One of the most common questions I get from readers planning a Spiti Valley trip is, “Which mobile network works in Spiti Valley?” and “Will my phone work in Kaza?” I completely understand the concern. Staying connected with your family while traveling through one of India’s most remote regions is important, both for safety and peace of mind.
Having traveled to Spiti Valley multiple times over the years, I can tell you that the mobile connectivity situation has improved significantly since I first wrote this guide in 2016. Jio 4G has arrived in Kaza and Tabo, BSNL towers have expanded, and the government’s Intra Circle Roaming (ICR) initiative is slowly changing things. However, large stretches of the route still have zero connectivity, and you need to plan for that. Hence, in this article, I will share everything you need to know about mobile phone connectivity in Spiti Valley and Kinnaur Valley, updated for the 2026 season.
Let's quickly dive into the details:
Which Mobile Network Works in Spiti Valley in 2026?
BSNL has the widest coverage in Spiti Valley, working in Kaza, Tabo, Nako, Losar, and several smaller villages. However, BSNL is no longer the only option. Reliance Jio 4G now works in Kaza, Tabo, Losar, Mane, and Lhalung with decent 4G speeds. In Kaza, Jio offers around 15-20 Mbps, and Tabo reportedly gets up to 30 Mbps on good days. This is a massive improvement from the 2G/GPRS era.
Airtel works in the Kinnaur Valley section (Shimla to Spillow/Reckong Peo area) and in parts of Lahaul (Keylong, Tandi, Sissu, Koksar, Darcha) but does not work in Spiti Valley proper. Vodafone-Idea (Vi) has even more limited coverage and is practically useless beyond Kinnaur. Hence, my recommendation remains the same as it has been for years: carry a BSNL connection for the widest coverage, and a Jio SIM as your secondary for data in Kaza and Tabo.
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How is the Mobile Connectivity on the Route to Spiti Valley?
The connectivity situation changes dramatically depending on which route you take to reach Spiti Valley. Let me break it down for both routes so you know exactly where your phone will work and where it will go silent.
Shimla to Spiti Valley via Kinnaur (NH-05)
When you travel from Shimla via the Hindustan-Tibet Highway (NH-05), all major networks (BSNL, Airtel, Jio, Vi) work from Shimla through Narkanda, Rampur, and up to the Sangla Valley turnoff at Karcham. In Reckong Peo, Kalpa, and Sangla, you will get BSNL, Airtel, and Jio.
At Chitkul, only BSNL works reliably. Airtel is spotty at best. Once you cross Reckong Peo and head towards Spello, Airtel and Jio connectivity drops. BSNL works intermittently between Akpa, Ribba, Jangi, and Spello. After Spello, there is a long dead zone through Khab and the Ka Zigs until you reach Nako, where BSNL comes back. The stretch from Nako to Tabo is mostly a dead zone through Chango and Sumdo, with connectivity returning at Tabo.
Manali to Spiti Valley via Atal Tunnel and Kunzum Pass
If you are traveling to Spiti Valley from Manali, all major networks work up to Manali town. After you exit the Atal Tunnel (which replaced the old Rohtang Pass route for most traffic), Airtel and BSNL signals work around Sissu and the Lahaul Valley. Keep in mind that Airtel 4G is now available in Keylong, Tandi, Sissu, Koksar, and Darcha, which is a significant improvement.
However, once you take the turn at Gramphu towards Spiti Valley, you enter a network dead zone of approximately 85 km. From Gramphu through Chatru, Chota Dhara, Batal, Chandratal, and Kunzum Pass, there is absolutely zero mobile connectivity. This is the longest dead zone on the entire Spiti circuit. No BSNL, no Jio, no Airtel. Nothing. The satellite phone at Chandra Dhaba in Batal is still available for emergencies (Rs 2/minute for STD/ISD calls).
Connectivity returns at Losar, where BSNL works when the generator powering the tower is operational. From Losar, there is intermittent BSNL signal until you reach Kaza, where you finally get stable connectivity on both BSNL and Jio.
What is the Network Coverage Inside Spiti Valley?
Once you are inside Spiti Valley, the connectivity varies village by village. Here is a practical breakdown of what works where as of 2026.
Kaza has the best connectivity in the entire Spiti Valley. Both BSNL and Jio 4G work here, and you can expect reasonably stable internet. WhatsApp calls, video calls, and even light browsing work on good days. This is your best chance to catch up on messages and inform your family about your plans.
Tabo also has good connectivity with BSNL and Jio. Some travelers report Jio speeds of up to 30 Mbps here, which is surprisingly fast for such a remote location. However, do not count on these speeds consistently.
