Last Updated: April 2026
If you are planning a trip to Spiti Valley and wondering whether to enter from the Shimla-Kinnaur side or the Manali side, this article will help you decide. The Manali to Kaza route covers about 200 km (182 km via the Atal Tunnel) and can be completed in a single day. The Shimla-Kinnaur route, on the other hand, takes at least two to three days to reach Kaza. Both routes have their merits, but in this article, I will talk about the top five reasons why the Manali route to Spiti Valley might be the better choice for you, depending on your situation.
I have already shared detailed articles on how to plan a trip to Spiti Valley via Kinnaur and Spiti Valley via Manali. Those articles cover step-by-step travel planning, places to visit, where to stay, food options, and itineraries. This article focuses specifically on the advantages of picking the Manali route when you cannot do the full circuit.
Let's quickly dive into the details:
What Are the Key Advantages of the Manali to Spiti Route?
The Manali route to Spiti Valley offers five clear advantages: it saves time (reach Kaza in 2 days from Delhi vs 3 days via Kinnaur), costs less (one fewer night of accommodation), has better public transport connectivity, is less prone to monsoon landslides, and lets you cross two iconic Himalayan passes. If you are short on days, this is the route to pick.
Practical Information for the Manali to Spiti Route
Before diving into the five reasons, here is the essential information you need for planning this route in 2026.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Distance (Manali to Kaza) | ~200 km via Rohtang, ~182 km via Atal Tunnel |
| Travel Time | 10-12 hours by road |
| Route Opens | Mid-May to early June (depends on Kunzum Pass snow clearance) |
| Route Closes | Mid to late October |
| Key Passes | Rohtang Pass (3,980m) / Atal Tunnel, Kunzum Pass (4,551m) |
| HRTC Bus Fare | Rs 400-600 per person (Manali to Kaza) |
| Bus Departure | 5:00 AM and 5:30 AM from Manali Bus Stand |
| Atal Tunnel | 9.02 km, bypasses Rohtang Pass, saves 2-3 hours |
| Fuel | Last pump at Tandi (32 km before Jispa). No fuel until Kaza. |
| Mobile Network | BSNL postpaid works at Kaza. Jio/Airtel patchy beyond Manali. |
How Much Time Does the Manali Route Save Compared to Kinnaur?
The time savings alone make this route worth considering if your leave days are limited. From Delhi, you can reach Kaza via Manali in just two days. The Kinnaur route takes three days minimum.
Here is how the timeline works. You take an overnight Volvo from Delhi and reach Manali by morning. The next day, you start early (4:30-5:00 AM) and drive or take the HRTC bus through the Atal Tunnel, past Gramphu, over Kunzum Pass, and into Kaza by evening. That is Delhi to Kaza in under 36 hours of actual travel.
The Shimla-Kinnaur route is different. You reach Shimla on Day 1, then travel to Kalpa or Sangla on Day 2 (which itself is a long 8-10 hour drive), and finally reach Tabo or Kaza on Day 3. So you spend one extra day just getting to Spiti.
Distance-wise, the difference is not dramatic. Delhi to Kaza via Shimla-Kinnaur is about 791 km, while Delhi to Kaza via Manali is about 772 km. A mere 19 km difference. But the road quality and the number of halts make the Manali route significantly faster. The Delhi to Manali stretch (570 km) runs on well-maintained national highways, and you can cover it in 12 hours comfortably. The remaining 200 km from Manali to Kaza, while challenging, can be done in a single day.
Keep in mind, if you are short on days and the Manali-Kaza road is open (June to October), the Manali route is the clear winner for reaching Spiti quickly.
However, there is a trade-off you must be aware of. When you travel to Kaza from Manali, the altitude gain is abrupt. You go from Manali at 2,050m to Kunzum Pass at 4,551m within the same day. This rapid altitude change increases the risk of Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS). If you are a first-timer, consider descending to Tabo (3,280m) instead of stopping at Kaza (3,800m) on your first night. Starting 2 hours early from Manali gives you enough time to reach Tabo, and the lower altitude helps with acclimatization.
Is the Manali Route Safer from Landslides During Monsoons?
In terms of major landslide risk during July and August, the Manali route is generally the safer option. The Kinnaur Valley stretch between Reckong Peo and Nako is notorious for shooting stones and road closures during monsoons, sometimes stranding travelers for days.
I will not pretend the Manali route is perfectly smooth, because it is not. The stretch from Gramphu to Kunzum Pass is one of the roughest roads you will drive on. Water crossings are common, especially before BRO completes repairs each season. But these water crossings, while inconvenient, are manageable if you start early from Manali (before 5 AM). The water levels in the nalas rise as the day warms up and glacial melt increases.
