Travel Guide from Manali to Spiti Valley Overview: The beautiful Spiti Valley mountains can be found on the border between Tibet and India. This mountain range is one of the highest in India and features excellent road access. In order to go to Spiti, you can take either the Shimla or the Manali route. Manali-Spiti is the most popular route because it is both easier and more scenic. You won’t be able to find the words to describe how amazing the scenery is along the route. This 132-mile (202-kilometer) journey will be the most challenging you’ve ever faced. Traveling through the water will be an unforgettable experience. This route goes through the towns of Gramphu and Batal and over the well-known Rohtang Pass and Kunzum Pass. There are 243 kilometres between Manali and Tabo, while the distance to Kaza in the Spiti valley is exactly 202 kilometres.
The distance from Manali to Spiti Valley is:
Manali is a total of 202 kilometres away from Kaza in Spiti. Manali is lower and further away (249 kilometres away) from Manali.
A route map from Manali to Spiti Valley
Manali, Solang Valley, Rohtang Pass, Grammphu, Batal, Chandrataal, Kunzum Pass, Losar, Kaza, Dhankar, Tabo.
How long does it take to get from Manali to Spiti?
Spiti is around 202 kilometres from Manali, but you should not depend on the hours shown on a map. The trip from Manali to Kaza in Spiti is difficult, taking around 10–12 hours. Stopping over in Taro adds time to your trip. Depending on the weather and road conditions, you will not be able to tour the Spiti Valley until the second day of your journey. What Time of Year Is Best for a Road Trip from Manali to Spiti?
The best and most accessible season to go from Manali to Spiti is between mid-May and October. During these months, there is no snow on the Manali route across the Rohtang, Batal, and Kunzum Passes. Himachal Pradesh doesn’t get much rain or snow, especially in September, so the roads are dry rather than muddy.
All water crossings are also easy going. Midway through October, snow starts to fall, making travel challenging. The next year, due to excessive snowfall and treacherous water crossings, the route is completely closed from November through April. Hotel rooms also shut down as a result of the water pipes freezing at temperatures as low as -30 °C till spring has passed.
The road conditions on the Manali to Spiti route
1. The journey from Manali to Spiti is exciting and filled with beautiful scenery. The road from Manali to Rohtang Pass is steep and muddy, with vistas of the Himalayas and hills on either side. However, this path contains a lot of puddles and muddy areas, especially during the rainy season, which is between May and July.
2. The route improves with fewer puddles and rocks from Rohtang to Batal and Losar.
3. But from Losar to Kunzum, the nearby roads become extremely unlevel and filled with cracks. Drive at your own risk because of how dangerous this route is.
4. From Kunzum to Chandratal, things improved once more. The majority of the road is smooth, with a few spots.
5. However, the roads are considerably worse between Chandratal and Kaza due to the presence of large stones, rocky slides, and river crossings. In terms of weather, September and October are the best times to travel because of the lack of fog, rain, and snow.
Method of Transport
By 4X4 Vehicle
A road trip is ideal since it allows you to take in the views at your own speed and stop whenever you like.The routes between Manali and Spiti are challenging for those without extensive off-roading or water crossing experience.
Take a shared taxi or a sumo if you don’t feel like driving for too long; it costs about Rs. 1000 per person and gets you there in about 11 or 12 hours.
By Bike
The best way to explore the journey from Manali to Spiti is by bike, especially if you are an experienced rider. An excellent off-road motorcycle rental costs as little as Rs. 1200 per day.
Traveling over rocky roads and streams is time-consuming but also fascinating. Always wear protective gear, such as a helmet, to ensure your safety. In addition, bring a change of footwear and clothing as you ride through the water.
By Bus
Between Manali and Spiti, there are two daily bus trips. These pass through Rohtang Pass, Kunzum Pass, and finally arrive in Kaza. A ticket for a HRTC bus costs about Rs. 250, and it must be ordered one to two days in advance of your trip. The main Manali Bus Station is where you need to get on the bus.
If you leave at 5 am, you should make it to your destination by 6 pm. Positively, you won’t have any worries while on the road. On the down side, it takes a little longer than a car trip and you have to adhere to bus schedules rather than taking a relaxed vacation.
Permits are required for travel from Manali to Spiti.
For Indians
When entering Rohtang Pass, Indians simply require a travel pass for their car. Only the driver’s licence and the vehicle’s registration certificate are required to obtain this. All forms of vehicles, including bikes, need this permission.
international citizens
Foreign nationals must have an Inner Line Permission in addition to the vehicle permit that is required of both Indians and foreigners in order to go to places like Khab, Samdo, Dhankar, Tabo, Gompa, Kaza, Morang, and Dubling. Kalpa, Sangla Valley, and Chitkul are all places that may be visited without an Inner Line Permit. You can get your inner line permit at the Lahaul and Spiti District Council Office in Keylong.
Tips
1. Please do not forget to bring your ID cards with you.
2. Make sure to keep your passport with you at all times, especially if you are travelling internationally.
3. Please bring slip-resistant, comfy shoes or wear them yourself.
4. Bring plenty of layers and cold-weather gear, including mufflers, gloves, and hats.
5. You should withdraw cash from a bank before you arrive, because ATMs are often broken.
6. First-aid kit containing medications for common colds, fevers, nausea, respiratory ailments, vomiting, and infections, among other things.
7. Bring along a flashlight and some batteries just in case.
8. It’s important to have plenty of water and high-energy snacks like bars, chocolate, and nuts.
How can I get to the Spiti valley from Manali (through the Atal tunnel)?
Travelers leaving Manali will take the following route: Solang Valley; Atal Tunnel; Gravchu; Batal; Kunzum Pass; Losar; Kaza. It takes roughly 6-7 hours to travel the 183 kilometres (km) between Manali and Kaza. There is less travel time between Manali and Kaza than between Shimla and Kaza.
The Atal Tunnel has cut travel time between Manali and Spiti Valley by more than 2 hours, although it shortens the distance between the two by about 20 kilometres.
