatsapp will work- though expect that most messages will only go through at night.

Kaza is the only place with any hope of Wifi, but once again don’t expect to get much farther than Whatsapp and Facebook.

You can easily purchase a BSNL SIM in Reckong Peo- its headquarters is located diagonally across from the main bus station.

If you’re a foreigner, you’ll need some sort of letter from your hotel proving you’re staying there, along with two passport photos and a copy of your passport.

12. Skip Dhankar

Most Spiti Valley itineraries include Tabo, Kaza and the famous Key Monastery. But what about Dhankar? Dhankar is a beautiful village that’s literally built into the rockface.

Though it is a bit away from the main road (5km up a looping drive to be exact) it’s definitely worth your time. And not just a drive up either!

Dhankar was the traditional kingdom of Spiti Valley during the 17 th century, and the village is known for its ancient monastery.

Aside from its epic history, Dhankar is also home to the Dhankar Lake, a beautiful high-altitude lake at over 4000 meters. Though the trek to reach the lake is FAR from easy, it’s short and beyond worth it.

Dhankar sees fewer tourists than some of Spiti’s other hamlets, making it that much better to visit. We spent two days there and only saw a small handful of other travelers.

13. Drive at night

The roads throughout Spiti are perilous, to say the least, and you should deff NOT drive on them at night under any average circumstance. Seriously- street lights are non-existent, and pavement is nowhere to be found!

Buses don’t run at night, but if you find yourself in your own vehicle as the sun starts to go down, stop at the nearest village, even if it wasn’t your final destination.

Roads here have no guardrails or rock blockades and are often super close to the river below!

14. Visit During Spiti’s High Season

Visiting Spiti during May or June is a MISTAKE. Though the weather might be good, you’ll be sharing the remote ancient sites with droves of domestic tourists, as May and June see the highest amount of tourism all throughout India.

Since Spiti sits in a rain shadow, it’s one of the best places to visit in monsoon  meaning July or August are go’s! Heading out on a Spiti Valley trip in September is even better though- fewer people, cheaper prices, and the best part: harvest season!

We traveled to Spiti in mid-June and while it wasn’t Shimla, there were certainly way more people than I anticipated AND many recommended hotels were booked out.

15. Stay on the beaten track

And here’s the last thing you should definitely not do on your Spiti Valley trip- stay on the beaten track. Yes, Spiti Valley is a bit of an offbeat destination itself, but a typical tourist trail has already been carved through it.

Get off of it! There are numerous offbeat villages in Spiti that are well worth the effort. These include: Langza, Komic, Chicham, Demul, Lallung, Mud Village and as previously mentioned: Dhankar!

I’m not saying to skip Nako, Tabo, Kaza, and Key but mix the popular sites in with some unpopular ones. Yes, I’m a bit biased towards the offbeat places, but that’s only because they do tend to be the best.

I hope you learned a bit about what NOT to do as you prepare to embark on an epic Spiti Valley expedition! Got questions? Drop ‘em below in the comments.

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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This article is well written. I am planning a trip in April and this piece helped me so much. A thousand times thankful to the author. You are the best. You are GOD. You, author, saved my life.

Thanks a lot for the insight. Will definitely consider the aforementioned points before planning an itenary to spiti.

So glad you found them useful!

Well explained! thanks :)

Glad it was useful! :)

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10 Offbeat Things to do in Spiti Valley.

Dreaming of the high Himalayas? Take my list of incredible experiences and lesser known things to do in Spiti Valley.

Climb with me to the mountains on the roof of the world. I’ll walk you by gushing rivers. I’ll show you curious summits staring starry skies. I’ll float you to the depths of ancient seas. I’ll take you to the world’s highest inhabited villages. I’ll enchant you with blue streams in deep gorges.

I spent a month volunteer travelling across Spiti Valley with social enterprise Spiti Ecosphere . Behold some unique experiences I discovered along the way:

Try the mountain ropeway at Chichum (among the most unique things to do in Spiti Valley)

Hike up to dhankar lake, ditch the car and hike to kee monastery, go birdwatching in langhza, visit the highest inhabited village in the himalayas, watch the full moon by the spiti river (one of my favorite things to do in spiti valley), cycle to pin valley, feel in awe of the mummy of giu, spot the world’s highest post office and petrol pump.

• Introspect in Fukchung, a village of meditating nuns (one of the most special things to do in Spiti Valley

What are your favorite offbeat things to do in Spiti Valley?

This is literally breath-taking. As an alternative to the long uphill walk from the village of Kibber to Chichum, the locals built an ingenious ropeway between two mountain peaks, over a deep gorge. The small open box on the pulley is used to transport men, cattle and raw materials, has no weight limits, and can’t be kind to your shoulders, though if you’re lucky, you’ll find someone on the other end to pull your ropes. The ropeway was built 5 years ago, and it has never yet collapsed.

This local engineering feat is worth a ride for the stunning views of the gorge below and the intimidating aura of the surrounding peaks.

Also read: I Love Spiti – A Campaign to Save Spiti Valley from Single Use Plastic

The 1.5 hour uphill trek from Dhankar Monastery along the Spiti River to the Dhankar Lake, affords some gorgeous views of the village below and the monastery in the distance. Dhankar Lake is a picture of serenity, peace and calm, and could make anyone feel introspective. Expect a clear expanse of water dotted with fish-generated ripples, a backdrop of snow-capped mountains, and herds of yak or yaks-bred-with-cows.

Also read: 15 Responsible Travel Tips for Authentic, Meaningful Experiences on the Road

It’s easy to rent a car or hitch-hike up to Kee Monastery. But the real beauty is in hiking up from Keye village. Through the narrow, pebbly mountain path carved out by locals. Watching the monastery appear bit-by-bit, perched precariously atop a small hill.

