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 Friend….
I am planning for a trip to Kaza from shiumla Kinnaur and back via Rohtang to Manali from Delhi by my Maruti suzuki Alto…can i make my trip with my Alto 800? Please advice….
Replied to your other comment.
hello Dheeraj, nice to see that you are helping so many tourists in there queries (gladly, i am one of them). We are a couple planning to do lahaul spiti tour on bike from dehradun. We will be riding from 9th july to 16july.
1) Can you give us an idea for the travel plan?
basic itinerary (without much info) i have planned is :
Day 1 (9 july) : dehradun- shimla – narkand
Day 1 (10 july) : narkand – kalpa
Day 1 (11 july) : kalpa – tabo
Day 1 (12 july) : tabo – pin valley – kaza
Day 1 (13 july) : kaza- chandratal- kaza
Day 1 (14 july) : kaza- manali
Day 1 (15 july) : manali to chandigarh
Day 1 (16 july) : chandigarh to dehradun
(is it doable? anything to add or remove?)
2) Is it safe to ride alone (just me and my wife)
3) is the time of july good to for this tour?
we have done leh ladakh tour previous year but at that time another couple too was with us.
Given the days in hand, your plan looks OK to me. Many people do a solo trip to Spiti every year. July is OK time, watch out for rains though.
Thanx for your prompt reply Dheeraj. Every thing is fine and adjustable, but i want to know one last question, is it safe for me to cover kaza-chandrataal-manali (given that i am riding with my wife)? does bike gives any problem on that route (because of high altitude or anything)? We will be riding on Yamaha Fazer (any precaution to take). (kindly excuse me if the questions are silly, but it feels good if someone is helping with these type of questions too 😉 )
Well, I will say that it is tough and not an easy ride at all. There will be water crossings, there might be slush too. Bikes run fine mostly on that route it is the river bed with stones that basically makes them vulnerable to puncture and in no mans land it becomes difficult.
Hi Dheeraj …. thanks for sharing all the info …. we are 2 couples planning to travel to Spiti Region by Car and have around 10-12 days from Delhi to Delhi in July Last week / August first week …. Please suggest if the weather is ok in these dates or should we prepone / postpone the dates ….. please also suggest whether we should do Delhi – Shimla – Kinnaur – Nako – Tabo – Kaza – Kunzum Pass – Gramphu – Rohtang Pass – Manali – Delhi or we should just enter from Manali and return back from Manali (Delhi – Manali – Solang Kaza – Tabo – Kibber – Manali) …. would need the itinerary in both the case ….. also give in your valuable inputs for other stuff like stay, must do, must visit spots en-route (Chandratal, Rohtand Pass), etc. also what would be the budget for 2 couples in an SUV that we plan to rent from Delhi or Manali as you suggest …. and any info on the rent cars company …. thanks a lot
Hi dheeraj,
I had earlier taken Some suggestions for my leh bike trip. I just want to ask that I am starting from Chandigarh to leh via Jammu as per ur iternary. It would start on 3rd July and would return via Manali by 15th July. My brother is new to this bike trip and want to visit spiti.
1-Is there anyway I can put spiti in my iternary while coming back to Manali?
2- And how many days would it add.
3- if I could fit it in my trip iternary?
4- I hav 8 bikes 2 of which are rented from Chandigarh and won’t use it in leh. But if I can ride it to Manali via spiti (if added to iternary ) ?
Hi Darshan
It will add 4-5 days in your plan if you are OK with it.
Can you give me a iternary for it please?
Hello Dheeraj,
First of all, a ton of thanks for this really amazing website. Really appreciate your enthusiasm. We are a group of friends planning to do a bike trip to Lahul – Spiti in September. This website has really been helpful in planning our trip. We have prepared the following itenary,
Day 1 : Mumbai To Chandigarh Flight. Chandigarh To Manali Bus/Bike. Stay At Manali.
Day 2 : Manali – Solang Valley. Stay At Solang Valley For Acclimatization.
Day 3 : Solang – Kaza.
Day 4 : Kaza – Dhangkar – Tabo.
Day 5 : Tabo – Lingti Valley – Pin Valley.
Day 6 : Pin Valley – Kaza – Ki – Kibber – Kaza.
Day 7 : Kaza – Langza – Komic – Hikkim – Demul – Kaza.
Day 8 : Kaza – Chandratal (Stay At Chandratal).
Day 9 : Chandratal – Manali.
Day 10 : Manali – Chandigarh. Flight To Mumbai.
Kindly let us know if it is proper. We can add a day or two in case anything is amiss. Can you suggest somebody who can help us with accommodation during the trip? Also let me know if this trip will be doable in August.
Regards,
Prasanna Patil
Hi Prasanna, this is very nicely planned. You will really enjoy the trip and if you can add couple of more days then better do some trekking between Langza to Komik to Hikkim to Demul. Pick any two villages and do a two day trek up there, it will be out of the world experience.
Get in touch with Tsering at 09418208987, he is more than a friend to me and knows us very very well. He will be able to manage such a tour for you. He runs Sakya Abode and Snow Lion in Kaza. Read more about Sakya Abode at: Sakya Abode Kaza – An Enriching Experience in Spiti Valley
PS: Do pay a visit to our DoW Spiti Library in Kaza. Who knows you short walk there may help it remain active for the kids up there for much longer time 🙂 :)…
Hi Dheeraj,
Thanks. Will it be doable in August?
Regards,
Prasanna Patil
You will face monsoon hassles for sure in August in lower hills.
Hi Dheeraj,
Planning to do a short one day trip of Manali – Kaza – Manali (2nd/3rd week of June) for 1 couple. As in, leaving Manali early morning on Day 1 for Kaza and leaving Kaza the next day in the morning for Manali. Will be of immense help if u could help out on following:
1. Is the above possible? (I know, we will be missing out on a lot of other places in Spiti, but have a shortage of time)
2. What is the best way to travel? Could you please suggest any really good private taxi operators and their costs for One Day trip? (am preferring private taxi over bus)
3. Recommended places to stay in Kaza?
4. What is the tourist rush situation on a weekday? traffic?
5. How bad/good the weather is typically?
It will be great to hear ur expert advice on the above.
Looking forward to hear from you.
—
Regards,
Ankit V
Hello Ankit,
What is the point of just sitting in the bus or taxi for 10-11 Hrs for two consecutive day to do such a trip? Are you sure you want to do this?
Hi Dheeraj,
We are planning a trip to Spiti Valley from Delhi starting June 9 to June 20. We are four people on 2 Royal Enfield Thunderbirds. This is our first tour to Spiti Valley. I wanted to ask you what precautionary measures should we take and keep in mind as this is our first tour and that too on bikes. How safe will it be and what situations can we possibly face.
Thanks
Hello Nikita,
You should read: 9 Mistakes People Commit on a Ladakh Trip, almost all of them apply to Spiti Valley trip as well. Rest if you can be specific, I will be better able to help you.
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.
PS: Do pay a visit to our DoW Spiti Library in Kaza. Who knows you short walk there may help it remain active for the kids up there for much longer time 🙂 :)…
Thanks Dheeraj for the reply and we will surely visit this Library. 🙂
To be specific;
1. What is the probability of rains in that area from 7 to 20 June? Is its advisable to ride on bikes during that time? The riders are experienced only for normal highway riding.
2. If yes, is it advisable to ride 100kms daily or make a 200+ kms trip and rest the next day?
Hello dheeraj ji , thanks for your post, i m planning to go to spiti valley via kinnaur , first week of june till first week of july. from delhi i will start, can you suggest me which part i can spend longer. any off beat offbeat destinations. but i m travelling alone. thank you very much for your help.
I with my wife are planning to visit Katra Vaishnodevi Temple around 23rd, 24th June, pls guide me how to visit spiti valley and come back to delhi by 30th june, or any other places to visit in that area.
You will not be able to visit both the places in such little span of days , unless you are boarding planes to go everywhere.
My advice would be to visit Vaishno Devi and nearby areas and spare another week or two in future for Lahaul & spiti valley.
There are places like Shiv Khori, Dhansar Baba near Katra , Reasi which are worth visiting and then you can go to Patnitop , Sanasar hill stations which are really gorgeous.
You would be able to visit all these places in as per your schedule and would still be able spare few days before 30th 🙂
Hi dheeraj
I am planning a trip to a spiti from delhi via kasol from 21st June to 3 July and mode of transportation would be bus and local transport so could you please help me out ?
And I want to stay in homestays and is there are any possibility to stay in tent ?
Gaurav, what help do you need? The place is well connected with daily buses from Kullu to Kaza, Kasol to Kullu and back to Manali and then to Delhi. There are loads of homestays in almost all the villages in Spiti Valley. You can check: Spiti Valley from Manali – Most Common Itinerary
Hi,
We are a group of 5, landing at Chandigarh on the 2nd June and have a flight back on the 10th late in the evening. Could you suggest a route with good stay over for spiti?
Nirav, what time you reach Chandigarh?
Flight lands at 2pm
2 – Reach Shimla by evening
3 – Shimla – Sangla
4 – Sangla – chitkul – sangla – Reckong Peo / Kalpa –
5 – Reckong Peo / Kalpa – Nako – Nako lake – tabo
6 – Tabo – dhangkar – kaza
7 – Kaza and around, ki, kibber
8 – Kaza and around, hikkim, langza, komik or if chandratal is open then Kaza – Chandratal
9 – Kaza / Chandratal – Manali / Mandi
10 – leave early to reach Chandigarh in time
Hi dheeraj,
Read your post on visiting chandratal lake at the cheapest rate. Very helpful.
Visiting manali from 26-29.
Planning to go to batal/kaza in bus fri morning and coming back next day to manali.
Could you please confirm if road to spiti through manali is open? Will be very helpful.
Thank you
Madhuri, if you are talking about May, then road to Spiti will not be open during that time.
hey.. I’m planning to visit Lauhal Spiti in August. total 8 days plan. Starts with Delhi-Shimla-Peo-Tabo-Kaza-Kibber-Losar-Batal(Chandratal)-Manali-Delhi.
So is it good to complete this circuit in monsoom time or will visit in September???
Mode of transport- HRTC bus/local transportation
Please suggest me best time to visit and also bus availability in Kinnaur and Lauhal-spiti????
Best is to do in September. The buses are available on daily bases from Delhi to Shimla, Shimla to Reckong Peo, Reckong Peo to Kaza and Kaza to Manali and Manali to Delhi. So you should not worry on that front.
Thank you.. 🙂
Do we need an SUV or a sedan like etios/vento be feasible for spiti valley from shimla side?
Manav, For hatchback/sedan taking on Manali – Leh Highway and Ladakh, I will say:
You will indeed face few tough challenges on the route. The hatchback/sedan will increase the level of every challenge even further, sedan is the worst candidate. My suggestion will be to go via Srinagar route as it will help you feel comfortable with the driving, provide more acclimatization and then once you have done the local Leh-Ladakh, then come back via Manali side. Secondly, since you are in hatch/sedan, then you need to drive with extra care as well. There will be some sections on the Manali – Leh highway in which you might need to sacrifice some scratches on the underbelly. Just make sure you do not bump the engine sump (know it before where it is placed in your car). You need to protect it all around the trip. Thirdly, whenever in doubt do not rush into the section rather park aside and feel the section with your foot, see how other vehicles are crossing it and make a planned route in your mind to cross that section. At the very least do carry Mseal, quick fix, funnel, jerry cans and towing rope with you all the time.
Also, I will strongly suggest that you go through and read my series on Ladakh Self Drive tips at the links below:
7 Useful Tips for a Self Drive to Leh – Ladakh, Routes and Road Conditions In Leh – Ladakh | Ladakh Self Drive Tips, Fuel Availability In Leh – Ladakh | Ladakh Self Drive Tips
SUV is always better to do such roads with peace of mind.
