Places to stay at a glance
| Place | Height (approx.) | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Kaza | About 3,650 m | Base for day trips; most hotels, shops, fuel and ATMs |
| Tabo | About 3,280 m | First night in Spiti from Kinnaur; easier on altitude |
| Nako | About 3,600 m | Stop on the Kinnaur side, by the lake |
| Dhankar | Around 3,800–3,900 m | Views over the river confluence; quiet |
| Kibber and Langza | Above 4,000 m | Village homestays; only after acclimatising |
| Chandratal camps | About 4,300 m | One summer night by the lake, if you're acclimatised |
Kaza
Kaza is the only real town in Spiti and the most practical base, with hotels and guesthouses at every level, cafés, a market, a fuel pump, ATMs and a hospital. Most visitors spend three or four nights here and make day trips to Key, Kibber, Langza, Hikkim, Komic and Dhankar. Electricity and hot water can be intermittent, so ask what backup the hotel has.
Village homestays
Staying with a family in a village like Kibber, Langza, Demul or Dhankar is one of the best experiences in Spiti: simple rooms, home-cooked food and a glimpse of mountain life. Facilities are basic, with shared bathrooms in many places and limited hot water. Because these villages are higher than Kaza, stay there only once you've acclimatised for a day or two.
Tabo and Nako
Coming in from Kinnaur, Tabo and Nako make ideal stops. They're lower than Kaza, which helps your body adjust, and both have guesthouses and homestays. Tabo's ancient monastery is a short walk from most rooms.
Chandratal camps
In summer, tented camps operate a short distance from Chandratal lake, usually from about mid-June to late September. Nights are freezing even in July, and the altitude of about 4,300 m is high for a first night. Camping right at the lakeshore isn't permitted; stay at the designated camp sites. Our Chandratal guide covers this.
What to check before booking
- Heating and hot water, especially in autumn and winter.
- Power backup: cuts are common.
- Whether meals are included, as options are limited in villages.
- Mobile network: patchy outside Kaza; tell family you may be out of touch.
- Winter opening: many places close from November to April.
Booking in season
July and August are the busiest months, and the better hotels in Kaza and the Chandratal camps can fill up, so book ahead for those dates. In June and September it's easier to find rooms on arrival, especially homestays. Your driver usually knows reliable homestays in each village and can call ahead where there's network.
Frequently asked questions
Where should I stay in Spiti valley?+
Kaza as a base for day trips, with a night or two in a village homestay or in Tabo or Nako on the way in.
Are there hotels in Kaza?+
Yes, from simple guesthouses to comfortable hotels. It has the most options in Spiti.
Is a homestay good in Spiti?+
Yes. Homestays are warm, good value and often include meals, though facilities are basic.
Can I stay at Chandratal?+
Yes, in summer camps a short distance from the lake. Camping on the lakeshore itself isn't allowed.
Are hotels in Spiti open in winter?+
A few in Kaza stay open; many homestays and camps close from about November to April.
Which is better for the first night, Tabo or Kaza?+
Tabo, if you're coming from Kinnaur: it's lower and helps with acclimatisation.
