Planning a trip to Spiti Valley in winters? The frozen landscapes, snow-covered monasteries, and empty roads make winter Spiti one of the most rewarding trips you can take in the Indian Himalayas. But let me be honest with you, it also comes with serious challenges. Temperatures drop to -20°C at night, many roads close without warning, and facilities are extremely limited. You need a solid plan before you set out.

I covered many of the important questions about winter Spiti travel in my detailed guide on how to plan a trip to Spiti Valley in winters. In this article, I will focus specifically on the day-by-day itinerary, so you know exactly where to go, where to stop, and what to expect each day. If you have 9 to 12 days in hand, this itinerary will help you make the most of your winter Spiti trip in 2026.

Video: 2024 Spiti Valley Winter Trip Itinerary | Spiti in January, February, March | Spiti Winter Ride Plan

Let's quickly dive into the details:

What Is the Best Route to Reach Spiti Valley in Winter?

In winter, there is only one route to reach Spiti Valley, and that is via Shimla and Kinnaur Valley. The Manali side route through Kunzum Pass (about 15,050 feet) remains closed from mid-October to mid-June due to heavy snowfall. So you will travel the same road going in and coming back.

The Shimla to Kaza route via Kinnaur stays open almost throughout the year, barring a few days when heavy snowfall blocks NH-05 or the stretch between Tabo and Pooh. Keep in mind that even though this route is technically “open,” winter driving conditions can be very challenging with black ice, frozen nallahs, and reduced visibility. Hence, a SUV or 4×4 vehicle is strongly recommended for winter Spiti travel.

Spiti in Winters day by day itinerary plan infographic
Spiti in Winters, a detailed day-by-day itinerary plan for 9-12 days

Download your FREE high-resolution version pdf copy of this Spiti Valley in Winters day-by-day plan infographic guide. If you liked it and found it helpful, please feel free to share it with your family and friends to help them too.

How Many Days Do You Need for Spiti Valley in Winter?

You need a minimum of 9 days for a comfortable winter Spiti trip from Delhi. I suggest keeping 10-12 days if possible, because road closures due to snowfall or landslides can eat into your schedule. Buffer days are not a luxury in winter Spiti, they are a necessity.

Practical Info: Best months for winter Spiti are December to March. Temperatures range from -5°C to 5°C during the day and -15°C to -30°C at night. Only route open is Shimla – Kinnaur – Kaza. Budget: Rs 1,500 – Rs 2,500 per person per day. Mobile network: available until Reckong Peo, limited or absent beyond. Carry enough warm clothing and medicines.

What Is the Day-by-Day Itinerary for Winter Spiti?

Below is the most common 9-day itinerary for a winter trip to Spiti Valley. This itinerary flows from Delhi via Shimla and Kinnaur to Kaza, and returns the same way since the Manali route stays closed. Let us look at each day in detail.

Day 1 | Delhi to Shimla or Narkanda (350-400 km, 8-9 hours)

Start early from Delhi, ideally by 4-5 AM, to beat the traffic on NH-44 through Haryana and Punjab. The drive to Shimla takes about 8 hours, and if you are making good time, push ahead another 60 km to Narkanda (about 2 hours from Shimla). Staying at Narkanda saves you significant time on Day 2.

  • Shimla sightseeing if you stop here: Ridge, Mall Road, Lakkar Bazaar, Jakhu Temple
  • There may be snow on the road between Shimla and Narkanda in peak winter months
  • Overnight at Shimla or Narkanda (budget hotels Rs 800-1,500 per night)

Day 2 | Shimla/Narkanda to Kalpa or Reckong Peo (220-280 km, 8-9 hours)

This is a long driving day through some of the most scenic stretches of the Hindustan Tibet Highway. Leave early, especially if starting from Shimla. Plan your lunch stop at Rampur.

  • Beautiful drive through Kinnaur Valley along the Sutlej river
  • The road to Kalpa might be closed due to snow, but the road to Reckong Peo usually remains open
  • Important: This is your last place with reliable mobile network. Call your family and check weather updates before heading further
  • Once you cross Reckong Peo, there is no looking back. The chances of getting stuck between Pooh, Nako, and Tabo are always high in winter. Hence, check weather updates before leaving
  • Overnight at Kalpa or Reckong Peo (homestays Rs 500-1,200 per night)

Day 3 | Kalpa/Reckong Peo to Nako to Tabo (180-200 km, 8-9 hours)

This is the most challenging day of the entire trip. The stretch from Reckong Peo through Pooh and Nako towards Tabo passes through some treacherous sections in winter, especially around Malling Nalla where the road surface is completely frozen.

