The tourist season in Spiti valley is at its peak right now. July is half gone and Monsoon has arrived throughout the Himalayan region. There are already news of landslides at several places; and one of the most frequent questions I am getting asked is whether it is safe to go now; or would it be better to plan a trip to Spiti valley in September. Spiti presents a different color in each month, each season; and while there is really no optimum time to plan a trip here, September by many is considered to be a favorable month. In this article, I will provide details on what can you expect while traveling to Spiti valley in September, things you should take care of; and overall, how to plan your trip.
Spiti Circuit
This by far is the biggest advantage that visiting Spiti valley in September has if you are traveling towards early or middle part of the month. During this time, all roads to and within Spiti remain open. In winter, the only way to get to Spiti valley is from Shimla to Kaza as Manali to Kaza road opens sometime by late May or early June. During Monsoon, landslides again can cause a roadblock as well as a safety risk. With September however, this risk is minimal and you can rest assured that you will be able to complete the circuit. Both the Shimla and Manali route are open in this month; as well as internal roads within Spiti; like to Kibber, Komik or Chandratal.
Road Conditions
Spiti is notorious for bad roads, nightmarish if I may call them so. I won’t really say that road conditions are good in September because they are never that; but its comparatively better towards September. The entire circuit is open for vehicular traffic from June till September. If you go in the month of June, you will be facing numerous water streams caused by melting snow and even the nallahs will be at full flow. Come Monsoon and the situation even worsens in July and August. This risk to some level is reduced in September. As the weather starts to get cold, the flow of water in nallahs will be less. Road conditions between Shimla to Kaza too are also considerably better in September.
Spectacular Landscape
Get ready to be spell-bounded by unreal vistas all around; a thousand shades of so many colors. As monsoon departs, valleys are on full blossom. Witness the green of Kullu, Kinnaur and Lahaul valleys and be humbled by the beauty of brown in deserts of Spiti. Its start of the autumn and you are in for a treat. Snow starts to settle at top of the peaks, blanketing them and giving life to the barren brown landscape; and thus offering a unique contrast of desert and snow.
Lesser Tourists
June, July and August see an influx of tourism in Spiti valley. September however, more or less, marks the end of Tourist season. Most of the people who had Spiti as part of their yearly plan have already visited here. You won’t find many people once you cross Kinnaur and start moving towards Kaza. If you want to be away from the crowd, spend some time in solitude while traveling through Spiti; then September is the month you should opt for.
Spiti Valley in September
The only word of caution that I would advise about traveling to Spiti valley in September is that you should try to plan it either towards or mid of September. Avoid traveling by late September as far as you can. By September end, it can snow at Kunzum top anytime in which case, you will be stuck with the pass temporarily closes. Also, carry an additional layer of warm clothes than what you would have packed for July and August. For more details, read Clothes for Spiti Trip: What to Pack
I hope the information above related to Spiti valley in September 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 will be glad to answer.
80 comments
we want spiti valley tour end of september from shimla -kalpa-tabo-pin valley-kaza-kaza villages-chandratal-manali (27sept. to 2oct.2021),please suggest in details.
Peace be upon you Vargis Bhai. Me and my two friends planning for Spiti Valley by i20 car in Last week of September. I want to witness snowfall as well. Please guide me.
Thanks & Regards
Amir Iman
Amir Bhai Spiti Valley is closed for tourists this year. You will have to postpone for next year.
Awesome bhai good response to everyone really appreciate it, by the way I’m going to Spiti on September ending from Chandigarh to shimla and finishing trip through manali way, but we are planning to take an SUV and 2 bikes totally of 6 people what would you recommend?
It is a good plan Bhai. September is a good time to go.
We are planning to visit chandratal on 26th september 2019. Is it okay to visit this time of the month?
-Akshay
Yes it is
Hi Vargis
Your every blog like this is extremely helpful in planning a travel. I read this blog quite late and ended up planing a trip towarsds june end.
I think now i missed the chance to see fully blossomed spiti lahaul during september. 🙁 🙁
But I am sure June and september gives two different expereince and hence needed to be travelled again during september amy be next time.
Thank you again.
Hi Roopa – You are right. Both months give a different experience. You will get to see some snow in June which wouldn’t be there in September.
HI brother, i am following your blog since last year, Would shimla – kaza- manali circuit be open in october?
Hi Priyansh Bhai, In early October it will be but after 15th, the Kaza Manali route usually gets closed.
Bro , any mechanic or bike repair shop available in spiti valley ?? For any emergency? If so pls share
See this post Sandeep Bhai
https://vargiskhan.com/log/accommodation-and-other-facilities-in-spiti/
Thank you BRo 🙂
welcome brother !!!
We are planning to travel on September 21nd-29th sep from Shimla to kaza to leh ladakh and come back from manali we will be starting mthe trip from chandigarh.
Can u please suggest Is it advisable to visit??
Time is OK but duration to cover Spiti and Ladakh both is too less. You can’t do it in 8 days.