Langza, Komic, and Hikkim have very poor or no mobile connectivity. Key Monastery usually gets BSNL signal, but Kibber, Chicham, and the upper villages remain mostly disconnected. Pin Valley and Mud Village also have no reliable mobile connectivity. Dhankar and Lhalung get intermittent BSNL signal.
From Kaza towards Losar and Kunzum Pass, connectivity drops a few kilometers after Rangrik village. There is no signal for about 40 km until you reach Losar, where BSNL works when the tower has power.
Do Prepaid and Postpaid Both Work in Spiti Valley?
Yes, and this is one important difference between Spiti Valley and Ladakh. Both prepaid and postpaid connections work in Spiti Valley and Kinnaur Valley. Unlike Ladakh, where only postpaid BSNL connections from J&K or Ladakh UT work reliably, Himachal Pradesh does not have the same restrictions. So your regular prepaid BSNL or Jio SIM from any state will work as long as there is a signal.
That said, I always suggest carrying a postpaid BSNL SIM if possible. Postpaid connections tend to catch signal slightly better in weak coverage areas, and they are more reliable for roaming. If you are comparing this with Ladakh’s connectivity situation, Spiti is significantly easier in this regard.
What About Internet and Data Speeds in Spiti Valley?
The internet situation in Spiti Valley has improved considerably since 2019 when Jio first arrived in Kaza. Here is the current picture as of 2026.
In Kaza, Jio 4G gives you usable internet at 15-20 Mbps on good days. BSNL data is slower, often limited to 2G/3G speeds. You can browse, send WhatsApp messages and photos, check email, and even make video calls if the connection is stable. However, do not expect to stream videos or attend lengthy video conferences.
In Tabo, Jio performs well with reported speeds of up to 30 Mbps. BSNL data is available but slower. Several hotels and guesthouses in both Kaza and Tabo now offer WiFi connections, though the speeds vary and the connection can be unreliable during peak tourist season or bad weather.
In all other parts of Spiti Valley, internet connectivity is either absent or limited to very slow 2G on BSNL. WhatsApp text messages may go through, but do not expect to send or receive photos, videos, or make calls over data. What I have learned from experience is that WhatsApp text always finds a way to get through even on the weakest connections. So if you can send just one message to your family, WhatsApp text is your best bet 🙂
How Should You Prepare for No Connectivity in Spiti Valley?
This is perhaps the most important advice I can give you. Never plan a Spiti Valley trip dependent on mobile or phone communications. If you think you will call someone to book the next night’s stay, or join an office meeting over the phone, or rely on Google Maps for navigation, you will be in trouble. Even Kaza can go offline for days during bad weather or tower maintenance.
Here is what I suggest you do before heading out:
- Download offline maps: Use Google Maps or OsmAnd to download the entire Himachal Pradesh region for offline navigation. This is critical because you will have no signal for hours on the Manali-Kaza stretch.
- Save important contacts: Write down phone numbers of your hotel, taxi driver, and emergency contacts on paper. Do not rely on your phone’s contact list alone.
- Inform your family before each leg: I always make it a habit to call or message my family when leaving for the day and after reaching the destination. You never know when you will get signal next. This eases their nerves and keeps the trips coming 🙂
- Carry a physical road map: The Spiti Valley circuit has clear routes, but having a backup map helps if you take detours.
- Download entertainment: Music, podcasts, movies. You will have long stretches with no internet, and offline entertainment makes the journey more enjoyable.
What Are Some Practical Tips for Staying Connected in Spiti?
Be Proactive About Tower Timings
At remote locations like Losar, the BSNL tower runs on a generator and may only work during certain hours, typically morning to evening. At night, the generator is shut down and there is no connectivity. So if you get even a brief window of signal, use it immediately to send that WhatsApp message or make that quick call. I have seen travelers lose an opportunity because they thought, “I will call later.” In Spiti, later may mean tomorrow or the day after.
Carry Power Banks (20,000 mAh Minimum)
Electricity in Spiti Valley can be erratic. In places like Chandratal, Langza, Hikkim, Komic, Pin Valley, and Dhankar, electricity may be available only at certain hours or not at all. Your phone’s battery is not just for calls. It is your camera, your map, your flashlight, and your alarm clock. I carry at least two power banks of 20,000 mAh each on every Spiti trip, and I suggest you do the same.
Use Satellite Phones Only for Emergencies
On the Manali to Kaza route, the Chandra Dhaba at Batal has a satellite phone available for emergency calls at Rs 2/minute. Please keep this facility for genuine emergencies only. Abusing such life-saving resources could mean they are unavailable when someone truly needs them.
