Last Updated: March 2026
If you are planning a trip to Spiti Valley and wondering which route to take, I would strongly recommend the Shimla to Kinnaur route. I have been suggesting this route to travelers for over a decade now, and the biggest reason is simple. This route allows your body to acclimatize gradually as the altitude increases slowly from Shimla (2,200 m) to Kalpa (2,960 m) to Nako (3,662 m) and finally to Kaza (3,650 m). On the Manali side, you jump from Manali at 2,050 m to Kunzum Pass at 4,590 m in a single day, and AMS hits hard.
The other major advantage? The Shimla to Kinnaur to Spiti route remains open almost throughout the year. The Manali to Kaza road via Kunzum Pass and Rohtang opens only between mid-June and mid-October. If you want to visit Spiti in winter or early summer, the Kinnaur route is your only option. You can also read about the 5 reasons why the Shimla-Kinnaur route is better for Spiti Valley.
Download your FREE high-resolution PDF copy of this day-by-day plan infographic for a Spiti Valley trip from Shimla via Kinnaur in 10 days. If you found it helpful, please feel free to share it with your family and friends to help them plan their trip too.
Let's quickly dive into the details:
What Does This Spiti Valley Itinerary from Shimla Cover?
This itinerary covers the complete Shimla to Spiti Valley round trip via the Kinnaur route. You enter Spiti from the Kinnaur side and return the same way. The plan spans 10-11 days from Delhi and covers all the major highlights: Nako Lake, Tabo Monastery (founded 996 CE), Dhankar Monastery, Pin Valley, Kaza, Ki Monastery, Kibber, Langza, Hikkim, Komik, and the beautiful Sangla Valley and Chitkul in Kinnaur.
I have already published separate itineraries for Spiti Valley from Shimla back via Manali and Spiti Valley from Manali back via Shimla. This article is specifically for those who want to travel the Shimla-Kinnaur route both ways, either because the Manali road is closed or because they prefer the gradual altitude gain.
When Is the Best Time to Travel to Spiti from Shimla via Kinnaur?
The Shimla to Kinnaur to Kaza road (NH-5, formerly NH-22) stays open almost year-round. The best months are May to October when the weather is pleasant and all sightseeing roads around Kaza are open. However, you can also travel this route in winter (November to March) for a completely different experience, as the landscape turns white and the crowds disappear. Keep in mind that in winter, the road between Kaza and Tabo can close for a few days during heavy snowfall. For a detailed month-by-month breakdown, check the best time to visit Spiti Valley guide.
How to Reach Spiti Valley from Shimla?
The route from Shimla to Kaza via Kinnaur covers approximately 412 km. You travel along the Hindustan Tibet Highway (NH-5) through Narkanda, Rampur Bushahr, Jeori, the Kinnaur Valley (Tapri, Reckong Peo, Kalpa area), then through Nako, Sumdo (where you officially enter Spiti), Tabo, and finally Kaza. The drive takes 2-3 days at a comfortable pace with sightseeing stops. For a detailed introduction to this historic highway, read my post on the Hindustan Tibet Road.
By bus: HRTC runs daily buses from Shimla to Reckong Peo (Rs 400-550, 10-12 hours). From Reckong Peo, you can catch a bus to Kaza (Rs 400-700, 8-10 hours). If you plan to travel entirely by public transport, check the budget trip to Spiti Valley by bus guide for complete schedules and fares.
By private vehicle: Any car can handle this route as it is a paved highway for most of the stretch. Some patches between Nako and Sumdo are rough due to landslides, and the Malling Nalla crossing can be tricky during monsoons. A higher ground clearance vehicle is more comfortable but not mandatory. I have seen people travel this route in Swifts and i20s without issues.
Spiti Valley from Shimla via Kinnaur: 10-11 Day Itinerary
Below is the most tried and tested itinerary for Spiti Valley from the Shimla-Kinnaur side. This plan covers 10 travel days with 1-2 buffer days. The itinerary works for both self-drive travelers and those using public transport, though bus travelers will need to adjust timings based on HRTC schedules.
Day 1: Delhi to Shimla or Narkanda (350-400 km, 8-9 hours)
Start early from Delhi and drive to Shimla via the Chandigarh-Shimla highway. If you reach Shimla by afternoon, you can explore the Ridge, Mall Road, Lakkar Bazaar, and Jakhu Temple. However, if you are running late or want a head start for the next day, drive 60 km further to Narkanda (about 2 hours from Shimla). Narkanda is quieter and gives you an advantage the next morning. Overnight at Shimla or Narkanda.
Day 2: Shimla/Narkanda to Kalpa (200-260 km, 8-9 hours)
This is a long but scenic drive through the Kinnaur Valley along the Hindustan Tibet Highway. Leave early, plan lunch at Rampur Bushahr, and continue through Jeori and Tapri. At Powari, take the 7 km climb up to Kalpa. The first views of the Kinner Kailash range from Kalpa are worth every hour on the road. For a detailed guide to this town, read Kalpa travel guide. Overnight at Kalpa. Budget hotels cost Rs 800-2,500/night.
Day 3: Kalpa to Nako to Giu Mummy to Tabo (180-200 km, 8-9 hours)
Start early. The road from Kalpa drops back to Powari and continues on NH-5 through Moorang and Pooh. Stop at Khab Bridge to see the confluence of the Spiti and Sutlej rivers and the Leo Pargial peak (6,791 m). Have lunch at Nako village and walk around Nako Lake. Ahead of Nako, be prepared for the Malling Nalla crossing, which can be rough during monsoons. After Chango and Sumdo (police registration required), you officially enter Spiti Valley. Take the 8 km detour from Sumdo to visit the 500-year-old mummy at Giu village (entry Rs 30/person). Continue to Tabo for the night. Visit the Tabo Monastery (996 CE, known as the “Ajanta of the Himalayas”). Budget stays at Tabo: Rs 500-1,500/night.
Day 4: Tabo to Dhankar to Pin Valley (Mud Village) (80-100 km, 4-5 hours)
A relatively short driving day. Visit Dhankar Monastery and Dhankar Lake. The monastery sits on a cliff at 3,894 m overlooking the confluence of the Spiti and Pin rivers. The trek to Dhankar Lake takes about 1.5-2.5 hours one way and is absolutely worth it. After lunch, head into Pin Valley through Kungri, Sagnam, and finally Mud Village. Mud Village at 3,800 m is the last motorable point in Pin Valley and a gateway to the Pin Parvati Pass trek. Homestays in Mud Village cost Rs 500-1,000/night. Overnight at Mud Village.
Day 5: Pin Valley to Kaza to Ki to Kibber (100-120 km, 4-5 hours)
Drive from Mud Village to Kaza (about 50 km, 2 hours). Kaza is the administrative headquarters of Spiti at 3,650 m. Check into your hotel, have lunch, and then head out for local sightseeing. Visit Ki Monastery, Kibber, Gette, and Tashigang. Ki Monastery is the largest in Spiti and one of the most photographed monasteries in the Himalayas. Kibber (4,270 m) was once the highest motorable village in the world. Tashigang is where the road ends, but the drive itself is beautiful. Return to Kaza for the night. Hotels in Kaza: Rs 800-3,000/night.