Also read: The Legend of Moving Monasteries in Spiti Valley

You don’t have to be a bird-watcher or a biology-enthusiast to fall in love with the little village of Langhza . It’s easy to forget about civilization on its isolated slopes, and all you need to do is look up at the clear blue skies for thrilling glimpses of hawks, eagles and vultures.

You could spot these elusive birds in other parts of Spiti too, but the landscape of Langhza ups that thrill by a few notches.

Also read: How Volunteering in Spiti Led Me to the Women in Red

Imagine living at an altitude of 4,513 metres, in a neighborhood of 13 households, and a 6-hour hike away from the nearest signs of civilization. That’s life for you at Komic , the highest inhabited village of the Himalayas, and perhaps the world. Its landscape will leave you in awe.

Also read: Ladakh Travel Tips: How to Discover Ladakh Responsibly in 2020

Ditch the bustling market of Kaza (Spiti’s capital), walk along the dry river bed that separates old Kaza from new Kaza, and make your way down to the Spiti River. You can feel its intensity only at its shore; mountain perspectives are such that from an altitude, water merely appears to trickle in the river. Sunset is not always a specialty here, because the setting sun hides behind the mountains, leaving the sky a pink-red-orange color.

A full moon at the shore, on the other hand, is bound to make your night and tease you with mountain shadows and water reflections. Concentrate on the sky, and you’ll see atleast a dozen shooting stars too.

Also read: My Hitch-hiking Adventures in Spiti

Pin Valley is an oasis of green in the cold mountain desert region. After being surrounded by the brown bareness of the Himalayas in Spiti, Pin Valley is a breath of fresh air that you didn’t know you missed; think trees and waterfalls. And if you think Spitians are friendly, get ready to be blown away by the hospitality of the mountain folks living in Pin Valley. You’ll leave convinced that this was how we were intended to lead life on earth.

Also read: Awe-Inspiring Uttarakhand Homestays to Tune Out of Life and Tune Into the Mountains

Spiti is full of legends, and the mummy of Giu is perhaps the only one that you can testify to. It is said that during a drought in Tibet, several lamas were mummified. During the Chinese occupation of Tibet, most of these mummies were destroyed. However, in the earthquake of 1975, one of these mummies washed up in the Spiti River and was rescued by the Indian government. It was housed in Giu, where during a digging accident, a spade hit the mummy’s head and it started to bleed!

You can still see hair growing on the mummy’s head, and spooky as it might sound, it is one of those things you have to see to believe.

Also read: How to Embrace Sustainable Tourism in India

It’s not easy to build a life at 4,000 metres. In fact, Spiti is recognized for having the world’s highest post office at Hikkim , and the world’s highest petrol pump at Kaza. Surely, using them is a worthwhile travel achievement to boast about!

Also read: A Chance Encounter With Kaza’s Garden Lady

Introspect in Fukchung, a village of meditating nuns (one of the most special things to do in Spiti Valley)

Spiti is known for some of the oldest monasteries and schools of Tibetan Buddhism. Fukchung village is a collection of stone caves, where nuns from the Nyingmapa school of Buddhism go for long-term retreats. They typically spend 3 years in a stone cave, meditating from morning to night, and not seeing or speaking to a human soul.

It’s an intense experience, to walk along the caves, imagining the conviction of the nuns meditating inside them.

Also read: The World from the Lens of Ladakhi Nuns

Welcome to my blog, The Shooting Star. I’ve been called a storyteller, writer, photographer, digital nomad, “sustainability influencer,” social entrepreneur, solo traveller, vegan, sustainable tourism consultant and environmentalist. But in my heart, I’m just a girl who believes that travel – if done right – has the power to change us and the world we live in.

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41 comments.

You are laying out a great itinerary for when I make it to India. Beautiful!

Absolutely William, you better make that trip soon 🙂

They sure are all breathtaking. beautiful post.

Thank you 🙂 Hope you visit Spiti someday, because my pictures & words barely do justice.

Great article..Also nice projection of pictures as well

Thank you, just a minute!

Enjoyed your posts on Spiti — thanks for sharing them. Looking forward to more stories.

Thank you 🙂 And thanks for visiting The Shooting Star. Your work in Spiti sounds very inspiring.

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HI shivya,thanx for such a beautiful post. It has been my dream from a long time to visit Spiti valley,and fortunately i’m planning the same this may. would like to have some knowledge of the routes/hotspots in that region. i hope u wont mind it.By the way we guys are planning this trip on our bikes,we have max 4-5 days. thanks !!!

Saurabh Negi

Hey Saurabh, you’ll be in for a really fun trip, especially since you’re driving your bikes up! I wish you had more than 4-5 days though. Drop me an email at [email protected] with your questions and I’ll be happy to help with what I know 🙂

Spiti continues to charm me since the day I saw the first pic an year back! Now ur pics and write up has made the craving more! Thanks, Shivya 🙂

Anytime, Spiti has that magical effect on people. I can’t wait to go back there; it’ll sort of be like coming home.

beautiful pic great itinerary plan for the hill

Thanks Samaresh, have you been?

not yet waiting for a call from the hills 🙂

Wow!! Am really looking forward to the trip now 🙂

And the pictures / words barely do justice!

There used to be one very similar ropeway over river Ravi in Basohli, Jammu, native village of my maternal gandfather. Unfortunately, a dam was constructed over the river a few years back and the ropeway was gone.

That’s so sad. I hope & pray that never happens to Spiti.

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Interesting… intriguingly interesting post. Hope I am able to experience at least half the things mentioned in this post! 🙂

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What about stay?

