How to travel to Spiti valley by Bus & Taxi Services

by Vargis.Khan

Continuing from the previous article detailing an example of Spiti Valley Itinerary; in this article I will explain how to follow the same travel plan to Spiti Valley by Bus; or other public transport services in this article. True fun of traveling to Spiti Valley beyond any doubt is by your own vehicle, be it a Car or a motorcycle. It has several benefits like taking as many breaks as you want, anywhere you want, flexible itinerary, proper trip planning, less hassle of carrying luggage etc but not all of us have that liberty. A lot of people travel each year to Spiti Valley by Bus or other public transport services.

It is quite a common practice and you will find a lot of tourists in Spiti valley traveling this way, most of them foreigners though. In this article, I will provide details on how you should plan your trip if traveling by Bus or other public transport like private or shared taxis, hitch hiking etc.; which can be helpful to ensure that you are able to plan your trip better and complete it within set timeline.

How to plan a trip to Spiti valley by Bus & other public transport services

Spiti is well connected by road however the frequency of public transport can be a problem. Bus service to most of the areas is mostly once in a day and if you miss that or the bus gets cancelled for some reason, you have no other choice other than to either wait for next day or look for a shared taxi that locals use to commute. Several of the remote villages do not even have a bus plying towards them. If you want to travel to Spiti valley by Bus, then you would have to carefully plan your entire itinerary as per the bus schedule. Secondly, you must keep a few days in had as buffer.

Also read: Clothes for Spiti Trip – What to Pack?

So for example, if your complete itinerary is of 9 days, keep 3-4 days as buffer and plan a trip of a total of 10 days. This is important to ensure that in case you are not able to find a mode of transport to a particular place, you at least have time to make up for this delay. If some of the remote villages are on your travel plan, ensure that you are carrying enough cash as ATMs too in Spiti are not that many. Last but not the least; you must travel as light as possible. Carrying way too many bags will just be an additional hassle.

spiti valley by bus

Spiti Valley by Bus

For the sake of this article, I will assume that you are starting from Delhi and traveling to Spiti via Shimla; Manali being the end point. I will follow a sample itinerary and plan journey using public transport services. Depending on the number of days in hand, you can use this information to draft out your own final travel schedule.

Itinerary
  • Delhi to Shimla / Narkanda – Day 1
  • Shimla / Narkanda to Sarahan – Day 2
  • Sarahan to Chitkul – Day 3
  • Chitkul to Kalpa – Day 4
  • Kalpa to Nako – Day 5
  • Nako to Kaza – Day 6
  • Kaza to Kibber, Komik, Tashigang, Kaza – Day 7
  • Kaza to Chandratal – Day 8
  • Chandratal to Manali – Day 9
  • Manali to Delhi – Day 10

Now let us take a look at how you can follow this itinerary by public transport and the cost involved.

Day 1 – Delhi to Shimla / Narkanda

Shimla is one of the most popular tourist destinations of our country. I am using Delhi as a starting point but almost all nearby major cities have regular buses plying towards Shimla so you should have no travel getting here.

As from Delhi, there are several HRTC buses to Shimla from ISBT Delhi. These buses usually start by late evening and reach Shimla either by midnight or early morning. Fare of an ordinary bus will be around Rs. 500 and Rs. 800 for an AC Bus.

Also read: How to Plan a Trip to Spiti Valley – Complete Travel Guide

Apart from Shimla, if you want to reach Narkanda on Day 1, you can get a bus for the same from ISBT itself. Timing and fare would be same as mentioned for Shimla.

Both Shimla and Narkanda have numerous hotels and you can easily find a place to stay for Rs. 500.

Day 2 – Shimla / Narkanda to Sarahan

There are several buses that you can take for this part of the journey. There is a bus that leaves for Kaza from Shimla early in the morning which would be your best bet.




If you are not able to catch this one, then another leaves for Sangla valley which takes almost the same route until Karchham. This bus too leaves in the morning from Shimla. For that matter, inquire and board any bus that is going towards Karchham, Sangla or Reckong Peo. All these buses would pass through the small town of Jeori where you will need to get off. Right at the main junction at Jeori where all buses stop, a road goes upwards towards Sarahan, about 16 kilometers from here. At the junction, ask around and board any shared jeep that is going uphill towards Sarahan.

