Spiti Valley isn’t just another destination – it’s the kind of place that leaves a deep impression on your heart, long after you’ve returned home. Recently, I set out on an adventure that turned out to be nothing short of magical – a road trip from Manali to Kaza, the heart of Spiti. What unfolded over the next few days was a mix of dramatic landscapes, soul-stirring silence, warm Himalayan hospitality, and memories for a lifetime.
Let me take you through everything – how to reach, best time, places to visit, where to eat, stay options, and useful tips, all based on my personal experience. This isn’t just a guide – it’s a real story from a fellow traveler 🧳💚.
📍 Starting Point: Manali – Gateway to Spiti
I began my journey from Manali, a well-known hill town in Himachal Pradesh. Located at an altitude of about 6,730 ft (2,050 m), it’s the perfect place to acclimatize before heading deeper into high-altitude terrain.
✈️ How to Reach Manali from Across India
If you’re not from Himachal, here’s how you can reach Manali from anywhere in India:
- ✈️By Air: If you’re planning to fly, the closest airport to Manali is Bhuntar Airport near Kullu, about 50 km away. It’s a small airport with Limited flights, mostly from Delhi, so flights can be infrequent and sometimes delayed due to weather – plan accordingly.
- 🚆By Train: The nearest railway station is Joginder Nagar (~160 km), but Chandigarh (310 km) or Pathankot (300 km) are better options for more train connectivity.
- 🚌By Bus/Car: Volvo and HRTC buses from Delhi, Chandigarh, and Shimla run frequently to Manali.
From Delhi, it’s about 540 km – a long but beautiful 12-14 hour road journey.
🛣️ Manali to Kaza: The Route Less Traveled (Distance & Road Condition)
The real adventure began when I left Manali and hit the road toward Kaza, the main town and administrative center of Spiti Valley. The total distance is approximately 200 km, but don’t be fooled – this is a tough mountain road and takes 9–12 hours.
📍 Route Map:
From Manali, the route to Kaza takes you through some of the most scenic and challenging spots in the Himalayas — starting with Rohtang Pass, then passing through Gramphu, Chhatru, …passing through the remote settlement of Batal, climbing up to the breathtaking Kunzum Pass, and then driving through the peaceful high-altitude village of Losar, before finally arriving in Kaza — the heart of Spiti Valley.
🛻 I hired a local taxi – a 4×4 Bolero. Self-drive isn’t recommended unless you’re experienced with mountain terrain. Roads are narrow, muddy, and sometimes prone to landslides.
💡 TIP: Start early – we began at 5:30 AM to avoid water crossings swelling up by noon.
🏔️ En Route Views – Heaven on Earth 🌤️
The moment we crossed Rohtang Pass (13,050 ft), the scenery changed dramatically. Lush green valleys gave way to barren, surreal landscapes. The roads were challenging, but the views? Breathtaking. 🌄
We stopped at Chhatru for breakfast – steaming Maggi and tea. At Batal, we had a humble but warm lunch with a local family. You’ll hardly find cafes or restaurants – carry dry snacks and water.
🚩 Reaching Kaza – The Soul of Spiti Valley
After a long, adventurous drive through the mountains, we finally reached Kaza by late evening — nestled at an altitude of around 12,500 feet in the stunning Spiti Valley. Surrounded by mountains that look carved by gods, this small town instantly made me feel like I was on another planet. 🪐
Despite the altitude and exhaustion, I felt immense peace.
🏨 Best Hotels in Kaza for a Comfortable Stay 🛏️
After exploring options, I stayed at Hotel Deyzor, known for its cozy interiors and quirky vibes. Here are a few top picks:
- Hotel Deyzor – Mid-range, artsy decor, great food. 🍽️ Hotel Deyzor in Kaza, Spiti Valley is a delightful mid-range retreat that beautifully combines cozy comfort with local culture and character. Known for its quirky, artsy décor and warm hospitality, this boutique hotel offers thoughtfully designed rooms filled with handcrafted details and local artwork. Guests rave about the delicious in-house food—especially the home-style Himachali dishes and freshly baked treats. Whether you’re relaxing in a cozy reading corner or admiring the views of the surrounding mountains, Hotel Deyzor provides a soulful and memorable Himalayan experience. Ideal for solo travelers, couples, or small groups seeking a peaceful yet stylish stay in the heart of Spiti.