Have left the Pin Valley Ride for the next time 🙂 Did the rest last october on my trusty ol’ royal enfield. Love your posts and updates 🙂

Thanks Sumantra! Pin Valley was one of my favorite places in India. Glad you have something to go back for 🙂

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Hey would you mind stating which blog platform you’re working with? I’m looking to start my own blog soon but I’m having a tough time choosing between BlogEngine/Wordpress/B2evolution and Drupal. The reason I ask is because your layout seems different then most blogs and I’m looking for something unique. P.S My apologies for getting off-topic but I had to ask!

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I wanna start where you did- Spiti Valley!

This is very interesting, You’re a very skilled blogger. I have joined your feed and look forward to seeking more of your magnificent post. Also, I’ve shared your website in my social networks!

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What a beautiful place…

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This will help us. Travelling to Spiti from Hyderabad.

This is so beautiful. I am planning to visit Spiti valley next month and can hardly contain the excitement now.

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• An 8 Days Spiti Valley Trip In 2024 Is The Mother Of All Mountain Escapes In India

23 Mar 2023

Dream of snow-crowned mountains dotted with picture-perfect villages? Fancy a stay amid mountainous terrains outlined by restless rivers making merry on the rocks? If yes, you must plan a vacation in Spiti! The 8 days Spiti Valley trip is the most engrossing vacation you need to revitalize and rediscover yourself.

At a distance of 202 km to the northeast of Manali , the scantily populated land of Spiti separates Indian mainland from Tibet autonomous region. For tourists, it offers everything serene – from lush green land looming into the vastness to pre-historic monasteries resembling paintings on a canvas.

Go around, exploring the picture-postcard villages, crossing narrow mountain passages, and feeling the chilly wind penetrating your skin. As you embrace the wilderness at altitudes touching almost 5000 meters above sea level,  Lahaul-Spiti tour plan perfectly feeds your soul!

About Spiti Valley

Image Source

Unique geographical features make Spiti more desirable by explorers of different age groups belonging to different walks of life. But there are a few things that one must be aware of before sealing the Lahaul Spiti tour plan.

• The average elevation of the entire valley is 4270 m and weather is highly unpredictable.
• The valley boasts of wide varieties of flora and fauna. Snow Leopards and Himalayan Wolves are also spotted in the Pin Valley National Park during winters.
• Trekking and camping are a must when you are in the valley.
• Brace yourself for a detached life when you are in the valley. Network connectivity is obscure and Spitians are pretty cool with it. You may get lucky with BSNL signals at some places.
• The place is almost a mirror image of Tibet in terms of culture and lifestyle.

Best Time To Visit Spiti

May end to the beginning of October is considered the best time to visit Spiti because that’s the time when Shimla – Kinnaur highway is open, which makes the valley accessible to the rest of the world. These are the best months for planning your Spiti Valley road trip.

Temperature

• Summer – Ranges from 18 – 25 degrees celsius
• Winter – Experiences heavy snowfall in the valley region; all mountain passes leading to the valley are blocked making it impossible for any vehicle to enter the region.

Must Read: Couldn’t Get Leh’d During The Summer? Ride To Lahaul And Spiti This September-October!

Is Spiti The Right Destination For You?

Image Source Taking a Spiti Valley bike trip or even a normal trip to this place is every traveler’s muse and is, but is it the right destination for you? Let’s figure out.

With its rough terrains, Spiti is definitely not for the weak-hearted. It faces extreme weather conditions, and you need to pass through risky routes to reach the valley. Expect only basic facilities on the way as well as in the hotels you stay in. In some places, stay options will be limited to monasteries and homestays only. So clearly, a trip to Spiti is not everyone’s cup of tea.

Of the few people who brave these odds to reach Spiti, some seek solace, some do it in the name of adventure, and some are keen to explore the hidden riches in the of the Trans-Himalayan region . Mostly, we see adventure seeking youngsters and mountain lovers taking a Spiti bike trip , or some tired souls who desperately want to unplug from the mundane city life by engaging in meditation and some volunteer work in the valley.

And in case you are an adventure loving couple, who don’t care much about the luxury part of the honeymoon, Spiti is the ultimate destination for you! Begin a new chapter of life in a perfect set up around the colossal sky, vast mountains, and glittering stars, thus making the moments most romantic and perfect.

But Spiti is also a great destination to be in, if you are a wandered and love exploring new lands alone. A Spiti Valley solo trip is an experience that can only be lived and not explained. Extreme tranquility, massive land forms surrounding you, fresh air and so much more! If this though excites you, take a solo trip to Spiti .

If you are among any four of the above – an adventure seeker, a spiritual seeker, or a daring couple who love adventure as crazy as this, here is what Spiti has in store for you!

Suggested Read: 11 Travel Tips For Himachal Pradesh That Will Come In Handy For Your Trip

8 Days In Spiti Trip- Let’s Plan The Best Vacation Of Your Life

7 nights 8 days in Spiti is a fairly long stay. It gives you ample time to see the best places in Spiti and also soak in the beauty of its landscapes and culture. Before we start with the itinerary, here is a quick view of the route:

In the Spiti valley map above, you can see the keystops of the route I am suggesting in the itinerary below.

Route: Manali – Kaza – Ki – Kibber – Tabo – Dhankar – Mud – Pin Valley National Park – Demul – Komic – Hikkim – Langza – Chandratal lake – Rangrik – Ecosphere – Kunzum La Pass – Manali

Here is your Daywise itinerary for your 8 days vacation in Spiti. Take a look!

Day 1: Kaza – Ki – Kibber

A perfect weekend getaway from Manali, Shimla, Chopta, and Kanatal, Kaza is decked up with rocky mountain slopes and bustling market. Kaza has plenty of attractions and boasts of a world-class facility for travelers.

