Spiti Valley is one of the top destinations for adventurous trips. In the state of Himachal Pradesh, in India, is the Spiti Valley set at an altitude of 4270 M (14000 ft. above sea level) This is the world’s highest inhabited region. Spiti means “the middle land.” It is the land between two countries, India and Tibet. Spiti has a rich heritage culture, ancient monasteries, and high mountains. There are plenty of things one can explore while going on a trip via road to Spiti Valley.  So here is our complete guide on the Delhi to Spiti Valley road trip that will help you plan an adventurous trip at its best.

Where Is Spiti Valley?

Spiti Valley comes in the state of Himachal Pradesh. As the name suggests, Spiti is a middle land surrounded by mountains. To its North is the Ladakh, to its East is Tibet, to the South comes Bushahr, and to its West is Kullu.

 

What Is The Distance Between Delhi to Spiti Valley?

Spiti Valley is located towards the North of Delhi. The Distance Between Delhi to Spiti Valley is approximately 680 km. It is a long journey of around 13-14 hours.

The distance between Delhi and Manali is about 550 km. And ahead from Manali to Kaza, the first station under Spiti Valley, the distance is around 220 km.

 

Delhi to Shimla distance by road is 355 Km, and Shimla to Kaza distance is 424 Km. So, if you choose the Delhi to Spiti Valley road trip via Shimla, the total distance is 779 kilometers.

What is the Best Time To Visit Spiti Valley?

The best time to visit Spiti Valley is during the summer, from March to July, as the temperature ranges from around 3 to 7 degrees Celsius. You can also plan your road trip to Spiti during autumn from October to November, as the temperature ranges from approximately 11 to 21 degrees Celsius.

• Spiti in Summer (April to June): Temp range from 3 to 7 degrees Celsius.
• Spiti in Monsoon(August to September): Temp Range from 11 to 21 degrees Celsius.
• Spiti in Winter(October to February): Temp Range from -2 to -19 degrees Celsius.

Especially if you are planning a road trip, note that the roads are closed during the winter due to heavy snowfall, which blocks the roads. However, Delhi to Spiti Valley road trip via Shimla can be traveled throughout the year. 

How to Reach Spiti Valley?

Spiti Valley is a popular tourist spot and has a rush of national and international tourists. How to get to Spiti from Delhi depends on the route you prefer. Here are the possible routes to travel from Delhi to Spiti Valley by road:

Route 1 (Delhi to Spiti via Shimla):

Delhi – Shimla -Kinnaur – Kalpa – Nako- Kaza – Spiti valley

Delhi to Spiti valley distance via Shimla is around 601KM. People with motion sickness issues should choose this route as they gradually climb the altitude. Also, the roads are bumpy, so be prepared for that. While the Manali route to Spiti Valley is closed during winter due to heavy snowfall, the Shimla-Kinnaur route remains open throughout the year. So yes, Spiti Valley can be reached year-round via Kinnaur from Shimla.

Route 2 (Delhi to Spiti via Manali):

Delhi – Manali – Narkanda – Rampur – Kalpa – Nako-Giu Village – Tabo Village – Dhankar – Pin Valley (Mud Village) – Kaza – Dhankar – Tabo – Spiti valley

Road trips to Spiti from Delhi become more scenic when you travel through Manali. During summers, it can be accessed using the Atal Tunnel and Kunzum Pass via Manali. The road from Manali is far better than the road from Shimla, which is in bad condition. However, it gets hectic in summer, and there are changes that you may get stuck in traffic in peak season.

Transportation

You can travel to Spiti Valley either by air or by road. Here’s how:

By Air:

Reaching through flight is difficult as there is no direct flight to Spiti Valley. The nearest airport is at a distance of 245kms that is from Bhuntar airport near Kullu. Again, from Bhuntar, you would be required to travel through roadways.

By Road:

The next mode of transport is road ways. Since it is a hilly region located at a high altitude, this is the best mode of transport.
Now, various options are available for road trips. You can either travel in your car or bike. Or you can take a rental vehicle(car) or travel through public transport like a bus. It would depend upon one’s suitability.

How long Will It Take To Reach Delhi to Spiti Valley via Manali?

The journey would be divided into two parts. First, you would need to travel from Delhi and reach Manali. Second, you will have to move from Manali to Kaza.
It would require around 10-12 hours of travel from Delhi to Manali. Here, you need to have a halt or stay before you begin your journey ahead for Spiti Valley.  
After traveling for around 6-8 hours, you would reach Kaza from Manali, the second part of traveling. You need at least two days of traveling from Delhi to Spiti Valley. 

Difficulty Level while Traveling

It depends on a traveler’s route, but the journey is relatively easy. As said, there are 2 routes:

• Manali to Kaza (HQ of Spiti Valley)
• Shimla to Kaza

The route from Shimla to Spiti Valley is open all year round but very slowly. The roads need improvement as compared to the Manali route. So, it is better to take the route from Manali to Spiti Valley.

Road Conditions & Driving Skills

Since the road conditions could be better in the hilly region, one must be an experienced driver to drive in the hilly areas. You must have a driving license to drive for hills. It is recommended to hire a driver for your vehicle or take a taxi when you begin your journey from Manali or Shimla to Spiti Valley. 
The drivers from these hilly regions are well-versed with the roads and routes and have good driving experience.

