Overview
Chandigarh to Kaza is roughly 520–550 km through Kinnaur, usually two to three days by taxi with about 17 to 19 hours of driving: up to Shimla, along the Sutlej to Reckong Peo and Kalpa, then through Nako and Tabo into the Spiti valley and Kaza at about 3,650 m. In summer, there's also a route via Manali and Kunzum La, but the Kinnaur road is open most of the year and climbs more gradually, which matters at Spiti's altitude. Most travellers stop in Narkanda or Sarahan and Kalpa on the way. We pick you up anywhere in the Tricity, at the airport or the station, and drive you all the way with one driver.
Usual route: NH5 via Shimla, Narkanda, Rampur and Reckong Peo, then Nako and Tabo to Kaza (or via Manali and Kunzum La in summer)
Included
- Fuel and driver allowance
- Tolls and state entry taxes
- Pickup anywhere in Chandigarh
- Short refreshment stops
Not included
- ×Parking at sightseeing stops
- ×Detours beyond the agreed route (quoted upfront)
- ×Night allowance on trips that need one (quoted upfront)
The climb from Chandigarh to Kaza
How high you go, and the stops along the way. Useful if anyone in your group gets motion sick or feels the altitude.
Start
321 m
Chandigarh
Total climb
+3,329 m
over ~535 km
Finish
3,650 m
Kaza
- Chandigarh
- Shimla bypass
- Narkanda or Sarahan
- Kalpa
- Nako
- Tabo
- Kaza
Illustrative profile. Start, finish altitudes are approximate; stops are shown in order, not to scale.
Chandigarh to Kaza taxi fare and cab rates
Starting prices for a one-way trip (~535 km), per vehicle, with fuel, driver, tolls and HP entry tax included. Your exact price is confirmed in writing on WhatsApp before you book; it can vary with dates, vehicle model and extra stops. All Himachal taxi fares
₹15,500
starting · one way
₹17,100
starting · one way
₹27,800
starting · one way
Your quote
Chandigarh → Kaza
SUV · one way · ~535 km
- FuelIncluded
- Driver & driver allowanceIncluded
- Highway tollsIncluded
- Himachal state entry taxIncluded
- Pickup anywhere in ChandigarhIncluded
Total you pay
starting price
₹15,500
Only ever extra: parking at sightseeing stops you choose (paid at cost), and detours you add on the day (quoted before you go).
Driving tips for this route
- 1A comfortable plan: Chandigarh to Narkanda or Sarahan (day 1), on to Kalpa (day 2), then Kaza (day 3).
- 2Faster plan: Chandigarh to Kalpa in one long day, then Kaza the next.
- 3Foreign nationals: allow a working day in Reckong Peo for the Protected Area Permit.
- 4Landslide-prone stretches in upper Kinnaur can hold traffic; start each day early.
- 5In summer, you can return via Manali and Kunzum La for a full circuit.
Worthwhile stops on the way
Chandigarh
Pickup
Shimla bypass
About 3 hours from Chandigarh.
Narkanda or Sarahan
First-night options.
Kalpa
Second night, facing Kinner Kailash.
Nako
Lake village at about 3,600 m.
Tabo
Ancient monastery before Kaza.
Kaza
Drop at your hotel
Planning the drive
From Chandigarh, Spiti is a three-day journey for most travellers. Day one takes you to Narkanda or Sarahan, five to seven hours; day two to Kalpa, three to five hours more; day three to Kaza, about 208 km and eight to nine hours. That pace lets your body adjust to the altitude, gives foreign visitors time for the permit office in Reckong Peo, and avoids driving the hardest stretches tired.
If you're short of time, Chandigarh to Kalpa in one long day and Kaza the next works, but it's tiring.
- Day 1: Chandigarh to Narkanda or Sarahan
- Day 2: on to Kalpa
- Day 3: Kalpa to Kaza via Nako and Tabo
The Spiti circuit
In summer, the classic Spiti road trip from Chandigarh is a loop: in through Kinnaur, a few days around Kaza for Key monastery, Kibber, Langza and Hikkim, then out over Kunzum La to Manali, with an optional night at Chandratal, and back to Chandigarh. The loop takes eight to ten days and is one of the great road trips in India. Keeping one car and driver for the whole circuit is the simplest way to do it.
Permits and paperwork
Indian citizens need no permit for Spiti. Foreign nationals need a Protected Area Permit for upper Kinnaur and Spiti, which travellers report is issued in person at the SDM office in Reckong Peo, or at offices in Shimla, Keylong or Kaza. Carry your passport and several copies of the permit for checkposts. Our permits guide has the details.
Vehicles and what the fare covers
We send only SUVs, Innovas and Tempo Travellers to Spiti. The starting fare covers the distance at our per-km rate, with fuel, tolls and Himachal taxes. Driver night allowances for the overnight stops are added and quoted upfront, as are any days you'd like the car to stay with you in Spiti.
Weather & road conditions
When to go to Kaza
| J | F | M | A | M | J | J | A | S | O | N | D |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January: Snow likely, roads can close | February: Snow likely, roads can close | March: Snow likely, roads can close | April: Snow likely, roads can close | May: Fine, check weather | June: Best time | July: Best time | August: Best time | September: Best time | October: Fine, check weather | November: Snow likely, roads can close | December: Snow likely, roads can close |
- Best time
- Snow likely, roads can close
- Monsoon, landslide risk
- Fine, check weather
Pickup options
- • Chandigarh, Mohali and Panchkula addresses
- • Chandigarh airport (IXC)
- • Chandigarh railway station and ISBT Sector 43
Other ways to travel
Buses run from Chandigarh to Shimla and Reckong Peo, with a change for Kaza; the journey takes two to three days. There's no railway or airport in Spiti.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a Chandigarh to Kaza cab cost?+
Starting one-way fares are SUV ₹15,500, Toyota Innova Crysta ₹17,100, Tempo Traveller ₹27,800, all-inclusive with fuel, driver, tolls and Himachal entry tax. Your exact taxi price is confirmed in writing on WhatsApp before you book.
How far is Kaza from Chandigarh?+
Roughly 520–550 km via Kinnaur, about 17–19 hours of driving over two to three days (approximate; verification pending).
How many days does the drive take?+
Two at a push, three for comfort: Narkanda or Sarahan, Kalpa, then Kaza.
Which route is better, Shimla or Manali?+
The Shimla–Kinnaur route is open most of the year and climbs gradually. The Manali route is shorter but only open about June to mid-October and climbs fast.
Do foreigners need a permit?+
Yes, a Protected Area Permit for upper Kinnaur and Spiti. Indian citizens don't.
Can we do a full Spiti circuit?+
Yes. In via Kinnaur, out via Kunzum La and Manali, in summer. It takes about 8–10 days.
Can you pick us up at Chandigarh airport?+
Yes. With an afternoon flight, we suggest driving to Shimla or Narkanda the same day.
Which vehicles do you send?+
SUVs, Innovas and Tempo Travellers only.
Is there fuel on the way to Kaza?+
Yes, at Rampur, Reckong Peo and Kaza, but the stretches between them are long. Our drivers fill up at each one.
What is there to see around Kaza?+
Key monastery, the high villages of Kibber, Langza, Komic and Hikkim, and Tabo and Dhankar monasteries on the way in.
Reviews
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