A Complete Travel Guide to Spiti Valley Tour

I have been travelling continuously to Spiti Valley Since 1995, when at the age of 18, I planned a very successful 21 days cycling tour of Kinnaur and Lahaul Spiti Valleys till Baralacha Pass. In 1996 again I planned and lead a cycling expedition (31 days) covering the Spiti valley with Leh Ladakh tour together. After a couple of years in 1999, I started working as a professional tour guide and gradually became successful as a Inbound Tour Operator from India, now operating and managing the travel company Summit Safari "The Travel Experts", based in Shimla, India. For holiday tour packages to Lahaul Spiti with Chandratal Lake or Spiti with Leh Ladakh holiday tour packages you can contact us for best deals on Spiti Valley Tours on WhatsApp number +919805051102 or email vishal@summtsafari.com After Vast Travel Experience and Expertise in organizing Spiti Valley Tours, I am bringing this information "A complete travel guide to Spiti valley tour" - How to Plan a Road Trip to Spiti Valley, for you which will be a great help to answer many of your questions, before planning your Spiti valley tour. Looking at my continuous, vast travel experience in all seasons through Spiti Valley, you can completely trust the entire information provided by me, in this article. This Complete Travel Guide to Spiti Road trip has been written by the end of 2021 so the entire information is, totally up to date.

Commonly Asked Questions About Spiti Valley Trip Planning, Sightseeing and Route

Nowadays travellers like to have more information in hand before planning the Spiti valley Tour. People are interested to know exactly minimum How Many Number of Days are Required To Plan A Spiti Valley Tour, Spiti Valley Tours In The Months Of April and May, Spiti Valley Winter Tours In October- November- January- February-March, Spiti valley Tours in July and August, Which Route is best to travel, How are the Weather Conditions in Spiti, Which is The Best Season To Visit Spiti Valley, What Is The Difference Between Lahaul and Spiti, How To Plan A Trip To Spiti Valley, Best Itinerary To Travel To Spiti Valley, Where to Stay, Hotels, Home Stays and Accommodations in Spiti valley, Camping at Chandratal lake in Spiti, Public Transport Services In Spiti Valley, Tour Plan for Spiti Valley Road Trip, Cost of The Spiti Valley Trip, How Safe Is It To Travel in the Monsoon Months to Spiti Valley, Activities and Things To do in Spiti Valley and mostly how are The Road Conditions to Spiti Valley. Through my blog A Complete Travel Guide to Spiti Valley Tour, I will provide you complete information on the above topics as well as on many others. Click on the link to know read about The Top 10 Best Places To Visit In Spiti Valley

1. The Difference Between Lahaul and Spiti – Is Spiti and Lahaul The Same

Is Spiti and Lahaul the Same or which one is more beautiful ? Explore Lahaul Spiti, which together is one province (district) of Himachal Pradesh, but actually are two different valleys. Lahaul and Spiti one district but two different valleys are linked to each other over the Kunzum pass 4,551 metres. Lahaul is easily accessible over the Rohtang Pass or through newly build Atal tunnel from Manali. Spiti can be visited throughout the year by an all season road from Shimla side, whereas from Lahaul to Spiti or from Manali to Spiti, can be visited only 5 months in a year (May End to Mid October), when in each summer the Kunzum pass remain opens for traffic to cross over. Lahaul has the district headquarters at Keylong, a major town on the Manali Leh highway beyond Atal Tunnel near from Manali. Lahaul Spiti with Chandrataal Lake Tour Package can be cutomise as per your requirements and is a great choice of travellers who want to explore Lahaul and Spiti valleys both together.

Spiti is a subdivision of Lahaul and has sub divisional administrative headquarters at Kaza the major town in Spiti valley. The major rivers in Lahaul are Chandra and Bhaga, whereas the major rivers of Spiti valley are Spiti and Pin. The two valleys are quite different in character. Lahaul is greener with more vegetation and better road approach. The Average elevation of the Lahaul valley is much lower than Spiti, whereas Spiti is a barren cold desert region with magnificent mountain landscapes exotic in appearance, with an average elevation of the valley floor of 4,270 metres (14,010 feet). Both the valleys are beautifully different, but Spiti has become quite popular, in the past few years due to its remote location and holding and preserving the treasures and secrets of ancient civilizations, untainted by modernity, unmatched outside these Mountains.

2. When is The Best Season to Travel to Spiti Valley - Best Time to Visit Spiti

Spiti Valley can be visited from Shimla Side throughout the year, but winters from November to March can be quiet cold, freezing and this is the time when most of the hotels also remain closed in Spiti Valley. December to February End is the coldest time of the Year in Spiti valley, when the entire Spiti valley receives fresh snowfall. Many times during the Spiti Winter Tour Package,, the route to Spiti and the sightseeing sights may get interrupted due to fresh snowfall in the Spiti valley, between December to February. Summit Safari is a reliable and professional Local Travel agent from Shimla with associate office in Spiti, providing you customised Spiti valley tour packages in winters or summers, you can contact through WhatsApp on +919805051102 or contact by mail on vishal@summtsafari.com for special deals and offers on Spiti valley tour plan and packages.

From Mid May to First week of October is the best time to visit Spiti valley for a Tour, but during this best season to travel Spiti, also there are particular months, which we can say are the best time to visit the Spiti valley. Actually The Best Season and The Best Time To Plan A Spiti Valley Circuit Holiday Tour is from June to September Only, as this is the only time when the high mountain Kunzum Pass 4,551 metres, remains open towards Manali, allowing travellers to complete their Kinnaur Spiti Circular route Tour Package. Mid May to Early October (first week of October) – This Is The Only Time, one doesn’t have to return back to Shimla and one can complete the Spiti Road Trip Package, Starting from Delhi/ Chandigarh to Shimla covering the beautiful Sarahan, Sangla Kalpa, Chitkul valleys in Kinnaur region and further covering the entire Spiti valley with Chandra Taal lake finishing the tour towards Manali and further back to Chandigarh or New Delhi at the end. From Mid October any time Kunzum pass can receive the Fresh Snowfall with a result obstructing and closing the Spiti –Manali- Lahaul route for the next 7 months. Once the route gets closed in October it is not opened till next summer and there’s no alternative route to travel in between Spiti to Manali. So all the Spiti valley winter road trips after Mid October to Mid May begin from Shimla side and finishes back at Shimla.

Earlier than May End and later than 10th October rarely there is a possibility that you can complete the Spiti Valley Circular tour and any time after 10th October the high reaches of Spiti valley can receive fresh snowfall and you may stuck somewhere in snow without accommodation or food. Talking about the recent years in June 2021 the road in between Manali to Spiti was opened in first week of June and more than 100 tourists were stuck on the same route with fresh snowfall on 16 October 2021, when the local administration and the local youth were able to rescue many tourists, including children and people of all age groups after 2-3 days. In short the Circular Shimla –Spiti –Manali route over the Kunzum pass was opened for travelling in Early June 2021 and get closed by 17 October 2021. If you don’t want to stuck in bad weather /snow with your loved ones, seriously keep the above all in mind during making a detailed travel plan to Spiti valley.

June to September is only the best time of the year when you can take the Spiti valley summer adventure tour or even take Spiti Valley with Leh Ladakh Tour Package all together but you need minimum 2 weeks of time in hand to enjoy both the valleys together (Spiti and Ladakh).