Also read: Top 10 Things NOT to do in Spiti Valley

To get to Sarahan from Shimla or Narkanda, you can also board any bus going towards Rampur but then you will have to catch a shared jeep to Sarahan from Rampur. If you are unable to find one going all the way, you will first have to get a shared taxi to Jeori and then another to Sarahan.

Fare per person for Shimla to Jeori would be about Rs. 150 and Rs. 120 for Shimla to Rampur (approximate numbers). Shared taxi will charge you anywhere between Rs. 30 to Rs. 50.

Sarahan is a well known tourist destination and you can find several hotels here for as low as Rs.500.

Day 3 – Sarahan to Chitkul

There is a direct bus from Shimla to Sangla Valley. It starts from Shimla early in the morning and reaches Jeori sometime about noon. To reach Chitkul, first take a shared taxi back to Jeori and then board this bus all the way to Sangla. From Sangla, take a shared taxi to Chitkul.

Fare for this bus would be about Rs. 100. Taxi from Sarahan to Jeori and Sangla to Chitkul would be an additional Rs. 100.

Chitkul has several hotels and you will easily be able to find a place to stay within budget.

Also read: List of Recommended Hotels in Spiti Valley

Day 4 – Chitkul to Kalpa

For this day, first board a shared taxi from Chitkul to Sangla, would cost about Rs. 50 per person. From Sangla, there is a bus that starts at noon to Reckong Peo, fare of this would be about Rs. 100 per person. Catch this bus to reach Reckong Peo and from there, board a shared taxi to Kalpa, for another Rs. 50.

Kalpa has several budget hotels, within price range of Rs. 500 to Rs. 700

If you are planning to stay here for a day or more, then you can go to Kalpa and stay at a hotel there. But if you are planning to continue the journey on the next day itself, then it is better to stay at Reckong Peo because you will have to catch an early morning bus from here. You can take a shared taxi to Kalpa, spend some time there and come back to Peo for the night.

Day 5 – Kalpa to Nako

If you stayed at Kalpa the previous day, then check out of the hotel early in the morning and board a shared taxi back to Reckong Peo but ensure that you reach Reckong Peo by 7 AM. If you are unable to find a shared taxi, then ask for lift, hitchhike but reach Peo by 7 AM.

An early morning bus starts from Reckong Peo at 7.30 AM and it would drop you at Nako by noon. If you are not able to catch this bus, another leaves from Peo at 1 PM for Nako.

Also read: How to Travel to Spiti from Shimla

Total travel expense for the day would be about Rs. 250 for bus fare and Rs. 50 for shared taxi from Kalpa to Reckong Peo. Nako has a PWD guest house and a few other hotels.

Day 6 – Nako to Kaza

The same morning bus that you took from Reckong Peo to Nako is the one you will be boarding today as well. It reaches Nako by noon so you will have ample of time. This bus would drop you at Kaza by evening. Fare would be about Rs. 200 per person.

Kaza is the headquarters of Spiti valley and you will have absolutely no issues finding a budget hotel here.

Day 7 – Kaza to Kibber, Komik, Tashigang, Langza – Kaza

A Bus from Kaza leaves at 4 PM daily for Kibber and returns the same day to Kaza after a brief halt at Kibber. For Komik, the bus is twice a week; leaves Kaza at 4 PM on Tuesday and Saturday. This bus too return to Kaza the same day after a brief halt at Komik.

If you are taking a private taxi, you can cover all these villages same day and return to Kaza. If relying on shared taxis, it could take longer because the frequency is not really the great so you may want to plan according to 2 days, with a night stay at either of these villages.

Also read: A List of All Tourist Attractions in Spiti Valley

A private taxi would cost anywhere between Rs. 2000 – Rs. 3000 for this journey. Traveling by shared taxis would cost only about Rs. 200 total.

Day 8 – Kaza to Chandratal

Every morning at around 7 AM, a bus leaves from Kaza for Manali. This is the one you will be boarding. Travel in this bus all the way till Kunzum Pass and get down at Chandratal diversion. Chandratal is further 14 kms from this diversion and if you are lucky, you may be able to hitchhike with some other tourists or may just have to walk all the way. In tourist season, you will come across several people on motorcycles, cars and taxis as well and asking them for lift will be your only choice. In tourist season, It is really not that difficult to find a mode of transport from the diversion point to Chandratal.

Fare would be about Rs. 200 for the bus until Kunzum Pass top. If you are able to find a taxi from Chandratal diversion to the lake, it may cost you another Rs. 50 to Rs. 100.

