Himachal Pradesh
Spiti Valley road trip guide
Last updated
- Main town
- Kaza (about 3,800 m)
- Ways in
- Via Shimla and Kinnaur, or via Manali and Kunzum La
- Best for
- Self-drive and bike trips with time to spare
- Network
- Limited; often only around towns
Spiti is a high cold desert on the Himachal side of the Himalaya. Roads are slow, villages are far apart, and the drive is as much the trip as the destinations.
Conditions change. Road openings, permits, fees and weather vary by season and year. Check the latest official or local information before you travel, especially for high-altitude routes.
Choosing a route
Via Shimla and Kinnaur
The longer approach through Kinnaur is generally accessible for more of the year and climbs more gradually, which helps with acclimatisation.
Via Manali and Kunzum La
Shorter on paper but seasonal: the high pass section is usually open only in the warmer months and can be rough, with water crossings. Check status before you set out.
The circuit
Many travellers enter one way and leave the other, which avoids retracing the route — but only when both sides are open.
Before you go
- Plan short driving days; average speeds are low on mountain roads.
- Allow rest and acclimatisation days, especially before staying overnight at higher villages.
- Fuel up at every opportunity — Kaza is the main stop in the valley.
- Expect limited network and save your plan offline before leaving the last well-connected town.
- A vehicle with good ground clearance makes the rough sections easier.