Manali to Spiti Valley Travel Guide

Complete Route, Distance, Road Conditions, Weather Guide, Itinerary & Safety Tips

Introduction: Your Ultimate Manali to Spiti Valley Guide

The Manali to Spiti Valley route is one of India’s most adventurous Himalayan journeys. From dense pine forests to glacier-fed rivers, off-road Himalayan tracks, high mountain passes, and dramatic desert landscapes — this route transforms completely every 30 km.

Whether you are a biker, photographer, explorer, or first-time mountain traveller, this road offers unmatched beauty and thrill.

This updated, expert-backed guide covers routes, distances, Atal Tunnel updates, Kunzum Pass status, weather, itineraries, budget, safety tips, and more.
Plan your journey with DEYOR — the only Indian travel brand featured on Shark Tank India.

Manali to Spiti Valley Main Route (Shortest & Most Popular)

Distance: 178–200 km
Travel Time: 7–10 hours
Route:
Manali → Atal Tunnel → Gramphu → Chatru → Batal → Kunzum Pass → Losar → Kaza

This is the only route that remains open from June to October.

Detailed Route Breakdown (Manali → Kaza)

1. Manali → Atal Tunnel

Road Type: Smooth highway
Time: 30–40 min

Highlights

• Perfect wide roads

• Avoids Rohtang Pass entirely

• Quick shift from forests to wide open mountain views

2. Atal Tunnel → Gramphu

Road Type: Broken patches + narrow curves
Time: 20–30 min

What to Expect

• Start of rugged terrain

• Sharp temperature drop

• Glacial water trickles

• Occasional ice walls in early June

Travel Tip:
Drive slow — blind curves + slippery gravel.

3. Gramphu → Batal (Most Challenging Stretch)

Road Type: Hard-core off-road
Time: 2–3 hours

Highlights

• Water crossings (deep after noon)

• Muddy stone-filled tracks

• Chandra River flowing on the right side

Stop:
Batal’s Chacha–Chachi Dhaba (famous, safe, basic food)

Important:
Cross before 12 PM — streams rise dangerously after midday.

4. Batal → Kunzum Pass (4,551 m)

Road Type: Rocky ascent
Time: 1–1.5 hours

Why This Stretch Is Iconic

• Snow peaks all around

• Spiritual stop at Kunzum Mata Temple

• Thin air → mild breathlessness common

Tip:
Do NOT rush → altitude gain must be slow.

5. Kunzum Pass → Losar

Road Type: Dirt + partially paved
Time: 45 min – 1 hr

Scenery

• Endless valleys

• First look of Spiti’s desert landscape

• Tibetan architecture

Losar:
Your official entry point to Spiti.

6. Losar → Kaza (Easiest Stretch)

Road Type: Mostly smooth blacktop
Time: 1–1.5 hours

Highlights

• Wide landscapes

• Villages + monasteries

• Broad Himalayan skies

Kaza:
Main town with hotels, cafes, ATMs, petrol pump, mechanics.

Best Time to Travel from Manali to Spiti Valley

June – August: BEST & SAFEST SEASON

All roads open
Weather stable
Best for first-timers & bikers
Chandra Taal accessible

Temperature: 15°C–25°C

September – October: Best Photography Season

Super clear skies
Less crowd
Scenic landscapes

Kunzum Pass may close anytime after mid-October.

November – May: Route CLOSED

• Heavy snowfall

• Kunzum Pass buried under snow

• Manali route not accessible

• Only Shimla route remains open

Manali to Spiti by Bus, Taxi, or Bike

HRTC Bus (Seasonal)

Runs June–October
Cheapest option
Leaves early morning

Shared Taxis

Available in peak season
Budget-friendly & safe for beginners

Self-Drive / Bike Trip

Recommended bikes:

• Royal Enfield Himalayan

• Classic 350

• ADV bikes

SUV Recommended:

• Scorpio

• Thar

• Fortuner

Acclimatization Tips (Must Read)

Sleep one night in Manali before starting
Hydrate frequently
Avoid alcohol
Take slow breaks at altitude
Carry Diamox if sensitive

Season-Wise Quick Comparison

Month-wise Quick Spiti Season Guide

Why Choose DEYOR for Your Spiti Tour?

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FAQs: Manali to Spiti Valley

1. Best time to travel from Manali to Spiti?

June to October — when Kunzum Pass is open & weather is stable.

2. How long does the journey take?

7–10 hours depending on weather and stream levels.

3. Is the route safe for beginners?

Not ideally. Choose a trained driver or guided tour.

4. Distance from Manali to Spiti?

178–200 km depending on small diversions (like Chandratal).

5. Are permits required?

• Indians: NO permit needed

• Foreigners: Inner Line Permit required

• Rohtang permit needed only if Rohtang route used

6. Is there a bus to Spiti from Manali?

Yes. HRTC bus (June–Oct) — most affordable option.