Chandratal has several camp sites and price would be about Rs. 1500 and above per person including meals.

On this day, make a note of the time when the bus from Kaza reached the Chandratal diversion point because you will have to be here the next day to board this again towards Manali.

Day 9 – Chandratal to Manali

From Chandratal, you will again have to reach back the diversion point near Kunzum Pass. Find a mode of transport if you can and if not, then start walking back. The bus that you took from Kaza for Chandratal is the same you will be boarding again today. Be sure of the time on Day 8 when you reached Kunzum Pass and got off the bus. At the same time on Day 9, be present at the same spot to board the bus again.

Also read: How to Plan a Trip to Chandratal

Day 10 – Manali to Delhi

Numerous buses running on this route and I sure you will easily be able to find one. HRTC buses charge about Rs. 700 for Manali to Delhi. AC buses or Volovos would charge over Rs. 1,000.

Pin Valley

If Pin Valley too is on your itinerary, then you will have to get down at Dhankar from Nako and board a shared taxi towards Mud Village. In peak tourist season, you will easily be able to find a taxi or other tourists traveling this way that you can ask for lift from. Shared taxis from Dhankar to Pin valley would cost about Rs. 50 – 100. Mud too has several accommodation options within budget.

Also read: How to Plan a Trip to Pin Valley – Spiti

Spiti Valley By Bus

Below are schedules of few HRTC buses plying on the route that may be of help.

  • Shimla to Pooh – 4.40 AM
  • From Shimla to Thangi – 5.30 AM
  • Shimla to Kaza – 6:00 AM
  • Bus from Shimla to Kalpa – 6:45 AM
  • Shimla to Rampur – 1:45 PM
  • Delhi to Rampur – 4:20 AM
  • Shimla to Rampur – 4:45 PM
  • Shimla to Rampur – 1:15 PM
  • Chandigarh to Reckong Peo 11:00 AM
  • Chandigarh to Reckong Peo – 10:30 PM
  • Delhi to Reckong Peo – 6:15 AM
  • Chandigarh to Kalpa 11:15 PM
  • Reckong Peo to Kaza – 7.30 AM
  • Kalpa to Shimla – 7.40AM
  • Reckong Peo to Dakho – Kalpa – 8.30 AM
  • Reckong Peo to Kalpa – 9.00 AM
  • Pooh to Shimla – 9.30 AM
  • Reckong Peo to Chitkul  – 9.30 AM
  • From Reckong Peo to Moorang – Thangi  – 10.00 AM
  • Reckong Peo to Rampur – 10.00 AM
  • Bus from Reckong Peo to Delhi – 11.30 AM
  • Reckong Peo to Nako – 1.00 PM
  • From Reckong Peo to Kalpa – 1.00 PM
  • Reckong Peo to Rampur – 1.30 PM
  • Kalpa to Chandigarh – 3.30 PM
  • Reckong Peo to Kalpa – 3.45 PM
  • From Reckong Peo to Rakcham – 4.00 PM
  • Reckong Peo to Kafnoo – 4.00 PM
  • Shimla to Reckong Peo to Pooh – 4.00 PM
  • Kaza to Shimla – 7.00 PM
Why you should travel to Spiti Valley by Bus or Public Transport

Using Public transport services for your trip to Spiti valley is not all that bad. It has several advantages over traveling by your own vehicle, some of which I will list down below.

Budget

If you are traveling on a tight budget, then reaching Spiti valley by Bus is your best bet. The only thing that will beat this is hitch hiking all the way which is kind of next to impossible. No matter how you travel, by motorcycle, car or private taxi, the total cost will come out to be more than what you will spend when using public transport services.

Also read: Spiti Circuit Route Details and Road Map

No driving experience in Hilly region

If you have never driven on hills before, Spiti definitely is not the place that you would want to be your first.

Driving Skills

The word “bad” doesn’t even come close to define the road conditions in Spiti valley. The Manali to Kaza stretch is a nightmare to travel on. Completing the entire circuit, you will be driving on narrow roads, crossing two high altitude passes, driving on dirt trails, broken roads, through stones & boulders and crossing numerous water streams. You may have driven on hills a few times before but those are nothing like what you will encounter in Spiti. If you are not too sure whether or not you will be able to tackle all that I mentioned above, it is best to not take the risk and travel to Spiti valley by Bus.