Dear Dheeraj,
Thanks to your guidance I have completed Ladakh last year . I wanted to do a complete circuit of Kinnaur/ Lahul/ spiti in July 15- July 24. Will it be feasible to cross kinnaur? and if have to drop kinnaur where to go in Lahual ? Any suggestion welcomed.
Hello Himadri,
I can see that you have 9 days for Kinnaur, Spiti trip. Do Lahaul some other time and focus just on Kinnaur and Spiti as per below plan:
ay 1 | Delhi – Narkanda
Day 2 | Narkanda – Kalpa
Day 3 | Kalpa – Nako – Nako Lake – Geyu Mummy – Tabo
Day 4 | Tabo – Dhankar – Dhankar Lake – Pin Valley (Mudh Village) – Kaza
Day 5 | Kaza Local Sightseeing
— Ki, Kibber, Gette, Tashigang in the second half of the day
Day 6 | Kaza Local Sightseeing (Hikkim, Koumik)
— Hikkim, Komik, Langza circuit
Day 7 | Kaza – Kunzum Pass – Chandratal
Day 8 | Chandratal – Manali
Day 9 | Manali – Delhi
Hi Dheeraj,
Thanks for such a wonderful post. I had couple of questions:
– Is it ok to take i20 (not the recent one). I plan to do Delhi > manali > Spiti > Shimla >Delhi in 9 days.
– Would July be OK? I cannot get stuck and need to back within 9 days.
I doubt a hatchback for shimla-spiti route. Even I want to know whether it’s viable or not. Let dheeraj reply !
Manav, For hatchback/sedan taking on Manali – Leh Highway and Ladakh, I will say:
You will indeed face few tough challenges on the route. The hatchback/sedan will increase the level of every challenge even further, sedan is the worst candidate. My suggestion will be to go via Srinagar route as it will help you feel comfortable with the driving, provide more acclimatization and then once you have done the local Leh-Ladakh, then come back via Manali side. Secondly, since you are in hatch/sedan, then you need to drive with extra care as well. There will be some sections on the Manali – Leh highway in which you might need to sacrifice some scratches on the underbelly. Just make sure you do not bump the engine sump (know it before where it is placed in your car). You need to protect it all around the trip. Thirdly, whenever in doubt do not rush into the section rather park aside and feel the section with your foot, see how other vehicles are crossing it and make a planned route in your mind to cross that section. At the very least do carry Mseal, quick fix, funnel, jerry cans and towing rope with you all the time.
Also, I will strongly suggest that you go through and read my series on Ladakh Self Drive tips at the links below:
7 Useful Tips for a Self Drive to Leh – Ladakh, Routes and Road Conditions In Leh – Ladakh | Ladakh Self Drive Tips, Fuel Availability In Leh – Ladakh | Ladakh Self Drive Tips
Hi Dheeraj,
I am planning for Solo Backpack trip from Bangalore on 21st May 2016. I want to complete the entire circle from Shimala to Manali via Kinnur. I will be having booking only till Shimala and then after i want to use local transports as like HSRTC buses and others. The main agenda is to live with local people and understand their culture and lifestyle. I am a photographer and want to capture portraits and landscape pictures. Its a 15 days plan. plz find below my road map. Can you plz let me know how it sounds to you. And any suggestion also 🙂
Start Date Travel Places Accommodation/ Halt
21st May Bangalore to Delhi Stay in Delhi (Stay 1)
22nd May Delhi to Shimala Overnight journey
23rd May Shimala (Full Day) Stay in Shimala (Stay 2)
24th May Shimala to Sangala RD Stay in Sangala road (Stay 3)
25th May Sangala RD to Chitkul Stay in Chitkul (Stay 4)
26th May Chitkul to Recong Peo Walk to kalpa – stay in in kalpa (Stay 5)
27th May Kalpa to Reckong Peo to Pooh Stay in Pooh – Om Guest House or Army Commanding Office
(Stay 6)
28th May Pooh to Nako Stay in Nako – Homestay (Stay 7)
29th May Nako to Tabo Stay in Tabo – Homestay (Stay 8)
30th May Tabo to Schichling – Walk to Dhankar Explore Dhankar and Walk back to Schichling
30th May Dhankar to Schichiling (Walk)- Kaza to Kibber Stay in Kibber – Homestay (Stay 9)
31st May Kibber (full day) Stay in Kibber – Homestay (Stay 10)
1st June Kibber to Kaza Journey to Manali if further road opens or else back journey to Shimala
1st June (If Spiti Valley Road Open) Kaza to Manali Stay at Manali (Stay 11)
2nd June Manali (Full Day) Stay in Manali (Stay 12)
1st June (If Spiti Valley Road Dosent Open) Kaza to Shimala Stay in Shimala (Stay 11)
2nd June Shimala to Narkhand Stay in Narkhand (Stay 12)
3rd June Manali/Shimala to Delhi Overnight journey
4th June Delhi to Bangalore Reach Bangalore
Regards,
Atul
Atul, your plan looks fine to me. I will suggest adding Langza and Komik too. They are amazingly beautiful
Thank you dheeraj. Appricate your reply. I will definitely try to cover both places . will kaza to manali road will be open in first week of June ?
Atul, chances are 50:50 though it is expected that it will open around first week of June.
Hi Dheeraj,
Is there anyway to knnow before hand when the roads will open? Visiting Manali from 25th May to 1st June, and so far, most people i’ve spoken to said the road will still be closed.
Thanks so much!
Yes, the roads will still be closed. There is a right sidebar on our site indicating the various road statuses. You can check them. Most of them have community thread which you can subscribe and any updates will be delivered to your mail box.
Best stay Between narkanda-sangla
Is Rampur,Just like a sadan
Cheap and good
Chithkul get a guest house
is it possible to do a spiti trip in winters by means of public transport….can you share any itinerary for a winter trip to spiti…
thanks
Yes Prateek, very much possible to Spiti Valley in winters too. How many days do you have in hand?
10 to 12 days from new delhi
Hi Dheeraj,
A very informative and wonderful article. Also a great job of helping so many travelers with their queries.
Could you please suggest a 7/8 days tour (starting from Delhi) of Spiti-Lahaul region. My main interest is visiting the monasteries. Is June/July a good time to visit this region? Lastly, is it possible to visit these monasteries/villages with public transport?
Thanks in advance!
July, you should plan for it as road from Manali to Kaza will be open.
Day 1 : Reach Manali by overnight volvo of 28 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 – Chandratal
Day 5 : Chandratal – Manali
Day 6 : Chill around Manali and take evening Volvo
Day 7 : Reach Delhi by overnight Volvo from Manali
Thank you Dheeraj.
Will try your recommended itinerary and visit the monasteries at Kaza, Dhangkar, Tabo and Ki.
Hi Dheeraj,
Saw your post. Quite comprehensive. I am plng to goto Spiti valley around 4th June to 10th June from Delhi through car.
Wanted to check on few things
– can this trip be done with i10 Grand vehicle?
– Will it be ok with kids of 9 & 4 yrs old?
-should we book homestay/GH in advance or they are easily available there & there itself
– Do we need any road permits for this trip?
-Also in suggested trip if you can share approx. distance & travel time
Thanks in advance
Anurag, only 7 days Spiti valley trip will be very hectic and with kids it will not be easy.
Hi Dheeraj.
I’m Daniel. I’m from Karnataka. I’m planning on a road trip for a month. Can you suggest places to visit near Ladakh. Also I’d like to camp instead of staying at hotels.
also i want suggestions about the best time to visit these places
Also the budget
Hey,
I am planning to Visit Spiti valley from delhi in April end via bike. I will depart from delhi on wednesday early morning and need to arrive back delhi on sunday (27th April to 1st May).
Kindly let me know the road map from delhi to spiti, where I can take a stay, and is it okay to come via single bike with two people. Do we have the enough petrol pumps or need to carry?
what most important things need to carry and what precautions you may suggest.
Jitender, it takes 3 days to reach Spiti and of course 3 days to come back. You have just 5 days. So, unfortunately you cannot make this trip
Hi Dheeraj,
I am planning a trip on a car with below itinerary. Pl suggest a good time to go, either July or September will work for me. Also, pl tell me with your experience whether days are sufficient or i am gonna overburden myself.
Also, do we need to book hotels in advance or there is possibility that we can find some good hidden gems while on road?
Day -1 Delhi to Shimla
Day 2 Delhi to Manali via Mandi & Kullu
Day 3 Manali to keylong via Rohtang pass
Day 4 Keylong to Spiti valley –Tabo/Nako (i think i could stretch here a bit – if any other place you suggest for night halt)
Day 5 Spiti valley to Shimla via tabo, nako, rampur/bushahr (how is general road condition for a hatchback car)
Day 6 Shimla to delhi
Br
Aditya, it is better that you spend time in Spiti Valley and ignore Lahaul. Secondly, you will barely make Delhi – Manali – Chandratal – Kaza – Manli – Delhi in 6 days and will be hectic tour.
Day 1 : Reach Manali by overnight and stay overnight at Solang Valley as preferred for acclimatization
Day 2 : Manali / Solang – Kaza
Day 3 : Kaza – Dhangkar – Tabo – Kaza
Day 4 : Kaza – Ki – Kibber – Langza – Komik – Hikkim – Kaza
Day 5 : Kaza – Chandratal – Manali
Day 6 : Reach Delhi by overnight Volvo from Manali (do adventure sports in day time at Solang Valley)
hey
m planning to travel to kaza from manali side by 3 or 4 may…i dont have any vehicle so please suggest how shud i plan my trip….i love trekking but dont have any experience….please help!!!
Tushar, the road from Manali to KAza will not be open during 3-4 May, it will open around end of May or early June.
ok…so can u suggest some places nearby manali that i can visit during that time…
Manali, will offer you Rohtang Pass tourist point, Solang Valley, Naggar Castle, Kasol, Manikaran, Kullu – Bijli Mahadev
Hi Dheeraj,
I don’t have a bike ,I am planning a solo trip, first of all is it safe for a girl? a solo trip?
I heard that local bus service is also available there, is it possible to explore these places without a bike or own vehicle, if yes that can you suggest me a good road map , I am planning a trip around mid october for 10-12 days, will be waiting to here from you. Thanks in advance.
Hello Ananya,
Spiti Valley or Ladakh is quite a safe place to travel at least from human crime perspecptive and local people up there are very generous and helpful always. From where are you planning to make the trip? Shimla side OR Manali side? mid October will be cold are you sure? You also might miss on Chandratal that late in the October. Can you make it in September?
The whole circuit from Delhi – Shimla – Reckong Peo – Kaza – Manali – Delhi are well connected with public buses which runs daily from each of these places to next as mentioned.
HI Dheeraj
I am Sahil and i am planning to travel to spiti valley after the 20th of April but before 5th May.
Please guide me as to what should be my itinerary.
I can start my journey from Chandigarh and please also consider AMS as one of my friend has AMS.
Waiting for your reply.
Thanks in Advance.
You can check a very balanced and most common itinerary for Spiti Valley followed by many travellers including me at the link here for 10-11 days: Most Common Itinerary for Spiti Valley.
hi dheeraj bro
I m planning to travel solo in 1 or 2 days to spiti..what kinda weather can i expect…pls tell me about public transportation too..
From where are you traveling to Spiti for 1-2 days? It takes 2 days to reach Spiti from Manali side and 3 days from Shimla side. Manali to Kaza, Spiti Valley is closed and will open in May end or June.
Hi Dheeraj,
Thanks for such an awesome blog. We are 4 people and planning a bike trip from 1st week of April. We have 6 days in total. Here are my few doubts and would be great if you can help me out
1. Will we be able to complete the tour? Are there any chances of getting stuck during this time?
2. Would you suggest bike trip or public transport? We would love to go on bike but this being our first trip I want to know which option according to you would be more suitable considering the date 1 April, 2016.
