Spiti Valley Road Conditions 2024 – Shimla to Kaza to Manali

by Vargis.Khan

The pictures below of Spiti valley road conditions are from my trip last year. These may be of use to someone planning to travel to Spiti valley next year. There will not be a huge difference from now till next year in the condition of the road from Shimla to Kaza.

Manali Kaza road anyways remains in a terrible state always. But the pictures below should be able to give you a visual presentation of what you are about to get yourself into. As they say, a picture is better than a thousand words.

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

Spiti Valley Road Conditions

In a nutshell, this is how the condition of the road currently is.

  • Delhi to Chandigarh – Good
  • Chandigarh to Shimla – Bad for the first 25 kilometers. Rest is average.
  • Shimla to Narkanda – Good smooth road
  • Narkanda to Jeori – Mostly good with a few bad patches in between.
  • Jeori to Sarahan – Very Bad
  • Jeori to Karcham – A mix of average and good
  • Karcham to Chitkul – The road from Karcham to Sangla is good but from Sangla to Chitkul is really bad.
  • Karcham to Kalpa – Mostly good
  • Kalpa to Nako – A mix of good and bad
  • Nako to Dhankar – A mix of good, bad and ugly
  • Dhankar to Pin Valley – A badly broken dirt road
  • Dhankar to Kaza – Mostly average
  • Kaza to Kibber / Komik / Chicham – Fresh tarmac, super smooth
  • Kaza to Losar – Fresh tarmac, super smooth
  • Losar to Kunzum Pass – Extremely bad
  • Chandratal Road – A complete nightmare; very narrow and badly broken.
  • Batal to Gramphoo – Nightmare continues; Extremely bad.
  • Gramphoo to Manali – Good but lot of traffic

Below is a visual presentation of what I stated above.

Shimla to Narkanda

spiti valley road conditions

Narkanda to Rampur

spiti valley road conditions

Rampur to Karcham

spiti valley road conditions

Karcham to Sangla

spiti valley road conditions

Sangla to Chitkul

  spiti valley road conditions Karcham to Reckong Peo

spiti valley road conditionsReckong Peo to Kalpa

Reckong Peo to Khab

spiti valley road conditionsKhab to Nako

Nako to Dhankar

spiti valley road conditionsPin Valley Road

Dhankar to Kaza

Kaza to Chicham

Losar to Kunzum Pass

Kunzum Pass to Batal

Chandratal Road

Batal to Gramphoo

Gramphoo to Manali

spiti valley road condition

Spiti Valley Road Conditions – Conclusion

I hope the information and pictures above on Spiti Valley Road Conditions were of help. If you have any questions, please feel free to ask in the comments section below and I will be happy to answer. You can also follow me on Instagram and chat with me live or subscribe to my YouTube channel and ask a question there.

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84 comments

Ram Ramalingam May 8, 2024 - 7:35 am

Hi Vargis. Found you from your wonderful blog. my fam is planning a trip to spiti on 3-9 June. Can you advise on couple of things pls –
1.Would you have an idea of how the manali-spiti side of the circuit is? Seems the Manali-leh road is opened, giving us some hope for doing full circuit.

2. Which leg of circuit to do earlier? Shimla-kaza or manali-kaza? I guessed manali-kaza, if open, will get more difficult later, as rains start.

We are traveling on a 2022 Safari. Would love some expert tips

Reply
Amit June 21, 2024 - 5:15 pm

Hi dear I am planning to do self drive to kaza via delhi -manali.with family (2 kids 18 and 12 yrs) 23 june 24, starting from delhi.please let me know is it safe to drive ,what about road conditions and also some tips to ensure safety and comfort.

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Gurjeet singh September 18, 2023 - 11:06 pm

Hii vargiss!! Im planning to cover round trip of lahaul spiti starting 25th-26th sept 2023 from reckongpeo side and going towards keylong side. I have 4×4 gypsy and all things required for road trip. I also do camping. Pls tell me the highway is open as well is it in safe condition??

