Spiti Valley Road Status Update in 2025

As of , the Shimla to Spiti road is open, while the Manali to Kaza (Administrative Center of Spiti Valley) road is closed due to snow at Kunzum Pass and beyond.
As of now, travelling to Spiti Valley is favorable from the Shimla side, with all inner roads to villages like Komic, Langza, and Pin Valley accessible.
The Manali to Spiti road status is expected to improve by late May or early June, with BRO road clearing operations targeting Kunzum Pass and Chandratal Lake roads.
Understanding Spiti Valley Accessibility

Spiti Valley, often referred to as the “Middle Land” between India and Tibet, is accessible via two primary routes: Manali to Spiti and Shimla to Spiti.
These routes, however, are subject to seasonal changes due to the region’s extreme weather conditions and high-altitude terrain. The road status varies significantly throughout the year, influenced by snowfall, landslides and the efforts of the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) to clear key passes like Kunzum Pass and Rohtang Pass.
Spiti Valley : When Is It Accessible ?

The Spiti travel season is primarily dictated by the opening and closing of its major access routes.
Here’s a breakdown of when Spiti Valley is open for tourists: Border Roads Organisation (BRO) is now just 3 km away from reaching the Rohtang Summit
Summer (June to September)

This is the peak summer travel season, when both the Manali to Spiti and Shimla to Spiti routes are open. The Kunzum Pass and Rohtang Pass routes are typically favorable, with roads cleared of snow by the BRO.
Chandratal Lake road is also open during this period, making it an ideal time to explore the entire Spiti circuit loop.
The ideal time for a road trip to Spiti Valley is during these months when conditions are favorable, with pleasant weather and accessible roads.
Expect pleasant weather with daytime temperatures ranging from 15°C to 25°C, though nights can be chilly.
Monsoon (July to August)

While Spiti Valley itself is a cold desert with minimal rainfall, the monsoon travel period can be tricky due to heavy rains in lower regions like Kinnaur and Kullu, which may cause landslides.
The Shimla to Spiti route is more reliable than the Manali to Spiti route during monsoons, but travelers should check for road updates before embarking on their journey.
Winter (November to April)

Traveling to Spiti Valley in winter is difficult, especially since the Manali-Kaza road often closes because of heavy snowfall at Kunzum Pass and Rohtang Pass.
The Shimla to Spiti route remains open year-round, except during temporary blockages caused by snowfall. Is Spiti Valley open in winter ? Yes, but only via the Shimla-Kinnaur route, and travelers must be prepared for sub-zero temperatures (as low as -20°C) and basic accommodations.
Spiti Valley travel restrictions in winter include limited access to Chandratal Lake and inner village roads like those to Komic and Langza.
Spring (March to May)

Early spring marks a transitional phase for reaching Spiti Valley, as weather conditions remain unpredictable. The Shimla to Spiti road remains open, but the Manali to Spiti route depends on snow clearance.
Chandratal Lake accessibility in May is uncertain, as the road often remains closed until June. For a smooth journey in May, travelers must keep track of the latest road status reports.
Spiti Valley : Key Routes
To plan your Spiti adventure, understanding the key routes is crucial. Here’s a detailed look at the two main routes:
Shimla to Spiti

The Shimla to Spiti route is the most reliable, as it follows the Hindustan-Tibet Highway (hindustan tibet road) (nh 5) through Kinnaur.
This route, passing through Narkanda, Rampur, Kalpa, and Nako before reaching Kaza, is motorable almost year-round, barring brief closures due to snowfall or landslides.
The road is well-maintained up to Nako, but sections near Malling Nallah and Puh can be narrow and winding, requiring cautious driving. For those wondering how to reach Spiti Valley in May, this route is your best bet, offering a gradual ascent to help with acclimatization.
Travel Tips for Shimla to Spiti Route:
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Refuel at Reckong Peo or Pooh, as fuel stations are scarce beyond these points.
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Stay overnight in Sarahan, Kalpa or Nako for comfortable accommodations.
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It’s crucial to monitor Spiti Valley’s weather forecasts for snow or landslide warnings, especially in winter and rainy months.
Manali to Spiti Route