2. Zostel Spiti – Perfect for solo travelers and backpackers 🎒 Zostel Spiti in Kaza is a top pick for solo travelers and backpackers looking for a budget-friendly, social, and adventure-ready stay in the heart of Spiti Valley. With its colorful, quirky interiors and laid-back vibe, it offers both private rooms and dorms with stunning views of the mountains. The common areas are perfect for meeting fellow travelers, sharing stories, or planning treks and local experiences. The staff is friendly and well-informed, helping you explore hidden gems around Kaza. If you’re seeking a vibrant, youthful atmosphere without compromising on cleanliness and comfort, Zostel Spiti is your ideal Himalayan basecamp.
3. Hotel Spiti Heritage – Budget-friendly with clean rooms. Hotel Spiti Heritage in Kaza is a reliable and budget-friendly stay for travelers seeking clean, comfortable accommodation in Spiti Valley. The rooms are simple yet well-maintained, offering basic amenities, warm bedding, and peaceful views of the surrounding mountains. Ideal for families, solo explorers, or groups, this hotel is known for its courteous staff and convenient location near the main market and key attractions. While it doesn’t boast luxury, it delivers great value for money and a restful atmosphere after a long day of sightseeing. For those wanting a practical, no-fuss base to explore Spiti, Hotel Spiti Heritage is a smart choice.
4. Nyingma House – Traditional architecture, very peaceful 🏡 Nyingma House in Kaza is a peaceful retreat, and hidden gem for travelers looking to experience the authentic charm and rich culture connection of Spiti Valley. Designed in traditional Tibetan-style architecture, this serene guesthouse offers a warm, homely atmosphere with clean, cozy rooms and panoramic views of the Himalayas. Surrounded by silence and prayer flags, it’s perfect for meditation, reading, or simply unwinding after exploring nearby monasteries. The hosts are kind and welcoming, often sharing local stories and tea with guests. If you’re looking for a quiet, soul-soothing stay that reflects the true spirit of Spiti, Nyingma House is a beautiful place to call home.
Room costs range between ₹1,000 to ₹3,500/night. All these places offer hot water, Wi-Fi (intermittent), and homely meals.
🍽️ Where to Eat in Kaza – Enjoy Authentic Local Food in the Heart of Spiti Valley
You’ll find Tibetan, Indian, and fusion dishes in Kaza. My favorite places:
🍛 The Himalayan Café – Their thukpa and apple pie are to die for!
The Himalayan Café in Kaza is a cozy, traveler-favorite spot known for its comforting thukpa, crispy momos, and heavenly apple pie. With its warm ambience, local flavors, and friendly vibe, it’s the perfect place to relax after a long day exploring Spiti Valley. A must-visit for food lovers!
🍲 Sol Café – Cosy spot for breakfast with a view.
Sol Café in kaza is perfect for starting your day with a relaxed breakfast and panoramic views of the majestic Spiti mountains. known it for it’s a favorite morning stop for travelers exploring to unwind and soak in the beauty of Spiti Valley. This hidden gem is loved by travelers for its cozy ambiance, friendly service, and picture-perfect mountain backdrop—making it a must-visit café in the heart of Spiti. Known for locally inspired menu, its fresh coffee, hearty pancakes, and peaceful vibe,
🥟 Taste of Spiti – A cozy eatery spot in Kaza.
celebrated for serving authentic Spitian meals, delicious, flavorful momos, and comforting hearty Tibetan-style dishes made with fresh local ingredients. With its warm hospitality and homely vibe, it’s the perfect place to experience the real flavors of Spiti Valley in every bite.
Don’t miss:
- Tingmo (Tibetan bread)
- Churpe (dry yak cheese)
- Butter tea 🫖
🏞️ Must-Visit Places Around Kaza – My Itinerary
Here’s what I covered in the next 3 days (and you should too!):
1. Key Monastery – 14 km from Kaza
Over 1,000 years old, this monastery perched on a hilltop felt like a dream. I found myself spending hours at Key Monastery, simply taking in the panoramic views of the valley and enjoying the deep sense of calm that surrounded the place. 🧘
2. Kibber Village – 18 km
One of the highest inhabited villages (14,200 ft). I spotted blue sheep here!