Elevation: 3800 meters

What’s there for youngsters: Yak safari , camping, trekking, go ahead and buy some fuel from world’s highest petrol pump, enjoy the panoramic view of the beautiful village, Cafe Sol , Kibber – Chicham ropeway, Kibber Wildlife Sanctuary

What’s there for spiritual seekers: Ki monasteries , Komic village – Asia’s one of the highest village and the only village with polling station in the town

What’s there for honeymooners: There are plenty of places and experiences in Kaza for the honeymooners. Starting with a jeep safari to monasteries, a romantic stargazing session under the colossal sky, and an expedition to snow clad peaks, Kaza leaves everyone asking for more. Local handicrafts, and woolen products at state government handloom center and cooperative society run shops are a few places of interest for honeymooners.

Suggested stay in Kaza: Zostel Spiti, Banjara Retreat, Hotel Spiti Valley, Sakya Abode, Hotel Deyzor

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

Day 2: Tabo – Dhankar

Image Source Located on the banks of Spiti river, Tabo is a dreamy village with humble roads and hospitable locals. Tabo has ancient attractions and things of religious importance that would certainly make your Spiti trip all the more special.

Elevation: 3280 meters

What’s there for youngsters: Prehistoric Tabo caves with plenty of photography options inside monastery complex, Dhankar Monastery (detour of 8 km from the main road, recommended only if you have a booked taxi or your own vehicle), mummy in Giu village (7 km detour from the main road, the village falls 1 km before Sumdo village )

What’s there for spiritual seekers: Prayer session at Tabo Monastery , library with books on Buddhist, a museum with artifacts and photos, prayers offered at Tabo gompa. Water driven prayer wheel in Dhankar, Tabo meditation caves

What’s there for honeymooners: The picturesque view of Tabo caves and local life of Tabo village and adjoining areas offer a lot to explore. A stay at one of the homestays is the best opportunity to interact with the locals at length. Their hospitality is an experience you wouldn’t like to miss. Dhankar lake, rock art, wall paintings, and mud statues, the confluence of Spiti and Pin rivers from Dhankar gompa.

Suggested stay: Tabo Monastery guest house, Dhankar monastery guest house, Dekit Norphel Tiger Den Restaurant

Note: A night stay at the Tabo Monastery is highly recommended for everyone traveling to Spiti to get an experience of a lifetime.

Suggested Read: Travel To These Buddhist Monasteries In India To Find Inner Peace

Day 3: Mud Village – Pin Valley National Park

Image Source While traveling back from Tabo to Kaza, the roads divert in two directions at Atargo bridge . Head left to take the road leading to Pin Valley national Park, heading straight will take you to Kaza. Another 1-hour drive takes you to Pin Valley – a popular reserve of flora & fauna in North India.

Pin Valley National Park boasts of adventurous escapades and lush greenery. It is also home to the rare breed of Snow Leopards.

Altitude: 3500 – 6000 meters

What’s there for youngsters: Sight of picturesque Mudh village – the official entry point of Pin Valley national Park, opportunity to capture amazing shots of vivid flora and fauna, Pin – Parvati trek, ibex and snow leopards (mostly seen during winters)

What’s there for spiritual seekers: Best of flora and fauna in the Himalayas, Sagnam Monastery , Khungri Monastery , stay at Mudh village

What’s there for honeymooners: Nature, wildlife, picture postcard view of valley, brown mountains, hanging glaciers, and fudgy white snowfields

Suggested stay: A homestay in the Mudh village is recommended by people who have already been there

Note: Don’t be too preoccupied with the thought of spotting the snow leopard, they rarely come down below an altitude of 5000 meters, if they do it’s mostly during the winters.

Suggested Read: 26 Spellbinding Places To Visit In Spiti Valley For A Surreal Holiday

Day 4: Demul – Komic – Hikkim – Langza

Image Source These villages fall in the fossil zone in Spiti and form the most amazing belt for sightseeing. In the  Lahaul-Spiti tour itinerary , a tour of these villages is of the unique experiences you can have here.

Altitude: 4580 meters

What’s there for youngsters: Komic village – the second highest village in Asia, fossils near Langza village, highest post office in the world in Hikkim, Demul – the village with only one telephone, picture-perfect locations around Komic monastery for photo bugs

What’s there for spiritual seekers: Komic monastery, village tour, the gigantic golden Buddha statue in Langza with snow capped mountains is a near-perfect spectacle

What’s there for honeymooners: Go around for a romantic walk with your partner in the picture perfect environs of the Komic village, write a letter to family/friends and post it from the highest post office in the world .

Suggested stay: Homestay in Langza

Suggested Read: 23 Offbeat Destinations In Himachal Pradesh That Will Help You Calm Your Senses

Day 5: Langza – Chandratal Lake

Langza to Chandratal is a 5.5-hour drive and it is recommended to start early in the morning, mostly by 7 am. Motorable road ends a kilometer before the lake and the remaining distance must be covered on foot.

Chandratal – a crescent-shaped lake makes for one of the most awe-inspiring escapades. It is one of the key highlights of the 8 days Spiti Valley trip. The lake has also remained in the news after people confirmed UFO-like objects sighted in the area.

Altitude: 4250 meters

What’s there for youngsters: Campsite – 2 km before the lake, picturesque view of frozen lake (before the onset of summer) with majestic mountains in the backdrop, ideal photography set

What’s there for spiritual seekers: An ultimate place for solace seekers, Chandratal Lake is a perfect peaceful retreat for soul searching. Come here to bask in the charm Chandratal’s natural beauty.

What’s there for honeymooners: Thrill and romance define the moments spent by the Chandratal lake – one of the highest lakes in India . Here you can go trekking and camp by the lake’s side. Also, at 4000 meters plus altitude, nothing beats the crazy view of twinkling stars in Spiti.