Day 6: Kaza to Hikkim to Komik to Langza to Kaza (50-60 km, 4-5 hours)
Today is for the upper villages, the offbeat gems of Spiti. Visit Langza, Komik, and Hikkim. Langza (4,400 m) has a massive Buddha statue overlooking the valley with the Chau Chau Kang Nilda peak as the backdrop. Hikkim has the world’s highest post office where you can mail a postcard. Komik has the Tanggyud Monastery, one of the highest and most important in Spiti. Return to Kaza by afternoon. If you want to get a head start for the return journey, you can drive to Tabo or the remote village of Lhalung (14 km detour in the Lingti Valley). Otherwise, rest at Kaza. Overnight at Kaza, Tabo, or Lhalung.
Day 7: Kaza/Tabo to Nako to Sangla or Rakcham (200-220 km, 9-10 hours)
This is the longest driving day of the trip as you retrace the route back through Spiti into Kinnaur. Start early. Since you have already covered the sights between Tabo and Nako on Day 3, you can make quicker progress today with fewer stops. Have lunch at Nako or Pooh. Continue past Reckong Peo and take the diversion to Sangla Valley. The last stretch from Karcham to Sangla (18 km) runs along the Baspa River. Overnight at Sangla or Rakcham. Hotels: Rs 800-2,500/night.
Day 8: Sangla to Chitkul and Back (60-80 km, 2-5 hours)
A relaxed day in the Sangla Valley. Drive 28 km from Sangla to Chitkul (3,450 m), the last inhabited village on the old Hindustan-Tibet trade route. ITBP controls the area beyond. Have lunch at Chitkul, explore the Mathi Devi Temple, walk along the Baspa River, and soak in the village atmosphere. If you have an extra day, stay the night at Chitkul itself. Otherwise, drive back to Sangla or continue to Sarahan (about 90 km, 3-4 hours from Sangla) to split the return journey. Visit Sarahan’s Bhimakali Temple if you stop there. Overnight at Sangla, Chitkul, or Sarahan.
Day 9: Sangla/Sarahan to Narkanda or Chail (200-250 km, 6-10 hours)
Leave early for the return leg. You can plan lunch at Narkanda (try Negi Dhaba, check reviews in the DwD Community). Instead of taking the main highway back through Shimla, consider the scenic inner route from Kufri to Chail. Chail is a peaceful hill station with colonial-era charm and the world’s highest cricket ground. This gives you a different experience on the return compared to the journey up. Overnight at Chail or Narkanda.
Day 10: Chail/Narkanda to Delhi (300-350 km, 8 hours)
Explore Chail in the morning if you stayed there, then head back to Delhi. Expect 7-8 hours of driving via the Kalka-Ambala highway. If you stayed at Narkanda, the drive to Delhi is about 8-9 hours via Shimla.
Day 11-12: Buffer Days (Keep These Free)
When you are traveling to such a remote part of Himachal Pradesh, always keep 1-2 buffer days. Landslides can block the road for hours or even a full day, especially during monsoon season (July-September). Or maybe you just want to spend an extra day at Chitkul or Kaza, which is perfectly fine. These buffer days have saved many trips, so do not skip them in your planning.
What If You Have Extra Days in Spiti Valley?
If you have more than 10 days, here are some additions that I would highly recommend:
- Chandratal Lake (add 1-2 days): If you are traveling between mid-June and early October when the Kunzum Pass road is open, drive from Kaza to Chandratal Lake (4,300 m). The lake is 50 km from Kaza. You cannot camp at the lake banks anymore (banned by Koksar Panchayat), but camps 3-5 km away cost Rs 1,200-2,500/night. Entry fee is Rs 150/Indian. Return to Kaza the next day and continue the itinerary.
- Demul and Lingti Valley (add 1 day): Explore the Demul village and Rama Valley for an offbeat experience away from the usual circuit.
- Mane Village or Sopona Lake (add 1 day): Visit Mane Village or attempt the trek to Sopona Lake for a truly offbeat day in Spiti.
Where Are the Petrol Pumps Between Shimla and Kaza?
Fuel availability on the Shimla to Kinnaur to Spiti route is much better compared to the Manali side. You do not need to carry extra fuel on this route if you plan your refueling stops properly. Here is the complete list of petrol pumps as of 2026:
- Theog
- Narkanda (recommended top-up point)
- Rampur Bushahr (the last pump on the right side after crossing town is reliable)
- Jeori
- Tapri (reliable as of 2026, do not skip this one)
- Powari (can be closed sometimes, do not rely on it)
- Reckong Peo (the most reliable pump in Kinnaur)
- Kaza (only petrol pump in Spiti Valley, do not miss this)
My recommendation: fill up at Narkanda, top up again at Tapri or Reckong Peo, and then fill up at Kaza. Before starting the return journey from Kaza, make sure your tank is full. This way, you will not need to carry any extra fuel. For a wider discussion on fuel planning for mountain trips, read when to carry extra fuel on Himalayan trips.
Do You Need Permits for the Shimla to Spiti Route?
Indian nationals do not need any permits to travel to Spiti Valley via the Kinnaur route as of 2026. Just carry a valid government photo ID (Aadhaar, Voter ID, or Passport). You will need to register at the police checkpost at Sumdo when entering Spiti Valley from Kinnaur.
Foreign nationals require an Inner Line Permit (ILP) for the protected areas of Kinnaur and Spiti. The permit is best obtained at the SDM office in Reckong Peo. For complete details, read the inner line permits guide for Kinnaur and Spiti.
How Much Does a Spiti Valley Trip from Shimla Cost?
Here is a rough budget breakdown for a 10-day Spiti Valley trip from Delhi via the Shimla-Kinnaur route in 2026. These are per-person estimates assuming 2 people sharing a vehicle and room:
| Expense | Budget (per person) | Mid-Range (per person) |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel (Delhi-Spiti-Delhi, ~1,800 km) | Rs 5,000-6,000 | Rs 5,000-6,000 |
| Accommodation (9 nights) | Rs 4,000-5,000 | Rs 9,000-13,500 |
| Food (10 days) | Rs 3,000-4,000 | Rs 5,000-7,000 |
| Miscellaneous (parking, entry fees) | Rs 500-1,000 | Rs 1,000-2,000 |
| Total | Rs 12,500-16,000 | Rs 20,000-28,500 |
If you are traveling by bus, replace the fuel cost with HRTC bus fares of approximately Rs 1,500-2,500 for the entire round trip. For a complete breakdown, check the Spiti Valley trip cost guide.
Essential Tips for the Shimla to Spiti Road Trip
- Start early every day. Mountain roads are best covered in daylight. Aim to be on the road by 7 AM.
- Carry warm clothes even in summer. Kaza and the upper villages can drop to 5-10 degrees Celsius at night even in June and July. Check the what to pack for Spiti guide.
- Cash is king. ATMs exist only at Reckong Peo and Kaza, and they run out of cash frequently. Carry enough cash from Delhi or Shimla for the entire trip.
- Mobile network coverage. BSNL postpaid has the widest coverage in Spiti. Jio and Airtel work in Kaza town but are patchy elsewhere. Read the Spiti mobile connectivity guide for details.
- Book homestays in advance during peak season (June-September). Kaza, Langza, and Chitkul fill up fast. Check the Spiti Valley homestays guide.
- Respect the monasteries. Remove shoes before entering, do not touch murals, and ask before photographing monks. These are active places of worship, not tourist attractions.
- Carry basic medicines. Diamox for AMS prevention (consult your doctor first), Disprin for headaches, and ORS packets. The nearest hospital is at Reckong Peo or Kaza.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I travel to Spiti Valley from Shimla in winter?
