Road trip guide

Delhi to Spiti Valley Road Trip (via Kinnaur)

Delhi → Shimla → Narkanda → Rampur → Sangla → Nako → Tabo → Kaza

750 km3 daysextremeJun–Oct (via Kinnaur); Jul–Sep only (via Manali)
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Route overview

India's most demanding road trip — 750 km ending at 4,000m altitude. The Kinnaur route (recommended) climbs gradually giving your body time to acclimatize, unlike the Manali route which throws you over the 4,551m Kunzum Pass on day one. Prepare for 5 fuel-less stretches of 100+ km.

Via: Chandigarh → Shimla → Narkanda → Rampur → Karcham → Sangla → Reckong Peo → Nako → Tabo → Kaza

Road conditions

Delhi-Shimla NH5 excellent. Shimla-Rampur good. Rampur-Karcham fair with landslide zones. Karcham-Kaza is the most dangerous stretch in India — narrow, overhanging cliffs, waterfall crossings. Not for anxious drivers or sedans; SUV/high-clearance mandatory beyond Pooh.

Weather

Kaza -25°C to 20°C. Rain shadow zone — clear skies but sudden snow Oct-May. Kunzum Pass closes Oct-May.

Permits

Inner Line Permit required beyond Jangi (free, obtain in Rampur or Reckong Peo — bring photo + Aadhaar).

Stops along the route

Fuel · EV · Hotels · Restaurants · Scenic viewpoints

  1. DelhiKM 0
    fuel
  2. ChandigarhKM 260
    fuel

    Fill full tank

  3. ShimlaKM 370
    hotel

    Night halt option

  4. NarkandaKM 430
    food

    HPTDC restaurant

  5. RampurKM 510
    fuel

    Last major fuel; get ILP here

  6. Karcham DamKM 570
    scenic
  7. Reckong PeoKM 620
    fuel

    Fuel + ILP office

  8. Nako LakeKM 680
    scenic

    Night halt recommended for acclimatization

  9. Tabo Monastery (1,000-yr-old)KM 720
    scenic
  10. KazaKM 750
    hotel

Suggested day-wise plan

Day 1 · Delhi → Shimla

Halt: Shimla (2,200m)

10-hour drive via Kalka. Acclimatize.

Day 2 · Shimla → Nako

Halt: Nako (3,660m)

8-hour drive via Rampur, Reckong Peo (ILP stop).

Day 3 · Nako → Kaza

Halt: Kaza (3,800m)

5-hour scenic drive via Tabo Monastery.

Driver tips

  • Never do Delhi → Manali → Kaza in one shot. Altitude sickness will hit you at Kunzum.
  • Fuel at Reckong Peo (620 km) — next reliable pump is Kaza (750 km).
  • Carry Diamox, ORS, and 5L extra water per person.
  • Mobile signal: Only BSNL/Jio work past Reckong Peo, and only in villages.

FAQs

Kinnaur or Manali route to Spiti?

Kinnaur route (this one) for the way in — gradual altitude gain. Manali route (Kunzum Pass) for the way out — completes the Spiti circle.

Can I drive a sedan to Spiti?

Not recommended beyond Pooh. Ground clearance matters — Karcham-Kaza has water crossings and rocks. Rent an SUV in Shimla.