  • Start your day early and watch the stunning vistas along the Hindustan Tibet Highway
  • Check out Khab, the confluence of Spiti and Sutlej rivers
  • See the Leo Purygal Peak from Khab Bridge
  • Have lunch at Nako village. The Nako Lake will be frozen in winter, a beautiful sight
  • The dreaded Malling Nalla ahead of Nako will be completely frozen. Drive very carefully on this section
  • After Chango and Sumdo, you enter Spiti Valley. In case the weather turns bad, try stopping at Chango. Avoid sleeping at Nako where it will be extremely cold and AMS prone
  • After Sumdo police registration, the detour towards Gue Village (500-year-old Mummy) will be closed in winter
  • Overnight at Tabo (homestays Rs 500-1,000 per night with meals)

Day 4 | Tabo to Dhankar to Kaza (50-60 km, 2-3 hours)

A relatively easy day after the previous day’s grueling drive. The distance from Tabo to Kaza is short, so you have time to explore Tabo Monastery in the morning before heading to Kaza.

  • Visit Tabo Monastery, one of the oldest monasteries in the world (founded 996 AD)
  • Visit Dhankar Monastery if the road is open, otherwise continue to Kaza
  • The route to Pin Valley will be closed in winter
  • Overnight at Kaza (budget hotels Rs 800-1,500, homestays Rs 500-1,000 per night)
Road conditions during a winter trip to Spiti Valley near Kaza
Road conditions during a winter trip to Spiti Valley, ice and snow are common on many stretches

Day 5 and 6 | Exploring Kaza and Nearby Villages

Kaza is the headquarters of Spiti Valley, sitting at about 12,500 feet. Spend two days here exploring the area and acclimatizing to the altitude. The cold at this altitude in winter is intense, so pace yourself.

  • Explore the road to Ki Monastery, Kibber, Gette, and Tashigang which remains mostly open even in winter
  • Ki Monastery is one of the most photographed spots in Spiti, and in winter it looks absolutely stunning covered in snow
  • Visit Kibber village and try your luck spotting the elusive Snow Leopard. Kibber is one of the best places in India for Snow Leopard sighting in winter
  • Roads to Langza, Hikkim, and Komic may be closed due to snow. Check locally before attempting
  • Visit the local market in Kaza, have hot thukpa and momos at a local eatery
  • Overnight at Kaza

Day 7 | Kaza to Tabo to Nako to Reckong Peo (250-280 km, 9-10 hours)

The return journey begins. This is again a long day, but you have already driven this road on the way in, so you know what to expect. Start early and make quick progress since you have already covered the places of interest.

  • Start early and drive back through the Hindustan Tibet Highway
  • After Chango and Sumdo you exit Spiti Valley and enter Kinnaur Valley
  • Have your lunch at Nako or Pooh
  • Nako has an IPH Rest House, and Pooh has a PWD Rest House where you can stay if road closure forces an overnight stop. Chango also has a PWD rest house
  • Overnight at Reckong Peo

Day 8 | Reckong Peo to Sangla Valley to Sarahan (80-120 km, 2-5 hours)

If the road to Sangla Valley is open, take a detour to enjoy the beautiful Sangla and Baspa Valley. However, I am not suggesting you stay overnight at Sangla. If the road to Sangla gets closed due to snow, you might get stranded for days. Visit during the day and then move to Sarahan for the night.

  • Visit Kamru Fort at Sangla if the road is open
  • The road to Chitkul will be closed in winter
  • Plan lunch at Sangla village and reach Sarahan by evening
  • Visit the famous Bhimakali Temple at Sarahan
  • Overnight at Sarahan (HPTDC Hotel Shrikhand or local guesthouses, Rs 800-2,000 per night)

Day 9 | Sarahan to Narkanda to Shimla or Delhi (250-600 km, 6-14 hours)

The last driving day. If you have an extra day, break this into two days and stay at Chail or Shimla overnight. If you are short on time, push through to Delhi.

