SPITI VALLEY ITINERARY FROM SHIMLA

Spiti Valley Itinerary (& Circuit Road Trip) from Shimla

  • 10
  • Himachal

Spiti Valley Itinerary :

Spiti Valley is a cold mountain desert located in the rain shadow region of the Greater Himalayan ranges. It is snuggled in the north-eastern part of Himachal Pradesh.

Proceeding in counterclockwise fashion from Chandigarh, roadway (NH5) of Spiti valley circuit route passes through Solan, Shimla, Narkanda, Rampur Bushahr, Sarahan, Chitkul, Nako, Tabo and Kaza.

The closing line of Spiti circuit traverses along the Spiti river and meets Manali town after it passes through the Atal tunnel or Rohtang pass.

The valley is bounded by the districts of Kinnaur in the south-east, Kullu in the south, and the valleys of Zanskar and Union Territory of Ladakh in the north. In the east, Spiti shares its boundary with Tibet (China).

The name Spiti or Piti — as it is known among the locals— means ‘The Middle Land’ that is the land between India and Tibet.

Rundown of Spiti Valley Trip

Days 12
Vehicle Mahindra Getaway 4WD and Toyota Innova Crysta cars
Stay Camping + Hotels + Homestays
Highest Place Kunzum-La (pass) 4551 meters
Best Time Between May to September
Highest Village Komic 4513 meters
Best time to hit the road May to October
Route Chandigarh-Shimla-Kinnaur-Spiti-Manali-Chandigarh
Road distance to cover ~ 1200 km
Departure dates May 25, June 23, 6 August, and September 1 and 20
Group size Max 10
Event Category Road trip & cultural experiences
Package Type Personalized /Standard

Departures in 2024

Our Spiti valley circuit tour departures are scheduled for the last week of May, third week of June, first week of August and between 1-20th September 2024. We are looking for a minimum group size of 6 people.

We also can run personalized trips — tailored to your interests and travel plans — for smaller groups (less than 6 people) and for people willing to incur an additional cost. The trip dates are subjected to notifications prevailing weather and road conditions.

Spiti Tour (via Chandigarh to Shimla-Kinnaur-Kaza-Manali)

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Why take Shimla-Kaza-Manali route for Spiti Valley Road Trip?


Day 1: Chandigarh to Shimla-Narkanda drive

  • Timber trail.
  • Kasauli detour
  • Shimla colonial architecture heritage walk.
  • Experience 360° view from Hatu peak

Distance 175 km. 6–7 hours drivetime on NH5

On arrival at Chandigarh, drive to Shimla. Halt at Shimla for lunch and sightseeing. Resume the drive and drive to Narkanda(8,858 feet). Overnight stay at HPTDC hotel.

Day 2: Narkanda to Sarahan drive

Bucketlist experiences

  • Visit Padam palace of erstwhile Bushahr dynasty.
  • Explore Rampur Bushahr town.
  • Explore Sarahan town.

Sightseeing day trips

  • Detour to Tani Jubbar Lake
  • Hatu temple

Distance 100 km. 4 hours drivetime on NH 5 and Jeori-Sarahan connecting road

Drive from Narkanda to Sarahan (altittude 2800 meters). Visit Hatu temple en route and relish Dhauladhar and Kinnaur-Garhwal mountain ranges from there. Drive to Sarahan. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 3: Sarahan to Chitkul village of Kinnaur

Bucketlist experiences

  • Drone photography at Tranda Dhank built by Governor General Dalhousie in 1850s.
  • Experience driving by steep Satluj river gorge and through Tranda Dhank (cliff) ― Old Hindustan–Tibet Road section that is carved into a rock face.
  • Angling in Baspa river.
  • See Western Tragopan (Jajurana) in Sarahan Pheasantry.

Sightseeing day trips

  • Visit Sarahan Palace (Shanti Kunj) of Bushahr dynasty.
  • Bhimakali temple visit.
  • Sarahan Western Tragopan Pheasantry visit.

Distance 106 km. 5 hours drivetime on Jeori-Sarahan connecting road, NH5 and Karcham-Sangla-Chitkul Road

Sarahan is a beautiful village famous for the architecturally and historically significant Bhimakali temple, which has a history of more than 1500 years. One can take in the stunning views of the Srikhand Mahadev peak (5150 meters) from there.