The Manali to Spiti road is more unpredictable due to the high-altitude passes - Rohtang Pass (3,978m) and Kunzum Pass (4,551m). This route, via Solang Valley, Gramphu, Batal, and Losar, is shorter (183 km to Kaza) but more challenging, with rugged, boulder-strewn roads and glacial streams.
The Manali to Kaza road typically remains closed from mid-October to late May due to heavy snow. However, the opening of the Atal Tunnel has reduced dependence on Rohtang Pass, potentially allowing earlier access.
Travel Tips for Manali to Spiti Route:
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Use a high-ground-clearance vehicle, ideally a 4x4 with careful driving.
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Get your Rohtang Pass Permit for travelling towards Spiti Valley either digitally or in person at Manali’s SDM office.
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Carry extra fuel, warm clothing and supplies, as amenities are limited between Manali and Kaza.
Chandratal Lake

No Spiti Valley journey is complete without visiting Chandratal Lake, a breathtaking crescent-shaped wonder. Located about 50 km from Kaza, it’s accessible via Kunzum Pass from June to early October.
Campsites at Chandratal operate during the summer months, offering a magical experience under starry skies. However, camping at Chandratal closes by late October due to snow.
Travel Tips for Chandratal Lake:
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Check road status to Chandra Taal Lake before planning, as the road can be muddy and slippery.
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Book campsites in advance during peak season (July to September) due to limited availability of the camps.
Spiti Valley Travel Tips
These practical tips will help ensure your journey is both safe and rewarding:
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Acclimatization: Acclimatize to Spiti’s high altitude by spending a day in Manali, Keylong or Kalpa to minimize altitude sickness risks.
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Vehicle Readiness: Opt for a high-ground-clearance vehicle for Spiti. Carry spare tires and extra fuel.
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Permits: Travelers taking the Manali route must obtain a Rohtang permit, while Indian citizens using the Shimla route require no permits.
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Public Transport: Buses run from Manali to Kaza in summer and from Shimla to Kaza are year-round, though schedules are limited in winter.
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Budget Travel: Stay in homestays or campsites for affordable options. Book in advance during peak season.
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Respect Local Culture: Visit monasteries like Key and Dhankar with respect, and seek permission before photographing monks or rituals.
Spiti Valley Itinerary

A 7-9 day Spiti itinerary starting from Chandigarh:
- Day 1: Chandigarh to Narkanda (420 km, 9 hours)
- Day 2: Narkanda to Chitkul (184 km, 5.5 hours)
- Day 3: Chitkul to Kalpa (65 km, 2 hours)
- Day 4: Kalpa to Tabo via Nako (160 km, 4.5 hours)
- Day 5: Tabo to Kaza via Dhankar and Pin Valley (65 km, 2 hours)
- Day 6-7: Explore Kaza, Key Monastery, Kibber, Komic, and Langza
- Day 8: Kaza to Chandratal Lake (105 km, 3 hours; if open)
- Day 9: Chandratal to Manali (110 km, 6 hours; if open) or return via Shimla
Note: Stay flexible with your schedule depending on the road reports and whether Chandratal Lake is reachable.
Weather Updates and Safety Considerations

The weather is unpredictable as far as the region is concerned, with sudden snowfalls or landslides possible even in summer.
Snowfall updates are critical in winter and early spring, as roads like Kaza to Manali can close unexpectedly. Always check Spiti Valley weather updates and carry warm clothing, sunglasses, sunscreen and basic medicines.
Conclusion
Spiti Valley promises an unforgettable adventure, whether you’re chasing the vibrant summer landscapes or the serene snow-covered vistas of winter.
Whether you choose the Shimla to Spiti route for year-round access or the Manali to Spiti road status for a summer adventure, Spiti’s monasteries, villages and Chandratal Lake await.
Kickstart your travel plans today and prepare to be enchanted by this mountain paradise !