The Kinnaur side has a different problem. Monsoons bring sustained heavy rainfall to the Sutlej Valley, and zones like Malling Nalla ahead of Nako and several stretches between Reckong Peo and Pooh are prone to massive landslides. These are not water crossings you can time around. They can block the road for days.
If you are traveling to Spiti during July or August and have to choose one route, I would personally pick the Manali side. You enter the rain shadow region of Spiti faster, and the window of exposure to monsoon-damaged roads is shorter. The risk is almost a day less than traveling from the Kinnaur-Shimla side.
That said, my honest recommendation is to avoid traveling in the mountains during peak monsoon altogether. If you can, plan your trip for late September or early October when the roads are at their best and the weather is clear.
How Good Is Public Transport on the Manali to Kaza Route?
The Manali route has better and more direct public transport connectivity to Kaza compared to the Shimla-Kinnaur route. You can reach Kaza from Delhi in just two bus changes, making it the preferred option for budget travelers using public transport.
The connectivity works like this. From Delhi, multiple HRTC and private Volvo buses run overnight to Manali. You reach Manali by early morning. Then, HRTC runs two daily buses from Kullu to Kaza via Manali during the open season (June to October). These buses reach Manali around 4:45 AM and depart by 5:00 AM. As of 2026, the bus fare from Manali to Kaza is approximately Rs 400-600 per person. Women travelers get a 50% discount on HRTC buses.
The buses now go through the Atal Tunnel instead of over Rohtang Pass, which has cut down the travel time by 2-3 hours. You can expect to reach Kaza by 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM, depending on road conditions.
If you want to help with acclimatization, there is an HRTC bus from Kaza at 2:00 PM to Chango that can drop you at Tabo for the night. Sleeping at Tabo (3,280m) instead of Kaza (3,800m) on your first night makes a noticeable difference in how you feel the next morning.
Compare this with the Kinnaur route. From Delhi, you first take a bus to Shimla or Chandigarh, then another to Reckong Peo, and then a third bus to Kaza. That is three bus changes and three days of travel. From Chandigarh, it is two bus changes but still takes a day longer. Hence, for backpackers and solo travelers on a tight schedule, the Manali route is clearly more efficient.
Is the Manali Route to Spiti Cheaper Than the Kinnaur Route?
Yes, the Manali route is generally cheaper by Rs 1,500-2,500 per person compared to the Kinnaur route. The savings come from one fewer night of accommodation, one fewer day of food, and slightly cheaper bus fares.
Here is a quick budget comparison. On the Manali route, you spend one night in a bus (Delhi to Manali), then travel to Kaza the next day. Your only accommodation cost before reaching Spiti is the bus ticket itself. On the Shimla-Kinnaur route, you need at least two overnight stops (one at Shimla/Narkanda and one at Kalpa or Sangla) before reaching Spiti on Day 3.
Each extra night on the road means Rs 800-2,000 for accommodation plus Rs 300-500 for meals. Over one extra day, that adds up to Rs 1,100-2,500 per person. When you multiply this by the number of people in your group, the savings from taking the Manali route become significant.
For more detailed budget planning, check my article on tips for a budget trip to Spiti Valley and the complete Spiti Valley trip cost breakdown.
What High Passes Will You Cross on the Manali Route?
If you love crossing high-altitude passes, the Manali route gives you two iconic ones: Rohtang Pass (3,980m / 13,058 ft) and Kunzum Pass (4,551m / 14,931 ft). The Kinnaur route has no major pass crossings.
Rohtang Pass sits at the boundary between the Kullu and Lahaul valleys. Since the Atal Tunnel opened in October 2020, you no longer need to cross Rohtang Pass to reach Spiti. The tunnel bypasses it entirely. However, if you have the time and the pass is open, I would still recommend driving over Rohtang at least once for the experience. The views from the top on a clear day are worth the detour. Keep in mind that you need a Rohtang Pass permit if you choose to go over the pass instead of through the tunnel.
Kunzum Pass is a different experience altogether. At 4,551m, it is one of the highest motorable passes in Himachal Pradesh. The road leading up to it from the Batal side is rough but the landscape is otherworldly. At the top, there is the Kunzum Devi temple. It is a tradition to drive around the temple in a clockwise direction to pay respects before entering Spiti Valley. Do stop here for a photograph and to soak in the view of the Spiti Valley stretching out below.
If crossing high passes is on your bucket list, the Manali route delivers two in a single day. The Kinnaur route, while scenic in its own way, is more of a river-valley drive along the Sutlej and Spiti rivers without any major pass crossings.
What About the Atal Tunnel and How It Changes the Manali Route?
The Atal Tunnel, which opened in October 2020, is the single biggest change to the Manali-Spiti route in the last decade. It has made the journey shorter, faster, and less dependent on weather at Rohtang Pass.