While not actually close enough as it seems, the spectacular Srikhand Mahadev mountain range appears as if it is just an arm’s length away. Visit the bird sanctuary of a near-extinct bird species.

Drive to Chitkul village and stay there in a hotel. Drive distance is about 106 Kms. Night stay at hotel in Chitkul.

Day 4: Chitkul to Kalpa drive

Day 4: Chitkul to Kalpa drive

Bucketlist experiences

  • See temple architecture of Kamru Badri Vishal deity temple.
  • See Kamru fort.
  • Angling in Baspa River.
  • Tibetan wood carving center.
  • Sangla monastery.
  • Temple architecture of Sangla Bering Nag Temple.
  • Hike to Sangla Kanda Lake
  • Chitkul village walk.
  • Explore Sangla town and village.
  • Rakcham village.
  • Photography in Buckwheat fields of Rakcham village.

Sightseeing day trips

  • Chitkul Mata Devi temple and monastery visit.
  • Kamru temple and fort.
  • Ranikanda meadows visit.
  • Sangla village and Bering Nag temple visi

Sightseeing day trips

  • Chitkul Mata Devi temple and monastery visit.
  • Kamru temple and fort.
  • Ranikanda meadows visit.
  • Sangla village and Bering Nag temple visit.

Distance 62 km. 3 hours drivetime on Chitkul-Sangla-Karcham road, NH5 and Powari-Kalpa connecting road.

border. It is the most visited place in the Baspa Valley of Kinnaur.

We will visit Chitkul Mata temple and then drive back to Sangla. When we reach Sangla, we can visit the Bering Nag temple on our return trip. Visit the ancient fort at Kamru village.

As we continue on our journey, we will reach Kalpa, a well-known place – both among travellers and locals – for breathtaking sunrises over the Kinnaur Kailash mountain range.

Apple orchards of Kalpa village, overshadowed by Kinner Kailash peaks of Kinnaur

After breakfast, drive (65 km distance) to Kalpa that is located at 8800 feet. Visit Chini village monastery and temple, Roghi cliff point and Roghi village. Overnight stay at the HPTDC Kalpa hotel.

Day 5: Kalpa to Charang village

Bucketlist experiences

  • Explore Chini heritage village.
  • Explore Kalpa Market
  • Take in the stunning views of Kinner Kailash group of mountains (morning and evening views are unparalleled) from Kalpa.
  • Spend time with local people of Kalpa and Roghi village.
  • Visit 170+ year old Roghi Forest Rest House built by Governor General Dalhousie.

Sightseeing day trips

  • Rolla Dokhang (infamous suicide point), and Roghi village visit.
  • Roghi village and Narayan temple visit.
  • Kalpa Vishnu Narayan temple and monastery visit.

Chorten in Charang

Kalpa (altitude 3000 meter). Kalpa offers a splendid view of Kinner Kailash mountain range. One can take in the visceral views of Kinner Kailash peak & Shivlingam, Raldang peak & Jorakanden peak.

Explore places around Kalpa like Chini market and village, monastery and Kalpa Narayanes & Vishnu temple. Drive to Charang village & camp there.

Day 6: Charang to Tabo monastery drive

Bucketlist experiences

  • Visit one of the oldest Buddhist monasteries in Kinnaur, Charang Rangrik Tsungma monastery.
  • Visit Moorang village fort and Buddhist monastery.
  • Visit Rapuk Shankras Temple of Thangi village.
  • Explore Nako village and Nako Lake.
  • Gue village detour to see 500+ years old mummy and Gue Mummy Stupa.
  • Leo-Chango-Hango village (Hangrang valley) detour.

Sightseeing day trips

  • Charang village walk.
  • Rangrik Tsungma Monastery visit.
  • Visit last ITBP check post on Indian border.

Distance 160 km. 5 hours drivetime on Charang-Thangi-Moorang road, NH5 and NH505 (Khab – Sumdo Checkpost – Tabo)

Village walk in Charang (altitude 3400 mtr) and visit Rangrik monastery which is more than thousands of years old. Charang has Zanskar kind of landscape and houses and similar to houses built by the people of Zanskar region.

Drive to Thangi and visit to Lochwa monastery located in the middle of Thangi village. Visit Moorang fort and Moorang village.

