Overview
Kaza to Manali is roughly 180–200 km, usually 7 to 9 hours by taxi: up the Spiti valley to Losar, over Kunzum La at about 4,550 m, down past Batal and the rough Chhatru stretch to Gramphu, and through the Atal Tunnel to Manali. It's the classic way out of Spiti at the end of a circuit that came in through Kinnaur, and it's easier on the body in this direction, because you're already used to the altitude. The road is seasonal, usually open from about June to mid-October, and rough in places, so we send only SUVs and Innovas. We pick you up from your Kaza stay and drop you at your Manali hotel.
Usual route: Losar and Kunzum La (about 4,550 m), then Batal, Chhatru and Gramphu to the Atal Tunnel and Manali
Included
- Fuel and driver allowance
- Tolls and state entry taxes
- Pickup anywhere in Kaza
- 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 Kaza to Manali
How high you go, and the stops along the way. Useful if anyone in your group gets motion sick or feels the altitude.
Start
3,650 m
Kaza
Total descent
−1,600 m
over ~195 km
Finish
2,050 m
Manali
- Kaza
- Losar
- Kunzum La
- Batal
- Chhatru
- Atal Tunnel
- Manali
Illustrative profile. Start, finish altitudes are approximate; stops are shown in order, not to scale.
Kaza to Manali taxi fare and cab rates
Starting prices for a one-way trip (~195 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
₹12,500
starting · one way
₹13,800
starting · one way
₹22,450
starting · one way
Your quote
Kaza → Manali
SUV · one way · ~195 km
- FuelIncluded
- Driver & driver allowanceIncluded
- Highway tollsIncluded
- Himachal state entry taxIncluded
- Pickup anywhere in KazaIncluded
Total you pay
starting price
₹12,500
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
- 1Leave Kaza by 6 am; the stream crossings between Batal and Chhatru rise in the afternoon.
- 2Kunzum La usually closes with the first heavy snow in mid or late October; we check the day before.
- 3There's no fuel between Kaza and Manali (or Tandi, off-route); our drivers fill up in Kaza.
- 4Add a night at Chandratal, just off the road near Batal, for the lake.
- 5Expect a dusty, bumpy day; the last two hours from Gramphu are paved and easy.
Worthwhile stops on the way
Kaza
Pickup
Losar
Last Spiti village before the pass; police check.
Kunzum La
Pass at about 4,550 m with a small temple.
Batal
Dhaba and the turn-off for Chandratal.
Chhatru
Dhabas at the end of the rough stretch.
Atal Tunnel
Back under the Pir Panjal to Manali.
Manali
Drop at your hotel
Leaving Spiti over Kunzum La
From Kaza, the road follows the Spiti river upstream past Kiato and Losar, the last villages, then climbs to Kunzum La, where prayer flags surround a small temple and the view opens towards the Bara Shigri glacier area. On the far side, the road drops in switchbacks to Batal on the Chandra river. The next stretch, to Chhatru, is the roughest of the day: loose rock, potholes and streams across the road. After Gramphu, the road joins the Leh highway and runs paved through the Atal Tunnel to Manali.
It's a long, dramatic day. Allow eight to nine hours, with stops.
Add Chandratal on the way out
Chandratal lake is about 14–15 km off the road at Batal. Coming from Kaza, you're already used to high altitude, which makes a night at the Chandratal camps much easier than going straight from Manali. Kaza to Chandratal is about 4–5 hours; Chandratal to Manali about 5–6 the next day. Tell us when you book and we'll plan the extra night.
- Kaza to Chandratal: about 4–5 hours
- Chandratal to Manali: about 5–6 hours
- Best on the way out of Spiti
If Kunzum is closed
Kunzum La is closed by snow for most of the year, roughly from mid-October to June, and early or late snowfalls can close it unexpectedly. If the pass is shut on your travel day, the only way out of Spiti is back through Kinnaur to Shimla, a two-day drive. We check the road status the evening before and talk you through the options if the plan has to change.
Why the fare is higher than the distance suggests
A Kaza–Manali taxi is a two-day job for the driver, over a rough road, often with an empty return. That's why the market price for this route sits well above what 200 km would normally cost. Our starting price reflects that market rate and includes fuel, tolls and Himachal taxes.
Weather & road conditions
When to go to Manali
Manali: Best: Mar–Jun, Sep–Nov; Snow: Jan–Feb, Dec; Monsoon: Jul–Aug
- Best time
- Snow likely, roads can close
- Monsoon, landslide risk
- Fine, check weather
Pickup options
- • Kaza hotels and homestays
- • Kibber, Langza and Key (nearest road point)
- • Tabo (on request)
Other ways to travel
HRTC runs a seasonal bus from Kaza to Manali, and shared taxis leave Kaza early in the morning in season.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a Kaza to Manali cab cost?+
Starting one-way fares are SUV ₹12,500, Toyota Innova Crysta ₹13,800, Tempo Traveller ₹22,450, 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 Manali from Kaza?+
Roughly 180–200 km over Kunzum La, usually 7 to 9 hours by taxi (approximate; verification pending).
When is the Kaza–Manali road open?+
Usually from about June to mid-October, depending on snow at Kunzum La.
Can we stop at Chandratal?+
Yes, as an overnight at the camps near the lake. It adds a day.
What if Kunzum La is closed?+
You'll need to leave Spiti through Kinnaur to Shimla, about two days. We'll help replan.
Do foreigners need a permit for this road?+
The Protected Area Permit covers upper Kinnaur and Spiti; carry it until you're past Losar. Check our permits guide.
Which vehicles do you send?+
SUVs, Innovas and Tempo Travellers only.
Is there fuel on the way?+
No reliable fuel between Kaza and Manali; our drivers fill up in Kaza.
What should we carry for the day?+
Water, snacks, warm layers and sunscreen; there are few dhabas between Losar and Chhatru.
Reviews
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