  • Leave early and enjoy the drive back through Kinnaur and Shimla hills
  • Plan lunch at Narkanda, try Negi Dhaba (check review in DwD Community)
  • Instead of returning via Shimla, you can take the inner route to Chail from Kufri if the road is open. This route sometimes gets closed due to snow
  • Overnight at Chail, Shimla, or Delhi depending on your schedule

Day 10-12 | Buffer Days (Keep These in Your Plan)

When planning a road trip to such remote corners of the trans-Himalayas in winter, buffer days are essential. Road closures due to snowfall or landslides can happen without warning, and you do not want to be rushing through dangerous conditions because you have a flight to catch. I always suggest keeping at least 2-3 buffer days in your winter Spiti plan.

Snow covered roads leading to Spiti Valley in winter months
Snow covered roads leading to Spiti Valley in winter, always carry chains and drive with extreme caution

What Extra Activities Can You Do in Winter Spiti?

If you have extra days in hand, here are some experiences that make winter Spiti truly special. These are not your typical tourist activities, they are experiences that connect you deeply with the land and its people.

  • Snow trek to Langza, Hikkim, or Komic: These villages are accessible on foot even when roads close. Do not attempt without a local guide. Carry enough food, water, and a sleeping bag to sleep in homestays up in these villages
  • Snow Leopard spotting at Kibber: Winter (January to March) is the best time for Snow Leopard sighting in Spiti. Spend a few days at Kibber village with a local guide, who knows it could be your lucky day to spot this elusive cat 🙂
  • Skiing near Kaza: Spend a day with the Sakya Abode boys or locals who ski on the snow slopes around Kaza. An exhilarating experience
  • Experience local winter life: Spend a day working through winter routines at a homestay to understand the hardships of daily life in Spiti during winter. Collecting yak dung for fuel, breaking ice for water, sitting around a bukhari stove with the family

Where Are the Petrol Pumps Between Shimla and Kaza?

Fuel planning is critical for any Spiti trip. The good news is that when traveling from the Kinnaur side, you do not need to worry as much about fuel as you would on the Manali route. There are several petrol pumps along the way. However, in winter, some pumps may have irregular hours or run out of stock temporarily. Hence, always top up whenever you get a chance.

  • Theog
  • Narkanda – Do top up here
  • Rampur – After crossing the town, the last one on the right side is reliable
  • Jeori
  • Tapri – Relatively newer pump, can be relied upon
  • Reckong Peo
  • Kaza – Do not miss. This is the last and only petrol pump in Spiti Valley. Fill up here before local sightseeing and top up again before starting the return journey

I usually prefer to top up at Narkanda and then at the Tapri or Reckong Peo pump. After Reckong Peo, the next petrol pump is at Kaza (about 200 km away), so make sure your tank is full before crossing into Spiti.

What Is the Budget for a Winter Spiti Trip in 2026?

A winter Spiti trip is actually more affordable than a summer one because accommodation rates are lower and there are fewer tourists. Here is a rough daily budget breakdown per person, assuming a group of 3-4 people sharing a vehicle.

Expense CategoryBudget (Per Person/Day)Notes
AccommodationRs 500 – Rs 1,500Homestays to budget hotels
FoodRs 300 – Rs 600Dhabas and homestay meals
Fuel (shared among 4)Rs 400 – Rs 600Based on 15-20 km/l mileage
MiscellaneousRs 200 – Rs 300Chai, snacks, parking
Total Per DayRs 1,400 – Rs 3,000

For a 9-day trip, your total budget would be approximately Rs 12,000 to Rs 27,000 per person depending on your travel style. This does not include the cost of your vehicle or rental car. If you are using public transport (HRTC buses), the costs will be even lower. A bus from Shimla to Reckong Peo costs about Rs 400-600 and Reckong Peo to Kaza about Rs 300-500 (as of 2025, verify locally for current rates as winter bus frequency is limited).

What Should You Know About Safety and AMS in Winter Spiti?

This is where I need to be very direct with you. Winter Spiti is not a casual holiday. The temperatures, the isolation, and the road conditions demand serious preparation. Please do not take this lightly.