Before the tunnel, every vehicle going from Manali to Spiti had to cross Rohtang Pass, which was unreliable in bad weather and required a permit with daily vehicle caps. The tunnel bypasses Rohtang entirely. It sits at 10,171 ft (3,100m), is 9.02 km long, and takes about 15-20 minutes to drive through. No permit is needed for the Atal Tunnel itself.
The practical impact is significant. The tunnel saves about 46 km of distance and 2-3 hours of travel time compared to the Rohtang Pass route. It also eliminates the uncertainty of Rohtang Pass closure due to weather, which used to be a common issue especially in early June and late September. Now, even when Rohtang Pass itself is closed due to fresh snowfall, the Atal Tunnel remains open and the road to Spiti via Gramphu continues to function (as long as Kunzum Pass is clear).
For more details on the route and current road conditions, check my regularly updated Manali-Kaza Road Status page.
Should You Do the Full Spiti Circuit Instead?
If you have 8-10 days, my recommendation is to skip the route debate entirely and do the full Spiti circuit. Enter from one side and exit from the other. This way, you get the best of both routes.
The most popular circuit is to enter Spiti from the Shimla-Kinnaur side (gradual altitude gain, less AMS risk, beautiful Sutlej Valley) and exit via Manali (dramatic pass crossings, faster return). This is also what I recommend for first-timers because the gradual ascent through Kinnaur Valley helps your body acclimatize before you hit the higher altitudes of Spiti.
However, if you only have 5-7 days and the Manali-Kaza road is open, entering from Manali is the practical choice. You save a full day of travel, which means one extra day to explore Kaza, Langza, Hikkim, Kibber, or Chandratal Lake.
For the most common circuit itineraries, check my detailed Spiti Valley itinerary guide. And for month-by-month route availability, check best time to visit Spiti Valley.
Important Things to Keep in Mind for the Manali Route
Before you finalize the Manali route, here are a few important things you should know.
Fuel up at Tandi. The last petrol pump on this route is at Tandi, about 32 km before Jispa. There is no fuel available between Tandi and Kaza (approximately 170 km). If you are driving, fill your tank completely at Tandi. For bikes, consider carrying extra fuel.
AMS is a real concern. The rapid altitude gain from Manali (2,050m) to Kunzum Pass (4,551m) in a single day puts stress on your body. Symptoms include headache, nausea, and breathlessness. Drink plenty of water, avoid alcohol the night before, and do not push through severe symptoms. If possible, descend to Tabo for your first night instead of staying in Kaza.
Road opening is weather-dependent. The Manali-Kaza road typically opens between mid-May and early June, once BRO clears snow from Kunzum Pass. However, I always recommend waiting at least 2-3 weeks after the official opening. By mid-June, the road has been driven on by enough vehicles, BRO has completed initial repairs, and conditions become much more predictable.
New entry fee for 4WD vehicles (2026). As of February 2026, a Rs 500 entry fee has been imposed on all four-wheel-drive vehicles entering Spiti Valley through the Sumdo Army Check Post. You also need prior permission from the Additional Deputy Commissioner office in Kaza. Verify this requirement before you travel.
Carry cash. ATMs are unreliable in Spiti. The ATM at Kaza does not always work. Carry enough cash to cover your entire stay in the valley.
Conclusion
To sum it up, the Manali route to Spiti Valley wins on time, cost, public transport access, pass crossings, and monsoon safety. If you have limited days and the road is open, this is the route to pick. If you have more time, do the full circuit and experience the best of both sides.
I hope this article, along with its companion piece on 5 reasons to travel Spiti from the Shimla-Kinnaur route, helps you make an informed decision. Every route has its charm, and honestly, both sides of Spiti are worth experiencing at least once.
For more detailed route planning, also check the introduction to the Hindustan-Tibet Road and the complete HT Road guide.
If you have questions about planning your Spiti trip, feel free to ask in the comments below or join the DwD Community through the link in the main menu. Fellow travelers in the community are always happy to share their recent experiences and help you plan better. Looking forward to hearing about your Spiti adventures 🙂
Related Reading
- Best Time to Visit Spiti Valley
- Spiti Valley Most Common Itineraries
- Spiti Valley Trip Cost and Budget Breakdown
- Inner Line Permits for Kinnaur, Lahaul, and Spiti
- Mobile Phone Connectivity in Spiti Valley
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Manali to Kaza road open throughout the year?
No. The Manali to Kaza road is seasonal and typically opens between mid-May and early June once BRO clears snow from Kunzum Pass (4,551m). It closes again in mid to late October with the first heavy snowfall. The exact dates vary each year depending on winter snowfall and spring temperatures. For the latest updates, check the Manali-Kaza road status page.
How long does it take to travel from Manali to Kaza?
