Is Manali to Spiti Road Open?

Yes, the road from Manali to Spiti Valley is currently open as of July 7,2024. However, the Manali to Spiti road is not open for the whole year. It typically closes during the winter season due to heavy snowfall. 

The Manali to Spiti road closes during the winter season due to heavy snowfall. The exact closure dates can vary slightly each year depending on weather conditions.

• Closed from: Late October/Early November (depending on snowfall)
• Opens around: Mid-June

Is the road to Spiti Valley open?

There are two main routes to reach Spiti Valley:

1. Manali – Rohtang Pass – Kunzum Pass – Kaza: This is the more popular route, known for its scenic beauty and challenging driving conditions. It is typically open from mid-May to mid-October, depending on weather conditions.
2. Shimla – Kinnaur – Reckong Peo – Kaza: This route is less challenging but offers a slower ascent, making it good for those prone to altitude sickness. It is generally considered open year-round, although occasional snow closures can occur even in the winter months.

Spiti Valley Circuit- 2 routes

Can we go from Manali to Spiti Valley?

Yes, you can currently go from Manali to Spiti Valley. The road connecting Manali to Kaza, the headquarters of Spiti Valley, is open for travel. This route goes over the Kunzum Pass, which is at an altitude of 4551 meters (14,930 ft). The road typically closes in late October or early November due to heavy snowfall and reopens around mid-June.

BUT, the road from Manali to Spiti Valley is not particularly smooth. It’s a mountain road with varying conditions. Here’s a breakdown of what to expect:

• Manali to Rohtang Pass: The initial stretch from Manali is generally good, with paved roads.
• Rohtang Pass to Kunzum Pass: This section can be quite challenging. The road narrows, with rough patches, loose gravel, and water crossings. You might encounter landslides during the monsoon season (July-August).
• Kunzum Pass to Spiti Valley: The road improves somewhat after Kunzum Pass. It’s still narrow, but with fewer rough patches.

The journey requires good driving skills and a high tolerance for bumpy roads. If you’re not comfortable with challenging road conditions, it might be better to consider an alternate route to Spiti Valley, such as via Shimla. But if you want to feel the adventure you can take this road. The best option is to go via the Shimla route and come back through the Manali route.

Best time for Manali to Spiti Valley Trip

The best time to visit Spiti Valley depends on what you want to experience:

• Pleasant weather and outdoor activities: March to June is the best time to visit Spiti Valley. The weather is pleasant and cool, with temperatures ranging from 14°C to 20°C (57°F to 68°F). This is the ideal time for trekking, camping, hiking, and mountain biking.
• Fewer crowds: If you want to avoid crowds, aim for early March to mid-April or late May to June. July and August are peak tourist months.
• Witness Spiti Valley in a lush green setting: The monsoon season in Spiti Valley is from July to September. While there is a risk of landslides, the valley transforms into a lush green oasis, with cascading waterfalls and blooming wildflowers. Temperatures range between 13°C to 27°C (55°F to 81°F). This can be a beautiful time to visit, but be prepared for potential road closures.
• Winter wonderland scenery: October to February is winter in Spiti Valley. The landscape is frosted in white, with temperatures well below freezing. This is the time to see the elusive snow leopard and other high-altitude wildlife. However, many roads are closed during this time.

Can we go to Spiti Valley by car?

Yes, you can go to Spiti Valley by car, but it depends on the route you choose and the time of year. Here’s a breakdown of the two main routes:

• Manali-Kaza route: This is the more popular route, known for its scenic beauty and challenging driving conditions. It is typically open from mid-May to mid-October, depending on weather conditions. The roads on this route can be narrow, winding, and with steep drop-offs, so it’s important to be an experienced driver. 
• Shimla-Kaza route: This route is less challenging but offers a slower ascent, making it good for those prone to altitude sickness. It is generally considered open year-round, although occasional snow closures can occur even in the winter months. This route is longer than the Manali route but with wider, less demanding roads.

Important Note: Opt for the Shimla route if your car has limited ground clearance, as the road is well-maintained, despite the challenging mountainous terrain. However, if your vehicle has low ground clearance similar to a Wagner, it is advisable to avoid the Manali route to Spiti due to the risk of potential damage. This route consists of rough boulder paths that can harm the underside of your car. Additionally, the presence of numerous water sources along the way may obstruct visibility and pose further challenges while driving.

Check the places to visit in Himachal Pradesh