Drive to Spiti and experience ultimate adventure. You get:

• Stop at breathtaking viewpoints
• No rushing from tour groups
• Explore remote villages freely
• Control your mountain adventure
• Save on expensive tour packages
• Experience world’s toughest roads
• Create lifetime memories
• Freedom to camp anywhere

Best Cars for spiti valley Drive

Pick only SUVs or high cars. Spiti roads are very rough and rocky.

Route Details

Distance: 430 km
Time: 12-15 hours (2 days recommended)
Best Months: May-October only
Route: Chandigarh → Shimla → Kinnaur → Spiti

Day 1: Chandigarh to Kalpa

1. Chandigarh to Shimla – 115 km (4 hours)
2. Shimla to Rampur – 130 km (4 hours)
3. Rampur to Kalpa – 75 km (3 hours) Stay overnight in Kalpa

Day 2: Kalpa to Kaza 4. Kalpa to Nako – 85 km (3 hours) 5. Nako to Tabo – 55 km (2 hours) 6. Tabo to Kaza – 45 km (1.5 hours)

Critical Road Information

Dangerous Sections:

• Shimla to Kinnaur – narrow roads
• Khab Bridge – single lane
• Sumdo to Tabo – very rough
• High altitude – oxygen gets thin

Road Conditions:

• Paved till Kalpa
• Dirt roads after Nako
• River crossings possible
• Landslides common
• No fuel stations after Kinnaur

What You Must Pack

Survival Essentials:

• Extra fuel cans (20-40 liters)
• Spare tires (minimum 2)
• Complete tool kit
• Tire repair kit
• Engine oil (2 bottles)
• Coolant and brake fluid

Personal Items:

• Warm clothes (very cold)
• Sleeping bags
• High-energy food
• Lots of water
• First aid kit
• Oxygen cylinders
• Altitude sickness medicine

Documents Required:

• Inner Line Permit (mandatory)
• Driving license
• Car papers
• Photo ID
• Emergency contacts

Getting Inner Line Permit

Where to Get:

• SDM Office Shimla
• DC Office Kinnaur
• Online application
• Rekong Peo office

Documents Needed:

• Photo copies of ID
• Passport size photos
• Vehicle registration
• Purpose of visit

Cost: ₹20-50 per person Time: 1-2 hours Valid: 7 days maximum

Get permit before starting. No entry without it.

Fuel Strategy

Critical Fuel Points:

• Fill completely in Shimla
• Top up in Rampur
• Emergency fuel in Kalpa
• Carry extra 40 liters
• No fuel stations in Spiti

Fuel Calculation:

• Chandigarh to Kaza – 60 liters
• Local driving in Spiti – 20 liters
• Return journey – 60 liters
• Safety buffer – 20 liters Total needed: 160 liters

Plan fuel carefully. Getting stranded is dangerous.

Altitude Sickness Guide

Symptoms to Watch:

• Headache and nausea
• Difficulty breathing
• Dizziness
• Extreme tiredness
• Loss of appetite

Prevention Tips:

• Climb slowly over 2 days
• Drink lots of water
• Avoid alcohol
• Rest frequently
• Carry oxygen cans

Emergency Action:

• Descend immediately
• Give oxygen if available
• Get medical help fast
• Don’t ignore symptoms

Altitude sickness can be deadly. Take it seriously.

Weather Warnings

Summer (May-October):

• Only time roads are open
• Days warm, nights freezing
• Snow possible anytime
• Clear skies most days

Winter (November-April):

• Roads completely closed
• Heavy snow blocks passes
• Temperature -30°C
• No access possible

Weather Changes:

• Can snow anytime
• Weather changes fast
• Carry winter gear always
• Check forecasts daily

Never attempt Spiti in winter. You will get stuck.

