The Spiti circuit is the biggest road trip most Delhi groups will ever do: glacier valleys in Lahaul, the 4,590 m Kunzum Pass, cliff-top monasteries and some of the highest villages in the world. Going in through Manali and out through Kinnaur and Shimla means you never drive the same road twice. The Manali to Spiti route lets you travel across this route in the right season, with the right vehicle size and an experienced mountain driver.
Which is the best time for Manali–Spiti route by road?
The Manali side is open only in summer. Kunzum Pass, which links Lahaul to Spiti, usually opens between late May and June and closes after the first heavy snow in October or November. Outside that window, Spiti is reachable only from the Shimla–Kinnaur side.
The best months for a group tour from Manali to Spiti are mid-June to early July and September to mid-October. Late July and August bring rain to the Manali side and swollen water crossings near Chatru and Batal. Opening and closing dates change every year, so we confirm the current status with local authorities before every departure.
What is the best route for a Spiti tour from Delhi?
Delhi → Manali → Solang → Atal Tunnel → Keylong → Jispa → Batal/Chandratal → Kunzum Pass → Kaza → Tabo → Nako → Kalpa → Shimla → Delhi
Going clockwise from Manali gives the body a slower climb: Manali sits around 2,000 m, Jispa around 3,200 m and Kaza around 3,800 m. Crossing Kunzum from the Lahaul side after two nights at altitude lowers the risk of altitude sickness.
| Stop | Altitude (approx.) | Distance from previous stop (approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| Manali | 2,050 m | 540 km from Delhi |
| Jispa | 3,200 m | 100 km (via Atal Tunnel and Keylong) |
| Batal/Chandratal | 4,000–4,300 m | 150 km |
| Kaza | 3,800 m | 95 km (via Kunzum Pass) |
| Nako | 3,600 m | 115 km (via Dhankar and Tabo) |
| Kalpa | 2,960 m | 110 km |
| Shimla | 2,200 m | 230 km |
10-day Delhi to Spiti itinerary via Manali
- Day 1 – Delhi to Manali. Early start, reach by evening.
- Day 2 – Manali and Solang. Solang Valley, Hadimba Temple, Old Manali. An easy day to rest before altitude.
- Day 3 – Manali to Jispa. Through Atal Tunnel to Sissu waterfall, Keylong and Kardang Monastery, then the riverside camps at Jispa.
- Day 4 – Jispa to Batal or Chandratal camps. Back toward Gramphu, then the rough Chatru–Batal stretch. This is the hardest driving day.
- Day 5 – Chandratal to Kaza. Chandratal Lake in the morning, then over Kunzum Pass to Losar and Kaza.
- Day 6 – Kaza villages. Key Monastery, Kibber, Chicham bridge, Langza, Hikkim post office and Komic.
- Day 7 – Kaza to Nako. Dhankar Monastery, Tabo Monastery and Nako Lake.
- Day 8 – Nako to Kalpa. Khab confluence and the Kinnaur Kailash view from Kalpa.
- Day 9 – Kalpa to Shimla. Long drive along the Sutlej through Kinnaur.
- Day 10 – Shimla to Delhi. Reach Delhi by evening.
Add one buffer day for landslides, a closed pass or a group member who needs rest at altitude.
Is a tempo traveller allowed for Spiti Valley Tour?
Yes, in dry summer conditions, but vehicle choice matters. The Chatru–Batal–Kunzum section is unpaved, rocky and has stream crossings. The Kinnaur side has narrow cliff roads with long drops.
- A 9 or 12 seater standard tempo traveller is the practical maximum. It has the ground clearance and turning radius for these roads.
- Low-clearance luxury vans are not suited to the Batal stretch.
- The last few kilometres to Chandratal Lake can be rough; groups sometimes walk or take a local taxi from the parking point.
- For groups above 12, book two vehicles rather than one large one.
Seating comfort matters on a trip with several 8–10 hour days. So, Booking Urbania Van on Rent in Delhi is preferred for a luxury trip.
Are there any permits required for visiting Jispa, Keylong or Spiti?