Could you suggest no. Of days and itenary
For both Spiti and Leh? That will need at least 2 weeks and even then it will be rushed and you won’t be able to cover all of it. Plan for 3 weeks trip if you want to travel in a relaxed manner.
Is september really a good time to visit Spiti in terms of views and landscape? I am planning a solo trip in the first week on Sep and I am confused if I should go in Sep this year or in July the next year. Can you provide some more contrast?
September is better. July poses a risk of rains which won’t be there in Sep
Hi Vargis,
Is I-20 active with ground clearance 190 mm is ok to go kaza from manali with family in September last week ?
Hi Kuldeep – Yes, 190 mm is decent enough clearance for Spiti trip.
Sir Hm August last 25 ko plan kr rhe h spiti valley jane ka to koi problem to nhi h na sir?plz suggest
Hi sir can i have ur nmbr to whtsapp my question
Vargis bhai, 15 Sept ke baad Spiti valley jana theek rahega?
1) Road conditions?
2) weather zone risk or no?
3) Landslide zone? No Risk or yes?
4) after 15 Sept it is Safe to go spiti valley via manali
We are planning to travel on September 22nd. we are reaching Manali on 21st and staying there overnight and catching bus to Kaza next day. Please help me to make an itinerary. what do we do there? we want to spend one night in langza and 1 night in chandratal. we have our return ticket from Delhi on 1st Oct..
What is your plan? Go via Manali and come back the same way? Or come back via Shimla?
yes. go via Manali as well as come back via Manali
September 11,12,13,14,15,16
Or
September 28,29,30, October 1,2,3.
Which dates are better for spiti valley.
Initial part of September is better.
Hi, First of all thank you for very informative yet brief post.Last Year I followed your post and made a great Ladakh trip…..We are three friends planning Spiti trip this year from 7 Sep to 14 Sep 2018, entering from Shimla and exiting from Manali.. We were planning to bring our tents and stay, will it be fine or it will be too cold for tents
Hi Ankur – Just bring good quality sleeping bags and you should be OK. It won’t get unbearably cold in September
Hi, First of all thank you for very informative yet brief post.Last Year I followed your post and made a great Ladakh trip…..We are three friends planning Spiti trip this year from 7 Sep to 14 Sep 2018, entering from Shimla and exiting from Manali.. We were planning to bring our tents and stay, will it be fine or it will be too cold for tents ?
Hi Ankur – Just bring good quality sleeping bags and you should be OK. It won’t get unbearably cold in September
Hi Bro, I am planning with family on Sep 29th,30th and 1st Oct in spiti. Please let me know is it safe for family on tht time. If it is safe, tell me best way from delhi. As we are from south india is it mandatory to communicate in Hindi thre? Thanks
Locals in Spiti do not speak English that well so yes, if you can’t speak in Hindi at all then it may become a bit if a hassle but not too much. And yes, it is safe to be traveling on the dates you mentioned.
Anither doubt bro. One of my friend taking his brothers bike, bike registration will not be in rider name.. Will that be a problem ??
No that problem exists only in Ladakh. Not in Spiti valley.
Thank you bro. I will check it and get the permit. 🙂
You are welcome !!! 🙂
Bro, if I am going via shimla and exit via manali I don’t need any permit right ?? If so can i stay in chandrataal lake ?
No, if you start from Shimla and exit at Manali then no permit is required for the journey.
Bro ,I don’t know how u r replying to all our question. Great. Thanks is very small word.. Thank you very much..
Thanks Bhai. I appreciate your kind words. Do let me know how your trip went after you return.
Bro, I am planning for a bike trip from chandigarh on 13th morning and back to chandigarh on 17th evening. my route plan is chandigarh – manali- kaza – Nako -Kalpa – Shimla – Chandigarh. Is this a good plan to cover with in these many days??. since i cant take more leave. i am constrained with time very much 🙁
Pls help and give suggestion .
thank you
Sandeep Bhai yes you can do it but the trip will be a little bit rushed. What is your itinerary?
Bro, I am starting on 13th morning from Chandigarh, 13th night stay in manali, 14th night stay in chandrathal lake. 15th night in nako.. 16th night somewhere between kalpa to shilma.
This is my schedule, I didn’t book anything, yet to search on for rooms..
Hotels are fine, you will get them on the spot but just make sure you have your Rohtang permit ready. Without that, you will not be able to go to Chandratal on 14th.
hi sir , we are planning to visit in first wk of sep , so just want to know about
1.weather
2.water level in lakes
3.greenry
4.hotels
5.place you recomend
Sir Hm August last 25 ko plan kr rhe h spiti valley jane ka to koi problem to nhi h na sir?plz suggest
sir i am planing a trip to kaza in sept 10 from shimla and return back to shimla .an infant of 9 mnths is with us.kindly guide hws climate there in kaza and along the route to kaza. any problem .kindly sugest .should i go.
Hi Deepak – I will not really recommend bringing a 9 month old baby along. It would be better to plan the trip next year. Climate in Kaza and Spiti is always very cold and it will be even colder in September
tnku sir.next yr in which mnth should i plan spiti trip along with infant.
