Essential Information
How Many Days it take to Reach Kaza from Shimla
Best Time for Shimla to Kaza Trip
The road conditions are not good from Kokhsar till Kaza during the rainy season. Landslides usually occur that may lead you to wait for some hours for the road to reopen to proceed further. However, the road does not have a risk of closing down. But you can still complete the adventurous journey and appreciate the valley.
Winter Season (October to March)
Shimla to Kaza road remains open even during this time of the year. In late December the area witnesses snowfall. The cold winds blow throughout the region at this time. Also, February and March is the best time if you want to see snow. But plan well in advance as many accommodations remain closed at this time.
Shimla to Kaza Road Condition
So, it is a wise choice to refuel the tank in Kalpa only. Follow the below guidelines for understanding the route condition:
- Shimla to Narkanda – Well-maintained road
Best Itinerary for Shimla to Kaza
- Your trip will begin from Shimla, and the entire journey will bless you with mesmerizing hilly scenes. You will cross Kufri, Narkanda, and Rampur town today. After crossing the bridge, you will pass Baspa Valley to land at Sangla.
Day 2: Kalpa to Lhalung
- Today, you will start the trip by driving along the Sutlej river and barren mountains. You will reach a small village called Nako, located at 3800 m elevation. Here you can rest for a while near a lovely lake.
Day 3: Lhalung to Kaza
- The next day, you can trackback the same route for your home with lots of pleasant memories of the enchanting trip.
Mode of Transportation
By 4X4 Vehicle
By Bike
By Bus
Shimla to Reckong Peo - Starts from Shimla at 05:00 and reaches Reckong Peo after 05:00 am the next day. It takes a long pit stop at Reckong Peo till 07:30.
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Places to Visit During Shimla to Kaza Road Trip
Kinner Kailash Range
Altitude: 6050 m
Distance from Shimla: 243 km
Tabo Monastery
Altitude: 3280 m
Distance from Shimla: 361.8 km
Dhankar Monastery
Moreover, you can visit it to enrich your knowledge related to the Buddhist culture and religion along with its origin in the valley.
Altitude: 3894 m
Distance from Shimla: 482.5 km
Dhankar Lake
Distance from Shimla: 481.6 km
Must Visit Places in Kaza
Kibber
To call Kibber beautiful would be putting it lightly – arid landscape, rocky mountains, meadows covered in vibrant wildflowers, and all this paired with pristine pollution free environment. Stargazers and photography lovers flock alike to Kibber to gaze at the unsurpassed, exquisite view of the Milky Way. Go to the nearby Kibber Wildlife Sanctuary and witness the amazing fauna of Himachal – ibex, blue sheep, red fox, snow leopards, wolves etc.
You can visit various tiny monasteries around or go hiking on the small trails around the village. The locals are friendly and offer a warm and comfortable stay, if not the most luxurious, with both Indian and Tibetan home cooked food.
Location: Lahul and Spiti Valley
Best time to visit: October to February
Top Experiences To Do in Kibber
Tabo
The town is approximately 40 kilometers away from the border between India and Tibet, and you are bound to come across it when travelling by road from Kaza to Reckong Peo.The most famous attractions in Tabo include a 1000-year-old monastery, which is considered as one of the holiest by the Dalai Lama himself. The list also includes several temples, and some ancient caves, which were once inhabited by Buddhist monks who wanted to take shelter from the harsh winters.
In 1996, Dalai Lama performed the sacred Kalachakra Initiation here, and thousands of Buddhists from India and around the world attended the ceremony. The town is also known for cultivating apples, and you can find some of the tastiest and crunchiest red apples here.If you want to get away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, a trip to Tabo will surely rejuvenate your mind and body
While Himachal Pradesh is home to a dozen different monasteries, this spectacular place is not just the biggest, but also the oldest one around. A must visit tourist place in Spiti Valley, the Key Gompa is encircled by picturesque mountains and soothing valleys. A wonderful example of monastic architecture and decorated with beautiful paintings, murals, manuscripts, and wind instruments.
Top Experiences To Do in Key Monastery
Explore Key Monastery
- 6D/5N
- 9D/8N
- 6D/5N
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Dhankar Monastery is the symbolic salutation to the spiritual beliefs of the Buddhist community. It is located in Lahaul and Spiti valley, and has been listed as one of the hundred most endangered monuments in the entire world. Situated at an altitude of 3,894 meters, it offers a spellbinding view of the Spiti valley and is a melting pot for diverse cultures and religions.