3. Spiti Valley Tours in The Months Of April and May

Weather is not guaranteed and Snowfall is very unpredictable in these high reaches of Trans Himalayas. In the Month of April and May when the entire country is facing the extreme hot climatic conditions, the higher reaches of Spiti valley are still receiving the fresh Snowfall creating difficulties for the border Road organisation to open the road between Manali to Spiti over Kunzum pass. People who do not have time to travel to Spiti valley in between June to Early October, which is the best season and best time to travel to Spiti valley, they can plan to travel, any time from April to May End which is also a good time to visit Spiti during the Spring. April May June July : April is the starting of spring and hotels start operating from Mid of April with tourism in full swing in May, June and July with day temperature rising to 16°C to 26°C. The nights are not cold but pleasant. During the months of April and May it would not be possible for travellers to travel on the Spiti Valley Circular route over the Kunzum Pass and Chandra Taal Lake. In April May the travellers need to start the Spiti Valley Tour Package from Shimla to Kinnaur Spiti Valley and return back the same way to Shimla. If you want to complete your Shimla Spiti Manali Circuit Tour, starting in May you must plan your travel dates, earliest around 22 May- 24 May starting from Shimla, so by the time you reach Spiti the Kunzum pass, get guaranteed open and you can travel beyond it to Chandrataal lake and further finishing the tour successfully towards Manali.

4. Spiti Valley Winter Tours in October - November - January - February - March

Spit Valley Winter Tour Package starts almost From Mid October when the Kunzum Pass get close for the next 7 months due to fresh snowfall and it is not possible to travel further to Chandratal Lake and Manali on this route. Winter road trips to Spiti Valley are organised starting from Shimla to Kinnaur Spiti Valley and return back the same way back to Shimla, which is the only winter tour route to visit Spiti valley.

If you have interest for Wildlife and want to sight the Snow Leopards you can plan a winter tour to Spiti valley from January end to February which is the best time to see the Snow Leopards in their natural habitat. The rarely spotted snow Leopard is now easily spotted in the snow bound villages of Spiti valley. During the Spiti Snow Leopard Expedition Tour in winters we take you specially to visit the villages of Kibber, Hikkim, Comic and Langza, where in the past years, good sightings of the Snow Leopard have been recorded. The route from Shimla to Kaza the Sub divisional administrative headquarters of Spiti remains open most of the winter time but the day to day itinerary and sightseeing in Spiti, during winters is subject to favourable weather and road conditions. One can travel from Shimla to Spiti with Toyota Innova/ Xylo/similar cars but due to Snowfall in the Spiti valley the higher villages are only approachable with the 4 x 4 bolero camper jeep during the months of January and February.

As the natural sources of water start freezing in October and there is no running tap water available by November, so most of the budget and luxury hotels get closed for Winters in Spiti Valley. Winter accommodation to stay in Spiti is provided using, a few comfortable, warm and cosy mud houses in Spiti, home stays that are still being operated by some local families. Bathing or shower may not be possible for couple of days and traditional dry compost toilets are the only choice during your home stay on the Spiti Valley Winter Snow Expedition tours.

5. Spiti valley Tours in July and August - How Safe to travel to Spiti In Monsoons

The river's waters are fed from the melting of glaciers since there are no rains in this part of Himalayas which are apparently like a desert area. The entire Spiti Valley is in the rain shadow of the Trans Himalayas, where the Central Himalayas stop the monsoon clouds entering the Spiti valley. Actually Spiti Valley don't have the Monsoon Season, due to its high altitude and the Trans Himalayan Mountain system that stops the rain clouds crossing the Himalayas and most of the rain falls in the lower ranges of Himalayas including Shimla, Manali and some parts of Kinnaur valley. The months from Mid July to August end, brings the Monsoon clouds downs touching the mountains with rain showers, but still the roads are fully opened to travel on a Circular Tour to Spiti Valley. If you are planning the Spiti valley tour during the monsoons Mid July to Mid August there are chances that in the starting of your tour first 2-3 days, there could be, some rain showers, in lower valleys of Shimla, Sarahan, Sangla, Kalpa, but as you travel higher, the chances of having rain reduces with each passing day of the tour. Sometimes due to heavy rainfall in August the route to Spiti Starting from Shimla through the lower valleys face landslides, affecting the roads - but the roads are cleared by the state PWD and the Border Road Organisation usually in couple of hours, or might take a day or two depending on the size of the landslide. Keep in mind any month or any season you travel to Spiti just keep warm clothes with you as the day can be warm and sunny but the nights will be cold. Almost there are no monsoon rains in the entire Spiti valley- bad weather means light rain or Fresh Snowfall only. The sky is amazingly blue during the summers and even during the monsoon months. Travelling through Spiti in any season, always you need to be flexible and ready to change your travel plans..!

6. Which is The Best Route to Travel to Spiti Valley and Why?

How To Reach Spiti valley and Which is the Best Route to Travel To Spiti is a commonly asked question by the travellers and to get the right answer you need to understand; Spiti's mountains form a part of the Central and Greater Himalayas and several peaks are over 6,000 metres, providing unparalleled panoramic views of the valley and offer various road trips and numerous routes for Spiti Valley Treks. Spiti remains connected to Shimla the state capital of Himachal Pradesh, through the beautiful Kinnaur valley throughout the year. Manali or Lahaul to Spiti route is connected through the Atal Tunnel under the Rohtang Pass and over the Kunzum pass (4,551 metres) which is a major mountain pass between Manali and Spiti. Every year the Kunzum Pass remains closed from Mid October to Mid May due to heavy Snowfall and approach to Spiti valley is only possible from Shimla Only.

The best route to Plan and Travel to the Spiti Valley is Travelling on the Shimla Spiti Manali Circular Route, starting from Mumbai, Bangalore, Ahmadabad or any part of the country, is to Delhi or Chandigarh than on the road trip to Spiti from Shimla following the Hindustan Tibet border road, now known as National Highway number 5, through the Central Himalayas, Covering; Shimla, Narkanda, Sarahan, Sangla, Rakcham, Chitkul, Kalpa, Puh, Nako, Tabo, Dhankar, Mud - Pin Valley (a side valley of Spiti), Kaza, Hikkim, Komic, Langza, Key, Kibber, Chicham, Kunzum Pass, Chandra Tal Lake, Atal Tunnel and finishing the tour towards Manali, further continue back to Chandigarh or Delhi. This circular trip follows the best route for the Spiti Valley Tour Holiday Adventure Package and is possible only from may End to early October.

People who have less numbers of days in hand (4-6 days) they can plan a Short Trip from Manali to Spiti Valley with Chandrataal Lake Tour Package. This route only remain opens during May End to Mid October and it provides a great physical challenge to travellers, as due to sudden rise in altitude many travellers got High Altitude Sickness, while travelling on this Manali Spiti route.

7. Why it is The Best Route to Travel Circular From Shimla to Spiti

As travelling on the Circular route to Spiti valley starting from Shimla and Finishing towards Manali - You Gain Altitude gradually and it provides you enough time to acclimatize to the High altitude during your road trip to Spiti. There are rare chances that you'll get ill, due to high altitude sickness while travelling on the Shimla to Spiti valley Circular route. This circular route starting from Shimla, covering Kinnaur and Spiti valley tour both together, and finishing the tour towards Manali, offers you a better travel experience and more sightseeing than you get to see on Manali to Spiti Tour.

Shimla Kinnaur Spiti Manali Tour is the best Route to Plan a Travel or Tour to Spiti valley because it covers all the famous tourist destinations and attractions of Spiti Valley along with the less explored Hidden Gems and Secret places which are also in the list of The Top 10 Best Places To Visit In Spiti Valley and one should not miss them during the Spiti Valley Tour. Shimla, Narkanda, Sarahan, Sangla, Rakcham, Chitkul, Kalpa Nako, Mummy Of Gue, are some of the interesting places that you would definitely miss if you chose to travel from Manali to Spiti on a tour. With almost 2 days extra in hand, than the Manali Spiti Short tour you can see more sights and beautiful valleys on travelling on Shimla - Kinnaur - Spiti - Manali Circular route one of the most popular Spiti Valley Tour Holiday Adventure Package.