The journey from Manali to Kaza takes approximately 10-12 hours by road. The distance is about 200 km via Rohtang Pass or 182 km via the Atal Tunnel. HRTC buses depart Manali at 5:00 AM and typically reach Kaza by 3:00-5:00 PM. In a private vehicle, the time depends on road conditions and water crossings.
Do I need a permit to travel from Manali to Spiti Valley?
Indian nationals do not need an Inner Line Permit (ILP) for Spiti Valley. However, if you choose to cross Rohtang Pass instead of using the Atal Tunnel, you will need a Rohtang Pass permit (available online). As of 2026, a Rs 500 entry fee applies to four-wheel-drive vehicles entering through Sumdo Check Post, with prior permission required from the ADC office in Kaza.
Is the Manali route to Spiti safe for first-time travelers?
Yes, with proper preparation. The main concerns are AMS due to rapid altitude gain and rough road conditions between Gramphu and Kunzum Pass. First-timers should start early, stay hydrated, avoid alcohol, and consider spending the first night at Tabo (3,280m) instead of Kaza (3,800m) for better acclimatization. Travel after mid-June when roads are more stable.
Can I take a sedan on the Manali to Kaza road?
Sedans can make the journey, but an SUV or high-ground-clearance vehicle is strongly recommended. The road between Gramphu and Losar has unpaved sections, water crossings, and loose gravel that can be challenging for low-clearance cars. If you are driving a sedan, travel after mid-June when the worst patches have been repaired by BRO and water levels are lower in the morning.
What is the cheapest way to reach Spiti from Delhi via Manali?
The cheapest option is to take an HRTC ordinary bus from Delhi to Manali (Rs 700-900, overnight) and then the HRTC bus from Manali to Kaza (Rs 400-600). Total transport cost one-way comes to about Rs 1,100-1,500 per person. Women travelers get 50% discount on HRTC buses. For detailed budget planning, check the budget Spiti trip by public transport guide.
Should I enter Spiti from Manali or Shimla side?
It depends on your time and priorities. If you have only 5-7 days, enter from Manali to save a full day of travel. If you have 8-10 days, do the full circuit (enter from Shimla-Kinnaur, exit via Manali). The Shimla-Kinnaur route offers gradual altitude gain and beautiful Sutlej Valley scenery, while the Manali route offers dramatic pass crossings and faster access. My detailed comparison is in 5 reasons for the Shimla-Kinnaur route.
387 Comments
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Sir I want to go to spiti valley via manali.
Planning for 8th September
Are the routes open ?
Please suggest
Yes Praveen, all the routes to Spiti valley from Manali are open and will be open during 8th September too unless there is any fresh landslide.
Hi Dheeraj, good insightful articles. Very helpful. I am planning a road trip with my two other friends to Spiti but a but a bit confused on the route that we should take. We were thinking to complete a circuit starting Chandigarh Shimla Kinnaur Kaza Chandratal Manali to Delhi. Can you please tell me if this route is OK? We plan to leave on 7 Sep and return on 15 Sep. Thanks. Trupti
September is a good time to travel and I will recommend that you travel from Kinnaur side and come back from Manali side too. You have 9 days at hand and can follow a plan like below:
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
— Sakya abode or snow lion are two best options at Kaza. Get in touch with Tsering at 09418208987, he is more than a friend to me. Will offer you best price. Both are run by him only. He has home stays too.
Day 6 | Kaza Local Sightseeing (Hikkim, Koumik)
— Hikkim, Komik, Langza circuit
Day 7 | Kaza – Kunzum Pass – Chandratal
Day 8 | Chandratal – Manali
Day 9 | Manali – Delhi
We are traveling to Manali for 3 nights 4 days, can you guide if it will be possible to visit spitti valley along with other manali attractions and near by places. How can we plan our 4 days to cover spitti.
No Sonam, in case you are just planning Manali, best is to stick to Manali and around and make trip to Spiti Valley when you have more time on hand.
Hello sir,
I am from puducherry from down south:-). My question is what’s the cost of the entire spiti valley trip? The minimum no of days required to complete the trip. Please advise if it’s possible through public Transport, the best month to visit the valley? The dresses we need to carry?
Hi ILANCHEZHIYAN
You should read: How to make a budget trip to Kinnaur Valley by public transport? and How to calculate cost or budget for Spiti Valley trip?
Hi Dheeraj,
We are planning for Himachal trip in Oct 1 – 9. We were initialy planning for Manali, Kasol , Keerganga and Tosh. But after reading your articles on Spiti valley we want to include that too on our trip and decided to spare few days exploring spiti valley else it will be a big miss.
Can you please suggest a plan including spiti as well(mainly kaza, tabo, pin valley and chandratal lake)?.
Is it possible to get a round trip(going from manali,return to shimla)?
We will reach manali on Oct 1st morning and we want to leave on oct 9 evening to delhi.
Can you please suggest the best option for us?
