Thinking about an offbeat adventure surrounded by snow-capped mountains, ancient monasteries, and rugged terrain? Spiti Valley is one of those magical destinations that instantly capture your heart. But figuring out how to reach Spiti Valley can feel a bit tricky at first, especially with no direct train or flight access.
Whether you’re coming from Delhi, Mumbai, or Manali, here’s a complete, easy-to-understand travel guide for all age groups, helping you plan your journey without the stress.
How To Reach Spiti From Delhi: Two Routes, Two Experiences
Spiti Valley is around 730 km from Delhi, and you’ve got two major routes to choose from. Both are scenic, but they offer very different experiences.
Route 1: Delhi – Shimla – Kinnaur – Spiti
This is the year-round route, making it a safer bet for most travelers, especially if you’re traveling between November and April.
- Mode of Travel: Self-drive, taxi, or bus
- Duration: 2–3 days (depends on halt points)
- Major Stops: Shimla, Narkanda, Kalpa, Reckong Peo, Nako, Tabo, Kaza
This route via Shimla is open all year and preferred by families and first-time visitors. The roads are more manageable, and you gradually gain altitude, which helps in acclimatization.
Route 2: Delhi – Manali – Rohtang – Kunzum – Spiti
Open only between June and October, this route is shorter but more adventurous.
- Mode of Travel: SUV recommended, taxi, limited HRTC buses
- Duration: 2 days (with overnight halt in Manali)
- Major Stops: Manali, Rohtang Pass, Kunzum Pass, Losar, Kaza
If you’re seeking thrill and don’t mind bumpy rides, this is for you. But be warned—this road can be tough post-monsoon and requires caution.
So next time someone asks how to reach Spiti from Delhi, know that your answer depends on the month and your adventure appetite.
How to Reach Spiti Valley from Manali: The High-Altitude Shortcut
Many travelers first head to Manali and then take the Manali–Kaza road into Spiti. It’s a 200 km journey, but the mountain roads, passes, and rivers make it feel longer—and more scenic.
- Travel Time: 8–10 hours (depending on road conditions)
- Recommended Travel Months: Mid-June to mid-October
- Important Note: Rohtang Pass requires a permit, and altitude sickness is common due to the rapid ascent
This route gives you access to the famous Kunzum Pass, standing at 4,590 meters. The journey is intense but extremely rewarding for those who crave raw Himalayan beauty.
If you’re already in Himachal Pradesh or have explored Manali, this is the quickest way to dive into the Spiti experience.
How to Reach Spiti Valley from Mumbai: The Long Haul
Mumbai is about 2,000 km away from Spiti, so prepare for a longer journey. But hey, all great adventures begin with a bold step!
Option 1: Mumbai to Chandigarh or Delhi by Flight
- Take a direct flight to Chandigarh or Delhi
- Then, choose between the Shimla or Manali route as mentioned above
- Flights take 2–2.5 hours, road travel adds 2–3 days depending on the route
Option 2: Mumbai to Kalka or Chandigarh by Train
- Trains are available from Mumbai to Kalka or Chandigarh
- From there, take a cab or bus toward Shimla/Kinnaur or Manali
So if you’re wondering how to reach Spiti Valley from Mumbai, a mix of flight or train followed by a long road trip is your best bet.
By Public Transport: Buses and Shared Cabs
For budget travelers and backpackers, Himachal Pradesh’s public transport is surprisingly efficient.
- From Shimla: Daily HRTC buses go to Reckong Peo and Kaza. You can also find shared taxis at every major town en route.
- From Manali: Limited buses run to Kaza during summer, usually departing early morning. These cover Rohtang and Kunzum in one long stretch.
Traveling by bus is slower but gives you a taste of local life and is very affordable.
Closest Airports and Railway Stations
There’s no direct airport or train station in Spiti Valley, but the closest ones can help shorten your journey.
Nearest Airports:
- Bhuntar Airport (Kullu) – Nearest for the Manali route
- Chandigarh Airport – Ideal if you’re planning via Shimla
- Shimla Airport (Jubbarhatti) – Small aircraft, weather-dependent
Nearest Railway Stations:
- Shimla Railway Station – Toy train from Kalka, then bus/taxi
- Kalka and Chandigarh – Better connectivity from major cities
From these points, you’ll need to complete your journey by road.
Best Time to Visit and Travel Planning Tips
While Spiti is open all year via the Shimla side, your experience changes with the seasons.
- Summer (May to July): Best for full access, including Chandratal Lake
- Monsoon (August): Risk of landslides, avoid Manali route
- Autumn (September to October): Clear skies, perfect for photography
- Winter (Nov to March): Only accessible via Shimla, extreme cold but surreal
If you’re visiting iconic monasteries like Key and Dhankar, or remote villages like Kibber and Langza, check road conditions beforehand.
A Few Handy Travel Reminders
- Always carry ID proofs, and extra photocopies for permits
- Pre-book homestays or hotels during peak season
- Spiti is a plastic-free zone, so pack sustainably
- Carry cash, as ATMs are rare and may not always work
- Network connectivity is limited—BSNL and Jio work best
And if you’re adding Spiti to your multi-stop trip, plan smartly. Many travelers club their trip with exploring spots like Where Is Bandhavgarh National Park Situated, or even planning a post-Himachal trip to places like how to visit Dudhsagar Waterfall during their return journey.
What About Permits for Foreign Travelers?
If you’re a foreign national, you’ll need an Inner Line Permit to travel in Spiti Valley, especially near the Tibet border (like Kaurik, Chango, and Sumdo). These can be obtained from DC offices in Reckong Peo or Shimla. Indian citizens don’t require any permits to visit Spiti, making the experience more hassle-free.
Final Thoughts
Spiti Valley isn’t just a destination; it’s an experience of stillness, rugged beauty, and untouched traditions. Whether you’re chasing starry skies, ancient monasteries, or just silence away from the city’s noise, the journey to Spiti is worth every mile. From how to reach Spiti from Delhi to finding your way from Mumbai or Manali, the journey may be long, but the views and vibes are unforgettable.
If you’re ever unsure about how to plan such trips, NutBolt India is a great place to start. It’s your go-to space for answers to all your “how” and “where” questions—crafted to make travel (and life) easier to navigate.
Safe travels, and may the Himalayas welcome you with open arms.