Suggested stay: Banjara Camps, Parasol Camps, and Retreat, self – camping by the lake, Himalayan Quest Chandratal Camp

Suggested Read: 50 Of The Most Beautiful Places In India You Have To See To Believe!

Day 6: Activities In Rangrik

As you get back to Kaza the next morning, you can spend the day at leisure or youngsters can take up some adventure activities in the Spiti river. River rafting in Spiti river is one of the most adventurous things to do in your Lahaul-Spiti tour itinerary.

Altitude: 3800 meters

What’s there for youngsters: Make your 8 days Spiti valley trip even bigger and better as you get a booking for river rafting session in Spiti river. Rafting in Spiti is one of the most exciting things to do in the valley. Even better the exceptional escapade here keeps your eyes glued to it.

What’s there for spiritual seekers: Not much, spend the day at leisure by going for a walk in the village and exploring more about the place.

What’s there for honeymooners: Take some private moment and go around Kaza or you can make the day more exciting by booking a river rafting session in the Spiti river.

Suggested Read: Spiti Valley In August: A Guide For Visiting The Heaven In The North

Day 7: Ecosphere

Spend a day amid the environment unique environment of Ecosphere headquartered in Kaza. Of many, you can take up volunteer traveling programs that they have to offer while spreading a word about responsible traveling . Spiti and Pin Valley come in the Carbon Neutral zone, and Ecosphere constantly runs programs for the betterment of the environment.

Altitude: 3850 meters

What’s there for youngsters: Volunteer travel, photo tour, experience of responsible traveling, experience of wild habitats

What’s there for spiritual seekers: An experience of sustainable living, organic farms, sustainable practices initiated in the valley, spiritual sojourn

What’s there for honeymooners: Local handicrafts of Spiti, eco-friendly tour programs, volunteer activities

Suggested stay: Traditional homestays

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

Day 8: Kunzum La Pass – Manali

Image Source You can end your 8th day Spiti valley tour on a high by taking a break at Kunzum La Pass while getting back to Manali . The pass is your official exit from the Lahaul Spiti valley. With snow-capped peaks, and hundreds of prayer flags fluttering around, Kunzum Pass is a piece of paradise! By visiting this place at the end, you’d ensure the best 8 days trip to Spiti Valley .

Elevation: 4590 meters

What’s there for youngsters: Camping, driving session one of the highest motorable mountain passes in the world, nature photography

What’s there for spiritual seekers: Sign off from the wonderland of Spiti by seeking divine blessings. Offer your prayers at the temple of goddess Kunzum, and look around, you’ll find nature thanking you for being there.

What’s there for honeymooners: Look around and you will find too much of nature’s awesomeness overloaded everywhere. Kunzum Pass acts as a topping on your Lahaul-Spiti tour plan. Bara-Sigri – the second longest glacier in the world, surreal view of Chandra – Bagha mountains, and Spiti valley.

Suggested Read: 18 Things To Do In Spiti Valley That Would Satisfy Your Wanderlusting Soul

How To Reach Spiti Valley?

By air – If you want to go for a Spiti Valley tour from Kolkata , then your flight would land either at Bhuntar Airport or Kullu Airport . The distance from there is approximately 245 km that you can cover via a cab which is easily available from the airport.

By rail – The nearest major railhead to Spiti is Shimla Railway Station . The valley can be reached by a cab from the railway station.

By road – Reaching Spiti by road is mostly preferred by travelers. Government buses, as well as private vehicles, ply from Manali and Shimla to Spiti.

Manali to Spiti is a 4-hour journey . It is preferred because it is less time consuming (195 km), easily accessible, less prone to landslides, and crosses the iconic Kunzum Pass and Rohtang Pass . A bus from Manali to Spiti runs every day from 6 am from mid-June to September. That’s the time the road to Spiti is open for public use.

P.S: No permits are needed to enter the valley. Only if you take the Shimla route and enter the valley from Kinnaur side you would be required to take a permit.

Note: Given the number of detours that you would be required to take during the 8 days Spiti Valley trip, it is recommended to travel to Spiti in your own vehicle or book a taxi from Manali.

Further Read: Test Your Grit, Take The Spiti Valley Trek

Lahaul Spiti never turned its back on a single soul! So, what are you waiting for? Get packed, book your trip to India with TravelTriangle and go, find out what’s in there for you! Let the cold mountains welcome you warmly.

Disclaimer: TravelTriangle claims no credit for images featured on our blog site unless otherwise noted. All visual content is copyrighted to its respectful owners. We try to link back to original sources whenever possible. If you own the rights to any of the images, and do not wish them to appear on TravelTriangle, please contact us and they will be promptly removed. We believe in providing proper attribution to the original author, artist or photographer.

Frequently Asked Questions About Spiti Valley Trip

Is it safe to travel to Spiti valley during COVID times?

You need to follow all the mandatory guidelines mentioned by the government such as maintaining social distance, wearing a mask at public places, washing or sanitizing hands after entry & exit, etc.

When should I go to Spiti?

April to mid-May is the time when you should visit Spiti.

What is Spiti valley famous for?

Spiti Valley is famous for its old monasteries, cold deserts, and stargazing scenes at night. The valley has a tourist appeal due to its natural beauty, lush green landscapes and a serene environment.

How do I get to Kaza Spiti?

To reach Kaza Spiti, the nearest airport is Bhuntar (250km) and Shimla (445km). From the airports, Kaza can be reached via road by hiring a cab.

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Spiti Valley - Summer (June - Oct) - Customizable Private Innova Tour - 2024

Home / spiti valley tours / spiti valley - summer (june - oct) - customizable private innova tour.