Spitian Life

Traveling in a bus or shared taxi with the locals of course would give you a true taste of Spitian life. This is another reason why you may want to leave your car parked at home and cover Spiti valley by bus or in a shared taxi.

I hope this information on traveling to Spiti valley by bus was helpful. If you have any further questions, please feel free to ask in the comments section below; or at our Community Forum; and I would be glad to answer.

Related Articles

82 comments

Rajshree Sarda April 28, 2022 - 6:30 am

Hi,
Thank you for all the blogs Vargis 🙂 I am planning a solo trip Mid of May 2022, and wanted to know if the public transport will be open. Planning to cover Spiti and Pin valley. Looking forward to your reply 🙂 Thanks you!

Reply
Vargis.Khan April 29, 2022 - 7:29 am

Thank you Rajshree. Yes, you will be able to find public transport. If not a bus then shared cabs.

Reply
Avanti Gadgil March 20, 2024 - 1:22 pm

Hi
How safe is it to travel by hrtc buses to Spiti valley?
Or are private taxis safer.
Planning to visit kaza in April last week

Reply
Sushil April 14, 2021 - 12:08 pm

सर हम शिमला से काजा स्पिति होते हुए और रास्ते मे आने वाले सभी स्थान देखते हुए साईकिल से मनाली जाना चाहते है कृप्या हमे रास्ते व देखने योग्य स्थानो के बारे मे जानकारी दे हम 25 जुन से शुरू करना चाहते है

Reply
How to Plan a Trip to Chandratal Lake - Vargis Khan July 3, 2020 - 11:54 am

[…] Also read: Spiti Valley By Bus […]

Reply
Rajat Chakraborty April 1, 2020 - 7:00 am

Hii,
I’m planning a solo trip this September for about 10-12 days.. I want to complete the circuit. So, what budget would you suggest for the trip if I travel by only public transport and shared vehicles?

Reply
Aarthy February 25, 2020 - 4:23 pm

Hi Varghis,
Read all your blogs about Spiti valley and it is mind-blowing. ❤️ Very useful for travelers like us.
We are planning to do our fourth Himalayan trek this July. On our last day of our trek(Wednesday), we will be going to Chandratal lake as excursion. We will have our flights from Delhi on Monday. So I’m just thinking of visiting Lhangza, Key monastery and Chicham bridge. So I will be having 4 days. So is it possible to explore these places and return back to Delhi in this time frame? Also let me know if there are local bus facility to travel back to Manali from Kaza. Local transportation or cab facility to explore these places around Kaza, cost information if available?
Thank you.
Aarthy

Reply
eric supiot August 27, 2019 - 11:46 am

Hello Vargis,
Your blog is really precious.
On the 10 days trip , how long are the bus trips ?
We, I and my son , want to go there I. October and we have two weeks from Delhi to Delhi. So I wonder what time left we have after the bus trip and in which village stay for a day.
Thx

Reply
Nimish July 5, 2019 - 8:02 am

Hi Vargis, Thanks for the great info.
I’m travelling from chandigarh to spiti next week. However, I have some heavy luggage to carry.
1. Should I go for Manali route or Shimla Route.
2. I believe shared taxis are better option than the bus. What do you think?
3. What is the cost of a seat in the bus and a shared taxi?
4. Any precautions, or important things I must be knowing?

Thanks

Reply
Subhash May 26, 2019 - 9:49 am

Hi Sir your blog is very useful based on which Im planning my first backpacking and a solo one. Will be using public transport, shared taxi, hitchhiking in the first week of July.(7 days + 3 days(tentative). However I have few doubts to be clarified before the start.
Tentative itenary is
Delhi(29 Jun)-Narkanda-Sangla-Chitkul-Reckong peo-Kalpa-Nako-Tabo-Dhankar-Kaza-Chandratal-Manali

1)I’m planning to cover kinnaur, spiti and Pin valley in July 1st week. Are there any chances of rain or landslides or roadblocks?
2)If there is rain, which place should I avoid. I’m planning to take the shimla route (ready to change in case of rain)?
3) Can I pitch in my own tent for the stay? Is that safe? Can you suggest some places in the above locations for camping?
4)Whether these regions are going to be much crowded in July first week?
5) Will there be an increase in the cost of accomodation in this season(preferring low budget stay if camping is not possible)
6) Or should I enjoy only spiti and Pin valley now and save Kinnaur valley for future? If so what are all the regions to cover?