Indian citizens do not need an inner line permit for Lahaul or Spiti. Foreign nationals need a permit for the stretch near the border between Kaza and Kinnaur. The Rohtang Pass permit applies only if you drive over Rohtang; the Atal Tunnel route to Keylong does not need it.
How much does a Spiti trip by tempo traveller cost?
The circuit covers about 1,800 km, but the 10-day minimum of 2,500 km (250 km per day) applies. Driver allowance, tolls and state permit tax are included.
| Vehicle | Rate per km | 10-day estimate (approx.) | Per person (approx.) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 9 seater | ₹23 | ₹57,500 | ₹8,200 for 7 people |
| 12 seater | ₹24 | ₹60,000 | ₹6,000 for 10 people |
Add driver night halt charges where camps or homestays do not provide a driver room and meal. Fuel stations are few beyond Keylong and Kaza, so the driver fills up at every chance. For longer or custom routes, see our outstation tempo traveller options.
How to stay safe at high altitude on this trip?
Spend the Manali and Jispa nights before crossing 4,000 m. Drink plenty of water, avoid alcohol for the first two days at altitude, and walk slowly. Headache, nausea, and breathlessness at rest are warning signs; the fix is to go lower. Anyone with heart or lung conditions should check with a doctor before booking. The mobile network is weak or absent between Keylong and Kaza, so share the itinerary with family before you leave.
What are the must-see places on the Manali to Spiti circuit?
| Place | Why visit | Time needed |
|---|---|---|
| Sissu | Waterfall and wide valley views right after Atal Tunnel | 30–60 min |
| Keylong | Kardang and Shashur monasteries, the Lahaul district town | 2–3 hrs |
| Jispa | Riverside camps on the Bhaga River, quiet evening walks | Overnight |
| Chandratal Lake | Crescent-shaped blue lake at about 4,300 m | Half day |
| Kunzum Pass | Kunzum Mata temple and 360-degree views at 4,590 m | 20–30 min |
| Key Monastery | Spiti’s largest monastery, perched on a hill above Kaza | 1–2 hrs |
| Kibber and Chicham | High village and one of Asia’s highest suspension bridges | 2 hrs |
| Langza, Hikkim, Komic | Fossil village, Buddha statue, high post office and monastery | Half day |
| Dhankar and Tabo | Cliff-top monastery and the thousand-year-old Tabo Monastery | Half day |
| Nako and Kalpa | Village lake and the Kinnaur Kailash view at sunrise | 1 day |
At Kunzum Pass, keep stops short. The altitude is high enough to cause breathlessness if you walk around for long.
Which are the best stay options on the Manali to Spiti route?
Stays get simpler as you go higher. Most have basic rooms, shared dining, and limited hot water, so set the group’s expectations before the trip.
- Manali: Any area works; choose one near the Manali–Solang road to save time on Day 3.
- Jispa: Riverside camps and a few hotels. Camps are the better experience; ask for extra blankets.
- Chandratal: Tented camps a few kilometres before the lake. No stays are allowed right at the lake. Nights are very cold even in July.
- Kaza: The widest choice of hotels and guesthouses. Good base for two nights.
- Langza, Kibber, Komic: Homestays with local families. Great for small groups; large groups may need to split.
- Nako and Kalpa: Homestays in Nako and hotels with Kinnaur Kailash views in Kalpa.
Book Chandratal camps and Kaza hotels early for June and September, as these fill fastest.
Suggested Read: A Road Trip Guide for Delhi to Manali Trip
What should you pack for Spiti Tour?
Spiti can be warm in the afternoon sun and near freezing at night, even in summer. Pack in layers.
- Thermal innerwear, a fleece, and a down or padded jacket
- Woollen cap, gloves, and warm socks
- Sunglasses, sunscreen (SPF 50) and lip balm, as the high-altitude sun is harsh
- Sturdy shoes with ankle support for rocky walks
- Reusable water bottles and dry snacks for long stretches without shops
- Altitude medicine only as advised by your doctor, plus a basic first aid kit
- Power banks and a torch, as power can be irregular in camps and villages
- Enough cash for the whole trip, as ATMs are few and often out of cash
What should you know about fuel, ATMs and mobile network?
