The popularity of traveling to Spiti Valley is increasing day by day. Now more and more travelers want to know about the best time to visit Spiti Valley or travel on the road to Spiti Valley either via Shimla – Kinnaur or Spiti Valley.
The road to Spiti Valley remains open all around the year through Shimla – Kinnaur while the road from Manali side closes in winter as soon as Rohtang Pass and Kunzum Pass close. So, tourists must know about the right time to travel to Spiti Valley.
In this article of the series, “Comprehensive Travel Guide for Spiti Valley”, I will try to share my inputs on the best time or season to travel the road to Spiti Valley or in other words what is the best time to visit Spiti Valley.
Let's quickly dive into the details:
When is the best time for Spiti Valley road trip?
We all know that you can travel to Spiti Valley by two routes. One traverses the roads from Delhi via Manali to Kaza, Spiti Valley as Manali – Rohtang Pass – Gramphu – Chattru – Kunzum Pass – Kaza (Spiti Valley). And, then the other one goes from Delhi to Kaza via Shimla – Kinnaur Valley as Shimla – Kinnaur – Nako – Sumdo (Spiti Valley) – Tabo – Kaza.
Shimla to Kaza Route
The route via Shimla – Kinnaur is also commonly known as Hindustan – Tibet Highway or NH-05. The Hindustan Tibet Road remains open throughout the year via Kinnaur Valley, and you can make a journey to Kaza or Spiti via Shimla – Kinnaur all around the year because there is no high mountain pass that comes on this route which gets heavy snowfall.
It is said to be motorable all around the year; however, traveling to Spiti Valley, especially in the winter months, is not that easy as it reads. The road conditions in winters on the Hindustan – Tibet highway are quite challenging and tough.
Hence, you should avoid traveling to Spiti Valley in winter in case you do not want to try extreme winter cold conditions and live the extreme adventure.
Manali to Kaza Route
Traveling to Spiti Valley via Manali side, by and large, depends first upon the opening of Rohtang Pass and then opening of the route from Gramphu to Kunzum Pass and Kunzum Pass in itself. The snow clearance operations begin in March and continue till May end or June the first half when the road from Manali to Kaza gets open.
This generally takes time and hence, Manali to Kaza route remains closed for almost six-seven months in a year. Rohtang Pass generally opens after April and further, the route to Kaza over Kunzum Pass opens by the second week of June.
So, you have very little time in a year (mid-June to October), in case you are interested in the entire Spiti Valley circuit that is Delhi – Shimla – Kinnaur – Kaza (Spiti Valley) – Kunzum Pass – Rohtang Pass – Manali – Delhi.
But, still, the question is :
When is the best time to visit Spiti Valley?
In the following part of the article, let’s check in detail, how the whole year month-by-month looks like in terms of traveling on the road to Spiti Valley in Himachal Pradesh. After understanding the Spiti Valley weather for these months, you can evaluate which month or season shall work out best for you to plan a Spiti Valley road trip.
Spiti Valley in January – February – March
January, February, and March are called the extreme winter months in Spiti Valley when there is a dense blanket of white snow all around you in Spiti. The road from Manali to Kaza is closed, and most hotels are shut off. You need to rely on limited homestay options in Spiti Valley. Hence, you need to prepare very well for your trip to Spiti in these winter months.
You should not expect much from facilities in Spiti valley in these months. The Spiti Valley temperature in winter can go well below -20 deg C, so you must go well prepared with proper woolen clothing. As snowfall can happen anytime in this period, you should keep buffer days for road closures.
There aren’t any toilets with running water or water available in Spiti Valley in the months from January to March. Hence, you need to use dry pit toilets. You should carry a hand sanitizer with you to best maintain sanitization wherever possible. The food will be pretty basic as available in the homestay. Carry a good temperature rating sleeping bag with you as well to beat the cold in homestays.
Roads within Spiti Valley are open only to an extent. Kaza to Losar is closed, and hence it is not the best time to visit Kunzum Pass because the road is closed. Kaza – Langza – Komic – Hikkim – Kaza road remains also closed during peak these winter months.
January has the least snow while February and March have snow in abundance in comparison to all other months. In my honest opinion, March is one of the best time to enjoy winter Spiti trip.
Spiti Valley in April to May
When the months of April – May come, the snow starts to melt, and some link roads within Spiti Valley start to open up. These roads including the road to Losar from Kaza and the road to Pin Valley towards Mud, the road to Lhalung – Demul, or the roads to Langza – Hikkim – Komic circuits.
The opening of Kunzum Pass and the further road towards Manali from Kunzum Pass takes more time. Generally, Manali to Kaza via Kunzum Pass gets open in June only.
However, overall, as the temperature in Spiti Valley comes into a positive scale in April – May, the conditions in Spiti Valley become bearable. The road journey to Spiti Valley is not that hard this period of April – May. The season for Spiti starts to open in these two months only when adventurists from various parts of the country start planning their trips to Spiti Valley.
Hotels start to come out of hibernation, and things, including fruits/vegetables, start to arrive in Spiti Valley frequently. If you are interested in watching snow-studded peaks or want to play in the snow at Kunzum Pass, then this is the ideal time to be in Spiti Valley.
If you are one of those who wants to feel the deserted roads, low tourist count, OK with basic facilities and OK to take a chance on giving up a place or two as that link road might not have opened then it is OK for you to travel in this window. But, keep in mind that you will not be able to do the complete circuit from Shimla to Kinnaur to Kaza to Manali as the road from Kaza to Rohtang Pass to Manali does not get open.
Spiti Valley in June to July
June – July is the beginning of the actual main season to travel to Spiti Valley when a large number of tourists make their journey over these. The season eventually takes the rapid move as the road to Kaza from Manali over Kunzum Pass also opens by the second week of June. This time would mean that the road to Chandratal from Manali will also open up in June and Chandratal is one of the most popular places to visit in Spiti Valley.
In June – July, mostly all the link roads to various sightseeing places in Spiti or remote villages in Spiti Valley also get open in this period. So, you can plan your visit to Langza, Hikkim, Komic, Demul, Lhalung, Pin Valley – Mudh Village, Gete, and Tashigang villages.
Hotels in Spiti Valley are all also open with full facilities, and there is quite a lot of hustle-bustle of tourists all around in Spiti Valley, especially Kaza town. Even Chandratal lake becomes accessible in June soon after the Kunzum Pass opens.
Well, it is one of the good times to make a road trip to Spiti Valley and a desperate retreat from the HEAT of northern cities of India. There are many water crossings active during this period as the snow melts, so it is always better to reach the destination well in the afternoon to avoid getting stuck either in one of those water crossings or behind it.
Hence, follow my “Leave Early, Sleep Early” principle very strictly. In the recent past, June appears to have good pre-monsoon showers on the way to Spiti Valley, especially in Kinnaur, and even Spiti experiences one or two spells of snow in June as well, not to forget the (June 2013) tragic flash floods in Kinnaur district. So, even the Spiti Valley weather is somehow becoming unpredictable nowadays. However, this is considered one of the better times to travel over the road to Spiti Valley that is Hindustan Tibet Highway.
Spiti in August
This is the time when the monsoon is in a full flurry in Kinnaur Valley and other parts of Northern India. You MUST understand that Kinnaur is not a place to be in rains with its history of massive landslides and the live landslide zone of Malling Nalla ahead of Nako.
In this period, the roads leading to Spiti Valley are almost in a horrible state as compared to the rest of the year, especially in Kinnaur Valley. In recent years, even the roads from Delhi to Manali have also caused major concerns.
Having said all that, it does not mean that it is not a season to travel to Spiti Valley. The Spiti Valley region falls under the Trans Himalayan region which is generally rain shadowed but in recent past rains have started to reach even Spiti though not that much just frequent drizzles and overcast skies. So, generally, this time shall be avoided, if possible. You may only think about it when you have enough buffer days in hand to face intermittent delays or even cancellation of the trip.
Once you reach Spiti Valley, things remain mostly OK. But do not forget that you have to return via either Manali – Kaza or Kaza – Kinnaur again, which DO experience good monsoon rains, especially Rohtang Pass will be in a big mess, and roads to Mandi may be submerged.
Also, keep in mind that August is also the peak time of apple season and crop transportation, which creates a good amount of traffic jams owing to a high number of trucks that ply on the Kinnaur Valley route. If you happen to be there, then do take one or two cartons of golden apples or red apples from Kinnaur 🙂
You should read my tips on traveling to Kinnaur and Spiti Valley in monsoon time.
Spiti in September to mid-October
This is the time which is my favorite when autumn colors of Spiti are blooming with oranges leaves on the trees enhancing the beauty of magnificent backdrops by many levels. The aqua colors of water in the river add jewels to the pristine beauty all around Spiti Valley.
The Spiti Valley temperature at night and morning is quite cold, in some parts, almost close to 2-3 degrees Celsius. Hence, do carry heavy woolens or thermals at this time of the year with you. You can also get your hands on super delicious Spiti Apples around Tabo or Hurling and even in Kaza at a house of locals. Spiti Valley is famous for its apple. DO NOT miss to taste them or buy them if possible; I am sure you would not have tasted such an apple before 😉 …
If you are a snow lover then you will not like this month as almost all the peaks around you would be naked without any snow on them.
Regarding making the complete circuit, especially after mid of October, yes you can come from the Kinnaur side and go via the Manali side BUT do check the weather updates for few days before making the trip across Kunzum Pass in late October or November when you are at Kaza or Losar.
Kunzum Pass starts getting snowfall by September end and it can be very tricky and risky crossing over it in no man’s land in late October or November. Hence, you need to be very, very sure of the weather, especially in October, when making a move from Kaza to Manali beyond Kunzum Pass. My frank and modest advice will always be to avoid traveling from Manali to Kaza in later October and November.
Spiti Valley in November to December
November – December is generally the winter months in Spiti Valley or at least the beginning of winters. Spiti Valley weather is quite cold during this time, and water starts to freeze in the water pipes. Hence, running water is a luxury at this time of the year.
While traveling to Spiti Valley in November you go through some hardships of ice on the roads, lack of electricity, winter cold conditions with sub-zero temperatures topped with basic facilities as most of the guesthouses get closed.
Kunzum Pass gets closed by November for the next 6-7 months, so one cannot complete the circuit from Shimla – Kinnaur to Manali during this period. You should note that in this winter period, the water in the taps freeze, and people depend on hand pump water at certain places or boiled water in buckets. Kaza especially suffers from a shortage of water in these months and washrooms are big nightmares without tap water.
Do not forget to check what things and clothes to pack for Spiti trip?
So, in all this period, life is not that easy. In December, the link roads to various places like Gyu Mummy, Pin Valley – Mudh, Gete, Komik, Langza, Losar ahead of Kaza, etc. in Spiti Valley start getting closed one by one after snowfall starts.
Hence, you can only make a trip up to Kaza on this route, and there is always a chance of closure of roads for a few days if it continues to snow for some time during winters. So, if you are making a road trip to Spiti Valley in winters, be ready for extreme adventure and delays too!! Go very well prepared at this time of the year concerning mental levels, physical levels, and food to carry along with having some buffer days.
You should also check my article on the best time to visit Ladakh if you are planning a trip to Leh Ladakh and Spiti Valley together.
Still confused??
When to visit Spiti Valley?
Well, the best time to visit Spiti Valley is, September to mid-October, if you love the vivid colors of nature or you are a photographer looking for natural colors or someone who loves to have fewer tourists around yourself but all at the cost of not having any snow around. Otherwise, if you are one of those who loves to see snow up there in Spiti road trip then make the journey to Spiti Valley in the period of Mid-May to June.
Conclusion
I hope this article will help you decide when to travel to Spiti Valley or Kinnaur Valley. Feel free to ask any queries or share your valuable inputs on the season to travel on the road to Spiti Valley in the comments section below.
I hope you are not looking for any Spiti Valley tour packages. If yes, before committing do check the guides and article on this website before you shell out that money.
Have a travel question?? You can subscribe to my YouTube channel and leave a comment to ask your travel questions about traveling to the Himalayas.
If you know your friends or family are planning a trip to Spiti, do share this article with them to help them make a memorable trip.
1,156 Comments
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Hi Dheeraj,
I read your article and its soo brilliantly written that i am planning to visit lahaul and spiti in august around 15th august. Can u tell me if the weather will be good or not? also will i get to see snow anywhere at that time? also please guide me in which route i should take during that time.
It will be of great help!
Awaiting reply!
Apoorva, you willl surely have to face lot of hassles in lower hills in August. Mostly it rains around that time of the year. Once you reach Spiti, it is rain shadow region so that will not affect much but lower hills will be a bit of hassle for sure in monsoons.
Thanks Dheeraj,
Will i be facing a similar problem if i plan to go to leh ladakh instead during that time?
If you can fly in to Leh, then it is fine else in the lower hills you need to face the hassles for sure.
Hi Dheeraj,
I have made up my mind to travel from delhi to shimla and then to spiti and on my way back i want to cover manali and then back to delhi. I have exact 7 days in hand. Please help me on the below:
1. Please advise what all places to cover in these 7 days and where all to make a night stop? I start from delhi on 8th august morning. Please help me plan an itinerary.
2. Will I get to see snow any where at that time?
3. Also we are four adults with a child of 7 years. Please suggest places accordingly.
4.Any hotels or guest houses in particular that you suggest? Since we are not going through any travel agency.
5. Should we pre book hotels? or decide and search last minute?
You will be of great help!
Thanks in advance! 🙂
1. With just 7 days in hand, you can follow this hectic plan to spiti valley:
Day 1 | Delhi – Narkanda
Day 2 | Narkanda – Kalpa
Day 3 | Kalpa – Nako – Tabo
Day 4 | Tabo – Dangkar – Pin Valley – Kaza
Day 5 | Kaza and around (Ki, kibber, gette, hikkim, komik, langza – Choose whatever you possibly can)
Day 6 | Kaza- Kunzum Pass – Manali
Day 7 | Manali – Delhi
2. some remains might be present ahead of Kunzum Pass
3+4. Please refer; Please refer: https://discoverwithdheeraj.com/india/himalayan-hotels-guest-houses/good-stay-options-spiti-kinnaur-t1218.html#p9563
5. You will get something for sure if you search on the spot as well.
Hi Dheeraj,
Thanks for the informative post. I am planning a trip in late July. Here’s what’s on my mind.
Day 1 – Stay at Shimla
Day 2 – Shimla to Tapri. Stay at Tapri (?)
Day 3 – Tapri to Dhankar/Kaza, and stay at Dhankar/Kaza
Day 4 – Visit to Kunzum Pass and back, stay at Dhankar/Kaza
Day 5 – Go back to Shimla
Day 6 – Buffer day in case needed anywhere
In terms of roads, and rains, would it be feasible? There will be a baby with us, so don’t want too long a time (>6 hrs) on the road on any day.
Also if this is possible, does it make sense to add 1-2 days and complete the circuit with Manali?
In that case, what’s the best road between Manali and Chandigarh?
Thanks!
Hi Akash,
Below is a bit more practical version:
Day 1 – Stay at Shimla/Narkanda
Day 2 – Shimla/Narkanda – Reckong Peo
Day 3 – Reckong Peo – Tabo
Day 4 – Tabo – Dhangkar – Pin Valley – Kaza
Day 5 – Kaza – Reckong Peo
Day 6 – Reckong Peo – Shimla
Thanks Dheeraj. This helps. I’m assuming all these stops will have decent options for stay.
