How to Reach Spiti Valley: Best Routes, Travel Tips & More
High up in the Himalayas, Spiti Valley is a unique and beautiful place that many adventurers and nature lovers love to visit. But getting there can be tricky. The roads can be dangerous, and the weather can change quickly, making the journey as exciting as the destination. There are many ways to travel to Spiti, some easy and some more adventurous, which can confuse planning your trip.
To have the best time in this amazing valley, it’s important to know how to reach Spiti Valley, be prepared for any challenges, and learn about the local culture. Whether you’re driving or using other modes of transportation, our complete guide will give you useful travel tips. This way, your trip to Spiti Valley will not only be possible but also an unforgettable adventure! Get ready to discover all the different ways to reach this magical place and experience the adventure of a lifetime!
You might also like How to go to Shimla.
Table of Contents
Best Ways to Reach Spiti Valley
1. By Road
(A) Via Manali Route (Summer Route – June to October)
The Manali to Spiti route is the shortest and most adventurous way to reach Spiti Valley. Covering around 180 km, this route takes you through Rohtang Pass (3,978 m) and Kunzum Pass (4,551 m) before reaching Kaza, the main town in Spiti. Due to heavy snowfall, this route remains closed from late October to May and is only open for about four to five months a year. While the journey offers breathtaking landscapes, high-altitude mountain passes, and thrilling river crossings, it also demands careful planning due to unpredictable weather and rough terrain. Travellers must obtain permits to cross Rohtang Pass and be prepared for basic road facilities with minimal amenities.
(B) Via Shimla Route (All-Season Route – March to November)
The road from Shimla to Spiti is easy and remains open most of the year, which is why many people prefer to visit during the winter. The road is about 450 kilometres long and passes through small beautiful towns like Narkanda, Rampur, Rekong Peo, Nako, and Tabo before reaching Kaza. Unlike the road from Manali, this road does not have very high mountains, which helps prevent people from getting altitude sickness. During the journey, you will get to see all kinds of beautiful scenery, from lush green valleys near Shimla to rocky, dry land near Spiti. However, it takes longer to reach Spiti this way – about two days – so it is a slower journey, but it is safer.
Which Route is Better? (Manali vs. Shimla)
Choosing between the Manali and Shimla routes depends on several factors. If you’re looking for a shorter, more thrilling adventure, the Manali route is ideal, but it is only open in summer and has more challenging terrain. On the other hand, the Shimla route is longer but open almost year-round, making it a more reliable option, especially in winter. The Shimla route also allows a gradual increase in altitude, helping travellers acclimatize better and reduce the risk of altitude sickness. However, if you’re short on time and travelling between June and October, the Manali route offers a faster and more exciting way to reach Spiti. Ultimately, your choice should depend on your travel season, endurance for high-altitude driving, and the kind of experience you seek.
2. By Air (Fastest Way + Road Journey Required)
Spiti Valley does not have its own airport, so the nearest one is Bhuntar Airport, which is about 245 kms away from a place called Kaza. But, there are not too many flights there. Chandigarh Airport is a better option, which is about 500 kms away but has more flights from big cities like Delhi, Mumbai and Bangalore. After reaching these airports, people have to take a taxi or bus to Spiti via Manali or Shimla. Although flying initially can help you get there faster, driving to Spiti can still be long and difficult. So, this option is best for those who want to save time at the beginning of their trip.
3. By Train (Limited Option + Road Journey Required)
If you like trains, the closest railway station to Spiti Valley is the Shimla Railway Station, but it is quite far away – about 415 kilometres. This station is a narrow-gauge station, which means you have to first get to Kalka Railway Station, where many trains from bigger cities arrive. Another option is Chandigarh Railway Station, which is 500 kilometres away and has more long-distance trains. After getting off the train at either station, you will have to take a taxi or a bus to continue your journey by road to Shimla. Although the train ride covers only a small part of your journey and is not the easiest way to get there, it can be a good option if you want to save money.
3. By Bus (Budget-Friendly Option)
If you are trying to save money while traveling, taking a bus to Spiti is a good option. There are government and private buses that can take you there. The Himachal Road Transport Corporation (HRTC) has direct buses that go from Manali and Shimla to a place called Kaza. The bus from Manali to Kaza runs only in summer, but the bus from Shimla to Kaza runs almost all year round. The journey takes a long time – about 16 to 20 hours – because the roads can be bumpy and winding. Although buses are the cheapest way to travel, they can be a bit inconvenient due to the long ride. It is important to buy your bus tickets in advance, especially during busy travel times when a lot of people want to go.
