Kaza (Spiti)

The cold desert — monasteries, the world's highest villages, and the ultimate Himalayan road trip.

verifiedLast verified: August 19, 2026

Getting There

• Via Shimla–Kinnaur (gradual, open year-round): Delhi → Shimla (HRTC Volvo ~₹800–1,000) → Reckong Peo (HRTC ~₹380–550, ~6 hrs) → Kaza (HRTC morning bus ~₹552, ~11 hrs). Total public-transport cost Delhi→Kaza ~₹1,800–2,200.
• Via Manali (short, seasonal mid-Jun–early Oct): Manali → Kaza via Atal Tunnel–Kunzum, ~9–11 hrs; seasonal HRTC bus or shared taxi (~₹1,000/seat).
• Classic circuit: enter one side, exit the other — Delhi–Shimla–Kaza–Manali–Delhi (~1,600 km).

Typical Budgets

• Backpacker: ₹1,200–₹2,000/day — homestay ₹400–800/room (split), dhaba food ₹300–500, buses/shared transport.
• Mid-range: ₹3,000–₹5,500/day — guesthouse ₹1,200–2,500, hotel restaurants, taxi sightseeing.

Practical Tips

• Acclimatize: the Shimla–Kinnaur entry is gradual altitude gain — it is the altitude plan, not just logistics. Rest on arrival in Kaza (3,800 m).
• Fuel up at Narkanda/Rampur/Reckong Peo and Kaza — no pumps between Reckong Peo and Kaza, and mileage drops 30–40% at altitude.
• Carry full-trip cash — Kaza ATMs are few and run dry; digital payments fail without network. BSNL postpaid has the widest coverage.
• Monasteries (Key, Tabo, Dhankar): entry generally free/donation; Key offers dorm stays ~₹200–250/night with food if you inform in advance.
• Chandratal: commercial camps ~₹1,200–2,500/person/night with meals; lake entry ~₹150 + free e-permit from eaagman.hp.gov.in — get it before losing network.

What I Wish I Knew

• Transport is ~45% of the budget — travel in a group of 4–6 and it splits dramatically. Food in Spiti is surprisingly cheap; stays and the vehicle are what cost.

Permits & Notes

• Indian citizens: no permits/ILP for Spiti proper (foreigners need ILP). SADA entry fees ~₹150–500/vehicle (introduced 2025). Using the Manali side: the Rohtang tourism permit (~₹550) applies only to vehicles visiting Rohtang Pass itself — the Atal Tunnel through-route to Kaza needs just the ~₹50 congestion charge. Vehicle must be ≤10 years old. Jul–Aug: build 1–2 buffer days for monsoon closures.