How long would Kaza to Chandigarh via Manali take, in case that has to be attempted?
Kaza to Manali will take around 8-10 Hrs and then another 10 Hrs to Chandigarh.
Hi Dheeraj,
Compliments on such informative and educative post.
I am planning to do full circuit Delhi-Kalka-Rampur/Sarahan-Kalpa-Kaza-Batal-Gramphu-Manali-Delhi. Start date from Delhi would be 6-June and I have time upto 16/17 June to reach Manali.
I am not sure whether the Kunzum Pass would be open around 14-15 June when i would be reaching there. Is there any official website from where to get latest and updated information about Kunzum Pass.
What itinerary would you suggest for the above circuit. We would be just two persons travelling in an XUV5oo.
Thanks in advance
Mukul, unfortunately if you want to do the circuit from Shimla – Kaza – Manali then road from Kaza – Kunzum Pass – Manali will not open by that time of the year. It is expected to open around 25th June this year.
Hi Dheeraj,
I am planning a trip in July 3rd week. The entire circuit starting from Shimla – Sangla – Spiti – Manali.
Will this new restriction of only allowing 1000 vehicles from Rohtang pass block our exit from Manali side or potentially lead to delays?
Thanks,
Satish
Satish, since you are planning from Shimla side, there will not be any implication of the new rule on you 🙂
Hi Dheeraj,
We are planning a trip from 13th June till 27th June from Mumbai to Spiti valley with below itinerary. Pls. suggest if we have chosen the correct stops and the distances can be done on that day as mentioned between destinations. we would be 4 friends in Xylo driving all the way from Mumbai.
1 – 13/06/2015 – Saturday – Thane (M.H) – Chittorgarh – 868 Kms – Overnite at Chittorgarh
2 – 14/06/2015 – Sunday – Chittorgarh – Kalka (HR) – 841 Kms – Overnite at Kalka
3 – 15/06/2015 – Monday – Kalka (HR) – Rampur (H.P) – 210 Kms – Overnite at Rampur
4 – 16/06/2015 – Tuesday – Rampur – Chitkul(or Sangla) – 119 Kms – Overnight at Sangla/ Chitkul.
5 – 17/06/2015 – Wednesday – Chitkul – Nako – 180 Kms – Overnight at Nako
6 – 18/06/2015 – Thursday – Nako – Kaza 129 Kms – Overnight at Kaza
7 – 19/06/2015 – Friday – Kaza – Kaza 0 Kms – Rest Day / buffer day
8 – 20/06/2015 – Saturday – Kaza – Batal – 87 Kms – Overnite at Batal PWD Guest House
9 – 21/06/2015 – Sunday – Batal – Manali – 116 Kms – Overnite at Manali
10 – 22/06/2015 – Monday – Manali – Chandigarh (PB) – 295 Kms – Overnite at Chandigarh
11 – 23/06/2015 – Tuesday Rest Day / buffer day
12 – 24/06/2015 – Wednesday – Chandigarh (PB) – Jaipur – 532 Kms – Overnite at Jaipur
13 – 25/06/2015 – Thursday – Jaipur – Ahmedabad – 678 Kms – Overnite at Ahmedabad
14 – 26/06/2015 – Friday – Ahmedabad – Thane – 508 Kms – Overnite at Thane
15 – 27/06/2015 – Saturday – This day can be adjusted somewhere in the schedule above.
pls. suggest if this is feasible plan or should we add more days to the plan.
Regards,
Rahul Korde
Hello Rahul,
Just one input below that it is better that you reach Sarahan on Day 3 rest looks fine.
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
Thanks Dheeraj for your response. Sarahan is 38 Kms from Rampur and we can definitely look at reaching this place as per your suggestion. Thanks again.
Also will it be rainy time in Kinnaur valley during this period ? Most of the blogs talk about Mid-July being monsoon time but one of my friend who just came back from Spiti last sunday told he luckily escaped rains at 2 places and that locals were talking about June being a rainy time in Kinnaur and Spiti.. any enlightenment on this from you would greatly help.
Regards,
Rahul Korde
The other advantage of sarahan is that it is higher in altitude and Rampur will be quite hot. Spiti is a rain shadow region anyways so rains does not reach up there too much apart form some overcast skies or little drizzles. In Kinaur it does rain in June and July mostly remains dry with monsoon being mostly delayed now for past few years to August but no one can predict the weather in certainity
Hi Dheeraj
wat a blog ! we are planning a trip in 3rd week of June to Spiti , around 10 nights and 9 days… but we cant settle on an iternary, can you help us plan an iternary ?
1. we can either take a jeep safari if thats an option or self drive(if u suggest)
2. dont want all the days to be like 8-9 hrs travelling (so ready to miss a few spots, but not the best ones)
please help us ?
Hello Neetu,
For aboout 9 days assuming from Delhi, following spiti valley plan can be followed:
Day 1 | Delhi – Narkanda
Day 2 | Narkanda – Kalpa
Day 3 | Kalpa – Nako – Nako Lake – Geyu Mummy – Tabo
Day 4 | Tabo – Dhankar – Dhankar Lake – Pin Valley (Mudh Village) – Kaza
Day 5 | Kaza Local Sightseeing
— Ki, Kibber, Gette, Tashigang in the second half of the day
— Sakya abode or snow lion are two best options at Kaza. Get in touch with Tsering at 09418208987, he is more than a friend to me. Will offer you best price. Both are run by him only. He has home stays too.
Day 6 | Kaza Local Sightseeing (Hikkim, Koumik)
— Hikkim, Komik, Langza circuit
Day 7 | Kaza – Kunzum Pass – Chandratal(if road is open)
Day 8 | Chandratal – Manali
Day 9 | Manali – Delhi
Hello Dheeraj,
You are doing a great job helping people reaching Spiti. Thanks a lot for the info already provided.
I have been through few posts and many comments yet some confusion exists.
Can you please help me in planning a solo spiti trip,using public transport ?
I m starting from Chandigarh on July 2nd and have to be back in Delhi by July 12th. ( assuming from above comments that it is good to visit during that time)
Apart from Chandrataal ,I have no specific places to visit there .I just want to be there and move ahead .
To begin with ..
1. What places do you suggest for 9/10 days in Spiti ?
2. Is it possible to travel all along by public transport ?
3. Can I make it to Chandrataal with public transport and trekkeing ?
4. Is it necessary to carry a tent and stuff or will I get accommodation all along ?
I can start either at Shimla or Manali based on your suggestion.
Any other suggestions are heartily welcomed.
Thank you,
Rama Krishna.
Hello Rama,
Please find my replies below:
1. Refer the plan below.
2. Yes very much possible
3. Refer: Chandratal Lake | Cheapest Ways To Travel There
4. Not really, as most places have stay options available.
Your plan shall be like:
Day 1 | Get a bus to Jeori or going towards Reckong Peo or up to Rampur from Chandigarg, get down there at Jeori and move to Sarahan from there. There is an overnight bus that runs from Chandigarh to Reckong Peo.
Day 2 | Get a a shared jeep to Jeori from Sarahan after asking about timing of bus to Reckong Peo and reach Jeori to catch that bus. From reckong peo, get a shared jeep to Kalpa to stay there
Day 3 | Go over to early morning to Reckong Peo to catch the bus to Kaza that runs everyday and get down at Tabo. From here you need to do following plan in shared taxis or hitch hikes
Day 4 | Tabo – Dhangkar – Pin Valley
Day 5 | Pin Valley – Kaza and rest there
Day 6 | Kaza and around, Ki, Kibber, Gete, Tashigang
Day 7 | Kaza and around – Hikkim, Langza, Komik
Day 8, 9 | Kaza – Chandratal – Manali. Refer the article: Chandratal Lake | Cheapest Ways To Travel There
Day 10 | Manali – Chandigarh
Thanks a lot for suggesting the itinerary and referring to the Chandrataal Article. A lot of my doubts were cleared.
Thank you very much.
Can you please advise me on what kind of clothing to carry in July ?
I have gone through Chandrataal Post, and I am assuming that normal clothing would do.I m confused about carrying heavy clothing as it increases my luggage weight.
Rama, carry at least one light jacket and one heavy jacket because you never know up there in mountains where the weather can change. So, in case the weather changes abruptly, you may find it very very cold.
Hello Dheeraj..
I have completed my trip to Spit on bicyclei. Thanks for you initial suggestion due to which my Itinerary got a shape. Luckily, I haven’t faced much trouble from the weather.
Please find the route I have taken below from 27th June to 10th July
Day-1 : Shimla- Kufri (Got exhausted after the uphill and stopped at Khufri)
Day-2 : Kufri-Narkanda-Baghi-Sungri-Bahli
Day-3 : Bahli-Taklech-Darangathi-Mashnu-Rampur (Took lift between Taklech to Darangathi and from Mashnu to Rampur)
Day-4 : Rampur- Bhavanagar
Day-5 : Bhavanagar- Sangla (Took lift after Tapri to cross the landslide and few kms in landslide prone area on the way to sangla)
Day-6 : Sangla-Chitkul-Sangla-Powari ( Took lift till recong peo)
Day-7: Recong peo- Pooh
Day-8: Pooh-Nako
Day-9: Nako-Tabo
Day-10:Tabo-Kaza
Day-11: Kaza-Losar
Day-12:Losar-Batal (Didn’t visit chandra tal due to bad weather)
Day-13: Batal-Rohtang pass (The zero visibility due to rain and and slippery road made me to take lift till Manali).
Lovely to know that Rama, if possible please share a photo tale or travel with us in the community, it will help a ton.
Hello,
I am considering a motorcycle journey = Chandigarh – Shimla – Narkanda – Rampur – Karcham – Nako – Kaza – Rangrik – Batal – Gramphu onwards to Leh and return via Rohtang pass to Manali – Chandigarh. The other option is the traditional Chandigarh – Manali – Leh – Manali – Chandigarh route.
I can spare about 22-25 days. Is mid-August a good time for such a journey ?
I have a Unicorn and my wife is planning to join as well.
Regards,
Satish can you make it in September when the rain resides away?
Thanks Dheeraj for the quick revert.
Is August a challenge for only the Spiti route or the traditional Manali – Leh route as well ? If the journey is to be planned for September, would it be mid-September ?
Regards,
Satish, on Spiti route up to the time you enter in Spiti, you will face monsoon hassles, then on Manali – Leh till you reach around Sarchu, you will have rain hassles too. Are you open to plan in around 10 of Sept? This way you can enter from Shimla side to Spiti, exit to manali – leh, and then finally come back from Srinagar.
Hi Dheeraj,
Thanks for the wonderful blog. It is very usefull. We 3 couples are planning to do a complete circuit this year. We have 2 options:
1) Aug 29 to Sep 8 OR
2) Oct 2 to Oct 12
Which according to you would be the best time to go there. And do we need to book for accomodations before hand or we get options on arrival ?
Would be very helpful for your expert guidance and advice. Thanks 🙂
Shahil, I will suggest you to go ahead with Aug – Sept option because October is little late for the trip as the cold sets in. If you are OK with the cold and road blocks due to snow for a day or too, it is fine in October as well when tourists are very less but it should not co-incide with Raid-de-Himalayas plan.
Thanks Dheeraj,
Any chances of getting some snow or waterfalls in Aug-Sep period ? And does it rain heavy during this time or rainy season wud have ended by then ?
Also, wanted to know if it is necessary to book our accomodation beforehand or we can manage on arrival at all places.
Snow only in some remains spots here and there. Waterfalls?? There will be water on the roads for sure much like water crossings. It does rain heavy in August until you reach rain shadow regions of Spiti Valley. If you are fine in searching here and there and not particular about any single hotel then it is fine.
Thanks a lot Dheeraj 🙂
Hi Dheeraj,
Congrats for excellent guidance provided to various travelers.
Planning to go to Spiti Valley in last week of May and 1st of week of June. How are the road conditions and is there any change due to recent earthquakes in Nepal?
Is it ok to travel with 6 years old kid?
Thanks
KT, there is no change due to earthquakes. The road from Kaza to Manali will not be open during that time else Shimla – Kinnaur – Spiti will be much settled now though these roads starting from Kinnaur are always bad in conditions.
Thanks Dheeraj for prompt response.
Is it ok to travel with 6 and 8 years kids to spiti valley and stay there for 3-4 days?
thanks
In general, it is fine to take the children of such age group because AMS do not matter with respect to age or sex or any physical health condition. It can happen to anyone of any age or sex or fitness I shall say :D.. The issue with children is that they tend to exert the body considering it the same kind of place they belong to and this elevates the chances of getting struck with AMS. Secondly, they are not much expressive about their uneasy feelings, so it is parents who need to watch out and take care that the child is not suffering from uneasy feelings, headache or nausea and is behaving properly. With 5+ year child, I think he/she would be able to convey the uneasiness with little efforts. If you notice any such feeling or he/she tells you about such a feeling then please do not ascend anywhere, either descend to lower altitude or stay at the same place to watch things overnight and if symptom increase then start descending immediately. Same is applicable for any adult as well. And yes, do keep the body adequately hydrated!!
Also, PLEASE read the article: Traveling to Ladakh with Kids or Babies. This article covers this topic in complete detail.
Thanks Dheereaj, the suggested article on AMS is very helpful. Planned trip is Chandigarh to thanedar 1 night, Kalpa 1 night, Tabo 1 night and then Kaza 3 nights before descend To Sangla
Should this be sufficient for acclamation ?
KT, shall be good enough. Better to stay at Narkanda than Thanedar because if I am correct Narkanda is at much higher altitude than Thanedar.
Thanks a lot Dheereaj for all the info.
Just wanted to know one more thing. Is it possible to cover ki,kibber,get and mud village pin valley in a single day from morning to evening?
Tejas, both are on the opposite side of Kaza. If you coming from Tabo, you can cover Pin Valley and reach Kaza by noon. Then in the evning you can go over to Kibber, Ki.
Hi Dheeraj,
Can you let me know if Spiti valley is possible in mid July? we are planning to start from chandigarh on 19-JUL-2015 on bikes. i wanted to know the weather conditions. Though the above information is pretty clear and informative but still i wanted to confirm? should i pre-pone my plan to early July then? Because i am in no mood to ride in Rain over there or waste my days waiting.
Thanks a lot
Yes Piyush, Spiti Valley trip is very much possible in July. Weather conditions should be OK as we have late rains now a days and once you enter Spiti it is a rain shadow region and very much less rains reaches there. If you can make it happen in early July it will be much better.
Hi Dheeraj,
Friend you are a great traveller, and helped so many for visiting spiti valley and nearby areas. I also would like to have your expert advice on the same, we are few friends and am planning a road trip from Baroda to Spiti on 8th may. Can you please guide us with the route and places to stay. We would like to see snow too and visit manali also. If you have any other alternate plan which can be better also do let know. Also let know in case of emergency whom to contact there.
Thanks
Sachin, Spiti to Manali route will not be open and you will have to come back by same route and then take diversion before Narkanda towards Jalori pass to reach Manali. I will be able to suggest anything if you let me know how many days do you have in hand and from where in plains like Delhi or Chandigarh you will start or end?
Thanks for your prompt reply, we will be going from chandigarh, we have 6 days after reaching any base place Manali/Shimla. Please guide us accordingly. Will Rohtang pass road be opened or not. Is Gulaba a viable option.
Thanks
Sachiien
Sachin, 6 days are too less for a trip to Spiti from Shimla side. It will take 3 days to reach from Delhi to Spiti from Shimla side and 3 days to come back.