Dhankar Monastery is also known as Dhangkar Gompa or Dhankhar and was built around 1000 years ago. It was also known as Lha-od Gompa after it’s founder and renovator, Lha-od, who was a popular lama. This monastery is the main center of Buddhist culture and houses the collection of centuries-old thanksas.
One of the prime attractions of this monastery is the statue of Vairochana that consists of four figures of Buddha in the state of meditation. You will also find here Buddhist scriptures, Medicine Buddha murals, and protector deities. It also consists of a small museum where murals and scriptures have been stored.
You can also spot many beautiful Thangka paintings on the wall of this monastery. Presently, some of the sections of this gompa have been totally abandoned due to the deterioration of the building, and a new gompa has been built in place of it to lure the visitors.
The monastery is still standing in a fragile condition, and more than twenty people are not allowed to enter this monastery at one time. From the Dhankar monastery, you can indulge in a thrilling trekking experience to Dhankar Lake.
Top Experiences To Do in Dhankar Monastery
- 9D/8N
- 6D/5N
Kunzum Pass
One of the most mysterious, offbeat places to visit in Spiti Valley, the Kunzum Pass is a gateway to the gorgeous Spiti via Kullu and Lahul. Treat your photography loving soul as you click away the jaw dropping vistas around. Take in the panoramic view featuring majestic Bara Shigri Glacier covered with pristine silvery snow, the barren mountains of Chandrabhange range, the azure waters of Spiti river, and the rugged hills of Spiti Valley.
Pay your respects at the temple of Goddess Kunzum Devi and behold the vibrant prayer flags fluttering against the wind. And if you are a mountain biking enthusiast, the Kunzum offers you a special sense of achievement – being the highest motorable pass in India sitting at a jaw dropping height of 4500 metres!
Location: Keylong
Timings: No timing restrictions.
Chandra Tal is also known as "Moon Lake" is the source of the Chandra River. It is one of the finest treks for trekking in Manali. It was at one time a provisional spot for brokers from Tibet and Ladakh who went to Spiti and the Kullu valley, however today it draws in countless devotees from over the world and it is one of the best places in Kullu.
You will go through two high mountain ranges named Moulkila and Chandrabhaga, which are entirely trying for mountain dwellers. Further, you will see the delightful snow-shrouded mountain tops and slants. There is an unbelievable story connected with this lake.
Sea Preferred Season son: June - mid-Oct
Maximum Elevation: 4250 mts/14000 ft
Duration: 10 day
Difficulty Level: High
Dhankar Lake
Tucked atop a small hill at an impressive altitude of 4100 meters above sea level, the Dhankar, with its dazzling blue waters, is one of the most popular places to visit in Spiti Valley. The lake sits at the end of the famous Dhankar Lake trek known for its treacherous paths, rocky snow-capped mountains, and incomparable vistas. Adventure enthusiasts and photography lovers are enchanted alike by the magical realism of the trek.
The Dhankar Fort Monastery sandwiched between Spiti and Pin rivers offers a special spiritual touch as it plays hide and seek on the trail. And once you reach the lake, the rare and diversified views will make your jaw drop!
Location: Near Rohtang Pass connecting Kullu and Lahul.
Timings: No timing restrictions.
India's highest cold valley National Park, this place was constructed to preserve the unique natural flora and fauna of Himachal Pradesh and is named after the gorgeous Pin River and acts as an interface between the Lahul and Spiti Valley. Against a backdrop of barbarous, rugged snow-covered mountain peaks of the Spiti Valley, the national park is home to Himachal's ferocious predators, the snow leopards, and their prey, the ibex.
The terrain is rough and precarious, so train hard and get into those fitness programs before you undertake this captivating journey. The sanctuary also witnesses a strong spiritual influence due to the presence of Buddhist monasteries around the area.
Location: Near Kaza.
Timings: 6 AM to 6 PM throughout the week.
A few parchments are composed with The organizer of the Sakyapa group, Khon Konchog Gyalpo, assembled the white castle on the Chun Qu River in 1073 on a dark dirt slope. Occupants named the sanctuary "Sakya", which implies dark soil. Every one of that remaining parts of this northern sanctuary are ruins.
