Spiti Valley, known as the “Middle Land,” is a cold desert valley in the lap of the Himalayas. This valley is famous for its stunning natural beauty, ancient monasteries, and unique culture. The journey to Spiti Valley itself is an adventurous experience, with winding mountain roads, high-altitude passes, and serene valleys welcoming you along the way.

Proper planning is essential before traveling to Spiti Valley. There are two main routes to reach this region:

1.Via Shimla to Spiti Valley

2Via Manali to Spiti Valley

The Shimla route offers a gradual ascent in altitude and is filled with scenic views. On the other hand, the Manali route is more challenging and ideal for adventure enthusiasts.

This article provides information about the road plan, distance, and other travel-related details for Spiti Valley. From Chandigarh, Delhi, or any other city, you must first reach either Manali or Shimla. Then, you can start your journey toward Spiti Valley. This blog will help make your exciting trip to Spiti Valley a memorable one.

There are two main routes from Chandigarh to Spiti Valley: one via Shimla and the other via Manali. Both routes offer different experiences for travelers. Below is the detailed road plan for both routes from Chandigarh to Spiti Valley, highlighting the unique features of each part of the journey.

The road from Chandigarh to Shimla is simple and very popular. It can be the first step toward reaching Spiti Valley.

• Distance: Approximately 113 km
• Time required: 3–4 hours
• Route: From Chandigarh, follow NH5 toward Shimla. Along the way, you will pass through Kalka, Parwanoo, and Solan. The hilly roads start near Shimla.
• Road condition: The NH5 highway is usually in good condition. Although the route from Kalka to Shimla is hilly, it is easy to drive on.

Scenery: The road to Shimla offers beautiful views of dense pine and deodar forests. The areas around Parwanoo and Solan have especially stunning mountain scenery.

You can use Shimla as an important stop on your way to Spiti Valley. For those who prefer long drives through hilly roads, Shimla is an ideal resting spot.

Shimla, the capital of Himachal Pradesh, is one of India’s most popular and scenic hill stations. Located at an altitude of about 2,200 meters above sea level, Shimla is known for its cool weather, natural beauty, and historical architecture. Many call it the “Queen of Hills.”

Shimla has several attractions for tourists, including:

• Kufri: Located just 16 km from Shimla, Kufri is famous for its snow-covered mountains and adventure sports. It becomes a paradise for snow lovers in winter.
• Mall Road: The heart of Shimla, Mall Road, is perfect for shopping, dining, and experiencing local culture. It has shops selling handicrafts, cafes, and traditional markets.
• Jakhoo Temple: Situated at the highest point of Shimla, this temple is dedicated to the Hindu deity Hanuman. The temple offers breathtaking views of Shimla and the surrounding hills.
• The Ridge: A cultural hub of Shimla, this open space hosts festivals and events. The views of the surrounding mountains from here are stunning.
• Christ Church: Built in 1857, this church is the second-oldest in North India. It is an excellent example of Gothic architecture.

Another major reason to visit Shimla is its weather. In summer, Shimla’s cool climate attracts tourists, while in winter, snowfall amazes travelers. From Shimla, you can also visit nearby places like Kufri, Chail, and Mashobra.

Shimla is not just about natural beauty but also holds historical importance. It served as the summer capital of British India, and its roads and architecture reflect this influence.

Overall, Shimla offers a unique mix of nature, history, and culture, making it a memorable travel destination.

The distance from Shimla to Spiti Valley is 420 km, and it will take about 12 hours to travel. There are five reasons to choose the road from Shimla to Spiti Valley.

The route from Shimla to Spiti Valley passes through the Kinnaur district, which is full of natural beauty and challenges. This route gradually increases in altitude, reducing the risk of AMS (Acute Mountain Sickness), and it remains open all year.

• Distance: About 265 km
• Time Needed: 8-9 hours
• Route: Take NH5 from Shimla via Rampur and Jeori to reach Reckong Peo, the main town of Kinnaur district.
• Scenery: Enjoy views of the Sutlej River, Hatu Peak in Narkanda, and the hot springs in Jeori along the way.

