Spiti is far from everywhere: from Delhi it is an overnight bus and then several long days on mountain roads before you reach Kaza. Rushing it means long, tiring drives and fast height gain. Here is how many days to plan, based on our three Spiti trips.
Our Spiti trips, side by side
| Trip | Length | Route |
|---|---|---|
| Summer Spiti backpacking tour | 8 nights, 9 days | Delhi, Shimla, Sangla, Kalpa, Tabo, Kaza, Chandratal, Manali, Delhi |
| Spiti bike trip | 9 nights, 10 days | Delhi, Bhuntar, Sarahan, Chitkul, Kalpa, Nako, Kaza, Chandratal, Manali, Delhi |
| Winter Spiti 4WD expedition | 8 nights, 9 days | Delhi, Shimla, Narkanda, Kalpa, Tabo, Kaza and back the same way |
Why 8 to 10 days works
Coming in through Shimla and Kinnaur, you gain height gradually: Kalpa is at about 2,300 m, Tabo about 3,280 m and Kaza about 3,650 m. Two nights in Kaza let you see Key, Kibber, Langza, Hikkim and Komic without rushing. In summer, the exit over Kunzum Pass and Chandratal adds another day but completes the circuit.
What a shorter trip misses
A 5 or 6 day trip from Delhi usually means skipping Kinnaur, spending one night in Kaza or going in and out from Manali over Kunzum Pass, which gains a lot of height in one day. It is possible, but the drives are long and you see less.
Starting from Shimla or Chandigarh
If you start in Shimla rather than Delhi, take off the overnight bus: about 7 to 8 days is enough for the same loop. On our summer tour and winter expedition the team meets the group in Shimla on day 2.
Questions
How many days are required for Spiti Valley?
8 to 10 days from Delhi. Our Spiti trips are 9 or 10 days, with two nights in Kaza.
Is 5 days enough for Spiti?
Only for a rushed half circuit. You would spend most of the time driving and gain height quickly. We recommend at least 8 days from Delhi.
How many days for the Spiti full circuit?
About 9 to 10 days from Delhi, entering through Shimla and Kinnaur and leaving over Kunzum Pass to Manali.
How many days for winter Spiti?
Our winter expedition is 8 nights and 9 days from Delhi. Keep a buffer day if you can, in case snow closes a road.
