Spiti Valley is one of India’s most striking high altitude deserts. The drives into Spiti are dramatic, remote, and at times demanding. The short answer is: the roads are doable and often safe if you travel in the right season, pick the right route, use an experienced driver, and keep flexible plans. Travel outside the right window, and the same roads become risky because of snow, water crossings, and landslides.
Below I explain the two main routes, when each is open, the safety issues to watch for, vehicle and permit rules, and exactly how to plan your trip so you actually enjoy the journey. If you prefer not to worry about the logistics, Sort My Trip can arrange permits, vehicles, and local drivers who know the routes well.
Two main routes to Spiti and when they are open
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The Kinnaur Shimla to Kaza route (Shimla → Rampur → Kalpa → Nako → Tabo → Kaza)
This is the most reliable all-season approach and is usually the only route open during early/late season. It is scenic, follows the Hindustan Tibet Road in places, and is preferred if the Manali side is closed. Expect narrow mountain stretches and some rough patches, but the road stays passable through much of the year when there is no heavy snow. -
The Manali to Kaza route (Manali → Rohtang/Atal Tunnel → Gramphu → Kunzum Pass → Losar → Kaza)
This route is seasonal. Kunzum Pass usually opens only in late spring or summer and closes with early snowfall in winter. When open, it is shorter for travellers coming from Manali and offers awesome high-altitude scenery, but it includes stretches that remain rough with water crossings and boulder zones. Use this route only when local authorities confirm Kunzum is open.
Best time to travel overall is late May to October. Outside this window the Manali route is likely closed and the Shimla route may also be affected by winter snow or monsoon landslides.
Are the roads safe? The realities you should know
Road safety in Spiti is not about crime. It is about weather, terrain, and remoteness.
• Snow and seasonal closures. Certain high passes like Kunzum shut in winter and reopen late spring or summer. Plan around official opening dates.
• Landslides and water crossings. Monsoon and late monsoon months can trigger landslides, road-washouts, and sudden closures. Even in summer you may face streams crossing the road. Pack buffer days into your plan.
• Remote stretches. Services like fuel, phone signal and medical help are sparse. If something goes wrong, help can take time to arrive.
Taken together, the roads are safe when you travel seasonally, use suitable vehicles, and follow local guidance. Many travellers prefer to book through experienced operators like Sort My Trip to remove guesswork.
Practical safety choices: vehicle, driver, timing
• Vehicle choice: Prefer a high-clearance SUV or 4x4, well maintained and fuelled. Avoid low clearance cars. On some patches a diesel SUV is better than a small hatchback.
• Driver: Hire a local, experienced driver who knows the seasonal trouble spots and where to slow down. Drivers familiar with Spiti routes are worth the extra cost. Sort My Trip generally assigns drivers who run these routes often.
• Start early: Mountain weather changes quickly. Early starts reduce chances of being caught in afternoon storms or poor visibility.
• Buffer days: Add at least one buffer day either side of the crossing of Kunzum or long passes so a weather delay does not derail your whole trip.
• Check live road updates: Use the Himachal Pradesh road status pages and local BRO updates before you move. Local police and hotels also have current advice.
Permits and documentation
• Indian nationals: For most of Spiti no special permit is required, although some border or protected pockets may have restrictions. Check district websites for the latest Inner Line Permit or local restrictions before you go.
• Foreign nationals: Certain areas in Lahaul and Spiti are protected. Foreign travellers usually must obtain Protected Area Permits or PAPs for sites like Khab, Samdo, Dhankar, Tabo, Gompa and Kaza. Apply through the district administration or authorised offices. Sort My Trip can help arrange these permits as part of your booking.
Always carry original ID, vehicle papers, and permit copies if applicable.
Route planning ideas that work well
• Classic circle trip: Shimla → Kalpa → Nako → Tabo → Kaza → Losar → Kunzum → Manali. This lets you see the Kinnaur approach and exit through Manali when both routes are open. Plan only in peak season.
• Shimla only approach: Shimla → Rampur → Kalpa → Kaza. Safer in early or late season because it avoids Kunzum. Good choice if your trip dates are marginal.
• Manali direct plan: Best when Kunzum and Rohtang are confirmed open. Faster from Manali but riskier if weather closes passes unexpectedly.
Real traveller checklist before you go
• Check current road status with local authorities or official dashboards.
• Confirm Kunzum Pass opening before you book Manali route travel.
• Book a high clearance SUV with spare fuel.
• Carry warm layers, first aid, water purification tablets, and cash. Remote areas may not accept cards.
• Keep emergency numbers and hotel contacts handy. Sort My Trip provides local emergency contacts and on-route support for its guests.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. When is the Manali to Spiti route open each year?
A. Typically from late May or June until October, depending on snowmelt and road clearing. Exact opening dates vary year to year so always check current BRO or HP road updates before planning.
Q. Can I drive a normal sedan to Spiti?
A. Not recommended. Many stretches have rough patches, water crossings, and boulder fields. A high clearance SUV or 4x4 is strongly recommended.
Q. Do foreigners need permits to visit Spiti?
A. Yes, foreign nationals generally require Protected Area Permits for certain Lahaul and Spiti pockets. Indian nationals usually do not need ILPs for most of Spiti, but check local rules. Sort My Trip helps with permit paperwork.
Q. Is Spiti safe during monsoon?
A. Monsoon increases risk of landslides and road washouts. Many travellers avoid monsoon dates for Spiti unless they are prepared for delays and have local guidance.
Q. How many buffer days should I add?
A. Add at least two buffer days around high passes and plan a relaxed itinerary. Weather and roadwork can cause 24 to 72 hour delays at short notice.
Final thought
The road to Spiti is not a simple highway, it is an adventure corridor. It is safe for travellers who respect the mountains, travel in the right season, and plan with local knowledge. If you want stress-free planning, Sort My Trip can book the right vehicle, hire experienced drivers, arrange permits, and monitor road status while you travel. That way you get the spectacular Spiti views without the guesswork.