Yes, the Shimla to Kinnaur to Kaza road stays open almost throughout the winter. However, heavy snowfall can close the road between Kaza and Tabo for a few days at a time. The stretch within Kinnaur Valley usually remains open. Carry chains for your tyres and check road conditions with local authorities before starting. For a winter-specific itinerary, read the Spiti Valley winter trip guide.
Is this route safe for a sedan or hatchback?
Most of the Shimla to Kaza road via Kinnaur is a paved highway and can be driven in a sedan. The only challenging sections are between Nako and Sumdo where landslides damage the road, and the Malling Nalla crossing during monsoons. A higher ground clearance vehicle is more comfortable, but not mandatory. I have seen Swifts and i20s on this route.
How many days do I need for Spiti Valley from Shimla via Kinnaur only?
A minimum of 8 days from Delhi is needed to cover the basic highlights. 10-11 days is ideal as it gives you time to explore properly without rushing. If you add Chandratal Lake, plan for 12-13 days. Always keep 1-2 buffer days for road closures or rest.
Is Chandratal Lake accessible from the Shimla-Kinnaur side?
Chandratal Lake is on the Manali side of Spiti (beyond Kunzum Pass). From Kaza, you can drive to Chandratal (about 50 km) between mid-June and early October when the Kunzum Pass road is open. You can visit Chandratal as a day trip or overnight excursion from Kaza and then return to Kaza to continue the Kinnaur route back. The lake itself requires an e-permit (free, via eaagman.hp.gov.in) and has an entry fee of Rs 150 for Indians.
What is the best way to reach Spiti Valley by bus from Shimla?
HRTC runs daily buses from Shimla ISBT to Reckong Peo (Rs 400-550, 10-12 hours). From Reckong Peo, catch the bus to Kaza (Rs 400-700, 8-10 hours, usually departs early morning). Within Spiti, local buses connect Kaza to Tabo, and a daily bus runs from Kaza to Mud Village in Pin Valley (departs 4 PM, returns 6:30 AM). Schedules may vary seasonally, so verify with HRTC or the local bus stand before travel.
Do I need to carry extra fuel on the Shimla-Kinnaur-Spiti route?
No. Unlike the Manali-Leh or Manali-Kaza route, the Shimla-Kinnaur side has multiple petrol pumps at Narkanda, Rampur, Jeori, Tapri, Reckong Peo, and Kaza. Fill up at Narkanda or Tapri and again at Kaza. Top up before leaving Kaza for the return trip. No need to carry extra fuel cans.
![What to pack for Ladakh Bike Ride or Spiti Bike Ride? [Clothes, Spares, Gear & Accessories]](https://discoverwithdheeraj.com/yt_vid_thumbs/ladakh/88.png)
Wrapping Up
The Shimla to Kinnaur to Spiti route is, in my opinion, the best way to experience Spiti Valley, especially if it is your first time. The gradual altitude gain gives your body time to adjust, the Kinnaur Valley is beautiful in its own right, and the route works almost year-round. I hope this itinerary helps you plan your trip. If you have any questions, feel free to drop them in the comments below, and I will try my best to help you out. You can also join the DwD Community for real-time discussions with fellow travelers planning Spiti trips 🙂
If you know someone planning a trip to Spiti from the Shimla-Kinnaur side, do share this article with them. It might just save them a lot of planning time.
119 Comments
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Hi Dheeraj,
We are planning a trip to Spiti valley during 10-19 August,2018. Initially we planned Manali – Kaza – Manali side of the circuit because we were informed that Shimla – Kaza route is prone to landslides during that period. However, we are hearing that even Manali – Kaza route is prone to landslides. Could you please guide us on that? Thanks a lot
Well anything in rains will be prone to landslides, however, given the two routes Kinnaur Valley is more fragile and have high chances of landslides. It is just comparitive statement between two. If Manali – Kaza is bad, Kinnaur Valley is much worse in rains 🙂
I want to take Shimla-Manali Circuit in a 9 days.
I am 82 Years of age and cannot climb. I cannot walk more than 100 feet. Hence, I am on wheelchair. I have no asthma or arthrities. I Have B.P. but it is under control by normal medicine.
Can I get wheelchair friendly accomodation during Shimla-Manali tour. Am I likely face any problem?
Please give some advise
I am really sorry to say that sir, but I may not have 100% certain idea about it. There are many hotels I can recall that will have wheelchair friendly accommodation and some places I cannot recall. You may need to get in touch with some travel agent who can assure you about it. May be check with contact@thehimalayanmonk.com as most of the readers in the past few years have had very good feedback about both of them and especially their transparent policies along with being there with you all the time in need. So, we trust them the most.
Hello Dheeraj,
We are bunch of friends (girls included) planning bike tour to SPITI during Sep 2018. I saw your itinerary “A Trip to Spiti Valley from Shimla – Kinnaur Side in 10 Days”. Few questions:
(1) Will the same itinerary hold good for a bike trip also, requiring same number of days?
(2) We plan to start and end at Chandigarh, and want to hire bikes. Any suggestions for reliable vendors?
(3) If its a solo rider, would any bike lesser than RE 350 CC work well considering given oxygen levels and altitude?
Looking forward to hearing from you! Thanks much!
Regards,
Shashi
Bangalore
Hi Shashi,
If you have been doing bike trips, then well that itinerary is fine. It will have about 6 Hrs of ride on average every day. Sorry on bike rental front. You should be fine with 150cc bikes too. Lot of people do it.
Thanks a ton for your comments and advise. God bless!
Thank you, feel free to post any further questions you may have for the trip.
hey i m planning to visit Spiti vally in this month end can you suggest me which is the best way i can explore more from shimla to kaza.
Hey Mukeh,
Are you OK with extreme cold conditions and very basic stay and food options?
Hello,
We are two planning to visit spiti valley from September 29 to October 7. We have total of 8 nights to cover. We are planning to land at Chandigarh and start the journey from Chandigarh via shimla to spiti and come back via the same route.
Will it be safe to self drive or better hire a car with a local driver? Any recommendations regarding local drivers/ rentals?
Thank you,
Eldad
Eldad, in case you are not used to driving in bad roads and those conditions, best will be to have expert driver with you. 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 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.
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.
You can follow the plan like below:
Day 1 | Chandigarh – Narkanda – Sarahan
Day 2 | Sarahan – Rakcham/Sangla/Chitkul
Day 3 | Rakcham/Sangla/Chitkul – Nako – Geyu Mummy – Tabo
Day 4 | Tabo – Dhangkar – Dhangkar Lake – Pin Valley – Kaza
— For stay check Sakya Abode is good option at Kaza apart from PWD Guest houses. Read more about Sakya Abode at: Sakya Abode Kaza – An Enriching Experience in Spiti Valley
Day 5 | Kaza Rest and Local Sightseeing
— Ki, Kibber, Gette, Tashigang
Day 6 | 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 7 | Kaza – Tabo – Nako – Kalpa
Day 8 | Kalpa – Narkanda
Day 9 | Narkanda – Chandigarh
Hi,We are two couple planning to visit spiti valley in September(30th Aug to 5 Sept).We have total of 7 nights to cover.We are planning to land at Chandigarh and start the journey from Chandigarh via shimla to spiti and come back via the same route.We want the least expense of stay also want to include a trekking for a day.Please suggest as early as possible so we can plan the trip.
thanks,Hope to hear from you guys
You can opt for any of the below plans
Day 1 | Chandigarh – Narkanda
Day 2 | Narkanda – Kalpa
Day 3 | Kalpa – Nako – Geyu Mummy – Tabo
Day 4 | Tabo – Dhangkar – Dhangkar Lake – Pin Valley – Kaza
Day 5 | Kaza Rest and Local Sightseeing
— Hikkim, Komik, Langza circuit
Day 6 | Kaza – Ki, Kibber – Kaza and then reach Tabo/Nako by evening
Day 7 | Tabo/Nako -Rampur
Day 8 | Rampur – Chandigarh
OR preferable will be
Day 1 | Chandigarh – Narkanda
Day 2 | Narkanda – Kalpa
Day 3 | Kalpa – Nako – Geyu Mummy – Tabo
Day 4 | Tabo – Dhangkar – Dhangkar Lake – Pin Valley – Kaza
Day 5 | Kaza Rest and Local Sightseeing
— Hikkim, Komik, Langza circuit
Day 6 | Kaza – Ki, Kibber – Rangrik – Kunzum Pass – Chandratal
Day 7 | Chandratal – Manali
Day 8 | Manali – Chandigarh
Hi Dheeraj,
We are planning to visit spiti vally on mid September for 7-8 days.we are planning start from shimla side and back home through manali. I have gone through your valuable suggestions, still i have few doubts.