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Vargis.Khan September 19, 2023 - 8:32 am

It is damaged in a lot of places bhai due to all the floods and landslides this year. Shimla Peo route was also blocked last week due to a landslide near Nigulsari

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Gurjeet singh September 19, 2023 - 9:42 am

Now suggest me what would i do now?? What about keylong shinkula padum road? Ye wala highway to chal rha hoga? Keylong padum kargil leh sarchu wala round trip posibl hai na is time??

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Vargis.Khan September 20, 2023 - 9:11 am

Aap ja sakte ho, road khula hua hai vaise toh. Keylong Shinkula Padum bhi open hai

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Amit June 21, 2024 - 5:14 pm

Hi dear I am planning to do self drive to kaza via delhi -manali.with family (2 kids 18 and 12 yrs) 23 june 24, starting from delhi.please let me know is it safe to drive ,what about road conditions and also some tips to ensure safety and comfort.

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Ramesh June 27, 2023 - 4:26 pm

Will the road open from Chandigarh to Shimla to Kaza to Manali from 30 June to 9 July? Should I except any issues? I am traveling via bike.

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Vargis.Khan June 28, 2023 - 6:07 am

Yes it is open. Monsoon is what you should be prepared for

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Jay shah June 11, 2023 - 4:26 pm

Hi vargis bhai . I am planning of bike tour from manali to Spiti valley by kaza and return from chandratal. Iam planning to go on 16 june. So can you tell me road conditions and whether updates of spiti valley???

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Vargis.Khan June 12, 2023 - 8:06 am

It is all open right now Bhai except for Rohtang

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surup August 22, 2022 - 7:47 am

can i reach from Narkanda to Kaza in one day?

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Sharath Chandra June 26, 2022 - 11:16 am

Hi Vargis , Could you please advise as to which is a good company to book a trip to spiti valley from manali Thanks

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Himadri Chakraborty May 21, 2022 - 8:56 am

Mr Khan. During our road trip to ladakh from kolkata by road in 2019 we benefited immensely following your guidance. This time we are planning to visit spiti valley this year by Ford Ecospoort. Between August mid to September which time will be suitable to travel from Shimla. Rainfall and road conditions. If you guide in details.

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Charu Sharma May 13, 2022 - 12:28 pm

Hi Vargis,

Me and my husband are planning to visit Kunzum pass around 17-18 May 2022, from Manali, Atal Tunnel Side. Will Kunzum pass be open at this time? Also we plan to visit only Kunzum pass and return back the same day to Sissu. Is this plan feasible. And our car is Honda Jazz.. Please advise.

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Vargis.Khan May 15, 2022 - 1:23 pm

Hi Charu – The plan is a bit stretched and will involve very long driving hours. Secondly, I will strongly advise against driving a Honda Jazz on this road due to low GC.

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Pd September 9, 2023 - 2:09 pm

How is the road condition for Spiti valley tour now?

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Vargis.Khan September 11, 2023 - 8:33 am

Shimla Kaza closed after the landslide at Nigulsari. Manali Kaza is open

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Rohankumar Bhatt November 21, 2021 - 9:34 am

Hi vargis khan really appreciate your effort.
I am planning spiti valley tour in month of may-22.we start or journey from shimla and will end at manali so we ll covery mostly all places of spiti. We are 19 adults and 6 children so my question to you is that is it safe to travel by 25-26 seater mini bus in spiti valley??
Mini bus is allowed in spiti valley and if allowed is it safe on spiti road?
Please give me reply
Thanks
Rohan Bhatt

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Maqbool Ahmed September 19, 2021 - 7:42 am

Hey Vargis khan, we are planning for a road trip from Bangalore to Spiti with our 8 yo son in our Creta during October. This being our first long road trip, we need your advice!
Thanks and much appreciate your inputs

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redh August 12, 2021 - 2:20 pm

Hi Vargis, considering landslides occuring in Kinnaur and around himachal pradesh this month. is it still safe to go to Spiti Valley towards the end of September?

