How to Reach Spiti Valley — All Routes, Permits & Best Time

Spiti Valley is reached overland — there is no airport. The two main routes are Manali–Spiti (via Atal Tunnel and Kunzum Pass) and Shimla–Spiti (via Kinnaur). Most travellers do a full circuit: enter via one and exit via the other.

Shimla–Spiti route: Open year-round. Drive: Shimla → Narkanda → Reckong Peo → Nako → Tabo → Kaza. ~12–14 hours of driving spread across 3 days with overnight halts. Gentler altitude gain — recommended for first-timers and families.

Manali–Spiti route: Open June–October only (Kunzum Pass closes in winter). Drive: Manali → Atal Tunnel → Gramphu → Chandratal → Losar → Kaza. Steeper altitude gain, more adventurous, fastest entry to Spiti.

Full circuit (best experience): Enter via Shimla, exit via Manali — 7–9 days, 1100+ km. Travelepedia operates this circuit with experienced Spiti drivers, oxygen support and acclimatised stays at every overnight.

Permits: Indians don't need a permit for the main Spiti circuit. Inner-line permits are needed for Kinnaur for foreigners. Pin Valley and the border area near Tabo need additional permits — your tour operator arranges these.

Best time: Mid-June to mid-October for the full Manali–Spiti circuit. December to February for 'Winter Spiti' via Shimla — frozen waterfalls, snow leopards and -25°C nights.