How to Go to Spiti Valley from Delhi: A Comprehensive Guide

Introduction

Travel from Delhi to Spiti Valley, often referred to as the “Middle Land” between India and Tibet, is a paradise for travellers seeking adventure and tranquillity. Its rugged terrain, stunning landscapes, and ancient monasteries make it a must-visit destination. This guide will provide you with all the information you need to plan your trip from Delhi to Spiti Valley, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable journey.

How to Get into Travel Planning

Travel planning involves meticulous research, organisation, and execution to ensure a memorable trip. Here are some steps to help you get started:

1. Research: Gather information about the destination, including the best time to visit, local attractions, culture, and weather conditions.
2. Budgeting: Determine your budget, including transportation, accommodation, food, and activities.
3. Itinerary: Create a detailed itinerary outlining your daily activities and destinations.
4. Booking: Reserve your transportation and accommodation in advance.
5. Packing: Make a list of essential items and pack accordingly.
6. Documentation: Ensure you have all necessary documents, such as ID proofs, permits, and tickets.
7. Health and Safety: Research health precautions, vaccinations, and travel insurance.

Popular Tools and Resources for Travel Planning

1. Travel Blogs and Websites: Platforms like Lonely Planet, TripAdvisor, and travel blogs provide insights and reviews about destinations.
2. Travel Apps: Apps like Google Maps, Skyscanner, and Booking.com help with navigation, flight bookings, and accommodation reservations.
3. Guidebooks: Books like the Lonely Planet and Rough Guide series offer detailed information about destinations.
4. Social Media: Instagram, Facebook groups, and travel forums can be great sources of inspiration and practical tips.

List of Ways to Get into Travel Planning

1. Define Your Travel Style: Understand whether you prefer luxury travel, budget travel, adventure travel, or cultural exploration.
2. Set Travel Goals: Determine what you want to achieve from your travels, such as relaxation, adventure, learning, or photography.
3. Build a Travel Bucket List: Create a list of destinations and experiences you wish to pursue.
4. Join Travel Communities: Engage with online travel communities for advice, inspiration, and networking.
5. Develop a Savings Plan: Allocate a portion of your income towards travel expenses.
6. Learn Travel Skills: Acquire skills such as budgeting, itinerary planning, and navigating foreign cultures.
7. Stay Updated: Keep yourself informed about travel trends, safety advisories, and new destinations.

Best Time to Visit Spiti Valley

The best time to visit Spiti Valley is from May to October, when the weather is pleasant and the roads are accessible. During this period, you can enjoy clear skies, moderate temperatures, and blooming flora. The winter months (November to April) bring heavy snowfall, making travel challenging and often impossible due to road closures.

Seasonal Breakdown

• Spring (March to April): The valley begins to thaw, and the landscape is dotted with blooming flowers. However, some roads may still be inaccessible.
• Summer (May to June): This is the peak tourist season with pleasant weather and fully accessible roads.
• Monsoon (July to September): While Spiti Valley itself receives minimal rainfall, the approach roads can be affected by landslides and heavy rains, particularly the route via Shimla.
• Autumn (October): Another excellent time to visit, with clear skies and vibrant autumn colours.
• Winter (November to February): Not recommended for travel due to extreme cold and road closures.

Route Options from Delhi to Spiti Valley

By Road

Travelling by road is the most popular way to reach Spiti Valley. There are two main routes:

1. Delhi-Manali-Spiti Route: This route takes you through the scenic landscapes of Himachal Pradesh, including Manali and Rohtang Pass. The total distance is approximately 740 km and takes around 15–18 hours.
   • Delhi to Manali: approximately 550 km, taking 12–14 hours. Major stops include Chandigarh and Mandi.
   • Manali to Kaza (Spiti): approximately 190 km, taking 6–8 hours. Major stops include Rohtang Pass, Gramphu, and Kunzum Pass.
2. Delhi-Shimla-Spiti Route: This route passes through Shimla, Kinnaur, and the beautiful villages of Nako, Tabo, and Kaza. The total distance is approximately 780 km and takes around 18–20 hours.
   • Delhi to Shimla: approximately 340 km, taking 8–10 hours. Major stops include Chandigarh and Solan.
   • Shimla to Kaza (Spiti): approximately 440 km, taking 10–12 hours. Major stops include Narkanda, Rampur, Reckong Peo, and Nako.

By Air

The nearest airport to Spiti Valley is Bhuntar Airport in Kullu, which is about 245 km from Kaza (Spiti’s main town). From the airport, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach Spiti Valley. Another option is to fly to Chandigarh or Shimla and then travel by road.

• Delhi to Bhuntar: Regular flights are available, taking around 1.5 hours.
• Bhuntar to Kaza: approximately 245 km, taking 10–12 hours by road.