Emergency Preparation

Communication:

• BSNL works best
• Satellite phone recommended
• Inform family of route
• Set check-in times

Breakdown Plan:

• Carry repair tools
• Learn basic repairs
• Have mechanic contacts
• Join other travelers if possible

Medical Emergency:

• First aid training helps
• Carry emergency medicines
• Know helicopter rescue numbers
• Have evacuation insurance

Emergency Numbers:

• Police: 100
• Medical: 108
• Army Help: Local posts
• Helicopter Rescue: 1070

Spiti Valley Attractions

Must See Places:

• Key Monastery – famous Buddhist site
• Tabo Monastery – 1000 years old
• Chandratal Lake – moon lake
• Kunzum Pass – high mountain pass
• Comic Village – world’s highest village
• Pin Valley – wildlife sanctuary

Adventure Activities:

• High altitude trekking
• Monastery visits
• Photography tours
• Camping under stars
• River crossings
• Cultural experiences

Local Culture Respect

Buddhist Customs:

• Remove shoes at monasteries
• Don’t point at Buddha statues
• Ask before taking photos
• Respect prayer times
• Dress modestly always

Local People:

• Be patient and friendly
• Help other travelers
• Don’t litter anywhere
• Respect water sources
• Support local business

Accommodation Options

Kaza (Main Town):

• Guesthouses available
• Home stays with families
• Camping grounds
• Basic hotels

Remote Areas:

• Camping only option
• Carry own tent
• No electricity
• No running water
• Very basic facilities

Book ahead in season. Options are very limited.

Food and Water

Food Availability:

• Limited options in Kaza
• Carry packed food
• Local barley dishes
• Yak meat available
• Instant noodles common

Water Safety:

• Carry bottled water
• Purification tablets
• Boil local water
• River water not safe
• Dehydration risk high

Return Journey Options

Same Route Back:

• Safest option
• Know the road conditions
• Fuel availability known
• 2 days recommended

Via Manali (if open):

• Rohtang Pass route
• Check road status
• Only June-September
• Very dangerous
• Need special permits

Most people return same way. It’s safer and proven.

Cost Breakdown

Car Rental:

• SUV rental – ₹8,000-12,000 for 7 days
• Insurance coverage
• Unlimited kilometers

Additional Costs:

• Fuel – ₹15,000-20,000
• Permits – ₹200-500
• Accommodation – ₹1,000-2,000 per night
• Food – ₹500-1,000 per day
• Emergency fund – ₹10,000

Total Budget: ₹50,000-70,000 for 7 days

Booking Requirements

Special Conditions:

• Experienced driver only
• Mountain driving history
• Physical fitness check
• Emergency contact mandatory
• Insurance coverage required

What We Provide:

• Detailed route maps
• Emergency contact list
• Basic repair kit
• 24/7 support number
• GPS tracking device

Pre-Trip Vehicle Check

Essential Inspections:

• Engine condition perfect
• Brakes working 100%
• Suspension system
• Tire condition excellent
• Cooling system
• Battery fully charged
• All fluids topped

We Replace:

• Worn brake pads
• Old tires
• Weak battery
• Faulty parts
• Engine oil
• All filters

Your safety depends on perfect car condition.

Why Choose Our Service?

Spiti Expertise:

• 10+ years Spiti experience
• Know every dangerous spot
• Emergency support network
• Specially prepared vehicles
• Local contacts available

Safety First:

• Pre-trip safety briefing
• Detailed route guidance
• Emergency backup plans
• Satellite tracking
• Insurance coverage

We’ve taken 500+ cars to Spiti safely.

Important Warnings

This Trip Is:

• Extremely challenging
• Physically demanding
• Potentially dangerous
• Weather dependent
• Not for beginners

You Must Have:

• Mountain driving experience
• Good physical fitness
• Emergency preparedness
• Proper equipment
• Realistic expectations

Book Your Spiti Adventure

Ready for the ultimate Himalayan challenge? This isn’t a regular trip – it’s an expedition.

Spiti Valley offers raw beauty and spiritual experiences. But it demands respect, preparation, and courage.

Call our Spiti experts today. We’ll prepare you for the adventure of a lifetime.