  • Acute Mountain Sickness: Kaza is at 12,500 feet and Kibber at 14,200 feet. AMS is a real risk, especially in winter when the cold makes it worse. Acclimatize properly at Kalpa or Reckong Peo before pushing higher. If you feel persistent headache, nausea, or dizziness, descend immediately
  • Hypothermia: Nighttime temperatures can go below -20°C. Carry proper winter gear including thermals, down jackets, gloves, and a good sleeping bag rated for -20°C or lower
  • Road closures: Snowfall can block roads for 2-5 days at a time. Always have extra food, water, and fuel in your vehicle. Carry essential supplies and medicines
  • No mobile network: Beyond Reckong Peo, mobile connectivity is extremely limited or absent in winter. BSNL has the best coverage in this region, but even that is unreliable. Inform your family about your itinerary before you lose signal
  • Medical facilities: The nearest hospital is at Reckong Peo. Kaza has a basic medical center, but do not rely on it for anything serious. Carry a proper first aid kit and any personal medications

Do You Need Permits for Spiti Valley in Winter?

Indian tourists do not need any permits to travel to Spiti Valley or Kinnaur Valley. Just carry a valid photo ID proof (Aadhaar card or voter ID) to be on the safer side. There are police checkpoints at Sumdo and other places where you may need to register.

Foreign nationals visiting the protected areas of Spiti Valley and Kinnaur Valley are required to get the Inner Line Permits (ILP). The process and requirements are detailed in our separate guide on Kinnaur and Spiti permits.

What Are the Best Months to Visit Spiti in Winter?

Each winter month offers a different experience in Spiti. Here is a quick breakdown to help you decide when to go. For a more detailed month-by-month guide, check my article on best time to visit Spiti Valley.

  • November: Early winter. Temperatures drop but are still manageable (0°C to 10°C daytime). Less snow on roads. Most facilities still open
  • December – January: Peak winter. Temperatures drop to -20°C to -30°C at night. Heavy snowfall possible. Many side roads closed. This is when Spiti is at its most raw and beautiful
  • February: Still very cold but days start getting slightly longer. Good for Snow Leopard spotting season. Check road status before planning
  • March: Late winter. Snow starts melting on lower stretches. Road conditions improve. A good balance between winter experience and accessibility. I personally recommend March for first-timers attempting winter Spiti

How to Reach Spiti Valley by Bus in Winter?

If you do not have your own vehicle, HRTC (Himachal Road Transport Corporation) operates buses on the Shimla to Kaza route. However, keep in mind that bus frequency reduces significantly in winter. In peak winter months (December-February), buses may not run daily on the Reckong Peo to Kaza stretch.

  • Shimla to Reckong Peo: Multiple HRTC buses daily, departing from Shimla ISBT (Tutikandi). Night buses available. Fare: approximately Rs 400-600
  • Reckong Peo to Kaza: One bus daily (when running), departs early morning around 7:30 AM. Fare: approximately Rs 300-500. This bus may not operate on days of heavy snowfall
  • Alternative: Hire a local taxi from Reckong Peo to Kaza. A private taxi costs about Rs 6,000-8,000 one way (as of 2025, verify locally). Sharing with other travelers can reduce costs

Bus schedules change seasonally. In winter, always verify with HRTC or locally at the bus stand before planning your next leg. You can check the HRTC official website for updated schedules and online booking, though not all buses can be booked online.

What Should You Pack for Winter Spiti?

Packing right can make or break your winter Spiti experience. Here is a quick checklist of essentials.

  • Thermal innerwear (at least 2 sets)
  • Down jacket or heavy winter jacket (rated for -20°C)
  • Woolen cap, neck gaiter, and gloves (waterproof preferred)
  • Snow boots or waterproof trekking shoes
  • Sleeping bag rated for -20°C (some homestays have limited blankets)
  • Sunglasses and sunscreen (snow glare at altitude is intense)
  • First aid kit with Diamox (for AMS), painkillers, and any personal medicines
  • Power bank and extra batteries (cold drains batteries fast)
  • Snow chains for your vehicle (essential for icy stretches)
  • Jerry can for extra fuel (as backup, especially beyond Reckong Peo)
  • Enough cash (no ATMs beyond Reckong Peo that work reliably in winter)

For a more detailed packing list, check my article on things to carry on a Himalayan road trip.