By Rail

The nearest railway station to Spiti Valley is Kalka, about 360 km from Kaza. From Kalka, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach Spiti Valley via Shimla and Reckong Peo.

• Delhi to Kalka: Trains like the Shatabdi Express are available, taking around 4-5 hours.
• Kalka to Kaza: approximately 360 km, taking 12–14 hours by road.

Detailed Itinerary

1: Delhi to Manali/Shimla

• Delhi to Manali: If you choose the Manali route, start your journey early in the morning. Take a bus or hire a taxi to Manali. The journey takes around 12–14 hours. Stay overnight in Manali.
• Delhi to Shimla: If you prefer the Shimla route, take an early morning bus or taxi to Shimla. The journey takes around 8–10 hours. Stay overnight in Shimla.

2: Manali/Shimla to Kaza

• Manali to Kaza: Start your journey from Manali to Kaza early in the morning. Pass through Rohtang Pass, Kunzum Pass, and various picturesque villages. The journey takes around 8–10 hours. Stay overnight in Kaza.
• Shimla to Kaza: Start your journey from Shimla to Kaza early in the morning. Pass through Narkanda, Rampur, Kalpa, and other beautiful locations. The journey takes around 12–14 hours. Stay overnight in Kaza.

3: Explore Kaza and Nearby Villages

• Visit the Key Monastery, Kibber Village, and the famous Chicham Bridge.
• Explore the local market in Kaza and try traditional Spitian cuisine.

4: Visit Tabo and Dhankar

• Travel to Tabo and visit the Tabo Monastery, known for its ancient murals and stucco sculptures.
• Head to Dhankar, a picturesque village with a historic monastery and stunning views of the Spiti Valley.

5: Visit Pin Valley National Park

• Spend the day exploring Pin Valley National Park, home to various flora and fauna, including the snow leopard.
• Return to Kaza and relax for the evening.

6: Kaza to Chandratal Lake

• Travel to Chandratal Lake, also known as the “Moon Lake,” and enjoy the serene beauty of this high-altitude lake.
• Camp overnight near Chandratal Lake.

7: Chandratal Lake to Manali/Shimla and Back to Delhi

• Chandratal to Manali: Travel back to Manali via Rohtang Pass. Stay overnight in Manali.
• Chandratal to Shimla: Travel back to Shimla via the same route. Stay overnight in Shimla.

8: Manali/Shimla to Delhi

• Return to Delhi by bus or taxi. The journey takes around 12–14 hours from Manali and 8–10 hours from Shimla.

Alternative Itinerary for a Longer Stay

If you have more time, consider extending your stay to explore additional attractions in Spiti Valley:

9: Visit Lhalung and Komik

• Lhalung is known for its ancient monastery and stunning scenery.
• Komik is one of the highest villages in the world, home to the Komik Monastery.

10: Trek to Hikkim and Langza

• Hikkim: Visit the highest post office in the world.
• Langza is famous for its fossil-rich terrain and the giant Buddha statue.

11: Rest Day in Kaza

• Spend a relaxing day in Kaza, soaking in the local culture and scenery.

12: Kaza to Chandratal Lake

• Head to Chandratal Lake, camp overnight, and enjoy stargazing.

13: Chandratal Lake to Manali/Shimla

• Return to Manali or Shimla for an overnight stay.

14: Manali/Shimla to Delhi

• Travel back to Delhi, concluding your extended trip.

Accommodation Options

Spiti Valley offers various accommodation options, ranging from budget guesthouses to comfortable hotels and homestays. Some popular options include:

• Kaza: Hotel Deyzor, Sakya Abode, and The Grand Dewachen.
• Tabo: Tabo Monastery Guesthouse, Maitreya Regency.
• Dhankar: Dhankar Monastery Guesthouse.
• Pin Valley: Tara Homestay, Pin-Parvati Guesthouse.
• Chandratal Lake: Campsites like Parasol Camps and Nomadic Camps.

Budget Options

1. Guesthouses: are affordable and provide basic amenities.
   • Example: Zostel Spiti, Kaza.
2. Homestays: Experience local hospitality and culture.
   • Example: Norling Homestay, Tabo.

Mid-Range Options

1. Hotels: Offer more comfort and facilities.
   • Example: Spiti Valley Hotel, Kaza.
2. Boutique Stays: Unique accommodations with personalised services.
   • Example: NotOnMap: Tabo House, Tabo.

Luxury Options

1. Resorts: Provide premium services and amenities.
   • Example: Spiti Heritage Village Resort, Kaza.

Things to Pack

Packing for Travel from Delhi to Spiti Valley requires careful consideration of the weather and terrain. Here’s a comprehensive packing list:

Clothing

• Layered Clothing: Thermals, sweaters, jackets, and down jackets.
• T-shirts and Shirts: Breathable and quick-dry materials.
• Pants and trousers: comfortable for trekking and travelling.
• Warm socks and gloves are essential for cold weather.
• Caps and hats: for sun protection and warmth.