Replied to other comment.
Hi Dheeraj,
Its a great write up.
We are planning for Himachal trip in Oct 1 – 9. We were initialy planning for Manali, Kasol , Keerganga and Tosh. But after reading your articles on Spiti valley we want to include that too on our trip and decided to spare few days exploring spiti valley else it will be a big miss.
Can you please suggest a plan including spiti as well(mainly kaza, tabo, pin valley and chandratal lake)?.
Is it possible to get a round trip(going from manali,return to shimla)?
We will reach manali on Oct 1st morning and we want to leave on oct 9 evening to delhi.
Can you please suggest the best option for us?
Krishna, if you want to visit Spiti valley and do round trip, I will advise to skip Kasol – Kheerganga for some other trip.
Day 1 : Reach Manali by overnight volvo of and stay overnight at Solang Valley as preferred for acclimatization
Day 2 : Manali / Solang – Chandratal – Kaza/Losar
Day 3 : Kaza/Losar – Key – Kibber – Kaza
Day 4 : Kaza – Langza – Komik – Hikkim – Kaza
Day 5 : Kaza – Pin Valley – Dhangkar – Tabo
Day 6 : Tabo – Geyu Mummy – Nako – Kalpa
Day 7 : Kalpa – Sangla / Chitkul
Day 8 : Sangla / Chitkul – Sarahan – Narkanda
Day 9 : Narkanda – Delhi
Hiii dheeraj your article is really very good insightfull.
I n my frnds are planning to visit spiti from 8 aug to 15 aug . We will be starting from mumbai on 8 aug evg n will be returning on 15 aug evg. Wanted to know the condition of road from manali to spiti n also landslide n flood situtation ??? Our spiti valley trip is via tour company n they have booked innova for us . Pls give ur suggestion .
Neelanjana, no one can predict that in so advance days. You are coming in monsoons and I will strongly suggest to go through: 10 Tips for a Trip to Spiti Valley in Monsoons
Hey Dheeraj.
We are planning to visit spiti via manali on the evening of 6th of july from delhi, for about 5-6 days.
Looking for a relaxed vacation with outdoor exploration as well (trekking or adventure sports).
Can you please suggest a suitable itinerary for the same.
Also, will this be a safe time to visit spiti?
Thanks! 🙂
Also, Would you recommend manali-spiti or manali-chandratal lake during this season, given the time (5-6 days).
How would I go about manali-chandratal?
Thanks.
Easy will be Chandratal with just 5 days in hand and bit hectic will be Spiti with 6 days in hand as suggested in my other reply
Hey Vidushi,
You can only make a bit hectic trip only to Spiti Valley. You should check: How to make a trip to Spiti Valley in 6 days?
Hi, Your article was indeed insightful. I have a query- I will be travelling to Kaza from Kullu and Wanted to know if the public transportation service is open yet in that route. Also at what time does the bus starts from Kullu. Thank you.
I will start from Kullu in the first week of July
Yes, the HRTC bus has started from Kullu and starts at around 3.45 – 4.00 AM from Kully bus stand.
Hello Sir,
I am planning to go to Kaza via manali route from chandigarh and return back from same route from 25 June to 30 June. We are coming with selfdrive SUV (zoom car) . So what permits are required and from where we can get them. And what can be the best itinerary.
You need to get Beyond Rohtang Pass Permit of Rs 50 to reach Kaza from Manali. You should read: How to make a trip to Spiti Valley in 6 days?
Hello sir
I am planning a trip to spiti valley and kasol from chandigarh
Will be travelling From 24th June to 4 July
Can you help me plan out the trip to both the places via manali
You can follow a plan like below for a 10 day trip to Spiti Valley:
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 : Chandratal – Manali – Kasol
Day 9 : Kasol rest day
Day 10 : Reach Delhi by overnight Volvo from Manali
Hello sir, it’s that I am planning to travel with my friend to Spiti Valley, via public transport and then we want to cover rest of the traveling by bike, to the surrounding areas, instead of renting a taxi. is it possible we can get a bike for rent there or nearby? or is the taxi only preferred mode of sightseeing?
Yash, there are no motor bike rentals within Spiti valley or Kaza. So, you will have to get the bike either from Delhi, Chandigarh or Manali
hello can we go kaza in july second week?
can we go by maruti ritz diesel car there?
Rohit, you can surely go to Kaza in July. 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.
Hi Dheeraj,
Planning to do Spiti between 25th June – 1st July. From Manali and return to Manali. (Not doing Kinnaur). How are the roads from Manali to Kaza at that time? Is it a good time to visit or would you suggest some other place?
Thanks!
Manali to KAza has been opened now and road are always mostly bad in that section.
Thanks for your update.
Is there any hotel/other facilities available in Spiti Valley for night stay? I am planning to go with my wife this month, is it the correct time?