Any month between June till September will be fine. Just wait for your child to be at least 1 year to 18 months of age before you go.
Hi Vargis,
I am planning a trip of the Spiti Circuit (Shimla – Kalpa – Kaza – Manali) from 1st Sep 2018 to 8th Sep 2018. Vehicle is TATA Nexon Diesel. Is it a good time to take the route. Any advice?
Hi Shwet – Yes, both the time and the vehicle are good for the trip.
We are planning a trip from Delhi to Chandratal starting 1st of August 2018. Do you think it is not an ideal time because of rains? Should we consider doing the trip in September?
Hi Suman – Sorry I missed responding to your comment. Let me know if you still need this information.
Hai friend.. I am planning spiti circuit on 2nd week of june . Wether I can find greenery in kinnaur valley and spiti during this date. Planning to go with my own car- wagonR. So it is possible to complete circuit with this car
Sumesh Bhai, Greenery will be there in Kinnaur Valley but not really in Spiti. If you want to see Lush green hills all around than please go after Monsoon season. Wagon R is not a good car for Spiti circuit, specially if you are planning to cover the Manali route as well.
Hello Vargis Bhai,
We have planned to go Spiti this year August but not able to go. So We will again plan to go Spiti next year June last week. Can you please tell me, will we face any problem or road blockage in June last week?
Hello Soumya – No problem by June end. You will be able to complete the trip.
Hi Vargis, I am planning to go to spiti from shimla side in mid october. Is it safe to go there at this time? What will be the road conditions? And the main thing I am concern of the camping. I have all my camping equipment but not sure what are the place safe for camping while going to spiti? And what to do about “natures call” in the woods and mountains?
What is your itinerary Priyansh and how are you traveling? It is safe to go at that time but you will have to return via Shimla only because Kunzum Pass may get closed by Mid October, so you wont be able to exit via Manali. Roads are always bad in Spiti so do not get your hopes up in that aspect. No matter which month you go, you will be on broken roads.
Hi,
We are planning a trip to Chandratal in the last week of september.
Is it advisable to visit Chndratal during that time?
Can u please suggest??
We’ll be travelling from Manali. Going to kaza first and then to chandratal from 28th sept to 2nd October.
Hello, Yes it is OK to travel around the dates you mentioned.
Hi Vargis, our circuit is Chandigarh, Naldehra, Kalpa, Kaza, Kaza, Burwa between 10-15 August. We are in a Ford Endeavour (diesel). Are there any permits required and any other travel suggestions?
Hello Amit – No permit required. Please take a look at the article below for more details.
https://vargiskhan.com/log/get-inner-line-permit-for-spiti-valley/
Thanks Vargis, we returned home after a fantastic trip !
Hello Amit Bhai – I am glad that your trip was good. I would like to hear more and see some pics as well if you will share. What itinerary did you follow?
https://drive.google.com/open?id=1Cw-hjZmUfJLELslgkMBdE3zZSzQ&usp=sharing
pics later 🙂
Hi, We are going to spiti from Manali on our bikes (Enfield 350) on 12th August. I know It’s raining in manali, but we are still planning to go. We are guessing that we will face difficulty till rohtang pass only (based on weather forecast, never mind the road condition). What’s your suggestion on this? What’s the possibility that we will face any difficulty during our trip? We don’t really want to postpone the trip, as we have already done bookings and all that. Plus it will be hard for us to take time out of office afterwards. we plan to return on 16th August.
Hi Rajat, You are right, difficulty will be around Rohtang and Batal Gramphoo stretch, no rain after that until you hit the other side of the valley towards Kinnaur. Please continue with the trip if you have already planned, take a look at this article though.
https://vargiskhan.com/log/safe-travel-spiti-valley-in-monsoon/
Lot of people are still traveling to Spiti and Ladakh both, despite the monsoon, so no need to change the plan. Just be careful, go slow and you will be OK.
Hi Vargis, Planning for a Spiti ride from Manali- Wanted to cover the entire curcuit? Can I do Manali- Bhuntar- Narkhanda- Kaza- Kunzum- Manali? And the other places as well. I have not heard much about Manali to Narkhanda stretch. Can you help?
Hi George, You can reach Shimla from Manali via Tattapani and then continue to Narkanda. Or from Manali you can travel through Tirthan Valley, across Jalori pass and exit on Shimla-Kaza route slightly after Narkanda.
Could you please suggest me which coveyance i should choose for the trip. i will be starting my trip from chandigarh.
It depends on your personal preference Shivam.A bike trip is usually the best for Spiti.
Dear Mr Khan,
We a aged couple from Kolkata would like to visit Kinnur, Lahaul, Spirit in the 2nd week of September. Details about our tour plan along with some travel quarries have been posted separately in Itinerary forum.
We are waiting for your valuable advice and needful suggestions.
Regards
Debasish Pal
Just replies there Sir. Please check.