1. Mid september is good time to visit Spiti?
2. As we will be flying down to Delhi/Chandigarh, Which is place is good(Delhi or Chandigarh) to start considering time constraints and have hire 4X4 self drive car.
3. We want to cover most of the places en-rout (motorable), if can give a fair idea of places to visit and stay. want to avoid crowded city places like Shimla.
Thank You
Hi Sattwik,
1. Yes, mid-September is a very good time to travel to Spiti Valley
2. If you have to hire a self-drive car, then both Chandigarh and Delhi have the options with Delhi having more options. You do not really need a 4×4 just high GC vehicle will do fine as well but 4×4 always have an advantage.
3. You can follow the below plan for 8 days
Day 1 | Delhi – Narkanda
Day 2 | Narkanda – Kalpa
Day 3 | Kalpa – Nako – Geyu Mummy – Tabo
Day 4 | Tabo – Dhangkar – Dhangkar Lake – Pin Valley – Kaza
Day 5 | Kaza Rest and Local Sightseeing
— Hikkim, Komik, Langza circuit
Day 6 | Kaza – Ki, Kibber – Rangrik – Kunzum Pass – Chandratal
Day 7 | Chandratal – Manali
Day 8 | Manali – Delhi
Thanks a ton Dheeraj
Hey Sattwik,
I am planning Spiti end of this month onwards, I am looking for a travel partner . Would you mind planning together in case our dates match?
HI Dheeraj, Information provided by you in different comments are enough for anyone to plan for Spiti.
I am also planning to visit Spiti in 1st week of July, it will be an 8-9 day trip, starting from Delhi to spiti by Shimla and back home through Manali. I have a couple of thoughts where actually your intervention required as mentioned below:
– Can we plan this trip from Honda City ZX.
– July will be the time to visit the same as rain is likely will on the top.
– can we stay anywhere in our own tents after Kalpa
Hi Manu,
Honda City will struggle for sure on Manali – Kaza route due to low ground clearance. Now, if you say possible well I run my dZire almost everywhere in the Himalayas but I do not love it more than I love adventure. IF you sail in the same boat, may give it a try with very cautious and careful driving. Otherwise, personal suggestion will be to avoid taking luxury to such remote harshness 😉
First week of July is still good time to travel, keep a check on forecasts of Kinnaur rest Spiti Valley is rain shadow region. Regarding staying in own camps: Top 10 Tips for Camping in Ladakh & Spiti Valley
Hello..
We had plan for ladakh road trip but bcz of kashmir riots it is so we are planing the spiti vally road trip via hindustan tibet highway … From manali.. Please suggest us the best itinary…! We are having tempo traveller is it possible by tempo traveller?
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.
Tempo traveller can travel to Spiti valley. When are you planning the trip?
Dear Mr Dheeraj
We are planning to visit spiti valley including kaza, Chandra Tal via Shimla -kinnaur route.
We have 7-8 days and we are coming through Dehradun. Request to provide Itineary and your valuable advise.
Regards
Rajnish
ith just 8 days in hand, you can follow something like below:
Day 1 | Delhi – Narkanda
Day 2 | Narkanda – Kalpa
Day 3 | Kalpa – Nako – Geyu Mummy – Tabo
Day 4 | Tabo – Dhangkar – Dhangkar Lake – Pin Valley – Kaza
Day 5 | Kaza Rest and Local Sightseeing
— Hikkim, Komik, Langza circuit
Day 6 | Kaza – Ki, Kibber – Kaza and then reach Tabo/Nako by evening
Day 7 | Tabo/Nako – Sarahan/Rampur
Day 8 | Sarahan/Rampur – Delhi
Can we include ChandraTal in this itineary?
Yes, if you are planning the trip post mid of June, then you can follow the below plan with Chandratal:
Day 1 | Delhi – Narkanda
Day 2 | Narkanda – Kalpa
Day 3 | Kalpa – Nako – Geyu Mummy – Tabo
Day 4 | Tabo – Dhangkar – Dhangkar Lake – Pin Valley – Kaza
Day 5 | Kaza Rest and Local Sightseeing
— Hikkim, Komik, Langza circuit
Day 6 | Kaza – Ki, Kibber – Rangrik – Kunzum Pass – Chandratal
Day 7 | Chandratal – Manali
Day 8 | Manali – Delhi
Ay precaution to be taken as u will plan with my 8 year Daughter, niece of 4 yeras .
Earlier I had visited keylong by Honda Accord, this time planning by TATA HEXA.
Is this safe, do have economical stay and good food available for kids?
Jaspreet, well, the only issue will be Chitkul. Avoid night stay up there else it should be fine for all as long as you stay low at like Sangla or Kalpa.
Hi I am Jaspreet Singh, I am planning to go Shimla, sangla, chitkul, kalpa, back to shimla from 06 the June to 9th or 10th June back to shimla,
Anyone who recently visited location, kindly update road conditions stay at sangla and kalpa.
Ay precaution to be taken as u will plan with my 8 year Daughter, niece of 4 yeras .
Earlier I had visited keylong by Honda Accord, this time planning by TATA HEXA.
Is this safe, do have economical stay and good food available for kids?
Jaspreet, Hexa will do just fine on those roads. People who have done it recently suggested that the roads are mostly in good shape.
Hi Dheeraj,
We’re planning a self driven road trip from Shimla side to Kaza in the month of June, taking my hatch back I10 for the trip, is it possible to do the trip with a car like this?
Day 1 | Delhi – Narkanda
Day 2 | Narkanda – Kalpa
Day 3 | Kalpa – Nako – Geyu Mummy – Tabo
Day 4 | Tabo – Dhangkar – Dhangkar Lake – Pin Valley – Kaza
Day 5 | Kaza Rest and Local Sightseeing
— Ki, Kibber, Gette, Tashigang
Day 6 | Kaza – Hikkim, Komik, Langza circuit – Kaza and then reach Nako by evening
Day 7 | Nako – Rampur / Narkanda
Day 8 | Rampur / Narkanda – Delhi
Pawan, it indeed is possible to make the above trip in a hatch back. However, please not that Hikkim, Komic, Langza, there will be soiling on the road, so confirm from locals before taking it. Also, the car will be driven on bad roads and hence, will take a toll on it. Drive slow, don’t drive fast as puncture may happen.
hi dheeraj, i am bany from kerala, planning a road trip to spiti valley via kinnaur from shimla, will be reaching shimla on may20th, taking my hatch back polo for the trip, is it possible to do the trip with a car like this?if yes please help us with itinerary
Hi Bany,
I hope you understand that Manali – Kaza will not be open by that time of the year so you will have to come back the same route. You can take a car like polo but it will take a toll on itself. You have to drive carefully at few sections once you reach Kinnaur up to Kaza. So, be patient and cautious as a breakdown will result in great ordeal of bringing back the car or getting it fixed up there in the remote Himalayas.
