Spiti Valley is one of India's most rewarding — and most demanding — road trips. High passes, unpredictable weather and long stretches without fuel or network mean a Spiti trip needs more planning than your average hill station visit. Here's what to know before you go.
Best Time to Visit
The Manali-Kaza road is typically open late May to early October, once Kunzum Pass clears of snow. The Shimla-Kinnaur route into Spiti stays accessible slightly longer, often into November.
Choose Your Route
Most travellers enter via Shimla-Kinnaur (longer, more gradual acclimatisation) and exit via Manali-Kunzum, or vice versa. Doing a loop avoids retracing the same road twice.
Altitude & Acclimatisation
Kaza sits above 3,600m and Chandratal higher still. Spend a night in Kalpa or Nako on the way in to acclimatise gradually, and stay hydrated throughout.
Permits & Network
Indian nationals don't need an inner-line permit for most of Spiti; foreign nationals do. Mobile network is patchy beyond Kaza — let people know your rough schedule in advance.
Fuel & Fixed Points
Fuel pumps are limited — Kaza has the last reliable pump before Manali side. A good driver-guide plans fuel stops carefully; this is one reason a self-drive isn't always the easiest option here.
What to Pack
Layered warm clothing even in summer, sunscreen (UV is intense at altitude), a basic medical kit, and cash — card payments are unreliable in most of Spiti.
Our Spiti Valley Package is built around exactly this route, with an experienced high-altitude driver. For the Kinnaur entry route, see our Kinnaur Kalpa Package or read the full Spiti Valley destination guide.