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pranjul nayyar July 23, 2021 - 9:42 am

Hi,
Very insightful. Do you think a swift Dzire is an apt car on this circuit. Planning to do this in the first week of August.

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Vargis.Khan July 25, 2021 - 6:53 am

Low ground clearance can be a problem Pranjul between Manali and Kaza Bhai, especially in August

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Shenil Kalani July 14, 2021 - 7:16 pm

Planning for spiti valley by road Honda Amaze from agra on 18th July please need suggestions for road conditions , passes covid curfew n best routes

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Vargis.Khan July 16, 2021 - 7:03 am

Being an owner of Honda Amaze myself, please do not travel to Spiti in an Amaze

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Deepak July 9, 2021 - 8:12 am

Hi Vargis
We are planing to visit Delhi to Kaza via Honda WRV on 16 July with family 4 person’s . We have only 7 days for trip please suggest us best
route we follow or can its safe to travel in mid. July (for may be rainy season ) . Please help
Deepak

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Vargis.Khan July 9, 2021 - 10:25 am

Hi Deepak – You can travel like this

1. Delhi to Narkanda
2. Narkanda to Chitkul
3. Chitkul to Tabo
4. Tabo to Kaza while covering Pin Valley on the way
5. Kaza to Chandratal
6. Chandratal to Manali
7. Manali to Delhi

Just be very careful while driving on the road to Chitkul and the Kaza – Manali route. WRV has under 190MM GC which can be a little problematic at water crossings on this road

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Shenil Kalani July 14, 2021 - 7:13 pm

Planning for spiti valley by road Honda Amaze from agra on 18th July please need suggestions for road conditions , passes covid curfew n best routes

Reply
Vargis.Khan July 16, 2021 - 7:04 am

Being an owner of Honda Amaze myself, please do not travel to Spiti in an Amaze

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Rajul Verma May 29, 2021 - 12:16 pm

Hi Vargis,

I appreciate your valuable suggestions.. We are 3 friends planning to go spiti circuit(Like Shimla-kaza-manali) in motorbike. This is the first time we are planning to go like this. We don’t know anything about rental cost of the bikes, accommodation, food etc . Can you please guide us to prepare a detailed plan for the same. What would be the cost per person we can estimate.? Which accessories we have to carry with us? etc Kindly suggest……

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Ninad February 25, 2021 - 1:13 pm

Hello Vargis!,
At the onset I would like to thank you for the in depth blogs that you have written. I need a few pointers regarding planning a leisure SPITI valley trip.
I plan to give it 6 days ex Shimla or Manali. I am looking forward to doing it from 20th May 2021 onwards. would an approach from the Manali end be feasible at that time of the year. I hope to travel upto Tabo and come back the same way. I wish to enjoy the solitude and trek around or walk around. so would you have any recommendations about the same.
Looking forward to your valuable inputs.
Thanks

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ishana ghosh February 7, 2021 - 9:40 am

Hi Vargis,
Myself and 2 of my friends are planning a trek from Kaza to Tabo by foot (50km, 5 day trek) in Mid April.

We will travel Manali – Kaza by taxi.
Then Kaza – Tabo by foot.
Then Tabo – Kaza by taxi.
Then Kaza – Kunzum by taxi.
Then Kunzum – Chandrataal Lake trek (10km, 6hr, by foot)
Then back to Kunzum and then Kunzum – Manali by taxi.

Is it possible to travel in the above mentioned areas in Mid April 2021?

Please let me know.

Will plan accordingly.

Also, can you email me your contact details. Would like to get in touch with you regarding our trip since it is our first time planning such a trip.

Thankyou.

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Dheeraj k October 8, 2020 - 11:33 am

Hi Vargis, we are planning this trip, same route https://vargiskhan.com/log/spiti-valley-in-may/ in royal Enfield. Is the route will be clear by end of may and we want to witness snowfall too.. so, please share your valuable suggestions.

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Vargis.Khan October 10, 2020 - 8:10 am

Hi Dheeraj – The route will be clear but there will not be any snowfall anywhere in May.