Hey Dheeraj, this is our final itinerary –
Day 1 reach Shimla from Delhi by morning. Hire a cab from Shimla and drive to Sangla. overnight at Sangla.
Day 2 drive to kaza, visit nako lake on the way
Day 3 drive to Langza, visit Ki-Kibber and trek to Komic
Day 4 trek to Demul
Day 5 trek to Lalung
Day 6 trek to Dhankar. Drive to Tabu and drive back to Kaza
Day 7 drive to kunzumla, then head back to sangla/rampur
Day 8-9 back to Shimla to delhi
Let me know if this looks ok for 1st week of may
Hey Charu,
This appears to be quite hectic especially the first two days. After a journey to Shimla, you plan to go to Sangla that very day. Then next day a long drive to Kaza. Then next day without any rest you planning to do trek !! All this sounds only if you lucky you will not hit with AMS else fair chances of getting hit with AMS. May first week will still have snow, so the villages trek may not be that easy. Keep a flow in mind and decide based on how you are feeling every night. Driving to Kunzum Pass and then getting back to Sangla / Rampur again is too much to ask.
Hey Dheeraj, yes i agree this is a very optimistic plan and things may slip. What would you suggest as an alternative.. may be cut down the trek?
Yes, please cut down on treks and also do it like up to Tabo from Sangla/Kalpa and then Tabo – Dhangkar – Kaza. Then around Kaza.
Hi Dheeraj,
your post has been quite helpful. My friend and I (adults: female) are planning to travel in Himachal Pradesh coming May. How long does it take to reach Shimla from Chandigarh if taken a bus/cab?
We will be in Shimla around 12th May. Can you help me plan an itinerary from 13th May to 18th May to Spiti Valley? We plan to travel to Parvati Valley and McLeod Ganj after that until 23rd May. If you could guide us with that it would be of great help as me and my friend are travelling North side for the first time.
Thank you.
Hi Aishwarya,
It will take about 4-4.5 Hrs to reach Shimla from Chandigarh. You have just 6 days to plan the trip to Spiti. I will recommend that you restrict it for Kinnaur Valley only and enjoy it instead of making a very hectic trip. It takes very long two days to reach Spiti from Shimla and same two long days to come back. So, in just 6 days it will be too much. It is best that you stick to Sarahan, Sangla, Chitkul, Kalpa and soak in these remote villages.
Thank you for your prompt reply Dheeraj. We are changing the dates of our tour. We will now be traveling to Spiti starting from 11th May up till 21st/22nd May and return thereafter. Could you suggest how to plan this trip to Spiti? Also could you recommend who should we get in touch with regards to traveling from Shimla to Spiti and accommodating there for a few days? The tour packages I am finding online are pretty expensive and we don’t want to travel with a big group.
Hi Aishwarya,
You can follow the plan like below:
Day 1 – Delhi – Narkanda
Day 2 – Narkanda – Kalpa
Day 3 – Kalpa – Nako – Geyu Mummy – Tabo
Day 4 | Tabo – Dhangkar – Dhangkar Lake – Pin Valley
Day 5 | Pin Valley – Kaza Local Sightseeing
— For stay check Sakya Abode or snow lion are two good options at Kaza apart from PWD Guest houses. Get in touch with Tsering, the guy who runs it. He is a very good friend of mine and you can refer my name.
Day 6 | Kaza Local Sightseeing
— Ki, Kibber, Gette, Tashigang
Day 7 | Kaza Local Sightseeing and go back to Tabo
— Hikkim, Komik, Langza circuit
Day 8 | Kaza – Rakcham/Sangla
Day 9 & 10 – Rakcham – Sangla – Chitkul
Day 11 | Chitkul – Sarahan/Narkanda/Daranghati
Day 12 | Sarahan/Narkanda/Daranghati – Delhi
You can get connected directly to some drivers in 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 3000-3500 per day depending on the number of days you plan to travel, more the days, less the price. Etios will be available for about 2200 per day from Shimla.
Otherwise, taxis, in general, are also available on the spot from Shimla or Manali from respective taxi stands
For stay options in Kinnaur and Spiti, check the link: Some Good Options of Stays in Spiti Valley / Kinnaur Valley
Thank you so much Dheeraj. I am working on a final itinerary and will get in touch with you if I need any guidance 🙂
Sure, feel free to post.
Hi Dheeraj,
We are a group of 4 people and planning a trip to spiti around mid june.
We would start from Simla and end the trip in manali, have 7 days in hand excluding our travel days.. Will need to be in manali by 6pm on the 7th day for the return journey.
Can you please help me with an itenary.
Thanks in advance.
You may give below Spiti Valley plan a try:
Day 1 | Delhi – Narkanda
Day 2 | Narkanda – Kalpa
Day 3 | Kalpa – Nako – Geyu Mummy – Tabo
Day 4 | Tabo – Dhangkar – Dhangkar Lake – Pin Valley – Kaza
Day 5 | Kaza Rest and Local Sightseeing
— Hikkim, Komik, Langza circuit
Day 6 | Kaza – Ki, Kibber – Chandratal
Day 7 | Chandratal – Manali
Thanks Dheeraj.
I will be in simla on day 0, we will be flying down to chandigarh and then proceed to simla. so can start the trip on day 1 early morning from simla. Should we leave towards Narkanda early morning on Day 1 itself? Read about Sarahan village as well. Shall we proceed from Narkanda to Sarahan on Day 1 itself.
Can you please also suggest budget options to stay in these places. In the itenary, the last location will be the place where we need to book an accommodation.
Should we look at booking options online or book as we reach there.
Also, we were planning to rent an innova for 4 of us..should we take it from simla itself ? Or from chandigarh for the entire route until drop in manali?
Cool, in that case follow the below plan:
Day 1 | Shimla – Narkanda – Sarahan
Day 2 | Sarahan – Kalpa
Day 3 | Kalpa – Nako – Geyu Mummy – Tabo
Day 4 | Tabo – Dhangkar – Dhangkar Lake – Pin Valley – Kaza
Day 5 | Kaza Rest and Local Sightseeing
— Hikkim, Komik, Langza circuit
Day 6 | Kaza – Ki, Kibber – Chandratal
Day 7 | Chandratal – Manali
You can book the stays on the spot. You can get connected directly to some drivers in 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 pickup as well.
The rates of the taxis are about Rs 3000-3500 per day depending upon the number of days you plan to travel, more the days, less the price. If you are 2-3 in 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
For stay options in Kinnaur and Spiti, check the link: Some Good Options of Stays in Spiti Valley / Kinnaur Valley.
Thanks for the detailed response Dheeraj.
Hi Dheeraj,
Is it possible to rent a motorbike to take on a trip from Shimla –> Kaza?
I am a foreigner and will be traveling alone in early May. I can rent one in Delhi if I need too, however, I am trying to avoid heavy traffic and dangerous situations. If you do not recommend renting a bike I will stick to buses.
Thanks,
Maggie 🙂
Hey Maggie,
It will be better to rent the bike in Delhi as Shimla does not have much options. Chandigarh again may have few but Delhi will have more options. Check for Lalli Singh bike rentals in Delhi.