8. Manali to Spiti Tour Route - Why We Don't Recommend Travelling on it

People who have less numbers of days(4-5-6 days) in hand they can plan to travel from Manali to Spiti Valley, as their limited time don’t allows them to travel on Shimla Kinnaur Spiti Valley Manali Circular route. Manali to Spiti Valley route only remain opens from May end to Mid October and rest of the 7 months it remain closed due to heavy snowfall on Kunzum Pass, which joins Manali to the Spiti valley. Specially people who are planning the Circular tour to Spit after first week of October, they can plan a circular Tour vice-versa starting from Manali Side and finishing the tour towards Shimla Side —as this reduce the risk of road blockage during your tour as day 2 of the journey you cross the Kunzum pass which s the only point which might get blocked due to Snowfall in Mid October. Once you cross it in mid October than rest of the Spiti valley circular tour you can complete smoothly towards Shimla, but as i said earlier - it provides a great physical challenge to travellers, as due to sudden rise in altitude many travellers got High Altitude Sickness while travelling on this route, in between Batal to Spiti over Kunzum Pass, at Chandratal lake for the first 3 days of the journey.

We usually don’t recommend people to travel from Manali to Spiti because human body needs time, 2-3 days to acclimate to the high altitude which Manali Spiti Road trip doesn’t provide to the travellers. If you choose to travel from Manali, which at the height of 2,050 metres and travelling on this route day 1 of your journey you plan to stay at Chandratal lake 4,250 metres or travel further to Kaza 3,800 metres for that you cross over 4,551 metres high Kunzum Pass, with gaining a height of more than 2,500 metres in one day, which can be the reason to fall ill for some travellers. They can face High Altitude Sickness - even which they don't think or know about, before travelling or while planning a holiday tour package from Manali to Spiti valley.

Furthermore travelling from Manali to Spiti and finishing the tour back to Manali, 2 days of the road journey is similar - The route that you travel on Day 1 of The Manali Spiti Valley Road Trip, you need to travel the same route again on the last day of your Manali Spiti Valley Tour Package, as there is no alternative route to travel. Manali Spiti tour might save you 2 days and a little bit of money as compared to Circular Spiti Valley Tour Holiday Adventure, but you do miss some Hidden Jems of the Spiti Valley including the Mummy of Gue and many famous off the beat destinations including Sangla, Rakcham, Chitkul, Kalpa, Nako, Sarahan which you can cover comfortably in 7-8 Nights Spiti Valley Tour. It's a once in a lifetime journey, don't spoil it and plan your tour in a proper way with time in hand with the Travel Experts Summit Safari +919805051102, a local tour operator to Spiti valley from Shimla.

9. How Many Number of Days Required to Plan a Spiti Valley Tour and Why

Plan your road trip to Spiti valley with "Time in Hand", as Spiti Valley Tour is a "Once In A Lifetime Holiday Journey" as it is one of the most spectacular holiday tour Package where one can enjoy the extremely beautiful mountain landscape views, far away from urbanity and crowds of tourists. A minimum 8 to 10 number of Nights are required to visit Spiti valley if you want to see the sights properly without rushing yourself. As most of the people are working and do not have more leaves in hand still a perfect tour covering Spiti valley is recommended for 8 Nights / 9 Days which allow you to stay 1 night at each major destination and see all the interesting and beautiful places with time in hand.

At least you should give a time of a week (7 Nights) to travel to Spiti, if you really want to enjoy your trip and don't want to miss the attractions and natural wonders of Spiti valley. If you have less time in hand we can customized the Spiti Valley Circular route for you for making it 7 Nights / 8 Days for you. It would not be a proper justice for the Spiti valley or for your tour if you are planning a tour to Spiti for less than 7 Nights. If you still plan to travel to Spiti on this Shimla to Spiti Valley and Manali Route, in less number of days—than it is not recommended, as it will be a hectic tour for you, and you have to compromise to leave a place or two and at the end you may regret for not having 1-2 days extra for your Shimla Spiti Valley Tour. Some people think they will do a 3-4 day Spiti valley tour which is not possible to do, due to the remote location of Spiti valley and there is no easy excess to reach the Spiti valley, rather to have a Rugged, Tough, Challenging- But Absolutely Rewarding and amazing Spiti valley road trip. As told earlier Planning a Short Trip from Manali to Spiti (5-6 Nights) is another option for people who have less number of days in their hand, save 1-2 days but will miss few important "Not to be missed Attractions" of Spiti Valley.

10. Best Spiti Valley Travel Itinerary – How to Plan a Trip to Spiti Valley Road Trip Itinerary

It is not only the destination, but the whole journey makes your Spiti valley tour a memorable travel experience which cannot be defined in words. Spiti is such a place where scenic road journeys with charming mountain landscapes are equally beautiful as the destination. During the tour you will experience the wonders and natural beauty that will keep you spell bound for a long time. The constantly evolving scenery is unforgettable and well worth the journey through. Each day of the journey you get to enjoy the local food, unique culture, amazing ever changing landscapes in this amazing, undiscovered Indian Himalayan destination, which is beyond, one's imagination. People want to travel in less numbers of days and want to cover all the interesting sights without missing anything on their spit valley road trip. Most of the travellers don't know which route they should follow, so we bring the best Spiti valley travel itineraries and for customizations of Spiti valley travel itinerary contact us on WhatsApp +919805051102 or contact us by mail on vishal@summtsafari.com

The Most Popular Spiti Valley Road Trip Itinerary Number 1: 8 Nights / 9 Days

Day 1: Arrival New Delhi/ Chandigarh and Drive to Shimla
Day 2: Shimla To Sarahan
Day 3: Sarahan To Sangla/ Rackham or Chitkul
Day 4: Sangla/Rakcham or Chitkul to Kalpa
Day 5: Kalpa To Tabo
Day 6: Tabo, Dhankar, Pin valley, Kungri Monastery, Mud Village to Kaza
Day 7: Kaza - Hikkim - Komic, Langza, Key Monastery, Kibber to Chicham overnight or back to Kaza
Day 8: Kaza / Chicham - Losar, Kunzum Pass, Chandratal Lake day visit - Gramphoo - Atal Tunnel - Manali
Day 9: Manali to Chandigarh / New Delhi

Itinerary Discussion: The above road trip itinerary 8 Nights / 9 Days Spiti Road Trip and Tour Package is highly recommended and is the most popular road trip travel itinerary to Spiti Valley. On day 1 some people want to travel beyond Shimla to Narkanda (60 kms) - but practically it is not comfortable if you are coming from New Delhi. From New Delhi to Shimla travel time is around 9 hrs with comfort breaks on the way, and travelling further to Narkanda (60 kms) will increase another 3 hrs, so from New Delhi to Narkanda (12 hrs) directly is not advisable as it's a very long day of drive too. People who have visited Shimla in the past and are arriving Chandigarh airport / railway station to start Spiti valley road trip they can stay on day 1, at Narkanda for a night (180 kms / 6.30 hrs). In case you have less number of days in hand – and want to have a short tour to Spiti valley you can skip Sarahan and directly travel from Shimla / Narkanda to Sangla (220 kms / 9 hrs) on day 2 the making Spiti Valley short Tour for 7 Nights / 8 Days. Summit Safari "The Travel Experts" can help you to customise the best Spiti valley tour for you contact them on WhatsApp +919805051102 or email travel@summtsafari.com

In case you have an extra day in hand you can plan for 9 Nights/ 10 days Spiti valley tour where - you can spend 2 nights in Sangla (Day 3 and Day 4) which is worth Or on Day 5 you can break your journey at Nako, instead of going from Kalpa to Tabo directly—You can do Kalpa to Nako. This will give you more time to soak the atmosphere and enjoy your journey. Day 6 you can stay in Tabo or at Dhankar Village.