3. Hikkim – 16 km
📮 Hikkim is home to the world’s highest post office, and sending postcards to my family from such an extreme altitude was a surreal and memorable experience.
4. Komic Village – 18 km
Claimed to be the world’s highest motorable village (15,000+ ft). Small monastery, big skies.
5. Langza – 16 km
A fossil hunter’s paradise, and home to the iconic Buddha statue overlooking the valley.
6. Chicham Bridge – 21 km
Asia’s highest suspension bridge – scary yet stunning.
🗓️ Best Time to Visit Spiti Valley
- June to September: Perfect for the Manali route (via Kunzum Pass)
- October to May: Manali route is closed due to snow ❄️. You can enter via Shimla-Reckong Peo-Kaza route (longer but open year-round).
🚆 How to Visit Spiti from Other Parts of India
No direct trains or flights to Spiti, but here’s the best way:
🔹 Whether you’re traveling from Delhi, Chandigarh, Mumbai, or Bangalore, getting to Spiti Valley involves a mix of flights, road travel, and a bit of planning — but the journey is absolutely worth it.
- Flight to Chandigarh or Bhuntar (Kullu)
- Bus to Manali (HRTC or private Volvo)
- Shared cab / hired taxi / tour to Kaza
Alternatively, you can take the Shimla route:
- Reach Shimla (train via Kalka or bus from Chandigarh)
- Proceed to Reckong Peo, Nako, Tabo, then Kaza (takes longer, 2-3 days)
🚌 Public Transport: HRTC buses do run between Manali and Kaza (daily in season), but they are basic and very slow.
📷 My Travel Tips & Precautions – Be Spiti-Ready! ⛑️
Having been there, I strongly recommend the following:
- Acclimatize: Take it slow in Manali for 1–2 days before heading to Spiti — it’s important to acclimatize properly to the high altitude to avoid AMS (Acute Mountain Sickness) and enjoy your journey safely.
- AMS (Acute Mountain Sickness): Carry Diamox and avoid alcohol
- Pack light but smart: Thermals, jackets, sunglasses, sunscreen 🧥🧴🕶️
- Cash is King: Only 1-2 ATMs in Kaza – often empty
- Network: Only BSNL and Jio work – and barely!
- Fuel up: Only one petrol pump in Kaza – top up in Manali
- Stay eco-conscious: No plastic bottles, respect local culture ♻️🙏
- Travel Insurance: Always a good idea for high-altitude trips
🙌 Final Thoughts – Spiti, You Beauty! 💙
Spiti Valley isn’t just a travel destination – it’s a feeling. The silence, the raw nature, the majestic monasteries, and the incredibly kind people – it all changes you a little. My journey from Manali to Kaza wasn’t luxurious, but it was transformative.
If you’re seeking peace, nature, raw adventure, or just want to disconnect and breathe clean air under infinite skies, Spiti is waiting. There’s never a perfect time to visit the mountains — if Spiti Valley is on your mind, pack your bags and make it happen. The experience is always worth it. The experience is always worth it. You’ll come back a storyteller, like me. 📖🌄
🧳 More Travel Stories You Might Love
If you’re someone who enjoys high-altitude escapes, peaceful mountain towns, or a bit of spiritual adventure, you might also enjoy some of my other travel experiences:
- 🚵♂️ Leh-Ladakh Road Trip – A raw, rugged journey through the land of high passes, perfect for thrill-seekers and nature lovers alike.
- 🌄 Mussoorie & Landour – A serene hill station with colonial charm and breathtaking views, ideal for a cozy weekend.
- 🧘 Rishikesh Travel Guide – My soulful retreat to the yoga capital of the world, filled with Ganga aarti, cafes, and river rafting.
- 🎿 Auli Itinerary – A magical winter escape with skiing, cable cars, and panoramic views of the Nanda Devi range.
- 🚣♀️ Nainital & Bhimtal Journey – Lakeside calm, scenic boat rides, and misty hills — perfect for a family trip or a peaceful solo getaway.
- ❄️ Manali Diaries – My gateway to Spiti and a must-visit destination in its own right, with snow adventures and vibrant local life.
Happy Traveling, and see you on the road! 🚗💨