For stay options in Kinnaur and Spiti, check the link: Some Good Options of Stays in Spiti Valley / Kinnaur Valley.
Hello Dheeraj,
Losar to Manali, will we be crossing Rohtang pass?
Yes, you will be crossing Rohtang Pass to reach Manali when you travel from Kaza to Losar to Manali
Thanks very much. We are travelling by a XUV 500, trust that can handle the route?
Yes, Anand with careful and cautious driving, you should be able to do good in Spiti Valley in XUV500
Dear Dheeraj,
I am planning to visit Spiti Valley from 15th June with one of my son and few of his friends. I have few queries please look into the same and advise accordingly. We would be starting from chandigarh and quite flexible with the number of days which can be 7 to 10. My queries are as follows.
1) We would be travelling by our own conveyance and currently having mostly luxurious sedans ( Low road clearance around 170mm) which would be mostly driven by me and I consider myself to be good driver on normal hills and plain roads. Please advise if travelling by these sedans are possible or we definitely require rugged Suvs. If yes then can we hire one from Manali and what would be the tentative cost.
2) During this time which would be the better route via Kinnaur or Manali. i understand Manali route so far is closed and being cleaned, hope that by then it may be open. We would consider the one with more scenic beauty, rural life, road condition and off course have few options for comfortable stay.
3) Please suggest a complete itinerary for the route you suggest with the target towns & places to stay.
4) I have travelled on Srinagar leh by road before in a normal hired Toyota Innova and found that it may be difficult for the normal driver to drive at some of the places. Please advise if the road conditions are similar, worst than that or better.
5) Any other advice which you think is appropriate and we must know.
Thanks & Regards
Hi Sanjeev,
1. Highly recommended to drive an SUV, no self drive options available in Manali.
2. It is always best to go from Kinnaur side and come back from Manali side
3. 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.
4. The roads are worse than Srinagar – Leh road, especially the Manali – Kaza is more like driving on river bed.
Hi Dheeraj
Please advise our family is planing to go spiti from Delhi in august month, so will it be the right time to visit there also please help me to advise what will be the best & safer transport to use.
Thanks well in advance:-)
Hey Govind, I will recommend that you plan the trip in September not August because rains and monsoon is not a good time to visit through Kinnaur Valley to Spiti Valley and same is the case with Manali route. Spiti Valley itself remains in rain shadow region but going over to Spiti will cause some issues in the lower hills in monsoons.
Hello, we are planning to go for 10days tour from 14th to 24th of June, leaving on 14th from Mumbai to Chandigarh-shimla-manali-dharamshala-delhousie-amritsar-mumbai. Can you please guide in developing itinerary? Also if you can tell us about the places to visit?
I will recommend you something like below:
Day 1: Delhi to Manali
Day 2: Rest in Manali and do local sightseeing in Manali
Day 3: Manali – Snow Point towards Rohtang Pass (Marhi / Gulaba)
Day 4: Manali – Naggar Castle
Day 5: Naggar Castle – Dharamshala – Mcleod Ganj
Day 6: Mcleod Ganj and around
Day 7: Mcleod Ganj and around
Day 8: Mcleod Ganj – Dalhousie – Chamba
Day 9: Chamba – Gete (17 Km) – Jot (12 KM) – Gete (12 KM) – Khajjiar (7 KM)
Day 10: Khajjiar – Dalhousie – Amritsar
Can we cover spiti valley as well if we reduce days in Mcleod ganj?
In such a case just focus on Kinnaur and Spiti Valley only including Manali. 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.
Hi there, we r group of 6 planning to explore Spiti in last week of may. Do you suggest we opt for travel agencies or plan our own tour?? I read somewhere today that Manali kaza route is open now.. not sure if this update is reliable.. we will reach delhi on 27 th may midnight n would depart on 4 th Jun afternoon.. can u suggest suitable itinerary covering places which are not to be missed.. thanks for your help
Hi Payal,
There is enough info. on this website to plan a trip yourself to any part of Spiti valley or Kinnaur Valley or Ladakh. So, if you OK to read and do some part on yourself, making the trip yourself will save you a good money. Manali – Kaza route is not open and will open towards the end of May as expected. But, reality it does not go as expected so consider June first-second week the safe bet
Hi Amar, i have planned my trip in June 5-10 full 6 days, out of which I want to spend 3 days in manali 5-7 full can you please give me a plan for next 3 days , also as i am travelling with my mother i won’t prefer much sports activities, will kufri shimla be a nice place?
Or it’s just a city type and time waste?