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Dheeraj February 19, 2020 - 6:58 am

Hi Vargis,

We are planning to cover the entire circuit of Spiti and Ladakh starting from Delhi on 5th June, 2020 in about 16-17 days. What is your suggestion on the route we should take out of the two options, considering the road conditions etc.:

1. Delhi-Shimla-Kaza-Keylong-Leh-Srinagar-Delhi
OR
2. Delhi-Srinagar-Leh-Keylong-Kaza-Shimla-Delhi

We intend to avoid taking Manali and Rohtang altogether.

We are 2 people on a Jeep Compass.

Any suggestions otherwise as will also help.

Thanks in advance for your reply.

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Vargis.Khan February 19, 2020 - 3:33 pm

Hi Dheeraj – Doing it either way is fine actually. My personal preference will be Delhi-Shimla-Kaza-Keylong-Leh-Srinagar-Delhi

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Dheeraj February 20, 2020 - 9:03 am

Thanks Vargis for a prompt reply. Our first preference is the same as yours, its just the possibility of Kaza-Keylong road not opening up early June is a concern. What are the chances of Kaza-Kelyong patch being not open early June?

And do you suggest we get the hotels/stays booked in advance or can travel without bookings. The thought is again linked to the question above.

Regards,
Dheeraj

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Vargis.Khan February 20, 2020 - 2:23 pm

It will be all open by June Dheeraj.

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DHEERAJ February 21, 2020 - 2:11 pm

Thanks Vargis

Vargis.Khan February 21, 2020 - 2:29 pm

You are welcome !!!

nkumar January 14, 2020 - 11:55 am

Shall we go till kaza in feb2020 on our bike, What would be challenges?

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Vargis.Khan January 17, 2020 - 1:08 am Reply
Talib Ahmed September 19, 2019 - 9:40 am

Hi Vargis, Can i reach Kaza from Rampur Bushahr in a day?

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Vargis.Khan September 19, 2019 - 12:15 pm

Hi Talib – Yes you can.

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Swetha GD August 18, 2019 - 2:25 pm

Hi.. Network is not available to reach my hubby who is riding from kaza to manali.. What to do

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Vargis.Khan August 20, 2019 - 12:10 am

There is nothing you can do Swetha until he reaches Manali. That is when he will get back on the network.

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Manhar Jindal August 17, 2019 - 4:47 am

Hi Vargis,

We have a self drive trip planned to Spiti circuit from delhi in first week of september. What’s your opinion about the timing from the rin and landslides point of view.. And what is the current condition?

Thanks

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Vargis.Khan August 17, 2019 - 7:00 am

Hi Manhar – Road condition right now is the same that I explained in the article above. September is in fact one of the best times to visit Spiti.

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anmol katare August 5, 2019 - 9:34 am

Hi Vargis,
Hope you’re doing well.
And thanks for your answers, they’re very helpful.

I am planning a road trip from Delhi to Spiti with my sis and mom dad for 5.5 Days, we’ll leave in Wed afternoon, 14th Aug and plan to get back to Delhi by Monday night. I have VW vento, could you please suggest what road or route I can take and what I can cover. It’d be very helpful.
I have no idea about Spiti. And do I need a road permit ?
Thanks in advance.

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Vargis.Khan August 5, 2019 - 2:22 pm

Hi Anmol – I would not recommend visiting Spiti in a Vento. Its ground clearance is way too low for the trip.

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Anmol August 6, 2019 - 9:54 am

I had the same view, so I’ll modify my plan then.
Thanks for writing Vargis.

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Vargis.Khan August 8, 2019 - 1:54 am

You are welcome !!!

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Dhruv Garg February 2, 2021 - 10:36 pm

Hii bro ..
Shall we go spiti in 20th May
And how can we know than when will road open
If u have any update plz contact me by mail

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Harsha June 30, 2019 - 5:43 am

Hey Vargis,
We’re planning to travel to Spiti Valley next week with Ford Freestyle, Is it okay to travel in Ford freestyle?

We will thinking to take this route Dwarka-Shimla-Rampur-Nako-Kaza.