Winters Are Worse
If you are planning a winter trip to Spiti Valley, be prepared for even worse connectivity. Snow can damage towers, bury connectivity poles, and cut off electricity for weeks. When I was there in 2014, there was no connectivity or electricity for months. You are truly off the grid. For 10 days, I was completely landlocked with no communication with the outside world 🙂 🙂
What Has Changed Since 2020? Key Updates for 2026
The mobile connectivity landscape in Spiti Valley has seen some important changes in recent years. Here are the key updates you should know about.
- Jio 4G in Kaza and Tabo (2019 onwards): Reliance Jio reached Kaza in late 2019 and has since expanded to Tabo, Losar, Mane, and Lhalung. This was a game-changer for data connectivity in the valley.
- Airtel 4G in Lahaul (2023-2024): Airtel now has 4G coverage in Keylong, Tandi, Sissu, Koksar, and Darcha in Lahaul Valley. This helps travelers on the Manali route stay connected longer before entering the dead zone.
- Atal Tunnel impact: Since the Atal Tunnel opened in October 2020, the Manali to Lahaul stretch no longer requires crossing Rohtang Pass. This means you maintain signal through the tunnel and into Sissu/Lahaul before losing it at Gramphu.
- Government’s ICR initiative (2025): The Department of Telecommunications launched the Intra Circle Roaming (ICR) facility, which allows Jio, Airtel, and BSNL users to connect to each other’s towers at government-funded sites. This has been implemented in Kullu and Mandi districts of Himachal Pradesh. If it expands to Lahaul-Spiti district, it could significantly improve coverage.
- BSNL 4G/5G upgrade plans: BSNL has announced plans to upgrade all 4G towers to 5G by mid-2026. If this reaches Spiti, it could transform the connectivity situation. However, I would not count on this happening soon for the remote villages.
Having said that, the core reality remains the same. Large parts of Spiti Valley, especially the upper villages, Pin Valley, the Batal-Kunzum stretch, and the Manali-Gramphu corridor, are still complete dead zones. Plan accordingly.
Complete Network Coverage Table: Spiti Valley and Kinnaur Route (2026)
| Place / Route | BSNL | Jio | Airtel | Vi |
| Shimla – Narkanda – Rampur – Tapri | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Karcham – Sangla Valley | Yes | Yes | Yes | Spotty |
| Reckong Peo – Kalpa | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Rakcham – Chitkul | Yes | No | Spotty | No |
| Akpa – Ribba – Jangi – Spello | Spotty | No | Spotty | No |
| Spello – Khab – Ka Zigs | No | No | No | No |
| Nako | Yes | Spotty | No | No |
| Chango – Sumdo (enter Spiti) | No | No | No | No |
| Tabo | Yes | Yes (4G) | No | No |
| Dhankar – Lhalung | Spotty | Spotty | No | No |
| Pin Valley – Mud Village | No | No | No | No |
| Kaza – Rangrik | Yes | Yes (4G) | No | No |
| Losar | Yes (generator dependent) | Spotty | No | No |
| Mane – Lhalung | Spotty | Spotty | No | No |
| Key Monastery | Yes | No | No | No |
| Kibber – Chicham – Langza – Komic – Hikkim | Spotty/No | No | No | No |
| Kunzum Pass – Chandratal – Batal | No | No | No | No |
| Batal – Chatru – Gramphu | No | No | No | No |
| Gramphu – Sissu – Keylong (Lahaul) | Yes | Yes | Yes (4G) | Spotty |
| Atal Tunnel – Manali – Delhi | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Note: “Spotty” means the signal comes and goes. Do not rely on it for calls or data. “Generator dependent” means the tower only works when the village generator is running, typically during daytime hours.
What About WiFi in Hotels and Cafes?
Several hotels, guesthouses, and cafes in Kaza and Tabo now offer WiFi connections. Some hotels in the Spiti and Kinnaur region advertise WiFi as a feature. However, keep in mind that these WiFi connections run on the same mobile tower infrastructure, so the speeds are similar to what you would get on your phone. During peak tourist season (June to September), the bandwidth gets shared among more users and becomes noticeably slower.
In Kinnaur Valley towns like Reckong Peo, Kalpa, and Sangla, the WiFi in hotels is much more reliable since these areas have better telecom infrastructure. If you need to do any work or make important calls, I suggest doing it while you are still in Kinnaur before entering Spiti.
Have Patience and Embrace the Disconnect 🙂
Last but not least, have patience. Consider yourself going back to the era of landlines with poor connections. Calls may not go through, or they drop after 10 seconds, or it takes 100 attempts to send a message. Be ready to have tons of missed call alerts once you return to civilization 🙂
Tell your family and friends about the connectivity situation before you leave. They should know that not hearing from you for a day or two is normal in Spiti Valley and not a cause for panic. When you are in the Kinnaur Valley section, you will generally have decent connectivity in most towns, so use that window to check in with everyone.
