Spiti Valley Guide: Summer vs Winter, Route and Tips
Updated 9 November 2026 · by the Tripins team
Plan Spiti Valley: summer circuit via Kunzum and Chandratal or winter via Kinnaur, best time, permits, altitude tips and must-see villages.
Two very different trips
Spiti is a high, cold desert valley in Himachal Pradesh. In summer the full circuit is open: in through Kinnaur and out over Kunzum pass and past Chandratal lake to Manali, or the other way round. In winter Kunzum is shut, so the only way in and out is through Kinnaur, and Spiti turns white and very cold.
Best time
- Summer circuit: roughly June to September, when Kunzum pass and the Chandratal road are open.
- Winter Spiti: roughly December to March, for snow and frozen landscapes. Temperatures can fall to −20°C.
- Shoulder months (October, April–May) are quieter but roads can be unpredictable.
Places not to miss
- Key monastery, perched above the Spiti river.
- Kibber and Chicham, with the high Chicham bridge.
- Langza (fossils and a big Buddha statue), Hikkim (one of the highest post offices in the world) and Komic.
- Tabo and Dhankar monasteries.
- Chandratal lake (summer only).
- Kalpa and Chitkul in Kinnaur on the way.
Altitude and health
Kaza sits at around 3,800 m and some villages are higher. Go up gradually, drink plenty of water, avoid alcohol for the first days and rest if you get a headache. People with heart or lung conditions should take medical advice first. Our trips carry an oxygen cylinder.
Permits and practical tips
- Some areas near the border need an inner line permit for foreign nationals; Indian travellers carry a photo ID. A group operator handles permits where needed.
- Mobile networks are limited — BSNL and Jio work in parts of Kaza; expect long stretches without signal.
- ATMs are few; carry cash.
- In winter, homestays with heating make a big difference.
FAQs
What is the best time to visit Spiti?
June to September for the full circuit via Kunzum and Chandratal; December to March if you want snow and are ready for extreme cold.
Can you visit Spiti in winter?
Yes, through Kinnaur only, because Kunzum pass is closed. It is very cold — down to around −20°C — so you need proper winter gear.
How many days do you need for Spiti?
About 7 days from Delhi or Chandigarh gives time to acclimatise and see the main villages and monasteries.