6 Day Road Trip

Available from

JUNE - OCTOBER 2024

Road Trip Highlights

• Camp near the beautiful Chandratal lake
• Visit Pin Valley National Sanctuary
• Comfortable Toyota Innova Transfers

Cost per person

₹17,950, above cost is for six people. cost may vary during the season may-june. this cost is applicable for tours starting between july 07 to october 30. 5% gst is additional, spiti valley - summer (june - oct) - customizable private innova tour.

The experience at Spiti Valley can be best described through Rudyard Kipling's words, “Surely the Gods must live here, this is no place for men.”

Located at an average height of 12,500 feet above sea level, Spiti Valley consists of stark high alpine lands, scattered with small postcard-perfect villages of whitewashed mud-homes and monasteries. Prepare to travel to a world where villages appear like a mirage after miles of trailing a turquoise green river nestled between snow-capped barren mountains and blue lakes; a world which has the coldest winters you’ll ever see, but therein reside the warmest people you will meet.

This comfortable and carefully curated six-day Spiti Valley Innova Jeep tour is designed for travellers looking for an authentic Spiti Valley experience in a week’s time. Shared by a small group of travellers, this Spiti Valley Tour includes travelling in a comfortable Toyota Innova to some of the most popular villages of Spiti Valley including Asia’s highest villages – Komik and Kibber. Marvel at the wondrous structure of the Ki Monastery and get ready to be amazed by the Tabo Monastery – a 1020-year-old UNESCO World Heritage Site. End this tour on a high note (literally), as you spend a night, gazing at the Milky Way and the millions of stars while camping near the stunningly beautiful Chandratal Lake.

• COST INCLUSIONS
• WHAT TO PACK
• SAFETY AND FAQs

Detailed Itinerary

Drive from Manali – Atal Tunnel – Kunzum La – Losar – Kaza. Overnight in a Kaza Hotel.

• Hotel Accommodation
• 9 - 10 hours
• Meals included

We begin this Spiti Valley tour by hitting the road from Manali. We pass through the newly constructed Atal Tunnel. Then we drive into the desolate and stunning brown-badland landscape and approach Chattru and Batal. At 14,931 feet, we catch our first chill at the august Kunzum Pass and then descend into Losar Village, the first in Spiti valley.

Having warmed up with cup of chai (tea), we continue driving through the stunning landscapes and reach Kaza where we spend the night at a comfortable hotel.

Destinations Covered

Drive from Kaza – Langza – Hikkim – Komik – Ki Monastery – Kibber – Gette – Kaza. Overnight in a Kaza hotel.

• 6 - 7 hours

On the second day of the Spiti Valley Tour, we drive to some of the highest inhabited regions of the world.

The highest village in Asia, Komik, which literally translates to ‘eye of a snow cock’, is situated at a height of 4,513 meters. This farm-village has a population of 84 people, living in utter isolation, cut-off from the rest of the world for most parts of the year. This little hamlet brings you thousands of miles away from your familiar settings to a place of soft brown pastures and snow-white mountain peaks. Some of the common animals of the region are the Tibetan wolf, blue sheep, red fox, hare, snow cock, Himalayan griffin, rock pigeon etc.

Later, we drive to Hikkim where we visit the world’s highest post office in the world. If possible, you may even meet the post-master and hear his stories.

After sending out a postcard, we drive to Langza. Langza village is situated at an altitude of 4,400 meters and belongs to the Sakyapa sect of Tibetan Buddhism. Langza houses a population of 137 in 33 households. Once you are here, you can walk into the village and visit the ancient Lang (Temple) which is estimated to be around 1000 years old. At Langza, walk back to the prehistoric era when Spiti was submerged by the Tethys Sea, as you explore a land very rich with fossils of Marine animals and plants which were here millions of years ago.

We drive back down to Kaza for lunch. After that, we visit the world famous Ki Monastery. The car will first stop at the base of the monastery hill for the ultimate photo opportunity of this remarkable structure. With over 1000 years’ worth stories to tell, the Ki Monastery situated at a height of 13,668 feet was founded by a disciple of the famous Atisha, in the 11th century CE. Belonging to the Yellow Hat or Gelugpa sect of Tibetan Buddhism, this monastery is famous as a prominent center of learning as well as a refuge for Tibetans. Being remotely located atop a hill overlooking endless plains, the Ki Monastery is an obvious choice for those seeking peace and calm.

Then we will move farther up the valley to the picturesque village of Kibber. Located at a height of 4,205 meters and 18 km from Kaza, this formerly highest, permanently inhabited village in this region, is also a popular base camp to embark on adventure and treks to adjoining mountains of high altitude. The expanses of beautiful landscapes and immeasurable beauty of the snow-tipped mountains make the place a haven for nature-lovers and photographers alike. From Kibber, you can trek to Chicham Village, located across a sharp and precipitous canyon traversable only by a suspended wire cable basket system known as a Jula. We drive higher up to the secluded village of Gette where we absorb stunning aerial views of Kaza and tie a prayer flag.

We drive back to Kaza in the evening and spend the night in a comfortable and warm Kaza hotel.

Drive from Kaza to Pin Valley – Kungri – Mudh – Kaza. Overnight in a Kaza Hotel.

• 4 - 5 hours

On the third day of our Spiti Valley tour, we drive towards the beautiful Pin Valley.

Imagine a national park with an abundance of animals and birds, with some rare plant varieties, a river that gushes when it isn’t frozen and trekking opportunities for the adventure-seekers. The Pin Valley promises all this and more.

We first visit the Kungri Monastery and then the beautiful hamlet of Mudh – the last motorable village of the Pin Valley.

Declared a national park in 1987, Pin Valley has altitudes ranging from 11,000 to 20,000 feet and is home to at least 12 endangered snow leopards. In addition, other animals indigenous to the region and park are the Siberian ibex, bharal, weasel, red fox, and marten. Birds such as the pika, griffon, golden eagle, bearded vulture, Chukor and Raven paint the skies a pretty picture.