After lunch, head toward Nako. Nako is located at an altitude of 10496 feet in the barren Hangrang valley of Kinnaur. Visit Nako Lake and monastery and drive to Sumdo check post and the oldest monastery of Himachal, Tabo. Overnight at a hotel/homestay.

Sumdo Check Post

Due to ever-increasing footfall of the tourists — and the resultant increase in their carbon footprint — in Lahaul and Spiti district, the district administration has started levying SADA (Special Area Development Authority) fee/toll at Sumdo Indian Army Check Post from 1 January 2024.

It was discussed (at a meeting of the Special Area Development Authority) that the tourist traffic is increasing day by day in the Spiti valley. Due to this, there is a financial shortage for solid waste management and sewage management in the Kaza and Tabo areas of Spiti block.

-Harsh Negi, SDM, Kaza

Here are the details of the SADA fee charged for different type of vehicles entering in Lahual & Spiti district.

Type of vehicle SADA fee
Two-wheelers 100
Cars 200
SUVs 300
Heavy Vehicles 400

Day 7: Tabo Pin Valley drive

Bucketlist experiences

  • See Thangka scroll paintings, frescos and mural paintings inside Tabo monastery.
  • See mud stupas built around the monastery.
  • Hike to Tabo caves (that were used by Buddhist monk of Tabo monastery for meditation).
  • Visit Stupas and chortens, monastery museum and library.
  • See the rock carvings near Tabo village government school.
  • Visit over 1000-year-old Dhankar monastery and fort – A cliff fort and erstwhile capital of Spiti Nono Kings. Dhankar monastery was listed as 100 most endangered sites in the world by World Monuments Fund (WMF) in 2006. WMF is a New York based non-government and non-profit organization dedicated to the preservation of historic architecture and cultural heritage sites around the world.
  • See the confluence of Spiti and Pin River and panoramic view of Spiti and Pin valley from Dhankar fort roof.
  • Dhankar lake hike.
  • See gold-leaf Buddhist sculptures at Serkhang Monastery of Lhalung village.

Sightseeing day trips

  • Tabo monastery visit.
  • Hike to caves above the village.

Distance 65 km. 3 hours drivetime on NH505 (Tabo-Attargo bridge) and Attargo-Mud village road.

On day 7 of Spiti circuit itinerary, we leave Tabo after breakfast and drive to Mudh village, the last village in Pin valley. Pin Valley is the least explored valley in Himachal Pradesh’s Spiti region.

Day 8: Mud Dhankar monastery Kaza

Bucketlist experiences

  • Watch stone breaking ceremony, ritual and drama performance by Buchen (shaman of Spiti Himalaya) in Mud village of Pin Valley.
  • See mud stupas built around the monastery.
  • Sight rare Himalayan wildlife in Pin Valley National Park Visit Stupas and chortens, monastery museum and library.
  • Photography on the beautiful banks of Pin River (right side tributary of Spiti river).
  • Experience hospitality of people in Homestay.
  • Taste local dishes and beverages in Homestay.
  • See sangam (confluence) of a stream coming from Parvati Pass and Pin River and Sagnam village.
  • Walk on Tailing village bridge. A wooden suspension bridge built over Pin river.

Bucketlist experiences

  • Watch stone breaking ceremony, ritual and drama performance by Buchen (shaman of Spiti Himalaya) in Mud village of Pin Valley.
  • See mud stupas built around the monastery.
  • Sight rare Himalayan wildlife in Pin Valley National Park Visit Stupas and chortens, monastery museum and library.
  • Photography on the beautiful banks of Pin River (right side tributary of Spiti river).
  • Experience hospitality of people in Homestay.
  • Taste local dishes and beverages in Homestay.
  • See sangam (confluence) of a stream coming from Parvati Pass and Pin River and Sagnam village.
  • Walk on Tailing village bridge. A wooden suspension bridge built over Pin river.

Sightseeing day trips

  • Mud village walk.

Distance 50 km. 3 hours drivetime on Mud-Attargo bridge and NH505 (Attargo-Kaza road)

Drive to the eye-catching and imposing monastery of Dhankar. Perched on a riverfront cliff, Dhankar was the former capital of the Spiti Valley (when the valley was ruled by Nono kings).

