Once the snowfall starts at Rohtang Pass and Kunzum Pass, the Manali Kaza closes down, and Shimla Kaza road is the only route that connects Spiti Valley in winters. As the season end approaches, so do the questions on making a trip to Spiti Valley from Manali Kaza road in October or later.
In this article today, I will write in detail about the reasons I believe you should avoid traveling to Spiti Valley from Manali Kaza Road in October.
Spiti Valley has become very popular among tourists and travelers these days. People are traveling to Spiti Valley from Shimla Kaza road as well as Manali Kaza road based on individual preferences. We know that the connectivity to Spiti Valley from Manali Kaza road is only possible in the summer months every year.
Let's quickly dive into the details:
Why travel from Manali to Kaza?
Manali Kaza Road is the shortest route to reach Spiti Valley. It offers mesmerizing views, great adventures like crossing Kunzum Pass and Rohtang Pass, passing through water crossings, driving or riding on the river bed, etc.
The other route from Shimla – Kinnaur to Kaza, Spiti Valley takes about three days to reach Spiti Valley from Delhi while Manali Kaza takes two days. Of course, you can read the articles 5 Reasons to Travel Spiti Valley from Manali Route and 5 Reasons to Travel Spiti Valley from Shimla – Kinnaur Route to understand the differences more.
One thing to note about Manali Kaza road is that once the season gets over, that is by October, one should definitely think at least once before venturing out on Manali Kaza Road. You can get stranded in the middle of nowhere for a couple of days and sometimes more.
Download your FREE high-resolution version pdf copy of this infographic guide on top reasons to avoid Manali Kaza road in October. If, you liked it and found it helpful, please feel free to share it with your family and friends to help them too.
Places on Manali – Kaza Road
The places that fall on Manali Kaza road along with approximate distances between them goes like: Manali – Marhi (37 KMs) – Rohtang Pass (51 KMs) – Gramphu (66 KMs) – Chattru (81 KMs) – Chota Dhara (98 KMs) – Batal (113 KMs) – Kunzum Pass (131 KMs) – Losar (151 KMs) – Kaza (202 KMs).
Usually, people make a night halt at Manali or Solang Valley and then reach Kaza from Manali the very next day. You should know that as the distance is shorter, you also rapidly bump the altitude from Delhi to Manali (1950 Mtrs) to Kaza (3600 Mtrs). It has AMS risks associated with it, but if you are careful and follow some basic precautions, mostly you get away with it with minor AMS issues. You can also refer below the Altitude & Distance Graph for the Manali Kaza Road:
5 Reasons to Avoid Manali Kaza Road in October
October – November are the months of festivals like Diwali, Dusherra, Durga Puja, etc.. and people get lots of holidays. This holiday season means people plan lots of trips, and those who fail to make the trip to Spiti Valley in season time tend to plan the trip to Spiti Valley in October / November.
Hence, the possibility of them making the trip on Manali Kaza road in October or November also increases. Given below are some of the top reasons I feel you should avoid making the trip on Manali Kaza road after mid-October especially.
To know more about the best season to travel to Spiti Valley, please check the article: Best Season to Travel on Road to Spiti Valley
1. Being Stranded & Likely Snowfall on Manali Kaza Road
Firstly, by late September winter season starts to set in the trans-Himalayas and all high passes in the Himalayas start receiving snowfall at frequent intervals. The road from Manali to Kaza passes through both Rohtang Pass and Kunzum Pass which also starts getting the snow.
The chances of road closure temporarily also increase; however, the snow in late September or October does not last much longer. Although the BRO tries to maintain the Manali Kaza road open by the end of October, you can surely get stuck or delayed for a day or two or maybe more due to snowfall.
Hence, it depends upon the Spiti Valley weather altogether, and if you are lucky, you may get through it without any single blockage. The point here is that there is a risk of a 1-3 days delay which you must keep in mind before planning any journey to Manali Kaza road in late September or October.
Stock Food & Water
I will also suggest making sure that you have sufficient food stock and drinking water stock with you when traveling from Manali to Kaza in October to ensure you get past these days if you get stuck in the middle of nowhere.
Although it is not freezing cold and snow melts away, chances of losing a life when getting stuck in a situation like this is still very much a possibility. Hence, better safe than sorry and carry essentials when traveling to such remote places of the Himalayas.
