If Ladakh is the crown jewel of the Indian Himalayas, then Spiti Valley is its wild and untamed soul. Called the “Middle Land” because it sits between India and Tibet, Spiti is a cold desert mountain valley high up in Himachal Pradesh.
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For years, only hardcore adventurers knew about Spiti. Now, as 2026 approaches, the Spiti Valley Circuit is quickly becoming one of India’s most sought-after road trips. Unlike the busy hubs of Manali or the busy roads of Leh, Spiti gives you quiet landscapes, ancient monasteries, moon-like scenery, and villages that seem to reach the clouds.
Whether you ride a bike, drive an SUV, or travel by HRTC bus, this guide has everything you need to tackle the challenging but beautiful roads of Spiti.
Before you plan your trip, it helps to know what makes the Spiti Valley route special.
Why Choose the Spiti Valley Circuit?
The “Full Circuit” means entering the valley from Shimla (Kinnaur side) and leaving through Manali. This isn’t just a travel choice—it’s important for your health.
- Acclimatization: Taking the Shimla route lets you adjust to the altitude slowly over 3 to 4 days. You begin at 2,200 meters in Shimla and gradually reach 3,700 meters in Kaza. In contrast, the Manali route jumps from 2,000 meters to 4,500 meters (Kunzum Pass) in one day, which raises your risk of Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS), a problem caused by sudden exposure to low oxygen at high altitudes.
- Diverse Landscapes: On this route, you’ll see the green valleys of Kinnaur, apple orchards in Sangla, the steep cliffs along the Hindustan-Tibet highway, and finally, the dry, moon-like scenery of Spiti.
- No Rohtang Permit Hassle: If you enter from Shimla and leave through Manali, you skip the trouble of getting the hard-to-obtain Rohtang Pass permit (needed when traveling toward Rohtang from Manali).
Best Time to Visit Spiti Valley
Mid-June to September (The Golden Window): This is the only period when the whole circuit is open. Kunzum Pass, which links Kaza to Manali, usually opens in mid-June. Before that, you can only go from Shimla to Kaza and back the same way. July and August bring green views in Kinnaur, but there’s a risk of landslides during the monsoon. September is often the best month, with drier roads and apple harvests in Kinnaur.
Winter Spiti (January to March): This season is only for the brave. The Kaza-Manali road is closed, so you can only reach Spiti through Shimla. Temperatures can fall to -30°C. This is also when the “Snow Leopard Expedition” takes place, which is becoming popular among wildlife photographers.
The Ultimate 10-Day Spiti Valley Itinerary (Shimla to Manali)
This itinerary uses the “Anti-Clockwise” route to lower your risk of AMS.
Day 1: Shimla to Narkanda (65 km / 2-3 hrs)
Drive to Narkanda, a peaceful town above Shimla. Visit Hatu Peak for wide views of the Himalayas.
- Stay: HPTDC Hotel Hatu or local homestays.
Day 2: Narkanda to Sarahan (100 km / 4-5 hrs)
Go down into the Sutlej valley and head to Sarahan, called the “Gateway to Kinnaur.”
- Visit Bhimakali Temple, an 800-year-old wooden wonder with beautiful mountains behind it.
Day 3: Sarahan to Chitkul (110 km / 5-6 hrs)
Enter Kinnaur Valley, detour at Karcham to Sangla Valley.
- Chitkul is the last inhabited village on the Indo-Tibet border and is known for having the cleanest air in India. Watch the sunset over snowy mountains by the Baspa River.
Day 4: Chitkul to Kalpa (60 km / 3 hrs)
Return to Karcham, then continue to Reckong Peo and Kalpa.
- The legendary Kinnaur Kailash mThe famous Kinnaur Kailash mountain is sacred to Lord Shiva and changes color as the day goes on. Nearby, “Suicide Point” in Roghi Village has a steep drop that makes for dramatic photos, but be careful. / 7-8 hrs)
It’s a long drive. You leave the green hills of Kinnaur and enter Spiti Valley at Sumdo.
- The Transition: Watch as the trees vanish. You’ve entered the cold desert.
- Stop at Nako Lake, then reach Tabo by evening.
Day 6: Tabo to Kaza via Dhankar (50 km / 3 hrs)
Begin at Tabo Monastery (996 AD), the “Ajanta of the Himalayas” for its frescoes.