Day 9: Kaza-Hikkim-Lalung-Langza-Key-Kibber (5 to 6 hours drivetime)

 

Bucketlist experiences

  • Visit Komic (or Komik) village – the highest altitude village of Asia accessible by road.
  • Send postcards to your friends and family from highest altitude post office in the world from Hikkim post office by India Post.
  • Sight rare Himalayan wildlife in Pin Valley National Park Tangyud monastery of Komic.
  • See Snow leopard mannequin made with snow leopard skin.
  • Take drone shots of Buddha statue at Langza hill.
  • Kibber village drive.
  • Key (or Ki) monastery visit.
  • See Cham dance of buddhist monks at Key monastery during the Guitor festival.
  • See murals and Thangka paintings inside the Ki monastery complex.
  • Take drone shot from Chicham suspension bridge

Sightseeing day trips

  • Kaza market visit.
  • Kaza monastery visit.
  • Key-Kibber-Langza drive.
  • Komic and Hikkim village visit.
  • Chicham village visit.

The highest village in Asia, Komik, which literally translates to ‘eye of a snowcock’, is situated at a height of 4513 meters. Later, we drive to Hikkim where we visit the world’s highest post office in the world. After sending out a postcard, we drive to Langza.

Day 10: Drive from Kaza to Kunzum top (4551 meter) & camp at Chandertal Lake (4270 meter)

Day 10: Drive from Kaza to Kunzum top (4551 meter) & camp at Chandertal Lake (4270 meter)

Bucketlist experiences

  • Camping experience near Chandratal Lake.
  • Explore small glacier lakes above Chandratal.
  • Experience view of Spiti and Lahaul valley from 4551 meters high Kunzum-La pass.

Distance 102 km. 4 hours drivetime on Kaza-Kuzum-Batal road (NH505) and Batal-Chandratal lake connecting road.

Drive to one of the most photogenic places in Spiti Valley – the Chandra Tal Lake. Before that, we pass through the high altitude pass of Kunzum La. Stop by at the stupa and pay tribute to the local goddess, “Kuzum Mata” as she’s known.

At 15,000 feet above sea-level, the Kunzum Pass connects Kullu and Lahaul to the Spiti Valley. Live your dream of camping comfortably in the Himalayas as you spend your evening gazing at the Milky Way and the millions of stars on a clear night. Overnight at a camp 2 km away from Chandratal Lake.

Day 11: Chandratal lake to Manali drive via Atal tunnel

ucketlist experiences

  • Experience savoury food at Chacha-Chachi dhaba at Batal.
  • Crossing numerous streams and nallahs en route.
  • Drive through Atal Tunnel – the engineering marvel by BRO (Border Road Organisation).

Distance 110 km. 3 hours drivetime on Batal-Atal Tunnel (NH505) and Atal tunnel-Manali road.

On the 10th day of this Spiti Valley tour, drive from Chandratal Lake towards Manali. Drive through the engineering marvel i.e. Atal tunnel and drive to Manali to end our breath-taking Spiti Valley sojourn. Overnight at a hotel in Manali.

Day 12. Manali to Chandigarh.

After breakfast, enjoy some brilliant views of the Himalayas from your hotel in Manali. Proceed to Chandigarh after breakfast. Drop off at Chandigarh airport in the afternoon. The Spiti circuit tour ends here.

Cost Inclusions in Spiti Circuit Trip

  • All arrangements for overnight stays during the trip.
  • All food expenses.
  • Driver, fuel and toll charges.
  • Food will usually consist of morning breakfast, lunch, evening high tea and dinner.
  • Special trained certified guides trained for emergency situations.
  • Local guides and workers with in-depth knowledge about the local area.
  • It will be a cultural and traditional experience as all stays will be mostly in villages.
  • Inner line permits and arrangements en route will be arranged by the operator.
  • All stays and lodging on a twin sharing basis shall be provided.

Exclusions

  • Any kind of personal expenses.
  • Camera fees or any other costs arising out of unforeseen circumstances and situation beyond our control.
  • Anything not mentioned in the inclusion section.

Places to visit en route Spiti valley

Charang village, Tidong valley

Chorten in Charang

Kalpa (altitude 3000 meter). Kalpa offers a splendid view of Kinner Kailash mountain range. One can take in the visceral views of Kinner Kailash peak & Shivlingam, Raldang peak & Jorakanden peak.

Explore places around Kalpa like Chini market and village, monastery and Kalpa Narayanes & Vishnu temple. Drive to Charang village & camp there.

