One of the questions that I get asked the most about a road trip to Spiti valley is the condition of the roads there; and this question gets asked in several ways. Some people want to know how bad the roads are; what do I mean when I say bad; can they take a hatchback or sedan for Spiti trip; or which part of the section is worst. I have explained this in words multiple times but then thought to share some pictures rather. As they say, a picture is worth a thousand words so here are a few pictures of Spiti valley road conditions. Take a look and this should give an idea of the road you are about to travel on and whether or not you should take a hatchback or Sedan here.
Starting from Shimla, up until Jeori you can expect a flat smooth road but after Jeori, it just keeps getting worse. Between Reckong Peo and Puh, this is how the road mostly is.
After Puh and until Nako, the road is a mix of good and bad. Some stretches are super smooth and some are really bad.
Road starts to deteriorate again after Nako. This is a pic of Malling Nallah, just after Nako that you will have to cross.
After Nako and until Kaza, the road is a mix of good and bad. After Kaza, it is just bad, bad and bad; no matter which direction you go in. Below is a picture of how the road is between Losar and Kunzum Pass.
After Kunzum Pass, there is a diversion that takes you to Chandratal on a 14 kilometer long. Below are two pictures of how this road is, barely wide enough for one car.
The worst part however is between Batal and Gramphoo. By far, this is the worst road that I have ever been on. There are numerous water streams on the way; some of which are quite deep for a hatchback or Sedan to cross.
This would be me getting across a rivulet.
The Indica in one of the pictures I shared above was stuck trying to cross the rivulet.
Conclusion
I hope these pictures of Spiti Valley road conditions were helpful. In the end, it all depends on your riding and driving skills. Whether or not you should take a hatchback or Sedan depends on how good you are at wheel. 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.
38 comments
Hi Vargis,
Thanks for sharing the pics and other relevant information.
I am planning to visit valley on a Innova with my daughters who are 14 years old in April is it safe to take them along on this journey.
Regards
Ish Bali
HI Vargis, although everything is answered above…still have some questions to be 100% sure…
Hi Pankaj – Let me know what your questions are brother
How are two cars supposed to cross together on the road to chandertal? Is it even possible?
You will have to find a spot to cross. Usually you can spot the car from a distance and if you find a spot wide enough, then you wait there till the other vehicles arrives and crosses you.
Okay, am planning to go there on 2nd June if roads open by then. Thanks for the lovely info you have here.
It is already open.
Hello dear, depending on the road conditions, should we take this trip to Chander tal by bus or try by my ford Figo
You are welcome .. the road is open already
Hi Vargis. May I know is this the shimla to kaza route? Also which month of the year was the photos taken? Thank you.
Hi Vargis,
This is vikas from Mumbai, i am planning to travel Mumbai to Leh to Mumbai from 21st Sept to 6th Oct. below is the route i am thinking..
Mumbai -Delhi-Shimla-Spiti-Leh-Manali-Delhi-Mumbai.
Please let me if its doable.
thanks Vikas
Hi Vikas,
It is doable and you should be able to complete the journey. Just to be on a safer side though, I would recommend that you plan it the other way around. By Sep end and Oct begin, it can snow at Kunzum Pass anytime which will just cause unnecessary delay in your plan. Start from Manali so that you have this covered before there is a risk of snowfall.
Hello again Vargis,
Further to my earlier question, will Creta petrol suitable for this journey, though I have covered Delhi-SHIMLA-Chitkul by my Figo already. Also please advise can I make this trip in 1st week of October or wait till next June?
Regards
Hello Sanjay – Spiti is closed this year for tourism, you will have to plan for 2021. Creta Petrol will be great for the trip though.
Thanks a lot Vargis for the excellent advice, you have been a great help.
Regards
You are welcome Sanjay Bhai
Hi vargis. thanks for these valauable information and pictures. Actually i am planning a trip to spiti valley in september so please suggest me a suitable itinerary and please also suggest me the travel option by which i should go. 2 people(male) 4ept-11 sept.
Hi Shivam – Where are you starting from?
Now I feel good that I spent extra money and booked a 4×4 Endeavour from Zoomcar for this trip.
Good call Karan.
Hi Vargis
Any idea on how time will it be neaded from jispa to manali. I have a night stay planned in Jispa and on the very next day I have to board bus at 5 pm from Manali. I will be traveling by bike .so by what time should i start from jispa to reach manali on time
Hi Pratik – If you have to board a bus from Manali at 5 PM, then I would recommend that you start from Jispa by as early as 5 AM. That should see you at Manali comfortably by 2-3 PM at most.
Thanks a lot for your inputs
You are welcome Bhai
Could you please advice which car would be proper for the trip
Any SUV will do, just avoid taking a hatchback or Sedan.
Thanks Vargis for the Pictures ! You are correct they speak much more than a thousand words. The pictures above are of which year ? recent or old ?
I drove to Spiti from Shimla route in 2016 January and sangla in Aug 2014 . I would say 20 % or the road after Rampur is pathetic ( could kill a hatchback or sedan in one wrong move ) , another 30 to 40 % is bad (this can be covered slowly to reduce the risk of damage to 0) and another 40 % road is good .
These pictures are from last year Saket. And you are absolutely right about the road conditions.
Is it safe and possible to cover the Manali to kaza in one day over the bike??
It is definitely doable but will be a long journey so start early from Manali
Dear Vargis, I also wish to rent a bike from Manali… can you help me with that??
Hello Alam – Take a look at this post.
https://vargiskhan.com/log/rent-a-motorcycle-in-manali/
Thanks a lot!!!
You are welcome
Thanks for the pictures.. bro
You are welcome brother
Thanks vargis for post these picture and information about road condition of spiti vally. I also think it is not a good idea to go there with a hatch back or sedan car.
You are welcome bhai