On Day 7 you can stay in Kaza after visiting the Pin Valley. Day 8 you can choose to enjoy the hospitality by staying in Spiti home stay in Kibber, Chicham or Langza Village or even can stay at Kaza for the second night (Day 8) after covering all the local sightseeing around Kaza like Hikkim, Komic, Langza, Key Monastery, Kibber, Chicham.

On Day 9 you can travel from Kaza/ Kibber/ Chicham to Manali with Enroute visit 2-3 hrs at the Chandra Taal Lake, for this you need to start early morning 6:00 A.M, and you will arrive Manali by evening 6:00 PM after visiting the Chandra Taal Lake.

Or Instead of having 2 nights in Sangla valley you can simply break your journey in between Kaza/ Chicham to Manali and stay overnight in camping at Chandratal lake for 1 night, which is being operated from June to October first week only.

Day 10 of your tour you can drive from Manali to Chandigarh (9 hrs) or New Delhi back.

Just a small Note: Camping at The Chandrataal lake is not allowed, so all camping sites are 2 kms, before the Lake - Not By The Side Of Lake. Camping, bathing, swimming at the lake is not allowed by the government. So if you are not interested to spend a night, 2 kms before the Chandrataal Lake you can only visit the Chandratal lake during the day 2-3 hrs in between travelling from Kaza o Manali, which is sufficient to visit the Chandrataal lake. For this you need to make an early morning start from Kaza at 6:00 AM and Enroute after visiting the Chandratala lake, you will arrive Manali by evening 7:00 PM

11. Road Conditions to Spiti Valley

While planning the tour to Spiti valley keep in mind that you are travelling through the most inaccessible parts of the Indian Himalayas, where nature is stronger than the human technology and the modern machinery - the weather is unpredictable bringing snow early in September / October or even in the summer months of May and June. Accessibility to Spiti Valley is only through the road which has been laid down after cutting the hard mountains. The subfreezing temperature only provides a couple of summer months to maintain these roads. In these valleys the road conditions change from day to day or month to month due to factors beyond control of humans like, melting of snow/glaciers, landslides etc. During you Spiti valley road trip you will find the road conditions from good to the offbeat track, paved smooth roads to driving through the rough patches with water stream crossings. The mountain roads keep on closing and opening now and then. There could be some landslides during the journeys but they are cleared soon by the state PWD department and the border roads organization and it is completely safe to travel.

Road Conditions Route 1: Delhi > Chandigarh > Shimla > Spiti valley Circular Route

When you travel from Shimla to Spiti valley you follow the Hindustan Tibet Border Road now know as the National Highway No. 5 (earlier was NH 22). This route passes through the beautiful valley and side valleys of Kinnaur covering the stunning beautiful places like Narkanda Sarahan, Sangla, Rakcham, Chitkul, Kalpa, Nako and entering Spiti at Sumdo Check post. Keep in mind you are travelling through some of the most remote regions of the Trans Himalayas, don’t expect roads as per your city standards "That's Why Spiti Valley is a Soft Adventure Tourism Destination."

Delhi to Chandigarh (245 kms / 5 hrs) – Good National Highway. No need to enter the Chandigarh city you can bypass Chandigarh from Zirakpur to Panchkula.
Chandigarh to Shimla (120 kms / 4 hrs) - A good highway with 4 lane is ready till Solan 45 kms, and further to Shimla 4 lane is under progress. Road is Good and you follow National Highway. No issues of self driving or to travel with a public transportation/ buses/ taxi are available day or night.
Shimla to Narkanda (61 kms / 2 hrs) - Good Smooth 2 lane roads, National Highway. Dont miss the Hattu peak at Narkanda.
Narkanda to Jeori (90 kms / 3 hrs) - Mostly good with a few bad patches in between National Highway. From Jeori take a right turn 1 hrs to Sarahan famous for Bhimakali temple.
Jeori to Sarahan (12 kms / 45 minutes) - State Highway, Road condition is ok with some rough patches. To carry further to Sangla and Spiti you need to come down to from Sarahan to Jeori on National Highway Number 5.
Jeori to Karcham (54 kms / 2.30 hrs) - National Highway - road becomes narrow, but road condition is good with some rough patches at some places. Big landslides were experienced in August September 2021, after Jeori at Chaura, Nigulsiri which are the entrance points of Kinnaur valley.

Karcham to Sangla (15 kms / 1hrs) and Sangla to Rakcham and Chitkul (24 kms / 1.30 hrs) – The road from Karcham to Sangla is narrow, but good uphill climb following the state highway. From Sangla to Chitkul road is ok- with many rough patches. 2-3 points are bad on the road where landslides may occur and block the route for couple of hrs or a day. Usually roads are cleared as soon as possible. Enroute Rakcham village is a beautiful place not to be missed.
Karcham to Kalpa (55 kms / 2.30 hrs) – Mostly good. You leave the National highway 5 at Powari to Climb uphill to Recong peo, also popular as Peo -the district head quarters of Kinnaur and further 7 kms to Kalpa

Kalpa to Nako (100 kms / 5 hrs) – Mostly good, smooth road with some rough patches at some places and 1-2 landslide points which creates problem once in 2-3 years.
Nako to Tabo (64 kms / 3 hrs) and Tabo and Dhankar (32 kms / 1.30 hrs) – You cross Mulling Nallah 2-3 kms from Nako village in upper Kinnaur valley which is a major landslide point on the route to Spiti since the past decades. Even the new road is unable to solve the problem and the landslide is cleared in couple of hrs depending on the weather conditions or might take a day. The road is a combination of good paved road and rough patches at some places. At Sumdo (36 kms / 1.30 hrs from Nako) you enter the Spiti valley. A little further from Sumdo you must visit Gue Village (12 kms / 1 hrs) in a side valley, famous for the naturally Mummified Body of a Buddhist Monk.

Dhankar to Pin Valley Mudh (50 kms / 2 hrs) – Combination of paved/rough and dirt road-good enough to travel. From Dhankar you travel downhill to join the Shimla Kaza road and from Attargo you take a left turn to enter the in valley famous for the Kungri Monastery, Mudh village and the Pin valley National Park.
Mudh - Pin valley to Kaza (50 kms / 2.30 hrs) - Mudh is the last village in Pin valley. The road is a combination of paved/rough and dirt road-good enough to travel. Only one us a day comes to Pin valley.
Dhankar to Kaza (33 kms / 1.30 hrs) – One can travel straight from Dhankar to Kaza without visiting Pin Valley. The road is a combination of paved/rough and dirt road-good enough to travel.

Kaza to Hikim / Komik / Langza - Combination of paved/rough and dirt road-good enough to travel.
Kaza to Key / Kibber / Komik / Chicham – all the villages are nearby to ach other on two different routes from Kaza. Route 1 is a circular route covering Hikkim - Komic - Langza and back to Kaza covering a distance of approximately 35 kms in (3 hrs). Route 2 from Kaza covers key Monastery, Kibber, Chicham, Gette Plains distance of approximately( 42 kms/ 3 hrs) Good Paved road with some patches of rough road.
Kaza to Losar (60 kms / 2.15 hrs) – Paved broken road with many rough patches.
Losar to Kunzum Pass (16 kms / 1.15 hrs) – Rough bumpy road uphill climb to the mountain pass.
Kunzum Pass to Batal (12 kms / 40 minutes) – Rough bumpy road downhill.
Batal-Chandratal Road (16 kms / 1 hrs) – Narrow and rough bumpy road.