Pin valley in Spiti. Pictures by Ramesh Tahlan

Stay at Mud for the night (12000 feet above sea level).

Overlooking the Spiti river, it offers panoramic views of the river valley. Visit one of the oldest Gompa in the Spiti Valley. Overnight at a hotel in Kaza.

View of Garhwal Himalayas from Narkanda

Pine forest of the lesser Himalayas Narkanda

Narkanda is a small town in the Shimla district of Himachal Pradesh. It is located at an altitude of 2750 meters on the Hindustan-Tibet Road (NH 05). Surrounded by the forest Kinnaur – Garhwal Himalayan Range. The experience of a panormic view from the Hatu top is not to be missed.

Padam Palace, Rampur Bushahr

Photo by Dharamveer Meena

The palace of erstwhile Bushahr princely state is built in neo-gothic architecture. Built between 1919 and 1925 for the Raja of Bushehr, the main building is still private, but one section is now the Nau Nabh Hotel, and the garden is open to visitors. From here you can admire the facade’s stone arches, carved-wood upper storey, peaked gables, and turreted towers. In front is a remarkable multi-gabled bandstand carved with peacock figures.

Sarahan temple Photo by Shailesh Sharma

Sarahan is a small village near Jeori town. It is the site of the Bhimakali Temple, dedicated to the goddess Bhimakali, the presiding deity of the rulers of the former Bushahr State. The temple is situated about 170 kilometers from Shimla and 12 kilometers from Jeori town.

Sarahan Pheasantry

Also known as Jajurana Bird Sanctuary, this park is worth a visit. It hosts Jajurana, the state bird of Himachal Pradesh and a few other rare birds. Please note that the sanctuary remains closed from July to September for bird mating season. If you are traveling in any month apart from these three, a visit is highly recommended.

Chitkul landscape! The baspa valley, Kinnaur

Bordering along western Himalaya with Tibet and Garhwal, the Baspa valley of Kinnaur has been open to visitors since the early nineties. The valley got its name from the Baspa river which originates from Chung Sakhago pass and meanders for around 30 km before meeting Satluj on its left bank near Karcham. Unlike the Spiti valley and Hangrang region of Kinnaur, the Baspa valley is a green paradise in largely barren mountains.

Kamru fort, Baspa valley Kinnaur

Baspa valley or Sangla valley is known for fruit-laden orchards, cedar-covered slopes and flower crusted meadows. Bhojpatra tree is abundantly found in the Chitkul region. A land of blue skies, buzzing Baspa river, soaring peaks, deep valleys, apple orchards, and syncretic culture — Baspa valley a place for people who are seeking genuine peace and soul-calming solitude far, far from the madding crowd. The fort of Kamru is another landmark in Baspa valley.

Strolling by the Baspa river

Chitkul, Rackcham, Sangla, Kamru and Chansu villages should be on your bucket list if you are visiting Kinnaur for the first time.

Chini village, Kalpa

A small village about 10 kilometers from district headquarters Reckong Peo, known for the magnificent view of Kinner Kailash peaks. The focal point is Chini village and surrounding places like Kalpa Narayanas temple and Buddhist monastery.

Kalpa from above.

Kalpa will probably be the last town where your phone will work flawlessly, no matter which network you are on. As you cross Kalpa and continue towards Pooh, your phone services will be a come and go before it completely dies. Only the BSNL network works in the Spiti & Lahaul valley.

Nako Lake of Kinnaur

Tabo monastery gate

Tabo Monastery: An ancient monastery believed to be over a thousand years old and one of the holiest. Founded in 996 AD it is also known as Ajanta of the Himalayas. Many priceless collections of scroll paintings, manuscripts, well-preserved statues, frescoes, and extensive murals can be found here.

Dhankar Monastery

Also known as Dhangkar Gompa, it is an ancient monastery built on a 1000 foot high cliff overlooking the confluence of Spiti and Pin Rivers. Apart from its heritage, this monastery is also famous for its spectacular setting. “Dhang” means cliff and “Kar” means fort, hence the literal name of the place is “Fort on a cliff”.

Spiti river meandering through the Spiti valley. The Key monastery.

Sun setting over distant horizon near Key monastery

Different shades of Key Monastery

Also known as Kye or Ki Gompa, it is one of the largest monasteries in Spiti valley that also serves as a training center for Lamas. It is believed to be over a thousand years old and has a vast collection of ancient murals and books.