Snow-covered valley views during a winter trip to Spiti through Kinnaur
The frozen beauty of Spiti Valley in winter, views like these make all the effort worthwhile

Distance Table: Delhi to Kaza via Shimla (Winter Route)

FromToDistance (approx)Driving Time (Winter)
DelhiShimla350 km8-9 hours
ShimlaNarkanda60 km2 hours
NarkandaRampur100 km3-4 hours
RampurReckong Peo120 km4-5 hours
Reckong PeoNako110 km5-6 hours
NakoTabo70 km3-4 hours
TaboKaza50 km2-3 hours
Total Delhi to Kaza~860 km3-4 days driving

Note: Winter driving times are significantly longer than summer. Ice on roads, narrow stretches, and reduced visibility add time. Always start early and plan to reach your destination before dark. For a complete understanding of this route, check my article on Delhi to Kinnaur to Spiti Valley road status.

Conclusion

I hope this detailed day-by-day itinerary helps you plan your winter trip to Spiti Valley. It is not an easy trip, but it is one of the most rewarding ones you can make. The frozen landscapes, the silence, the warmth of the locals, and the sheer beauty of Spiti covered in snow is something that will stay with you for a lifetime.

If you are planning a winter Spiti trip and have questions about road conditions, accommodation, or anything else, feel free to drop your questions in the comments section below. I will be happy to help you plan your trip. You can also join the DwD Community for the latest updates and to connect with fellow travelers heading to Spiti in winter 🙂 …

If you know friends or family who are planning such a trip, please feel free to share this article with them. It might just save their trip.

Have a travel question?? You can subscribe to my YouTube channel and leave a comment to ask your travel questions about traveling to the Himalayas.

Last Updated: February 2026

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Spiti Valley safe to visit in winter?

Yes, Spiti Valley is safe to visit in winter if you are well-prepared. The key risks are extreme cold (temperatures can drop to -30°C at night), road closures due to snowfall, and AMS at high altitude. Carry proper winter gear, keep buffer days, and do not travel without informing your family about your itinerary. A SUV or 4×4 with snow chains is strongly recommended.

Can I visit Spiti Valley by bike in winter?

Technically yes, but I would not recommend it unless you are very experienced with riding in snow and ice. The roads are extremely slippery, temperatures make riding painful, and if something goes wrong, help is very far away. If you must ride, go in a group and carry proper cold weather riding gear along with snow-rated tyres.

Is the road from Manali to Kaza open in winter?

No. The Manali to Kaza route via Kunzum Pass (15,050 feet) stays closed from mid-October to mid-June. In winter, the only route to reach Spiti Valley is via Shimla and Kinnaur. You will need to travel the same route going in and coming back.

What is the temperature in Spiti Valley in winter?

In Kaza, daytime temperatures range from -5°C to 5°C while nights drop to -15°C to -25°C. Higher villages like Kibber, Langza, and Hikkim can see temperatures as low as -30°C at night. The wind chill factor makes it feel even colder. January and February are the coldest months.

Are hotels and homestays open in Spiti during winter?

Most hotels in Spiti shut down for winter. Your main accommodation options are homestays, which offer basic but warm rooms with meals. Expect to pay Rs 500 to Rs 1,200 per night including basic meals at homestays. In Kaza, a few budget hotels remain open year-round with rooms starting at Rs 800-1,500 per night (as of 2025, verify locally for current rates).

Can I see Snow Leopards in Spiti Valley in winter?

Yes, winter is the best time for Snow Leopard sighting in Spiti. The area around Kibber village is one of the top Snow Leopard habitats in India. January to March is the prime spotting season when Snow Leopards descend to lower altitudes in search of prey. Hire a local guide and carry good binoculars. Sightings are never guaranteed, but your chances are highest in winter.

Is there mobile network in Spiti Valley in winter?

Mobile network is available up to Reckong Peo (Airtel, Jio, BSNL). Beyond Reckong Peo, only BSNL has limited coverage at some points. In Kaza, BSNL works intermittently. In winter, even BSNL towers can go down due to power outages. Plan your communication accordingly and inform your family before you lose signal at Reckong Peo.

How much does a winter Spiti trip cost from Delhi?

For a 9-day self-drive trip with a group of 4, budget approximately Rs 12,000 to Rs 27,000 per person including fuel (shared), accommodation (homestays and budget hotels), and food. If using public transport, the cost can be lower at around Rs 8,000 to Rs 15,000 per person. This does not include vehicle rental if applicable.