3. For 6 days, from where should we start the bike trip? Will the bikes be available on rent from that location?
1. It takes 3 days to reach Spiti from Delhi and 3 days to come back. You have 6 days.
2. Anything you take it will be hectic trip, if it is first trip then I will not recomment a bike trip.
3. Better follow the public transport buses to Spiti.
Hi Dheeraj ,
I am plannin a trip to Spiti we the following itenary , is it ideal to go by 25 the may or should I go by 10th June
Day 1 : Chandigarh to Manali Drive
Day 2 : Manali
Day 3 : Manali to Chandratal Lake
Day 4 : Chandratal lake to kaza
Day 5 : Kaza and near by place
Day 6 : Kaza to tabo to kalpa
Day 7 : Kalpa to Narkand
Day 8 : Narkand to Shimla
Day 9 : Shimla to Chandigarh last day
Ronal, the itinerary is doable BUT hectic with almost about 8-9 Hrs of average time on most of the days. I will suggest not to sleep at Chandratal as you might fall sick with AMS badly, better come down and stay at Battal to avoid AMS. Better will be to make the move in second week of June. Also, if you do it the other way round then it will be far far better with respect to AMS.
Hi Dheeraj,
Greetings from Delhi!
Request you to please see to my plan/itinerary for my upcoming trip to Leh Ladhakh in coming June. In addition to the usual trip, I wish to cover Amritsar and Gulmarg as well.
Please share your feedback. Let me know if you find anything redundant/ unusual/ stupid in this plan.
Thanks in Advance.
Itinerary:
10th June: Leave Delhi for Amritsar (Overnight at Amritsar)
11th: Leave Amritsar to Patnitop (Overnight at Patnitop)
12th: Leave Patnitop for Srinagar (Overnight at Srinagar)
13th: To and Fro Gulmarg (Overnight at Srinagar)
14th: Srinagar — Kargil (Overnight at Kargil)
15th: kargil to ladhakh (Overnight at Ladhakh)
16th: Rest day @ladhakh + permits + local sightseeing
17th: Leh — Diskit — Hunder (overnight at hunder)
18th: Back to Leh via Panamik+ sumur (overnight at Leh)
19th: Leh to Pangong Tso Lake (overnight at Pangong Tso)
20th: Back to Leh via Shey palace (overnight at Leh)
21th: Head to Tso Moriri (Overnight at Tso Moriri)
22nd: Returning journey begins, (Overnight Stay at Sarchu)
23rd: Sarchu — Keylong(Overnight at Keylong)
24th: Keylong to Mandi via Rohtang pass + Manali (overnight at Mandi)
25th: Mandi to Delhi (Mission Accomplished!!!)
26th: Spare Day (Rest Day)
Thanks and Regards,
Ashish
Ashish, the plan seems good to me.
Cool, thanks for the prompt reply!
Though I have gone through a few of your blogs, comments and other info available on Internet. Still a bit confusion stays with the query: What all permits will I be needing in case I would be going via Car or Bike, on the above mentioned itinerary.(Leh areas and the journey as well)
If you can help me out in this front as well please 🙂
Thanks,
Ashish
Ashish, there are no permits required now for Indians in the group as long as you follow the above mentioned plan. Please read: Permits in Ladakh are not required for Indian Tourists from May 2014
Hi dheeraj,
Thanks for giving so much insight on Spiti valley.
Could yoy please suggest me a trip from delhi-spiti via manali in mid august for 4-5 days.
Thanks in advance
Hi Tania,
IMHO, 4-5 days will be too short. I will suggest bare minimum following:
Day 1 : Reach Manali by overnight and stay overnight at Solang Valley as preferred for acclimatization
Day 2 : Manali / Solang – Kaza
Day 3 : Kaza – Dhangkar – Tabo OR Pin Valley – Kaza
Day 4 : Kaza – Ki – Kibber – Langza – Komik – Hikkim – Kaza
Day 5 : Kaza / Losar – Chandratal – Manali
Day 6 : Reach Delhi by overnight Volvo from Manali (do adventure sports in day time at Solang Valley)
Actually I have had been to manali-solang-gulaba in 2012, so I thought if I skip solang, will I be able to cover rohtang-kaza-spiti in 4-5 days?
Tania, there is no choice in here. IT is a high altitude journey and you have to stopover at Solang Valley to acclimatize a little. You will still feel the headache and mild symptoms BUT if you skip the stay conditions could be worse.
I have had been to manali solang gulaba, so if I avoid the solang trip, will 5 days be suffice and also will the road conditions be very bad during August? Thanks again
Tania, there is no choice in here. IT is a high altitude journey and you have to stopover at Solang Valley to acclimatize a little. You will still feel the headache and mild symptoms BUT if you skip the stay conditions could be worse.
Hi Dheeraj,
Myself and a friend planning to ride our RE-500’s in July to Spiti valley and riding out from Kishtwar. Kindly see the itinerary below. My Q are
1. Can the day 9 and day 10 days can be done as per below?
2. which are the places we need to take inner permit? and whom and who to get that?
Days Start and end KM
1 Chandigarh to Simla 130
2 Simla to Sarahan 163
3 Sarahan to Kalpa 90
4 Kalpa to Nako 104
5 Nako to Tabo 63
6 Tabo – Dhankar Lake – Kaza 48
7 Kaza to Chattru 118
8 Chhatru -Keylong 68
9 Keylong -Killar 130
10 Killar to Kishtwar 118
11 Kishtwar to Jammu 232
12 Jammu to Chandigarh 342
Thanks,
Vishnu
make it Kaza – Chandratal, Chandratal – Keylong. Keylong – Killar leave early a bit as there will be lot of water crossings. Rest looks OK to me. Same is true for Killar – Kishtwar too.
Thank you. Is july 1st week a right time?
Yes, July is a good time to travel
Hi Dheeraj- Thanks for all the information you have shared with us here. We are planning for 8 days trip from Shimla to Spiti & back (via Kinnaur both ways, as we have already covered Rohtang and Manali route last year from Leh). Trip dates will be 22nd June to 30th June. We will be renting bikes from Shimla. Can you please share your guidance on the below:
1. Can we reach Kinnaur from Shimla in a single day?
2. Can we do an overnight camping at Chandratal after reaching Spiti (May be the next day of reaching spiti), how would it be as we dont have any previous camping experience, any do’s and don’ts?
3. As I looked in the map, I didn’t find a proper road to Chandratal, so how to reach there?
You can plan something like below:
Day 1 | Reach Shimla
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 – Chandratal and back to Kaza, will be long day so start early.
Day 7 | Kaza/Tabo – Geyu Mummy – Kalpa/Sangla
Day 8 | Kalpa/Sangla – Chitkul – Sarahan
Day 9 | Sarahan – Delhi (long drive but as last day you can rest at home)
Regarding queries:
1. Yes, posible as suggested above. Shimla – Nakranda is 1.5 Hrs apart.
2. You do not have enough days to do so, so will advice you come back
3. There is a narrow track of 12.5 KM motorable that leads to parking point of the trail and from there you need to walk around 1 KM to reach the Chandratal lake.
Hello Dheeraj,
Thanks for writing this article. I have been to Spiti twice in October (2014 & 2015) and I completely loved it. I am planning to go again but this time in March (24 to 29). Could you please tell me whether its good decision or not?
Thanks
KD, apart from time and your familiarity with cold conditions and used to basic food + stay, it shall be fine. Just 6 days may be little tiring only. Rest it will be cold all throughout
Thanks Dheeraj. Will it be good to go via Shimla and come back by same route?
P.S. – My last two trips to Spiti (from Delhi) were of duration of just 4 days each 🙂
KD, well, since you have seen the other side and not interested in it, it should be good to travel the same side, halting at different places on the return.
Thanks Dheeraj. Could you please recommend type of car as I will be hiring one with a driver?
Well, you will be hiring a SUV/MUV type of vehicle.
One last question Dheeraj, will there be snow or snowfall everywhere in last week of March?
As per weather websites it is showing snow/rain up there 🙂
Hey Dheeraj,
I am planning to visit Spiti for 6 days between 20-30th April with my friends. Will the Shimla Kaza road be open that time ? What do you suggest ? Should we vist Spiti in April ? If yes, which places should we cover for a 6 day Spiti trip ? Would be great if you could help me with the itinerary!:)
Kaushal the route to Kaza from Shimla will be open in that time BUT the road conditions are bad in April due to snow sliding and melting. Also, 6 days will be very tight as it takes 3 days to reach Spiti from Shimla side and three days to come back. So, your 6 days will get over here only.
Oh! Thanks for this info. Will visit Spiti later then.
But still can you suggest some other places to visit in HP during april considering i got a week’s time ?Some offbeat yet beautiful places would do wonders!:D
Yes Kaushal, you can restrict yourself to beautiful Kinnaur Valley. You can check the complete guide and common plan: Kinnaur Valley Travel Guide | Kalpa, Sangla & Chitkul
Hi Dheeraj,
I m following u for most of my trips to north India.. I m planning to go to Spiti Valley in 1 week of April 2016… Can you guide me please…is it a gud tym to go… N how should I plan my itinerary …
I am also panning to go in mid march… from shimla to tabo to kaza to manali… (manali will be shut most probs cause of rohtang pass) is there any other road which can bring me back… i went to Mudh in 2012 n there was a road being made from shimla to Mudh… is that road open now or no…!!??
Kanwar, road to Spiti Valley from Manali will be closed as it opens when Rotang Pass and Kunzum PAss opens. There is still no road from Mudh to Shimla, basically it will join near Rampur when complete. The work is still going on and will take some years to complete. These times are time of snow melting which results in snowslides, landslides and shooting stones. March is when hotels are all closed and only basic stays will be available in Spiti with basic food. It will be quite cold as well. The washrooms in the hotel will be closed with no water and only dry pits will be there.
Karishma, March/April is a time of snow melting which results in snowslides, landslides and shooting stones. April is when hotels either are closed or start open only and only basic stays will be available in Spiti with basic food. It will be cold as well. The washrooms in the hotel might be closed with no water and only dry pits will be there. However, since there is less snow this year, it might be possible that toilets might open early. However, it will be some kind of struggle for sure. You have only this window to travel to Spiti?
Hi Dheeraj,
That was quite helpful. I am planning a 2 week bike trip to Spiti valley [from Chandigarh] in Aug [mid to end]. After reading your article, I understand that it will be raining during that period. Will you still recommend going ahead with the trip in August?
Srishant, It is monsoon time in general up there in North and at some parts of Manali – Leh Highway (like before Baralacha La) and Srinagar – Leh Highway (like before Kargil) you might need to face monsoon hassles but once you get closer to Ladakh, then Ladakh being rain shadow region is least affected by monsoon rains, though rains does reach Ladakh now but to minimum and mostly it might remains overcast conditions. There is no thumb rule of certainty about weather conditions but above is generally common pictures seen over last few years except ugly 2010 …
Please refer the link in our community: FAQ | Is Monsoon season good time to travel to Ladakh? for more details.
HI Dheeraj, Three years back when I made it to Ladhak, I took your advice, I plan Spiti in July first week. See from your post that seem to be okay. Will go through the your list and get back for spefics. Thanks
Sudhir
Sure Sudhir, this will help you get started: You can check a very balanced and most common itinerary for Spiti Valley followed by many travellers including me at the link here for 10-11 days: Most Common Itinerary for Spiti Valley.
Hi Dheeraj,
Thanks so much for all your effort and constant support.
I am planning for a Lahaul Spiti trip in mid September 2016. From what I gathered so far, (thanks to you and some other posts on Devil on Wheels), it seems to be a good time to visit the valley. I will be travelling from Kolkata. I wish I could do the entire circuit (Shimla-Kinnaur-Spiti-Manali). Unfortunately, I won’t get so many days for my vacation and going to such an intoxicating place, I do not want to rush. So, here is what I am thinking:
Day 1: Board Kalka mail
Day 2: on Traim
Day 3: Reach Chandigarh (at around 4 am) and proceed to Manali from there.