And we’re only two people travelling in car with less baggage, Could you please suggest on this.

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Vargis.Khan June 30, 2019 - 7:23 am

Hi Harsha – Freestyle has good ground clearance so yes you will be able to complete the trip. Be careful on the Kaza Manali stretch though.

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Harsha June 30, 2019 - 9:50 am

Thank You for the feedback..Will let you know my experience after my trip..

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Vargis.Khan June 30, 2019 - 4:13 pm

You are welcome !!! Will wait to hear back from you 🙂

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Vishal June 23, 2019 - 11:57 am

Hello brother
Just let me know do we need any permit for shimla to kaza -kaza to manali

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Vargis.Khan June 23, 2019 - 3:26 pm

Hi Vishal – Not if you are an indian citizen.

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VISHAL June 24, 2019 - 4:58 pm

Thanks brother

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Vargis.Khan June 24, 2019 - 5:48 pm

You are welcome !!!

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Maninderpal June 16, 2019 - 6:28 am

Hello Dheeraj ji,
Planning to do spiti circuit as per following itinerary :-
June 23-30

Day 1 Chandigarh (4AM) to Kalpa.
Day 2 Kalpa to Tabo via Nako , Geyu.
Day 3 Tabo to Pin valley via Dhankar.
Day 4 Pin valley to Kaza , ki, kibber etc.
Day 5 Kaza to komick, hikkim , Losar.
Day 6 Losar to Chandertaal..
Day 7 Chandertaal to Manali.
Day 8 Manali to Chandigarh.

My question are :-
1. Is this plan ok? or need some revisions
2. Is it doable in Maruti Swift ?
I hope Kaza Chandertaal Manali will be open by that time.

Thanks in advance

Reply
Amitav June 13, 2019 - 11:08 am

Hello Vargis Bhai,

I follow your travelogues closely and that helped me a lot for planning my last year’s Leh trip. Please find a glimpse of the same below.
https://oomphians.wordpress.com/2018/09/17/ladakh-diaries-an-epic-experience/

I am planning to rent a RE classic from Shimla and ride to spiti in mid August with my wife. We have done upto 250kms(in a day) trips earlier, but those were butter smooth highways. Little skeptical about the roads and safety in this route. We also love to stay in a place for a day or 2 to enjoy the culture, climate and food, rather that putting tick marks and covering more places. We travel for our own peace and not for instagram 🙂

Following is my Plan-A
Day 1: Shimla to Sarahan
Day 2: Sarahan to Kalpa
Day 3: Kalpa to Nako
Day 4: Nako to Kaza
Day 5: In & around Kaza
Day 6: Kaza to Reckong Peo
Day 7: Reckong Peo to Rampur
Day 8: Rampur to Shimla

Plan-B (face bad roads enroute + incur more cost for transportation of bike from Manali to Shimla)
Post day 5 –
Day 6: Kaza to Chandratal
Day 7: Chandratal to Manali
Day 8: Rest in Manali

Plan-C (Miss Tabo, kaza, Chandratal)
Post day 3 –
Day 4: Stay in Nako
Day 5: Nako to Chitkul
Day 6: Stay in Chitkul
Day 7: Chitkul to Rampur
Day 8: Rampur to Shimla

Sorry for the long post, but does it worth going in the route and missing places like chandratal & Kaza. Or we dont have much to see in places like Kalpa or Chitkul to stay back for a day and enjoy.

Will highly appreciate any quick tips 🙂

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Vargis.Khan June 13, 2019 - 12:54 pm

Hi Amitav Bhai – When are you planning to go?

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Amitav June 13, 2019 - 1:00 pm

August 2nd or 3rd week.

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Vargis.Khan June 13, 2019 - 1:03 pm

Travel like this then.