 

Popular Stopovers On The Way To Spiti Valley Via Manali

Though the complete end-to-end journey is two days, if you have time and wish to explore other locations, here is a list of places you can visit from Delhi to Spiti Valley. Let’s see which are the spots.

Sangla:

Once you reach Shimla from Delhi, your journey to Spiti becomes more scenic. Passing through the picturesque towns of Kufri and Narkanda, Continuing, you’ll enter the beautiful Sutlej Valley towards Rampur. Then, you’ll enter the district of Kinnaur, winding your way through its stunning landscapes. After a day’s drive, you can plan to stay overnight at the retro village of Sangla, nestled amidst the Kinnaur Himalayas. The place is Famous for its scenic beauty.

Narkanda:

The place is 50 KM from Shimla and has snow-covered mountain views that can resist waiting here to praise its beauty. You can also plan skiing activities here as this is known as the Best Skiing Destination in India. Some other tourist attractions of Narkanda are Hatu Temple, Apple Farm, Mahamaya, and Jau Baug.

Chitkul:

A small village in Himachal Pradesh surrounded by snow-capped mountains. You can take many pictures here with the scenic valleys and gushing rivers. If you are a nature lover, you can plan a stay here to explore more Chitkul. You can also visit Kamru Fort, Baspa River, Bering Nag Temple, and Brelengi Gompa during your visit.

 

Kalpa:

The Manali Spiti road trip is full of surprises with nature’s unique sights, and Kalpa village is one of them. It is a small village surrounded by tall, beautiful snow-covered mountains called the Kinnaur Kailash range. The noise-free town has a range of green apple gardens where you can enjoy local food during your visit. Kalpa tourist places include ancient temples and Hu-Bu-Lan-Kar Monastery.

Tabo:

It is a tiny town in the Lahaul and Spiti district, famous among tourists for its oldest Tabo Monastery. YOu can relax and take a break in this village before reaching Kaza. Other popular attractions include the Tabo Caves, ancient rock-cut caves with intricate carvings and murals. During the winter, the town of Tabo has heavy snowfall, making it cut off and inaccessible for several months.

Kinnaur:

Kinnaur is a hill station known for its beautiful mountain views, calm lakes, exciting treks, and colorful Himalayan culture. If you are camping here, you can see many stars in the sky at night, which looks breathtaking. Many travelers also trek here via the famous Kinnaur Kailash route and spend time at the beautiful Nako Lake.

Nako:

Take many selfies of the trip as the village has various perfect spots. Nako Monastery and Mathi Temple are famous places to visit, which will give you spiritual healing vibes. Some activities include watching the sunrise or sunset as everything turns pinkish-orange, creating the most stunning view.

Kaza:

You will see huge mountains and parched deserts here. The location is prevalent among travelers due to its stunning natural beauty and rich culture. You can spend a day here to appreciate its natural beauty. There are so many places to visit in Kaza that will make you believe in the culture and traditions of the Himalayan spirit. The main attractions of Kaza are the breathtaking vistas of snowy peaks, broad open plains, and the famous Key Monastery atop rocky cliffs. You can also go trekking and camping in Kaza.

Also Read: Best hotels in Kaza

Hikkim:

It is a small village where you can take a walk to see how mesmerizing the nature here is. The town also holds the world’s highest post office. If you feel hungry, try some cafes that serve the best momos and veg Maggie. Enjoy the natural beauty, visit the world’s highest post office, and go fossil hunting.

Chandratal Lake:

Chandra Taal Lake, famous as the “Moon Lake,” is located at a high altitude of about 4,300 meters. Delhi to chandratal lake distance is approximately 613 KM. Earlier, The lake was famous for camping, where travelers used to trek to reach it. However, these days, camping is prohibited within a 3 km radius of the lake due to threats to the ecosystem of the lake area. The lake is ringed with snowy mountains that enhance its beauty. You can enjoy the Night view as it looks terrific. When the sky lights up with brightening stars, the lake looks phenomenal. It is a must-visit place during your Delhi to Spiti Valley road trip.

To complete the above locations, you require around 8-10 days to explore properly.

 

Essential Travel Tips while Planning Spiti Valley Trip:

Buffer Days:

Plan a 1-2 day buffer while planning the Spiti Valley road trip. Due to its unpredictable weather conditions, it can rain or snow anytime in the region.

Food:

Carry enough food items, dry snacks, and water bottles, as getting these things in the hills would be challenging, and if you find them, they might be expensive.

Clothing:

Always carry extra clothes, especially if you have kids. You may need it at any point in time.

Medicines:

You must always carry a basic medicine kit in emergencies, as being at high altitude, finding medical help immediately would be difficult.

 

Conclusion:

Spiti is a popular destination for photography, adventure, homestay, and tourism. Best of the monasteries around the world are found at Spiti Valley, with beautiful architectural work and a Tibetan cultural touch. It is the ultimate destination for adventure lovers. A lot of trekking options can be found at Spiti Valley. One would enjoy the authentic cuisine of the local Spiti restaurants, having the taste of Tibetan culture as well. A unique experience awaits you for a road trip from Delhi to Spiti Valley.