A Caution by Real Stories !!
More than 25 people got stranded in August a couple of years back when sudden snowfall occurred at Kunzum Pass. Please note it was August, and still, they got stuck. Some of them had to be rescued by chopper, and many of them almost starved. Dorje Uncle at Batal dhabha gave them food and a place to stay and saved their lives. If a similar thing happens in October, well, things can be very different due to low temperatures. Also, Dorje’s uncle packs up the dhabha by mid-October too. Similarly, 100s of people got stuck in September 2018 as well when sudden snowfall blocked the roads in Spiti and Manali – Leh Highway.
What to carry on a trip from Manali to Kaza?
It is always recommended to carry an inverter cum car charger with you so that many of the electrical/electronic components can either be charged or worked upon in the absence of electricity. For example, electric kettle for boiling water, charging your camera or laptop, charging your phone, charging your torchlight or camp light, etc…
You never know when you need any of that equipment for one or the other use, for example, making a call from a dead phone as soon as you reach a signal zone. I have purchased a Targus 200W Car Power Inverter With USB Fast Charging Port which works like a charm and I have been using it for the last six years without fail. It had never disappointed me when there was a need in a while to travel in the remote Himalayas or the plains/city world. Or you can buy it from Amazon India from the link/image provided on the right side.
2. Lack of Accommodation or Stay options
Once you cross Kothi on Manali – Rohtang Pass road, there isn’t any permanent place to stay up to Losar, about 51 km from Kaza. There is a PWD Guesthouse at Khoksar about 5 km from Gramphu and then a PWD rest house at Chatru & Batal. You have Dorje uncle Chandra Dhabha at Batal too and another one.
However, these makeshifts dhabhas and availability of caretaker at Batal PWD rest house will be difficult, especially after mid-October. These places may require you to stop in case there is snow on some adjoining mountain passes or other reasons for the road closure. The point is the risk of running out of limited accommodation options in case you get stuck at some unplanned place. So, better carry your tent and camping kit to avoid getting stranded in the middle of nowhere without a place to stay.
Do check this list of 40 must-have things to carry on a self-drive trip to the Himalayas.
3. Buses on Manali Kaza Road
The HRTC bus running between Kaza and Manali/Kullu also stops in October as the risk of being stranded increases. I guess they stop the bus service as soon as the black ice starts forming on the roads after the third week of September or mid-October and it becomes risky to drive or ride on the Himalayan roads.
The frequency of shared taxis between Manali to Kaza also decreases and only people who need to travel, follow the Manali Kaza road that late in the season. Hence, the best will be to avoid the road from Manali to Kaza in October.
4. Cold and Slippery Road Conditions
In October, you will need to bear some cold conditions, especially at night, late evening, or early morning. You may come across almost sub-zero temperatures in the region around Chandratal, Kunzum Pass, Batal, Losar.
In the daytime, it can be warmer than expected, though, but strong cold winds will always leave you numb in shades, especially when biking is tough. So, go prepared with proper gear. Make sure you have proper clothing to survive the cold conditions in case such a thing happens.
Another thing to be careful about is the ice on the roads that makes slippery road conditions. As the temperatures go sub-zero, the water on the roads freezes, especially around Kunzum Pass and Rohtang Pass. You should be very careful of the black ice else you may injure yourself in the middle of nowhere without any help nearby.
You should always carry your water bottle and refill it as many times as you need water. It will not only keep you hydrated always, but you will also help in saving the Himalayas from plastic garbage. Remember, every tiny step counts and your step in this direction can help save the Himalayas too !! 🙂 🙂
5. Motor Rallies
Last but not the least, October is the month when the popular rally, Raid De Himalaya, is carried out nowadays over the roads in Spiti Valley, Ladakh, and Manali Leh Highway. When this rally event taking place, you may find various road sections to be closed for their smooth run.
Hence, it is an inconvenience for you as it may delay or toss up your plans completely. Moreover, finding accommodation among the limited open options in Spiti Valley also becomes a challenge as most of the hotels/stay options are pre-booked for the participants. This further means trouble and delays.
