Manali to Spiti Valley—an adventure in itself! The feeling of taking your trip in the beautiful mountain valley of Spiti, India’s last and highest point with motorable roads, is a once-in-a-lifetime adventure. You can reach your destination via two routes, Manali and Shimla.
Most people prefer the Manali – Spiti route as it is the shorter one and includes a whole lot of sightseeing as well. You will be able to explore the unmatched beauty of the Himalayan gem with the most amazing Spiti tour packages.
Get ready to immerse in the vibe of the ancient monasteries of Spiti, simply enjoying the surreal views, adventurous treks, and much more. And, how can we forget the water crossings on your Spiti bike trip? It is the best time which you get to have while being on the trip. Also, this 200-kilometer-long route takes around 12 hours being some of the toughest roads you will ever drive on.
Manali to Spiti Distance
The Manali to Spiti distance is around 202 Kilometers and Tabo is further down at a distance of 249 Kilometers from Manali.
Manali to Spiti Valley Route Map
Manali – Solang Valley – Atal Tunnel – Koksar – Batal – Kunzum Pass – Chandrataal – Losar – Kaza – Dhankar – Tabo
How to Reach Spiti Valley from Manali?
As you know, Spiti is approximately 202 Kilometers from Manali, but the road conditions in Spiti Valley will make it differ. It takes around 10-12 hours to travel from Manali to Kaza in Spiti.
For those who want to go on a Spiti bike trip, it is crucial to be prepared for rough terrains, water crossings, and much more. Also, riding from Manali to Spiti offers an exclusive adventure like never before. So, make sure you have some prior experience and a well-maintained bike suitable for off-roading.
Direct Route Via Atal Tunnel and Kunzum Pass (1 Day)
Distance: 180 Kilometers
Time: 7-10 Hours
Route: Manali – Atal Tunnel – Gramphu – Batal – Kunzum Pass – Kaza
Best time to Visit: June to Mid-October
Best Time for Manali to Spiti Valley Trip
Looking for the best time for the Manali to Spiti Valley trip? So, plan your Manali to Spiti Valley tour between mid-May to October. The route via Manali does not have snow during these months and especially in September, Himachal Pradesh is void of snow as well as rain, so you will not find everything in utmost dryness and muddy conditions.
You will also notice that that water crossings will be at less number. And, make sure that you are not taking this route between November to April, as it has been shut down on account of heavy snowfall and fierce water crossings.
There will be a lot of problems in finding hotels in Spiti as well during this time. So, if you really want to explore the valleys and have a wholesome adventurous trip, then book your trip from June to mid-October and the best time for snow is from December to February.
What is the road condition from Manali to Spiti Valley?
You need to be aware of the road conditions from Manali to Spiti Valley! Choosing the right time for your bike trip is a really important decision to be made before your most awaited Spiti trip! Through May-July, the snow melts down and leads to muddy puddles and water streams which creates a challenging time for you.
And then, from September to October, the road gets repaired by the Border Road Organization and gets much better, but still you will find dry-rock landslides and boulders in your way, which will definitely disturb you. Also, you need to be extra cautious on the way to Losar and Kunzum Pass, as the road gets terrible in this passage, and you will get relief from it while coming from Kunzum to Chandrataal Lake.
Although it is a very narrow road that only allows one car to go at a time, but still slightly smoother than other patches. But, when you reach Kaza, you can prepare for a very smooth journey ahead in Spiti Valley!
And, if you are planning your Manali to Spiti Valley trip from May to August, then be ready for foggy routes, making it very difficult for drivers. So, it is best to travel between September and October to find the best road conditions and clear weather.
Itinerary for Manali to Spiti Valley
DAY 1: Manali to Jibhi (62 Kilometers, approximately 3.5 hours)
DAY 2: Jibhi to Kalpa (195 Kilometers, approximately 5-6 hours)
DAY 3: Kalpa to Sangla via Chitkul (95 Kilometers, 4 hours)
DAY 4: Sangla to Tabo via Nako (190 Kilometers, 6-7 Hours)
DAY 5: Tabo to Kaza via Pin Valley (115 Kilometers, 4-5 Hours)
DAY 6: Local sightseeing around Kaza (85 Kilometers, 3-4 Hours)
Day 7: Kaza to Chandrataal (97 Kilometers, 4-5 Hours)
Day 8: Chandrataal to Manali (111 Kilometers, 6-7 Hours)
Mode of Transportation for Manali to Spiti Valley
Here are the transportation options that you can opt for for the Manali to Spiti Valley journey.
- By Car
Road trips hit differently when you are traveling from Manali to Spiti Valley. It is a great choice because Manali to Spiti Valley cabs are easily available and accessible for travelers. While traveling from a four-wheeler, you can even take stopovers at your convenience and enjoy the sightseeing on this Manali to Spiti Valley route.
It will cost you around Rupees 1000 per person if you take a shared Manali to Spiti Valley cabs.
Best cars for the Manali to Spiti Valley trip:
- Mahindra Thar
- Toyota Fortuner
- Force Gurkha
- Isuzu D-Max V-Cross
- Scorpio N
- By Bike
Spiti bike trip is one of the most adventurous things that people crave! It is a great way to explore this route, especially if you are an expert biker.
Even if you don’t have a bike, you can rent a good off-roading bike starting at Rupees 1200 per day. Also, the journey is very difficult and challenging and takes a whole different level of adventure and excitement. Make sure you stay safe at such times with a helmet to protect you from any mishaps or difficult roads.
- By Bus
There are only two buses each day plying between Manali to Spiti Valley. They go via the Rohtang Pass, Kunzum Pass and then to Kaza.
It would cost you around INR 250 but you need to purchase it 1-2 days before your journey. You can then board the bus from the main Manali bus station. Begin your journey at 5 am and reach your destination by approximately 6 pm. But, you need to be aware of the fact that the Manali to Spiti Valley bus takes more time than any other mode of transport that you opt for.
Tips for Driving on the Manali to Spiti Valley Route
Prepare Vehicle: Use a 4×4, check tires, and carry spare fuel and water.
Drive Cautiously: Watch for potholes, sharp turns, and changing weather.
Acclimatize: Take breaks, drink water, and avoid rushing.
Essential Supplies: Pack food, first aid kit, and power bank.
Know the Route: Be prepared for tough roads, especially Rohtang and Kunzum Pass.
Emergency Prep: travel in groups.
Schedule: Start early and plan overnight stops.
Respect the Environment: Follow eco-friendly practices and local customs.