Footwear

• Trekking shoes are sturdy and comfortable for long walks.
• Casual Shoes/Slippers: For relaxation and short walks.

Accessories

• Sunglasses: UV protection for the high-altitude sun.
• Sunscreen: SPF 50+ is recommended.
• Lip balm: to prevent chapped lips in dry weather.
• Water Bottles: Reusable bottles to stay hydrated.

Medical Kit

• First Aid Kit: Band-aids, antiseptics, and basic medicines.
• Altitude Sickness Medication: Diamox or similar.
• Personal Medications: Any prescribed medications.

Documentation

• ID Proofs: Aadhar card, driving licence, or passport.
• Permits: Inner Line Permit for foreign tourists.
• Travel insurance: coverage for health and travel-related issues.

Miscellaneous

• Power banks: for charging devices.
• Camera: To capture the stunning landscapes.
• Binoculars: for wildlife spotting and distant views.
• Toiletries: personal hygiene items.
• Snacks: energy bars, dry fruits, and other snacks for the journey.

FAQs: Travel from Delhi to Spiti Valley

1. What is the best time to visit Spiti Valley?

The best time to visit Spiti Valley is from May to October, when the weather is pleasant and the roads are accessible.

1. How can I reach Spiti Valley from Delhi?

You can reach Spiti Valley from Delhi by road, air, or rail. The most popular route is by road via Manali or Shimla.

1. Is a permit required to visit Spiti Valley?

Indian tourists do not need a permit to visit Spiti Valley. However, foreign tourists need an Inner Line Permit to visit certain areas.

1. What are the accommodation options in Spiti Valley?

Spiti Valley offers various accommodation options, including hotels, guesthouses, homestays, and campsites.

1. What should I pack for a trip to Spiti Valley?

Pack warm clothing, trekking shoes, sunglasses, sunscreen, a medical kit, documents, and miscellaneous items like power banks and cameras.

1. Is it safe to travel to Spiti Valley?

Yes, Spiti Valley is generally safe for travellers. However, it is advisable to take necessary precautions, especially while travelling through high-altitude regions.

1. Can I visit Spiti Valley during the winter?

Visiting Spiti Valley during the winter is challenging due to heavy snowfall and roadblocks. It is recommended to visit between May and October.

1. Are there ATMs in Spiti Valley?

ATMs are available in Kaza, but it is advisable to carry sufficient cash as ATMs may not always be functional.

1. What are the must-visit places in Spiti Valley?

Must-visit places include Key Monastery, Kibber Village, Chicham Bridge, Tabo Monastery, Dhankar Monastery, Pin Valley National Park, and Chandratal Lake.

1. How many days are required to explore Spiti Valley?

A minimum of 7-8 days is recommended to explore Spiti Valley thoroughly, including travel time from Delhi.

1. What are the dining options in Spiti Valley?

Spiti Valley offers a variety of dining options, ranging from local eateries to cafes. Some popular dishes to try include momos, thukpa, and yak cheese. There are also a few restaurants that serve Indian and continental cuisine.

1. Can I rent a bike or car in Spiti Valley?

Yes, you can rent bikes or cars in Manali or Shimla for your journey to Spiti Valley. It’s advisable to choose a sturdy vehicle suitable for rugged terrain.

1. What kind of mobile network coverage can I expect in Spiti Valley?

Mobile network coverage in Spiti Valley is limited. BSNL provides the most reliable coverage, but even that can be spotty in remote areas. It’s advisable to inform your contacts about potential communication gaps during your trip.

1. Are there any health precautions to take while visiting Spiti Valley?

Due to the high altitude, it’s important to acclimatise properly to avoid altitude sickness. Stay hydrated, avoid strenuous activity for the first couple of days, and consider taking medication for altitude sickness if necessary.

1. What are the local customs and etiquettes to be aware of in Spiti Valley?

Respect the local customs and traditions. Dress modestly, especially when visiting monasteries. Ask for permission before taking photographs of people. Be mindful of the environment and avoid littering.

Conclusion

Travel from Delhi to Spiti Valley is a destination that offers a unique blend of adventure, spirituality, and natural beauty. With this comprehensive guide, you can plan your trip from Delhi to Spiti Valley efficiently, ensuring a memorable experience. Whether you choose to travel by road, air, or rail, the journey to Spiti Valley promises to be an unforgettable adventure. The valley’s serene landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and warm hospitality await you. Prepare well, respect the local customs, and embark on a journey that will leave you with memories to cherish for a lifetime. Happy travelling!