Do you think it is a safe and an okay idea? Is there enough places to stop for the night and to get gas? Thanks,
Maggie
Hmm, safety wise never heard of any issues barring very few in last 8-9 years. Gas, you need to be careful and you cannot miss the REckong Peo and Kaza fuel pumps.
Hi Dheeraj,
This is Rohit from Delhi.
It’s always nice to read your blog.
We are a group of 9-10 persons visiting Spiti valley in 3rd week of August.
Since most members in our group are traveling first time to heigher altitudes, we need an easy itinerary.
I have planned it like this.
Day 1- Reach Manali
Day 2- Manali to Kaza. Stay at Kaza.
Day 3- Geyu Mummy- Tabo- Pin valley- Kaza. Stay at Kaza.
Day 4- Dhankar Monastery- Dhankar lake in 1st half. Key- Kibber in 2nd half. Stay at Kaza.
Day 5- Langza-Hikkim-Komic circuit. Home stay at Langza/ Hikkim.
Day 6- Langza/ Hikkim-Losar- Chandratal. Stay at Chandratal.
Day 7- Chandratal- Manali.
Day 8- Manali- Delhi.
Please tell me if this itinerary is fine or we should do some changes.
Regards
Rohit, I will suggest following
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 / Losar
Day 7 : Kaza / Losar – Chandratal – Manali
Day 8 : Reach Delhi by overnight Volvo from Manali
i want to plan the trip via narkanda and back to jaipur via manali on ;8th april 2017 please suggest its good and accesable with itinearrrary 10- 12 days
Vipen, the road from Kaza to Manali will open in mid of June, hence in April you cannot make the complete circuit. You have to travel from Shimla – Kinnaur route and come back the same route.
ok but is this all done if i started frm jaipur 8th april 2017 with my kwid, i did mount abu udaipur, kumbhalgarh, in last rainy season with kwid this rainy season frm jaipur, wil u please advise me about the prefferd way and stops,, stays and spots
I could not understand the question Vipen, you cannot make the trip to Spiti Valley in april from Manali side. Also, doing it with family in April is not recommended as it will be harsh.
i want to leave on 8th april 17, by my kwid from jaipur , ok via shimla as u suggested how can i cmplt my trip spiti n back to shimla n jaipur, plz sugggest , and also the route
How many days do you have in hand Vipen?
Dheeraj sir, planning for spiti trip in the month of may end. So please suggest any 7 days itinerary from delhi and back. And also plz suggest can it be done on swift dzire or should we hire any 4×4 suv.
Abhay, with careful driving you can surely make a trip to Spiti Valley in Swift Dzire. I have done multiple times in the same car. I will suggest below with just 7 days in hand, it will be a bit hectic
Day 1: Delhi – Shimla / Narkanda
Day 2: Shimla / Narkanda – Kalpa
Day 3: Kalpa – Nako – Nako Lake – Tabo
Day 4: Tabo – Dhangkar – Dhangkar Lake – Pin Valley – Kaza
Day 5: Kaza – Ki, Kibber, Komik, Hikkim
Day 6: Kaza – Tabo – Nako – Kalpa – Rampur/Jeori (very long day)
Day 7: Rampur/Jeori – Delhi (again a long day)
Hi,
I like to visit Spiti valley in first week of Oct’2017. What is the expected status of Kunzum pass that time? My prefered as follows.
Day 1 | Shimla – Kufri – Narkanda
Day 2 | Narkanda – Sarahan- Sangla
Day 3 | Sangla – Chitkul – Kalpa
Day 4 | Kalpa-Pooh-Nako-Tabo
Day 5 |Tabo – Dhankar – Dhankar Lake – Pin Valley (Mudh Village) – Kaza
Kaza Local Sightseeing
Ki, Kibber, Gette, Tashigang in the second half of the day
Day 6 | Kaza Local Sightseeing (Hikkim, Koumik)
— Hikkim, Komik, Langza circuit
Day 7 | Kaza – Kunzum Pass – Chandratal- Batal
Day 8 | Batal – Manali
Day 9 | Manali – Naggar – Manikaran – kullu
Day 10 | Kullu -Parashar lake-Shimla
Please suggest viability. We need a SUV with driver, how much it cost current days?
Hello Kalyan,
Kunzum Pass remains open in October but be prepared for some fresh snow, just in case at times. Your plan looks good to me. You can get connected directly to some drivers in 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 pickup as well.
The rates of the taxis are about Rs 3000-3500 per day depending upon the number of days you plan to travel, more the days, less the price.
Otherwise, taxis in general are also available on the spot from Shimla or Manali from respective taxi stands
Thank you Dheetaj. Please suggest cheap stay options for this trip.
Sorry, Dheeraj.
That’s fine 🙂
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.
Hi There,
Can we travel in April from Delhi with 9 days in hand?
whats the weather in April there? We will be driivng an ecosport.
You can make a trip to Spiti valley from Shimla – Kinnaur side in April. You can try to follow the itinerary below:
Day 1 | Chandigarh – Narkanda – Sarahan
Day 2 | Sarahan – Rakcham/Sangla/Chitkul
Day 3 | Rakcham/Sangla/Chitkul – Nako – Geyu Mummy – Tabo
Day 4 | Tabo – Dhangkar – Dhangkar Lake – Pin Valley – Kaza
— For stay check Sakya Abode is good option at Kaza apart from PWD Guest houses. Read more about Sakya Abode at: Sakya Abode Kaza – An Enriching Experience in Spiti Valley
Day 5 | Kaza Rest and Local Sightseeing
— Ki, Kibber, Gette, Tashigang
Day 6 | 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 7 | Kaza – Tabo – Nako – Kalpa
Day 8 | Kalpa – Narkanda
Day 9 | Narkanda – Chandigarh
Sir I m planing a bike trip
On a rental bike from shimla to spiti
On 10th of may to 20th may
With my wife
On pulsar or other bike
What u think
It’s safe or doable
Pls share ur thoughts
Mohit, you will need to travel form Shimla – Kinnaur side and come back the same route. It should be fine to travel at that time of the year to Spiti Valley 🙂
Mohit, I am Manish. I am also planning a bike trip to Spiti Valley during the same time period with my wife. Lets plan and do it together bro. You can contact me on 8058333997.
Manish, it will be great if you put up your calendar entry too in the DoW Travel Calendar from the main menu.
When does the kunzum pass open?
Kunzum Pass opens by May but route from Manali to Kaza completely opens by first-second week of June
Hi,
I am planning to go to Spiti Valley following the route mentioned above. We are a group of 5, traveling from Mumbai in May 2017. I have closely followed all the articles on DoW and have built an itinerary based on the inputs received from DoW and other resources on the internet. It would be great if you could have a look at the itinerary and suggest changes if any. I would also like to know about the following:
– Recommended lunch stops
– Washrooms available on the route
– Recommended time for an early start on routes covering long distances in a single day (keeping in mind weather conditions and sunset timings/ driving in the dark)
– We will hire a tourist vehicle, so what are the arrangements for driver’s stay in the hotels/ guest houses/ home stays available on the route? Is this covered in the daily cost of hiring the vehicle or will it be extra?
THE ITINERARY IS AS FOLLOWS;
Day 1>
Mumbai-Chandigarh by morning flight
Chandigarh-Shimla by Taxi
Reach Shimla around 3-4 pm.