Please help
Hi Kamna,
Avoid Shimla in June. It is much better to visit Tirthan Valley during that time in the remaining days. You may plan the trip like below two options
Day 1 – Leave from Delhi by overnight Volvo for Manali. Get down at Aut/Bhunter near Kullu next morning (Day 2) where you can get to reach Tirthan Valley (about 40-45 KMs from there)
Day 2 – Tirthan Valley – Relaxing day besides Tirthan River
— Stay at Raju Bharti Guest House (you will need booking well in advance, so finalize it ASAP) other you need to stay at some other property. Raju is a pioneer in that region, so will say do not miss the stay there as it is quite an experience in itself.
Day 3 – Tirthan Valley
— Enjoy the walks in the GHNP. There are two Waterfalls nearby Raju GH in the woods.
Day 4 – Tirthan Valley – Naggar Castle (about 50 KMs)
— Stay at Naggar Castle and enjoy the place. Very romantic with great views and food. Visit Roerich Musueum, Art Gallery and do not miss the hike to ancient Krishna Temple at the top
— It is one of the most romantic places in Himachal
Day 5 – Naggar Castle – Manali (about 30 KMs)
— Manali Local sightseeing including Manu Temple, Hadimba Temple, Local Monastery, Shopping at Mall road etc etc
Day 6 – Manali – Marhi/Gulaba Snow Points towards Rohtang Pass – Solang Valley – Manali
– You can enjoy the first half of the day at snow point MArhi/Gulaba (whichever is accessible) and if interested may also visit Solang Valley snow point for other adventure activities
Day 7 | Manali – Delhi by overnight Volvo
— Relax in Manali by evening and leave from Manali by overnight Volvo.
OR
Day 1 – Reach Manali, take rest for the evening
Day 2 – Manali Local sightseeing which includes Hadimba Temple, Manu Temple, Mall Road, Local Monastery, Vashisth Hot Water Springs (never found it interesting) etc.
Day 3 – Manali – Snow Point either at Solang Valley or Marhi/Gulaba on the way to Rohtang Pass. Enjoy in snow and come back to Manali
Day 4 – Manali – Naggar Castle (stay at Naggar and enjoy the place)
Day 5 – Naggar – Tirthan Valley
day 6 – Tirthan Valley
Day 7 – Start the return
Hi
Hi
Hi Kamna, I replied to your question last evening. Please check and let me know in case you are able to find it else post it under Ask A Question section for better tracking and email updates.
Hi Dhiraj we are planning to visit in that area between 15 – 22 May can you tell us whats best tour for us?? Is manali – shimla or Spiti Valley
Hi Amar, you should plan to visit Kinnaur Valley: Kinnaur Valley – Most Common Itinerary
Can you suggest on some Spiti tour package please ? We are planning to travel during 17th-25th June. I wish to start my journey from Shimla and end it in Manali. Let me know if you know any travel agent who could plan a tour for us
Though we prefer that you plan the trip yourself but still, If you are looking for competitive and customized Ladakh tour and packages, you can connect with info@offbeatescapes.com as most of the readers in the past couple of years have had very good feedback about them and especially their transparent policies along with being there with you all the time in need.
You can plan the itinerary here and may be just forward them or others for package details 🙂
Given below is a 9 day plan for a Spiti Valley trip
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,
Will I be able to get the bus from manali to kaza in the first week of june this year?
It is unlikely that Manali – Kaza road will be open during that time of the year
Thank you so much for sharing this valuable information. We are planning to Manali and spiti Valley for our anniversary. Which is best time to visit both locations? How safe it is?
September is the best time t visit Spiti Valley
Hi dheeraj
I am planning spiti in August either on bike or bus ( lil confused) from Manali .can you suggest will it be a good time to go spiti on a bike. Or should i choose shimla kinnaur route.
Nitin, Kinnaur is much worse than Manali – Kaza in monsoons, so you can decide upon the fact. I will recommend to make the trip in September to avoid monsoons altogether
We are planning to go Spiti via Manali in Third week of April. Is it possible to go..? We had been till Nako last year via Kinnaur route. So we are planning to go Via Manali. Is it possible and what will be the way..! We want to explore Chandrataal lake too..?
The road from Spiti via Manali opens up in June first or second week including Chandratal. So, postpone your trip to June.
Hi Dheeraj,
Can I visit Spiti Valley in Jan… I am planning weekend of Jan 26?
Please refer: How to plan a trip to Spiti Valley in Winters
Hi Dheeraj,
Congratulations on this wonderful blog. Going to Spiti later this month and lots of tips in here 🙂
Yet, some questions: will local bus be available from Losar to Manali towards the end of the month, around 29th Oct? How long will it take? Will it be safe? Somebody mentioned shared tempos – is there such a thing as that? How can one pre-book these?
Thanks in advance!
Madhu, it is a touch and go. Manali – Leh has been declared officially closed now owing to the risk of lives to the people. Same desolation and life threatening risks applies to the road of Manali – Kaza. I will not recommend you doing that road during that time of the year.
