Spiti is a high-altitude cold desert on the Tibetan side of Himachal Pradesh. It rewards slow travel: villages above 4,000 m, ancient monasteries and roads that feel like the edge of the world. It also asks for respect — the altitude and distances are real.
Two ways in
| Route | Season | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Shimla – Kinnaur – Kaza | Open most of the year, weather permitting | Gradual climb, better for acclimatisation |
| Manali – Kunzum Pass – Kaza | Roughly June to October | Shorter but goes straight to high altitude |
Our favourite plan is a full circuit: enter via Shimla and Kinnaur, exit via Kunzum Pass and Manali. Your body adjusts slowly on the way in and you finish with the drama of Chandratal and the Kunzum.
Places you should not miss
- Key Monastery — the most photographed sight in Spiti
- Kibber, Langza and Hikkim — high villages; Hikkim has one of the highest post offices in the world
- Dhankar — a monastery perched on a cliff above the river confluence
- Chandratal — a crescent lake near Kunzum Pass, open in summer
- Tabo — a monastery over a thousand years old
Altitude: how to stay well
Kaza sits at about 3,800 m. Spend your first night lower (Kalpa or Nako on the Kinnaur side), drink plenty of water, avoid alcohol for the first two days and take it easy on arrival. If headaches or breathlessness get worse, go lower — that is the real cure.
How many days?
Give Spiti at least 8–10 days from Delhi or Chandigarh for the full circuit. Anything shorter means long, tiring drives every day. See our Spiti routes and we will suggest a pace that suits your group.
A sample 9-day circuit
- Day 1: Delhi or Chandigarh to Shimla
- Day 2: Shimla to Sangla or Kalpa (Kinnaur)
- Day 3: Kalpa to Nako
- Day 4: Nako to Kaza via Tabo
- Day 5: Key Monastery, Kibber, Chicham bridge
- Day 6: Langza, Hikkim, Komic
- Day 7: Kaza to Chandratal via Kunzum Pass (when open)
- Day 8: Chandratal to Manali
- Day 9: Manali to Delhi or Chandigarh
What to pack
- Thermals, a down jacket and a windproof layer — even in summer
- Sunscreen, lip balm and sunglasses; the sun is harsh at altitude
- A basic medical kit including altitude and stomach medicines prescribed by your doctor
- Spare phone cables and a power bank; electricity can be patchy
- Snacks for long drives between villages
Frequently asked questions
What is the best time to visit Spiti?
June to October for the full circuit via Kunzum Pass; the Shimla–Kinnaur side is open longer.
Is Spiti safe for families?
Yes, with an experienced driver and a slow plan that allows time to acclimatise.
Do I need a permit for Spiti?
Indian citizens generally do not need a permit for the main Spiti circuit; foreign nationals need one for some border areas.
How many days are needed for Spiti?
About 8–10 days for a comfortable circuit.
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