Manali to Spiti Distance

If you want to experience a road trip like never before, the Manali to Spiti valley route is the one for you. However, this route becomes risky to travel towards late October or November when snow starts falling on high mountain passes including Rohtang and Kunzum Pass.

So, it is best to hire a private vehicle for your journey and also keep some important things in mind.

Distance

There is no direct flight or train that runs from Manali to Kaza. The best way to travel is by road. It is a scenic journey through the high altitudes of Himalayan mountains. The roads are challenging but worth every minute of the drive. The trip will give you a lifetime of memories and experiences.

The new Atal Tunnel Rohtang pass route has made it possible to travel from Manali to Kaza all year round. The route remains open from October to May except for late September and October when snowfall is heavy on the slushy road.

You can rent a 4×4 vehicle from any hotel in Manali. A cab is also a good option. There are a few cabs that operate on this route and charge a reasonable price. It is advisable to hire a car with an experienced driver. This will help you deal with slushy roads, water crossings and snow in the higher altitudes.

You can reach Kaza in about 12 hours from Manali. The first stop is Tabo, known as the ‘Ajanta of Himalayas’. The 1010-year-old monastery is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, famous for its ancient paintings that depict the life of Buddha and are a fusion of Western Tibetan, Indian and Kashmiri styles. The second stop is Dhankar, the former capital of Monarchs who ruled over the dust-cultured wilderness of Spiti.

Time

For travellers who have a passion for road trips, it is an incredible opportunity to experience the pristine beauty of Spiti Valley. However, you must be prepared for the harsh weather conditions and challenging terrains. Moreover, you must ensure that your vehicle is well-maintained and equipped with emergency tools.

To do this, you should hire a taxi that is experienced on the Manali-Spiti route. You should also make sure that the driver has a lot of local experience and knows how to handle the high altitudes. Additionally, you should bring an emergency kit with a tyre inflator, puncture repair kit, and a battery jump start cable. You should also have a spare tyre and an empty 5 litre can for back-up fuel.

It is recommended to plan a trip to Spiti during the month of September, when the monsoon is receding and the roads are dry and free of mud. The route to Spiti via Shimla and Kinnaur remains open all year round, but it is best to avoid the extreme winter months.

There are several bus services available from Delhi to Kullu, from where you can hire a cab or bus to Manali. There are also direct flights to Manali from Chandigarh and Delhi, which take about 10 hours. You can book your tickets online or at a travel agency.

If you need more adventure in short trip so you can check Mandi to Manali Distance

Weather

In terms of weather, the best time to travel to Spiti Valley is in September and October. During these months, the roads are free of snow and fog and are easily navigable. However, the road condition deteriorates once you cross Rohtang Pass and Kunzum Pass. In these conditions, it’s advisable to take a sturdy SUV or jeep with good ground clearance. Moreover, you should also acclimatize to the high altitude by spending a few days in a lower-altitude region before you embark on your journey.

The spiti valley is also a great destination to visit during the month of April and May. Though it might still be cold at night, the daytime temperatures are comfortable. Moreover, the tourist activities in this season are at their peak.

In order to reach Kaza from Manali, you can opt for a government bus, which runs from mid-June to mid-October. You can book your tickets online or at the bus stand. You can also rent a private vehicle and drive yourself. This will allow you to travel at your own pace and make stops whenever you want. However, this option is more expensive than taking a government bus. It’s recommended to leave early in the morning from Manali to avoid traffic jams and bad weather. You should also bring a first aid kit and an emergency blanket in case of any mishaps during the trip.

Route

The Manali to Spiti route is a once-in-a-lifetime road trip experience. It is usually open from mid-May to mid-October, but it can close at any time due to snowfall. The road passes through Rohtang Pass, Batal, and Kunzum Pass and is one of the most beautiful drives in the world.

While the road is challenging, it is worth taking if you are looking for a thrilling adventure. The route offers many opportunities to stop and admire the scenery, including green pine forests, barren valleys, sparkling rivers, and ancient monasteries. During the journey, you will cross high mountain passes and discover hidden villages. The road trip is also a great way to get acclimatized to the high altitude of the region.

To ensure that you have a smooth trip, make sure that you carry all the essentials. It is advisable to carry extra food, drinks, and clothes. Also, you should have an emergency kit that includes a towing rope, jumper cables, and tyre inflator and puncture repair kits. Additionally, you should have an empty 5 litre can as back-up fuel.

Moreover, it is a good idea to break the trip in three days. This will help you acclimatize to the high altitude of the region in a shorter period of time. In addition, it will also help you avoid AMS symptoms.