Location: Sakya about 100 miles from the Nepal’s border in the Tibetan prefecture of Shigatse
Prices: CNY 45 Best time to visit: 09:00 to 18:30
Highlights: • Large Collection of Sutras • Tibetan Traditional Art (Thankas & Murals) • Religious Ceremonies
Things to Know During Shimla to Kaza Road Trip
Petrol Pumps on Shimla - Kaza Route
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ATM's on Shimla - Kaza Route
Mechanics on Shimla - Kaza Route
- Jeori (149 KM from Shimla)
Mobile Connectivity on Shimla - Kaza Route
From Tabo to Kaza, the connections will frequently be fluctuating. Moreover, internet connectivity is weak in several places during your expedition. However, you will get a decent calling network and a feeble internet connectivity in Kaza.
Permits
For Foreign Nationals: Foreigners require an Inner Line Permit issued by the District Magistrate office in Reckong Peo and Shimla to enter the restricted areas of the country.
Places for Night Stopover
Banjara Orchard Retreat
HPTDC Guesthouse
Kinner Villa
Hotel Deyzor
Although, you should be aware of the fact that people of the valley are very hospitable and welcoming when it comes to giving shelter to the voyagers. Also it is a good way to get hold on to some authentic home cooked Tibetan and Spitian delicacies.
Medical Facilities on Shimla - Kaza Route
Clothes to Carry
- Light woolen
During Winter
- Fleece jacket
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Things to Carry
For Vehicles
Always carry basic vehicle repair toolkit while on a road trip to Kaza. It must include a screwdriver set, puncture repair kit, jump-start cables/wires, funnel, small hammer, iron rod, car inverter, towing rope, jump-start cables, spare tube, and additional tire valves. Also, carry some empty bottles to fill extra petrol or diesel before or during the journey.
For WindShield Problems
Feviquick sachets, adhesive tapes, and M-seal will also be handy in case you encounter damage at any part of the windshield. Additionally, carry old newspapers or colin to clean the windshield.
For Personal Safety
Do not forget to store a first aid box for your tour. It must include antibiotics, spare knife, cutter, anesthetic spray or lotion, bandages, scissors, tweezers, safety pins, and Dettol. Also, keep phone chargers, power banks, and torch handy. Also, do not forget to load a lot of snacks, dry fruits, instant meals, and drinking water.
Safety Tips & Guidelines
- Shimla to Kaza is an incredible stretch, but you need to be cautious along the rough roads to enjoy the trip totally yet safely.
Information About AMS and Acclimatisation
- Fatigue
Treatment for AMS
- Let the affected person rest.
However, as soon as your body acclimatizes to the new environment, the symptoms will vanish.
Note: In case you see that the symptoms do not subside within 1 or 2 days or worsen, always head to a lower altitude. Also, contact a healthcare provider immediately.
Spiti Tour Packages
- 9D/8N
- 9D/8N
About the Tour:
Get ready for a heart-pounding biking expedition to the virgin land of Spiti that is dreamt by many, but only a few dare to experience. Flaunt your biking skills as you mark your way through the high altitude passes that provide spectacular views of the snow-clad mountains and the gravelly pathways that are cut by glaciated waterfalls.
The tricky curves of Spiti will take you to the tiny hamlets, 1000-year-old monasteries and some high suspended bridges that will give you chills. Pat yourself for pulling out this adventurous journey as you look back at the dusty roads against the rugged Himalayan backdrop.
Quick Info:
Route: Chandigarh - Narkanda - Chitkul - Kalpa - Nako - Gue - Tabo - Kaza - Key - Langza - Hikkim - Komic - Chicham - Kunzum Pass - Chandratal - Manali - Chandigarh
Duration: 9 Days 8 Night
Start Point: Chandigarh
End Point: Chandigarh
- 8D
- Manali
- 8D
About the Destination:
As everyone knows, Lahaul and Spiti are the most beautiful valleys located in the Himalayas at a greater altitude exhibiting the best natural sights of the mountains and green valleys. The quaint villages, the Buddhist monasteries, the lakes and rivers, the high altitude roads and passes, the snow-covered peaks and the picturesque sights on both the sides will enable you to make your girls' gang feel a high level excitement and joy.
Wondering what you will be ticking off?
- Lahaul Valley: One of the most spellbinding places to visit in Spiti Valley, the Lahaul Valley is a staple for adrenaline junkies and solitude seekers alike. Bare mountains covered with null vegetation, clear blue skies, pollutions free environment, green meadows – Lahaul is a paradise for nature lovers.
