Delhi to Spiti Valley
Over the years the influx of tourism has increased considerably in the Spiti region, with its popularity majorly because of Instagram. With various content creators posting breathtaking views of Spiti, it becomes hard to not go to Spiti. There are two routes for reaching Spiti Valley from Delhi. One goes through Shimla, and the other goes through Manali. The shortest route takes two days to reach Spiti.
Modes of Transport
Delhi to Spiti Valley by Car
Delhi to Spiti Valley by car is a once in a lifetime experience, and during the elaborate journey, you will be in the heart of immense diversity of mother nature.
Delhi to Spiti Valley Flight
The nearest Airport to Kaza is Bhuntar Airport in Kullu. The airport is situated at a distance of X km from Kaza which is the district headquarter of Spiti Valley. For the longest time, Spiti has been promised an airport in every election, but nothing has been done to this date. People from Spiti envy the people of Ladakh who are just one flight away from the mainland in any weather. An airport will change the demographics of Spiti. With higher connectivity comes a high amount of toxic tourism.
Delhi to Spiti Valley Bus
Delhi to Spiti valley HRTC bus
HRTC Buses are available from Delhi for both routes.
Delhi to Spiti valley HRTC bus fare
It costs around 1200 INR to reach from Delhi to Kaza on an ordinary HRTC bus. This covers Delhi to Reckong Peo fare and then Peo to Kaza bus fare.
Delhi to Spiti Private Taxi/Cab
It is my humble advice to not book a taxi to Spiti Valley from Delhi. First of all, you will have a hard time getting a taxi most of the time, the one who agrees to go to Spiti from Delhi does not have the faintest idea where Spiti is and about the challenging road to it. A friend once booked a cab to Kaza from Delhi, the driver showed up with only two T-shirts in his luggage. That should give you an idea of what people will do for money. You can hire a taxi from either Manali or Rampur Bushahr, depending on which route you are traveling. It is advisable to hire a taxi after a thorough investigation about the fact of whether he has operated in Spiti before. If not, don’t take the taxi.
Delhi to Spiti Valley Road Conditions
As mentioned earlier, the Delhi to Kaza roadway is open all year round and remains under constant maintenance and repair all along its entirety. However, one thing to keep in mind would be that on certain designated days, blasting takes place in some sections of the road for road expansion and maintenance. So it would be a good idea to check at the Shimla/Manali bus stand as to what are those specific days. Even if you seem to be headed to Spiti on a blasting day, there is nothing to worry about, as most of the blasting sites are restored within a few hours of the blasting, which only causes a very minor delay. While stranded, try to enjoy the views outside and go for a short walk.
Delhi to Spiti valley via Shimla
The distance of Spiti Valley from Delhi is 731 km and it takes 2 days at least to cover. One has to reach Shimla, then from Shimla, reach Narkanda. As you go deeper into the Shimla district, entire mountain slopes covered with apple orchards are visible clearly, and this continues for a very long time. Apple farming is the main source of income here. Slowly the transition from Shimla into Kinnaur valley starts, and apple orchards are replaced with big mountain rock faces. The area of Kinnaur is rocky and dry, as you keep moving higher and higher, one unnoticed change is that the religious practices of people have changed with altitude. People of Upper Kinnaur practice Buddhism, whereas the lower regions are vested deeply into the Devta culture. The journey halts for the day at Reckong Peo, which is the district headquarter of Kinnaur. The majestic Kinner Kailash range is partially visible from this point. The next day, you will have to start again for Kaza from Peo. An early start at 6:00 AM is good as Kaza is 200 km away from here. By early afternoon you should reach Sumdo, which is where the district boundaries of Kinnaur end and that of Spiti starts. There is an eatery up ahead, and after having lunch continue towards Kaza, you should reach Kaza by 5:00 PM if all goes well.
Delhi to Spiti valley via Manali
The distance between Delhi to Kaza is 734 km is one was to take the route via Manali. This route is the shorter of the two routes and saves you a lot of time. However, the altitude gain is higher on this route than the one through Shimla. This route gets shut down by mid-October due to the heavy snowfall caused by the western disturbances, which hit the Himalayas around this period. Owing to the surrounding mountain passes, the road gets blocked under deep snow and remain closed for a further 6 months. The road passes from Manali towards Rohtang Pass, then it descends into the Lahaul valley, follows the Chandra river, and turns to the right at Gramphoo. It is at Gramphoo the road bifurcates, one going towards Ladakh and the other towards Spiti.
Delhi to Spiti Valley Solo travel
Traveling solo to Spiti Valley is not as big a thing as people think it to be. There is just one thing that is the key to solo travel in any part of the world. “Stop complaining and embrace the suck it up”; when you start following this rule everything will be so much more enjoyable than before, and you will have a great experience.
Spiti Valley Most Common Itenary
Day 1: Delhi-Reckong Peo bus at 6:00 PM from Kashmere gate bus stand.
Day 2: Reach Reckong Peo at 5:00 PM. Stay near the bus stand. If you are a Non-Vegetarian, some great fried chicken is available right outside the bus stop that goes just fine with some while looking at the Kinner Kailash mountain range.
Day 3: Wake up at 5:30 AM, go to the bus stand. Get in line at the ticket counter. Take the 6:00 AM bus to Kaza, reach Kaza by 5:00 PM. Book accommodation on the spot.
Day 4: Visit the Kee monastery-Kinbber-Chicham Circuit, catch the evening bus to Mudh.
Day 5: Visit Mudh in Pin Valley. Travel to the Pin Valle national park on foot.
Day 6: Return to Kaza from Mudh. Visit the Hikkim-Langza circuit.
Day 7: Catch the Morning bus to Manali or Reckong Peo from Bus stand.
FAQ's
How to reach from Delhi to Spiti Valley on Flight?
The nearest airport to Kaza is in Bhuntar, Kullu.
How to reach from Delhi to Spiti Valley on Train?
There are no direct trains to Spiti Valley. The nearest railway station would be Shimla.
What is the best route for Delhi to Spiti valley?
The best route for Delhi to Spiti Valley is through Shimla because of the slow altitude gain.
How to travel from Delhi to Spiti Valley in December?
In December the only road through which Spiti is accessible is via Shimla.
What is the Delhi to Kaza bus HRTC bus fare?
The cost of Delhi to Kaza Hrtc Bus is 1000 INR.
Status of Delhi to Spiti Valley road in March?
The Lahaul valley remains inside snow in March. Therefore, the only way is through Shimla-Reckong Peo.
Do private buses run between Delhi to Spiti Valley
No. Only HRTC buses run from Delhi to Kaza. However, Volvo Buses are available till Manali and Shimla respectively.
How far is Spiti valley from Delhi?
Kaza is approximately 750 kilometers away from Delhi.
What is the Delhi to Reckong Peo/Shimla bus timing?
The Delhi to Kaza bus leaves Delhi bus stand at 07:15 hrs,06:00hrs, and 20:00hrs.
What is the Kaza to Reckong Peo/Manali bus timing?
The HRTC bus from Kaza to Delhi leaves the Kaza bus stand at 7:00 AM.
Cost of renting a car from Delhi to Spiti Valley?
The taxi fare for Delhi to Kaza is around 35000-30000 INR, this includes a round trip. You will not get a private taxi for one way. You will have to take a round trip.