Sorry for too many questions. First time. so little nervous.

Thanks

Reply
Vargis.Khan May 26, 2019 - 5:19 pm

Hi Subhash,

1. Not too many
2. Rain shouldn’t be a problem since you are traveling by Bus anyways
3. Carrying your camping gear while planning to use public transport / hitchhiking isn’t really a great idea.
4. No
5. July is not that costly
6. For 7 days by public transport, focus on either Spiti or Kinnaur. Don’t merge both

Reply
Subhash May 26, 2019 - 6:55 pm

Thanks. Then I can start from Manali and end in Nako. Will cover spiti first. If time permits will explore one or two places in Kinnaur and end the journey in Shimla. Do I need permit for Rohtang pass if Im taking bus from Manali to Kaza?

Reply
Vargis.Khan May 26, 2019 - 8:50 pm

No you do not

Reply
Atanu Banerjee May 9, 2019 - 7:24 am

Hi Mr Vargis Khan.I have gone through your articles on Spiti.As per your suggestion I have a preliminary talk with Mr Jamaica.Does he provide car as well as hotel along with meal?Is he reliable over there?Please let me know.We wish to visit July Manali-kaza.He asks to pay 30% in advance.Waiting for your reply.

Reply
Azhar khan May 16, 2019 - 2:13 pm

Is it fine if we book a taxi at spot for shimla to spiti or we should go for pre booking.
Travel companies are telling me high fares so I thought that I will book it by reaching there and negotiating face to face.
Tell me what should I do ? I am going there in mid june.

Reply
Pradipta Ghosh April 25, 2019 - 7:07 am

Your experience sharing has been very useful as I visited chhitkul last year with my family. This May end I will go and try to reach and stay at Chandratal. Will that be possible?

Reply
Vargis.Khan April 25, 2019 - 3:00 pm

Chandratal will not open before June 1st week

Reply
Pradipta Ghosh April 27, 2019 - 11:02 am

thanks Vargis for a quick answer… Will it be possible to go till Kaza via Shimla…if not Chandratal?

IT will be around 23rd to 28th May

Reply
Vargis.Khan April 27, 2019 - 7:17 pm

Hi Pradipta – Yes, Shimla to Kaza road is open already

Reply
Pradipta Ghosh April 28, 2019 - 6:24 am

will it not be possible to trek to Chandratal from kunzum top at that time? and obviously getting a vehicle to Kunzum top?

Pradipta Ghosh May 6, 2019 - 7:44 am

IS THERE A BUS IN THE MORNING FROM kAZA TO PEO?

deepanshu dey April 23, 2019 - 12:42 pm

Hi,
I’m planning Spiti trip in May. What would be cheaper for 2 people : renting a bike or public transport ??

Reply
Vargis.Khan April 23, 2019 - 2:16 pm

Bus would be cheaper

Reply
Sudeep April 9, 2019 - 7:08 am

Hello
You are one of the main reason for all my trips to Himalayan region. Well laid out itinerary and plans and truly a blessing for travellers like me to plan and move.

I have around around 9 days in hand from 22nd April to 30th April and would like to do a spiti trip by public trasnsport

I want to travel till Kaza and return back to Shimla as Chandratal Will be closed.

My questions are.

1) How about the bus services and shared taxis during last week of April. Will they run as usual !?

2) How about the weather !? Can I see some sNow caped mountains on my way.

3) Can I say in Key Monastery and if so is there any need to contact them before!?

Hope to hear from you soon

Reply
uv February 17, 2019 - 5:53 am

i am planning to travel solo. how safe is it to travel in public transports and stay at budget dhabas for a female . also! are there any light weight scooty’s available on rent. ?

Reply
Vargis.Khan February 17, 2019 - 4:16 pm

As far as I can tell, it is very safe. And yes, you can get Scooty on rent in Shimla and Manali both

Reply
Waqqar Aslam January 22, 2019 - 12:46 pm

Hi Vargis Saahab
I am planning a bus ride from delhi to rampur (night stay).
Day 2: Rampur to Chitkul (night stay), via sangla; skipping sarahan.
Day 3: Chitkul to kalpa (night stay) via sangla, karchham and peo.
Day 4: Kalpa to Nako/Tabo (night stay).
Day 5: Nako/Tabo to Kaza ( night at Langza).
Day 6: Kibber/komic and again night at kaza.
Day 7: Kaza to Chandratal (night stay).
Day 8: Chandratal to Manali and Delhi.