Hi Dheeraj
What a great webpage. Spiti is a wonderful place. I am a teacher in Scotland and helped out in the school in Rangrik (just outside Kaza) last year. My wife and I are going back to the school for 6 months this year (May to October). Anyone passing through is welcome to join us for some chai and share some stories.
David
David, that is too good to know. If possible I will come over and meet up in case I come to Spiti this year. We had last year DoW Mega Meet up there in Spiti as well where we executed numerous causes to let a little helping hand to the monasteries and schools too. We are in process of setting up a library as well through the means of DoW Causes. It will be great to know your inputs too on books to plan. We have already stocked up many books and plan is to launch the library by the end of this season in September.
David , see u on 4th sept 2015
Hello Dheeraj,
i’m kunal. i’m travelling alone to kaza,spiti on 27th april to 2nd may 2015.
is it ok time to travel. i want to trek also. should i hire a guide? what woolen clothes should i carry?
Is it safe to travel alone n trek there?
one more thing, what are the most scenic places to look out for?
where should i trek?
Kunal, you barely have days in hand to reach there brother forget about trekking. It takes three days to reach Kaza from Shimla side with overnight halts at Shimla/Narkanda, Reckong Peo / Kalpa, Kaza and similarly three days to come back on an average of 8-9 Hr per day travel. So, your 6 days will be over in going and coming back only.
Hello Dheeraj,
I have been to Spiti Valley in late September. An absolutely stunning time to visit this total heaven. I went via Shimla – Reckong Peo – Kaza and returned via Kaza – Kunzum – Manali a few years back. I took that infamously crowded Shimla – Peo bus which I almost missed it as I was waiting for it near Lakkar Bazar stand (hardly had time to go to Tuti Kandi ISBT when I decided to book ticket, check out from hotel etc). At least for 3 hours I had to stand in the very crowded bus (this topped mumbai local trains to be honest). but was amazing experience overall. So now I wish to plan again for a week around July time. probably late July or early August. As you say this may not be so good time but for later around October I am planning to go Nepal. so not that feasible to do in September for me.
Can you suggest me places to cover in 7 days (Kaza – Kaza) time? I am mostly interested in landscape and night photography along with exploring the places obviously. Been to usual suspects last time such as Ki Monestary, Kibber and Chandratal last time.
Still remember that surreal night at Batal and seeing Milky Way for the first time totally blew me away. I wonder if anything in life can/will ever that short Solo Spiti Trip. Eternal love at first sight.
Beside that, I also have been longing to explore Pangi Valley. Do you have any clue on what’s better time to visit that?
Thanks.
I am actually finding Pangi Valley (maybe in September? ) very interesting so much so that I can just postpone my Nepal plan to next year or something. There can just be so many options within and around Pangi Valley (including Lahaul, Zanskar and Kashmir). Would be great if you can suggest some general tips and places to cover in these regions (if you have been to) for say a 3 week trip? I don’t ride bikes so I have to use public transportation. also don’t mind an easy – moderate trek or two en route as well.
Thanks again.
Mayhem, in 3 weeks, you can cover Spiti Valley + Pangi Valley as well. Zanskar is connected via Darcha with a 5 day trek but that need to be organized. Are you sure you want to include Zanskar with Pangi?
Mayhem, good to know your story 🙂 … It is always such experiences that make the travel memorable. You can make the trip in July if you can. In 7 days you can pick from the places like Pin Valley, Dhangkar, Demul, Mane Villages, Hikkim, Komik, Langza, Lhallung. Lhallung – Demul to Langza are connected with trek routes too which you can opt.
Pangi Valley will also be good to visit in July or in September as Sach Pass is feasible during that time only barring days of rains when landslides are very common.
Hi Dheeraj, We are 12 member group from Pune we have made a biking trip to leh last year in June14,this year we are planning for spiti valley on bikes we are going to on 21 may from Pune hopeing reach simla by 23, main thing is to ask we are planning of tenting is it advisable by you.
Santosh, by that time road from Manali to Spiti Valley will not be open as it opens in around mid of June. So, if you are fine to travel Shimla to Spiti both ways, then it is fine else plan in post mid of june to do complete circuit.
Hi Dheeraj,
I am planning to visit Kinnur in last month of May or first month of June 2015.
We are planniing to go to Narkanda-Sarahan-Sangla-Chitkul-Kalpa-Kaza then return to Delhi.
What abt the road conditions.Also will we able to see some snow ove.Will we get any there or snow capped peeks.
can we cover Jalori pass in starting or while returning, will we get any snow over there at that time.WE just want to see the snow on jalori pass else we will cover trithan vally and jalori pass in any other season.
Please provide your valuable comments.
Kapil, beyond Kunzum Pass, you will be able to see snow. How many days do you have in hand for this trip? When coming from Kaza, you can reach Shoja from Kalpa on the return over Jalori Pass. Jalori will not have any snow during that time of the year. You will find plenty of snow beyond Kunzum Pass in Spiti Valley.
`Hi Dheeraj,
We have7 nights and 8 days in hand.But it will not possible to cross kunzum pass in May as we are targeting last week of may or first week of June .kinnur should be best time to visit ? correct.Can we go up to kaza in this time frame.Could you please suggest any other good itenary for kinnur in this time frame.
One more question.Will Rohtang open by this time ?
Thnks a lot for your valuable suggestions.
Hi Kapil,
Manali to Kaza road most likely will not open by that time of the year as it opens in mid of June in general for past few years. So, doing circuit will not be possible and doing Spiti from Shimla side will need 6 days just for travel to reach and come back from it. Then just two days you can explore around Kaza. Is it fine for you?
Regards
Dheeraj
Dheeraj Bhai… Greetings
Hope you remember me…doesn’t matter if you don’t cause i will always regard you for your help in my Solo bike trip to Leh in 2012. Once again i am planning to do Shimla – Manali (via Lahaul -spiti circuit) in mid June .
I am confused about a few things… below i am mentioning them
1) How strenuous is it going to be as compared Leh trip.
2) Is June right time for a solo rider to get going
3) Stay options at various locations
Most important one
4) Will ITBP/ BRO allow me to do Shipki La and Kaurik (Lepcha post) ? Are there any permits required ?
Regards
Charanjeet
Hi Charanjeet,
Yeah, I remeber brother 🙂
1. As compared to Leh, Spiti Valley trip over Hindustan – Tibet Highway is more challenging
2. Make it post mid of June or third week of June so that the road from Kaza to Manali gets open
3. Check the link: Good Hotels or Accommodation options in Spiti Valley & Kinnaur Valley
4. Permits, if any will be given at Reckong Peo DC office or from army CO who may be residing in Reckong Peo or Puh. Very very difficult but if you have time, you can try to get the permits done.
Regards
Dheeraj
Hi Dheeraj,
Great article…stumbled upon it searching for some offbeat places in Himachal. So me and my husband are planning a trip in april (tentatively on 18th april), which will last for 7-8 days. I have been to Leh, Ladakh in August’14. Now I am highly confused about where to go in Himachal, coz we want to see some different scenery too. We want to explore some places on our own (like how we took a bike from leh and went to zanskar, alchi, etc. for a day and came back). We are not into heavy bike riding. Which place will you suggest me? Please help me out!
Rucha, you can go ahead and make a trip to Tirthan Valley + Barot. You can ride a bike to Jalori Pass near Tirthan Valley but that needs to be hired from Shimla or Manali.
Hi Dheeraj ,
At the outset , earnest thanks for all your posts which are very much useful for my trip to spiti.
My friend and myself want to visit Spiti in 2015 June 20 to 30th. Our wish is to explore Himalayas filled with snows , So can we feel the snow during these days or should we need to prepone our Trip? I really value your expert advice.
This period of the June is ideal to experience snow, especially between Kaza and Manali belt which will most likely open as well during this time of the season.
Hello Dheeraj, your article is the best there is in the internet about Spiti travel guide. The whole series is so well written. Thank you for putting so much time for noobs like us 🙂
My friends and I are planning to visit Spiti via bikes from Delhi during mid April, probably 11-15,16 April. Is it a good time? We maybe 4 people at max. So do we need any backup vehicle? Kindly help us out. Thanks again 🙂
Pranay, April is not a good time as landslides and snowslides are pretty common during this time of the year. Also, 5-6 days for Spiti Valley through Kinnaur is that sufficient as it will take 3 days to just reach Kaza
So what should be my course of action? I cannot postpone because I can’t get easy leaves from office(stupid work culture).
That means I cant increase the days too. Any alternative
Alternative as in what is the furthest we can go and get Spiti like feel 😛
Pranay, alternatives will be like at max try to visit Kinnaur Valley and cover Sangla, Chitkul, Kalpa, Sarahan in these 6 days you have in hand.
HI dheeraj
How much time will it take from manali to Kunzumla pass by bike (june end)…. one single day is enough i guess ????
Shashi, you can easily do Manali to Kaza covering over Kunzum Pass in case you start early from Manali, say by 6-7 AM.
hi, dheeraj! me n my frnd want to visit spiti valley this year on my bike frm shimla-narkanda-kaza-kalpa-recong peo route covering kinnour, its a long awaited programme. i want to visit chandratal also & we are thinking of mid june. im concerned abt the timing. roads will open or nt at kunjum pass by then!? wht would u suggest? i dont want to drop chandratal.
Himanshu, by mid of June I feel you will be able to visit Chandratal. The kunzum Pass will be open for sure and road towards Chandratal may be open in bits and pieces. You may need to trek a bit though in the end in case road from Batal to Chandratal is not completely open. But, that should be manageable.
Hi Deeraj,
Me n my friends are planing to visit spiti in mid of may…for a week…could u suggest the best itnerary for the short visit.
Michelle, for 7 days, spiti tour via Shimla can be quite tiring. You looking for 7 days tour ex. Delhi?
Dear Dheeraj,
Me and my cousin are planning to make a trip to spiti on march 31 from New Delhi.we are from kerala. We will start from kerala on 28 th march.. we wish to visit kullu-manali-shimila-spiti .. kindly suggest me a itinerary for the same. and suggest how many days required to visit all these places.Hope u help..
thanking you
Rahul, road from Manali to Spiti opens in June first week type or second week type. So, from Manali you will not be able to do Spiti Valley trip. Also, it is not season time in Spiti and conditions are very harsh during these days.
Dear dheeraj,
i prefer shimla-peo -tabo-kaza route. Is there any problem with this route now? Im looking for public transport .
Rahul, weather will be harsh and conditions too. You may not get running water in toilets and should be using the dry pit mostly beyond Kinnaur Valley. Public transport runs all the way to Kaza from Shimla, so no issues in that sense. Most hotels will be closed as well and you should be staying in homestays only. Regarding itinerary, this is what you can attempt to follow as a rough draft plan and depending upon the availability public transport
Day 1 | Chandigarh – Narkanda – Sarahan
Day 2 | Sarahan – Reckong Peo – Kalpa
Day 3 | Reckong Peo – Nako – Tabo
Day 4 | Tabo – Dhangkar – Dhangkar Lake – 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 if possible. You may not be able to do it as buses may not be available but guess there is a bus that can take you to Chango in noon
Day 7 | Nako – Rampur / Narkanda
Day 8 | Rampur / Narkanda – Chandigarh
Regards
Dheeraj
Hi Dheeraj
Im willing to cover Spiti valley in the 1st week of April. Say 6-7 days trip maximum.
I will be starting from Delhi and taking route via Shimla as i’ve heard its more good as the route will be open.
Any advice on the same. And can i travel through public transport?
Thanks 🙂
Pushpendra
Pushpendra, it will be very very hectic as it takes 3 days to reach Spiti from Shimla side and 3 days of course to come back. Do you think it is fine? 1 day you will only get when you need to rest there in Kaza.
Hi Dheeraj,
You have provided a wealth of information for us travellers here. I am interested in going to Spiti Valley in the beginning of June. Is it possible to cover the all the places if I start from Chandigarh on 30th May (Saturday) and come back to Chandigarh on 7th June (Sunday) ? Could you suggest a rough itinerary?
SK, 8 days is OK OK time and give a little less time to rest. Kunzum Pass will not open by that time so you may not be able to come from Manali side that saves a day always. But, still, you can do something 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 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 – Chandigarh
Thank you Dheeraj!
I would like to visit Chandratal also. Is it possible to go there from Kaza even if Kunzum Pass is closed? Trekking is not a problem.
SK, it will be very difficult to visit Chandratal during that time as the road most likely will be closed and for trekking you need at least 2 days from kaza
Oh, it seems I’ll have to skip the lake this time. Thanks for the help!
Hi Dheeraj,
Is it possible to come to Kalka from Nako on Day 7? This is because I have to reach Delhi on the last day instead of Chandigarh.
SK, Kalka to Nako is a very very long journey of about 14+ Hrs easily and all in the mountains.
So how can I reach Delhi on the last day by late evening? My return flight is from Delhi.
You will have to skip something and do it in two days. Or may be reach Rampur / Kalpa on first day instead of Nako and then reach Kala from Rampur / Kalpa
Hi Dheeraj,
Thanks for putting a lot of information about himalayas and sorroundings, it is helping a lot.
Reading a few of your writeups, I do have a query, which I cannot fully get from posts.
We will be in chandigarh on apr-12(sunday), and then we are planning for a himachal trip starting from apr-13 (monday) for a week, we have to get back to Delhi by sunday anyhow, so we can catch flight back to bangalore.
So, in all we have 6 days (monday to saturday).
What do you suggest for us?
Will Spiti valley a good for us during this time of april?
If yes, what all should we be covering during our trip?
If no, what else we can plan in himachal?
Thanks
Deepak
Deepak, with just 6 days in hand, I will suggest that you keep yourself fixed in Kinnaur Valley covering Kalpa, Sangla, Chitkul, Sarahan for a relaxing trip. In case you want to be more on road rather relaxing, add a couple of day trip up to Nako in that case from Kalpa. If this sounds good, then let’s discuss the itinerary for you 🙂
Hi Dheeraj,
Thanks for taking out time and giving needful details for me.
Yes, I would like it to be a little relaxing also, as I will be traveling with my family (Me, my wife, my father & mother and my brother). So thinking of parents, I should be keeping good amount of site seeing places and rest as well.
Yes, please help me with the itinerary please. It would be of great help.
Also, can shimla bhi included in this itinerary, as I think this will go via shimla only right?
Thanks again
Deepak
Deepak, please refer the article: Travel Guide for Kinnaur Valley which has a section “Suggested Itinerary for Kinnaur Valley” for your reference on the itinerary.
Thanks Dheeraj,
Surely will refer that.
Thanks again.
Deepak
Hi Dheeraj,
Thanks for putting lot of information about Spiti in your site. Whenever I search for Spiti valley details in Google, I end up in your site. I have gone through most of the posts you have put, All of them inspire us to Visit this place. Could you please help us in planning a trip to Spiti.
We are 5 friends from Bangalore, We would like to visit Spiti valley in June mid. Our plan is to fly to Chandigarh and take self drive Scorpio from Carzonrent. And drive to Shimla, visit Spiti and exit through Manali.
1. Is this possible in 10 days. (Chandigarh to Chandigarh)?
2. We avoided Delhi, due to lose of two days for Delhi-shimla and Manali-Delhi). Am I right on this assumption?
3. Can you suggest us a itinerary for this route if it is possible in this few days?
4. Is there any Chance of Renting bike from Shimla and dropping at Manali? (If our group strength reduces)
5. Please let us know, if you have any better idea.
Thanks in Advance,
Bijesh K
Hello Bijesh,
Firstly I will advice you to read this article as well as it may save you some hassle and cost: How to hire a Self Drive Car on Rent for Ladakh or Himalayas.