Day 4: Manali to Keylong
Day 5: Keylong
Day 6: Keylong to Losar (camping at Chandratal, if possible)
Day 7: Losar to Kaza
Day 8: Kaza sightseeing
Day 9: Around Kaza
Day 10: Kaza to Tabo
Day 11: Tabo to Manali
Day 12: Manali to Delhi and board Rajdhani Exp.
Is this a good itinerary? I did not find much info about Keylong-Losar-Kaza route. Also, let me know about the best way to reach Manali (should i get down at Chandigarh, or Kalka) Any other inputs will be of much help.
Thanks!
Joydeep
Joydeep, your plan looks decent to me except:
Day 6: Keylong to Chandratal, camp up there you will have more fun. Nothing much up there at Losar and you miss the early monring reflections in Chandratal too. Hence, stay at Chandratal
Day 7: Chandratal to Kaza
Also, I will suggest to spend more time in Spiti Valley instead of Keylong as in September there wont be much to see around in Keylong rather a town. Are you open for it?
Day 01 : Arrive Chandigarh @ 12:15 pm – Proceed to Manali – Stay
Day 02 : Reach Manali and stay overnight at Solang Valley as preferred for acclimatization
Day 03 : Manali / Solang – Kaza
Day 04 : Kaza – Dhangkar – Tabo
Day 05 : Tabo – Lingti Valley (Lallung) – Pin Valley
Day 06 : Pin Valley(Mud) – Kaza – Ki – Kibber – Kaza
Day 07 : Kaza – Langza – Komic – Hikkim – Demul – Kaza (Stay at Komic or Langza or Demul)
Day 08 : Kaza – Chandratal
Day 09 : Chandratal – Manali
Day 10 : Manali – Delhi
Hi Dheeraj,
Absolutely! From what I can gather, I think removing Keylong and adding the days to Spiti makes perfect sense!
I am all for camping at Chandratal, but I will have my parents (around 60) and they may not feel comfortable (I have been advised not to let them stay at camps, particularly because of the height). In that case, they may stay at Losar.
Any reason why you suggested going to Kaza first and then back to Chandratal?
Also, regarding acclimatization, how steep is it from Manali to kaza?
Joydeep, well, in order to sleep at Chandratal your body will be more acclimatized on return rather than on the way to Kaza. Hence, it is important that you go over to Kaza – Tabo first and then come back to see Chandratal at ease without any headaches or sense of AMS which will be prevalent if you do it on the way to Kaza.
Very steep and enough to cause AMS concerns easily, you should rest in Kaza and drink plenty of liquids.
Hello Dheeraj,
Thanks so much for the clarification.
It may be a little odd to ask this question now. But, will it be too late to visit Spiti if I plane it from 1st Oct to 12 Oct?
I will have to take the Manali route and I want to ensure that I visit Chandratal. Please let me know what you think.
Joydeep, it is OK OK time now a days considering season/climate from last couple of years. The road does not close and snow is rare in October but we can never discount the fact that weather can change any given day. You should avoid sleeping at Chandratal in sucha case for sure. Rest go prepared with heavy woollens as you will need in night due to chilly winds. If you can manage cold, Spiti trip is good upto mid of October.
Hello Dhiraj,
This is really disheartening for me. I have already booked my Trip starting from 16th July,2016 till 24th July,2016 covering Shimla-Spiti-Manali Circuit. Now that I saw that Kinnaur shall be a Hell mid July to Mid August, this comes as a major setback. Spiti can still be doable I guess through the Manali Route & back but I shall miss the Kinnaur/Sangla Valley I assume. I should have gone through your post earlier. Now I already booked flights to & frm Delhi & now am realising July Mid to Aug Mid is not at all suitable for Kinnnaur/Spiti Valley.
🙁
Don’t worry much, now a days rains are mostly delayed and end up being majorly in August. So, you might be OK unless unlucky too much. I will suggest now that you please stick to original plan and make an alternative in place once you know more about present road conditions. You can stay tuned in DwD Community Road Conditions forum where we mostly update the road conditions in season time.
Dear Dheeraj,
A mere thank you cannot be enough to express my gratitude for the information on your website which i utilized in Jun 2014 for a srinagar – leh – manali road trip and because of which I had the best vacation of my life. Many thanks.
I wish to make the circuit from Shimla to Kaza to Manali this year and unfortunately my vacation time is only from 26th May to 12th June.
I wish to know if, as you had mentioned that the BRO had started road clearing works earlier this year and snowfall being less, the road from Kaza to Manali would have opened by first week of June?
And secondly is it possible to hire a SUV for the entire trip from Shimla itself for the entire trip? I went through your posts but could not find any numbers of trusted taxi drivers in Shimla. (as compared to those you had given for Leh). Can you recommend anyone?
Thanks again.
You can check a very balanced and most common itinerary for Spiti Valley followed by many travellers including me at the link here for 10-11 days: Most Common Itinerary for Spiti Valley.
You can get connected directly to some drivers in Spiti Valley or Kinnaur Valley at the link: List of Taxi Drivers for Spiti Valley & Kinnaur Valley. These drivers can come and pick you up from Manali / Shimla / Delhi / Chandigarh too, of course with a price of pickup as well.
The rates of the taxis are about Rs 3000-3500 per day depending upon the number of days you plan to travel, more the days, less the price.
Otherwise, taxis in general are also available on the spot from Shimla or Manali from respective taxi stands
For stay options in Kinnaur and Spiti, check the link: Some Good Options of Stays in Spiti Valley / Kinnaur Valley
Chances aof opening the Kunzum Pass and further road to Manali from Kaza are quite good this year by the time you will reach there but nothing can be said 100% assurance as sometimes it snows abundance in March
Hi Dheeraj,
Well, as we all know rented self drive like zoom car is illegally banned in Laddakh by taxi mafia. Is it the same case in spiti and other places ? I am planning to go to spiti in June by zoom car.
Thanks,
Alok
No Alok, self drive rental cars are allowed in Spiti Valley and Himachal. It is only banned by Taxi Union of Ladakh for sightseeing within Ladakh.
Good to see it’s not banned in spiti. One more thing is it possible to go to Tso-moriri from spiti valley. If yes, could you please suggest the route?
Thanks,
Alok
Again, you cannot take self drive rented car to Tso Moriri in Ladakh. For the route, you can do like:
Kaza – Kunzum Pass – Gramphu – Sissu/Tandi/Keylong
Sissu/Tandi/Keylong – Sarchu/Pang/Tso Kar
Sarchu/Pang/Tso Kar – Puga – Sumdo – Kiagar Tso – Tso Moriri
Okay, so I cannot take rented self drive car to Tso-moriri but can I rent any bike from spiti valley to travel to Tso-moriri?
Thanks,
Alok
No Alok, same rules apply to bikes as well. Outside rented bikes are not allowed for sightseeing in Ladakh.
Hi Sir,
I am Bhumi from Mumbai. Thanks for sharing so much about spiti valley. I am interested to visit spiti valley from 17 june to 27 june. How can i plan my travel for 10 days which includes flights from mumbai and back.
So which is the airport i can reach closest and how can i plan my trip? if u can give a brief idea may be a brief iteneiry.
Thanks. Your info would be of a great help
Bhumi, you should reach Chandigarh from Mumbai and start the journey from Shimla side.
You can check a very balanced and most common itinerary for Spiti Valley followed by many travellers including me at the link here for 10-11 days: Most Common Itinerary for Spiti Valley.
You can get connected directly to some drivers in Spiti Valley or Kinnaur Valley at the link: List of Taxi Drivers for Spiti Valley & Kinnaur Valley. These drivers can come and pick you up from Manali / Shimla / Delhi / Chandigarh too, of course with a price of pickup as well.
The rates of the taxis are about Rs 3000-3500 per day depending upon the number of days you plan to travel, more the days, less the price.
Otherwise, taxis in general are also available on the spot from Shimla or Manali from respective taxi stands
For stay options in Kinnaur and Spiti, check the link: Some Good Options of Stays in Spiti Valley / Kinnaur Valley
I will request that you please refer the following articles for planning a trip to Spiti Valley: Spiti Valley via Manali | How to Plan Your Journey AND Spiti Valley via Kinnaur | How to Plan Your Journey
They have all the details. Feel free to let me know in case of any doubts
Thank-you so much. This is of great help . will bother you again if I need any other help. I will update you with the iteneiry which I will finalise. Jus want to check if o plan from Manali will rohtang pass be open to reach spiti valley post 20 June
Yes Bhumi, the road shall be open from Manali side by late june unless it snows too much in March and April, which seems unlikely this whole year.
Thank you Dheeraj Sir for this journey info. And grand salute for all the typing you do in replying to all. :-). Sir. I want to visit Spiti Valley on my pulsar 150. So which month should I plan to travel the full circle and see the mountains covered with snow. And I’d this is not possible then which month is best for a biker. This might be my first bike trip though I’m an old biker of short roads. Please reply. And thanks in advance 🙂
Hello Manu,
Well, if you want to see snow and do the entire circuit then you need to make a dash out to Spiti Valley in early June or mid June type but then the chances of road will open or not you might need to wait there for few days. Because by the time road opens, the snow melts away now a days 🙁 …
Plan a trip like: Spiti Valley | Most Common Itinerary
Hi Dheeraj,
I must say you have done commendable work on spiti guide. I am planning to do one and it gave me hell lot of insights.
I and my younger sister are planning for Spiti in 2016 post reading your Article I feel we would love to go in September and October month. We are based out of Mumbai and working professional. I have only 8 days to do the tour. As per my leave schedule.
I have following query –
1. Is October 8 to 16 is good time to go?
2. Are 8days enough to go around spiti? Shimla – Spiti – Manali and back. Or is there any shorted way to cover most of the places.
3. Can you suggest me any tour planner who can work our tour and give us best cost and is safe for women traveller.
Please help me with this.
Hello Sweta,
1. Well, ideally I will suggest to make it end of September only not beyond it.
2. 8 days will be OK but yes for sure hectic. I in general suggest about 10-11 days for easy trip.
3. In case you interested in making your tour through some one local, you can get in touch with Tsering Bodh at 09418208987, he is more than a friend to me and knows DoW very well and support all our causes in Spiti Valley including the DoW Spiti Library. He will be able to manage the tour for you and of course he runs Hotel Snow Lion and Sakya Abode as well. Very much genuine and trusted person I have come across in travel world.
Hi Sir,
I am planning a visit to spiti from 28th March to 4th April. It is 8 days.
Below is what I have chalked out. Self drive, Jeep.
28th March- Shimla to Kalpa (9-10 hrs)
29th March- Kalpa to Tabo (9-11 hrs)
30th March- Tabo to Kaza via Dhankar
31st March- Kaza to Kye and Khibber and back
1st Apr- Kaza to Langza and Komic and back
2nd April- Kaza to Kalpa
3rd April- Kalpa to Narkanda
4th April- Narkanda to Kalka drop
How feasible is the plan?
How can I include chitkul above?
Sitaram, plan wise it looks OK BUT the conditions will be very harsh in March and road to Spiti during that time is tricky with snowslides and landslides common as the snow melts during this time. Chitkul should open in highly likely case by then
Thank you for the response. Few more queries.
What are the options of finding hotels or home stays.
Is the highway deserted at that time… in other words hope I would be able to see people around in the highway.
Very less people and mostly locals. Very few tourists travel during that period. Basic guest houses and some home stays will be operational only. Most of them will be having dry toilets with no water in them.
Hi Dheeraj……
I really appreciate the effort you are putting in to spread awareness about the Spiti Valley.
I will be driving from Delhi. I will be travelling with my wife and will be doing 90% of the drive myself.
I am in two minds whether to do this trip in April end (Kinnaur Route) or wait till June till the Manali route fully opens. I personally prefer the April option. But i have read about the Hindustan Tibet Highway and am unsure about my driving skills.
