High Himalayan cold desert
Spiti Valley
Monasteries above 4,000 m, river crossings, fossil villages, and one of India's most demanding and rewarding mountain road trips.
Key Monastery
High passes
Acclimatisation
Plan your trip
Spiti Valley at a glance
- Best time
- Mid-June to September for the full Manali–Spiti circuit; the Shimla side stays open longer. Winter is for the truly prepared only.
- How to reach
- Two routes: the gentler Shimla–Kinnaur road (better for acclimatising) or the higher, rougher Manali–Rohtang–Kunzum road.
- Getting around
- Self-drive SUV or motorcycle for flexibility; HRTC buses and shared cabs connect the main villages slowly.
- Rough budget
- An 8–10 day circuit runs roughly ₹25,000–45,000 per person including fuel, stays, and food, shared between a small group.
Sample itinerary
- Days 1–2Shimla to Kalpa via Kinnaur, climbing gently to help acclimatisation.
- Days 3–5Nako, Tabo and Dhankar monasteries, then Kaza as a base.
- Days 6–8Key Monastery, Kibber, Chicham bridge, Langza fossils, then exit over Kunzum to Manali.
Stories from Spiti Valley