Please suggest on 1st night at rampur instead of narkanda, skipping sarahan and night stay at langza.

Thanks in advance

Waqar

Reply
Waqqar Aslam January 22, 2019 - 12:49 pm

Dates of travel is going to be 21st june night onwards.

Reply
Vargis.Khan January 22, 2019 - 3:53 pm

Your itinerary looks perfect Waqar Sahab. Skipping Sarahan would be wise if you are traveling by Bus. For night stay at Langza, you will have to look for a paying guest accommodation with any of the local villagers.

Reply
Renjith December 14, 2018 - 11:06 am

Hi Vargis,

I am travelling solo and will be covering shimla-spiti-shimla during 16 Dec to 30 Dec.

I will be mostly following the public transport itenary you mentioned. Since I am not sure on which day I will staying on each places I haven’t booked any accommodation.

Will I be able to find accommodations in the places mentioned in this itenary o. The day of arrival.?

Do you have any recommendations/references for stay on each places for a better experience?

regards
Renjith S R

Reply
Vargis.Khan December 14, 2018 - 5:18 pm

Hi Renjith – Yes you will be able to find a place to stay but may have to hunt around a bit to find out which ones were still open.

Reply
Renjith December 14, 2018 - 5:42 pm

Is chandratal still open at this time?.
What about chandratal – manali route? Is it accessible via public transport?

Reply
Vargis.Khan December 14, 2018 - 5:47 pm

No for both

Reply
Imran Ahmad Khan November 23, 2018 - 11:56 am

Hello Verbis,
Why not you mentioned Tabo?
It’s a beautiful, culture rich must have destination en route kaza.

Reply
Vargis.Khan November 23, 2018 - 3:58 pm

Hi Imran – I have broken the journey at Nako instead of Tabo but yes, it is a great place to visit en route.

Reply
Sarwesh September 15, 2018 - 4:48 am

Hey Vargis,
I am solo traveling from Manali to Kaza on 18 Sep. My queries are:-
(a) For transport should I choose government buses or shared taxi?
(b) I have Chandratal in my itinerary. So, will I be able to get a camping accommodation once I reach Chandratal or should I book in advance?
(c) Government buses and shared taxi frequency from Kaza to Manali?

Thanks
Sarwesh

Reply
Vargis.Khan September 16, 2018 - 2:50 am

Hi Sarwesh,

1. Preferred choice should be a Bus
2. You will get it easily upon arrival
3. Daily

Reply
Navneet Kaur July 31, 2018 - 9:38 am

Hi Vargis,
I planning a solo trip to Spiti and places around in second week of august. So can you tell me how much it would cost for Stay per night and renting of bike.
I have around 8 or 9 days to cover but don’t want this trip to be a rush from one to another place and this has to be a budget friendly trip.

Reply
Vargis.Khan July 31, 2018 - 3:30 pm

Hi Navneet – Motorcycle rent will be between Rs. 1000 to 1500 per day depending on which bike you chose. And keep an estimate of Rs. 1000 per day for accommodation.

Reply
thomas July 22, 2018 - 1:26 pm

thANKS for the superb info. I heard some tunnel is pened recently making travel to spiti valley is made possible throughout the year ? Does that mean public transport also is availbale throughout. Wanted to visit in april second half 2019 and hence this question.

Reply
Vargis.Khan July 22, 2018 - 4:52 pm

That is Rohtang tunnel and no that will not effect connectivity of Spiti because of Kunzum Pass. Spiti is anyways connected throughout the year from Shimla side and depending on the weather, the bus service too remains available all year.

Reply
Gaurav June 10, 2018 - 5:32 pm

Hi ,
Thanks a lot for awesome information.
We are a group of 5 people planning to visit spiti. We will travelling mainly by public transport. Following is the itirinary please review it.
16 June: shimla to sangla/chitkul
17june : chitkul to kalpa/peo
18june: peo nako tabo
19june : tabo-dhankar-mud
20 june : mud to kaza (ki and kibber)
21 june : kaza (hikkim komic and langza) and then to chandratal
22 june : chandratal to manali

I wanted to mainly ask if it is advisable to do a night stay at chitkul ? Will we face Altitude sickness. Alternate option that we were thinking was we will break journey at sarahan and then go to chitkul.
Kindly suggest changes like some more places we should cover or places we can skip

Reply
Vargis.Khan June 11, 2018 - 5:19 pm

Your itinerary is OK but may have to depend on shared taxis in between. If you can then yes, break the journey at Sarahan as Shimla to Chitkul will be a bit too long.