• Distance: About 198 km
• Time Needed: 9-10 hours
• Route: Travel from Reckong Peo via Pooh and Nako to reach Kaza. The main attractions along the way are Nako Lake and Tabo Monastery.
• Road Condition: The road from Kinnaur to Spiti is challenging, especially between Reckong Peo and Kaza. However, with an experienced driver and a suitable vehicle, it is manageable.

1. Better Altitude Adjustment:
   The gradual increase in altitude on this route reduces the risk of AMS.
2. Avoiding Rohtang Pass:
   Traveling from Shimla to Kaza avoids the hassle of getting Rohtang Pass permits.
3. Open Year-Round:
   The route from Shimla to Spiti remains open throughout the year, making it more convenient compared to the Manali route.
4. Amazing Scenery:
   Traveling via the Hindustan-Tibet Highway offers stunning views of the Sutlej River, mountain villages, and rugged terrain.
5. Extra Attractions:
   In Reckong Peo, you can visit Kalpa and Kinnaur Kailash. The Nako and Tabo regions have historic Buddhist monasteries.

• Use an experienced driver and an SUV considering the road conditions.
  • It is advisable to spend one night in Reckong Peo or Kalpa to help adjust to the altitude.
  • The road conditions can be tough in winter, so planning ahead is necessary.

This route from Shimla to Spiti Valley offers an amazing experience for nature lovers and adventurers.

The Chandigarh to Manali route is the second option for reaching Spiti Valley.

Distance: About 307 km
Time: 8-9 hours
Route: From Chandigarh, take NH205 to Mandi and then to Manali. You will pass through places like Bilaspur and Kullu.
Road conditions: The road from Chandigarh to Mandi is good, but some parts from Mandi to Manali are narrow.
Scenic views: You can enjoy the beauty of the Sutlej and Beas rivers on the way to Manali. The apple orchards around Kullu are especially beautiful.

You can spend time in Manali on your way from Chandigarh to Spiti Valley. It is one of the most popular tourist spots in Himachal Pradesh, full of natural beauty. Located north of the Kullu Valley on the banks of the Beas River, it attracts tourists all year round. The snow-capped mountains, green forests, flowing rivers, and stunning views make Manali a paradise for nature and adventure lovers.

Manali also has several interesting tourist spots. Here’s a brief discussion about them:

 Located just 14 km from Manali, Solang Valley is famous for adventure sports. You can experience paragliding, skiing, zip-lining, and snowmobiling here. It becomes especially popular in winter due to snowfall.

 About 51 km from Manali, Rohtang Pass is one of Himachal Pradesh’s most attractive destinations. At 3,978 meters above sea level, it offers breathtaking views of snow-covered mountains. It is also the gateway to the Lahaul-Spiti Valley.

 For those who want to escape the hustle and bustle of the city, Old Manali is the perfect place. Narrow streets, wooden houses, and a peaceful atmosphere make Old Manali unique. There are many cafes and local handicraft shops here that attract visitors.

On your way from Manali to Spiti Valley, the Atal Tunnel is a major attraction. It is the longest high-altitude tunnel in the world and connects the Lahaul Valley to Manali year-round. The natural beauty of Lahaul can be enjoyed as you pass through the tunnel.

Located in the center of Manali, the Hadimba Temple is dedicated to Hidimba, the wife of Bhima from the Mahabharata. Built in 1553, the temple is designed in a pagoda style and is surrounded by dense deodar trees, which make it even more beautiful.

This village, located just 3 km from Manali, is famous for its natural hot springs. Bathing in the natural hot water surrounded by snowy mountains is a delightful experience.

The journey to Spiti Valley from Manali is very exciting. After passing through the Atal Tunnel, you can enjoy the vast beauty of the Lahaul Valley. There are amazing places along the way like Keylong, Kaza, and Chandratal Lake.

Manali is famous not only for its nature and adventure but also for its perfect blend of tradition, culture, and modern amenities. The snow-capped mountains, adventure sports, local food, and unique cultural experiences make Manali a memorable tourist destination.

In conclusion, visiting Manali is not just about enjoying natural beauty but also about finding thrilling adventures and mental peace.