Batal to Gramphu ( 50 kms / 3.30 hrs) – The most roughest part f the entire Spiti valley tour journey .Rough bumpy road with water stream crossing at 4-5 places. It would not be wrong to compare it to a off road drive.
Gramphu to Manali 50 kms (1.30 hrs) – Good Road through the Atal tunnel.
Manali to Chandigarh (300 kms/ 8-9 hrs) - 4 Lane work is under progress especially from Mandi to Himachal Border at Kiratpur. In between Manali to Mandi road is a combination of good road with some rough patches. There could be some seasonal landslides near Pandoh Dam, Hanogi devi temple on this route which is cleared within a couple of hrs or a day depending on the situation of landslide.

Details Route 1: New Delhi to Chandigarh is an excellent road where you can travel 90-100 kms following the speed limits. From Chandigarh to Shimla the four lanes work is under progress and has been completed As The Himalayan express way almost till Solan which is half the way in between Chandigarh and Shimla. The 4 lane work between Solan to Shimla (45 kms) is under progress which might takes another 2-3 years to complete, but road is quiet good.

Travelling further North from Shimla to Spiti valley the road Condition is quiet Good. Shimla to Sarahan-Sangla Chitkul-Kalpa-Recong Peo some patches of road are narrow, but mostly in good condition and safe to travel in any season. Sarahan from Jeori, Sangla and Chitkul from Rakcham are in a side valley so after visiting these places you have to come back to the National Highway No. 5, to continue your journey further. After Kalpa the landscapes starts changing slowly - slowly from green to brown and the road becomes like a state highway. Work of broadening and paving the road is under progress. As you cross Nako Village Mulling Nallah is the place which gets close sometimes due to melting of glaciers, creating landslide in the mountains- as usually is opened within couple of hrs after the water level reduces or landslide stops.

There could be some landslides on this route during the monsoons, but as these are border areas so the roads are cleared soon by the state PWD department and the border roads organization. Some patches of the road journey are rough ,but it’s ok to travel - only the last day of the Spiti Valley Road Trip from Kaza To Manali, in between Losar to Gramphoo (80 kms / 7 hrs) you travel on a rough bumpy road, crossing a couple of water streams on the way. As the Atal tunnel has been built under the Rohtang pass, so rarely people travel through Rohtang pass while going from Spiti to Manali which saves there time and already they have visited the most beautiful area.

Fuel Stations On Shimla Spiti Manali Circular Route

There are many fuel station in between Chandigarh to Shimla, to Powari/ Recong peo on this route including Shimla, Theog, Narkanda, Kingal, Rampur, Tapri, Sangla, Jeori, Powari, Recongpeo. After Rampur and Jeori the fuel stations at Powari and Recongpeo where you should not miss the fuelling before proceeding further to Spiti valley as the next fuelling station is in Kaza Spiti Valley only. Fuel at the Kaza fuel station is mostly available in between 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM. There is no Fuel station in between Recongpeo / Powari to kaza (250 kms) and from Kaza to Manali (200 kms). Bike riders should carry extra fuel in between these points with them- no need to carry extra fuel for the car drivers.

Road Conditions Route 2: Delhi > Chandigarh > Manali > Spiti valley

Details Route 2 : Manali to Spiti Valley passes through the Atal Tunnel below Rohtang Pass and Over the Kunzum Pass (4,551 metres). Manali to Spiti Valley Road opens only from May End / First Week of June to Mid October Only, afterwards it remain closed for 7 months in a year due to heavy snowfall but remains open throughout the year from Shimla Side.

Opening of this route depends on the quantity of the snowfall received during the winter months from October to April. Sometimes this route and especially Kunzum pass receives snowfall even during the summer months of May and June. Mostly the route is opened by May End, but sometimes due to uncertain weather it get delay to open and get through only by first week of June. It is not advisable to plan a tour on this route in Mid May or After Mid October. Best time to travel on Manali Spiti route is from first week of June to Early October Only.

Delhi to Chandigarh (245 kms / 5 hrs) – Good National Highway
Chandigarh to Manali (300 kms / 8-9 hrs) – 4 Lane work is under progress especially till Mandi. In between Mandi to Manali road is a combination of good road with some rough patches. There could be some seasonal landslides near Pandoh Dam, Hanogi devi temple.
Manali To Gramphu (50 kms / 1.30 hrs) - You travel through the Atal Tunnel with excellent road conditions.
Gramphoo to Batal (50 kms / 3.30 hrs) - Chandra Taal Lake and to Losar : Gramphoo to Losar around 80 kms you travel on a bumpy road where sometimes the road disappear in the water streams. There are 3-4 water streams on the route and the road maintenance work is always in progress. Now and then the road gets close due to landslide but the border road organisation opens it mostly in couple of hrs ( 2-4-6 hrs). The journey in between Gramphoo to Chandra Taal Lake or further to Losar over the Kunzum Pass will make you tired. Nothing to worry just better to start you journey early in the morning from Manali so you can cross the water streams before the noon, when the water level rises.
Batal to Chandra Taal Lake (15 kms / 1 hrs) - Road is single Lane rough and bumpy with a few places to give pass to the vehicles coming from the other direction. After visiting chandertaal lake you have to come out to the main Batal Kaza road.
Losar To Kaza (60 kms / 2.15 hrs) - The road improves and is better than what you travelled in between Gramphoo To Losar, still with many rough patches.

Fuel Stations: Starting your travel from Manali to Spiti valley you need to fuel at Manali as there is no fuel station on this route until you reach Kaza (200 kms) in Spiti Valley. Fuel at the Kaza fuel station is mostly available in between 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM. There is no Fuel station in between Manali to Kaza so bike riders should carry extra fuel in between these points with them - no need to carry extra fuel for the car drivers.

12. Weather Conditions in Spiti Valley – Month Wise Temperature in Spiti

Natural sources of water starts freezing in Mid October making November, December, January, February and March: the coldest times of year when the temperature falls down, below 0°C in minus . The heavy snow fall from December to March and the bone chilling temperature makes Spiti – The Cold Desert of Himalayas. During the winter time in Spiti due to no regular electricity supply, or freezing water sources the life becomes difficult even for the locals. But on the other hand for extreme adventure lovers the month of December to March becomes the best time of the year to start with the Spiti Valley Winter Tour Expeditions. January end and February becomes the best time of the year to sight the Snow Leopards and take a Spiti Snow Leopard tour. This is the time when due to heavy snowfall the wildlife comes down from the high mountains, near to the villages of Spiti, and people get the opportunity to sight the rare Snow Leopard, Snow ibex, Himalayan blue sheep etc.

Month Wise Tentative Temperature in Spiti

Month	Maximum Day Temperature	Minimum Night Temperature
January	-13°C to 0°C	-14°C to -28°C
February	-8°C to 4°C	-14°C to - 26°C
March	4°C to 9°C	-4°C to -15°C
April	5°C to 10°C	-4°C to -10°C
May	12°C to 18°C	6°C to -4°C
June	18°C to 26°C	11°C to 16°C
July	18°C to 26°C	11°C to 16°C
August	18°C to 26°C	7°C to 12°C
September	17°C to 22°C	3°C to 8°C
October	12°C to 18°C	-2°C to -12°C
November	5°C to 8°C	-11°C to -18°C
December	5°C to -4°C	-11°C to -22°C

13. Where to Stay - Hotels, Home Stays, Camps and Accommodations in Spiti Valley

While travelling to Spiti always remember and don’t forget, you are on a Spiti valley Adventure tour package, through the remotest part of Trans Himalayas, and the places you have choose to stay, your host is trying to provide his best to you with limited resources available in Spiti valley. There are no 5 star or 4 star hotels in Spiti valley and the major settlements in Spiti are Tabo, Dhankar, Mudh, Kaza, and Losar. Tabo and Kaza have a choice of hotels from Budget 1000/- per night (without food) up to INR 8,000/- or even more. Spiti valley have plenty of hotels, which are well equipped with all modern amenities and comprises variety of budget hotels, deluxe hotels, guest houses, Spiti Valley mud house, Spiti valley home stay with local people, Spiti valley fixed luxury tented accommodation. Most of these are run by the locals of these areas. One can choose the place of accommodation according to one’s requirement and budget. For whom experience matters along with the money there are options to stay in Spiti Home Stays which are available in many of the villages including Tabo, Dhankar, Lalung, Mudh, Langza, Kibber, Chicham, Losar. Fixed tented accommodations with Swiss camps are also available in Kaza and Chandrataal Lake which are run by the locals mostly from June to Early October. Your accommodations and living arrangements in Spiti valley hotels are not going to be 5 star, but we do believe that Summit Safari "The Travel Experts" cater to people requiring different levels of comfort, and most importantly where you stay is CLEAN and COMFORTABLE. We would like to discuss and make suggestions about accommodation at the time of planning your holidays with us +919805051102.

