The two roads at a glance
The Shimla–Kinnaur road (NH5 and then the road through Pooh, Nako and Tabo) is longer but climbs gradually and is open for most of the year. The Manali–Kunzum road is shorter but crosses a pass at about 4,550 m and is only open from roughly June to mid-October.
| Via Shimla and Kinnaur | Via Manali and Kunzum La | |
|---|---|---|
| Distance to Kaza | About 410–430 km from Shimla | About 180–200 km from Manali |
| Time | Two days, with a night in Kalpa | One long day, 7–9 hours |
| Open | Most of the year | About June to mid-October |
| Altitude gain | Gradual | Fast: over 4,500 m in a day |
| Road | Mostly paved; landslide-prone stretches | Rough, unpaved sections and stream crossings |
From Delhi
Delhi to Kaza is about 720–740 km via Shimla and Kinnaur, usually three days by road: Delhi to Shimla or Narkanda, then on to Kalpa, then into Spiti. In summer, you can also go via Manali and Kunzum La, but it's not much shorter and climbs much faster. Overnight buses run from Delhi to Shimla and Reckong Peo, with local buses onward to Kaza.
From Chandigarh
Chandigarh, with its airport and fast trains to Delhi, is the most common starting point. It's about 520–550 km to Kaza via Shimla and Kinnaur, two to three days by road, with nights in Narkanda or Sarahan and in Kalpa. In summer, the Manali route is about 500 km, with a night in Manali before crossing Kunzum La.
From Shimla
Shimla is the start of the Kinnaur road. It's about 410–430 km to Kaza, two days by taxi with a night in Kalpa or Reckong Peo, about 208 km before Kaza. HRTC buses run from Shimla to Reckong Peo and on to Kaza, taking about two days with a change. Foreign nationals collect their Protected Area Permit in Reckong Peo on the way.
From Manali
From Manali, the road runs through the Atal Tunnel, along the Chandra river past Chhatru and Batal, over Kunzum La and down to Kaza: about 180–200 km and seven to nine hours. It's only open from roughly June to mid-October, and parts are rough, so it needs an SUV and an early start. Chandratal lake is a short detour near Batal. Because the climb is so fast, many travellers use this road to leave Spiti rather than to arrive.
By bus
HRTC runs buses from Shimla and Reckong Peo to Kaza through Kinnaur for most of the year, and a seasonal bus from Manali to Kaza over Kunzum La in summer. They're cheap and reliable, but slow, and seats fill quickly in season. Shared taxis also run from Manali to Kaza in summer, leaving early in the morning.
Nearest airports and railheads
The nearest airport for the Manali route is Kullu–Manali airport at Bhuntar, about 240–250 km from Kaza via Manali, with limited, weather-dependent flights. For the Kinnaur route, Shimla's small airport has a few flights, and Chandigarh is the nearest major airport. The nearest railheads are Shimla, on the narrow-gauge toy train from Kalka, and Chandigarh or Kalka on the main network. From any of them, the rest is by road.
- Kullu–Manali (Bhuntar): about 240–250 km via Manali
- Chandigarh: main airport for the Kinnaur route
- Railheads: Shimla (toy train), Kalka, Chandigarh
By taxi
A private taxi is the most flexible way in, because it lets you stop at Sarahan, Sangla, Kalpa, Nako and Tabo on the way and keep the car for day trips around Kaza. We send SUVs, Innovas and Tempo Travellers only, with drivers who run these roads every season. Starting prices for each route are on our route pages, all-inclusive with fuel, tolls and Himachal taxes; driver night allowances are quoted upfront.
Frequently asked questions
Which is the best way to reach Spiti?+
Through Kinnaur from Shimla for most travellers: it's open most of the year and climbs gradually. In summer, leave via Manali for a full circuit.
How far is Spiti from Delhi?+
About 720–740 km to Kaza via Shimla and Kinnaur, usually three days by road.
Is there an airport in Spiti?+
No. The nearest is Kullu–Manali at Bhuntar for the Manali route, or Chandigarh and Shimla for the Kinnaur route.
When is the Manali–Kaza road open?+
Usually from about June to mid-October, depending on snow at Kunzum La.
Can we reach Spiti in winter?+
Only via Kinnaur from Shimla, with closures after snow.
Do we need a 4x4?+
Not usually in summer, but an SUV or Innova with good ground clearance is essential; sedans aren't suitable.