1. The plan is for sure possible in you can check the most common itinerary for Spiti Valley for 10-11 days I recommend at the link: https://discoverwithdheeraj.com/spiti-valley-most-common-itinerary/
2. It won’t be like an extra day but about a 4 Hrs drive I will say. But, if you want to make it from Chandigarh that is fine too but consider the cost comparison using the above article suggested for hiring a self drive car.
3. Mentioned above.
4. The taxi charges are about 2500-3000 per day and even in case you are three people, it will end up being more or less cheaper then hiring 3 bike and dropping it at Shimla. So, better viable option will be taxi even in that case.
Regards
Dheeraj
Hi Dheeraj,
I am planning to travel Spiti valley by 1st May, 2015 and I am pretty much interested by the plan you provided in below link.
https://discoverwithdheeraj.com/spiti-valley-season-to-travel/#comment-150889
1. From Chandigarh onwards , How can we arrange for Car for the whole trip? Please share any contacts.
2. What can be the expected expenditure on car?
3. Regarding Hotel stay, I learned from above link , Tsering will able to help right ?
Thanks
Hello Krishnendu,
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 too.
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
Tsering will surely be able to help you guys. Also, you can check the link: Good Hotels or Accommodation options in Spiti Valley & Kinnaur Valley
Regards
Dheeraj
Hello,
Have you finalized itinerary and car?..Please let me know which car and how much is the cost?
Regards
Hii Dheeraj,
I am a regular visitor to ur website and salute you for ur efforts.
Like you i am also in awe with Himalaya and mostly prefer Self drive road tripping. You may please check our my travel and photo blog http://www.everythingcandid.com
I own a Diesel Ford FIgo and would like to understand if i can complete Spiti Circuit with Figo. FYI, I have been to Chhitkul via Shimla.
Look forward to ur response.
Thanks and Regards,
Himanshu
Thankyou Himanshu, glad you love the site and work up here. Surely you can do Spiti Circuit in a ford figo but you will need to understand there will be some risks involved because of low ground clearance of the car. For hatchback/sedan taking on Manali – Leh Highway Or Spiti Valley via Manali Or Ladakh, please refer the link: FAQ | Can I do Leh – Ladakh / Spiti / Manali – Leh trip in Hatchback or Sedan? for more details.
Dear Dheeraj,
I would like to travel alone to Kibber, Dhankar, Kalpa area in late December. Do you know if there is any chance I can get the permit from Rekong Peo? I read the guide book said it will be easy to get the permit from Kaza but it seems the road is already block from Manali to Kaza hence I can’t take that route. If I have to form a group by joining other travellers, do we really need to travel together all the way?
many thanks for your advice in advance
Hello Rain,
Yes, you will be able to get the permits, AFAIK but the problem will be finding other foreigners to form a group as only handful of people travel to Spiti in winters, I doubt any foreigners will be traveling. All depends on the luck though. Also, you need not to travel together once you hav permits. You can travel on your own. No, it is best to get permits from Rckong Peo, read the article: Inner Line Permits for Kinnaur – Spiti Valley
Try to get in touch with Tsering at:+91-9418208987, if he can help in anyway for permits or know any group of foreigners visiting in December up there in Spiti.
I hope you are fine with extreme cold conditions which Spiti will be offering in December. Also, you will be staying with home stays only with basic food and no toilets with water, only dry pits will be there during winters.
Dear Dheeraj,
Thanx for the reply and valuable advice.
I would need some more information about the trek, if you dont mind, can you please provide your mobile no. It would be easier get info in one to one conversation.
Regards
Shreekar
Pune.
Please send a message to me over DoW FB Page.
Hi,
I am planning for a bike tour from Shimla-Kinnaur-Spiti Valley-Manali-Shimla.
We are planning to travel in April, is it the correct season. Also how are the road conditions?
Need your help.
Regards
Shreekar
Shreekar, road conditions are bad during that time and above all you cannot do the entire circuit that is enter Spiti Valley from Kinnaur and exit from Manali. You will need to follow the same route from Kinnaur Only. The route from Manali side opens in June.
Hi Dheeraj
Can we visit spiti valley in the month of Jan mid . as advised by you earlier
Shimla – Chitkul
Chitkul – Nako – Tabo
Tabo – Dhangkar – Pin Valley – Kaza
Kaza – Ki – Kibber, Langza, Komik – Kaza
Kaza – Chandratal
Chandratal – Manali
can we cut short the above
Shekar, the road up to Kaza remains open all round the year. But, very heavy snow fall can end you up stuck for couple of days to a week time, though eventually road will open. Also, it will be extremely harsh conditions in Spiti valley in January with most hotels will be closed.
Hi Dheeraj
Thanks for ur reply. Here I am confused. In one of the above reply u said that route from manali is open from june only . so we can go upto spiti and do we need to return without visiting manali until june????
Regards
Shekar
Yes, you are correct. If you are going to Spiti Valley before June, high chances that roads will not be open and you will have to go from Shimla – Kinnaur route and come back the same route without covering the route from Manali.
Hi Dheeraj
It is very sad that we can not go to Manli from shimla via spiti. Any how I cannot wait until June , So I will be traveling in the last week of Jan or 2 nd week of Feb. Do u have any idea how much taxi will be charging from shimla to spiti to shimla
Please let me know
Regards
Shekar, please note conditions will be quite harsh, so go prepared also with some buffer days in case it snows 🙂
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 too.
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
Hi Dheeraj
Thanks for reply . In that u have mentioned that , this March 2014 u have gone to ” White spiti valley trip” .
Can u pls let me know those tour details .
1) How many days u went on tour
2) whr did u stay
3)wht places have u seen
4) How was the weather conditions
Regards
Shekhar, this link below was the last article of the series of White Spiti trip and all other articles are linked before the article of the entire journey. Please feel free to go through the entire experience of my Spiti Valley snow White Experience: A Race with Time on Deathway of Kinnaur Valley
hi..
i was planning to travel by jeep so is it possible to travel to kaza via shimla on 10-15th December?
Manpreet, it will be very very harsh and cold up there in Spiti Valley during that time of the year. Are you sure you are ready for it?
Hi Dheeraj, Thanks for lots of info u r shrng hr… We guys are planning to go to Spiti at the end of November…Strtng from Delhi….Can u plz suggest some shops for Gum Boots, Riding Glows, Riding Gears…etc…that we can take on Rent..in Delhi only…
Mohan, it will be quite harsh and cold to travel to Spiti Valley during that time of the year. However, on rent I am not sure but for buying you can check Delhi Cantt Gopinath Bazaar and Delhi Cantt Sadar Bazar markets.
How’s weather in Feb 1st week.
Is it advisable from Manali.
Nimish, road from Manali to Kaza – Spiti is already closed for tourists. So, in Feb, in harsh conditions it all depends if you can take them up or not. The conditions will be very very harsh and cold. The road might be open from Kinnaur side.
Hello,
Is it preferable to visit this place during dec/january??
Kavit, no, it will be quite harsh and cold up there in spiti Valley. If you are OK with cold conditions you can check out up to Kinnaur Valley though during that period as that will have better facilities in that period.
Hi Dheeraj,
I m planning for a trip to spiti valley in Nov first week on my bike.we are planning to enter via shimla & return via manali route.what is all we need to carry & what’s your advice…
Jatin, the route from Manali to Kaza is now closed for normal tourist visit and local only take it with high risks to their lives as there is not any option in some circumstances for them. The cold has gone harsh in Spiti and if you are OK with such harsh cold conditions and basic stays available up there, it should be fine but you will have to travel from Kinnaur side and come back from Kinnaur side only.
I want to go spiti valley in the 1st week of May.Which will start from Saturday evening from delhi and it will end in delhi in next saturday evening/sunday .
Sumit, if you are planning to do entire circuit then road from Manali to Kaza opens only in June thrid week type. Hence, it will only be possible to do it form Kinnaur side. Is it fine for you?
Thanks for your reply . one of the travel agency has sent me following itinerary .
Day-1 Arrival Delhi in the evening and proceed to Chandigarh
Day-2 Proceed to Narkanda After breakfast proceed to Narkanda (8000+ ft asl – 170 kms).
Day-3 Narkanda – Sangla Proceed to Sangla (9000+ft asl, 150 kms – 5 hrs) enroute take a detour for Sarahan (7000+ ft asl, 17 kms off NH-22) is visited for Bhimkali temple, an old wooden temple considered one of the Shaktipeetha temple. It offers excellent Himalayan views. Reach Sangla by late afternoon / evening.
Day-4 Excursion to Chitkul or trekking around Sangla Excursion to Chitkul (10000+ ft asl, 25 kms from Sangla) (last village before the Indo-Tibetan border where you see awesome Himalayan views). One would require to walk 3 kms (one way) from vehicle drop point to the border check post. Adventure oriented guests can opt for a full day trekking (with packed Lunch). Those interested in Fishing, may opt for Trout fishing (permits to be obtained in advance. Guest to carry rod).
Day-5 SANGLA – KAZA – 229 KM / 9 HR mountains as we go over the tree line towards the Spiti region. After driving for about 5 hrs on NH 22, just short of Yangthang, we take a detour, to visit the picturesque Nako Lake and have a picnic lunch by the lakeside. Post –lunch we drive on through breath taking, mountain desert terrain to reach the Banjara Retreat in Kaza.
Day-6 KAZA – KI GOMPA – KIBBER – GETE – KAZA After breakfast, visit Ki monastery and Kibber village. Ki gompa is a Gelugpa sect monastery. Its hilltop position points to a post-thirteenth century construction. The three storied structure consists largely of storage rooms at the bottom level, while the middle floor houses the Dukhang- the assembly hall- and the uppermost floor has another temple and the head Lama’s quarters, on one side of an open terrace. The greatest wealth of Ki Gompa lies in its collection of ‘Thangkas’ salvaged with difficulty from the devastating raids of the Dogars and the Sikhs in the 19th century. From here a scenic drive takes you into the pasture country of Kibber. The pastures are spread over hundreds of square kilometers. Kibber is small village and is the take off point for the popular trek to Tso Moriri in Ladakh. Further up six kilometers from Kibber, we drive up to a still smaller village of Gete. Consisting of just six houses, it boasts of being the highest village in Asia connected by road. Drive back to the retreat for a late lunch and spend rest of the day at leisure.
Day-7 KAZA – DHANKAR – TABO – KALPA – 210 KM / 7 HRS Post-breakfast drive down to Dhankar Monastery. Dhankar, the traditional capital of Spiti, sits pretty on a hilltop. The fort here overlooks the Spiti valley and it was used as a jail in olden days. Today, more than 160 lamas reside here. A statue of Dhyan Buddha where four complete figures of Buddha sit back to back is the main attraction of this more than seven-century old monastery. Move on to visit the glorious Tabo Gompa; reputed to be the oldest (an inscription on a wall here indicates, it was founded in AD 996) continuously functioning Buddhist monastery in India and the Himalayas, with its original decoration and iconographic program intact. Finish off with your packed lunch and drive on to reach Kalpa late in the evening. Famous for its apple and chilgoza plantations, this place also offers the best panoramic view of the 6,000m high Kinner-Kailash range. Night stay in Kalpa.
Day-8 KALPA – THANEDAR – 155 KMS / 6 HRS Proceed to Thanedar. If time permits Visit Paramjyotir temple and Tani Jubbar Lake.
Day-9 Thanedar – Kalka / Chandigarh Railway station 252 kms / 8 hrs Depart for onward journey.
Can you help me to cut it to 8 days . Or is this itinerary is feasible ?
We can go via Kinnar side . You can suggest an itinerary of 8 days from delhi to delhi or from starting point can be chandigarh and end in delhi
Sumit you can try the itinerary for Spiti Valley from Kinnaur side as below:
Day 1 | Chandigarh – Narkanda – Sarahan
Day 2 | Sarahan – Rakcham/Sangla/Chitkul visit in the day
Day 3 | Kalpa – 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 Local Sightseeing
— Ki, Kibber, Gette, Tashigang
— Hikkim, Komik, Langza circuit
Day 6 | Kaza – Kalpa
Day 7 | Kalpa – Shimla / Narkanda
Day 8 | Shimla / Narkanda – Delhi
I have suggested the itinerary here: https://discoverwithdheeraj.com/spiti-valley-season-to-travel/#comment-150889
Hi,
I am also interested for Spiti . i am alone and if any group is going to spiti , please let me know.
Regards
Akash
Hi Akash,
I am planning to travel tp spiti from Bangalore.Starting 11 October to 23 october.Please call me for more information:9741618236
Hi,
I am planning to go to KAZA as per below details
28 Sept – 2 Oct (1 day reserve in case of delays)
Route: (Shimla-Kaza- Shimla) in Liva 3 or 4 people. Majorly concerned about road/car 😉
Kindly adivice.
Nishant, please refer my suggestions on the thread in DwD Community: Need Help for a Road Trip of the TRIBAL CIRCUIT/LAHAUL S
Hey, You are doing a very nice work here. I am planning a SOLO backpacking trip to Spiti valley in the first week of Oct. I have few question I need your help upon:
1). I am starting from Delhi and planning to spend 7-8 days. Can you please design a quick itinerary for me starting 30th Sep evening considering that I will be using public transport only.
2. How to travel between Kaza, pin valley, tabo etc. If I plan to trek, do I need to hire some sherpa/guide or we have proper route which don’t require companion.
3. Hows the telecom facility in that area. Do I need to bring particular network or all will work?
4. I want to travel light. Whats do you think are the important things I should carry.
5. Do people generally suffer from altitude sickness. I have experience travelling to 14k ft.
6. As I can see by posts, there are a lot of people travelling at that time. Would you suggest booking of any type? Hotels, buses etc??
7. Any other word of caution or suggestion?
Aman
1. What is your starting point?
2. With just 7-8 days in hand, what trek are you planning??
3. Only BSNL/MTNL connections work and that too not entirely in Spiti Valley.
4. Heavy woolens is a must so carry at least one heavy jacket and one fleece to beat the cold, especially at night.
5. Yes, people do suffer. Past experience does not matter, it is subjective to condition of present and other factors. Best remedy is to keep hydrated body.
6. Not really, you will surely get one or other hotel/homestay in Spiti Valley.
1). I am planning to travel from Delhi via Manali. Now please suggest an itinerary
2). You just visited there, whats the manali-spiti road status?
3). Leave trek for a while. What about the travel between Kaza, Spiti and nearby places?
2. Roads are best in shape when compared to rest of the season.
1+3. You can try below:
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
thanks for all the help.
Some more questions before I finally leave, the bus you mentioned from Manali to Kaza (4:45 AM). Does it go via Solang Valley?
If not, can we get some mode of transportation from Solang to Manali before 4?
Also, can we book seats in this bus 1 day advance?
Aman, no the bus takes the route to Rohtang Pass from Manali while Solang Valley lies on a diversion route from it. Unless your hotel can arrange that transport for you, I do not think something will be readily available that early in the morning. Regarding bus seats, you can book the tickets a day in advance from Manali bus stand, AFAIK.
Dear dheeraj, tomorrow (13-9-14)we will reach delhi. Is manali- leh highway open? If not, shall we take a tour of lahaul spiti valley by hindustan tibet highway?