14. Camping at Chandra Taal Lake Spiti - Cost and Booking

Dream Destination of every traveller - Chandratal Lake (4,270 metres / 14.100 feet) in Spiti, is the part of Chandratal Wildlife Wet Land and Biosphere Reserve is also a natural habitat of Snow Leopards and many other rare Himalayan species like the Snow cock, Chukor, Black Ring Stilt, Kestrel, Golden Eagle, Chough, Red Fox, Himalayan Ibex, and Blue Sheep. It is among the 42 Ramsar Sites of international importance in India. Driving till the Chandra Taal Lake or Camping by the Chandra Taal Lake is not allowed by the Forest and Wildlife department. All vehicles are allowed to drive only, 1 kms before the Lake and you have to trek the last 1 km of stretch to reach the Chandrataal Lake.

As soon as the road to Chandratal Lake opens, from June to Early October, Seasonal Fixed Tented Camping accommodations are available 2 kms before the Chandratal Lake – Not By The Side Of Lake. Camping accommodations are being provided by the locals, are limited, expensive and needs to be pre-booked well in advance. Don't travel to Chandratal Lake with a mindset that you are going to stay in tents or camping at the Chandratal Lake - overlooking the Lake. All Chandratal camping sites are, 2 kms before the Lake and are operative as soon as the Circular route gets through from June to hardly by first 10 days of October. Only a few camping sites with limited tents operate during early October and they also wind up their tents by 10 October, depending on the weather conditions and the possibility of getting fresh snowfall and road getting close for the next 7 months. Just keep in mind The air is thin (less oxygen), nights are quiet cold if you are planning to stay at the camping at Chandrataal Lake specially after 15 September to early October. Many people travelling from Manali to Spiti with an overnight stay at Camping in Chandratal Lake falls sick, due to the Acute Mountain Sickness at the High Altitude location of The Chandrataal Lake at (4,270 metres / 14.100 feet). You can stay in Alpine tents or Swiss tents during the Camping at Chandratal Lake.

Swiss Tents: Have a double bed, inside the camp, with comfortable mattress and an attached washroom, with each tent with running cold water. Hot water depends on Solar or is available in bucket. Chandratal Lake Swiss Luxury Camping Cost may vary as per the availability from season to season from INR 2,000 to INR 2,750 per person - not per tent, using a Swiss tent including breakfast and dinner.

Alpine Tents: Have mattress on floor with sharing bathrooms and vary from INR 1,200 per person to INR 1,500 per person including breakfast and Dinner. Rates might vary from month to month depending on the availability of camping tents during the season.

For booking you Camping stay at Chandratal lake kindly plan and book your Spiti tour and Chandrataal stay in advance, for Tenzing Camp and Parasol Camp on the number +919805051102, as due to limitation of camping at Chandrataal lake at the last minute camps are not available.

15. Transportation to Spiti Valley – Spiti Valley Car Rental

Even the Car rental services in Spiti valley is limited, and is expensive also. It is suggested to pre organise your Spiti valley Tour, if you want to enjoy your tour through Spiti valley. The best thing is to Hire a taxi through local tour operator in Shimla and take a Spiti valley tour with an experienced local driver, who will take care of your comfort, safety and above all will show you all interesting sights in Spiti. You can contact on WhatsAap Number +919805051102 for professional reliable local knowledgeable drivers and good condition Car Rental services from Shimla or Manali to Spiti Valley which provides you the freedom to travel at your own pace. Summit Safari based in Shimla is one of the most reliable, professional Spiti valley car rental taxi company with experienced well behaved local drivers, who are experienced in driving through this trans Himalayan region. The company owns very good conditions of cars including Swift desire, Toyota Etios, Innova, Crysta, Tata Sumo, Tempo Travellers. You can contact them for Delhi to Spiti taxi fare, Delhi to Ladakh taxi fare, Chandigarh to Spiti Taxi fare, Manali To Spiti taxi fare, Shimla to Spiti round taxi fare or for all kind of Himachal tour and Taxi car rental services.

Public transportation in Spiti Valley is very limited and buses are operated by the state transport HRTC. There are only 1-2 buses from Shimla To Kaza taking people throughout the year. Sometimes the Shimla Kaza route is suspended during the snowfall in winters. People planning to travel to Spiti by public transportation need to change the bus enroute at Recong Peo the district headquarters of Kinnaur valley, even if you are booked on the direct bus from Shimla to Kaza. The same number buses (1-2) run from Manali to Kaza route from June to Early October only. A Seasonal (June to September) bus service in between Manali to Chandratal Lake is also being operated by the Himachal Road Transport Corporation (HRTC),since 2021. In Spiti travelling from villages to villages, depends on the bus which comes once a day to these villages. Sometimes you can find the sharing jeeps to travel small distances inside the Spiti valley, from village to village, where you might stand in the jeep behind or lucky to get a seat with locals.

16. Most Popular 7 Activities and Things to do In Spiti – Recommendations

If we talk about the top popular 7 activities and things to do in Spiti Valley - There are not any particular activities and things that are organised on regular basis in Spiti valley, which you can add to your Spiti Tour. The entire valley is amazing and so beautiful that you can spend hours and hours just walking, sitting, relaxing and watching the mountain landscapes at Spiti. At the moment rafting, rock climbing, yak rides are not operative regularly in the Spiti valley, but could be arranged by the Local Travel agents in Spiti valley on special request and have to be booked in advance. For any such activities and things to do in Spiti valley you may contact a local travel company Summit Safari on WhatsApp +919805051102. On the other hand there are a wide range of activities and things that you can in Spiti Valley and must include to your tour for an authentic travel experience.

i. Enjoy Camping, Tented accommodations and Star Gazing at The Chandra Taal Lake

Dark nights and stargazing at the Chandra Taal Lake is one of the most popular activity and in the list of things to do in Spiti Valley. Stargazing in Spiti can be done from Early June as soon as the road and camping at Chandratal Lake opens, till Mid September. After Mid September the nights are going to be cold and freezing and you may not like to walk to the lake in cold weather until your soul is full of adventure and you are mentally and physically strong and prepared for High altitude and Cold weather. Chandra taal lake is managed to increase wildlife and limit human intervention. The villages of Spiti valley including Langza, Chicham, Mudh are the best star gazing places and destinations of Spiti in India far away from the city lights and life. You can stay here in home stays and enjoy the star gazing in most spectacular landscapes of Spiti Valley. Travelling to Spiti valley one can enjoy camping under the sky in nature or could plan to stay in fixed tented accommodation at the camps run by the locals at Kaza, and Chandra Taal Lake.

