Quick answer: The classic Spiti Valley motorcycle trip is a circuit. You ride in from Shimla through Kinnaur and out over Kunzum La to Manali, in about 10 days, between mid-June and early October. Indian riders need no permit, while foreign riders need a Protected Area Permit. Plan your fuel carefully, because the long stretch after Kaza has no pump.
Key takeaways
- Enter from Shimla and exit via Manali, so your body adjusts slowly to the altitude.
- Mid-June to early October is the window when both routes are open.
- Carry cash and fill up at Kaza. Do not rely on ATMs or a phone signal.
- Spiti is a high-altitude desert, so stay hydrated and tell your tour leader at once if you feel any sign of altitude sickness.
Which route should you take to Spiti Valley?
There are two ways in. From Shimla, the route through Kinnaur to Kaza is about 412 km and takes two to three days, and it stays open all year apart from days of heavy snow. The Manali route to Kaza is roughly 200 km over Kunzum Pass, and it opens only in summer and early autumn.
| Shimla to Kaza (via Kinnaur) | Manali to Kaza (via Kunzum La) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distance | About 412 km | About 200 km |
| Open | Most of the year, snow permitting | Summer to early autumn only |
| Character | Long, narrow, tight curves | Short, rough, water crossings |
The best plan is the full circuit. Entering through Shimla and leaving through Manali lets you acclimatize gradually, and the Kunzum La crossing (about 4,500 m) feels earned. ILTR’s own Himalayan tour rides this stretch: Delhi to Shimla (350 km), Sarahan (190 km), Kalpa (81 km), then 200 km to Kaza at about 3,600 m, and out over Kunzum La to Jispa (209 km). Near Kaza, Langza village, with its golden Buddha statue and snow peaks behind, is one of the best places to explore.
How many days do you need?
Plan about 10 to 12 days from Delhi. The most common itinerary is a 10-day circuit, and the full loop from Delhi comes to about 1,600 km. If you only have 5 to 7 days, do a half circuit, either Manali and back, or Shimla to Kaza and return. Count your rest days in. Spiti rewards slow riding.
When is the best time to ride in Spiti?
Mid-June to early October. Both routes are open then, and by September the monsoon has gone from Kinnaur and the Manali to Kaza road. In 2026 the Border Roads Organisation cleared Kunzum Pass in the second half of May. Opening dates move every year, so read our best time to ride in India guide, and always confirm road dates from official sources before you travel.
Do you need a permit for Spiti?
Indian riders do not. Foreign riders do. Indian citizens need no permit for Kinnaur or Spiti, only a valid photo ID for checkpost registration. Foreign nationals need a permit for the protected area beyond Jangi in Kinnaur and for villages in Spiti near the Tibet border. The Kinnaur district administration says the area between the Inner Line and the international border is a Protected Area. As of March 2026 there is no online application, and you must apply in person at an authorized office.
ILTR arranges all internal permits for its tours. Rules change, so confirm before you travel. Foreign riders should also read our guide to riding in India as a foreigner.
Fuel, cash and network in Spiti
Fill up before Kaza and carry cash.
- Fuel: Tapri has the last reliable pump before Kaza. Reckong Peo and Kaza also have pumps, but Kaza can run short. The stretch between Kaza and Tandi near Keylong, about 180 km, has no petrol pumps at all, and carrying 5 to 10 litres of spare fuel is advised.
- Cash: The ATMs at Reckong Peo and Kaza often run out of cash, so carry cash from Rampur.
- Network: One travel site says only BSNL and Jio postpaid work beyond Reckong Peo.
How do you stay safe at altitude and in the dry desert?
Ascend slowly and rest. Kaza sits at about 3,800 m and Chandratal at 4,300 m. Once you are above about 2,750 m, move your sleeping elevation by no more than about 500 m a day, and plan an extra day for every 1,000 m gained (US CDC guidance). Never go higher if you have symptoms of altitude illness.
Spiti is also a high-altitude desert, so keep yourself hydrated at all times and avoid direct sunlight. If you feel any sign of high altitude sickness (AMS), let your tour leader know immediately. ILTR always carries oxygen cans, which help in dealing with AMS, and our groups also travel with a first aid kit, a backup vehicle and a mechanic. Even so, your safety always lies in your own hands, so please take these adventures seriously.
What are the road and weather risks?
Landslides, water crossings and cold. In August 2026 the Shimla to Kaza highway was shut completely at Nigulsari on 6 August and blocked near Jeori on 11 August, and the Maling Nala stretch is a known danger zone. On the Manali side, expect rough patches and water crossings on the Gramphu to Batal stretch.
Always confirm road dates from official sources before you travel. Check with the Border Roads Organisation (BRO), the Himachal Pradesh district administrations, and local police or tourism offices. Wait a few days after any reopening announcement before you cross the high passes.
Be ready for bad weather. Himalayan weather can turn cold fast, and your hands can feel frozen on the road. Carry waterproof riding gear and always keep a backup set with you.
Respect the people and places you ride through. Respect the locals and their traditions and culture. Do not get into arguments. If something does go wrong, involve the ILTR team to resolve it. Never take matters into your own hands.
Spiti with ILTR
ILTR has arranged several trips to Spiti for corporate groups and for foreign riders. See the Epic Himalayan Motorcycle Adventure, and read our Ladakh motorcycle trip guide if you plan to ride on to Leh.
FAQ
How many days are needed for a Spiti motorcycle trip?
About 10 to 12 days from Delhi for the full circuit, or 5 to 7 days for a half circuit.
Is there a petrol pump in Spiti?
Yes, at Kaza, but there is none for about 180 km beyond it toward Keylong, so fill up fully.
Do I need a permit to ride to Spiti?
Indian riders do not. Foreign riders need a Protected Area Permit.
What is the best route, Shimla or Manali?
Enter from Shimla and exit via Manali, so you acclimatize gradually.
When is Spiti open for riding?
The Shimla route is open most of the year. The Manali route is open from about June to early October. Confirm road dates from official sources before you travel.
Is altitude sickness a risk in Spiti?
Yes. Ascend gradually, take rest days and stay hydrated. If you feel any sign of AMS, tell your tour leader immediately.
What should I carry for riding in the Himalayas?
Waterproof riding gear, plus a backup set, since the weather can turn cold quickly and your hands can freeze.
Plan your Spiti ride with ILTR
India Loves To Ride is a New Delhi-based motorcycle community that designs and leads its own tours. Write to us at join@indialovestoride.in. Trips are customizable, so prices on our trip pages are shown as approximate cost.
Last reviewed: 28 October 2026. Road status and rules change, so check before you travel. Sources: Spiti via Kinnaur; Kaza travel guide; Spiti road trip guide; Most common Spiti itinerary; Half vs full circuit; Spiti planning FAQs; Road status, July 2026; Road conditions, August 2026; Permits for Kinnaur and Spiti; Inner Line Permit guide; Kinnaur district tourist guidelines; Delhi to Spiti route and fuel; Spiti bike trip cost and fuel; Spiti in May; CDC Yellow Book, altitude illness.