If you are coming from Delhi to Manali, it will take about 12 hours from Delhi Airport to Solang Valley. The distance is approximately 522 km. From Delhi to Spiti Valley, it is about 714 km, and the travel time will be around 16 hours. You will spend the night in Solang Valley. From Solang, it is 171 km to Kaza. If you reach Manali early and travel overnight, you will be able to visit some places in Manali, such as Mall Road, Manali Menu Temple, local monasteries, and the Old Monastery.

From my experience, I suggest you spend the night in Solang Valley when you arrive in Manali. Solang Valley is at a higher altitude, which will help you acclimate to the high altitude of Spiti Valley. The next day, you can visit Chandratal Lake.

To shorten your journey, travel via the Atal Tunnel instead of the Rohtang Pass. This will save you two to three hours and avoid the hassle of the Rohtang Pass permit. Chandratal Lake is beautiful and located at an elevation of 14,000 feet.

If you visit Chandratal Lake from Manali, the risk of AMS (Acute Mountain Sickness) increases due to lack of acclimatization. Therefore, you might want to stay in Batal instead of Chandratal Lake. Batal is at a lower altitude, but it has limited facilities with only a few small eateries and shared dorm-style beds. There is also a PWD rest house, but electricity is mostly unavailable there. You can only use it for sleeping or opt for a place in Batal with minimal facilities.

The next day, travel to Kaza in the morning. The distance from Chandratal or Batal to Kaza is approximately 97 km, and it will take around 4 hours. After reaching Kaza, you can check into your hotel and explore the Kaza market in the afternoon.

Also Read:Spiti Valley Bike Tour in extreme cold

The route from Manali to Spiti Valley is full of stunning natural beauty, but it is very challenging. The Atal Tunnel route saves time compared to the Rohtang Pass route and makes the journey easier.

About 200 km Time required: 10-12 hours Route: Manali → Atal Tunnel → Keylong → Losar → Kaza After crossing Atal Tunnel, you can reach Kaza by passing through Keylong and Losar. The Atal Tunnel helps avoid the permit issues of Rohtang Pass and saves 2-3 hours.

Road Conditions: Manali → Atal Tunnel: The roads are quite good. Atal Tunnel → Kaza: Although Rohtang Pass is avoided, the road from Keylong to Kaza is quite rough, with many sections being unpaved.

Natural Beauty: On this route, you will enjoy views of snow-covered mountains, the meeting point of the Beas and Chandra rivers, and the beautiful villages. You can also see natural sights like the Chandratal Lake.

Manali → Solang Valley: After reaching Manali from Delhi, it is advisable to spend the night in Solang Valley. Solang Valley is at a high altitude, which will help you adjust to the altitude of Spiti Valley.

Solang → Chandratal: Chandratal Lake is very beautiful, but due to the risk of altitude sickness (AMS), it is advised not to stay overnight at Chandratal and instead stay at Batal. Facilities are limited in Batal, but it is relatively safer.

From Chandratal to Kaza: The distance from Chandratal or Batal to Kaza is about 97 km, and it takes about 4 hours to cover. Once you reach Kaza, check into your hotel and explore the Kaza market in the evening.

• Travel via Atal Tunnel to avoid Rohtang Pass. 
• Plan to ascend gradually to avoid altitude sickness. 
• Use experienced drivers and suitable vehicles as the roads are rough.
• Avoid traveling at night and ensure hotel bookings in advance.

Every moment of the journey from Manali to Spiti Valley is a unique experience, where nature reveals its full beauty.

The distance from Chandigarh to Spiti Valley is approximately 451 kilometers, with a travel time of around 12 hours. There are two routes from Chandigarh to Spiti Valley: one is from Shimla to Kaza, and the other is from Manali to Kaza.

Shimla Route: Chandigarh → Shimla → Kinnaur → Spiti Valley Distance: About 576 km Time required: 20-22 hours

Manali Route: Chandigarh → Manali → Atal Tunnel → Spiti Valley Distance: About 507 km Time required: 18-20 hours

The best time to visit Spiti Valley depends on the weather, road conditions, and travel experience. Generally, the best time to visit Spiti is from May to October.