Drive from Kaza to Tabo – Dhankar – Dhankar Lake Trek – Lhalung. Overnight in a Lhalung Homestay.

• Homestay Accommodation

After a delicious breakfast, we continue our Spiti Valley tour and drive towards the only other town of Spiti Valley – Tabo. Also known as the ‘Ajanta of the Himalayas’, Tabo houses the 1020 year-old Tabo Monastery – which is a UNESCO world heritage site and is famous for its ancient paintings that depict the life of The Buddha, and intricate portraits of gods and demons along with life-size statues of bodhisattvas, in a fusion of western Tibetan, Indian and Kashmiri styles.

After spending a couple of hours at Tabo, we drive towards Dhankar. Perched high above the confluence of the Spiti and Pin River, in a hidden bowl, is the tiny hamlet of Dhankar. The former capital of the Royals of Spiti Valley, also known as the Nono, who ruled the dust-coloured badlands of Spiti Valley. Go back in time as you explore the 1200-year-old Dhankar Gompa which perches precariously between eroded rocky pinnacles on the edge of a cliff. If time permits, do take an hour’s climb above the village to visit the stunning turquoise Dhankar Tso or Dhankar Lake which offers views over the valley and towards the twin peaks of Mane Rang (6593 meters).

Later, we take a short drive to Lhalung – another beautiful high altitude Spiti valley village. The word Lhalung means ‘land of god’ and the village of Lhalung is located at the foot of the Tangmar Mountains which supposedly transforms in colour depending on the mood of the deities. Red denotes anger while yellow signifies happiness. Apart from being home to hospitable local families, the village of Lhalung is also home to one of the oldest gompas in Spiti valley. The Lhalung Monastery – also known as Sarkhang and golden Temple – is situated at a height of 3658 meters.

We spend the night at an authentic local homestay with a local family, listening to life tales at above 12,000 feet.

Drive from Lhalung to Losar – Kunzum La – Chandratal Lake. Overnight in Camps near Chandratal Lake.

• Camps Accommodation

This day, we commence our journey back home and trace our steps back on the Kaza – Manali road. However, we take one last stop at another Spitian wonder – Chandratal Lake. The mystical and beautiful Chandratal Lake, which translates to Moon Lake, is located at a height of 14,100 feet. The Chandra Bhaga mountain range forms a striking backdrop for the lake, which changes appearance according to the pictures painted in the sky.

After capturing the colours of the beautiful Chandratal Lake, we drive to our camping site where a hot supper under the gaze of a million stars and the Milky Way awaits us.

Our camps at Chandratal Lake are equipped with camping equipment including tents, high altitude sleeping bags / blankets and a comfortable mattress.

Drive from Chandratal Lake to Atal Tunnel – Manali

• No Accommodation

With visuals of the stunning Chandratal Lake captured in minds and cameras, we continue tracing our steps back, driving on the Kaza – Manali road and after a few hours of driving and some more stunning landscape, we pass through the famous Atal Tunnel and reach Manali where we bid goodbye to our drivers.

You can choose to explore Manali’s markets in the evening if you are up for it or you can rest in the comforts of your Manali hotel.

Includes accomodation, meals, guide and local transfer. 9% service tax extra.

• The cost is ₹7,936 per person, if booked 90 days in advance or else the cost will be INR ₹8,936 per person.
• The cost mentioned is for a fixed departure and in case you want a private tour, you can customize it accordingly.
• This is a single sharing fixed departure cost, which will vary if you wish to select a whole car for yourself.
• This is a private and customisable tour. 
• The cost is ₹17,950 per person for a group of six people.
• The cost depends on the number of people in your group. There is no minimum / maximum number of people required. 
• This Spiti Valley tour can be customized as per your dates, group size and requirements and will be arranged as a private tour.
• This cost is applicable for tours starting between July 07 to October 30. 

Cost Inclusions

• Experienced and licenced English-speaking local guide
• All camping equipment including state-of-the-art high altitude sleeping bags, waterproof tents and trek mattresses
• Camping accommodation as per the program on double / triple sharing
• Freshly cooked, delicious vegetarian meals as per the itinerary
• Safe storage to store your luggage while you are on your trek
• Complimentary access to Pink House’s reading lounge to rest after the trek and a washroom to freshen up if available
• Accommodation at all hotels and camps as per the itinerary on triple sharing basis. Additional charges for double / single sharing.
• Accommodation at Lhalung in a homestay of a local family.
• Breakfast and dinner at all hotels, homestays and camps except in Manali.
• Comfortable non-AC Toyota Innova for all days as per the itinerary (Day 1 - Day 6).
• Reliable, experienced and adept English-speaking local driver cum guide with great knowledge of the area and the terrain.
• Driver charges, driver accommodation, fuel and inter-state toll.
• Camping fees, comfortable tents and sleeping bags / blankets at Chandratal Lake

Cost Exclusions

• Hotel accommodation at Mcleodganj
• Any Car / Jeep transfers
• Snacks, beverages and Mineral Water
• Any additional costs incurred in case of a medical emergency / natural disaster / breakdown of vehicle / acts of God.
• Anything not mentioned in the “Inclusions” section.
• Any Personal Expenses / Tips / Permits
• 5% GST (Tax)
• Guide / Porters
• Lunch / Any Beverages / Meals in Manali and meals that are not mentioned in the itinerary.
• Sightseeing in Manali / Any accommodation, activities or transfers other than what is mentioned in the itinerary.
• Any cost arising out of unforeseen circumstances including medical emergencies and acts of God.
• Anything that is not mentioned in the above list of inclusions.