I have driven last year from Delhi to the Garwhal Range in Uttarakhand in total 1200 Kms/7 days. I had covered Delhi – Lansdowne – Ukhimath – Chopta – Haridwar – Rishikesh – Delhi so i do have some experience of road trips. However that trip was way easier with good roads and climate.
Can you tell me about some of the potential problems I may face during the April end drive on the NH 22. If i can get a clear and realistic picture of what i am may face on this trip, it will help me decide.
Thanks
Rajiv Ved
Hi Rajiv,
Well, April is still the time when snow glaciers melts and landslides are more common due to melting snow along with March. May is usually when things settle in comparison but roads are still bad. In case you want best of the roads of season then mid September to mid October is the time to travel
Sir, I am from Kerala, I want to make my trip to spiti valley and lahul in the mid of may, I am a teacher here, and my classes will start from 1 st of June . Is that period is comfort for me and high way (rothong & kunzum) will be opened by mid of may?
Biju, the road from Kaza to Kunzum Pass should open by mid of May but the whole route from Kunzum Pass to Manali will not be open. You need to go and come back from that same route that is Kinnaur Valleu – Shimla road to Spiti Valley
Hi Dheeraj,
I have read a lot about harsh conditions in Spiti during winters. We bunch of 6-8frnds still want to do Delhi – Kaza trip during Jan 26-31.
Request your suggestions, we are planning to take self drive fortuner and duster. Do you think the cars should be fine?
What all things you want us to keep in mind. Other than be prepared for – 25degrees, snow fall, unavailability of water, hotels. We also may get stuck for a couple of days but what i feel is that the roads get cleaned pretty regularly.
Will have lot of doubts here so shall keep on bugging you, tx.
Just to update you, I have already done shimla-kaza-manali circuit once in October’14.
You already have good things on lst to keep in mind 😉 … Just carry food and an attitude that you might not end up reaching Spiti so dont disappoint. Frankly you have less time but give it a shot. It all depends, my friend last year got stuck for couple of weeks with least fodd and some extreme harsh conditions. So, keep something similar in mind too.
Hi Dheeraj,
Got an update from Kaza that it has not snowed there and there is absolutely no snow on roads. We are starting on Jan-25, travelling in self drive 4*4 fortuner. Considering that the temperature would be around -20degrees, are you aware of any Anti-Freeze for Diesel which can be used at such temperatures.
Abhishek bhai, best wishes for your trip. Do take care and go preapred with fooding and warm clothes. Sorry I am unaware of anti freeze diesel, will ask in community and see if any experts there.
Hi Dheeraj,
Awesome blog with full of info, specially for the “devil on wheels” 😉 .
I want to enjoy the colors of nature with less tourist around, as mentioned in your blog conclusion. But unfortunately as you said it’s not possible to complete the circuit after august.
My wife and myself have some 10-12 days to tour around Himalayas. I’m confused about what kind of itinerary I should prepare? I want to make delhi to delhi at least 8 days (if not 10).
Would you please help me out?
Thanks
PS: I have been to Leh round trip on bike and roopkund trek, if it helps you to answer my query.
Hi Avnish,
It is quite possible to do the circuit, I re-read the article only to find conclusion says “Well, in the end, I can say if you love lovely vivid colors of nature or photographer, love less tourists around you at the cost of snow around then make a journey in the month of September. Otherwise, if you are one of those snow lovers then make the journey in the period of Mid-May to June.” 🙂
So, you can make a tript o Spiti towards September end or even October first week too as for last few years snow is a rare thing now upto mid of October and dhabhas too run on Kaza to Manali road upto mid of October.
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.
I want to visit spiti valley this winter but i dont have any idea of places to visit and see !! Navigation from shimla to those places????
this is not the right time for a trip to Kinnaur Valley or Spiti Valley unless you are OK with extreme harsh conditions of winters and cold beyond Kinnaur, OK with washrooms with no water, OK with very basic food and OK with very basic stay. On top of it, in case it snows and you are in Spiti, the chances of getting stuck for a couple days to week is possibility.
I’m great with all those!!
So, how many days do you have in hand and how do you plan to travel from Delhi to Spiti? Your bike, car public transport?
Trip will be of a week or so &i’ll be travelling from dehradun.
By public transport!!
I am planning to travel to Spiti valley this December (around 20th). I’m ready to face all the harsh conditions. I just want to know , do buses ply regularly in winters too, and can i get a taxi for my trip from Shimla or somewhere nearby (if yes any idea about the rates)
Akshit, buses do ply in Spiti from Reckong peo daily at 7 AM but in case the road is closed to snow the bus will take you to the snow closed point and then you might need to walk down to the other end where the bus from other side will be available to take you to Spiti. They exchange passengers in such cases but do it only in case you are fine with it and the walk to other end is not too much for a long high altitude thing. Please confirm from other passengers in case road is closed that how far you need to walk and then only take a call.
Thanks Dheeraj,
can I get a taxi in this case from Shimla?
You can get connected directly to some drivers in Spiti Valley or Kinnaur Valley at the link: List of Taxi Drivers for Spiti Valley & Kinnaur Valley. These drivers can come and pick you up from Manali / Shimla / Delhi / Chandigarh too, of course with a price of pickup as well.
The rates of the taxis are about Rs 3000-3500 per day depending upon the number of days you plan to travel, more the days, less the price.
Otherwise, taxis in general are also available on the spot from Shimla or Manali from respective taxi stands
However, again in case the road is closed he will come back from the point. At the other side only shared taxis will be running which you can get this side too. They also run early morning from Rampur to Kaza or Reckong Peo to Kaza.
So if I don’t plan to take a taxi, I will get a shared taxi somehow or the other, right?
Yes, you will get some sought of shared taxi which is used by locals.
Hi Dheeraj!
Greetings!
Left you a message long time after we returned from Losar, sometime during September, but never got your revert!!
We plan to travel the Shimla-Kalpa-Kaza route, to Kaza this time. We are reaching Kalpa on 4th December, 2015. Wanted to ask you two questions this time:
1. Would this be too late to take the Shimla-Kalpa Route to Kaza?
2. Will “Drinking Water” be also a problem at this time?
3. Are homestays easily available during this time?
4. can you provide some homestay numbers if you have?
Waiting for your prompt revert as always!
Thank u!
Hi Tina,
Not sure, may be I missed one of those 1000s of comments which rarely happens as the software do not report me any unreplied comment left :(… But, there could be error too sometimes 🙂 … Anyways, here are my replies, I hope you get them:
1. It will be quite cold in Kaza, Spiti Valley and things will be quite harsh with very limited places to stay, limited/basic food to eat, washrooms with no water and dry pits.
2. You will need to boil and drink mostly. There will be handpumps which might not be frozen by that time so drinking water will be available trhough it. In Kaza, there is a hand pump in front of Hotel Snow Lion which runs all round the year AFAIK
3. Yes, you will be able to get home stays. 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.
Hi Akash
I want to visit Key Monastery in end of December. Is it possible?????
Kush, visiting Key Monastery in December is completely possible. You just need to be well prepared for harsh weather cold conditions, dry pits in washrooms with no water, limited food and stay options. There might be possibility that in case of heavy snowfall road may close in Kinnaur Valley for a couple of days to a week.
Me and my friends are planning to go to Kaza Kalpa on 21st of november this year
we just want to see a lot of snow.. will that be a good choice to go at this time ??
and what about the roads ?? will they be open if we come from shimla side ???
Arvind, there might not be lot of snow during that time in Spiti Valley or Kaza. But, you may get some snow when you will travel towards Losar or Kunzum Pass. The conditions during this time of the year in Spiti Valley will be very harsh with limited places to stay offering very basic food and dry toilets without any water.
sir can we install our own tents in chittkul,nako,kaza,pin?
Akshit yes you can put up your own camps in these places of Kinnaur and Spiti Valley but I hope you are talking about summers.
haha no no i am going tomorrow. i know it will be cold.
sir one more thing how much time will it take to reach kaza from chitkul without minimum stops.
Akshit, Kaza – Chitkul can be done in a day but will take around 11-12 Hrs to do so.
Urgent! Sir , I am Planning to visit Chandrataal , Kaza , Key in Last week of october. Will i be able to go through manali route ??
Umang, it is not at all advisable to travel to Chandratal for sure during that time of the year. It is deadly almost. While Kaza and Key from Manali to Kaza route gets very risky too. Not recommended.
Thank You sir for your valuable suggestion!
Hi Dheeraj,
Thanks for the useful info and quick responses. We are leaving for Spiti tomorrow.
Can you please tell me whether I can get sleeping bags in Spiti. I’m not carrying them with me.
Thanks in advance,
Dinesh
Sorry for the delay Dinesh, It will not be possible to get them n rent in Spiti unless you ar staying in camps, AFAIK there is no such rental shop.
hello dheeraj
thanks for the informative post. i would like to hit a round trip from chandigarh to kinnaur to spiti valley to manali and then back to chandigarh. Trip will be from 22nd october to 28th october. Will it be feasible to travel in the month of october. vehicles are one innova and one pulsar 150.
Akshit, I will not suggest to take the Manali – Kaza road during that time of the year. Please avoid taking that road during that time as you can be stuck there with no one to help.
so i should go though kinnaur and come back through the same road.
one more thing will kunzum pass be open during that time.
Yes, best will be that you travel from Kinnaur side to Spiti and return via the same route. Kunzum Pass will be open but in case it snows it will close making you stranded too up there.
thanks a ton sir .
Hi Dheeraj,
Love your sense of adventure and the post, pics and responses.
I have a couple of days with me this year, and wanted to see if I could use them for a Solo Spiti trip frm Delhi.
I can manage 10 Days , and want to do a Delh – Shimla – Spiti – Shimla – Delhi by SX4!
Starting 3rd October back 15th Oct . YOur take / suggestions ? This will be a Recce , with a family outing planned next year 🙂
Thanks
Thank you Amit. I think you will be on trip now but yes Spiti Valley is a good option. Just that it will be risky to travel from Kaza to Manali over Kunzum Pass during that time of the year. Better check the weather in Kaza and then only take that route else come back by same route of Kinnaur.
Hi Dheeraj,
Thanks for the Informative post.
Actually me and my friends are planning for 8 days trip to Kaza in Mid-Nov’15. Can you pls suggest is it a gud time to visit this place since I am searching out on few sites and observed that we might face problems particularly for water since the same freezes out in that period.
Can you also help me in my below questions so that we can decide our trip:
a) since you are an avid traveller can you suggest the best route to take for this trip.
b) how are the road conditions and availability of petrol pumps
c) availability of food during travel
Thanks in anticipation…..:-)
Hi Karan,
Cold will be very harsh in Kaza or Spiti. Water will surely be frozen ahead of Tabo / Schichiling where the extreme cold will start and frozen water. Toilets you need to mostly use dry toilets only. Roads will get a bit risky as water freeze on road and vehicles skids on ice sheets.
1. There will be only route open that time Shimla – Kinnaur – Kaza
2. Petrol will only be available in Kaza after Reckong Peo / Tapri in Kinnaur Valley.
3. Basic food like Dal rice will mostly be available.
Hi Dheeraj,
It is a nice blog and needful info. Thank you for that. I’ve a couple of queries. It would be pleasure if you address them.
My friend and I are planning to visit Spiti in October(11th-18th).
1. Considering the duration can we cover Spiti as well as Kinnaur region. Or is it better to confine to Spiti only?
2. Can you please list villages worth visit and stay in Spiti. (include Kinnaur villages if the answer for 1st question is Yes)
Thanks in advance
Dinesh
Hi Dinesh,
Post first week of October, it becomes quite a risky affair to travel on Manali – Kaza road especially when snowfall starts getting up there. Snowfall has started on all high passes in trans Himalayas and that road is a no mans land and in case of any help required it will be quite difficult. I always suggest that one know this kind of risk of getting stuck in no mans land in quite cold conditions at night without much food or stay option and then take a decision of go/no-go to travel on these roads.
