A Spiti Valley road trip is one of the great drives of the world – a full circuit of about 1,000 km through river gorges, cold desert plateaus and high passes. Knowing the route, the driving times and the road conditions helps you plan a safe and enjoyable journey.
- Full circuit: Shimla – Sarahan – Sangla – Kalpa – Nako – Tabo – Kaza – Chandratal – Manali
- Highest point: Kunzum Pass, about 4,550 m
- Best season for the full loop: mid-June to September
- Our package: 8N/9D from Chandigarh, ₹24,500 per person
The route, stage by stage
Approximate driving times (they vary with roads and weather):
- Chandigarh – Shimla: 3–4 hours.
- Shimla – Sarahan: 5–6 hours via Narkanda and Rampur.
- Sarahan – Sangla: 3 hours via Karcham.
- Sangla – Chitkul – Kalpa: 1 hour each way to Chitkul, then 2–3 hours to Kalpa.
- Kalpa – Nako – Tabo: 6–7 hours, including the famous Malling Nala stretch.
- Tabo – Dhankar – Kaza: 2–3 hours.
- Kaza – Kunzum Pass – Chandratal – Manali: a full day; the Batal–Gramphu stretch is rough.
- Manali – Chandigarh: 8–9 hours.
Road conditions
- Kinnaur: mostly good roads with some narrow cliff sections and landslide zones.
- Nako to Kaza: dramatic river gorges; slower driving.
- Kaza to Kunzum and Batal: gravel and water crossings, especially in the afternoon when snowmelt rises.
- Atal Tunnel to Manali: smooth, but traffic can build up on weekends.
That’s why we recommend an experienced mountain driver – our tours use local drivers who know these roads well.
Why go clockwise (Kinnaur first)?
Entering through Kinnaur raises your altitude slowly over four days – Sarahan (about 2,200 m), Sangla (2,700 m), Kalpa (2,900 m), Nako (3,600 m), Kaza (3,800 m) – which greatly reduces the risk of altitude sickness compared with driving straight from Manali to Kaza.
Permits, fuel and network
- Indian citizens generally don’t need special permits for the main circuit; foreign nationals need an Inner Line Permit for the Kinnaur–Spiti border stretch.
- Fill fuel in Reckong Peo and Kaza – pumps are few.
- Mobile network is patchy; carry offline maps.
Safety tips
- Start early each day – afternoon snowmelt makes water crossings harder.
- Keep one buffer day for landslides.
- Carry warm clothes, a first-aid kit and dry snacks.
- Read our altitude sickness tips.
Want the road trip without the stress of driving? Book our planned Spiti Valley tour package on WhatsApp.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best route for a Spiti Valley road trip?
The circuit from Shimla through Kinnaur to Kaza and out via Kunzum Pass and the Atal Tunnel to Manali is the best, because it helps with gradual acclimatisation.
How long is the Spiti circuit?
About 1,000 km from Chandigarh and back, usually done in 8–10 days.
Is the road to Spiti dangerous?
Some stretches are narrow with landslide zones and water crossings. With an experienced mountain driver and good timing it is safe for most travellers.
Do Indians need a permit for Spiti?
Indian citizens generally do not need a special permit for the main circuit. Foreign nationals need an Inner Line Permit.
When is the Manali–Kaza road open?
Usually from June to October, when Kunzum Pass is clear of snow.
Where can I get fuel in Spiti?
Reckong Peo and Kaza have fuel pumps. Fill up whenever you can.
Can a normal car do the Spiti road trip?
A high-clearance vehicle is strongly recommended, especially for the Batal–Kunzum stretch.
How do I book a Spiti road trip with a driver?
Book our Spiti Valley package on WhatsApp at +91 89102 77805 – it includes an experienced driver and planned stays.