WHAT TO PACK LIST

You could choose to pack the following items which will come handy when you go on your Triund Trek:

• Windproof Jackets
• Pullovers / Sweatshirts
• Warmers / Thermals
• Woolen caps, mufflers, gloves and socks
• Raincoat (required during monsoon)
• Waterproof / snow-proof trekking shoes
• Personal Medicines
• Water bottle
• A flashlight
• Solar chargers / Power banks
• Inhalers (if you suffer from asthma)

You could choose to pack the following items for your Spiti Valley holiday:

• A backpack of min. 40-50ltr. of storage (Please avoid carrying luggage bags)
• Windproof Jackets (heavy / feather if you are coming before June and after October)
• Woollen caps, mufflers, gloves and socks
• Light Cotton Trek Pants / Comfortable Jeans (Avoid torn jeans)
• Raincoat (not necessary – but good to have one)
• Waterproof / snow-proof hiking shoes*
• An extra pair of shoes (if you are trekking)
• Sleeping bag (if you are trekking on your own)
• Sunscreen (SPF40 and above)
• Personal Medicines (As prescribed by your doctor)
• Water bottle 
• BSNL Prepaid / Postpaid SIM Card
• Hand Sanitizer
• Toilet Paper

*If you are buying new shoes for your Spiti Valley holiday, please remember to use them for at least a month before you commence your holiday.

Request you to carry only one backpack per person.

Safety & FAQs

Some Important Points:

1) The tour starts and ends in Manali.

If you need help with accommodation in Manali on the day before the tour starts and ends, please let us know and we'll arrange a room for you in a good hotel.

2) Vegetarian food will be easily available. If you need Jain food or have any dietary restrictions, please let us know and we will make the required arrangements.

3) We recommend a start time of 5 AM from Manali on Day 1. Hence, it would be ideal if you reached Manali one day before the start of the tour. The car will pick you up from your hotel in Manali.

4) Manali is accessible by road from New Delhi / Chandigarh.

If you want, we would be happy to organize a comfortable taxi to travel between New Delhi / Chandigarh and Manali.

Regarding any safety concerns:

If you are concerned about your safety, please note that we have been arranging tours and treks in Spiti Valley for the last 29 years and there has never been an untoward incident. Spiti Valley and generally the whole of Himachal Pradesh is very safe. The guides and the drivers we work with have been with us for several years.

Please do not worry about your safety - for us, in our our culture - you are like our family members and you will be treated like the same - with lots of respect.

What people have to say about this trek!

Vaishali Bhat

The 6 day Spiti holiday we had in the month of August 2016 was one of the most exciting, hassel-free and filled with enriching experiences.Big Thank you goes to each and everyone in Spiti Holiday Adventure for the amazing time we had.It was indeed a pleasure to meet Rahul Mansur who organised the trip for us at a very short notice.Special thanks to Team at Hotel Spiti Serai, Rangrik for their hospitality and our driver Tilak.Would definitely love to experience more off-beat destinations organised by you guys.

Sally Anderson

Do yourself a big favour and visit Spiti Valley using this company. The whole team is extremely professional and just a lovely bunch! We did 7-day jeep ride which provided a great itinerary to see a lot of what this amazing place has to offer. Spiti Valley is a once in a lifetime experience and totally worth the effort to go!

Nilesh Saigaonkar

Thank you for an amazing "Spiti" experience. This was one of the well arranged and managed travel experience that I have been part of. Still missing the hospitality of all the people who hosted us at all places be it Khansar at kaza, Home-stay at Kibber or Mountain Trail Hotel at Manali. Once again a thank you very much and of course hope to travel with you guys once again. As JRR Tolkien says... Home is behind, The world ahead; And there are many paths to tread…

Why travel with us?

35 years of experience in organising tours within the Himalayas

The only local Spiti travel company to be Recommended by Lonely Planet

The best local prices minus any middle man or commissions.

Itinerary for Spiti Valley - Summer (June - Oct) - Customizable Private Innova Tour

You might want to keep a copy of the itinerary with you!

Share this trip

Drive along the scenic valley of Spiti

This route will take you on a crazy road trip adventure and you will wake up with views like this everyday., what people say about us.

Jatin Aggarwal

We visited Spiti this march and i must say, It was a really nice trip! It was perfectly planned. The itenary made sure that we were acclimated with the climate before we reached Kaza and none of the group members didn't faced any health problems during the entire trip! There were some instances when some of us had headaches after treks, but herbal teas in homestays helped a lot. Drivers were really cooperative and we enjoyed every bit of spiti valley. The homestays and the hotels were quite comfortable. Thanks to @RameshLotey for choosing such nice places for us to stay! Some things that could make this trip even better - I believe it would be good if we can add Pin valley national park to the itenary. Courtesy: Facebook (@spitiholiday)

Shreesh Dubey

We (family of 4) had an excellent time in spiti with a 7-day tour arranged by spiti holiday adventure. The itinerary was well planned and ensured we hit all the high spots in spiti. We also had an excellent driver, Bunty who was very safe and knew the roads well. Given some bad road conditions we all felt very safe with his driving. The hotel in Kaja, the Homestay in Lhalung the tent cabin in Chandratal as well as the hotel in Manali were great. A lot of logistics behind the scenes was handled well leading to an excellent holiday. A very big thank you! Courtesy: Facebook (@spitiholiday)

Mrunal Jadhav

Visiting Spiti valley was the best decision I've ever made and I don't think I could've made a better choice than Spiti holiday Adventure to make this trip fruitful for me! It was definitely one of my most adventurous travel experience and I can't wait to travel with them again. Also nothing but a big thank you to Ramesh sir, Sonam and the whole team for always being so helpful, in all it was a life changing journey for me!

Shraddha Singh

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