If you really want to do Spiti Valley during that time of the year, then go ahead and do it from Shimla – Kinnaur side only and come back from the same route. In case you are OK with such a risk of being stuck in case weather turns up its head, then try to do Manali – Kaza as soon as possible in the season now.
1. 8 days from Kinnaur – Spiti – Kinnaur will be a bit tight. 8 days for Manali – Spiti – Kinnaur will be OK
2. Check out: Spiti Valley | Most Common Itinerary
Thanks for the quick reply Dheeraj.
Sure, I’ll inquire about the road condition from Manali to Kaza on the date of journey plan accordingly.
My question is-
Are complete 8 days needed to cover Spiti valley?
Or 6 days for Spiti and 2 days for Kinnaur plan is better?
Please suggest.
Thanks,
Dinesh
Dinesh, it takes 3 days from Delhi to reach spiti via Kinnaur Valley with one more day to explore in Kinnaur it will be 4 days at the very minimum. Then, it takes 2 days to come back from Manali side. You will have 2 days which can be spent in Spiti Valley
Hi Dheeraj,
I am planning to visit Spiti Valley in 3rd week of October, I will have 6.5 days in hand from Delhi to Delhi, could you please suggest the route and places to stay?
Would it be Fine if I drive myself (i Have Verna), how is the road conditions?
Regards
Amit
Just replied here: https://discoverwithdheeraj.com/delhi-chandratal-lake-travel-guide/comment-page-3/#comment-353528
dear dhiraj, we r planning to go to kaza from manali on 18th october this year. will it be safe??
Amit, mid October is not really a good time and risky affair to travel between Manali – Kaza road over Kunzum Pass.
Hi . I am planning a trip from delhi to spiti valley on 17th of sept. Can you plz advice me which route would be better : the route from manali or from shimla n kinnaur.
I am not planning a very long trip. So plz tell which one will b more quick and beautiful?
Plz reply fast
Thanks
It is always better to go from Kinnaur Valley and come back from Manali side so that you are more acclimatized when you reach Spiti and chances are quite less for any AMS issues.
Hi Kushal,
I am also planning to go to spiti valley this month, is it possible to join you?
Thanks
Gajendra
Please let me know if is it possible to visit Kaza, Tabo from Manali by kunzum pass in May or not. Also is it adviable to take 4 yrs. old boy to Kaza/Tabo.
Also Please suggest if the following itinery sounds ok int May:
Day 1: Arrive Chandigarh/ Manali (300 kms/9 hrs)
Meet on arrival in Chandigarh airport/ station and drive to Manali. On arrival check in at hotel. Overnight at hotel.
Day 2: In Manali
Morning half day tour visiting Naggar Castle, Roerich Art Gallery (closed on Mondays) and few old temples in Naggar village. Afternoon half day city tour visiting Hadimba Devi Temple, Manu Temple, Tibetan Monastery and Vashisht Village. Evening free to explore Manali market. Overnight at hotel.
Day 3: Manali/ Kunzam Pass/ Kaza (202 Kms)
Travel by surface from Manali to Kaza over Rohtang Pass (3980 m) & Kunzum Pass (4558 m). Enroute also drive past some villages of Spiti valley like Losar, Hal and Ragrik. On arrival in Kaza check in at guest house. Overnight at guest house.
Day 4: In Kaza
Morning visit the Ki monastery, 12 kms from Kaza. This centuries – old gompa is a labyrinth of rooms and corridors – and at one time also acted as a fort. It houses valuable thangkas and offers a panoramic view of the area. Also visit the small gompa at Kibber, 9 kms further ahead. Kibber at 4205 m has the distinction of being the highest permanently inhabited village of the region. Overnight at guest house.
Day 5: Kaza / Pin Valley / Tabo
Travel from Kaza to Pin Valley, the land of Ibex and Snow Leopards. Visit Kungri monastery at Pin Valley. Continue drive to Tabo. Visit Tabo monastery. Founded in 996 AD by the great teacher Richensang-po, Tabo is renowned for its breathtaking murals and stucco images – and is often called “The Ajanta of the Himalayas”. The largest monastic complex in Spiti, the old section has 9 temples, 23 chortens, a monks chamber and a nuns chamber. There are several caves adorned with frescoes and contemporary structures too. In trans Himalayan Buddhism, Tabo’s sanctity is next only to Tibet?s Tholing gompa. Overnight at guest house.
Day 6: Tabo/ Dhankar /Kaza
Travel from Tabo to Dhankar gompa. This gompa rests high over the valley and is a stupendous example of local architecture. It is regarded to have once been a fort and was also the residence of the ruler of Spiti – the Nano. Also visit the Lalung Gompa. Continue travel onwards to Kaza. Overnight at guest house.
Day 7: Kaza / Manali (202 kms)
Travel back from Kaza to Manali enroute crossing over Kunzam Pass providing beautiful views of CB ranges and Rohtang Pass. On arrival check in at hotel. Overnight at hotel.
Day 8: Manali/ Chandigarh (300 kms/ 9 hrs)
Travel by surface from Manali to Chandigarh. On arrival transfer to Railway station to board evening train to onward destination. End of tour & our services.
Arpita, before I check your plan, I would like to tell you that Kunzum Pass is not open during that time of the year and the plan looks you have copied or used it from some agent or travel agency. The plan is not possible at the time of the year you are planning.
Please suggest a comfortable itinery for kaza tabo in 7 day with 4 yr old son if it is possible in may. Also let me know when my plan through kunzum pass is possible.
Arpita, in 7 days you cannot make a comfortable journey to Spiti as you need to travel from Kinnaur valley and it will take 3 days to reach just Spiti and 3 days to come back. You will be on road for more than 8 Hrs in these 6 days.
Hi Dheeraj,
Thank you very much for all the information given in the blog.
We are planning for a bike trip manali-spiti-manali. Is there any package available for the same?
Is it possible to visit spiti valley during oct mid week.? We would love to explore few places in and around spiti too. Can we cover all this in a 5 days time frame? Also, mention the approx cost for the entire trip. Expecting your reply at the earliest.
Thanks
We are planning to ride from Shimla to Manali by way of Spiti early Sep. Is the road open at the moment or is it likely to be open within the next 3 weeks. Two years ago we were stopped by landslides just past Kalpa.
Graham, road is open for Spiti Valley from Shimla to Kaza and Kaza to Manali. Landslides are the highlight of the routes but September is just a good time to be on that NH-22 🙂
Thanks for the prompt reply.
I rode this route about ten years ago and it will be interesting to see the changes.
Thanks again.
Graham
Though nothing much would have changed because for last 6 year I could not spot much changes too 🙂 🙂 … Apart from widening of the roads and some lavish properties that have mushroomed up, rest all would look like much the same. Best wishes for your trip 🙂
Hi Dheeraj
This year we have taken it easy since there are a lot of news of heavy rains all over the Himalayas and the Northeast. Let us see September we should be starting if all goes well.Me and my husband are great travellers.We have covered practically the whole of India by road.Travel is our passion.I shall keep you update on our moves, and take periodic updates and guidance from you.
Thank you Asha ji, best wishes for the trip and I feel it is right call to go in September.
Dheeraj – i had few questions but all of them got answered while reading your responses to other questions.. so not a question but just a thankyou for this great info! 🙂 i dont think i need to refer to any other website for more info on Spiti Lahaul road trip.. happy Spiti to me !!
Thank you Shilpi, super glad to know that, best wishes for your Spiti Valley trip
Hi Dheeraj,
Read your blog about Lahaul_spiti.
It gives deep insights about travelling to these places during these beautiful places.
I wanted to do a bike trip to Lahaul-Spiti along with Kinnaur during end september to mid october.
need your inputs for few points:
1. Is it ok to do bike trip in these areas by end of september or start of october.
2. How many days trip i should plan to cover lahaul-spiti & kinnaur.
3. How is the weather during that time of year.
Regards,
Abhay
Hi Abhay,
1. Yes, September Ocotber is a very good time to travel though beyond mid of October it becomes very risky to travel between Kaza and Manali over Kunzum Pass, rest all is fine thought
2. Depends if you considering Lahaul or Spiti?
3. Nights are quite cold towards end of September days are fine and pleasant.
Thanks Dheeraj for your inputs
I am planning to cover whole of lahaul, spiti & kinnaur, so can you tell me how many days I require to cover all these areas.
it will be of great help if you can suggest an itinenrary for the same.
I am kind of planning a round trip may be start from manali & end at shimla or vice versa covering all three regions9Lahaul, spiti & kinnaur).
It will also be a great help if you can suggest from which place I should start & which place to end.
So Abhay, both Lahaul and Spiti Valley will take around 15-16 days bare minimum to explore at a comfort pace including Kinnaur Valley. Are you open for it? You must start from Shimla side and end at Manali side. Are you fine with 15-16 days?
Once again thanks Dheeraj for your inputs,
I am open for 15-16 days. So, can you suggest an itinenrary for the same.
Also, is it advisable to do camping in these places if I can carry my own tent & sleeping bag along with me?
If so please tell the areas where I can pitch in tent & where I need to stay at hotel or so .
Once again will wait for your valuable inputs.
Day 1 | Delhi – Narkanda
Day 2 | Nakranda – Sarahan
Day 3 | Sarahan – Sangla/Chitkul
Day 4 | Sangla/Chitkul – Kalpa
Day 5 | Kalpa – Nako – Nako Lake – Geyu Mummy – Tabo
Day 6 | Tabo – Dhangkar – Dhangkar Lake – Lallung
Day 7 | Lallung – Pin Valley
Day 8 | Pin Valley – Kaza Local Sightseeing
— For stay check Sakya Abode or snow lion are two good options at Kaza apart from PWD Guest houses. Get in touch with Tsering bhai, the guy who runs it. He is a very good friend of mine.
Day 9 | Kaza Local Sightseeing
— Ki, Kibber, Gette, Tashigang
Day 10 | Kaza Local Sightseeing
— Hikkim, Komik, Langza circuit
Day 11 | Kaza – Kunzum Pass – Chandratal
Day 12 | Chandratal – Keylong
Day 13 | Keylong – Udaipur
Day 14 | explore around Udaipur
Day 15 | Udaipur – Jispa
Day 16 | Jispa – Baralacha La – Suraj tal – Jispa – Sissu
Day 17 | Sissu – Manali/Mandi
Day 18 | Manali/Mandi – Delhi
If required, you can skip Sarahn and Day 13,14,15 in case running short on days.
You can pitch your own tents anywhere but I will suggest you pitch them at a place where there are some dhabha tents put up by locals or where other camping guy pitch theirs or somewhere near some house in village or in their garden/lawn. All you will need is to gently ask them (villagers/dhabha guys/camping guys) for permissions. Most likely they will allow, other wise negotiate for small little tip or move on to some other such place nearby. This will give you sense of security too.
But, keep in mind that camping at the Chandratal Lake is not allowed as they are under Ramsar site. Hence, you need to pitch these camps away from the lake at camping site near parking aread where either other camps are setup.
Once again thanks Dheeraj,
Now need to get the things ready for the trip.
Best wishes for your trip Abhay 🙂
Hi Dheeraj, It has always been amazing to read your experiences and travelogues! I have always followed your travelogues and advices while travelling to many places in India.
However, today I am a bit confused reading mixed responses for Lahaul&Spiti.
We are reaching Manali on 31st July. Planning to stay overnight and then continue to Kaza the next day thats on 1st August.
My questions are:
1. Should we stay in Kaza for the entire trip (that is 1st Aug-6th Aug) and visit all the other places around?
2. Are 6 days okay for this destination?
3. Should we consider staying for a few days in Losar?
4. What can be the obstacles that we can face, while travelling to Kaza on the 1st August?
5. What kind of food can we expect at Kaza?
6. Are there ample hotels in Kaza or around?
Please either revert here or at my email. I’ll be really glad.