Day 1: Shimla to Sarahan
Day 2: Sarahan to Chitkul
Day 3: Chitkul to Kalpa
Day 4: Kalpa to Nako
Day 5: Nako to Kaza
Day 6: In & around Kaza
Day 7: Kaza to Chandratal
Day 8: Chandratal to Manali

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Amitav June 13, 2019 - 1:17 pm

Thanks bhai. i read from your blogs that the roads from Kaza till Gramphu is pretty bad. Is it doable with a pillion? We both are heavily built 🙁

Vargis.Khan June 13, 2019 - 2:29 pm

Bhai if the bike is well maintained then you can do it easily. But yes the road is a total nightmare between Batal to Gramphoo for about 50-60 kilometers.

VIPIN KUMAR SINGH May 18, 2019 - 5:53 am

Thanks sir…

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Vargis.Khan May 18, 2019 - 4:44 pm

You are welcome !!!

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VIPIN KUMAR SINGH May 17, 2019 - 5:41 am

Hello sir, how are you .
I am planning a road trip to lahul spiti with my dzire vdi with my family along with my children age respectively 10 year boy and 5 year girl from kanpur… in june 1st week.

sir what is road conditions and can dzire is a suitable car…..???
can i drive car in spiti..i have a experience to drive bike in ladakh …
please give me a your valuable advice..
thanks…

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Vargis.Khan May 17, 2019 - 1:02 pm

Hello Mr. Singh,

Yes you can make this trip in a Dzire easily. If you have some decent enough driving experience, you will easily be able to drive in Spiti as well.

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Somesh Dixit May 13, 2019 - 11:34 am

Hi Vargis,
So we are planning this trip from Delhi to Kaza. Everything seems fine till Narkand. My question is – Is Narkand to Kaza possible in a day, given that we leave early morning from Narkand. If not, what is suitable place to make a halt for the night if this cannot be done in a day?

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Vargis.Khan May 13, 2019 - 1:10 pm

Hi Somesh – If you started from Narkanda by 5 in the morning then yes you can make it to Kaza by evening.

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athulnath thumbayil May 5, 2019 - 8:30 am

Hello from Kerala,

I am planning to ride from chandigarh to kaza and return back to chandigarh by same route. It would be in first week of june 2019.

Planning to rent Himalayan bs4 from Chandigarh.

* Is it necessary to learn puncture repairing? Will I get any help from local people or mechanics?

* Will the ride tough with pillion?

* Any chance of snow? Or Rain.
It would be hard to ride in such conditions

* How much crowded the route with the tourists during this period?

Kindly share your thoughts And precious advices 🙂

The route includes Sangla and Chitkul during the return route.

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Vargis.Khan May 5, 2019 - 1:41 pm

1. You should know how to change the tube. Carry spare tubes and some tools to be able to do so.
3. Not if your motorcycle is capable of it
3. No
4. Not at all

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athulnath thumbayil May 5, 2019 - 5:38 pm

Thanks Vargis.

Its a great portal for guys like me , lots of information.

Great work.

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Vargis.Khan May 6, 2019 - 1:49 pm

Thanks Athulnath

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Amit Shivpuri April 1, 2019 - 5:03 pm

Vargis bhai, Excellent information. you rock.
i am planning a road-trip from Delhi in volkswagen Ameo. It is brand new car. Would it be fine?

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Vargis.Khan April 1, 2019 - 5:38 pm

Thanks Amit Bhai. I wouldn’t recommend Ameo for Spiti due to low GC. But if you must then keep the Kaza Manali route out completely.

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Harry Nyhuis February 10, 2019 - 10:56 am

Thank you Vargis, that is of great help. At least I have some sort of idea what I am in for. Can’t wait!! Crossing off the days 🙂

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Vargis.Khan February 11, 2019 - 12:45 am

Thank you for taking the time to drop a note Harry. When are you planning to go?

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Jordi January 28, 2019 - 9:32 am

Good days friend. Royal Anfield can do circular route to him in motorcycle in August from Manali happening for Kaza – Tabo – Poo – Wangtu – Rampur – Anni – Banjar – Bhuntar – Manali? That you recommend to me? Write to me please to my e-mail [email protected] Thank you very much, Jordi Barcelona (Spain)

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Vargis.Khan January 28, 2019 - 1:13 pm

Yes it definitely can Jordi

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