There are two road routes to Kaza, the main town of Spiti. One comes from Shimla through Kinnaur, the other from Manali over Kunzum Pass. Which one you take changes the season you can travel, how fast you gain height and what you see.
The two routes compared
Distances are approximate and depend on side trips such as Chitkul or Pin Valley.
| Shimla to Kaza | Manali to Kaza | |
|---|---|---|
| Route | Shimla, Rampur, Kinnaur (Kalpa, Nako), Tabo, Kaza | Manali, Atal Tunnel, Batal, Kunzum Pass, Losar, Kaza |
| Distance | Roughly 400 km | Roughly 200 km |
| Open | Most of the year, with snow closures in winter | Summer only, usually June to September |
| Highest point | Below 4,000 m on the main road | Kunzum Pass, 4,551 m |
| Altitude gain | Gradual over several days | Fast, in one long day |
Why we enter from Shimla
The Shimla side climbs slowly: Shimla about 2,200 m, Kalpa about 2,300 m, Tabo about 3,280 m and Kaza about 3,650 m. That gives your body time to adjust before the high villages above Kaza. Coming from Manali, you cross Kunzum Pass at 4,551 m on the way in, which is a big jump for a first day in the mountains.
Our trips on each route
- Summer Spiti tour: in from Shimla through Kinnaur, out over Kunzum Pass to Manali
- Spiti bike trip: in from Bhuntar through Sarahan and Kinnaur, out over Kunzum Pass to Manali
- Winter expedition: in and out on the Shimla side, because the Manali road is closed by snow
Road conditions
The Shimla side is mostly paved but has landslide-prone stretches in Kinnaur, especially in the monsoon. The Manali side beyond Batal is rougher, with gravel, snowmelt streams and the climb to Kunzum. Our captains check the road status every evening.
Questions
How far is Kaza from Shimla?
Roughly 400 km by road through Kinnaur, usually driven over two or more days.
How far is Kaza from Manali?
Roughly 200 km by road over Kunzum Pass, open only in summer.
Is the Manali to Kaza road open in winter?
No. Kunzum Pass closes with snow, so in winter Kaza is reached only from the Shimla side.
Which route is better for a first Spiti trip?
Enter from Shimla for gradual height gain, and leave by Manali in summer to see Kunzum Pass and Chandratal.