Sorry Farogh, I was on DoW Mega Meet in Spiti Valley for last 10 days ad hence could not reply. I hope you had a wonderful trip to Manali – Leh Highway
Dear dheeraj, we reached manali on 15-9-14 with all the necessary preparations. Dow tshirt, puncture repair kit, electronic air pump, m seal etc. But could not take leh highway as 5 young boys from punjab discouraged us in the hotel we checked in manali. They had returned the same day. They said the roads are very bad, slippery roads on the passes, 3-4 feet ice on the roads, low oxygen. They said, “hum maut ke mooh se vapas aa rahe hain”. Dont go.
K
Farogh, what exactly are you planning now?? Talk to some other people as well and take there feedback. Early morning for sure there will be ice on high passes but as the day progresses the ice melts away with sun. Check with other people too.
bro i want to live in ladakh…is there any buddhist monastery who teaches kung fu or any other martial art….how much did monastery charge for accomodation .in ladakh ..actually i want to go there for mental peace ….
can you plz give me some contact no. of monasteries..where i can learn buddhism..i m fed up in delhi ..pplz help
Junaid, please reach Leh first and then get in touch with various local monasteries. They should be able to guide you there. I will not be the best person for guiding in this direction.
Hi Mr. Dheeraj,
I am planning to visit Spiti valley in end of oct 14 for 6 days could you please assit me how to go about the trip?
I am travelling with my wife annd wants to start from Manali
Kaushal, end of October will be quite a chilling experience and there will not be much options available for stay too. Food will be basic and above all 6 days will be touch and come. From Manali, HIGHLY NOT RECOMMENDED.
Thanks Mr. Dheeraj, But rohtang pass and Kum Zum pass will be open at that time to travel to spiti?
6 days will not be enought? actually after reviewing your posts i planned for six days starting from manali and end at Manali. As we r vegetarian we dont have much options to eat, will it be ok to plan inspite of cold as I cant resist myself to visit this lovely place in my Oct 14 india visit
Please advice best plan for 6 days, places with natural beauty at it best.
Kaushal, that is why I am saying it is BIG NO for going from Manali side.
Hi Dheeraj,
Planning a trip throughout the Spiti Valley during early october, Request you to share the from where to enter shimla side or manali side? also please let know what would the weather be like? is driving safe at that time? Also would 7 days be enough? Starting from delhi. Some tips if any? Road condition?
Throughout Spiti Valley and 7 days, seems very contradicting 🙂 … 7 days will make you touch and come Spiti Valley and if you will be doing circuit, then in that case 3 days are needed to reach there at least and 2 days to come back from Manali side. 2 days will be present there. Try an do something like
Day 1 : Reach Manali by overnight volvo and stay overnight at Solang Valley as preferred for acclimatization
Day 2 : Manali / Solang – Kaza
Day 3 : Kaza – Pin Valley – Dhangkar – Tabo
Day 4 : Tabo to Kaza and then Kaza – Ki – Kibber – Kaza
Day 5 : Kaza – Langza – Komik – Hikkim – Kaza / Losar
Day 6 : Kaza / Losar – Chandratal – Manali
Day 7 : Reach Delhi by overnight Volvo from Manali
Dear Dheeraj
We are planing to wisit spiti valley during 20th oct. to 5th nov.
is it ok to visit this time?
better to go via Simla or manali?
we are going by Sunny and sx4 we are 10 members.
plz.guid us.
Abha, that will get too late into the season and is not recommended to travel to Spiti during that late in the season. Many hotels will get closed, temperature will go down to sub-zero types at most places. Conditions will be hard. If you are game and quite adventurous plus bear the cold, then you can attempt else I will suggest not to do so.
Planning a trip to Spiti valley in beginning of October i.e from 2nd oct to 5th oct..pls confirm is this a good time to travel & also are 4 days sufficient to travel to spiti via shimla…..on a motorbike…
Manvinder, it will take 2 days with 8+ Hrs of drive just to reach Kaza and 2 days to come back. Better plan for Kinnaur Valley, visit Kalpa, Sangla and Chitkul in 4 days.
hey dheeraj m also looking for spiti valley trip in oct first week..please let me know the best route for 7 days.if possible kinnaur wala route
Hi suchi,
7 days are a bit less for Spiti Valley tour especially considering it takes 3 days to reach Spiti from Kinnaur side and 2 days to come back from Manali side. I will suggest whatever suits you from below two options, you can pick them up:
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 – Kaza. Do Ki, Kibber in the evening.
Day 5 : Kaza – Langza – Komik – Hikkim – Kaza / Losar
Day 6 : Kaza / Losar – Chandratal – Manali
Day 7 : Reach Delhi by overnight Volvo from Manali
OR
Day 1 : Reach Manali by overnight volvo of and stay overnight at Solang Valley as preferred for acclimatization
Day 2 : Manali / Solang – Chandratal – Kaza. Leave early morning from Manali to see Chandratal too.
Day 3 : Kaza – Rest Day. Evening pay a visit to Ki, Kibber
Day 4 : Kaza – Langza – Komik – Hikkim – Kaza – Tabo
Day 5 : Tabo – Geyu Mummy – Nako – Kalpa
Day 6 : Kalpa – Sangla / Chitkul – Sarahan / Rampur
Day 7 : Sarahan / Rampur – Delhi, long drive back
Regards
dheeraj Sharma
Hey Dheeraj,
Ur the man buddy. Excellent and in-depth info u always post. Just amazing. Salute your efforts and dedication to this community. Need some advice for Delhi – Kaza – Delhi.
Q1) Delhi-Manali-Kaza-Manali-Delhi. Will this route be open during 1st week of Oct 2014?
Q2) I know, more the days, more will enchanting will be the experience. But will 5 days be alrite for this tour? If not 5 then 6 days ? Sadly, I cannot spare more than 6 days.
Q3) Considering a 6 day tour, how should the itenary be planned from Manali onwards?
Q4) I just got new set of tyres for my swift petrol. What else would I need? Generally, I only keep a stepne + tubless tyre puncture kit. Anything else required?
Q5) I have never booked any accommodations. Even during my Rakcham trip and my recent trip to Khajjiar, we just drove and got spot booking. Will spot booking work her as well? Are there ample options to stay?
Q6) 4 adults in a swift + luggage. Will that get a bit heavier for this route? If yes, then I wud cut down on 1 adult+1 luggage. Will that work?
Q7) What about Petrol pumps on this route after Manali ?
Wow, that’s too many questions. You can take your time and respond 🙂
FINALLY, most important thing, plz plz, add your personal comments/views.
Best Regards
Dev
(Dwarka, New Delhi)
Hi Dev,
Thank you, glad you love the efforts on DoW 🙂
A1) Will be open most likely as now a days Kunzum Pass close late in season but venture out there after checking conditions in Manali. Try to go from Manali so that you cover the dreaded part before in journey. However, you need to risk the AMS in that case.
A2 + 3) Ohh 6 days, then you should make it from Delhi to Manali and Manali Kaza and back the same way. It saves a day. I recommend below.
Day 1 : Reach Manali and stay overnight at Solang Valley as preferred for acclimatization
Day 2 : Manali / Solang – Kaza
Day 3 : Kaza – Dhangkar – Tabo – Kaza OR Kaza – Langza – Komik – Hikkim – Kaza
Day 4 : Kaza – Ki – Kibber – Gette – Kaza / Losar
Day 5 : Kaza / Losar – Chandratal – Manali (will not recommend stay at Chandratal)
Day 6 : Manali – Delhi
A4) Carry an extra stepny and Air Compressor if possible. The route between Batal – Gramphu will be quite a challenge.
A5) Go like that only, no need to pre-book.
A6) It will be quite tough, very challenging too.
A7) Fuel only available in Manali and Kaza
Regards
Dheeraj
Hi Dheeraj,
Excellent. The manner in which you answer is highly commendable. Thanks a lot :). Based on your inputs and my internet research, I have given my detailed itenary below and I also have few more concerns/queries:
Day 1) Delhi TO Manali/Solang Valley – 1st Oct ’14, Wed
* Dep from Delhi: 3 AM – 1st Oct ’14
* Route: Delhi > Panipat > Ambala > Kharar > Roopnagar > Swarghat > Bilaspur > Sundernagar > Mandi > Aut Tunnel > Kullu > Naggar > Manali
* Arr at Manali/Solang Valley: 4 PM – 1st Oct ’14
* Night stay at Manali/Solang Valley.
Day 2) Manali/Solang Valley TO Kaza – 2nd Oct ’14, Thu, Mahatma Gandhi Birthday
* Dep from Kaza: 5 AM – 2nd Oct ’14
* Arr at Kaza: 5 PM – 2nd Oct ’14
* Night stay at Kaza.
Day 3) Kaza excursions – 3rd Oct ’14, Fri, Dusshera
* Kaza – Dhangkar – Tabo – Kaza OR Kaza – Langza – Komik – Hikkim – Kaza
* Night stay at Kaza.
Day 4) Kaza excursions – 4th Oct ’14, Sat
* Kaza – Ki – Kibber – Gette – Kaza / Losar
* Night stay at Kaza.
Day 5) Kaza/Losar TO Manali/Solang Valley – 5th Oct ’14, Sun
* Dep from Kaza/Losar: 4 AM – 5th Oct ’14
* Arr at Manali/Solang Valley: 4 PM – 5th Oct ’14
* Night stay at Manali/Solang Valley.
Day 6) Manali/Solang Valley TO Delhi – 6th Oct ’14, Mon
* Dep from Manali/Solang Valley: 8 AM – 6th Oct ’14
* Arr at Delhi: 9 PM – 6th Oct ’14
Q1) Are the Arrival and Departure timings OK? Optimistic or Pessimistic or just on the mark?
Q2) I have read about heavy traffic jams at Rohtang Pass/Kunzum Pass. Any suggestion/advice on when to leave towards Kaza and while coming back from Kaza?
Q3) We are more interested in staying at a place that will be near to a river/lake where we can go down and spend some time. What and where would you suggest for night stay on Day 2,3 and 4?
Q4) Any more suggestions for Day 2 and 3 excursions from Kaza ?
Q5) I just called up a travel agent in Manali and he said, “Swift will NOT be able to make this trip. Please come on an SUV”. The problem is that I don’t have an SUV :(. Does that mean I cannot do this trip? Please don’t make me cry. Please suggest.
Q6) This agent from Manali said that, “You don’t have to go to SDM office for the permit any-more. You will get the permit issued at the Gulaba checkpost in Marhi”. Any idea on this ? Any updated info you have on the permit issue?
Q7) I just now ordered an Electric Air Compressor and a Towing Rope on-line. I will buy the puncture kit next week. Anything else ?
Looking forward for your reply.
Best Regards
Dev
Hi Dev,
Thank you so much and very sorry for the delayed reply. Badly stuck in preparation of DoW Spiti Mega Meet starting 12th Sept. I will try to answer them fast now 🙂
Day 1 Looks good.
Day 2 looks good.
Day 3 Looks good.
Day 4 Looks good
Day 5 I hope you will be covering Chandratal on the way back to Manali. Also, start by 6 AM, no need to start that early that late in the season. It will be quite cold
Day 6 Looks good
A1) Looks OK to me.
A2) Late in season, it should not be a problem. I will be back from there before you, will share the pics of deserted Rohtang Pass during this time 🙂 … There will be Dusherra Festival going on up there at Kullu, so book your places in advance for Manali and see the rush and take a call to leave early for Rohtang seeing the rush.
A3) In that case instead of Kaza stay at Rangrik. Though river will not be that close but 5 minutes drive from Spiti Sarai.
A4) Looks good and depending upon how body is racting to high altitude, you can take a call.
A5) May or may not depends if you be able to pass through the water crossing on Gramphu to Batal route. It will be bruised for sure. Since it is late season so water crossing will be tamed. I will keep you posted when I am back on 22 from the Mega Meet.
A6) Yes, his is correct in saying so. You can get the permit by paying Rs 50 at Gulaba Post.
A7) Carry puncture repair kit too and if possible extra stepny.
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
Hello Dheeraj,
I cannot thank you enough with the amount of effort you have put in which had/will help soo many people like me who are passionate to go to Spiti Valley but dont know much about it.
Well, i read a lot of your articles and the whole thread above my comment.
My husband I have our 1st yr anniversary on the 19th Nov and he lovesss mountains. We were planning to visit Manali but when i read about Spiti, i was tempted.
I do understand, it will be very cold there. Had few questions in my mind:
1) Since i have restricted holidays from work, I will be starting my journey from Mumbai on 15th Nov. My holidays end on 24th Nov.
2) Is it safe to travel in Nov? Pref which car (Xylo or Innova shld do)?
3) I need to halt in Delhi for 1-2 days, so confused if I shld fly from Mumbai to Delhi and then Spiti or Fly to Chandigarh- Spiti and then Delhi?
4) I guess the Manali route will be shut so i HAVE To go through the Kinnaur route?
5) If I have about 8 days with me, whats the best possible way to travel and cover the beauty of the place from Mumbai?
6) In Nov, would there be any Landslides?
I need to book my tickets today, would love to hear from you and thanks once again.Really appreciate it.
Hi Pooja,
Please find my replies below:
1+2) Well, September is not at all an ideal time to visit Spiti Valley. It will be very very cold up there, though you understand but with very basic infra. in hotels and guest houses, plus high altitude and dry cold, it will sometimes become an act of survival rather enjoying the surreal beauty of Spiti Valley. Xylo or Innova both should do. The problem is there will not be much snow, so the cold is very dry which actually creates much problem than cold with snow around you.
3) Like I said, first really make your mind if at all you want to visit Spiti, unless you are adventurous enough and can survive the cold, do not make it.
4) Yes, a big no to Manali route anyhow. You need to take Kinnaur route only which is long too. I prefer you stick to just Kinnaur may be.
5) Let’s first finalize if you want to visit Spiti or just upto Kinnaur
6) In general no landslides during that time but nothing can be 100% certain.
Regards
Dheeraj
Hi dheeraj we are group of 4 friends and we are planning a trip to spiti valley in 1st week of September is it possible for me to visit all the places including chitkul chandratal kunzumla pass in this time of the year and then reach manali we have 7 days and we are starting from dalhousie our prefrence is to go from shimla route and come back from manali what will you suggest me.
Hi Saurabh, it will mostly be like traveling everyday. Below is the plan that you can target but keep in mind it requires almost 8 Hrs of travel on an average everyday.
Day 1 | Dalhousie – Shimla
Day 2 | Shimla – Chitkul
Day 3 | Chitkul – Nako – Tabo
Day 4 | Tabo – Dhangkar – Pin Valley – Kaza
Day 5 | Kaza – Ki – Kibber, Langza, Komik – Kaza
Day 6 | Kaza – Chandratal
Day 7 | Chandratal – Manali
Hi Dheeraj, We are planning to visit spiti in 2nd week of august. I have read comments above and looks like it may not be a best time to visit spiti due to road conditions due to rain. Recently saw on TV about glaciers starts melting these days and in fact saw news for flood in spiti writing this on 1st Aug 2014. Should we go ahead with this trip ? we have been quoted Rs. 14000 per person including 3 days stay at kaza + chandratal lake camping. We are bit confused to go with journey due to flood in spiti.