Weather: Mildly hot during the day (15°C to 20°C), cold at night.
Road Condition: Both Shimla and Manali routes are open. Kunzum Pass is open during this time.
Specialty: Snow melts, green valleys, and clear roads can be enjoyed.
Ideal Travelers: Families or those who prefer comfortable travel.

Weather: Mildly cool during the day (12°C to 18°C).
Road Condition: Shimla route is relatively better, but the Manali route is prone to landslides.
Specialty: Rivers, waterfalls, and mountain views become more vibrant.
Ideal Travelers: For adventure lovers. However, proper preparation is necessary due to risks during this season.

Weather: Cool (10°C to 15°C).
Road Condition: Kunzum Pass and Manali route remain open until mid-October.
Specialty: Clear blue skies and dry weather highlight Spiti’s extraordinary beauty.
Ideal Travelers: Best time for nature and photography lovers.

Weather: Extremely cold (up to -20°C), with snow in many places.
Road Condition: Kunzum Pass and Manali route are closed. The Shimla route is open.
Specialty: Spiti turns into a snow desert.
Ideal Travelers: Those who love snow travel and can handle harsh weather conditions.

• May to June: For a comfortable trip.
• October: To see nature at its best.
• Travel during monsoon may be risky, so caution is necessary.
• In winter, take the Shimla route and be well-prepared.

Both Shimla and Manali routes are unique. The Shimla route is suitable for those who like historical sites and slow travel, while the Manali route is best for fast and exciting adventures. Before traveling, check road conditions and weather.

There are two main routes from Delhi to Spiti Valley:

• Delhi → Shimla → Spiti Valley
• Delhi → Manali → Spiti Valley

Here are the details of both routes and their characteristics:

Shimla, a popular hill destination in Himachal Pradesh, is easily accessible by road from Delhi. The journey is filled with natural beauty and is a favorite among tourists.

Distance: Approximately 342 km
Time: 7-8 hours (depending on traffic and weather)

• From Delhi, follow NH44 and NH5 to reach Shimla.
• First, go through Karnal and Kurukshetra to reach Ambala.
• From Ambala, travel to Chandigarh and then follow NH5 to reach Parwanoo, Solan, and Kandaghat, which will lead you to Shimla.

• Karnal: A popular place for food and rest, with several good dhabas and restaurants.
• Chandigarh: A well-planned city where you can stop for shopping or sightseeing.
• Solan: Known as the entry point to Himachal, with dense forests and mountain roads beginning here.

• Delhi to Chandigarh: This section has a wide, smooth, four-lane road. It’s of good quality, and you can drive faster.
• Chandigarh to Shimla: This section along NH5 is hilly and winding. The road conditions are discussed in detail above.

• Haryana region: In the beginning, you’ll see mustard fields, green meadows, and open skies.
• Parwanoo to Solan: The mountain roads start here. You’ll pass through dense forests, houses on mountain slopes, and beautiful scenery that will captivate any traveler.
• Near Shimla: As you get close to Shimla, the snow-covered mountain peaks and misty valleys make the journey even more enjoyable.

• Start early in the morning so you can finish the journey during daylight.
• Take breaks for rest at Chandigarh or Solan.
• During winter, when there’s snowfall, there’s a risk of your tires slipping, so use tires with good grip.
• Don’t forget to bring your camera, as there are many picture-worthy views along the way.
• The journey from Delhi to Shimla is not only about the destination, but also the memorable experience along the way.

• Distance: About 550 km
• Time needed: 12-14 hours (depends on vehicle and weather)

To go from Delhi to Manali, follow NH44 and NH3. The main stops are:

• • Delhi → Karnal → Kurukshetra → Ambala → Chandigarh (NH44)
  • Chandigarh → Bilaspur → Mandi → Kullu → Manali (NH3)

• Delhi to Chandigarh: The road is wide, four lanes, and in very good condition.
• Chandigarh to Manali: The road is narrow and hilly. If the weather is cloudy, you need to drive slowly.

• Beas River: Beautiful views along the river.
• Apple Orchards in Kullu: The place is charming, and you can buy fresh apples.
• Snow-covered Mountains: As you get closer to Manali, you will see the mountains covered with snow.

This route is very attractive for travelers and full of natural beauty.