- Key Monastery: A must visit tourist place in Spiti Valley, the Key Gompa is encircled by picturesque mountains and soothing valleys. A wonderful example of monastic architecture and decorated with beautiful paintings, murals, manuscripts, and wind instruments – the Kye attracts history and cultural buffs round the year.
- Dhankar Lake: Tucked atop a small hill at an impressive altitude of 4100 meters above sea level, the Dhankar, with its dazzling blue waters, is one of the most popular places to visit in Spiti Valley. The lake sits at the end of the famous Dhankar Lake trek known for its treacherous paths, rocky snow-capped mountains, and incomparable vistas.
- Dhankar Monastery: The Dhankar Fort Monastery sandwiched between Spiti and Pin rivers offers a special spiritual touch as it plays hide and seek on the trail. And once you reach the lake, the rare and diversified views will make your jaw drop! A truly curious landmark, the monastery is perched so precariously amongst rocks that it appears as if it is seconds away from falling all over.
- Tabo Monastery: Tabo Monastery is one of the most wondrous places to visit in Spiti Valley. Founded a millennium ago, the temple is a unique amalgamation of history, culture and natural splendour. In the cold barren deserts of Tabo valley, the monastery appears as a sanctum from the brutality of barbarous rocky mountains around.
- Khibber: To call Kibber beautiful would be putting it lightly – arid landscape, rocky mountains, meadows covered in vibrant wildflowers, and all this paired with pristine pollution-free environment. Stargazers and photography lovers flock alike to Kibber to gaze at the unsurpassed, exquisite view of the Milky Way.
About the Tour:
This road tour starts from Chandigarh and takes you through the major villages and locations like Sarahan, Kalpa, Tabo, Kaza and the sights you will come across during the journey include Narkanda, Lahaul Valley, Khibber, Tabo, Key Monastery, Dhankar, etc.
Your 7 day adventure starts from Chandigarh. You travel all the way around seeing popular, beautiful and hidden sites in the Spiti Valley and come back to Chandigarh. Stay at great places, eat local food, travel around the valley, know the culture and visit landmark spots that will take your breath away. Read the advisory and inclusions carefully before going for the tour.
In peak winter i.e. January and early February all the places might not be open due to adverse weather conditions. We will keep you updated of the same in case any last minute changes need to be made to your plan.
- 9D/8N
- Spiti Valley
- 9D/8N
End Point: Shimla-Delhi
Highlights of the Spiti Valley Winter Tour:
Adore the stunning view of Kinner Kailash peaks over a cup of tea.
Experience in a local Spitian homestay.
Visit Key Monastery
About the Places:
- Nako Village: Highest village in the valley, Nako owns a lake formed out of the masses of the ice. Fauna including, Yaks, kine, horses and asses, can be found in abundance here.
- Spiti: Spiti is one of the coldest places in the country. Snuggled at an altitude of 12,500 feet above the sea level, the valley serves as a paradise to adventure lovers.
- Key Monastery: A famous Tibetan Buddhist monastery, Key Monastery is also known as the Kye Monastery and Ki Monastery. Explore the long and interesting history of the monastery with this tour.
- Kalpa: Having beautiful temples and monasteries, the village of Kalpa is famous for its apple orchards.
About the Spiti Valley in Winter Tour:
Get ready to start the adventure from Delhi. and go to all the places you wished to visit. This tour allows with all the experiences where you get to experience the beauty of winter and have memories that you can share with all.
Drive through places like Kufri, Narkanda and many more. Get to explore Chitkul. Chitkul is the last village on the old Hindustan - Tibet Trade route. It is on the banks of river Baspa and is the last place Indians can visit without a permit. Situated at an altitude of 2759 m from the sea level, Kalpa is located close to the foot of Kinner Kailash, the winter home of Lord Shiva.
Spiti Valley is a paradise to all the trekkers and mecca to travel lovers. Spiti means 'The Middle Land' and it separates India from Tibet. It is the best place to visit to experience the winter Spiti as Spiti is one of the coldest places in the country. Sprawling 360-degree views of the beautiful mountains will take your heart away.
All in all the tour is best suited to go for a perfect trip to explore Spiti in winter and allows you to create memories that are worth-sharing and worth-living. The Spiti Valley In Winter tour will be remembered for the rest of your life and you will have stunning pictures for your social media.