Fuel: Keylong and Kaza have petrol pumps, and there is little in between. Kaza’s pump is one of the highest in the world. Your driver will fill up at both and may carry a spare can.
ATMs: Kaza has a couple of ATMs, but they often run out of cash in peak season. Carry cash for stays, food and camps, and a UPI app for places that accept it.
Mobile network: Expect good network in Manali and Keylong, patchy coverage in Kaza town, and no signal on long stretches between Gramphu and Losar and in parts of Kinnaur. Share your itinerary and hotel numbers with family before leaving.
What local food should you try in Lahaul and Spiti?
- Thukpa and momos: Warm noodle soup and dumplings, found in almost every Kaza café.
- Butter tea: Salty tea churned with butter; locals drink it to stay warm.
- Sea buckthorn juice: Tangy orange juice from a local wild berry, rich in vitamin C.
- Tsampa and local bread: Roasted barley flour and homemade breads, often served in homestays.
- Rajma chawal and dal: Simple north Indian meals at dhabas on the Batal and Losar stretch.
Meals at altitude should be light. Heavy, oily food and alcohol make altitude symptoms worse.
What is the total budget per person for Spiti Trip from Delhi?
Here is a rough per-person budget for a 10-day circuit for a group of 10, sharing a 12 seater and staying in mid-range hotels, camps and homestays for Manali to Spiti Route.
| Expense | Approx. cost per person |
|---|---|
| Tempo traveller (10 days, all inclusive) | ₹6,000 |
| Stays (9 nights, twin or triple sharing, many with meals) | ₹12,000–₹18,000 |
| Food not included in stays | ₹3,000–₹4,500 |
| Entry fees, parking and local taxis | ₹1,500–₹3,000 |
| Total | ₹22,500–₹31,500 |
Camps at Chandratal and Jispa include dinner and breakfast. This keeps food costs lower than on a plains trip.
Should you go clockwise from Manali or start from Shimla?
Both work, and each suits a different group.
| Factor | Start from Manali (clockwise) | Start from Shimla (anticlockwise) |
|---|---|---|
| Season | Only when Kunzum Pass is open (roughly June–October) | Kinnaur side is open most of the year |
| Altitude gain | Faster; Kunzum on Day 5 | Slower and gentler; better for first-timers |
| Hardest road | Chatru–Batal early in the trip | Chatru–Batal near the end, when drivers know the vehicle well |
| Best for | Groups short on time who want Lahaul first | Families, seniors and anyone worried about altitude |
If anyone in your group is over 60 or has not been above 3,000 m before, starting from Shimla is the safer choice.
What are the most important driving tips for Spiti?
- Cross streams early. Water crossings near Chatru and Batal rise through the day as snow melts. Cross before noon.
- Never drive at night. Roads have no lights, sharp drops and falling rocks.
- Let the driver set the pace. Stops for photos are fine, but on narrow sections the driver will choose a safe spot.
- Keep one buffer day. Landslides in Kinnaur and snow on Kunzum can close roads for hours or days.
- Carry the driver’s needs too. Confirm in advance where the driver will stay and eat each night.
Frequently Asked Questions
We are 10 friends with a week off in August. Is Spiti a good idea?
August is the riskiest month on the Manali side because of rain and water crossings. If August is your only window, enter and exit through Shimla and Kinnaur, which get less rain.
Can we skip Chandratal to save a day?
Yes. Drive Jispa to Kaza in one long day of 10–12 hours. It is tiring, so start by 6 am.
One of our group got a bad headache at Kaza. What should we do?
Rest, hydrate and do not go higher. If symptoms get worse, drive down toward Tabo or Kinnaur the same day. Kaza has a hospital for serious cases.
Can we do Manali to Spiti trip in December for snow?
Not via Manali. Kunzum Pass is closed. Winter Spiti is possible only through Shimla and Kinnaur, and it is a specialist trip that needs extra planning.
Planning Spiti for summer 2027?
Send us your group size and preferred month, and we will share a route plan for Delhi to Manali to Spiti Tour and an all-inclusive quote.