Thanks Dheeraj! I also happened to contact Tshering, who I found in your blog and mentioned DoW. He was helpful. Cheers!
Great to know that Madhu, Tsering is a wonderful person in entire Spiti Valley 🙂
Hi, very informative post.
I’m planning to visit spiti around 8-15 october, that too alone.
I’m relying on public transport. Would that be available around this time, manali to kaza.
And lastly is it safe for solo travel?
Thank you
Yes public trnsport will be available during this time. You can travel to Spiti Valley with locals.
Hello Dheeraj
good handy information you provided. i am planning a bike trip to Spiti valley from 17th oct-24th oct. Can you help me with the info related to, where to get the permit for passing the Rohtang pass and will the Manali – spiti Route be opened during the mentioned time frame.
Manalo – Spiti route will be open but it is not recommended to travel over that route during that time of the year. The route beyond Rohtang Pass towards Kunzum Pass becomes very desolated and very risky. Are you sure you want to take that risk and make such a trip?
Dheeraj bhai kudos for your good work. Have a question in mind. Want to visit shimla and near by places for our babymoon. Will it be okay to visit spiti by this route in november last week. Any itinerary or suggestions.
Mukesh, will not suggest traveling with kid to Spiti Valley and November is a harsh time to visit Spiti 🙂
Hi Dheeraj,
I am planning to visit Spiti valley next month(Oct 1st week). Can I get more information on transportation between Manali – Kaza. In some of your post you have mentioned about HRTC buses. Can I get more details like timing and reservation info. I am solo traveller. Your suggestions would be more helpful for me.
Thanks,
Nisarg
Nisarg, the bus starts at 5 AM from Manali and reaches by 3 PM at Kaza. Same way, it starts at 5 AM from Kaza while coming back. Also, the fare is about 250-275 and can be booked at Manali bus stand.
Dear Dheeraj ji,
we are planning tour at last of september via bike manali to kaza so please share about the stay between these routes.
regards
Lovepreet Singh
Lavepreet, there will be PWD Guest House with no light at Chatru, then at Batal along with Dhabha and then guest houses at Losar and finally you reach Kaza.
Hi Dheeraj:
Just wanted to check if the roads to Kaza from Manali – via Rohtang & Kunzum – will possibly be accessible during this week of 26th Sept? The weather is cold with about 2-3 degrees of minimum temp.
The local/public transport will be open, right?
Richa.
Hi Richa,
Yes, the road from Kaza to Manali will be open during end of September and Kaza – Manali – Kullu bus will also be running.
Hey hi,
Can anyone tell me if I can visit Spiti valley in Late December and is it still beautiful in all that frozen scene and which route should I take if I travel in Late december maybe around 25 december?
Yes RV, you can travel to Spiti Valley in winters as the road from Kinnaur remains open all round the year barring few days of heavy snowfall. Sometimes 2-3 weeks you may get stuck in the valley. Plan with ample of time on hand with nothing much to depend here back home.Check: https://discoverwithdheeraj.com/frozen-locked-kaza-spiti-valley/
Hi Dheeraj,
Is it wise to go to Kaza from Manali in October (7-14). Will the roads be open, how the climate will be and do one require permit for Bikes hired from Manali.
Thanks
Basudev
Roads will be open, only travel to go on that route after chcking the weather conditions as it can snow anytime during that time. The cold will make it hard to ride a bike, so be prepared for it. Yes, you need permit to cross Rohtang Pass on any vehicle, rented or private.
Hi Dheeraj,
A friend and I (both girls) plan to travel to Spiti Valley. The dates are 4-14 August from Chandigarh and back. Could you please suggest an itinerary for us and places where we can stay. Thanks in advance 🙂
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.
Thank you for your response! Will the weather be an issue? Heavy rain is forecasted. Also, could you provide some accommodation options we could look at?
For stay options in Kinnaur and Spiti, check the link: Some Good Options of Stays in Spiti Valley / Kinnaur Valley
Regarding weather, Kinnaur is not a place to be in monsoons and in case it is predicted heavy rains in lower hills, I will suggest to give it a skip and plan some other time. Once you reach Spiti region, it remains mostly rain-free being rain shadow region. Either light rains or over cast skies you will experience in Spiti.
Hi Dheeraj,
I was planning for 4 days trip to Manali and from there to Spiti but after reading this I think it will be too less time.I will reach Manali on thursday late morning and leaving on Sunday evening. Can you please suggest where i can get amazing views in and around in such a short stay.
Thanks in advance:)
You can try this
Day 1 | Delhi – Manali and stay overnight at Solang Valley
Day 2 | Solang – Khoksar/Sissu/Chatru/Batal
Day 3 | Khoksar/Sissu/Chatru/Batal – Chandratal
Day 4 | Chandratal – Manali
Day 5 | Manali – Delhi