Reply
Gaurav June 10, 2018 - 4:12 pm

Hi ,
Thanks a lot for awesome information.
We are a group of 5 people planning to visit spiti. We will travelling mainly by public transport. Following is the itirinary please review it.
16 June: shimla to sangla/chitkul
17june : chitkul to kalpa/peo
18june: peo nako tabo
19june : tabo-dhankar-mud
20 june : mud to kaza (ki and kibber)
21 june : kaza (hikkim komic and langza) and then to chandratal
22 june : chandratal to manali

I wanted to mainly ask if it is a advisable to do a night stay at chitkul ? Will we face Altitude sickness. Alternate option that we were thinking was we will break journey at sarahan and then go to chitkul.
Kindly suggest changes like some more places we should cover or places we can skip

Reply
Vargis.Khan June 11, 2018 - 5:19 pm

Your itinerary is OK but may have to depend on shared taxis in between. If you can then yes, break the journey at Sarahan as Shimla to Chitkul will be a bit too long.

Reply
Shikher June 6, 2018 - 10:39 pm

Hey! Do you know the current status of bus service from Manali to Kaza? And can you please share the info about shared taxi? How much do they cost for a single seat to kaza?

Reply
Vargis.Khan June 7, 2018 - 11:30 pm

The bus service is up and running and so are the shared taxis from Manali bus stand.

Reply
Amol June 5, 2018 - 5:18 pm

Hi, I am planning to visit Kaza after completing Hamta pass trek. Trek ends at Chatru. Is it possible to catch bus/shared taxi from Chatru? Also can you please let me know if shared taxis are easily available on this route?

Reply
Vargis.Khan June 5, 2018 - 5:57 pm

Yes, the Manali Kaza bus passes via Chhatru so you can board it from there. In case the timing don’t match then you will easily find a shared cab passing through. If even that do not work, there will be plenty of bikers or other tourists passing through that you can hitchhike with.

Reply
Shalini June 3, 2018 - 9:56 am

Hi Vargis, thank you for taking out time to write this article. Extremely useful.
I will be backpacking across Spiti towards end of July and public transport has always been my preferred mode of traveling. This really helped. 🙂

Reply
Sumit Paul May 30, 2018 - 9:56 am

Hi Vargis,

I have gone through some of your articles. They are very informative.
Need your help with the following:-
I am thinking of travelling to Spiti in Mid-Sep this year (Delhi- Shimla – Spiti – Manali – Delhi). The above article mentions travelling every day. Could you help me with an itinerary where I can stop and take in local views as well?
It would be great if you could suggest the places I should stop for a day and the places where I can reach wander through the day and leave the next morning.

I have about 12-13 days for this trip.

Looking forward for your reply.

Cheers!!!

Reply
Sandeep May 23, 2018 - 9:49 pm

Thanks for the useful information you have provided. Is first week of October is a good time to complete shimla – spiti – manali circuit by public transportation.

Reply
Vargis.Khan May 24, 2018 - 5:39 am

By public transport it may not be the best time but if you must, then do it within first week to 10 days of October, not later than that.

Reply
Sandeep May 26, 2018 - 5:54 am

I am planning my trip in last week of September.,
Is public transport over crowded ?
Is there any alternate to public transport where i can cut down my expenses and have good time at the same time.

Reply
Prince Gupta May 22, 2018 - 1:39 am

Hello Vergis,
Could you please help me to yravel to Kaza from Shimla on Sunday May 27.

Please let me know the if bus are available on this route or not

Reply
Vargis.Khan May 22, 2018 - 2:15 pm

Hello Prince, Yes the bus is available. You are OK to go.

Reply
Anjali May 19, 2018 - 5:06 am

Hi Vargis,

Good Morning!

I managed to cover shimla, sarhan, Sangla and Chitkul in public transport. Buses are limited.

Also localities stated that manali route is open. I am not sure, in 3 days I will get to know.

I am in Peo, if you have any contact for taxi, can you please pass it. I want to try my luck with shared taxi as well. I didn’t find one.

Thank you,
Anjali

Reply
Anjali May 19, 2018 - 1:25 pm

Hi Vargis,

Peo to Kaza bus is rescheduled to 5:30 AM from 21st May.

