Amit Khanna
Sameer Staff answered 5 months ago
Reaching Spiti Valley involves a combination of travel by road, and sometimes by air. Here’s a detailed guide for first-time visitors:
By Road
1. From Manali:
Route: The most popular route is from Manali via the Rohtang Pass and Kunzum Pass. This road is typically open from May to October.
Travel Time: Approximately 7-10 hours.
Road Conditions: The road can be challenging with steep ascents and descents, and occasional landslides. It’s advisable to use a reliable vehicle and be prepared for rough terrain.
2. From Shimla:
Route: This route is open year-round and involves traveling via the Kinnaur Valley. The road passes through the beautiful towns of Recong Peo and Kaza.
Travel Time: Approximately 12-14 hours.
Road Conditions: This road is generally in better condition compared to the Manali route but is longer.
3. Local Transport:
Shared Cabs and Buses: Shared cabs and buses are available from Manali and Shimla. It’s a good idea to book in advance, especially during peak tourist season.
Private Cabs: For more flexibility, you can hire a private cab from Manali or Shimla.
By Air
1. Nearest Airport:
Bhuntar Airport (Kullu): The nearest airport to Spiti Valley is Bhuntar Airport near Kullu. From there, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to Manali, and then continue to Spiti Valley by road.
2. Flights:
Connectivity: Flights to Bhuntar Airport are available from major cities like Delhi. However, this might involve layovers or connecting flights.
Tips for Traveling to Spiti Valley
1. Vehicle Preparation:
Ensure your vehicle is well-maintained and equipped for high-altitude travel. Carry extra fuel and essential spares.
2. Altitude Sickness:
Spiti Valley is at a high altitude, so acclimatization is important. Spend a day or two in Manali or Shimla to adjust to the altitude before heading to Spiti.
3. Weather Conditions:
Check the weather conditions before traveling, as heavy snowfall or landslides can affect road accessibility.
4. Permits:
For Indian tourists, no special permits are required, but foreign nationals need an Inner Line Permit (ILP) for certain areas.
5. Accommodation:
Book your stay in advance, especially during peak season. Options range from guesthouses and homestays to luxury camps.
6. Travel Insurance:
Consider travel insurance that covers high-altitude and remote areas.
7. Safety Precautions:
Carry a first aid kit, necessary medications, and emergency contact numbers. Mobile connectivity can be limited, so inform someone about your travel plans.
Traveling to Spiti Valley can be a memorable adventure with the right preparation. Enjoy your trip!
Anvi Staff answered 3 months ago
Reaching Spiti Valley, located in the northeastern part of Himachal Pradesh, involves traveling through scenic mountain roads. There are two primary routes to reach Spiti: one via Manali and another via Shimla. Both routes offer a unique travel experience and require careful planning. Here’s a detailed guide on how to reach Spiti Valley:
Route 1: Via Manali (Shorter Route)
Best Time: Mid-June to September (when the Rohtang and Kunzum Passes are open)
Distance: Approx. 196 km from Manali to Kaza (Spiti’s headquarters)
Route: Manali → Rohtang Pass → Gramphu → Kunzum Pass → Kaza
Steps to Reach Spiti via Manali
Reach Manali:
By Air: The nearest airport to Manali is Bhuntar Airport (Kullu), about 50 km away. From Bhuntar, you can take a taxi or bus to Manali.
By Bus: Regular buses operate from Delhi, Chandigarh, and other major cities to Manali.
By Train: The nearest railway station is at Joginder Nagar, but it is not well connected. Most people travel to Chandigarh or Ambala by train and then proceed to Manali by road.
Manali to Kaza (Spiti’s Headquarters):
- From Manali, the journey to Spiti Valley starts by crossing the Rohtang Pass (3,978 meters), which is usually open from mid-June to September.
- After Rohtang Pass, you drive along the rough terrain through Gramphu and then ascend to the scenic Kunzum Pass (4,551 meters). This pass connects the Lahaul and Spiti valleys.
- From Kunzum Pass, it’s a downhill journey to Kaza, the main town of Spiti Valley.
- Travel Time: Approx. 8–10 hours from Manali to Kaza.
Note: The Manali to Kaza road is rough and requires a sturdy vehicle, preferably a 4×4. It is open only during the summer months when the passes are cleared of snow.
Route 2: Via Shimla (Longer but Open Year-Round)
Best Time: March to October (open year-round except during heavy snowfall)
Distance: Approx. 412 km from Shimla to Kaza
Route: Shimla → Narkanda → Rampur → Reckong Peo → Nako → Tabo → Kaza
Steps to Reach Spiti via Shimla
Reach Shimla:
By Air: The nearest airport is Jubbarhatti Airport in Shimla (23 km from the city), though it has limited flights.
By Bus: Shimla is well connected by road to major cities like Delhi, Chandigarh, and Manali.
By Train: You can take the Kalka-Shimla Toy Train for a scenic journey to Shimla. The nearest major railhead is at Kalka, around 90 km from Shimla.
Shimla to Kaza (Spiti’s Headquarters):
- From Shimla, you start the drive towards Spiti through towns like Narkanda, Rampur, and Reckong Peo.
- After Reckong Peo, you’ll pass through remote villages like Kalpa, Nako, and the beautiful Tabo Monastery.
- The road gradually climbs to Spiti Valley, and you finally reach Kaza.
- Travel Time: The journey from Shimla to Kaza can take around 2 days with an overnight stop in Reckong Peo or Nako, as it’s a longer route compared to the Manali one.
Note: The Shimla route is open throughout the year, making it ideal for winter trips when the Manali-Kaza road is closed due to snow. However, heavy snowfall in the upper reaches may still cause occasional closures.
Other Ways to Reach Spiti Valley
Helicopter: There are no regular helicopter services to Spiti, but sometimes private charter helicopters are available for groups. However, this is a rare and expensive option.
Shared Taxis/Private Vehicles: Shared taxis or jeeps are available from both Manali and Shimla to Kaza, especially during the tourist season. Many travelers hire private cars or taxis from these locations.
Best Time to Visit Spiti Valley
Summer (May to October): The best time to visit Spiti is during the summer months when both the Manali and Shimla routes are open. This is when the weather is most pleasant, and trekking, sightseeing, and camping can be enjoyed.
Winter (November to March): Winter is harsh and cold, with temperatures dropping below -20°C. The Manali route closes, and only the Shimla route remains open. Winter brings a unique charm, with the valley covered in snow, but the journey becomes more challenging.
Travel Tips
Vehicle: If traveling by road, it’s advisable to use a sturdy vehicle, preferably a 4×4, especially on the Manali-Kaza route.
Altitude: Spiti Valley is located at a high altitude (Kaza is at 3,800 meters), so acclimatization is essential to avoid altitude sickness. Take it slow and stay hydrated.
Permits: If you plan to visit certain areas near the India-Tibet border (like Nako or Sumdo), you may need an Inner Line Permit. These can be obtained from Reckong Peo or Kaza.
Weather Conditions: Check the weather and road conditions before traveling, as landslides and road closures can occur, especially during monsoon or winter.
Spiti Valley offers an unforgettable journey through rugged mountains, serene villages, and centuries-old monasteries. Whether you choose the scenic Manali route or the longer but accessible Shimla route, the adventure and the stunning landscapes will make the trip worthwhile.