Spiti
Thousand-year-old monasteries, fossil beds at Langza and some of the highest villages in Asia.
About Spiti
Spiti, the “middle land” between India and Tibet, is a stark ochre valley of thousand-year-old monasteries, fossil-strewn villages and some of the highest inhabited places in Asia.
Together with Kinnaur on the way in, it makes one of the great road journeys of the Himalaya, best done slowly from Shimla so you climb gradually.
When to go
Best from June to October.
- January: good
- February: good
- March: good
- April: good
- May: good
- June: best
- July: best
- August: best
- September: best
- October: best
- November: good
- December: good
Journeys in Spiti
Before you go
- Getting there
- Start in Shimla, about 115 km from Chandigarh’s airport and railway station, or in Manali, near Bhuntar airport. The full circuit through Kunzum La is open from about June to October; in winter only the Shimla side is open.
- Permits
- Indian citizens need no permit and register at the Jangi and Sumdo checkposts. Foreign nationals need an Inner Line Permit, which we arrange.
- What to eat
- Thukpa, tingmo (steamed bread), momos, sea-buckthorn tea, Kinnauri apples and rajma.
- Jio and BSNL have the best coverage. There is no signal at Chandratal.
- Kaza’s ATMs often run dry in peak season, so carry cash.
- Keep a spare day for the roads near Malling and between Batal and Gramphu.
- Winter trips reach −25 °C and suit experienced travellers.
Questions about Spiti
Is Spiti better than Ladakh?
They are different. Spiti is quieter, rougher and more remote, with fewer tourists. Ladakh has more famous lakes and passes and better roads and flights.
Can I visit Spiti in winter?
Yes, via Shimla and Kinnaur, between December and March. Kunzum La is closed, so the circuit becomes an out-and-back to Kaza.
How many days do I need for Spiti?
Nine or ten days for the full circuit from Shimla to Manali, including a spare day for the roads.