How to Reach Spiti Valley By Road – Best Summer Route

Apr 29, 2025

Planning to explore the untouched beauty of Spiti Valley? Oh.. Wow! That’s a great idea! You know what, Spiti Valley is one of those rare places that offer peace, adventure, and raw landscapes, all at once. But many travelers get confused about the best way to get here. Let’s break it all down in a simple way.

First of all, we would like to tell you a bit about Spiti Valley. It is located in Himachal Pradesh, close to the Indo-Tibet border. It is a cold desert region with high mountain passes, rivers, and ancient monasteries. The name “Spiti” means “The Middle Land,” as it lies between India and Tibet. Summers are the best time to visit Spiti. Roads open up, skies remain clear, and views look breathtaking. Travelers can explore places like Key Monastery, Chicham Bridge, Dhankar Monastery, Pin Valley, Langza, Hikkim, and Tabo.

Now, let’s explore the best ways to reach Spiti Valley.

Two Popular Road Routes to Spiti Valley

There are two major routes to reach Spiti Valley by road. Let’s explore both in detail.

Route 1: Via Kinnaur through Hindustan – Tibet Highway

This is the most popular and scenic route. It remains open for most of the year, except during heavy snowfall. The following route allows for easy access by car.

Route Map:

Segment	Distance	Estimated Time	Road Condition
Shimla to Narkanda	61.7 km	2 hrs	Good
Narkanda to Rampur	100 km	3 hrs	Smooth
Rampur to Kalpa	80 km	3 hrs	Hilly but decent
Kalpa to Nako	100 km	4 hrs	Rough patches
Nako to Kaza	110 km	4 hrs	Narrow and bumpy

This route runs alongside the Sutlej River and offers views of deep valleys and pine forests. You pass through remote villages and ancient monasteries. Tourists enjoy stopping at places like Chitkul, Sangla Valley, and Kalpa for beautiful views and calm surroundings.

Why Choose This Route?

Roads stay open longer during the year
You get to acclimatize slowly
Scenic views throughout the journey
Less altitude gain at once, which helps avoid altitude sickness

Route 2: Via Manali

This route opens only from late June to early October. Roads remain blocked due to snow in other months.

Route Map:

Manali → Rohtang Pass → Gramphu → Chatru → Batal → Kunzum Pass → Kaza (Spiti)

Segment	Distance	Estimated Time	Road Condition
Manali to Rohtang Pass	50 km	2 hrs	Well-paved
Rohtang to Gramphu	20 km	1 hrs	Rocky terrain
Gramphu to Batal	60 km	3 hrs	Dirt roads
Batal to Kunzum Pass	40 km	2 hrs	Tough drive
Kunzum Pass to Kaza	80 km	3 hrs	Narrow roads

This route is shorter but more adventurous. You cross two major passes – Rohtang and Kunzum. It’s not suitable for first-time travelers or nervous drivers.

Why Choose This Route?

Less travel time
Best for thrill seekers
Ideal for a return journey if entering via Kinnaur
Open only during peak summer months

How to Reach Spiti Valley by Road or Bus

Reaching Spiti by road is the most common option. Whether you travel in a private vehicle or by bus, the journey will stay in your memory forever.

From Shimla:

You can take an HRTC bus from Shimla to Reckong Peo
From Reckong Peo, take another bus to Kaza
Total time: Around 2 days

From Manali:

Daily HRTC buses run from Manali to Kaza in the summer
The journey is 9-11 hours, depending on road conditions

Travel Tip: Book bus tickets early during peak months. Carry water, snacks, and warm clothes.

How to Reach Spiti Valley by Train

There is no direct train to Spiti Valley. But you can take a train to the nearest railway station and then continue by road.

Nearest Station	Distance from Spiti	Travel Time by Road
Kalka	440 Km	14 hrs
Shimla (Toy Train)	412 Km	13 hrs
Joginder Nagar	360 Km	12 hrs

Best Option: Take the train to Kalka, then travel to Shimla by toy train or cab. From Shimla, start your road trip to Spiti Valley via Kinnaur.

How to Reach Spiti Valley by Air

There is no airport in Spiti Valley. But nearby airports can get you close.

Nearest Airport	Location	Distance from Kaza	Travel Time by Road
Bhuntar Airport	Near Kullu	250 Km	9-10 hrs
Jubbarhatti Airport	Shimla	420 Km	13-14 hrs
Chandigarh Airport	Chandigarh	500 Km	15-16 hrs

After reaching the airport, hire a cab or take a bus to Kaza. Flights are limited and depend on weather conditions.

Best Time to Visit Spiti Valley

Spiti Valley stays open only during summer. The best months are from May to October.

Month	Travel Condition	Special Experience
May – June	Roads open	Green landscapes
July – August	Rainy in Kinnaur	Waterfalls, rivers in full flow
September – October	Clear skies	Best for photography

Avoid winters unless you are fully prepared. Heavy snow blocks roads, and temperatures fall below -20°C.

Tips for a Smooth Spiti Valley Trip

Carry cash. ATMs are rare after Reckong Peo
Mobile networks are weak. Only BSNL works in Kaza
Carry a first aid kit and extra medicines
Drive slow and carefully on narrow roads
Avoid overpacking. Take warm clothes, sunscreen, and a torch

Conclusion

Spiti Valley is a paradise for nature lovers and adventure seekers. It offers a perfect blend of mountains, culture, and peace. Whether you take the scenic Kinnaur route or the thrilling Manali road, your journey will be full of unforgettable views and experiences. Always check weather updates before starting the trip. Carry all essentials and keep your camera ready.

If you plan to stay in Spiti, Mahamaya Regency by Eco Hospitality in Kaza offers a comfortable stay with beautiful views of the valley. It is a peaceful place with all basic facilities, ideal for resting after a long road trip. So, pack your bags and get ready for a life-changing journey to Spiti Valley.