Kibber Wildlife Sanctuary

It was established in 1992, Kibber is India’s only wildlife sanctuary in cold desert and is home to several rare animals like Ibex, Blue Sheep, Red Fox, Tibetan woolly hare, Himalayan wolf, lynx, pika, Tibetan wild ass.

Kunzum Pass

Your first high altitude pass of the journey, unless you have somehow managed to climb up to Shipki La in which case Kunzum will be your second. Connecting the valleys of Lahaul and Spiti, this pass is at an elevation of 4,590 meters, higher than Rohtang La. It remains closed from late October until early June.

View from Palari (otherwise called Barali) Top Vantage point in Spiti valley. Photo by Karan Sandhu

Places to visit en route Spiti valley

Which cellular network works in Spiti valley?

BSNL works in all regions of Spiti valley and Kinnaur. Reliance Jio has started expanding its network in Spiti valley. It is expected to get functional by the summer of 2021.

What to pack for Spiti valley?

In summers, the maximum temperature crosses the 20 degrees Celsius mark in Spiti valley. During sunny daytime, you’ll feel comfortable just by wearing a t-shirt and trousers. It is always good to get wrapped in layers of clothes, as the weather can change anytime in the Himalayas. Even if the sun starts shining again, you can always get rid of the outer layers of clothing. Here is the packing list (summers) for Spiti valley:

For Summer:

  • T-shirts.
  • A windcheater/ rain jacket.
  • Jeans/trousers.
  • Light woolen.
  • A cap/hat.
  • Sunglasses.
  • A pair of hiking shoes.
  • 3/4 pairs of regular socks.
  • A water purifier and filtration bottle (avoid plastic bottle).
  • Personal hygiene essentials.
  • Sunscreen sunblock cream.

For Winters:

  • A pair of good quality waterproof trekking boots.
  • Three pairs of cotton socks.
  • Two pairs of waterproof hiking pants.
  • One pair of shorts
  • Two pairs of fleece jumpers.
  • Two pairs of thermal tops and bottoms
  • One down jacket.
  • Headgear (1 beanie/skull cap, 1 buff, and 1 trekking cap).
  • A pair of thick gloves
  • Personal hygiene essentials(alcohol-based gel hand sanitizer, soap, towels, toilet papers, baby wipes, etc.).
  • UV-block sunglasses.
  • First aid kit.
  • A water purifier and filtration bottle.

 

What is Spiti valley famous for?

Spiti valley is acclaimed for its distinctive Moon-esque landscapes and interesting landforms. 5 entities that define the Spiti valley are:

  • Chandratal —.the lake of moon.
  • Buddhist monasteries of Ki, Kaza, Kungri, and Tabo.
  • Snow leopards of Kibber —the grey ghost of the Himalayas.
  • Fascinating Tibetan culture and customs.
  • Fossils — dating back to the Triassic period (252-201 million years ago) — of Langza village.

 

How to reach Spiti valley from Shimla?

Shimla to Narkanda-Rampur Bushahr-Powari-Pooh-Dubling village drive is on National Highway 5 (NH5). The Dubling village to Nako-Tabo-Kaza drive is on NH505. Kaza is the headquarters of Spiti valley. During winters, Shimla-Narkanda-Rampur road gets closed for a day or two whenever there is a long spell of snowfall. During such events, take the Shimla-Suni-Rampur Bushahr route along the Satluj river. This route stays open for all 365 days of the year. It takes longer — when compared from Manali to Spiti valley (Via Atal tunnel) route — to reach Kaza from Shimla. Shimla is one of the two places (second is Manali town) to start the Spiti valley circuit tour.

How to reach Spiti valley from Manali (via Atal tunnel)?

The road from Manali follows the Solang Valley-Atal tunnel-Gramphu-Batal-Kunzum Pass-Losar-Kaza route. The distance from Manali to Kaza is 183 km, and it takes about 6-7 hours (at one go) to reach Kaza. Manali-Kaza is a shorter route than the Shimla-Kaza route. Though the Atal Tunnel has hardly reduced the road distance between Manali and Spiti valley by nearly 20 km, the drive time between the two places has now been reduced by over 2 hours. Manali town is one of the two — the second is Shimla — places to start the Spiti valley circuit tour.

How to reach Spiti valley from Delhi?

