Spiti
Spiti Valley Travel Guide: Routes, Permits and Altitude
Two roads in, one of them seasonal, and a valley that sits above 3,500m for most of its length. Here is how to plan a Spiti drive that works.
Spiti is a rain-shadow desert wedged between Kinnaur and Ladakh. It has two entrances and they behave completely differently: the Shimla–Kinnaur road climbs gradually and stays open most of the year, while the Manali road crosses Kunzum La at 4,590m and is only open in summer.
Choosing your approach
| Approach | Distance to Kaza | Season | Altitude gain |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shimla · Kinnaur | ~420 km | Almost year-round | Gradual — best for acclimatising |
| Manali · Kunzum La | ~200 km | Mid-June to mid-October | Abrupt — 2,050m to 4,590m in a day |
If you have the days, enter through Kinnaur and exit over Kunzum La. Your body gets three days to adapt on the way up and you see two entirely different landscapes instead of one twice.
Permits
Indian nationals do not need a permit for Spiti itself. Foreign nationals require an Inner Line Permit for the restricted Kinnaur stretch between Jangi and Sumdo, issued at Reckong Peo with a passport copy and photographs. Carry printed copies — checkposts will not accept a phone screenshot on a bad network day.
Fuel, cash and network
- Fuel: Rampur, Reckong Peo and Kaza. The Kaza–Manali leg over Kunzum La has none — leave Kaza full.
- Cash: ATMs at Reckong Peo and Kaza only, and both run dry. Carry the whole trip in cash.
- Network: BSNL and Jio in Kaza and Tabo. Assume nothing in between.
Altitude planning
Kaza sits at 3,800m and the day loop to Komic and Hikkim touches 4,587m. Plan two nights below 3,200m before your first night in Kaza, keep hydration high and do not schedule the Komic loop for your first morning in the valley. Full detail is in our high altitude safety guide.
What to see, and how long it takes
- 01Kalpa and Chitkul in Kinnaur — one night, apple country and the last green valley.
- 02Nako and Tabo — the transition into desert; Tabo monastery is 1,000 years old.
- 03Dhankar and Pin Valley — half a day each from the main road.
- 04Kaza base: Key, Kibber, Langza, Komic and Hikkim — two full days.
- 05Chandratal — one night, mid-June to mid-October only.
Spiti rewards the itinerary that leaves a day unplanned. Something always takes longer than the map says.
When to go
Mid-June to September for the full circuit, late September for the cleanest light, and January to February for the frozen valley. Our winter expedition guide covers what changes once the snow arrives.
Downloads
Frequently asked
- Do I need a permit for Spiti Valley?
- Indian nationals do not need a permit for Spiti. Foreign nationals need an Inner Line Permit for the Jangi to Sumdo stretch in Kinnaur, issued at Reckong Peo.
- Which route to Spiti is better for acclimatisation?
- The Shimla–Kinnaur route. It gains altitude over three days, whereas the Manali route crosses Kunzum La at 4,590m within hours of leaving 2,050m.
- Is there fuel between Kaza and Manali?
- No. There is no fuel station between Kaza and Manali over Kunzum La, roughly 200km. Fill up in Kaza and carry a jerry can.
- How many days is enough for Spiti?
- Eight days allows the full circuit with acclimatisation. Six is possible as an out-and-back via Kinnaur but leaves no buffer for weather or landslides.
Ride with us
Drive Spiti with us
Eight days from Shimla through Kinnaur, Kaza, Komic and Chandratal, run as a supported 4×4 convoy.
See the Spiti CircuitWritten by
Hello Himalayas Expedition Desk
Route planning & operations, Rohru
Our route planners have run these roads every season since 2015, from Rohru into Spiti, Zanskar and eastern Ladakh. Everything here comes out of the logbook.