Having said all that, in October, you will find the least crowd, best road conditions of the season, very little water in the nallas, and best bargains on taxis or hotels 🙂 (of course except rally time). So, evaluate the risks and then make a call to travel on Manali Kaza road in October or later. You should never plan the road trip on Manali Kaza road in November as that is when the chances of getting stuck for more than months increases and travel becomes life-threatening.
Conclusion
In the month of early October, if you are well prepared for the risks defined in the article, you can try to make a trip on Manali Kaza road in October at your own risk. Personally, I will STRONGLY recommend NOT TO attempt any travel on Manali Kaza road in late October or November. Otherwise, be ready to either get stuck for a much longer time or sell/leave your vehicle then and there itself and bear a huge loss.
Have a travel question?? You can subscribe to my YouTube channel and leave a comment to ask your travel questions about traveling to the Himalayas.
I hope you will take into consideration the above risks before planning your journey on Manali Kaza road in October or later. I will be here to answer any further questions you may have for your upcoming trip to Spiti Valley from Manali Kaza road. Feel free to post them under comments or reach me on my Instagram account.
Feel free to share this article with your friends or family whom you think might be planning their trips to Spiti Valley in October.
33 Comments
Comments section gets closed in 90 days. To ask your travel questions, you can follow my YouTube Channel for a faster reply or for a much slower reply follow me on Instagram. :)
hi Dheeraj
i am planing for Spiti trip in 1st week of October and as u are aware there are heavy rainfall and snowfall in Himachal. can i have your input on this.
Also my 3.5 year old son is also travelling with me. our alternate plan is also ready for spiti through Shimla.
thanks
Hello dheeraj
Your knowledge and patience is commendable.
Thank you very much for sharing everything in so much depth .
I am going to himachal for the first time and have no previous experience about the conditions there.
Would you recommend bike trip from shimla to spiti in Jan 2018…I was planning it from manali to spiti but as you said that roads are closed and Google also shows NH505 as closed, I am thinking about making it from shimla. Would it be possible from shimla to spiti?
Hey Nitish,
I will suggest that as it is your first trip, better keep it simple to Shimla and at max Kinnaur Valley. It will be difficult for you even Kinnaur as it is first trip but I am not sure how much you are used to cold conditions? Are you used to cold? If yes, then check: Kinnaur in Winters – Most Common Itinerary
Stay away from harsh winters of Spiti Valley on your first trip
Regards
Dheeraj
sir,
planning a trip to spiti via manali on coming 17th and planning to exit through shimla. I have been checking the weather updates these days and so far its ok. What do you suggest?
Go for it Gopika, if the weather is clear it shall be fine. Please go with at least one heavy woolen jacket.
hi dheeraj
i have read all your articles and i am your big fan.you have provided so much information which is very essential.now i am planning to do spiti from 8th oct to 15th oct from shilma side to enter and manali side to exit.i know its risky please help buddy because if i cancel my plan it will be third time in this season and if anything else i can do in these days in himalaya please suggest.
i will be riding solo by my bike.
Sorry Deepak for seeing it late. I wish you wonderful trip as you will be on the way now …
Hi Dheeraj,
What are the chances of the Shimla-Kaza highway to be cut off as well? Incase, can a trip like Shimla-Kaza-Shimla possible?
We are planning to leave Delhi on 14th Oct and come back around 21.
Shimla – Kaza highway remains open all around the year barring few days of heavy snowfall or any major landslides, snow slides. So, in October, it is fine to travel on Shimla – Kaza road.
Hi Dheeraj,
I have one more question to ask – Any tips on how to survive the cold weather? Just checked the temperature, it is as low as – 8 degrees at Kunzum Paas. Any special do’s or don’ts?
Please reply ASAP!
Hi Richa,
Well, you should go through: Tips for Carrying Clothes for Spiti Valley Trip
One thing: Always protect your head, chest and lower neck from where the cold winds actually set the cold in. So, even if there is little warmth, I always keep a light jacket on myself. Warmth does not do harm like cold, so I prefer it over always.
Sure Dheeraj . Will follow your advice. Thanks a lot 🙂
Hi Dheeraj,
I will be travelling through Spiti Circuit in the first week of October. I will leave on 29th September from Delhi and will enter the circuit through Manali. I also have Kaza, Kibber, Rekong PEO , and other places to cover enroute.I will be travelling on Enfield and plan to come back to Delhi on 8th October.