ii. Meditation and Yoga in the Spiti valley

You can relax and practise meditation in some of the Buddhist monasteries in Spiti Valley. Tabo monastery caves and the meditation chambers at Key monastery are a great place for meditation by individuals. For Special groups, a traditional Buddhist meditation could be arranged where a Lama – the Buddhist monk helps you to meditate to achieve mental peace and internal well-being. Enjoy the 5 Element Mediation earth water, fire, wind and space with a Buddhist Monk in spit valley all organised for our group by Summit Safari "The Travel Experts" +919805051102. You can even meditate and do Yoga tour through Spiti in the Mountain landscape full with contrast of nature, wind, water to refresh your soul, mind, body and to reconnect you to the universal flow of nature.

iii. Spiti Valley Homestays Experience

An authentic travel Experience - Not to be missed during your Spiti valley tour "Spiti Valley Home stay" where you enjoy the home-cooked food, warm hospitality of locals, learn the traditions and observe the day to day life for the locals from closely. Home Stays in Spiti valley provides travellers, a unique opportunity to interact with locals and experience the life as it is lived today in Spiti Valley. You can spend a couple of nights in typical Spiti Home Stays, in some of the local villages, set up in the most charming landscapes of Spiti. You are hosted by a family which belongs to the Himalayan ethnic tribal group. Spiti Valley Home Stays and Tours provided by Summit Safari, Whats app +919805051102 is the part of the community based Eco tourism, Ethical, sustainable and Responsible travel. You enjoy local culture, food, dances, cooking classes with traditional arts and crafts, get the insight to the day to day life of some of the ethnic tribal communities from very closely; on the other hand it benefits the locals directly. Your living arrangement is not going to be a five star experience but where you stay during Spiti Valley Homestay, is very neat, clean and comfortable with homely environment. Home-cooked food, warm hospitality, and Spiti home stay experiences will stay with you forever.

iv. Spiti Valley Village to Village Trek or day Hikes

One of the best things and activities to do in Spiti valley is Spiti valley village to village trek through unspoilt landscapes and enjoy the natural wonders with the snow-capped peaks. Meet the local people and enjoy natural hospitality, relaxing in community-run home stays. You can even plan your day hikes in Spiti valley and explore Dhankar Lake, Lalung, Demul or couple spent some days hiking in Pin valley which have many options. Leaving the car behind just follow a trail to any village or to Bhaba Pass from Mudh, from couple of hrs(2-3 hrs) to a long day hike all could be done in Spiti valley as per your physical fitness and interest. Knowledgeable local guide from Spiti will be provided by Summit safari India

v. Spiti Valley Culinary and Food Tour

Even if you are staying in a hotel is Spiti one of the most interesting, popular and the top must to do activity and things in Spiti Valley, is that you can join a local family in Spiti for Culinary and Food Tour. During you day trip to a local village in Spiti Valley, Summit Safari India, Whats app +919805051102 will organise this Spiti Valley Culinary and Food Tour, where your friendly host helps you in learning, preparing, tasting and enjoying the authentic recipes from Spiti Valley. You can also learn to cook local food including the "Momos" (dumplings stuffed with mashed potatoes or vegetable), Thukpa, Churpe, Tsampa (barley Floor), Thentuk, Butter Tea and later join the family for dinning of self cooked food. Not to be missed is to taste a little bit of homemade barley drink (alcohol).

vi. Spiti Valley Motor Bike and Mountain Biking

Exploring Spiti Valley on a Royal Enfield Motor Bike, is the most adventuress and thrilling activities and things to do in Spiti Valley. While riding on the Off road tracks in Spiti valley you ride to the World’s highest villages and enjoy the majestic mountain scenery. You can rent bikes from Manali or from Shimla to plan a Spiti Valley Motor Bike Tour. Spiti Valley Motor Bike Tour organised by Summit Safari provides you on spot ground support to deal with anything unexpected. Motorbike tour to Spiti Valley includes unlimited fun and challenge on the circular route starting from Shimla via Kinnaur Spiti valley before finishing at Manali.

vii. Spiti Valley Wildlife and Snow Leopard Sighting

For wildlife lovers Spiti valley provides a rare opportunity to spot elusive Snow Leopards and other wildlife including the Snowcock, Chukor, Black Ring Stilt, Kestrel, Golden Eagle, Chough, Red Fox, Himalayan Ibex, and Blue Sheep. The snow leopard’s habitat ranges in the Kibber wildlife sanctuary, Pin Valley, area of Chandrataal Lake and many other villages and valleys of Lahaul Spiti. January End to February is a perfect time to take Spiti Winter Tour or to plan specially for the Spiti Snow Leopard Expedition Tour in winters.

17. Is Any Inner Line Permit Or E-Permit required to Visit Spiti Valley?

Indian Tourist do not need Inner Line Permits to visit Spiti valley but they need to apply online e-permit to travel to Chandratal Lake , or Spiti valley. This had started since July 2021 and each vehicle will have to be registered online to get e-permit called E Aagman, to be able to travel Koksar-Kaza road and to visit Chandrataal Lake or wise versa even if you are travelling from Shimla side. This E-Permit arrangement is to ensure safety of the visitors and to keep track record of the tourists especially during the peak season of travel from June to September. The government allows tourists to Chandrataal Lake according to its carrying capacity, as it is an eco sensitive area. Those without e-permit will not be allowed to travel on the route or to visit Chandra Taal Lake. Camping at the lake area is not be allowed. E-Aagman Permits can be applied online on http://www.eaagman.hp.gov.in/ and are issued within the couple of hrs or in a day. The E-Aagman Permits are being checked at The Kokhsar Check post if travelling from Manali to Spiti and at Losar Police check post if travelling from Spiti towards Chandrataal lake or Manali. Better to plan your Spiti valley tour in advance, so your tour operator will apply your e permits to Chandrataal Lake in advance.

Foreign tourists require an Inner Line permit to visit some of the areas which are close to the Tibetan border on Kinnaur Spiti Valley Route. These inner line permits can be obtained for this tour from the district magistrate at Shimla or Reckong Peo in Kinnaur valley and takes around 2-4 hrs depending on the availability of the signing authority for the inner line permits. Summit Safari India assists you to the government office and help you completing the formalities to obtain the Inner Line permits. Inner Line Permits required by the Foreign tourists to travel to Spiti valley, needs to be applied in the morning around 10:30 AM, on working days, from Monday to Saturday. Permits are not processed on Second Saturday and other public holidays.

18. Cost of Spiti Valley Trip - Cost to Travel Across Spiti Valley

The Cost of Spiti Valley Tour Packages depends on the number of days you are planning to visit, the type of hotels / home stays / camps / accommodation you choose to stay and most importantly how many persons are you planning to travel together in one vehicle. When you compare the cost of the Spiti valley tour provided by different tour operators at different prices, be careful about the inclusions that you are getting, place of starting and dropping off and above all choose a local experienced tour operator from Shimla, Manali or Spiti to organise a tour for you even if his offer seems a little expensive than so called online travel agent who are selling you Spiti tour packages but they themselves or their associates are not available in any case of emergency. At last it is not the matter of saving a little money but the matter of your safety and comfort while travelling with your friends and family through one of the most rugged terrain of the Indian Himalayas. One such reliable and professional local tour operator to Spiti valley is Summit Safari, contact +919805051102 based in Shimla with an experience of more than 20 years organising Spiti valley Tour Packages.

Here the Tour package Cost to Spiti valley, are based on the accommodations and fuel prices in 2021 - If you are a solo traveller of want to join the Spiti Valley Circular Group Tour for 8 Nights / 9 Days, a group tour to Spiti valley cost approximately INR 18,900 Per Person. A private Toyota Innova Tour package for Spiti valley for the same number of days, without joining any other group for 2 people, will cost around INR 29,000 Per Person where as if you are 4 people travelling together the Cost for the same Private Tour 8 Nights / 9 Days will reduce costing you approximately INR 19,500/- Per Person.

