Spiti Valley Tour From Mumbai | 11 Days

Will we cross Kunzum Pass?

Yes. Our Spiti Valley tour crosses Kunzum Pass on the way from Kaza to Manali, with a short halt at the top before we descend to Chandratal Lake. Kunzum Pass is open from roughly June to October, and our late-September departure falls comfortably within that window. This is also what lets us exit via Manali rather than returning the same way through Kinnaur.

Which is the best time to visit Spiti Valley?

Spiti is best from mid-May to mid-October, with clear skies, mild days and cold nights. From mid-July to mid-September the short monsoon can occasionally cause landslides on the approach roads, so road conditions are watched closely. Winter, from November to February, turns Spiti into a stunning snow-covered landscape, but harsh cold and closed passes make travel difficult and restrict the route. Our autumn departure is timed for the clear-sky season, when the valley is at its most photogenic and the full Manali-side circuit is open.

What are the major attractions in Kinnaur and Spiti?

The route is packed with highlights:

• Tabo Monastery: Over 1,000 years old and one of the oldest continuously functioning Buddhist monasteries in India, famous for its ancient murals.
• Key Monastery: The largest monastery in Spiti, perched dramatically above Kaza with sweeping valley views.
• Kalpa: A pretty Kinnaur village set among apple orchards, facing the Kinner Kailash peaks.
• Nako Lake: A tranquil high-altitude lake ringed by mountains in the village of Nako.
• Pin Valley National Park: A protected wilderness that is home to rare Himalayan wildlife, including the snow leopard.
• Chandratal Lake: The crescent-shaped "moon lake" near Kunzum Pass, one of the most beautiful sights in the region.

How far is Kinnaur from Spiti Valley?

The most common route runs from Reckong Peo, the main town in Kinnaur, to Kaza, the main town in Spiti, along NH-5 and NH-505. It covers about 200 to 220 km and takes roughly 7 to 9 hours depending on road conditions. The longer Hindustan-Tibet Road from Shimla through Kinnaur to Spiti is around 450 to 500 km and is usually broken across two to three days, exactly as our itinerary does, so the drives stay comfortable and you acclimatise gradually.

Is Spiti Valley safe?

Yes. Spiti is generally a very safe destination, with friendly locals and a low crime rate. The main consideration is the altitude rather than security. The region sits at an average of around 4,000 metres, where thin air can cause altitude sickness. Our itinerary is built to manage this, ascending gradually over several days and including a tour leader throughout, so your body has time to adjust.

Does Spiti have an oxygen or altitude problem?

At Spiti's high altitude the air is thinner, so some people feel the effect of reduced oxygen. The body adjusts with time, which is why our route climbs slowly rather than rushing to high elevation, and we encourage drinking plenty of water to stay hydrated. Travellers with heart or lung conditions are more prone to altitude sickness and should consult a doctor before any high-altitude trip.

What modes of transport are used on the tour?

On this tour you do not need to arrange any of your own transport. You travel by AC train from Mumbai to Ambala, then by a private AC tempo traveller with an experienced hill driver for the entire Spiti circuit, returning by train from Chandigarh. Independent travellers sometimes reach Spiti by private cab, HRTC public bus, shared taxi or rented motorbike from Manali or Shimla, but those options are tedious, weather-dependent and best left to seasoned mountain travellers. Our fully organised version removes that hassle.

Why does Spiti Valley have no trees?

Spiti lies in a rain shadow, so it receives very little rainfall and is classed as a cold desert. Sharp temperature swings, strong winds, high altitude and very low humidity leave the soil dry and almost free of organic matter, which is why the mountains appear bare and brown rather than green. This stark, moon-like landscape is exactly what makes Spiti so striking.

What is the weather and temperature like in Spiti?

Spiti's weather changes sharply with the season:

• Summer (April to June): Roughly 10C to 25C, with pleasant days and clear skies.
• Monsoon (July to September): Light rain only, with temperatures around 5C to 20C; occasional landslides on approach roads.
• Autumn (October to November): About -5C to 15C, cool and crisp with beautiful changing colours.
• Winter (December to March): Averaging around -20C, with heavy snowfall closing many roads.

Our late-September to early-October departure sits right at the comfortable end of autumn, with clear skies and crisp, photogenic days.