Reply
Vargis.Khan May 20, 2018 - 7:05 pm

Hi Anjali – Thank you for sharing the information. I will update the article.

Reply
Vargis.Khan May 20, 2018 - 7:35 pm

Hi Anjali – Yes Manali Kaza route is now open and the HRTC bus service on the route has also started so you are OK to come back via Manali by Bus.

Reply
Anjali May 30, 2018 - 5:02 pm

I completed the circuit from shimla to Manali except Chandratal. I finished on 27th. Thanks for all the info.

Reply
Lavanya Ramakrishnan May 16, 2018 - 8:52 pm

Hi! Will I be able to find a bus from Manali to Spiti around next week? Can you share details about how shared taxis are priced for the same route? Thank you.

Reply
Vargis.Khan May 17, 2018 - 2:24 am

Not next week. That road is not yet open still. Bus service will not be available for at least another 2-3 weeks.

Reply
Lavanya Ramakrishnan May 17, 2018 - 5:04 am

So there is no way to visit Spiti at all? I have made booking so this can be a good time to reschedule.

Reply
Lavanya Ramakrishnan May 17, 2018 - 5:12 am

I was planning to visit Spiti from 22nd-25th May. Since, Manali-Spiti roads are not functional, what would you suggest? Taking the trip via Shimla or cancelling the trip to Spiti, even if we make it to Spiti, the return would anyway have to be via Shimla only again, right?
Thank you.

Reply
Lavanya Ramakrishnan May 17, 2018 - 5:44 am

Also, the bus from Shimla to Kaza, what is the duration of the journey?
Sorry for the inpouring of questions. Need a little clarity and better planning. Really don’t wish to miss out on Spiti visit this time.
Thanks again.

Lavanya

Vargis.Khan May 17, 2018 - 6:23 pm

Shimla to Kaza by Bus is 2 days journey with a night halt at Reckong Peo.

Albert May 17, 2018 - 9:41 am

Shimla to kaza is long distance to cover in single travel. rekong peo on first day and then to kaza on second day. That would be good.

Vargis.Khan May 17, 2018 - 6:13 pm

I agree

Albert May 17, 2018 - 10:59 am

Are you planning this trip ? Chandertaal and Dhankar are in my hit list. Last time I spent less time in these place. Pocket friendly Public transportation is what I’m planning to avail this time. Lets see. Thanks Vargis Khan for some idea.

Vargis.Khan May 17, 2018 - 6:07 pm

Thanks Albert

Vargis.Khan May 17, 2018 - 6:26 pm

I just received an update from my contact in Kaza and was told that the road inspection completed today and the bus service will be operational in next couple of days. I will let you know once I get a confirmation.

Vargis.Khan May 17, 2018 - 6:26 pm

I just received an update from my contact in Kaza and was told that the road inspection completed today and the bus service will be operational in next couple of days. I will let you know once I get a confirmation.

Reply
Lavanya Ramakrishnan May 17, 2018 - 7:39 pm

Thank you Mr. Vargis and Albert. 🙂

Vargis.Khan May 18, 2018 - 3:41 am

You are welcome Lavanya

Vinayy Bahety May 14, 2018 - 8:47 am

Hi,
I am solo travelling from Bir to Spiti. Do you suggest spending a night in Manali and then heading to Spiti ? I have a total of 4 nights for Manali/Shimla + Spiti or Spiti alone.

Also what would be the best way to get to Spiti from Bir, considering I am planning to take a bus.

Reply
Vargis.Khan May 15, 2018 - 5:32 pm

If you are traveling by Bus then no need to stay. Reach Manali and then take the early morning Bus the next day to reach Kaza

Reply
Dharmit Viroja March 21, 2018 - 7:33 am

Are there any private taxi services from RECONGPEO for Spiti Valley for a group of 4-5 people?

Reply
Vargis.Khan March 21, 2018 - 4:40 pm

Yes you will be able to find a local private taxi at Reckong Peo

Reply
Arpita September 16, 2017 - 5:07 am

Hi, can you please let me know how much a private vehicle can cost for kaza-chandratal-kunzumpass.?

Reply
Vargis.Khan September 17, 2017 - 1:39 am

From Kaza or Manali?

Reply
Vargis.Khan September 17, 2017 - 1:40 am

If you are renting from Manali, they may easily charge you around 20k for covering Kaza and Chandratal.

Reply

Leave a Comment