Best Time to Travel to Spiti Valley
The best time to visit Spiti Valley depends on the kind of fun you want to have. In summer, from May to October, it is the most popular time to go as the roads are open and it is easy to get there. The weather is nice, the roads are mostly clear, and you can see all the amazing places like Chandratal Lake, Key Monastery, and Pin Valley. It is also a great time to go hiking, camping, and enjoying the beautiful scenery.
In winter, from November to April, Spiti becomes a snowy wonderland with lots of snow, frozen rivers, and really cold weather. This makes travelling difficult. One road is closed due to snow, so you can only use another road. If you want to have an easy and fun trip, summer is the best. But if you want to see the magical winter part of Spiti, going between December and February can be a special adventure!
Essential Travel Tips for Spiti Valley
1. Choose the Right Vehicle – A 4×4 SUV or a high-ground clearance vehicle is recommended, especially for the Manali route, as roads can be rough and unpredictable. If riding a bike, opt for Royal Enfield or Himalayan series for better stability.
2. Acclimatize Properly – Spiti Valley is at a high altitude (above 12,000 ft), so spend a day in Shimla or Manali before heading to Kaza to avoid acute mountain sickness (AMS). Stay hydrated and avoid alcohol.
3. Carry Cash & Fuel Up – ATMs are scarce in Spiti, with only a few in Kaza and Reckong Peo, which may not always work. Also, fuel stations are limited (last ones in Manali and Reckong Peo), so refuel whenever possible.
4. Network & Connectivity – Only BSNL and Jio work reliably in Spiti. There is no mobile network in remote villages like Chandratal, so inform family about limited connectivity.
5. Pack Essentials – Carry warm clothing, power banks, basic medicines, high SPF sunscreen, sunglasses, and a reusable water bottle. Also, keep extra food and snacks as roadside eateries are limited.
6. Check Permits & Weather – Foreign travelers need an Inner Line Permit (ILP), while Indian travelers may need a Rohtang Pass permit if traveling via Manali. Always check the weather forecast before heading out, as landslides and snowfall can impact travel plans.
Conclusion
Going to Spiti Valley is like going on a great adventure! You get to see amazing views and exciting road trips. There are two main ways to reach there by road. The Manali route is shorter but is open only for a certain time of the year, while the Shimla route is longer but can be used most of the year. If you are coming from far away, you can also take a flight or train, but you will still have to travel a long way by road. If you are on a budget, you can take a government bus and if you like driving or biking, this trip will be a lot of fun! Whichever way you go, it is important to plan ahead and get used to the weather, road conditions and altitude so that you can have a great time in this beautiful place in the mountains!
Here you can also check out How to Reach Manali
People also ask about How to Reach Spiti Valley
1. What is the best way to reach Spiti Valley?
The best way to reach Spiti Valley is by road. You can travel via Manali (a shorter but seasonal route) or Shimla (longer but open most of the year).
2. Which route is better: Manali or Shimla?
The Manali route (via Rohtang Pass & Kunzum Pass) is shorter (180 km from Manali to Kaza) but is open only from June to October. The Shimla route (450 km) is longer but remains open almost year-round and allows better altitude acclimatization.
3. Can I reach Spiti Valley by air?
Spiti does not have an airport. The nearest airport is Bhuntar (Kullu) (245 km away), but flights are limited. A better option is Chandigarh Airport (500 km away), followed by a road journey.
4. Is there a train to Spiti Valley?
No, Spiti does not have a railway station. The nearest broad-gauge station is Chandigarh (500 km away), while Kalka (440 km away) is the closest narrow-gauge option. From there, you must travel by road.
5. Are buses available to Spiti Valley?
Yes, HRTC buses run from both Manali and Shimla to Kaza. The Manali-Kaza bus operates only in summer, while the Shimla-Kaza bus runs almost year-round. Private taxis and shared cabs are also available.
6. When is the best time to visit Spiti Valley?
May to October is the best time for a smooth road trip, clear weather, and full accessibility. November to April is ideal for snow lovers but requires careful planning due to extreme weather conditions.
7. Do I need any permits to travel to Spiti Valley?
Indian travellers do not need permits, except for the Rohtang Pass (if coming via Manali). However, foreign nationals require an Inner Line Permit (ILP) to travel beyond Reckong Peo.
8. Is Spiti Valley safe for solo travellers and bikers?
Yes, but proper planning is essential. Road conditions can be tough, and fuel stations, ATMs, and medical facilities are limited. Always carry cash, fuel up whenever possible, and keep emergency contacts handy.