Please suggest.
Just replied you on your question: https://discoverwithdheeraj.com/question/spiti-circuit-trip/
Hi Dheeraj,
We are planning to visit Spiti from 29th September to 7th October. We are starting from manali on sep 29 and staying in batal. We are visiting chandrathal next day and continue to kaza. We have made our bookings in kaza and planning to trek Mt. Kanamo. Is weather conditions are good for trekking? We have done few high altitude treks(Max 16000ft) before but still little concerned about spiti weather and altitude. Please advice. Thanks 🙂
Shruthi, it starts to get cold in September end but day time shall be good to trek. I hope you have guided trek and are not attempting the trek on your own. It is high altitude trek, so make sure you are acclimatized properly before attempting the trek. What is the itinerary of the trek?
Hi Dheeraj, I posted my reply twice but i do not see it in the page. 🙁
All the replies are moderated and approved by me, to be visible on the page but not sure where your reply went. I checked the spam as well but I think there could be some other glitch. Can you please post it as a question which do not reply any moderation: https://discoverwithdheeraj.com/travel-questions/
I am reading your blog and because me and my friend going to visit this place in the next month. I like your suggestion and i would try to follow your tips.
Thank you, glad it is helpful.
Hi Dheeraj,
Started reading your blogs few days back and find it really informative. Keep up the good work!
We are planning to visit Spiti from 29th September to 8th October. We are going from Delhi via Shimla-Narkanda and booked a zoom car (Eco-Sport). It would be really great if you can help me with few things.
1. What are the chances of getting AMS and what measures can be taken to minimize the effects?
2. What about the weather conditions that we might face?
3. Is it recommended to visit Baralacha la pass in October (mostly will be the night ride)
4. How about the weather conditons at Chandratal and will it be okay to camp? (Chandrataal will be on 7th October)
Looking forward to hear from you.
Thanks a lot .
Thank you Richa !!
1. As you are traveling from Shimla to Kaza, chances are minimal. You should keep the body hydrated and do not exert too much.
2. It will start getting a bit cold especially in night, rest should be OK.
3. I will suggest to skip it for some other trip
4. Chandratal will be cold and windy, if you are used to such conditions, then you may give it a try else visit in the day for couple of hrs and reach Manali.
Thank you so much. That was really helpful 🙂
Best wishes for the trip, feel free to post any further questions you might have for your Spiti trip
Sure. 🙂
Hey Just wanted to say thanks for Sonam A. number. His English is really good and he gave me a very good rate. I wanted to ask you a few questions:
1. Since I am an foreign national, how can I get a PAP permit for myself because I can not find any tour groups to join in first week of October?
2.Do you know any good places to stay in Leh Ladakh , Nubraa Valley, Pangong lake in month of October?
I really appreciate your help.
Thanks.
Hello Himalayan Kind,
Good to know you could connect with Sonam.
1. Now even as an individual, you can apply for protected area permit. You will have to go through a travel agency or your hotel. They will be able to help you with it.
2. As you have the driver with you, he will help all along with them. Otherwise, Hotel Kidar in Leh, Hotel Sten Del in Deskit, Guest Houses in Hunder, Himalayan Wooden Cottages in Pangong Tso are few good options of stay.
Regards
Dheeraj
Hello,
I am an planning a trip from Manali to Ladakh in the second week of October, is this adviseable? Also I want to know if you have any good ladakh homestays options and an updated number for Rigzin? Also do you have any numbers for good drivers available that can drive me from Manali to Ladakh ? If there is any tour groups planning on going during this month please let me know? Thanks
Thanks,
You can call the local drivers directly to connect with them and check the more comprehensive List of Taxi Drivers for Ladakh – Srinagar – Leh – Manali with recommendations/reviews for DoW community members.
Personally, I will not travel on Manali – Leh Highway in the second week of October.
I read your Article carefully and there I got many information and many things. Thank u very much for great blog.
Sir,
Travelling to Spiti valley via Shimla during last week of Sept and planned to exit via Manali which will be on 2/3rd Oct. Should we change plan and return via Shimla as you advised to avoid Kaza Manali road. Please advice as we never travelled to that road.
First week of October shall still be fine.
Thank you Sir for your kind reply.