Brother, guess I replied you in DoW FB Page. Spiti is a rain shadow region and there is no such conditions. The news was about Kinnaur which is one route to Spiti Valley and should be avoided to best in monsoons. Best is to travel from Manali side and come back from Manali side. Also, 14K seems a high figure for a trip to Spiti Valley. Why not book yourself if at all required and make the trip.
hii
we are 6 friends planning to visit spiti on second week of august. please suggest me places to visit from manali to spiti and near about city(kaza, Chandratal Lake etc). we have 4 days. also tell me how much taxi cost(suv/ scorpio/inova without ac)
Astha, 4 days are too less to make a trip to Spiti Valley even from Manali side. There is high chances of getting hit with AMS. You can read the article: Spiti Valley via Manali | How to Plan Your Journey
hai Dheeraj;
what will be the weather condition in Sep mid if we travel via rohtang pass.Would atleast we be able to see a bit of snow.
September is the most favourable month to Travel Trans Himalayan region with best road conditions comparatively, low prices of hotels and beautiful colors. Snow will not be present.
Dear,your blog is so informative and very helpful.as you suggested,Finally we have decided to travel to Spiti valley from Manali side on 16 September.There are some queries regarding our Spiti Trip.it’s all concerned about transportation.we are aiming to start our journey by Taxi.
1.how much does a taxi cost to get from Manali to Spiti?
2.are Taxis easily accessible in Manali or better should we concentrate on public transportation?
could you please suggest A good and economical transportation plan for our passionate trip?
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 too.
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
Is highway no 22 broken between Tapri and chooling??How does one drive from Thanedhar to Sangla??
Please check the reply on your original thread: https://discoverwithdheeraj.com/india/plan-lahaul-spiti-kinnaur-trip/topic1607.html
Hi Deheeraj,
Thank you for providing such useful info. Though I see that you have already mentioned that August is not the month to visit, it seems that we friends are a little impatient to visit this place n do not seem to have any other time available anytime soon after this and we have 5 Days, please suggest what should we do?
Pratibh, it takes 3 days to just reach Spiti from Kinnaur side and 2 days from Manali side. So, you can just barely do the circuit. Reach from Kinnaur side and come back from Manali side without much visiting anything in Spiti. Also, being in monsoon, Kinnaur will be hell of a thing in terms of road conditions in general.
Hi Dheeraj,
Amazing site!! Thaksing for helping other for travelling. Keep up the good work.
Can I visit Spiti Valley in just 4 days?
And what would be easiest option to travel?? Moreover, I would be travelling by Bus or trekking.
Thanks in Advance.
Ash, 4 days are far too less for Spiti Valley. Delhi – Manali, Manali – Kaza, Kaza – Manali and Manali – Delhi. These will be the 4 days just on road and mind yyou very very rough roads from Manali to Kaza and also fair amount of chances of hitting with AMS too.
Me with my wife (both aged around 56-58 years) will visit Sarahan, Chitkul, Sangla, Kalpa,Tabo, Mudh, Kaza, Kibber and reach Manali. WE will start from Shimla on 04.10.2014. Perhaps we will cross Kunzum on 13.10.2014. My question is whether we may get Kunzum Pass open at that time ?
Kunzum Pass in general will remain open by that time of the year. However, it will be quite cold so go prepared with heavy woolens.
Seeking your thoughts on doing the Shimla-Nako-Kaza stretch in my Maruti Swift… I’ll be starting from Shimla on JULY 10 but won’t spend any time in Kinnaur valley this time (been there done that). So the plan is to get past the rainy section as fast as I can (with a night halt in Sarahan and then in Nako).
I know the Swift is not a perfect car for these roads, but do you think it can be managed with cautious driving–in light of the monsoon, current road conditions, and Swift’s GC?
Also, if getting through Kunzum Pass is tough, I’m fine with retracing my steps back to Shimla (and attempting Chandertaal later). Thanks a ton!!
Yes, Anil with cautious driving you can actually do this stretch in Swift. Drive carefully. You can also attempt Kunzum to Manali but that will be more tough. For hatchback/sedan taking on Manali – Leh Highway Or Spiti Valley via Manali Or Ladakh, please refer the link: FAQ | Can I do Leh – Ladakh / Spiti / Manali – Leh trip in Hatchback or Sedan? for more details.
Hello, sir. I’m planning a trip to spiti valley in the last week of April to first week of May. I want to know whether the weather will be fine. Will it be safe to travel to the place? Will all the routes be open?
Sohini, weather will be extremely cold during last week of April in Spiti. Route from Kinnaur Valley will be open. Check my article: White Spiti Valley in March – Itinerary, Road Conditions & Updates
Dheeraj bhai! i have read the article above and as we were planning a trip in july first week! we have postponed it to the last week! but after reading the article i see its not a good time to travel to the valley! Kindly advice
Yashik, with limited window in hand there isn’t much choice that you have. July end definitely is monsoon time and you should avoid Kinnaur during that period. However, if there is no time window you have then better do it from Manali side as you enter Spiti Valley which is rain shadow much earlier.
Hii sir
well loved this blog of urs for the useful information u r providing.well I had been to chitkul last year and stayed at sangla valley .but this 24th june I am planning to go beyond sangla upto kaza .I would like to know a few things from you
1.is taking our own car i20 possible.as whts the condition of roads there upto sangla its fyn.
2.hotels availabe there where we can stay
3.how much tym will it take from shimla upto kaza.so that we can plan overnight stay in between.
4.n availability of diesel
5.places to visit in spiti
plz sir looking for positive response from you.
Hello Naveen,
1. i20 with low GC will surely suffer on roads in Kinnaur and some sections in spiti. You will not be able to save it from scratches at underbelly at some sections especially if planning to come down from Manali side. For hatchback/sedan taking on Manali – Leh Highway Or Spiti Valley via Manali Or Ladakh, please refer the link: FAQ | Can I do Leh – Ladakh / Spiti / Manali – Leh trip in Hatchback or Sedan? for more details.
2. Refer Some Good Options of Stays in Spiti Valley / Kinnaur Valley
3. Shimla to Kalpa first and then Kalpa to Tabo and then Tabo to Kaza is ideally suggested. Also, please stay tuned to thread updates at the link below for road conditions in Kinnaur: https://discoverwithdheeraj.com/india/road-status-conditions-f32/spiti-kinnaur-road-conditions-t35-20.html#p10297
4. Diesel will be available till Reckong Peoo and then straight after that at Kaza.
5. 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.
Regards
Dheeraj
Sir
well thanks for ur reply I would like to know that we dnt have much time as our family will not allow for more that 6 or 6 days is it possible to cover gud places of spiti in this much time as we are thinking of coming back from kinnur itself or u suggest we should come from manali side .plz suggest
Navi, do it like:
Day 1 | Delhi – Manali
Day 2 | Manali – Kaza
Day 3 | Kaza and around, do Ki, Kibber
Day 4 | Kaza – Langza – Hikkim – Komik – Kaza
Day 5 | Kaza – Manali
Day 6 | Manali – Delhi
Hi dheeraj
I’ve become an avid fan of Ur blog now me with my cousins are planning for a spiti shrinagar trip somewhere in first week of August or last week of July. We plan to proceed to shrinagar from manali in our 4*4 mahindra that. When would u suggest the best time for our itenary. Can we get some local person guides for our whole trip
Dr Sunil, thank you liking the DoW Blog. You do not actually need any guide to travel there but let me know how many days do you have and we together can work out the plan. September will be good time for whole circuit of Ladakh and Spiti.
Hi deeraj
Thanks again for the reply. We are starting from Delhi on the 16th of July. We plan to go around spiti in prob 6-7 days and carry on to leh from manali and thro kargil to shrinagar. We r in our thar how safe is it securitywise and suggest the best possible route and cheap accommodation. We don’t mind mind sleep in in monasteries also. Do we need to carry passports
You should carry valid National Photo ID Proofs with you. Also, 6-7 days for Spiti Valley you need plan or whole route? If whole route how many days and how are you doing the drive?
Hi deeraj
Sorry for a long break was just working out a few things. One quick question do we need to have internal permits for spiti valley or ladakh. If so what are the documents we need to carry with us
Being Indians, Spiti never required any permits for us. However, for Ladakh starting this year, Inner Line Permits for normal tourist destination via general routes are not required too. So, in all you do not need permits in Ladakh as well.
Hi deeraj
We are planing for spiti and leh shrinagar and back to Delhi we are planning for a period of 2 weeks. Kindly give us an itenary for the whole route. We would love to cover all the important places. We are three of us all very seasoned drivers in our mahindra thar .I’ll
give a call to tsering for a stay over in kaza. I want u to set an really adventous itenary as I trust Ur blog and ideas more than anything else.
Sunil, 14 days are less for Spiti + Ladakh trip. Just for covering 3 major destinations in Ladakh You can check a very balanced and most common itinerary for Leh – Ladakh followed by many travellers including me at the link here for 13-14 days: Most Common Itinerary for Leh – Ladakh.
Hi dheeraj
U been of grt help to us I’ve planned my balanced itenary according to Ur suggestion. One last question do v get to see any snow on the hills along our route during mid July
Sunil, in July you will only be able to see some remains of snow at high mountain passes otherwise no snow any where.
hii dheeraj
yours is the best blog for spiti trip..awesomely informative..helped alot..will be travelling to spiti with 5 of my friends from 10th-20thjune… have prepared an itenary with the help of ur blog 😉 just wanted to know if ders any flaw in it according to you… any suggestions regarding it would be quite quite helpful …heres the itenary
DAY 1 – CHANDIGARH-SHIMLA..night halt at shimla.. vl be travelling throught the trip by public transport
DAY 2 – SHIMLA-RECKPONG PEO/ KALPA..stay at reckong peo
DAY 3 – early morning from RECKONG PEO – TABO.. stay at tabo
DAY 4 – TABO-DHANKAR VILLAGE-TABO
DAY 5 – TABO-KAZA-LANGHZA
vl b stayin at Tserings sakya 🙂 m in touch with him ..
DAY 6 – KAZA-KIBBER-KEY GOMPA-KYE MONASTERY
DAY 7 – KAZA-LOSAR
DAY8 – LOSAR-CHANDERTAAL
Hoping for kunzum to open so that v can complete the whole circuit via manali nd bck to chandigarh…or else back to TABO-RECKONGPEO-SHIMLA-CHANDIGARH..
IS IT PREFERRABLE TO TAKE A TAXI FR TRAVELLIN WITHIN SPITI OR PUBLIC TRANSPORT BUSES VL DO?? BUDGET IS AN ISSUE..VL BE KEEPING IT LOW ..ALSO ANY HOMESTAYS INFO AT TABO LOSAR CHANDERTAAL-BATTAL ..
Hi Angelo,
Thanks alot for warm words of appreciation. I will suggest following changes:
DAY 4 – TABO – DHANKAR VILLAGE – Pin Valley
DAY 5 – Pin Valley – KAZA, visit Ki – Kibber in the evening. Stay at Kaza
— Good to know you will stay with Tsering. Say hello from my side to him and his family…
DAY 6 – KAZA – Langza – Komik – Hikkim – Kaza
DAY 7 – KAZA – LOSAR – Chandratal
— You need to trek to Chandratal, keep in mind and camp there only. Hence, no need to stay at Losar. Start early morning from Kaza, by 7 AM. Ask Tsering to make arrangements for you. Kunzum Pass is open but not sure if dozer has yet reached the point where Chandratal road bifurcates. Hence, you need to trek from Kunzum Pass only.
DAY8 – Chandratal – Manali
— I doubt if the road will open before 20th June anyhow. Else track back the route from Kinnaur as below:
Day 8 – Chandratal – Kaza/Tabo
Day 9 – Kaza/Tabo – Peo/Sangla
Day 10 – Peo/Sangla – chandigarh
You need to take mix of public transport and taxis. Till Kaza and back there should not be any problem with publich transport or shared taxis. But for Chandratal and Komik circuit, Ki, Kibber you might need private taxi.
Regards
Dheeraj
Please write me the status of Kunzum pass this year 2014 ,I have planned for cycling tour
to Ladakh, starting on 4 June from Dehradun and will reach Kunzum pass base by 16 June
Stanzin, Kunzum Pass is open from Kinnaur side but complete road from Manali to Kaza will open around 15-20th June.
Hi Dheeraj. Thats a very helpful blog you have written. Great Job.
We are planning a bike trip in the last week of July i.e. around 22nd july onwards. The route we are planning to take is delhi- shimla – reckong peo- tabo – kaza- rohtang- manali -delhi . Will the condition be so bad in Kinnaur area as you described ? Will it rain too much? What do u suggest , should we go ahead with it?
The other option we have in mind is 15th August to 25th August. What is your opinion on this?
Would like to hear your views. Any help would be appreciated . Thanks.
Hello Parth,
Towards end, monsoons will hit the region and if it rains Kinnaur is not a good place to be in as far as roads are concerned. No doubt the beauy of Kinnaur flourish during that time.
Sorry I was on trip to Chansal Pass – Pabbar Valley to celebrate DwD Community’s first B’day and hence could not reply earlier 😉
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
July is much better than August any day I will say for lower hills 🙂
Hi, Thanks for the reply.You dont have to apologize for the delay.
We are planning last week of July. We arent free before that. As you said , the roads in Kinnaur will be bad but it will be rideable right?
Yes Parth it will be in motorable conditions. So, plan couple of buffer days and it should be OK 🙂
Hi Dheeraj, We have changed our plan a bit. Now we are thinking of going in the first week of September on our bikes. i.e We ll leave from Delhi at around 29th August.As i mentioned earlier, we are planning a full circuit i.e delhi- shimla – reckong peo- tabo – kaza- rohtang- manali -delhi .Please give me your thoughts on this. How will the weather be? Is it a good time to go?. Will Kunzum and ROhtang Pass be open ?
Yes, Parth that should be good time to travel in general. Kunzum Pass and Rohtang Pass will be open. Also, if by chance you can postpone it till 12th, you are free to join us on DoW Mega Meet happening in Spiti Valley this September starting 12th Sept evening till 21st September.
Hi Dheeraj,
Thanks for the information. Well DoW Mega Meet feels like a tempting prospect. We ‘ll have to figure out if we can postpone the plan. THanks for all the prompt replies. Cheers!
hi,
this page seems to be most helpful so i thought i should seek some guidance from other’s experience…on 14th of june iam planning to go to leh via kinnaur ..i have heard that road before spiti is not very good but still fine for riders but after that it is one of the toughest road to drive on… the only reason why i want to know about this is bcz we have female companions and i am thinking it from their safety point of view.. is it safe???
and i also want to know if there will be any snow on the way… thnx in advance……
Ravinder the road from Kinnaur to Kunzum to Manali – Leh highway will not be open during the period you are visiting. May be 20th June, possible. You need to take Manali – Leh Highway in that case and Kinnaur will not come in between.
Hi,
I am planning a trip with a few friends in the 1st week of august..to spiti.. Havent planned anything specific..we just need a break from mumbai.. Would you recommend spiti..and the time of the year (i.e aug beginning)
Spiti in general is devoid of rains being rain shadow. But, road to spiti via Kinnaur is a big mess in monsoons and you will need to face some hassles to Rohtang Pass as well from Manali side.
Hello Dheeraj,
You are doing an amazing job with the blog. It is very informative. I got a lot of info about the valley.
I am planning a trip to Spiti from Delhi beginning on 4-5th of june. Just want to know a few things:
1) Which route should we take to reach spiti by taxi? (However We are very much interested in the Manali Route)
2) Are Hotels easily available? Is there any sort of Camping there?
3) Is the weather too harsh these days?
4) Which route has better sightings during this period?
Hi sumit,
Thanks alot.
1) You will have to take Shimla – Kinnaur route as Manali to Spiti, Kaza will open by 20th June.