Thanks again Dheeraj!
Hello Tina,
1. You can make Kaza as base and move to other places, can stay at Langza or Kibber. Tabo as well or Mud Village in Pin Valley
2. 6 days from where? Manali to Manali or just Kaza in 6 days
3. Nothing really up there, better go with high villages as mentioned above or at Chandratal
4. monsoon hassles in case it rains in the form of slush, landslides
5. Expect nice food up there in Kaza, mostly everything is served in hotels apart from South indian food. Remote villages of spiti will serve basic food
6. Yes, there are many hotels in Kaza.
Thanks Dheeraj for a prompt revert!
So we are talking about 6 days IN n AROUND Kaza itself. We’ll be reaching Manali on the 31st July. We wish to be in Kaza on 1st August. Would like to acclimatise the entire day on 2nd August and resume our sight seing from 3rd August (Which happens to be my birthday too!)
1. Is Pre-Booking needed for any of these hotels/camps as u mentioned? (Langza, Kibber, Chandratal)
2. In one of your posts I read that there’s a bus which goes to Kaza from Kullu. Is that service still there?
3. We also would travel to Hikkim (Read in one of your posts….”Leave everything but Hikkim..) Is that a good span to cover Hikkim too?
Hope to hear from you soon!!
Sounds good to me and Happy Birthday in advance… Lucky you to celebrate up there in heavenly place 🙂
1. Not really, yuou can find on the spot too unless you want to stay at a particular place
2. Yes, Kullu – Manali – Kaza bus runs everyday in morning
3. Yes, all you need is half day for all three Langza – Komik – Hikkim. All three are MUST DOs. You can stay one night in Langza and trek to Komik in case you are interested in trekking else take the car with you.
Hi Dheeraj!
Greetings!
Went, Experienced, Saw and Lived!!!
What a treacherous route, to Kaza after Rohtang Pass ..!!! My entire Spinal World has shaken to pieces.. 😀 But Loved every bit of it!
Wanted to ask you two questions this time:
1. Would Late October (Around 25th) to Early November be a good time to take the Shimla-Kalpa-Sangla Route to Kaza?
2. Can we drive that entire route (till Kaza) on a Honda City?
Waiting for your prompt revert as always!
Thank u!
Hi dheeraj
Sorry to bother you again, as I said you earlier I am going to lahaul and spiti next month. 22nd August is my journey date from kolkata we are entering from manali side. main concern is that our travel partners all are going back foot last moment due to tough journey or some other problem .my husband and I two of us only going to travel. so our travelling cost are going to high due to car rent(travera or any suv) from manali to manali via lahaul spiti. can you please suggest me any solution.all the way bus journey will be too hectic or tiresome for us.
regards
mousumi
You can take a bus that runs from Kullu to Manali to Kaza and once you reach Kaza, you can hire local taxi for near by places. This will decrease the cost dramatically.
Hi Dheeraj,
We are planning to do entire circuit “Delhi – Shimla – Kinnaur – Kaza (Spiti Valley) – Kunzum Pass – Rohtang Pass – Manali – Delhi”. Our plan to start from Delhi is on 22nd Aug. Is it good time to do this circuit?
Sachin August or monsoons is not a good time to be in Kinnaur valley as roads are fragile and landslides are commong. If it is OK for you then only travel that route.
Thanks for the quick response Dheeraj!!! As you mentioned in your post Sep-Oct is good time, will it be ok if we postpone our travel plan by 8-10 days? Our original plan was to travel to Ladkah on 22nd Aug by our car. But with the recent development in Ladakh we were looking for alternatives. Can you suggest places which require 10-14 days and can be visited during mid Aug to mid Sep? We need to be back to Delhi by 15th Sep.
Sachin, it will be great if you postpone your trip to September. 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.
Add rest days in between where you feel like into it
Hi Dheeraj
I want to ask a related question to this post. Is the problem of landslide in the last week of August an issue of concern only for the shimla-kaza route or is it equally applicable to the manali-kaza route as well?
Thanks
Manali – Kaza is mostly famous for bad water crossings, landslide takes place less often in comparison to Kinnaur valley roads.
Is there any special permission needed for a ride to spiti valley during march-april ? If yes,then from where can I get permission ??
Well ,am eagerly waiting for a hard adventure ..in this year successfully completed chele la lass on extream cold condition !! Now it’s time for spiti..its like a dream for me !!
Aritra, only foreigners need special permissions to travel to Spiti Valley. Indians do not need any special permits for Spiti Valley.
Aritra, you can also go through my winter travel tale of Spiti Valley as well to understand the conditions and what to expect 🙂
Sure ..
Sir if possible then forward me your travelog … aritsanyal99@gmail.co
Dheeraj Bhai, My trip to spiti has got delayed due to various reasons. Now finally plan to start from 25th July onwards solo. I will be following the common itinerary suggested in DOW. Till kaza i will be taking a bus. Only question is should i take a chance of travelling now considering the rains.
Amit, in case you have option of traveling in September it will be good else better travel now 🙂 .. Do check the weather conditions and see there are no heavy rains predictions.
Hallow Dheeraj Bhai
Me and my friends along with family members like to visit Kalpa, Sangla & Chitkul via Simla in Mid April next year. Kindly suggest me whether the time chosen is good to visit the said places and also let me know about the scenic beauty that we can expect up to the end of April. Please also mention about the road condition that will prevail during the said period.
Kinnaur Valley shall be fine to visit during the month of April. Chitkul would have got opened and there will be snow around too. Kalpa and Sangla will be pleasant and waters in the rivers will be clear to refresh you too 🙂 .. Road conditions within Kinnaur are more or less the same “bad” 🙂
hi,
we are planing to go Spiti valley on 23-31 July from Shimla-kaza-manali.
could you please suggest? is it safety for our group?
Chanita, there can be monsoon hassles in lower hills up to Spiti Valley but Spiti Valley is rain shadow region and very less rains happen. However, if heavy rains are predicted in time you are visiting better take a call
hi dheeraj
we are planing to go to kaza in end of september from shimla. is it possible to finsh our trip in 5 days?
like shimla to kaza and kaza to shimla . plz guide
Vandana, it will be very tough, mostly you will be on road only without rest but if you say possible then yes:
Shimla – Kalpa/Peo
Kalpa/Peo – Kaza
Kaza rest
Kaza – Kalpa/Peo
Kalpa/Peo – Shimla
OR
Shimla – Kalpa/Peo
Kalpa/Peo – Kaza
Kaza rest
Kaza – Manali
Manali – Shimla/Delhi
Hi Dheeraj,
We are a group of 5 planning to visit spiti on mid of august. Via manali- rauthang…is it good to be in august
Ashok, you will be running through monsoon hassles in lower hills for sure. Once you enter Spiti Valley, then it is rain shadow region and is OK to be there.
Hi Dheeraj,
First of all I want to thank you for such a detailed explanation.
I’m planning a solo motorcycle ride from Delhi-Kalpa-Spiti-Manali-Delhi in the month of October 1st-2nd week.
As you have already explained that it’s ok to travel in October I would still like to know a coulple of things here:
1.) How many days I must reserve for this trip? Number of days is not a problem I have enough leaves.
I’m also following your other post “https://discoverwithdheeraj.com/spiti-valley-most-common-itinerary/ ” so if you think there isn’t anything else you can please avoid this question.
2.) Which places are most suitable for staying in this circuit with some good views?
3.) Any approximate amout of money enough for this trip? Since, I’m riding solo I don’t need very high grade hotels.
4.) Is this place suitable for camping in the month of October?
Hi Sourabh,
Manali to Kaza is a risky stretch in October, take a call after reaching kaza and checking the weather else return from Kinnaur only in case weather seems to be bad.
1. 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.
2. Asnwered in 1
3. I will suggest to keep max of 1000 per day for food + stay. It will be less mostly.
4. I will not suggest camping beyond Kinnaur in the month of October as it gets quite chilly and windy.
Hi Dheeraj,
Thank you for planning out the details for the wonderland of Spiti. I am following your blogs and comment threads recently. I am also planning the trip in first week of October. We will be travelling as a couple and are planning to book the trip totally on our own (as against taking it from Ecosphere or other travel platforms).
I have a few questions:
– Why do you say that Manali to Kaza is risky in October ? In other post you mentioned Sept-Oct is the best season to view the colors of Spiti. Please explain.
– Secondly, do you think with Tsering’s help and other list of drivers you have mentioned on your blogs, it would be possible to book taxis from one village to another, and find homestays on our own? We are ready for that extra effort!
Sorry for hijacking your comment, Sourabh. 🙂
Richa, good that you are planning on your own 🙂 …
1. Manali to Kaza is risky in October because that belt is prone to closure as Kunzum Pass starts getting snowfall in September and can close for couple of days. Plus there will be no one during that time on that road as all dhabhas also wind up around mid of October. So, please be sure after reaching up there in Kaza about the weather and take a call. First week of October is still OK but you never know what nature has in store for us 🙂
2. Yes, you will get the taxis right up there on the spot too and you will be able to find homestays as well.
Also, do checkout our noble initiative of DoW Spiti Library as well in Kaza which will most likely get inaugurated by 15th September 🙂
Do you suggest if its ok for an asthamatic to travel to Spiti valley…
Anil, I will suggest to consult the doctor too but in general it should be OK as I have traveled with my brother in law and he is asthmatic too. But, please consult the doctor and carry your inhaler.
Hi Dheeraj,
I am planning bike trip to manali from July 11 to 18th,Is it safe time ,My wife with me also.Is it right time to visit Manali on bike ?
Hitesh, it should be fine to travel. I hope it does not rain by then.
We are planning for a trip to spiti via manali,HP, in second week of july . Is it OK , in terms of weather/road conditions .. revert back to me asap @ dillipbapi@gmail.com
Dilip, it should be OK to travel up to mid of July before the monsoon hits the lower region of Himalayas especially Kinnaur Valley
we plan a trip to spiti, HP, in second week of july. Is it ok, in terms of wheather conditions. which is the best way to reach spiti , from delhi. revert back to me ASAP @ praviks24@gmail.com.
Pratik, similar query answered here: https://discoverwithdheeraj.com/spiti-valley-season-to-travel/comment-page-3/#comment-339453
Hello,
I am Naveen ,we are crew of 6 member booked tickets to chandigarh – manali ,then we haven’t decided the rest of plan.
we have thought of hiring a bike from manali to Spiti valley (thats our destination)
My question is
1.do we see snow in september 28 to oct 4
2.can we go by bike
3.do we need any permission to trek the mountain near spiti valley
4.can we stay on mountain at night
5.can anyone suggest some place to trek were we can see snow
Thanks much
Naveen.S
Naveen, please find my replies below:
1. Not really but amazing colors of autumn in Spiti Valley plus Spiti Apples. Secondly, it will be somewhat cold. Snow might only be possible if it snows during those days only
2. Yes, you can if you cn travel the rough roads.
3. No, you do not need permits being Indians
4. Yes, if you have before but it will be very cold during that time at night outside
5. Snow not possible, unlimited treks when you reach Kaza.
Thank you so much ,for taking time to respond to my question.
I am following DoW on FB as well, your post has very Good updates ,please keep it going .
Cheers
Naveen.S
Thank you Naveen
DOW :Thanks.
Great be on DOW group seeing good upcoming updates on FB.
I have one last question
Hiring Bike: hiring a Bike in Manali and dropping off it on KAZA like one way ride -is that possible ?
can u suggest any good biking hiring service please.
Thanks again
Naveen
Naveen, it might be possible to drop the bike in Kaza but that will dig a deep hole in pocket for sure, around 8-10K just for the pickup of bike.
Hi What about Tawang any idea? Which is the best season for North east hamalayas?