Explore Mall road
Day 2>Shimla sightseeing
Visit Annandale, Army Heritage Museum
Vice Regal Lodge
Mall Road, Christ Church, Heritage Walk
Day 3> Shimla – Kalpa
Enroute visit Padam Palace at Rampur, Lunch break at Rampur
Overnight stay at Kalpa
Day 4> Kalpa – Tabo
Khab Bridge Confluence of Spiti and Sutlej Rivers
Nako Lake, lunch at Nako
Geyu Village to see 500 yr old mummy of a Buddhist monk
Overnight Stay at Tabo
Day 5> Tabo – Pin Valley
Dhankar Monastery
Walk to Dhankar Lake, approx 2 km,
Travel to Pin Valley via Kungri, Sangnam, Mud, Tailling villages
Overnight stay at Mud village
Day 6> Mud – Kaza
Check in to Kaza hotel, have lunch
Key Monastery
Kibber, Gette villages
Tashigang Village, view Chau Chau Kang Nilda peak
Chicham Village to see rope pulled trolley for crossing valley
Overnight stay at Kaza
Day 7> Kaza – Tabo
Langza village – collect sea fossils, view Chau Chau peak, Buddha Statue
Komic Village
Hikkim Village
Overnight stay at Tabo
Day 8> Tabo – Rakcham
Lunch at Nako or Puh
Overnight stay at Rakcham
Day 9> Rakcham – Chitkul-Sarahan
Chitkul Village
Kamru Fort
Meadows around Sangla village
Overnight at Sarahan
Day 10> Sarahan – Chail
Lunch at Narkanda
Explore Chail
Overnight at Chail
Day 11> Chail – Kalka
Kalka – Mumbai by Paschim Express
Day 12> Arrive in Mumbai
Amlan, given the days in hand, your plan looks OK to me.
Hi Dheeraj
Thanks for a nice overview of Spiti
Is there a shorter version of Spiti tour which can be done in 3-4 days starting from Shimla covering few important places
No Girish, from Shimla it takes at least 2 long days fo travel just to reach Spiti Valley and two long days to come back. So, in 3-4 days of being on road only it means traveling on road and sleeping and then coming back.
hi dheeraj i want to travel to spitti valley from manali route or shimla route or vis-vera either enter from manali and come out from shimla or enter from shimla and come cout from manali ,i want to see the whole route from manali to shimla to visit spitti valley.
pls sugeest which is the best time and season.
i had already vistied to leh ladakh in jun 2015 i had enter from kashmir and end my trip to manali it was wonderfull route and trip. the same i have to visit in spiti valley. pls suggest the route
thank poonam deepak chawla
Hello Poonam,
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.
You can get connected directly to some drivers in 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 pickup as well.
The rates of the taxis are about Rs 3000-3500 per day depending upon the number of days you plan to travel, more the days, less the price.
Otherwise, taxis in general are also available on the spot from Shimla or Manali from respective taxi stands
For stay options in Kinnaur and Spiti, check the link: Some Good Options of Stays in Spiti Valley / Kinnaur Valley.
Hi Dheeraj
Your article is awesome!!! That is u making me to go to this trip.. i hav been to keylong, manali, kashmir, kargil, srinagar before but this time i m planning to go leh via spiti ( Hindustan-Tibet HIghway) just bcz u hav desribed its beauty very well with pictures, so is it possible if i leave from palanpur(gujarat) on 29th Oct as my vacation starts from this date? or if Leh is not possible(due to winter & POK issue) than what r the other choice? bcz i know it will be winter time as i reach himachal on 1st of Nov.. we r frnds(5 Person) planing this trip with Duster RXZ 110ps Diesle. guide me if i m doing any wrong….
Amin, I think I have already replied to your other comments. Please check the mail you might have got from it.
Thanx for ur quick response. and thanks for ur valuable advice. if i want to go with my family(2+1kid 3yr) in november than what r the choices??
Amin, I will not recommend that you take a 3 yr kid to such a harsh place in winters up there. Adults have diferent adaptability and level of acceptance than kids to different day to day needs. Some of the day to day needs are criplled or hard to find in remote places of Himalayas as the winters starts. Try making a trip somewhere in the lower hills in such a case.
Hi Dheeraj
We are planning a road trip on our Toyota fortuner – Delhi-Shimla- Kalpa- Spiti-Kunzun-Manali-Delhi. Starting from 28 October to 3rd Novemebr.
Please advise what are the probabilities of reaching Kunzun pass at that point of the year.
Shobhit
I will not recommend at all to take that route from Manali to Kaza that late in the season.
Hi I Plan to visit Spiti Valley from Shimla and back starting Oct 11th onwards. I will be on a bike.
Please confirm 1. If riding alone in this sector is a problem
2. Do I need to carry Petrol in a Can or Bunks are available on the way. I read your writing and it seems I need not carry Petrol with me. My bike can travel 350Km+ in full tank
3. What about puncture repair facility ? I plan to use Slime sealant.
Please advice
– Chinmoy
Chinmoy, it is OK to travel during that time of the year. You need not carry extra fuel just don’t miss the fuel pumps top up at Kaza and Reckong Peo-Tapri. Yes please take slime with you, dont ride/drive fast as it bursts the tyres or cuts them. Puncture shops will be scarce and can only be found at Puh, Spellow (may not be working in off season), Tapri/Reckong Peo, Tabo, Shargol/Kaza.
Hi Dhiraj
Your article is awesome!!! That is u making me to go to this trip.. i hav been to keylong, manali, kashmir, kargil, srinagar before but this time i m planning to go leh via spiti ( Hindustan-Tibet HIghway) just bcz u hav desribed its beauty very well with pictures, so is it possible if i leave from palanpur(gujarat) on 29th Oct as my vacation starts from this date? or if Leh is not possible(due to winter & POK issue) than what r the other choice? bcz i know it will be winter time as i reach himachal on 1st of Nov.. we r frnds(5 Person) planing this trip with Duster RXZ 110ps Diesle. guide me if i m doing any wrong….
Guess I just replied you to other comment.
Hi Dheeraj,
Its wonderful to read your article.I am planning Spiti and Lahaul Valley trip from October 8th to 16th October. My Plan is to start from Delhi–>Narkanda–>Reckong Peo–>Nako–>Tabo–>Kaza–>Kunzum Pass–>Chandrataal–>Rohtang –>Manali–>Delhi.
Can you please give me some guidance regarding safety and how to plan it. Is it safe for a couple to travel by car(Scorpio). Also staying is our concern too, we are interested in homestays so which will be most favourable places for it.
Thanks
Hi Nidhi, since it is late in the season, I will suggest to do from Manali side and come back from Kinnaur side. Do make sure you carry sufficient woollens to beat the cold out ther.e I see you have 8 days and you can follow the below plan:
Day 1 : Reach Manali and stay overnight at Solang Valley as preferred for acclimatization
Day 2 : Manali / Solang – Kaza
Day 3 : Kaza Rest day. May be do Ki, Kibber in the evening.
Day 4 : Kaza – Langza – Komik – Hikkim – Kaza – Pin Valley
Day 5 : Pin Valley – Dhangkar – Tabo
Day 6 : Tabo – Nako – Nako Lake – Kalpa
Day 7 : Kalpa – Narkanda
Day 8 : Narkanda – Delhi
Hello dheeraj sir.
I m a solo rider. I’m planning to visit lahaul and spiti Valley in September end to first week of October on my bike Bajaj Pulsar RS 200 ABS. Is the time and the bike would be a good choice for a solo rider? I’ve never experienced the roads of himalayas so lil bit worried that if something went wrong with the bike or weather is there will be help available at that season? And what about the fuel pumps and mobile network available on that route. Do i have to carry fuel cans?? Please give some of your valuable suggestions sir.