The Cost for the Manali to Spiti valley and Chandratal Lake Tour seems lower as it is a short tour where the number of days are reduce to 5-6 nights and the cost for such tour can cost you around 13,900/- Per person for a group of 4 persons travelling together or for joining a Manali Spiti Group Tour.

If you are 4-6 pax travelling together a private tour is suggested for you and it would be very reasonable to travel using Toyota Crysta as the transportation cost will dived in 5-6 people lowering down the cost for 8 Nights / 9 Days of the Spiti valley tour to 17,500 Per person. These are just the tentative cost and can be little less or more depending on the cost of accommodation, fuel at the time of booking, which may rise from year to year.

19. Tips about things and packing clothes for Spiti Valley Tour

When you start packing the things and specially the clothes for Spiti Valle Tour just keep in mind that the weather cannot be guaranteed and is very unpredictable, even during the summer months of May and June. Any day there could be bad weather which means light rain or Fresh Snowfall. The sky is amazingly blue during the summers and even during the monsoon or winter months. The high winds may make you feel cold even during the bright sunny days. You have to be quiet careful in packing clothes and other things for your Spiti valley trip. Above all travel light and warm, don't carry unnecessary baggage with you. I am focusing on some tips which will help you to pack you clothes and other important things for Spiti Valley Tour.

Carry Sun hat, warm woollen cap, 2-3 pairs of cotton socks and 1 pair of woollen socks. While packing clothes for Spiti valley tour package you need a combination of warm clothes and cotton clothes all together. Importantly couple of inner/ t-shirts, 1 sweater, 1 warm good water proof jacket, pair of walking sandals and 1 pair of good hiking shoes are also required.. During the months of may June July the day temperature is quiet warm and you would feel comfortable in cotton clothes during the day but as soon as the sun sets down you will require a sweater and a warm woollen cap even in the summer months in Spiti. With such combination of cotton and warm woollen clothes, you can travel to Spiti in August, September and October, as the temperature falls down in the evening and you feel cold - wear layers of clothes to protect yourself against the cold weather of Spiti. During the months of Winters from November to March do remember to pack a pair of Inner Thermals ( pant and sweatshirt) which cannot be missed in the packing list of clothes for the Spiti valley Winter tour. A moisturiser, cold cream, sunscreen lotion and a combination of both cotton and warm clothes are essential in the list of packing for Spiti Valley Trip.

20. Mobile Networks and Connectivity in Kinnaur and Spiti Valley

As we talk about the mobile networks and connectivity in Kinnaur and Spiti valley, at the moment in 2021- 2022 , BSNL and Jio are the only two service providers that provides you the mobile networks, internet and data connectivity services in Spiti Valley. Pre paid and post paid both kind of connections work in Spiti valley but only for BSNL and JIO Networks. In Shimla and Manali most of the Networks works including Airtel and Vi, but as you travel further north from Shimla toward Kinnaur Vi and Airtel both stops working, one by one after certain 2-3 days of road journey specially after Kalpa. In October 2021 JIO becomes the first mobile network company to provide connectivity, even in the high villages of Spiti like Chicham, Komik, Hikkim in Spiti valley. Pin valley was still having mobile networks and connectivity problems in Spiti valley till date, but may be in the summers of 2022, the pin valley may also get mobile networks and connectivity in Spiti valley.

BSNL and Jio both works good Enough - but not up to the mark as many times in a day, the mobile network connectivity breaks down due to poor connectivity, technical problems or electricity issues in the spiti valley. Mobile networks in Spiti valleys keeps on breaking and sometimes only available during morning hours or night. All places during the Spiti road trip including Shimla, Sarahan, Sangla, Chitkul, Kalpa, Puh, Nako, Tabo, Dhankar, Kaza, Hikkim, Komik, Key, Kibber, Chicham and Losar have mobile network and connectivity. The Last day of your journey beyond Losar to Chanderataal Lake, Batal towards Manali upto Gramphoo almost 80-100 kms of the area do not have any mobile networks and connectivity in Spiti Valley. Once you reach Gramphoo or Kokshar you again get the mobile networks and connectivity. Also be prepared for long electricity cuts, while travelling through Spiti in any season—many time the electricity is only available at night till early morning hours.

21. Do and Don't – Things to Do and Not to do during your Spiti valley Trip

As I always say Spiti Valley trip is once in a lifetime road trip. Its Incredibly beautiful, rugged, tough and challenging but rewarding at the end. It’s, totally different from rest of the India in terms of environment, landscapes, altitude. Below is the List of Do and Don’t – Things to Do and Not to do, during your Spiti valley Road Trip:

1. Most important is to choose a tour operator or a travel agent carefully. Better to Plan your tour with a local agent, rather than booking your tour through online travel companies having offices in big cities. It is not important that you book with a big travel house but it is more important that you book with a local reliable travel agent for Spiti valley which is based in Shimla, Manali or Kaza, as only they can be a great help on grounds in situation of anything beyond expectations. Summit Safari is Highly recommended local tour operator from Himachal for Spiti valley tours +919805051102.

2. While planning your Spiti valley trip – Don't trust YouTube Videos Blindly. Whatever is shown to you on Social Media doesn’t take it as a guaranteed. You tubers show you the best always; rarely will they show you the difficulties that they face during their travel. Google might suggest you Delhi to Spiti travel distance to cover in 18-20 hrs—but the road conditions don’t allow this and takes much more longer time to reach Spiti by road, which is the only way.

3. Choose and Trust your local travel Agent completely - Do find a reliable local travel agent https://www.summitsafari.com/contactus and plan your Spiti valley road trip with Chandrataal Lake carefully after listening to his advice. A you tuber might do Spiti tour once in his life and share his onetime experience with you but the local tour operators plan lots of tour to Spiti valley in each season and has a lifetime experience in operating such adventurous tours to Spiti. A local travel agent and tour operator is more concerned of your safety and comfort than making, only the profit out of your trip. So Choose and Trust your local travel Agent completely.

4. Don't ignore AMS- Acute Mountain Sickness. Don't enter Spiti Valley from Manali - as most of the valley is above 3,500 metres, so air is thin and specially people travelling from Manali to Spiti falls ill due to AMS. To reduce the chances of AMS, plan your Spiti tour in a better way and start from Shimla to Spiti finishing at the end at Manali which is the right way to take this adventurous trip. Even the most experience travellers fall ill during the Spiti valley road trip.

5. Don't Rush yourself - otherwise you will be breathless soon. Walk slowly during the sightseeing so your body gets proper time to acclimatize in the high Altitude of this cold desert of Spiti.

6. Don't consume alcohol but drink plenty of plain water, even if you don’t feel thirsty. The dry winds at this high altitude may dehydrate you.

7. Don't think to take a dip / swim in the icy lakes or Spiti river as the freezing cold water can create the risk for cardiac arrest or stroke.

8. Do take the permissions of the locals before taking their picture in your mobile phones or cameras. Be polite and friendly - don’t forget to say them Julley (hello) or Thank you.

9. Don't play loud music - Locals live calm lives- Do Not interrupt their peace

10. Don't go on trekking / long hikes without a local guide.

11. Don't rely yourself on BHIM UPI, Google Pay or any such online money transfer system while travelling through the Spiti valley. Many people are still not using these or poor internet and communications might not allow you to make money transfers in Spiti Valley.

12. Do carry sufficient cash in your pockets during the Spiti valley tour.

13. Do carry basic medicines with you as per your health conditions. Basic medicines in your list should include medicines for headache, fever,vomting, stomach ache, cold, cough syrup, bandage and antiseptic. You must Carry Diamox (altitude sickness drug) only after consulting from the doctor.

14. Please respect and maintain Mountain Etiquette, respect nature and Local Culture.

15. Most importantly Do Not Litter – Or leave any empty plastic bottles behind. Leave the Footprints only and help to preserve the nature and beauty of the region you visit.