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I am Dheeraj Sharma - a traveler, techie, and Himalayan lover. Since 2009, I have been helping thousands of travelers every year plan memorable & budget-friendly trips to the Himalayas - Smartly, Safely, and responsibly. I also run GenAI Unplugged, where I teach AI automation for solopreneurs and small businesses. My free n8n Zero to Hero course covers everything from your first workflow to production-grade AI automation.

38 Comments

  1. Comments section gets closed in 90 days. To ask your travel questions, you can follow my YouTube Channel for a faster reply or for a much slower reply follow me on Instagram. :)

  2. Hi Dheeraj,

    I’m planning a trip up to Kaza with my family ( wife, d-12 yrs, s-9 yrs) around Xmas.
    I will be driving a hexa Xta

    Do you it is advisable?

      • Thanks Dheeraj. In that case would you advise a Kinnaur family trip around Xmas? what itinerary should I take – ex delhi?

        • Well, yeah, Kinnaur Valley is still doable and provide enough adventure. You can pretty much do below plan:

          Day 1 | Delhi – Narkanda
          Day 2 | Narkanda – Sarahan
          Day 3 | Sarahan – Kalpa
          Day 4 | Kalpa – Sangla, if the road is open
          Day 5 | Sangla – Shimla/Fagu/Chail
          Day 6 | Shimla/Fagu/Chail – Delhi

          You can add a day based on the rest or more days you want to spend at Sangla and Kalpa

  3. karnesh diwakar on

    Hello dheeraj 🙂
    Hope you are doing well .
    It’s not about spiti
    My query is for sikkim and bhutan road trip from delhi to delhi. I want to take this trip in this may 2017.. having 14 days..
    You helped me in my three trips one is ladakh.. second is chitkul and third is spitivalley… Thank u so much.. help me for my trip to bhutan and sikkim…

    Thank u dheeraj 🙂

  4. i m thinking of spiti valley plan in mid or late april. what will be the road condition?? and upto how far we can reach?

    • Arijit, it will be cold and I am hoping that you have read the above article. You will have to follow a similar plan as mentioned in the article above. You can reach up to Kaza and then few KMs ahead till where the road is open.

  5. Hii sir,

    We are planning to go spiti around 13th dec. We have swift diesel(one year old). Can we go in this or we should drop the plan. we have the experience driver who can dive on any terrain.

    Suggest us.
    Thanks

  6. Vicky Tseng on

    Hello,

    I’m from Taiwan. First of all, thanks for your great suggested-itinerary, it really helps me a lot 🙂
    I plan to visit Spiti Valley in Jan, 2017 and I wonder how about the transportation from Shimla to Kaza?
    I’m solo traveler, would like to know if it’s possible to take the public transportation, and including all the transportation and accommodation during these 9 days, how much approximately will be the budget?

    Really thanks for your big help!

    • Hello Vicky,

      I hope you have read: How to plan a trip to Spiti Valley in Winters and of course you have read the above itinerary too.

      Regarding public transport, the daily bus from Shimla – Reckong Peo runs and from Reckong Peo a daily bus at 7 AM also runs to Kaza. If the road is closed due to snow, the bus will run up to road closed point and from there people walk if it is walkable distance to the other side where bus from Kaza to Reckong peo usually waits.

      Keep in mind if you are planning just for 9 days and have something important at the end, you may be stuck there. So, keep that contiengencies in mind.

  7. Sudip Basu on

    Sir, I wish to visit himachal pradesh with my 10years old daughter& wife in mid of March 2017 for six days Simla to Simla including Manali by a taxi .PLease suggest other must visit places and itinerary. Regards.

    • Sudip, are you open to visit Kinnaur Valley? If yes, then it is better that you drop Manali from the plan and enjoy only Kinnaur Valley in 6 days.

  8. Hey dheeraj !
    I’m looking to make an itinerary for 5 days from reckong to kaza and back …
    I’m relying on public transport for the trip .. do you think it can be done in 5 days ?
    And what are the must see places ?
    Ideally I cant extend it to 9 days .. it’s a long journey for me since im coming from Karnataka.

    • No Rahul, 5 days Spiti trip is not possible form Kinnaur side. Possible but not at all recommended unless you just want to sleep and eat on bus itself.