2) Yes, hotels are easily available and at places camps too.
3) Weather is fine, night will be a bit cold.
4) You don’t have option 🙂
Regards
Dheeraj
Hi Dheeraj,
Is Chandratal possible during this time of the year??I know Kunzum pass is not open yet.How much days should we take for chandratal from Delhi.
Vivek, Chandratal is not advisable this early in season. P;ease wait for couple of weeks into June and then you should not have much concerns over trek to Chandratal. Kunzum Pass is open but the route from Manali to Kunzum Pass is not open yet and will not open third week of June.
hello Dheeraj
Salam – Namaste
Myself(59 yrs) and my son(25 Yrs)from Bangalore have planned to go to leh betn. 1st of June to 9th June 2014. But after going thro’ ur excellent guides I changed my tour to Spiti Valley & a itinerary made as follows:
Day 1 : Bangalore – Delhi -Manali
Manali local
Day 2 : Kullu Local
Day 3 : Manali – Rampur – Sangla/chitkul( from ur Most common itinerary)
Day 4 : Sangla -chitkul- Sangla Kalpa ( from ur Most common itinerary)
Day 5 : Kalpa – Nako- Nako lake – Tabo( from ur Most common itinerary)
Day 6 : Tabo – Pin Valley( from ur Most common itinerary)
Day 7 : Tabo – Rampur – Manali
Day 8 : Start by eve. to Delhi
Kindly provide ur valuable guide, advise & Suggestions.
Yrs
Shariff
Day 5 : Kalpa – Nako
Hello Shariff,
Salam – Namaste
Unfortunately, the roads from Manali to Spiti Valley or Kaza will not open by that time. It will most likely open by 15-20th June. Hence, you only have the option to go from Kinnaur side and if possible come/exit from Manali side.
Regards
Dheeraj
hi,Dheeraj,
SALAM -NAMASTE,
Thank you for your sincere and humble reply , but i need to know one more thing that from manali cant we go to spiti valley or kaza via rampur by hiring a cab from manali pls provide your valuable suggestion.
with regards,
shariff
In order to go from Rampur, you need not go to Manali then. You need to follow the route from Shimla to Narkanda to Rampur to Kinnaur to Spiti.
hii.. Ur blog is very informative…i m planning to go spiti in 3rd week of june on bike with my 5 friends! i have some doubts in mind ..we r from gujarat that is not at high altitude n we dont have any experience to drive in hilly areas. so should we go for this or pospond it?
regards
hitarth
Hitarth, if you have not ride a bike in hills then you will certainly face a lot of tough challenges on road to Spiti Valley. My advice will be better hire a taxi and do this trip to Spiti Valley. Much safer bet. May be after you see how the road conditions are on such places, you can then come back for a bike ride 🙂
ok boss got it.. how much money will it take to complete the circuit from chandigadh via taxi ( tavera or any suvs)? .
thank u .. 🙂
Brother, taxi rates are like 2800-3000 per day for Spiti Circuit. 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
Hey, thank u so much 🙂
I talked with vinkal ( 1st name in ur list ) .. N we have decide to go with him.. U know him personally? Cz he’s asking me to tranfer some advance in his accout..
Hitarth, I don’t know him personally but many people on DoW including one of the core member has taken his services. He will also know Vinod or DoW.
Ok .. So should i transfer the money? Bit of confusion n insecurity over there.. If u can help..
How much is he asking? In general it is safe always as he is trusted guy. But, if you are ditched that risk you have to take else you can go with travel agents who will aslo ask for advance too and will charge premium for his services as well.
Ok boss
He’s asking for 5000 n i will transfer as u gave me green signal . . 🙂
hey we will be following ur itinerary ( enter from shimla n exit at manali ).. so i want to know some hotel suggestions for night stay n also for having a good food….
Hello Hitarth,
Shimla — Plenty of stays there
Sarahan — Bhimkali Temple Resort Or Hotel Srikhand, HPTDC
Sangla/Chitkul — May be Prakash Hotel/Guest House at Sangla or many home stay/guest house in Chitkul
Kalpa — Kinner Villa my favorite at Kalpa
Tabo — Siddharth Guets House or TowDhey run by Anil Bodh
Pin Valley — Either get PWD rest house or stay at some homestay/guest house at Mud Village. One famous is Tara GH
Kaza — Get in touch with Tsering at 09418208987, he is more than a friend to me, so you can refer my name to him or DoW. He runs Sakya Abode and Kumphen there in Kaza. Sakya Abode has been awarded Devil’s Den Award from DoW too recently. He has economical home-stays too, if you need them. He should be able to help you out.
Chandratal — Camps if put up there by the local or come back to Losar
Manali — Many options, my fav. is Johnsons
Sorry I was on trip to Chansal Pass – Pabbar Valley to celebrate DwD Community’s first B’day and hence could not reply earlier 😉
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
okay boss,thank u.. congrats for completing 1 year…excellent job.. 🙂
Thank you 🙂
hey, we r going on monday.. so all set almost.. so any final tips that u want to give us? 😉
Best wishes for the trip brother, have loads of fun and enjoy fullest. Please report back here about your experience too as it will help all other people.
thank you… 🙂
here we go …
n sure boss, i will share whole experience n informations which will useful to others… thank u once again for providing such nice guidence …
hii dheeraj,
ur doing a wonderful job through ur blog, actually m planning a trip to spiti valley with 4 frnds frm 13-19 june..
is it right time to go by manali route will the kunzum pass open by then..
secondly is commuting by shimla kinnaur route to spiti risky in this period of june…nd best way to commute through shimla kinnaur route??
Varun can you postpone the trip by couple of weeks, then you can make the trip from Manal side as the road to Spiti Valley from Manali will be open by then. This way you can avoid bad roads in Kinnaur.
How much time it takes to go from manali to spity valley?? Is that OK to go with bikes?? I am with 8 friends planning to go spity valley on 3rd week of june
Zeal, it takes 1 day from Manali to Kaza, Spiti Valley. It is OK to go on bikes but you need to be careful as it is not an ordinary road and quite adventurous. By 3rd week of June, Manali to Kaza road should open.
hii dheeraj,
awesome blog of urs…. great guide especially on spiti trip.
actually i am planning for a trip to spiti with 5 of my frnds in june second week . vl be reaching manali on 9th june…have planned to leave for spiti by 10th june …..
some queries , will be quite grateful if u cn help
1) is the time ok to travel spiti via manali
2) suggestions fr modes of travel between manali and spiti , want to keep budget as low as possible..cheapest modes…bus or taxi for 6 ??
3) help to book accomodations in spiti , is booking required… any suggestions fr hotels…any low priced hotel or homestay vl do
Hi Raj,
1) I will suggest you to postpone it by couple of weeks as I am not sure if road to Manali from Kunzum Pass to Spiti Valley will open by that time. It is expected to open around mid of June.
2) If it is totally budget get a seat in Manali to Kaza bus that leaves around 5 AM in the morning and reach Kaza.
3) Check the Homestays after reaching Kaza if you are on budget else Sakya Abode is quite a great place to stay and not too much priced too. He also runs home stays in Kaza, so you can connect with Tsering of Sakya Abode. You can refer DoW or my name, he is more than a friend to me 🙂
Regards
Dheeraj
Hi Dheeraj,
My friends and I (total 4 – all about 24 years) want to take a trip from Delhi to Spiti Valley (via hired cab). The time frame is between 7-14 June (Both days included). We want a trip which is not too tedious aka for professionals.
The motive is to have time, sit back and enjoy nature (and not constantly travel and exert or trek through treacherous paths), light day treks, visit monasteries, see Chandratal lake (if possible).
I have a few questions in that regard:
1) Is it a good time to visit Spiti?
2) What route is most advisable at that time?
3) What are the places that we can actually visit at that time?
3) What are the places that we will miss out?
4) How harsh is the weather there at that time?
5) Can we pre book homestays (if so, from where)?
6) What are the essentials that I must carry for the trip?
I’d appreciate if you could give me any additional information that might be helpful.
Thank you,
Rohan
Rohan, with the conditions you have put in here, I see 8 days too less for a Spiti Valley trip. Better restrict yourself to Kinnaur Valley only for 8 days to enjoy such relaxing trip.
Hey dheeraj! You are doing a wonderful job man
Thank you Manav. Feel free to post any queries you have for you Spiti trip.
I do something to ask you dheeraj! 4 of us are travelling on 4th of may to spiti, just in another couple of days. Are the roads safe enough to travel? We are taking nissan terrano, i hope that will be fine. have 8 days in hand in which we are planning to stay in manali for couple of days. If not spiti at this time of the year then plz suggest us any other beautiful place around manali or shimla? We r ready to drive 200-400 kms!
Thanks bro
Manav, roads are OK to travel there are certainly bad patches after Bhawanagar and more bad sections after Powari but overall doable. Since, you have high GC vehicle it should be OK. Keep one thing in mind that leave everyday after reaching Kinnaur as early as possible in the day. Later you leave in the day more hassles you will face in terms of shooting stones, road maintenance work and labour of roads.
Manali?? Route from Spiti to Manali is not open yet and will not open till mid of June. So, you have to go from Shimla – kinnaur side and come back the same way.
Thanks for the quick reply man! Well thats 400 kms from shimla to spity and then on our way back 200 kms frm shimla to manali. Too much travelling…Out of 8 days we are travelling for 4 days! It cud have been better if we could go somewhere else through manali, but i guess this is not the right month to travel that side! Anyways we would leave dehradun by 4th morning and decide in the car itself 🙂 thanks alot dheeraj! If you have any more suggestions please let me know.
Manav, in that case go and visit Kinnaur Valley. 8 days you will purely love there at Sangla – Chitkul – Kalpa – Sarahan.
Hi Dheeraj,
I want your valuable suggestion about my Leh Trip.
I am going to Leh with my own car with 3 friends via Srinagar in june.
We will leave on 31st may from delhi and reach Leh by 2nd june.We will stay in Leh till 10th june and on 11th june we will return via Manali Leh highway.
Can you suggest me Itinerary to visit places around Leh as I am not aware of places around Leh and how far they are from Leh.Kindly also suggest which is the last to vist on 10th june so that we should be close to manali leh enroute.
Vivek, I see you have good amount of time on hand. You can check a very balanced and most common itinerary for Leh – Ladakh followed by many travellers including me at the link here for 13-14 days: Most Common Itinerary for Leh – Ladakh.
Hi Dheeraj,
Just went through your amazing blog. Really inspiring.
I am planing for a trip to spiti & around with my friends & have the below query:
1. Is it safe for girls only (4-5)
2. Will be going in july month (tikets booked.. was late to read your blog 🙁 )
3. How do we go about once we get to Manali to spiti?
Thanks,
Amrita
Hello Amrita,
Thank you for the kind words. Regarding your queries,
1. Yes, totally safe. Don’t worry much. Spiti & Ladakh are one of the finest and safest places I will quote to travel 🙂
2. since, booked better go with it 🙂
3. How many days do you have in hand for your trip to Spiti Valley?
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
Replied you the itinerary over your other query at the link: https://discoverwithdheeraj.com/spiti-valley-via-kinnaur-how-to-plan-your-journey/#comment-54636
Dear Dheeraj,
Your article is great. I am planning to Visit the Spiti valley via Shimla from Delhi with family on 10th April to 19th April 2014.
I will be travelling with my new Ford Ecosport. Can you tell me what things to keep in mind while travelling to Spiti? Also, All sightseeings will be open? and the Hotels status? I can’t make advance booking as I am not sure where I will stay and on which day I will reach there. So are there any home stay options aswell which you can give me numbers? If possible, e-mail me your number so that i can contact you incase i need any advice while on the trip.
Thanks for your help.
Hello Vatsal,
Well, roads are in pretty pretty bad shape now a days and it is still raining/snowing up there as I type this. Being a family trip, I will suggest that you should perhaps delay the plan. I will suggest to get in touch with Tsering at 09418208987. He is the owner of Sakya Abode, Kumphen and also runs couple of home stays. He is the best person to guide you and check with the availability of his hotel or home stay too. I stayed with him only in March. Also, he is more of a friend to me and know me or DoW very well, you can refer my name to him in case required. Trust his guidance about roads and safety measures.
You can check brief of my experience and road conditions at the link: White Spiti Valley in March – Itinerary, Road Conditions & Updates
Regards
Dheeraj
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
Went upto Kaza, Ki Kibber, Langza, and Pin Valley. Came back on 19th April,
The trip was awesome. Road conditions were bad at some stretches, but tolerable.
Stayed at Sakya Abode as u suggested. Tsering is a nice man. Thanks for your advice. 🙂
Awesome !! Glad you stayed with Tsering bro and good to know that you had wonderful time up there.
hi. thanks for the wonderful piece here, however i would like to get some insight on this spiti trip. Im planning a trip to lahaul and spiti valley from 20th april till 5th may. Is it a good time to travel? will the sight seeing places be open? which route should be taken? will the climate be too cold?
Hi Sneh,
I am just back from Spiti Valley trip last night 🙂 … Roads are in horrible state in Kinnaur and April will mean more melting snow, meaning to more landslides and stoppages. I will suggest to carefully plan the trip with proper night stops and having some buffer days. You will not be able to do the circuit, hence, you need to go to Spiti from Kinnaur and come back from Kinnaur only as Kunzum and Rohtang Pass would be closed. I doubt if the road to Losar will open by that time, but it may open too. So, at max. Losar you will be able to reach in Spiti Valley.
Lahaul valley remains out of bound because Rohtang Pass will be closed by that time. So, just Spiti and Kinnaur Valley you can visit. It will be very cold up there and not 100% sure if the tap water would be working in Spiti Valley, hence, just bucket water will be available for Toilets too.
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
Hi Dheeraj, i am planning for Spiti Valley by road. With my POLO. I am planning this month around 18th. What do you suggest? I have got experience of mountain driving as i drove to ladakh twice.. Waiting..
Thanks
Hello Ritesh,
Well, roads are in pretty pretty bad shape now a days and it was still raining/snowing up there as of yesterday. I will suggest that you should perhaps delay the plan for a month until road condition stabilizes. I have returned last week only from Spiti Valley trip
You can check brief of my experience and road conditions at the link: White Spiti Valley in March – Itinerary, Road Conditions & Updates
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
Hi Dheeraj first of all I want to thank you for writing such a wonderful blog. I am planning to visit Spiti valley by March end or April first week, I want to know which route is more scenic Manali or Shimla and whether Manali route will be accessible during this time. And apart from places which you mention are there any other places nearby which we can visit??
Suhel, Manali to Kaza is closed as of now and only opens up in around June. You can go via Shimla side. BUT, beaware that it is not season for Spiti Valley. The climate will be extremely COLD, below zero at most places. There will be least facilities available in terms of stay only basic home stays with dry pits may be as water will be frozen types. Food will too be very basic. So, just take a calculative call. If you are not into too much of adventure I will suggest you to make this trip post mid of May.
thnks dheeraj for the prompt reply,well I went on a non-stop overnight bike trip to Vaishno devi this January so I’m looking for another mad experience. My only concern is time, can you please suggest that can we cover spiti valley in 4-5 days as most of the places will not be accessible during this time. And what all places are must to see in Spiti valley?