Honestly, once you get used to it, the disconnect becomes one of the best parts of a Spiti trip. No notifications, no emails, no doom-scrolling. Just you, the mountains, and the road ahead. It is surprisingly refreshing 🙂 …
Pro Tip: If you are doing a self-drive trip to Spiti, make sure to read the article 40 Must-Have Things to Carry on a Self-Drive Trip to Spiti Valley. It covers everything from spare parts to emergency food supplies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Jio work in Spiti Valley?
Yes, Jio 4G works in Kaza, Tabo, Losar, Mane, and Lhalung as of 2026. However, it does not work in the upper villages like Kibber, Komic, Langza, Hikkim, or Pin Valley. Jio also does not work on the Batal-Kunzum Pass-Gramphu stretch.
Does Airtel work in Spiti Valley?
Airtel does not work in Spiti Valley proper. It works in the Kinnaur Valley section up to Spillow (near Reckong Peo) on the Shimla side, and in the Lahaul Valley (Keylong, Tandi, Sissu, Koksar, Darcha) on the Manali side. Once you enter Spiti, Airtel has no coverage.
Does prepaid mobile work in Spiti Valley?
Yes. Unlike Ladakh, both prepaid and postpaid connections of all operators work in Himachal Pradesh, including Spiti Valley and Kinnaur Valley. There is no restriction on out-of-state prepaid SIMs.
Which mobile network has the best coverage in Spiti Valley?
BSNL has the widest geographic coverage across Spiti Valley, working in more villages and remote locations than any other network. For internet/data speeds, Jio 4G is faster in Kaza and Tabo. I recommend carrying both a BSNL SIM (for coverage) and a Jio SIM (for data).
Is there mobile network at Chandratal Lake?
No. There is zero mobile connectivity at Chandratal Lake or anywhere near Batal. The nearest connectivity point is Losar (BSNL, generator-dependent) or Gramphu (weak Airtel/BSNL). Plan to be completely offline during your Chandratal visit.
Which mobile connection works in Kalpa and Chitkul?
In Kalpa and Reckong Peo, all major networks work including BSNL, Airtel, Jio, and Vi. In Chitkul, only BSNL works reliably. Airtel has very spotty coverage near Chitkul, and Jio and Vi do not work there.
Can I work remotely from Spiti Valley?
Working remotely from Kaza or Tabo is possible on good days with Jio 4G. You can manage emails, light browsing, and video calls. However, the connection is not reliable enough for full-time remote work. I would not recommend planning critical meetings or deadlines during your Spiti trip. If you need to work, do it from Kinnaur Valley towns like Kalpa or Reckong Peo where connectivity is much better.
What is the Vodafone/Vi network situation in Spiti Valley?
Vi (Vodafone-Idea) has no coverage in Spiti Valley. On the Manali route, Vi signals drop around the Atal Tunnel/Rohtang area and do not return until you are back near Reckong Peo on the Kinnaur side or back in Manali. Vi is not recommended for a Spiti trip.
I hope this guide on mobile phone connectivity in Spiti Valley and Kinnaur Valley will help you plan your next trip without any surprises. The situation is improving every year, and I will keep updating this article with the latest information. In case you have any questions, tips, or recent updates to share, feel free to post them in the comments section below or reach out through the DwD Community. If you know someone planning a trip to Spiti Valley, please share this article with them 🙂 …
LAST UPDATED: March 2026
This article has been updated with the latest information about mobile phone connectivity in Spiti Valley and Kinnaur Valley for the 2026 season, including Jio 4G expansion, Airtel coverage in Lahaul, and the government’s ICR initiative. Feel free to suggest any further updates.
6 Comments
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Hi Dheeraj,
What about being able to charge our phones/camera batteries? Where can I find charging points for those?
Richa, they are not available as such but places like Kaza, Tabo, have electricity. It is much better in case you are driving yourself to carry car inverter as suggested in the article: https://discoverwithdheeraj.com/40-must-have-things-to-carry-on-ladakh-self-drive-trip/ or here: http://amzn.to/2hk9J33
hye dheeraj
Do Bsnl sim cards registtered ONLY in spiti or himachal work there or bsnl sims from outside himachal/spiti also work?
Ria, in Himachal BSNL/MTNL phone connections even outside Himachal also work without any issues including both pre-paid and postpaid connections. In Leh – Ladakh, the only postpaid connections outside J&K state works.
Hi Dheeraj
Is the connectivity the same in 2017 as mentioned above?
Aanand, it is more or less the same. Not much has changed in terms of signals.