Distance:

• • Delhi to Kaza (main town of Spiti Valley): About 730 km (via Shimla)
  • If you go via Manali: About 680 km

Time:

• • Via Shimla: Usually takes 15-18 hours to reach Shimla, and another 2 days from Shimla to Kaza (with stops).
  • Via Manali: This route is relatively faster, but it depends on road conditions and weather. It usually takes 12-15 hours to Manali, and another 8-10 hours from Manali to Kaza.

Leh to Spiti Valley:

• • First, go to Manali from Leh. Then, go from Manali to Spiti Valley.

• The easiest and most popular route from Leh to Manali is the Leh-Manali Highway. It crosses some famous mountain passes and provides a great experience for travelers.
• Distance: About 427 km
• Time needed: 12-15 hours (depends on the type of vehicle and stops along the way).

Leh → Upshi → Taglang La → Pang → Sarchu → Keylong → Manali

Leh → Upshi: The road is wide and smooth. It passes by Tibetan villages and the Indus River.

Upshi → Taglang La: Taglang La Pass (17,480 feet) is one of the highest motorable passes in the world. The road is challenging.

Taglang La → Pang: Due to the high altitude, you may experience shortness of breath. Some parts of the road are rough and unpaved.

Pang → Sarchu: Sarchu is the halfway point on the Leh-Manali route. It has open plains and a Tibetan desert-like atmosphere.

Sarchu → Keylong: You have to cross Baralacha La Pass. The road is winding and quite narrow.

Keylong → Manali: You will pass through Rohtang Pass and Atal Tunnel to reach Manali. Atal Tunnel has made this journey much easier.

• Leh to Upshi: Good quality, wide road.
• Taglang La to Pang: Challenging and rough.
• Sarchu to Keylong and Rohtang Pass: Winding, narrow, and sometimes covered with snow.
• Atal Tunnel: Safe and quick.

• Taglang La and Baralacha La passes: Snow-covered mountains.
• Sarchu’s open plains: Views of the Tibetan desert.
• Keylong and Lahaul’s green valleys: A stunning mix of mountain beauty.

Summer (May to September) is the best time to travel from Leh to Spiti Valley. The roads are open and the weather is suitable for travel.

In winter (October to April), heavy snowfall causes Kunzum Pass and other important roads to be closed.

The whole route from Leh to Spiti Valley is a dream for adventure lovers. At every turn, new scenic views, desert dryness, and the rule of snow fascinate tourists.

This long journey makes every moment memorable, not just the destination.

• Before starting your journey, check the road conditions and weather forecast.
• Take enough rest due to high-altitude issues.
The experience of traveling from Leh to Spiti Valley is unique but can be more challenging.

Distance:
Leh to Kaza: Approximately 475-500 kilometers, depending on the route.

Time:
The journey takes 15-18 hours, but this depends on breaks, weather, and road conditions.
Since this is a long and challenging route, most travelers complete it in two days, staying overnight at Keylong or Chandratal.

There are two main routes to reach Spiti Valley from Jaipur:

1. Jaipur → Delhi → Shimla → Spiti Valley
2. Jaipur → Delhi → Manali → Spiti Valley

Details of each route, distance, and time are given below.

Jaipur → Shimla → Spiti Valley

Distance: Approximately 570 km
Time: 10-12 hours

Route:
Jaipur → Delhi → Panchkula → Shimla

• Jaipur to Delhi (NH48): Excellent quality four-lane road.
• Delhi to Shimla (NH44 and NH5): The road from Delhi to Panchkula is smooth and fast.
• From Panchkula to Shimla, the road is hilly, and you need to drive carefully.

On the way to Shimla, the mountain views and tea gardens of Solan and Parwanoo make the journey beautiful.

Route: Jaipur → Shimla → Spiti Valley
Total Distance: About 1033 km
Total Time: 32-36 hours

Distance: About 780 km
Time Required: 13-15 hours

Route: Jaipur → Delhi → Karnal → Mandi → Manali

• Jaipur to Delhi (NH48): The road is wide and smooth.
• Delhi to Manali (NH44 and NH3): On NH44, you go through Karnal and Chandigarh. Some parts of the road to Manali are narrow and hilly.