Suhel, 4-5 days will be too less brother for Spiti Valley trip unless you are really accustomed to do it. Most of the places will be closed as of now, may be just Ki – Kibber might be open, remaining sightseeing places closed. Hence, it will be matter of going to Kaza and coming back from there.
hie dheeraj….this is a very useful info…yet i need help… i m about to be in ‘mandi’ on 25-27sept 2014. and i wish to go to spiti… u think mid-sept like arnd 20th sept should be a good time to be in spiti
Jigar, yeah brother, it will be perfect time to travel Spiti Valley. I love the colors of Spiti Valley in the month of September.
Hey Dheeraj,
I want to arrange a bike trip for 10 days. Looking for less crowded Himalayan trip.
Also want to inform you, I am inexperienced in matter to bike ride in himalayas.
Please suggest.
Avnish, you are inexperienced in bike rides to Himalayas and then also you plan to travel less crowded places in Himalayas. I will suggest first try and visit some tourist places on your bike in lower hills of Himachal and Uttarakhand. Then make some big plan like this for rest of the Himalayas.
Then I would be grateful if you advise me such a place. Probably in Kullu valley
Avnish, then hit the road to Tirthan Valley where you can cover Kullu, Manali, Naggar, Kasol, Manikaran in this single trip.
Hey Dheeraj. 😀
The articles are really helpful. 🙂
I’m planning to visit Manali around 12th of March and I have two days to spare. Do you think I can somehow make it to The Spiti Valley?
Sakshi, no way you can make it to Spiti Valley. The roads will be closed and above all even if the roads are open, you need one day to reach the long grueling journey to Spiti Valley from Manali and one day to be back. And after such treacherous journey one needs at least 1 day break for sure if not two 😀 😀 … So, even if roads had been open 2 days are not sufficient for Spiti Valley trip.
Hi! Dheeraj,
Have visited the site and found it very useful and interesting for all travelers. We are planning to visit Lahual – Spiti via Shimla route from 4th – 12th April. Our plan is to hire a taxi from Kalka. Please advise if the roads are accessible during that period and which type of vehicle to choose. What I knew from this site is Kunzum pass might not open in April, in that case can we come back to Kalka from Kaza via Manikaran? Please advise.
Tito, there is no road route to come back via Manikaran from Kaza. You need to travel from Kinnaur Valley to Spiti – Kaza and come back the same route only. Keep in mind that most of the hotels in Spiti might be closed. I went in May first week last year and most were closed at that time too, or just opening. There will not be any running water in toilets, you need to use bucket water.
hello Dheeraj,, I recently bought Nissan Terrano – SUV . wanted to know which is best time to travel circular trip to spiti valley with my car considering last winter intensity. Thanks
Jatin, your car has high GC and enough power to make it through the entire circuit of Spiti Valley. If you intend to do the entire circuit that is Delhi – Shimla – Kinnaur – spiti Valley – Manali – Delhi, then you need to choose a time between late June to September, else if you plan to travel just on Hindustan – tibet Highway going past Shimla – Kinnaur, you can make it any time of the year. Regarding best time, it is September and this year DoW Mega Meet will be held in Spiti Valley only from 12th to 21st September. Feel free to join us over this in case you want to really feel the adventure of unknown places of Spiti Valley 🙂 …
Like suggested, in case you planning to travel in September to Spiti Valley, you can join in over like minded travelers for DoW Mega Meet thrilling adventure, whose details are mentioned at the link: Hidden Gems of Spiti Valley | DoW Mega Meet 2014
Dear Dhiraj. first of all thanks a lot for such an informative article. i am from mumbai & want to travel to Spiti Valley on my bullet in the last week of June. is I have got 10 days in my hand…can you pls suggest a preferred itinerary?
Rahul, please check: Spiti Valley | Most Common Itinerary
I would like to inform you that I was in Kinnaur from 04/01/2014 to 18/01/2014 and it was a heck of a drive in snow bound roads in my Tata Manza.We covered almost all major attractions of Kinnaur including Kalpa,Sangla and chitkul although conditions were very hostile.
I would soon update the entire journey as per your advice.
Thanks and regards
Vivek Kashyap
Vivek, that is just awesome. If possible, try and share your Himalayan experience with us at DoW – Himalayan Travel Community as Photo Tale or Travel Tale Or your reviews of the hotels/guest houses where you stayed or dhabhas/restaurants you ate food on your trip… All this might help others planning the similar trip too 🙂 🙂
Hi Dheeraj,
I have a plan to go to Leh in the last week of may by my Tata Manza.
1.Is it a good time to travel Leh???
Also i want to go via kinnaur,spiti valley as i dont want to waste time in getting those inner line permits in Manali.AMS is not an issue for me as i have been to 4000m heights before in Sikkim and recently in Kinnaur.Kindly suggest me the route followed if we have to go by spiti.I have read your previous blogs and i know you always suggest going via Srinagar -Leh highway and I also wanted to take that route while going to Leh but we are short on days if we follow this route while going and also one of my friends has his return flight from Srinagar so we will come back via Srinagar.
Vivek, I will suggest may be second of June and beyond is good time to travel to Ladakh by road. If you will go from Kinnaur side, it will take more time as it takes at least 3 days to reach Spiti from Delhi and then one day to reach Keylong where as from Manali side the journey too will be less hectic and you will reach 1 day before. Secondly, chances of opening of Kunzum Pass is very less that early even in second week of June. This year it got open around 20 June. I understand the concern of taking flight from Srinagar there is no way as such out here than to follow Manali – Leh highway. But, it all depends if it gets open or not.
Thank you Dheeraj for your advice.
I will follow Manali-Leh highway then.Will all the passes enroute be open by last week of may???
or should I plan to travel by 2nd week of june??
Vivek, better make the plan in second week of June by which roads have highest chance of opening 🙂
Hi Dheeraj, I am planning a trip in first of week of march to Spiti. What are your sugeestions and advice for the trip
Hello Rahul,
How are you planning to travel? By car, bike or public transport? How many days in hand? The general advice worth highlighting are mentioned below:
1. Hindustan – Tibet Highway will remain Open by that time upto Kaza in most cases barring few days of heavy snowfall or any landslide. After Kaza the snow clearance starts in march itself and no surety how long towards Losar the road will get open in March.
2. The aside sightseeing of main road in Spiti Valley including Pin Valley, Lingti Valley, Komik, Hikkim, Langza, Gette, Tashigang, etc.. will remain closed due to heavy snowfall and Ki-Kibber you might be in for a chance but doubtful enough.
3. So primarily you will be traversing the road to spiti valley than anything in Spiti Valley but if you are OK with the extreme cold conditions and basic facilities of homestays at that time of the year then you should think of venturing in. There will be no hotels opened at that time and there will be issues of water too in washrooms. You might have to use dry pits or carry bucket water. hotels will remain closed and only guest houses or home stays will be open.
Please let me know in case you have any other queries 🙂
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
Planning to go by own car. Most probably i20. Will take a tent along. Don’t have any problems in staying in guest houses and home stays. Do you advice going in this time
Rahul, if you have no issues going up there in such extreme cold with least available facilities BUT want SUPER adventure not just adventure then you can try to go there for sure. The previous comments already highlighted that you will only be able to do normal road to Kaza and most places around in Spiti Valley will be closed or inaccessible due to snow.
Regards
Dheeraj
Hi,
Info provided is really useful. Kudos.!!!
Am planning to visit Narkanda in the first week of Jan 14. Are the roads from Shimla to Narkanda, Fagu etc in good condition. I have read the road till Mount hatu is rather narrow. I will be driving my Esteem.
Advice and suggestions welcome.
Rgds
Hello Vineet,
Well, the roads to Narkanda are fine. But, yes the road to Hatu Peak is quite narrow and will have snow over it. So drive carefully over there. Rest all roads are good in conditions.
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
Hi Dear,I want to go to Kinnaur in first week of january,2014 by my tata Manza.Is it a good time to visit that part??
Hi Vivek,
Kinnaur will be very very cold in the month of January. If you are OK with that then yes, you can go over there. Regarding car, with little careful driving it shall be manageable for Tata Manza to go to Kinnaur Valley.
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
Thanks Dheeraj for your valuable suggestion.I will share the experience on this site once I come back from Kinnaur in January.
Regards
Vivek kashyap
Best wishes for the trip Vivek. If possible, try and share your Himalayan experience with us at DoW – Himalayan Travel Community as Photo Tale or Travel Tale Or your reviews of the hotels/guest houses where you stayed or dhabhas/restaurants you ate food on your trip… It will help others as well.
Is there any chance of travelling into Spiti now? Via Shimla route. Have enough gear and guts to feel the cold. Mahindra Xylo and three of us. From 18th Nov. to 24th. What do you say ?
Prathmesh, you already know what you want to dare a trip to Spiti Valley now, Go and feel the adventure then !! Try PWD Rest Houses at most places to stay and once you reach Kaza, get in touch with Tsering at Sakya Abode hotel. He has a home stay too and you will love his company a lot. You can refer my name to him as he is a good friend of mine. Be safe, drive safe and come back with loads of adventure. Go prepared well with heaviest of woolens. Best wishes for the trip …
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
Hi Dheeraj,
Very nice article with detailed information. I am riding to Spiti via Kinnaur valley in first week of November. My prime intention is to witness the snow fall, snow laden peaks etc. Can you throw some light on this. I will do solo ride on my Honda CBR250R
Shashi, it will be seriously too cold up there… Do ride with some very good warm gear else you risk yourself chances of frost bite or numb feet/hands in case you happen to ride in snowfall. Hotels Guest Houses in Spiti Valley have started closing, so you need to live with basic stays up there and if they have closed the toilets then only bucket water will be there.
Snow will be by chance and luck you have in that period. Generally November is dry in lower hills but it may have some spells of snow at Tabo, Chitkul in Kinnaur, Kaza and Losar. Nothing certain though.
Hi Dheraj,
Outstanding reveiw about the valley,,,,,thanks for sharing your experience.
In Week 39 Last week of sep for 15 days I am alone planning a trip on bike from Manali – Losar – Kaza & return to Manali covering nearby areas such as – Chandertaal & kibber ki.
Could you please provide your thoughts about it & any special instructions – Dos / Donts during this time of year.
Hi Yogi,
Firstly, I will suggest that you read following two articles:5 Reasons to Travel Spiti Valley from Manali Route AND Spiti Valley via Manali | How to Plan Your Journey
This will clear most of your doubts and there are many do’s and don’t’s mentioned in these articles about traveling to Spiti Valley from Manali. The only issue I feel is that it will be really cold, Raid – De Himalayas will be underway and there are chances of closure of road for couple of days due to Snowfall at Kunzum Pass during mid of October.
I hope this helps. Please let me know in case you have any queries or doubts.
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
Hi Dheeraj,
Many Thanks for your prompt response.
I shall go through the recommended posts & would get back to you for any more queries.
Keep Helping…!!
Regards,
Yogi
Most welcome Yogi, anytime feel free to pour in any queries. If possible, You can start a thread at below link for your itinerary advice and complete planning of Lahaul, Spiti or Kinnaur trip in more structured way 🙂 as well as more people will get benefit from the replies by reading existing thread? Here is the link: Lahaul & Spiti Valley Itinerary Advice
Hi Dheeraj,
For Sure I would be part of this thread forever.
Cheers// Yogi
Dear Dheeraj, thanks a lot for such a gr8 detailed peice of information. Can you please provide information on Kanamo peak trek in spiti valley in mid October along with some contact details of local guide.
Sushil, it will be very cold at that time of the year and attempting Kanamo will also test some endurance of you unless you been into treks before with cold around. I have this gut feeling and how are you planning the journey to Spiti Valley is more important. Road via Kinnaur is closed for last couple of weeks and via Manali you need to cross Kunzum Pass which might be difficult and risky post mid October.
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
Hi Dheeraj, first of all thanking you to provide such a detailed information about Ladakh & surrounding region. Great work !!!
My question is, with the current issues going on with China & Pak at the borders, is the whole region affected ?
I have been to Ladakh before and planning for the Spiti valley, September end + oct start(15-20 days).
We are going to follow your ‘Chandratal Lake | Cheapest Ways To Travel There’ itinerary as there are just two of us at the date. We are more interested in wildlife as good as the topography and local life there.
Please suggest.
It shall be fine to do. If tensions will seriously increase then you will not get at most permits, so no issues AFAI understand with respect to safety. Do we have 15=-20 days for both Ladakh and Spiti trip? If possible for you since you are just two and if dates matches, would you be interested to join the DoW Mega Meet cum Tour in Ladakh for which you can find the details at the link: DoW – Adventure Club | Ladakh Mega Meet cum Tour 2013
We are still open for 3 more people to join us as Travel Partners 🙂
Regards
Dheeraj
Thanks for the invitation Dheeraj, but we are planning to spend all those days in Spiti & Kinnaur valleys and descend to shimla. If dates matches by any chance, we may meet in Spiti 🙂
Regards,
Prathamesh
Ohh wow, great then, are you looking forward to the itinerary here? You can start a thread at below link for your itinerary advice and complete planning of Lahaul, Spiti or Kinnaur trip in more structured way 🙂 as well as more people will get benefit from the replies by reading existing thread. Here is the link: Lahaul & Spiti Valley Itinerary Advice
Hi Dheeraj,
Hope you are doing well. As per my previous communication with you, you would know that I was planning to do the complete spiti circuit starting from Kinnaur. However, after the floods I had to hold my plan. Since then I have been following your blog to have an update on the road conditions of Kinnaur.
While you advised to do spiti from the Manali side, I am somehow keen on doing the complete circuit once and for all covering Kinnaur and the Sangla valley also.
I then thought of waiting till October for the road conditions to improve. However, things do not seem to be improving and if I have to go in October I have to prepare now as I have to apply for my leaves accordingly.
Tell me if it is ok considering doing the complete spiti circuit through Kinnaur and ending at Manali in October.
If not I am OK dropping the plan this year and postponing it for the next year.
But I need to make a decision now as my leave schedule at work needs to be planned accordingly.
Would need your guidance here based on your experience.
And sorry for bothering you with so many queries…!!
Thanks again.
Regards
Manish
Manish, things are improving, roads have been opened but bad in shape. Also, lot of rains are happening so things will only improve by mid September types when rains will reside the region. By October, things will improve and road will stabilize. So, start preparing. Check the thread in DoW Himalayan Travel Community: Lahaul- Spiti OR Dharamshala – Kangra Valley Trip
That will give you much idea, may be you can start a thread there only to keep things organized, tracked and helpful for others too.
hiii ..
as suggested i have gone thru the article as to which time should one visit kinnaur and spiti valley . my travel is in first week of september . do u think i will experience rains in kinnaur valley near chitkul , sangla , pooh .
where can i check for weather updates .
regards
sumit
No one can predict rains Sumit!! However, the above article might have given you the tentative idea. So, it is OK to visit BUT again this year situation in Kinnaur is bad and has still not improved much though road was opened 8-10 days ago after couple of months. The rains will make them more worse and I had unconfirmed news of again blockage of road in Kinnaur. So, better plan it from Manali this year.
Thanks Dheeraj – thats a great guide on spiti travel. Your photographs are awesome – both full snow on the peaks and the fall ones. I am tempted to do a bike trip in Sep sometime.
Mayank, sorry for the late reply brother!! Thanks for all the fab words, I am just an amateur and hardly take out my camera apart from my trips. It is the place that is beautiful to make the pictures as beautiful 😉 … Anytime, you making the plan, feel free to shoot any queries. Just published the Travel Guide for Hindustan Tibet Highway as well. All these articles will sum up a comprehensive guide to Spiti Valley.
very comprehensive info thank u
Thanks alot brother, glad that you find this info. useful 🙂