You need to follow Ambala-Zirakpur Expressway on National Highway(NH) 44 and Zirakpur to Shimla (111 km) on NH5 in Himachal Pradesh. Shimla to Narkanda-Rampur Bushahr-Powari-Pooh-Dubling village drive is on NH5. Dubling village to Nako-Tabo-Kaza drive is on NH505. Kaza is the headquarter of Spiti valley.

Places to visit en route Spiti valley

Which cellular network works in Spiti valley?

BSNL works in all regions of Spiti valley and Kinnaur. Reliance Jio has started expanding its network in Spiti valley. It is expected to get functional by the summer of 2021.

What to pack for Spiti valley?

In summers, the maximum temperature crosses the 20 degrees Celsius mark in Spiti valley. During sunny daytime, you’ll feel comfortable just by wearing a t-shirt and trousers. It is always good to get wrapped in layers of clothes, as the weather can change anytime in the Himalayas. Even if the sun starts shining again, you can always get rid of the outer layers of clothing. Here is the packing list (summers) for Spiti valley:

For Summer:

  • T-shirts.
  • A windcheater/ rain jacket.
  • Jeans/trousers.
  • Light woolen.
  • A cap/hat.
  • Sunglasses.
  • A pair of hiking shoes.
  • 3/4 pairs of regular socks.
  • A water purifier and filtration bottle (avoid plastic bottle).
  • Personal hygiene essentials.
  • Sunscreen sunblock cream.

For Winters:

  • A pair of good quality waterproof trekking boots.
  • Three pairs of cotton socks.
  • Two pairs of waterproof hiking pants.
  • One pair of shorts
  • Two pairs of fleece jumpers.
  • Two pairs of thermal tops and bottoms
  • One down jacket.
  • Headgear (1 beanie/skull cap, 1 buff, and 1 trekking cap).
  • A pair of thick gloves
  • Personal hygiene essentials(alcohol-based gel hand sanitizer, soap, towels, toilet papers, baby wipes, etc.).
  • UV-block sunglasses.
  • First aid kit.
  • A water purifier and filtration bottle.

 

What is Spiti valley famous for?

Spiti valley is acclaimed for its distinctive Moon-esque landscapes and interesting landforms. 5 entities that define the Spiti valley are:

  • Chandratal —.the lake of moon.
  • Buddhist monasteries of Ki, Kaza, Kungri, and Tabo.
  • Snow leopards of Kibber —the grey ghost of the Himalayas.
  • Fascinating Tibetan culture and customs.
  • Fossils — dating back to the Triassic period (252-201 million years ago) — of Langza village.

 

How to reach Spiti valley from Shimla?

Shimla to Narkanda-Rampur Bushahr-Powari-Pooh-Dubling village drive is on National Highway 5 (NH5). The Dubling village to Nako-Tabo-Kaza drive is on NH505. Kaza is the headquarters of Spiti valley. During winters, Shimla-Narkanda-Rampur road gets closed for a day or two whenever there is a long spell of snowfall. During such events, take the Shimla-Suni-Rampur Bushahr route along the Satluj river. This route stays open for all 365 days of the year. It takes longer — when compared from Manali to Spiti valley (Via Atal tunnel) route — to reach Kaza from Shimla. Shimla is one of the two places (second is Manali town) to start the Spiti valley circuit tour.

How to reach Spiti valley from Manali (via Atal tunnel)?

The road from Manali follows the Solang Valley-Atal tunnel-Gramphu-Batal-Kunzum Pass-Losar-Kaza route. The distance from Manali to Kaza is 183 km, and it takes about 6-7 hours (at one go) to reach Kaza. Manali-Kaza is a shorter route than the Shimla-Kaza route. Though the Atal Tunnel has hardly reduced the road distance between Manali and Spiti valley by nearly 20 km, the drive time between the two places has now been reduced by over 2 hours. Manali town is one of the two — the second is Shimla — places to start the Spiti valley circuit tour.

How to reach Spiti valley from Delhi?

You need to follow Ambala-Zirakpur Expressway on National Highway(NH) 44 and Zirakpur to Shimla (111 km) on NH5 in Himachal Pradesh. Shimla to Narkanda-Rampur Bushahr-Powari-Pooh-Dubling village drive is on NH5. Dubling village to Nako-Tabo-Kaza drive is on NH505. Kaza is the headquarter of Spiti valley.