      • After some adjustments… We have a return flight from Delhi on the 6th.
        Reaching shimla on the 27th..
        How long will the bus take from kaza to Shimla ?
        Any suggestions on how to make use of the time available ?
        Also I’m travelling with a foreign national who needs a permit .. we plan to get it at Peo since 27th is a Sunday in Shimla

        • Sorry, seems I am late and you should be off to the trip already. Yes, you should get the permit in Peo only. Kaza to Peo first will take about 9 Hrs in bus and same is true for Peo to Shimla.

  9. Hi Dheeraj,

    the details which you mentioned in this blog are very helpful.
    Unfortunately, i am plannig the trip in End of Dec month-2016.
    So, Can you pls suggest/advise me which are the best places to visit like this spiti valley starts from Dec 23rd 2016 to Jan 2nd 2017. Start point: Shimla , end point: Dharmashala.

    And the Travel agent details too that who can provide CAB, Hotels & all 3 meal.
    Pls note this is my 1st trip to Himachal pradesh.

    Appreciate your support in this regards and Happy & Safe Diwali..

    Thanks & Regards,
    Hari

    • Hari, it is the harshest place in Himachal to make your first trip to Himachal. Better contain yourself to at max Kinnaur Valley if you really want to be adventurous. DO NOT go into Spiti Valley

    • Hi Hari,

      First of all to visit Spiti valley in the month of December is not a good idea. As Dheeraj rightly said that climate will be harsh during that time.
      All the places that I have visited in Spiti I found personally Losar is must see place if you are travelling in Spiti valley. I was there in the month of October this year temperature around -7 to -8 celsius. This is was my first trip to Himachal with my family. We have stayed there for more than two weeks without any health issue, even I was travelling with my six years old son.

      Regards,
      Explorer

  10. Hi,

    Is a royal enfield bike ride to Spiti Valley in Winter season (December-January) recommended from the Shimla side? I went to Chandratal Lake from Manali side this July, but could not finish the trip to Spiti. So I was planning to do it this winter.

  11. Hi Dheeraj, Your website is very helpful for someone planning to travel to these places for the first time.

    We are a couple planning to visit Manali in October end. I am very disappointed to see this article that Manali – Kunzum pass would be closed after Mid October. Can you please clarify if the entire route would be closed or just after Rohtang pass ?

    Thanks a ton!

    • Sarath, the route will be closed after Rohtang Pass. Manali – Leh Highway has already been decalred officially closed and same risk applies to the highway beyond Rohtang Pass into Spiti Valley.

      • Thanks Dheeraj, Can you please tell me about the activities availability at Rohtang pass in October end. If we are unable to do any activities in Solang valley or Rohtang pass, it would be huge disappointment for us after reaching Manali.

        • Sarath, there will be few activities going on in Solang Valley but other activities are banned in Rohtang Pass now. Only solang will be having the activities and no snow will be present during that time for snow activities.

  12. Aditya Krishnan on

    Hey planning a trip last week of this month 23/10/16 – 30/10/2016 in a petrol sedan -skoda rapid, please suggest must visit places, intenarary, essentials to carry and things to watch out for

    • Hi Aditya,

      You can refer the below plan as rest I replied to your other comment:

      Day 1 | Delhi – 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 or snow lion are two good options at Kaza apart from PWD Guest houses. Get in touch with Tsering, the guy who runs it. He is a very good friend of mine and you can refer my name or DoW to him. Read more about Sakya Abode at: Sakya Abode Kaza – An Enriching Experience in Spiti Valley
      Day 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 – Sarahan
      Day 2: Sarahan – Kalpa
      Day 3: Kalpa – Nako – Nako Lake – Tabo
      Day 4: Tabo – Dhangkar – Dhangkar Lake – Pin Valley – Kaza
      Day 5: Kaza – Ki, Kibber, Komik, Langza – Kaza
      Day 6: Kaza – Tabo – Nako – Sangla / Chitkul
      Day 7: Sangla / Chitkul – Narkanda / Shimla
      Day 8: Narkanda / Shimla – Delhi

  13. 'Prateek Yadav on

    Is diesel car a good option at that moment?
    I’ll be travelling by mahindra scorpio in December..

  14. Vageesh C on

    I think there is a petrol pump in Powari before the climb to Peo. That was the last one i saw on the highway till Kaza. No need to go to peo just for fuel. Please correct me if i am wrong.

    • Yes there is petrol pump at Powari but now it is closed and they don’t sell fuel anymore over it. They have installed one new one just before entering Tapri, that is the last pump.