- Take a detour to Dhankar Monastery, which sits on a cliff. If you like, you can trek for 45 minutes to Dhankar Lake.
- Arrive in Kaza, your base for the next two days.
Day 7: Kaza Sightseeing (The High Altitude Loop)
Today, visit villages and landmarks that hold world records.
- Langza: Known for the giant Buddha statue and marine fossils in the soil.
- Komic: World’s highest road-connected village (4,587m).
- Hikkim: Send a postcard from the World’s Highest Post Office—it’s a must-do for travelers. A s-like monastery perched on a conical hill defines Spiti’s landscape.
Day 8: Kaza to Chandratal Lake (100 km / 5-6 hrs)
Cross Kunzum Pass (4,551m), visit the Kunzum Mata temple, and then take the off-road route to Chandratal.
- Chandratal: The lake has bright blue water. Camps are set up 2 km from the lake to protect the environment. Nights here are cold and windy.
Day 9: Chandratal to Manali (130 km / 7-8 hrs)
The last part, from Batal to Gramphu, is the hardest. It feels more like driving on a rocky riverbed than a road.
- At Gramphu, enter the Atal Tunnel for a quick return to Manali.
Day 10: Departure from Manali
Relax in Old Manali, try some trout, and then take a Volvo bus to Delhi or Chandigarh.
Important Planning Details
- Permits
- Indian Nationals: You do not need an Inner Line Permit (ILP) to visit Spiti. You only need a valid ID (Aadhar/Voter ID/Passport).
- Foreign Nationals: An Inner Line Permit (ILP), a travel document issued by the government, is mandatory to travel between Reckong Peo and Kaza (the protected border area). You can obtain this in Shimla (District Magistrate’s office) or Reckong Peo. It takes about a day.
- Vehicle Permit: If you are driving a car not registered in Himachal (for example, with Delhi [DL], Punjab [PB], or Haryana [HR] license plates) and crossing the Rohtang Pass, you need a permit. However, if you use the Atal Tunnel route on the return, this is often waived or simplified, but always check the latest rules on the “Manali Administration” website.
- Vehicle & Road Conditions
- Car: It’s best to use an SUV with high ground clearance, like a Scorpio, Thar, XUV, or Creta. Hatchbacks and sedans will have a tough time on the Chandratal route and at Malling Nallah near Nako.
- Bike: Royal Enfield bikes (Himalayan or Classic 350/500) work best here. Make sure your bike has off-road tires.
- Fuel: Fill your tank at Reckong Peo in Kinnaur. The next petrol station is 200 km away in Kaza. There’s no fuel available between Kaza and Manali, so carry a jerry can.
- Packing for Spiti
Spiti is a cold desert, and even in June, the wind can feel very harsh.
- Layers: You must pack thermals. Bring a heavy down jacket, a windcheater, and woolen socks.
- Sun Protection: The UV rays at 14,000 feet are very strong. Bring SPF 50+ sunscreen and polarized sunglasses to avoid snow blindness.
- Medical Kit: Pack Diamox (to help prevent AMS), camphor (smelling it can help you breathe), paracetamol, and ORS (oral rehydration solution).
- Connectivity
- The BSNL is the only mobile network that works well in Kaza and Tabo. Usually work up to Kalpa/Sangla and are slowly expanding to Kaza (4G is intermittent in Kaza as of late 2025), but do not rely on them for the deep valley.
- Internet: Most cafes and hotels in Kaza have Wi-Fi, but it can be slow. Think of this as a chance for a digital detox.
Estimated Budget (Per Person)
Based on a group of 4 traveling for 10 days.
- Self-Drive (Fuel + Car maintenance): ₹10,000
- Accommodation (Homestays/Budget Hotels): ₹12,000 (Avg ₹1200/night)
- Food: ₹6,000 (Food is affordable in dhabas)
- Total: Expect to spend about ₹28,000 to ₹35,000 per person.
Conclusion
A road trip to Spiti Valley isn’t just a vacation—it’s an expedition. The roads will test your patience, but the views will reward you. When you stand on the edge of Dhankar cliff or see the Milky Way reflected in Chandratal Lake, you’ll understand why travelers call this place magical.
The mountains are calling. Will you answer in 2026?
Planning a trip to the Himalayas? Check out our other guides on Ladakh, Jammu & Kashmir, and Bhutan at Himalayatra.com!