Facts last checked 2026-11-04.
Spiti Valley is a high-altitude cold-desert valley in the Lahaul and Spiti district of Himachal Pradesh. Kaza is the main town. Travellers come for the monasteries, the mountain villages, Chandratal lake and the long road journey itself.
What we arrange in Spiti
Spiti is mainly a road journey with stops at villages, monasteries and viewpoints. We plan the route, stays and transport around your dates, group size and interests, and arrange them with registered local providers. Tell us how many days you have and which way you want to travel, and we will tell you what is possible.
We price each trip by your dates and group size. See how pricing works.
Getting to Spiti
There is no airport or railway station in Spiti. The nearest airport is Kullu-Manali Airport at Bhuntar, about 245 km from Kaza. The nearest railheads are Joginder Nagar, Shimla and Chandigarh. Everyone finishes the journey by road, and there are two roads.
- From Manali: through the Atal Tunnel, Gramphu, Batal and Kunzum Pass to Losar and Kaza. It is about 180 to 200 km and takes most of a day. It is usually open from late May or June to mid-October, depending on snow at Kunzum Pass.
- From Shimla: up the Sutlej river through Kinnaur, Nako and Tabo to Kaza. It takes two to three days and is usually open most of the year, with short closures in heavy snow.
Many travellers go in by one road and come out by the other when both are open. Opening dates change every year, so ask us before you fix a route.
Spiti is high, with an average altitude of about 12,500 ft (3,800 m). Give yourself time to acclimatise before anything strenuous, and speak to a doctor first if you have a heart, lung or blood-pressure condition. Manali is the usual starting point on the Manali side.
When to go to Spiti
| Months | What to expect |
|---|---|
| June to September | Both roads are usually open. This is the most reliable window. |
| October | Clear days, but early snow can close the Manali side. Keep your plans flexible. |
| November to March | Very cold. Only the Shimla road is usually open, and snow can close it for days. Fewer services run. |
| April to May | The Shimla road is usually open. The Manali side and Kunzum Pass are still snowbound, and nights are cold. |
Spiti Valley: common questions
What is the best time to visit Spiti Valley?
June to September, when both the Manali and Shimla roads are usually open.
Can I visit Spiti in winter?
Yes, by the Shimla and Kinnaur road, which usually stays open most of the year. The Manali side closes for winter, and the cold and limited services make it a trip for prepared travellers.
Which route to Spiti is better, Manali or Shimla?
The Manali road is shorter and takes a day. The Shimla road takes two to three days but is open longer. Doing one in and the other out shows you both.
How much does a Spiti trip cost?
There is no fixed rate card. We price each trip by your dates and group size. Send us your plan and we will reply with a quote.