The apple gardens of Kullu and the journey along the Beas River are very beautiful.

Total Distance:

• Jaipur to Kaza (via Shimla): About 960-1000 km
• Jaipur to Kaza (via Manali): About 900-920 km

Total Time:

• Via Shimla: 24-27 hours (You may need to stay overnight in Shimla and Kalpa/Nako).
• Via Manali: 20-22 hours (You may stay overnight in Manali and Chandratal/Keylong).

The journey from Kasol to Spiti Valley is very attractive and scenic. First, you go from Kasol to Manali, and then from Manali to Spiti Valley (Kaza).

The road from Kasol to Manali goes through Parvati Valley and is a beautiful, popular route.

Distance: About 75 km
Time Required: 2-3 hours

Route: Kasol → Bhuntar → Kullu → Manali

Road Conditions:

• Kasol to Bhuntar: The road is narrow, winding, and hilly in some places.
• Bhuntar to Kullu and Manali: The road is wide and in good condition, making the journey easier.

• From Kasol to Bhuntar: The road is surrounded by greenery along the Parvati River. The beauty of the mountain villages and forests makes the trip even more enjoyable.
• From Kullu to Manali: The view of the Beas River and the mountains along the river is captivating.

• Total Distance: About 275 km
• Total Time: 12-15 hours (with stops along the way)

This route will make your journey memorable with its natural beauty and adventure.

There are two main routes from Dehradun to Spiti Valley:

1. Dehradun → Shimla → Spiti Valley
2. Dehradun → Manali → Spiti Valley

Here are the details of each route:

• Distance: About 230 km
• Time: 7-8 hours

Route: Dehradun → Paonta Sahib → Nahan → Solan → Shimla

Road Conditions:

• From Dehradun to Paonta Sahib: The road is good and wide.
• From Paonta Sahib to Nahan and Shimla: The road is mountainous, winding, and narrow in some places.

The view of Solan, nearby mountains, forests, tea gardens, and villages along the way to Shimla is breathtaking.

• Distance: About 310 km
• Time: 9-10 hours

Route: Dehradun → Paonta Sahib → Mandi → Kullu → Manali

Road Conditions:

• From Dehradun to Paonta Sahib: The road is good and smooth.
• From Paonta Sahib to Mandi and Kullu: The road is wide, but traffic can slow it down in some places.
• From Kullu to Manali: The road is beautiful and runs alongside the Beas River.

Route: Dehradun → Shimla → Spiti Valley

• Total Distance: About 693 km
• Total Time: 28-30 hours

The green valley and mountainous environment beside the Beas River make the journey picturesque.

Route: Dehradun → Manali → Spiti Valley

• Total Distance: About 510 km
• Total Time: 20-22 hours

The journey from Dehradun to Spiti Valley via Shimla or Manali is full of natural beauty and adventure.

By now, it’s clear that there are two main routes to Spiti Valley: Shimla to Spiti Valley and Manali to Spiti Valley. Both routes offer different experiences, but the route you choose depends on your travel goals, time, and the weather.

• Shimla → Spiti Valley (slow, safe, and for enjoying scenic spots).
• Manali → Spiti Valley (fast and for adventure lovers).

• Shimla is the only option, as Kunzum Pass is closed.

I had planned a trip to Spiti Valley for a long time. Finally, one summer morning, I started the journey from Shimla. Right from the start, exciting experiences awaited us. The cool air of Shimla, the surrounding pine forests, and the mountain roads made the trip even more thrilling.

We moved towards the Kinnaur Valley from Shimla. Along the way, we saw beautiful places like Sangla Valley and Chitkul. Chitkul, known as the last village of India, impressed us with its peacefulness and nature. We spent the night in Kalpa. From Kalpa, the view of the Kinnaur Kailash mountain was golden in the sunlight – it felt like a dream.

The next day, we headed towards Nako Village. With each turn of the road, the dry mountains and deep gorges felt like we were in another world. After spending some time at Nako Lake, enjoying the beauty and calm environment, we went to Tabo Monastery. This monastery is almost a thousand years old and a unique symbol of the cultural heritage of Spiti Valley.

