Spiti Valley is a cold desert mountain valley in Himachal Pradesh that you are not going to forget anytime soon. This place is well known for its challenging roads, breathtaking beauty, and surreal views, making it one of the perfect places for adventure seekers and peace lovers.
However, one of the main questions that arises is how to reach Spiti Valley from Delhi, as the trip from Delhi to Spiti Valley requires proper planning, as it is going to offer you an experience of a lifetime. Whether you are driving through mountain passes, boarding a bus, or combining road and air travel, planning in advance will help you deal with challenging roads and weather conditions.
In this guide, we will take you through the most common ways to reach Spiti from Delhi: the routes, travel times, tips, and a few things that can make the trip to Spiti Valley smooth and memorable. So let's start planning out your trip to this beautiful mountain destination with your Spiti trip package.
Spiti Valley from Delhi: Routes and Modes
While visiting Spiti Valley from Delhi, the first and the most common question that arises is how to reach Spiti Valley from Delhi. Let’s know the different ways to reach Spiti from Delhi.
By Road
There are two routes to reach the Spiti Valley from Delhi by road, one is from Manali and the other is from Shimla. Understanding these routes and selecting the best according to your preferences is important, as it is going to completely change your travel experience. The Spiti Valley distance from Delhi depends upon the route you take. If you are taking a route via Shimla the distance is 730-750km, on the other hand if you are travelling via Manali the distance is 720 km. You can either self-drive or book a taxi or bus for a perfect road trip.
Let’s know more about these routes separately for a smooth road trip.
Spiti Valley Route via Manali
Route Map- Delhi - Manali - Rohtang Pass - Gramphu - Kunzum Pass - Kaza/Tabo
Distance- 720 km
Time taken- 20-24 hours
Best time to visit Spiti via Manali- June to October
Road conditions of Manali to Spiti- The road conditions on the Manali to Spiti route offer a mix of smooth and challenging road conditions. Manali to Lahaul has smooth road conditions; however, the road condition starts getting challenging once you cross the Rohtang pass
Permits- Earlier, a permit was required to cross the Rohtang Pass. But, since most travelers take the Atal tunnel route, no permit is required for crossing the Rohtang pass. However, it is advised to keep copies of your IDs with you in case it's needed.
Spiti Valley Route via Shimla
Route Map- Delhi - Narkanda - Reckong Peo or Kalpa or Sangla - Nako - Tabo - Kaza
Distance- 740 km
Time Taken- 24–28 hours
Best time to visit Spiti via Manali- May to June
Road conditions of Manali to Spiti- Shimla to Spiti road trip are considered a safer and more reliable way to reach the Spiti Valley. However, this route takes longer to reach Spiti, but the smooth roads and some challenging terrains will be a perfect mix if you are a first-time visitor.
Permits- There is no permit required if you are an Indian citizen. However, if you are a foreigner then you will need a permit to cross Reckong Peo.
By Train
There is no direct train connectivity to Spiti Valley, you can begin your journey by taking a train from Delhi to the nearest major railway station to Spiti. Shimla is the nearest railway station to Spiti, while Chandigarh offers better connectivity from other parts of India.
Either from the station, you will need to continue your journey by car,Taxis or buses. The trip is both gorgeous and thrilling, beautifully blending road and train travel.
Nearest railway stations: Shimla and Chandigarh
Distance from Delhi to Shimla railway station: 277–278 km
Distance from Delhi to Chandigarh railway station: 244 km
By Air
The closest airport to Spiti Valley is Kullu-Manali Airport in Bhuntar, which is roughly 240 kilometers away. To go to Spiti from there, you can take a bus or hire a cab. However, flights to this Shimla airport are limited and are not always available. Chandigarh International Airport is another reliable option from where you can continue your journey to Spiti by road. Regular flight options are available from here.
Travel Tips for Delhi to Spiti Valley Trip
Some of the travel tips you should follow while on your Delhi to Spiti Valley are-
Start early in the morning to avoid traffic
Acclimatize Well to adjust and avoid altitude sickness.
Petrol pumps are limited after Rekong Peo and Manali. Always keep your tank full before heading to Spiti.
Carry Cash with you as ATMs are limited and local shops mostly ask payment in cash.
Pack your travel essentials like warm clothes, medicines, sunscreen, and snacks as it is a long way and there are limited facilities.
Plan your visit after checking the road & weather conditions, as landslides or snowfall can change road conditions.
Conclusion
Spiti is a beautiful location, but planning in advance is important as the drive will take you through some challenging paths. The drive from Delhi may be long, bumpy, and at times exhausting, but every mile is worth it. Whether you choose the Spiti trip by road, by train or by air, both give you an adventure of a lifetime. Just plan well, start early, and keep the essentials handy. In the end, Delhi to Spiti Valley will leave you with not just photographs, but with lots of memories and stories.