Asha ji, I feel it is the same. For north east, I will suggest that you post under DwD Community forum: https://discoverwithdheeraj.com/india/himalayan-itinerary-advice/
Hey dheeraj we are planning a trip to spiti valley in the month of September end which one is the best route and plz guide us whether the time favourable or not….
Suni, September is one of the best time to visit SPiti Valley. Please go ahead from Shimla side and return from Manali side. You can check a very balanced and most common itinerary for Spiti Valley followed by many travellers including me at the link here for 10-11 days: Most Common Itinerary for Spiti Valley.
Hi Dheeraj,
We are planning to visit in the first week of January, is it advisable to go there?
Sandeep, the road from Shimla to Spiti Valley remains open all round the year but you need to consider the blockages into account. Last year a dear friend was stuck there for 13 days in extremely freezing conditions though he got shelter and food 🙂 … So, if you can afford such mis-adventure than plan a ride in winters to Spiti Valley.
Hi Dheeraj
Three years back me & my husband visited Keylong but could not go to spiti because of land slides and limited time on our hand.This year we are again planning to go via Shimla around the mid of July.We stay in Bangalore and intend to start our journey around 15th or 16 of July,driving in our Duster. So by the time we make it to Spiti Valley it may take about 15 days since we intend travelling at leisure.We have plenty of time at our disposal now since my hubby has retired.He is an Ex rally -driver.How is the road condition around that time. Since it is monsoon time does it rain heavily en route.
Asha ji, yes Kinnaur will be in mess in case rains would have hit the terrain by the time you will reach. Road conditions are fragile in Kinnaur and in monsoons or rains it further deteriorates. Spiti Valley is a rain shadow region there wont be much issues there.
Thank you Dheeraj.Actually we had two options .Spiti or Tawang.Both the places are in the rain shadow region. But the roads that lead there are a problem.Do you think delaying for 15 more days will help.
Do let me know the other destinations in the Himalayas we can go during July /August.It will be of great help.
Unfortunately, my family even does not allow me to travel to mountains in August and late July 🙂 … 15th July is last day till when I can travel too 🙂
September is a very good time to visit Spiti Valley.
Even I along with my frineds are planning to visit kaza from manali side. Due to bad weather we are dropping plan to visit shimla-rampur-kaza streach. Now, we will be spending a day in kasol and then spent a week in kaza exploring it and spiti.
Hope you have an excellent trip.
Hi Dheeraj,
We are planning Spiti Valley trip from 5th to 12th Sept. Can you please confirm the expected weather ? Is it a good time to visit this area ?
Our plan is as follows :
Day 1 : Chandigarh to Sarahan.Sightseeing in Narkanda, Sarahan etc.
Day 2 : Sarahan- Sangla – Chitkul (Sightseeing in Sangla and Chitkul.
Day 3 : Chitkul- Rekong Peo – Kalpa. Sightseeing in Rekong Peo and Kalpa.
Day 4 : Kalpa to Tabo via Nako. Sightseeing in Nako and Tabo.
Day 5 : Tabo – Dhankar Monastery – Lalung – Pin Valley – Kaza.Sightseeing in Dhankar,Lalung,Pin Valley and Kungri gompa.
Day 6 : Kaza whole day (Sightseeing in Langic, Komic, Kye, Kibber).
Day 7 : Kaza – Lossar – Kunzum Pass (4700 m) – Chandratal – Rohtang Pass (4050 m) – Manali.1 hr stop over in Chandratal.
Day 8 : Manali to Chadigarh and catch the train at 23:55 from Chadigarh.
Can you please confirm whether it is a feasible plan ?
Ajoy, September is a very good time to travel to Spiti Valley. Your plan looks good to me.May be stay at Rackcham instead of Chitkul to avoid AMS issue
My plan is to visit Spiti Valley during the period July 19 to 24.
Can you share your opinion regarding road safety?? I have all my bookings done.
Roads especially in Kinnaur are never safe and there is some risk associated with it. Even from Manali side, the roads are quite bad between Gramphu to Kunzum Pass, so if you have road safety in mind than it is not that good especially when it rains in Kinnaur Valley
Hi Dheeraj,
Thanks for the informative post. We are planning a bike trip to spiti valley via manali in July. Request your inputs on following:
1. When exactly is the manali – kaza road expected to open?
2. When in July should we plan so that we can find the chandratal road open for bikers?
Thanks in advance 🙂
1. Manali – Kaza road is expected to open by 25th of June
2. Before the rains hit the lower Himachal, that is more or less before 15th July
I want to travel to spiti from 19th july fro new delhi evening reach manali early morning on 20 then go to key -kunzum-dhankar- pin valley-Tabo and others I have 3 to 4 days in spiti.
The return to delhi Kindly advice on best route time transport price etc.
I have to return after 5 days,
This is a very good sight to interact with experienced people duddes
Tsaa
Trupti, you can travel to Spiti Valley from Manali, you can catch the bus that leaves Manali 5 AM and reaches Kaza by evening. Stay in Kaza for couple of days to cover Ki, Kibber, Pin Valley, Tabo and Dhangkar. You can either use shared taxis or hire private taxis to cover them.
Hello,
we are planning in 1st week of july to 20th july ,can u pls suggest is it good time to visit kinnaur and spiti valley. will it be possible to travel in monsoon. what is the road condition.
Anil, that time shall be good to travel to Spiti Valley. Rains in general reaches later half of July now a days.
I m also planning the same lahaul spiti trip in june end or july first week on bike RE 350…. Max 10-11 days if interested we can do it together
Regards
hemant 09928849202
Hi Deepak,
Thanks for maintaining such a nice website. One of my friend told me about your website who visited Spiti Valley last year after discussing with you.
I along with two of my friends are planning to visit Spiti valley this month from 20th June. We will be covering Gurgaon-Chitkul-Tabo-Kaza-ChandraTal-Manali-Gurgaon.
We are more concerned about the weather and road conditions at this time.
I know road conditions will not be good anytime.
But are all of the roads open currently?
Amit, mostly it rains a spell in June but all depends on your luck if it rains or not 🙂 … Else June is good time to visit but keep in mind that road from Kaza to Manali is expected to open around 25th June, so you may either should push the plan by one week or may have to keep a day or two as buffer in case the road opening gets delayed. 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.
m also planning the same lahaul spiti trip in june end or july first week on bike RE 350…. Max 10-11 days if interested we can do it together
Regards
hemant 09928849202
Hello Dheeraj,
We are planning in 1st week of July 2015, can you please suggest if is good time to visit.
Also, please can you provide path from Shimla- Manali and day wise description.
I would be glad to hear from you.
Thanks
Yes, it will be good time to visit Spiti Valley and road from Kaza to Manali will also be open. 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.
I m also planning the same lahaul spiti teip in june end or july first week…. Max 10-11 days if interested we can do it together
Regards
hemant 09928849202
we are doing round trip from manali kaza manli
Any joiners welcome 1st July to 5th July by Bike
m also planning the same lahaul spiti trip in june end or july first week on bike RE 350…. Max 10-11 days if interested we can do it together
Regards
hemant 09928849202
Truly a traveller you are Dheeraj.thanks for every single word you have written.
now can you please suggest me a route if i want to go through shimla and come back through manali or vice versa. which 1 will be better and how should i plan it n how can i make it as much cheaper as it can be.
because i am a traveller photographer and i am planning to go kaza after 15 june. so any advice and suggestion extra you can give me apart from that to make this tour more intresting and thrilling.
i will be very thnak full to you.
my question in brief are:
1. Delhi-manali-kaza-shimla-delhi or vice versa.(which will be better)
2. how should i plan my tour if i want to visit more place in less time after rohtang.
3. cheapest and best way for the tour
4. best place for photographers
5. place where people will be less.
Hi Vipul,
Since, you are taking Manali – Kaza route, it is advised that you reverse the direction of the route for better acclimatization and giving a chance to yourself for having the Manali – Kaza road open for you. Right not it is closed, updated status at: https://discoverwithdheeraj.com/india/road-status-conditions-f32/manali-kunzum-pass-spiti-valley-road-status-2013-t36-90.html#p21263
2. How many days you have?
3. Refer the article to get an idea on how to do it: Chandratal Lake | Cheapest Ways To Travel There
4. Whole valley is extremely beautiful with must visits as Chandratal, Hikkim, Komik, Langza, Kibber, Ki, Pin Valley, etc..
Regards
Dheeraj
thnaks for the repl dheeraj.
i have 6 days maximum. according to you i should go through shimla route rite?
Vipul, it will take 3 days to reach Spiti from Shimla route and 2 days to come back from Manali side. So, 5 days are lost there only. 1 day for sure you will need rest after back to back travel in Kaza.
my actual question is can we go through manali and come back through shimla or vice versa. which 1 will you think is best. because i want to see each and everything.
please suggest me which route is best to start and which one is best to end with.
because i dont want to miss anything.
If you want to cover majority of it, then You can check a very balanced and most common itinerary for Spiti Valley followed by many travellers including me at the link here for 10-11 days: Most Common Itinerary for Spiti Valley.
Hi,
I and my friendz are planning to travel during the end of Sept(25th Sept).
I am having some doubt that during this time we can receive heavy shower in SPITI..
Can you please suggest that is it good time to travel to spiti to view the nature’s beauty if I am Travelling from MANALI..?
Snehashish, well Spiti is a rain shadow region and it does not have any heavy rains mostly light drizzle if at all. In the time you are planning to visit, you should not expect any rains up there. It will be a very good time to travel to Spiti during that time.
Me and brother are planning to have a bike trip via shimla kinnaur spiti ladakh in mid july.. Is this the right time to explore?? What about monsoons and will the roads are good enough that we can ride bikes on this road in mid july??
ashish that should be a good time to visit Spiti Valley and monsoon generally hit up here with hassles post mid of July as per last couple of years trend.
i was just reading your blogs and there you mentioned that if you are riding some other person’s bike from shimla to ladakh then you have to take NOC from that person. I did not understand.. Can you please tell me about this???
Aashish, Outside rented bikes are not allowed inside Ladakh for sightseeing to Nubra and Pangong Tso. In the same rule it is mentioned that the bike has to be in your name or name of your father. Since, the rule is to curb big groups and small groups or individuals let off mostly from it, it is still a good idea to carry a NOC from a friend or other person you are taking the bike from to ensure and try to prove that you have not rented the bike rather it is a personal bike and you have the NOC to ride it from the owner, whenever confronted. It may help let you go in case you are confronted by someone under this rule.
m also planning the same lahaul spiti trip in june end or july first week on bike RE 350…. Max 10-11 days if interested we can do it together
Regards
hemant 09928849202
Hemant, to find travel partners, better check the DoW Travel Calendar from the menu and submit your entry or explore other entires in there.
hi,
i and my friends are planning to travel to spiti via shimla-reckong peo from 6-14 june 2015. Someone told me that the road conditions are bad and it is raining heavily. just wanted to know the current situation of the roads and will it be possible to travel. we will take taxi from shimla. also when is the manali-leh highway likely to open
thanks
Shipra, Manali – Leh is expected to open around mid of June (15-20 June). Regarding Shimla – Kinnaur – Spiti route, that remains bad as alwyas in Kinnaur with bad road conditions. Especially from Tapri to Reckon Peo the roads are quite bad and when it rains it becomes slush up there.
I am planning to travel to spiti valley via shimla on the first week of june. could you suggest me how to go about it and if the roads have opened? thank you. please reply ASAP.
Abhiroop, the roads to Spiti Valley from Shimla side are open and you can go ahead with the trip. However, the road from Kaza to Manali is not open so you will have to come back the same route. How many days you have in hand?
I don’t really have much days in hand and I have already visited kalpa kinnaur sangla chitkul. So I would like to make it short only concentrating on spiti valley.
IN that case you should wait till Manali – Kaza road is not opened by last week of June.