- 6D/5N
- 6D/5N
About the Tour:
A region nestled between India and Tibet known for adventure and thrill - Lahaul & Spiti’s pictures from its unreal landscape must have crossed your newsfeed a few times. Inspired by them and stories from Instagram, plan your drive to Spiti with Thrillophilia, to experience the unique vibe of this cold deserted, landlocked mountain valley. To put it simply, a perfect playground for those who seek adventurous off-road driving to Spiti which is not just a place, it is a feeling.
Feel like being on top of the world, as you look down at a tiny truck that lies below Asia's highest suspended Chicham Bridge. After a long riding haul, experience a unique calmness at your pitstop by the vibrant yet peaceful vibes of the 1000-year-old Key monastery that stand aloof on this rugged terrain. Breathe in the fresh air as you sit and relax on the isolated slopes of the highest village while you soak in the magnificent landscapes surrounded by you.
Quick Info:
Route: Manali - Kaza - Kibber- Komic - Hikkim - Langza - Kunzum La - Chandratal - Manali
Duration: 6 Days 5 Nights
Start Point: Manali
End Point: Manali
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- 6D/5N
- 6D/5N
About the Tour:
“Surely the Gods must live here, this is no place for men'' a trip to Spiti will make you understand why Rudyard Kipling said the above quote. Drive through the iconic high passes on the challenging roads with unnumbered waterfalls winding, Nature’s wonder can be best explained through this Spiti valley road trip.
Breathe in the fresh air as you sit on the isolated slopes of the last village - 'Chitkul' while you soak in the magnificent landscapes surrounded by you. Be the first one amongst your group to get your car fueled up from the world’s highest petrol pump in Kaza. Capture an Instagram perfect story as you slip into silence with an encompassing view of Kinnaur Kailash peaks which are high enough to leave the world below and enter the world of dreams.
Quick Info:
Route: Shimla - Chitkul - Nako - Gue - Key - Kibber - Kaza - Komik - Hikkim - Langza - Dhankar - Kalpa - Shimla
Duration: 6 Days 5 Nights
Start Point: Shimla
End Point: Shimla
- 11D/10N
- 11D/10N
About the Tour:
Fuel up your bikes from the world’s highest petrol pump at Kaza and fire up the rider in you for a most thrilling biking expedition into the rustic land of Spiti. This valley will fascinate you with its ever-changing vistas, the tricky terrain, and the nerve-chilling high altitude views that will give you a feel of being on top of the world.
Feel like being on top of the world, as you look down at a tiny truck that lies below Asia's highest suspended Chicham Bridge. After a long riding haul, experience a unique calmness at your pitstop by the vibrant yet peaceful vibes of the 1000-year-old Key monastery that stand aloof on this rugged terrain. Don't forget to take a perfect postcard picture in the “I’m a conqueror” pose with your bike by the sparkling turquoise lakes, and cherish your dream vacation for life.
Quick Info:
Route: Delhi - Manali - Jibhi - Rampur - Chitkul - Kalpa - Kaza - Chandra Tal - Manali - Delhi
Duration: 11 Days 10 Nights
Start Point: Delhi
End Point: Delhi
- 5D/4N
- 5D/4N
About the Tour:
Get your heads out of the car window and indulge in the breathtaking views of the rugged Himalayan terrain, where every curve will greet you with endless valley views, snow-clad peaks, and a moon-shaped lake on an adventurous trip to Spiti. The rustic landscape of this remotely resting land will leave you awestruck. To put it simply, a perfect playground for those who seek adventurous off-road driving along with an added bonus of spotting the ever-elusive Snow Leopard.
A drive from the highest village to the last village is totally worth remembering as you breathe in the fresh mountain air while sitting on the isolated slopes of the last village surrounded by magnificent landscapes. Feel the chills as you look down upon a tiny truck from Asia’s highest suspended Chicham bridge or cross the manually operated cable ropeway to Kibber village, Spiti makes a perfect powerpack for an adventurous vacation.
Quick Facts:
Route: Manali - Atal tunnel - Kaza - Hikkim - Komic - Langza - Key - Kibber - Kumzum Pass - Chandratal - Rohtang Pass - Manali
Duration: 5 Days, 4 Nights
Start Point: Manali
End Point: Manali