Next, we reached Kaza, the heart of Spiti Valley. We visited several places around Kaza. One of our favorite places was Ki Monastery. The view of the Spiti River from the roof of the monastery was breathtaking. In Langza Village, standing in front of the huge Buddha statue, we felt the vastness of nature. The experience of collecting fossils here was amazing. Hikkim and Komic Village, known as the highest post office and the highest village in the world, added a new dimension to our trip.

On the way back from Kaza to Manali, the white beauty of Kunzum Pass amazed us. The road was a bit tough, but the variety of nature made us forget all the difficulties. The blue waters of Chandratal Lake took away our tiredness. We camped here for a night and enjoyed peaceful moments under a sky full of stars.

The next day, we reached Manali. Passing through Atal Tunnel and entering the green valley of Manali, my spirits were refreshed. We ended our trip by walking along Manali’s Mall Road and bathing in the hot spring at Vashisht.

The trip to Spiti Valley through Shimla and returning through Manali is a perfect mix of nature, culture, and adventure. From the dry desert to green valleys, and from mountain roads to snowy passes, this trip will remain in our memories forever.

Spiti Valley is a high-altitude desert. When you plan your trip to Spiti Valley from Manali, the risk of AMS increases because the altitude of Manali is less than 2000 meters, while Kaza’s altitude is around 3600 meters. There is a significant difference between these two places. Our bodies cannot adjust quickly to such altitude changes. Additionally, traveling from Manali to Kaza involves high passes like Kunzum Pass and Rohtang Pass, which increases the chance of AMS. Therefore, traveling from Shimla and Kinnaur allows the altitude to gradually increase. First, you will go to Shimla, then Narkanda, stay overnight in the Kinnaur Valley, and then in Tabu before reaching Kaza.

Gradual altitude gain helps with acclimatization and significantly reduces the risk of AMS. This is a major reason to choose the Spiti Valley road trip from Shimla.

Also Read:Spiti Valley’s problems and rugged landscape in winter

If you go from Manali to Spiti Valley, you’ll need to travel on the Batal road on the second day. This isn’t necessary if you travel from Shimla to Kaza. Plus, you won’t have to cross the Rohtang Pass. With the Atal Tunnel now open, you’ll avoid the traffic jams at Rohtang Pass. However, the road from Gramphu to Batal is still quite adventurous. The road from Shimla to Kinnaur is very beautiful, although there are some rough patches in Kinnaur. From Kinnaur to Kaza, you can travel in any vehicle. Traveling on this road increases the likelihood of reaching Spiti.

The road from Manali to Kaza is closed for five to six months of the year. It usually opens in the last week of May or the first week of June. After 51 kilometers from Gramphu to Kunzum Pass, the road remains closed due to heavy snowfall until Losar. When the road opens, there can be 15 to 20 feet of snow along the roadside. However, the Shimla to Kaza road is open year-round. This route has no high-altitude places that could be closed due to snow. During winter, when there’s heavy snowfall, the road between Narkanda, Shimla, Tabu, Kaza, and around Nako might be closed. But as soon as the season starts, the authorities clear the roads.

On the Hindustan-Tibet Highway, you’ll experience breathtaking views. The beauty of this route will constantly captivate you, and traveling this route is an adventure in itself. As the altitude increases, the scenery will continue to change.

When you travel from Shimla to Spiti, you’ll pass through the Atal Tunnel, so you won’t have to deal with the permit issues of Rohtang Pass.

Also Read:Spiti Valley To Ladakh From Manali Trip In 15 Days

A trip to Spiti Valley is not just a journey, but an experience of connecting with the beauty of nature and solitude. Whether you choose the Shimla route or the Manali route, each path offers its own unique scenery and experience. The Shimla route is longer and passes through historic places, while the Manali route is comparatively quicker and perfect for adventure.

Before the trip, it’s important to plan properly and check the weather and road conditions. Move slowly to handle high-altitude problems and take enough rest.

Also Read:Spiti Valley Hotels

This blog discusses the Manali to Spiti Valley distance and road, Delhi to Spiti Valley distance and road, Shimla to Spiti Valley distance and road, and Chandigarh to Spiti Valley distance and road. If you need more information about the Spiti road, please leave a comment” Thank you”.