Akhilesh, if you are OK with cold conditions then yes, timings should be OK. Well, fuel wise there will not be any issue but yeah if your bikes break down then there could be issues. Mobile connectivity is limited in Spiti Valley and only BSNL works. If something happens to the bike, it has to be towed to nearest town with mechanic.
hello dheeraj sir , i am gaurav ,me and my friend from dehradun planning a bike trip of 7-8 days ,but we are stuck in choosing the destination between munisyari or spiti valley …i am intrested for spiti tour ..but the problem is my friend already done the tour to leh -ladakh ..i am convincing him that there is lot of area near spiti which is untouched by him…specially u said the hindustan -tibbet highway.route ..is it feasiable to complete the spiti tour in 7-8 days and how much time for the munisiyari -kasauni trip ….
Hi Gaurav, yes it is feasible but suggested that you have about 10 days for a comfortable Spiti trip. With 7-8 days in hand go for Munsiyari, Chaukori. Try Munsiyari to Milam road as well, totally untouched.
Hi Dheeraj,
Thanks a ton for wonderful guide on Spiti Valley, It is really appreciable for your effort. I want to visit spiti valley in Oct-Nov of this year. The plan as per my idea is as below but need your valuable suggestion on the same.
Vehicle- I’ve Polo 1.6 petrol, I’ve completed Chopta ( Uttrakhand) trip in last Christmas with this car which was about 420 KM from Delhi and I drove continuously for 19 hours to reach destination which incuded the black ice road too at certain points.
So whether this car can cover Spiti valley in such season or should I hire 4×4 self drive scorpio for the same?
Second question my plan is for travel day is as below, please confirm whether I can cover it or not?
Day 1- Delhi- Narkanda/Rampur ( journey start @ delhi in night)
Day-2 Narkanda/Rampur- Kaza
Day-3 Kaza- Manali ( if pass open or return by same way)
Day-4 Manali to delhi
Day- 5 extra
Moreover can a 3 year old bay join this journey?
Please confirm ASAP
Sonu, post mid-October – November is not at all the time to travel on Manali – Kaza road. You can get stuck for months and in case the car gets stuck, you may have to leave it for next season to open. So, not at all advisable. Also, Chopta does not stand anywhere closer to what is the route to Spiti Valley as it is called world’s trecherous roads. There is a reason they call it. Doing it above trip, does not sound like justice to me with being 12+ Hrs on road only every day.
Thanks for quickest reply, please confirm till where I can go by car in above mentioned season? What should the minimum time required to cover it and do I need to opt 4×4 vehicle or Polo can do the job. Thanks
You can travel from Shimla – Kinnaur side and return the same way. In general, following should be at least done:
Day 1 | Delhi – Narkanda
Day 2 | Narkanda – Kalpa
Day 3 | Kalpa – Nako – Geyu Mummy – Tabo
Day 4 | Tabo – Dhangkar – Dhangkar Lake – Pin Valley – Kaza
Day 5 | Kaza Rest and Local Sightseeing
— Hikkim, Komik, Langza circuit
Day 6 | Kaza – Ki, Kibber – Kaza and then reach Tabo/Nako by evening
Day 7 | Tabo/Nako – Sarahan/Rampur
Day 8 | Sarahan/Rampur – Delhi
Dear Dheeraj,
We 5 friends from Bangladesh planning to visit Spitti Valley via Delhi – Shimla – kalpa – Tabo – Kaza – Tabo – Sangla – Chitkul – Chali – Delhi route in April, 2017. We will arrive Delhi by 3 April, 2017 and want to complete the tour by 14 April, 2017.
Will early April be the ideal time to visit Spit Valley?
Do Bangladeshi Tourists are permitted to visit those places mentioned above?
If permitted than what will be the process & procedure to get permission?
Please give us some advice and tips. Thanks..
No really ideal but well roads are a bit messy, hotels mostly will be closed and basic amenities will be available including not water in the washrooms and use of dry pits will only be there.
AFAIK, you will need to Protected Area Permit to go from Kinnaur side and enter Spiti Valleu.
Dheeraj,
We are planning a trip to Kinnaur/Spiti area early Oct as per the below itinerary. We are a family of 3.
1) Oct 6th — Start from Delhi
2) Oct 7th Shimla Stay — Plan for the trip
3) Oct 8th — Shimla to Sangla
4) Oct 9th — Sangla/Chitkul/Kalpa
5) Oct 10th — Sangla to Kaza
6) Oct 11th — Kaza Sightseeing
7) Oct 12th — Kaza to Sarahan
8) Oct 13th — Sarahan to Delhi
Got the following questions:
1) Is this going to be too hectic given that we are not used to high altitude terrain? Any suggestions?
2) Is Shimla a good place to book the vehicle for the trip? How much would the vehicle charge us? Can we take Indica or is it better to take a SUV? Any contacts?
3) What is the road condition? Is that expected to be good during this time?
Thanks !
Indrajit, it seems too packed. You should do either of the below two plans:
Day 1 | Delhi – Narkanda
Day 2 | Narkanda – Kalpa
Day 3 | Kalpa – Nako – Geyu Mummy – Tabo
Day 4 | Tabo – Dhangkar – Dhangkar Lake – Pin Valley – Kaza
Day 5 | Kaza Rest and Local Sightseeing
— Ki, Kibber, Gette, Tashigang
Day 6 | Kaza – Hikkim, Komik, Langza circuit – Kaza and then reach Nako by evening
Day 7 | Nako – Rampur / Narkanda
Day 8 | Rampur / Narkanda – Delhi
OR
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, Koumik)
— Hikkim, Komik, Langza circuit
Day 7 | Kaza – Kunzum Pass – Chandratal
Day 8 | Chandratal – Manali
Day 9 | Manali – Delhi
Dheeraj Sir I am a silent reader of all your articles since last one year.
I didn’t drive much in Hills, only a couple of occasions I traveled to Almora (Bhimtal, Nainital) and Mussouri including Kemptee Falls and there was no issue with the car and my driving. Both of us were quite comfortable.
I had planned to do Leh via Sri Nagar this August but then had to cancel due to the recent Unrest in Kashmir, and my car is not capable enough to negotiate the challenging Manali-Leh route.
But I want to just go somewhere peaceful for a few days and wish to complete the Spiti valley via Shimla – Kinnaur in September end / October this year.
My only worry: Can it be done in a 800 CC Hatch Back with 54 PS Power and 180 MM ground clearance (Renault- KWID) ?
And, If possible, the estimated mid range cost for 4 persons (All adults-Male).
Would be much Thankful for your guidance.
Agnishwar, you can very well plan a trip to Kinnaur Valley and the car should do fine without much issues. You can keep an average of 900-1200 per person per day for food and stay on the tour to Kinnaur And Spiti Valley.
THANKS in TONNES for prompt reply!!
Best wishes for your trip 🙂
We’re planning a self driven road trip from Shimla side to Kaza in the month of early September. Is it feasible to travel considering rainy season and are there any extra precautions we should keep in mind?
September is a good time to travel the roads to Spiti Valley
Very Helpful.
Thank you.
We 4 friends planning to go spitti velly in May 17 by road from Ahmedabad for 12 days .Kindly give us some tips.
Navin, in May the roads from Kunzum Pass will not be open and hence the above itinerary suits you best.
P/s do you tell me the rates of camps in chandratal with food. We are 3 persons want to stay in mid june 2017. How many numbers of camps organiger there? Thanks—– som