Spiti Valley is a high-altitude desert valley in the Indian state of Himachal Pradesh. It is known for its stunning landscapes, including snow-capped mountains, barren valleys, and sparkling rivers. The valley is also home to a number of ancient monasteries and temples, making it a popular pilgrimage destination.
Manali is a popular hill station in Himachal Pradesh, located about 200 kilometers from Spiti Valley. Manali is well-connected to other major cities in India by road, rail, and air. This makes it a convenient base for exploring Spiti Valley.
How to reach Spiti Valley from Manali
The Manali to Spiti Valley highway route is a scenic drive through the Himalayas, passing through high mountain passes, barren valleys, and sparkling rivers. The distance is about 200 kilometers, and the journey takes around 8-12 hours, depending on the road conditions and the time of year.
There are two main ways to reach Spiti Valley from Manali: by road and by air.
Manali to Spiti Valley By Road
The road journey from Manali to Spiti Valley is a thrilling adventure, passing through some of the highest mountain passes in the world, including the Rohtang Pass and the Kunzum Pass. The journey takes around 8-12 hours, depending on the road conditions and the time of year.
Manali to Spiti Valley By Air
From Bhuntar Airport, you can take a taxi or bus to Spiti Valley. The taxi fare from Bhuntar Airport to Spiti Valley is around Rs. 5,000. The bus journey from Bhuntar Airport to Spiti Valley takes about 5 hours.
Manali to Spiti Valley National Highway
The Manali to Spiti Valley National Highway is one of the most scenic drives in the Himalayas. It passes through some of the highest mountain passes in the world, including the Rohtang Pass (3980 meters) and the Kunzum Pass (4551 meters).
Guidance for Safe Travel between Manali to Spiti Valley
- Check the road conditions before you travel: The Manali to Spiti Valley highway can be closed due to landslides or other road hazards, so it is important to check the road conditions before you travel. You can check the road conditions on the website of the Himachal Pradesh Road Transport Corporation (HRTC).
- Acclimatize to the high altitude: Spiti Valley is a high-altitude region, so it is important to acclimatize to the high altitude before undertaking any strenuous activities. You can acclimatize by spending a few days in a lower-altitude region before traveling to Spiti Valley.
- Be prepared for all types of weather: Spiti Valley has a cold and arid climate, with the weather changing quickly. Be prepared for all types of weather, including rain, snow, and hail.
- Take breaks along the way: The road journey from Manali to Spiti Valley is long and challenging, so it is important to take breaks along the way. Stop to stretch your legs, admire the scenery, and have a snack.
- Drive carefully: The Manali to Spiti Valley highway is narrow and winding, so it is important to drive carefully. Be aware of other drivers, pedestrians, and animals on the road.
Weather on Manali to Spiti Valley National Highway Route
The weather on the Manali to Spiti Valley National Highway route can vary greatly depending on the time of year and the altitude.
Summer: Mild weather, with average temperatures ranging from 10 to 20 degrees Celsius. Be prepared for rain and thunderstorms.
Monsoon: Unpredictable weather, with heavy rainfall that can lead to landslides and road closures. It is best to avoid traveling during the monsoon season.
Fall: Pleasant weather, with average temperatures ranging from 5 to 15 degrees Celsius. Be prepared for cold nights and the possibility of snow.
Winter: Very cold weather, with average temperatures ranging from -10 to 0 degrees Celsius. The highway is often closed due to snow and ice during the winter months.
Short Stops and Sightseeing Along the Way from Manali to Spiti Valley
The Manali to Spiti Valley National Highway is one of the most scenic drives in the world, passing through high mountain passes, barren valleys, and sparkling rivers. There are many opportunities to stop and admire the scenery, or to visit one of the many ancient monasteries and temples along the way.
1. Rohtang Pass
The Rohtang Pass is a high mountain pass located at an altitude of 3980 meters. It is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Himachal Pradesh and offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.
2. Solang Valley
The Solang Valley is a beautiful valley located about 14 kilometers from Manali. It is known for its lush green meadows, snow-capped mountains, and sparkling rivers. The valley is also a popular destination for adventure sports such as paragliding and skiing.
3. Keylong
Keylong is a small town located in the Lahaul Valley. It is known for its ancient monasteries and temples, as well as its traditional Tibetan culture.
4. Jispa
Jispa is a small village located in the Lahaul Valley. It is known for its picturesque setting and its hot springs.
5. Batal
Batal is a small village located at the junction of the Lahaul Valley and the Spiti Valley. It is known for its stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.
6. Kaza
Kaza is the main town in the Spiti Valley. It is known for its ancient monasteries and temples, as well as its traditional Tibetan culture.
7. Dhankar Monastery
Dhankar Monastery is a 900-year-old monastery located in the Spiti Valley. It is one of the most important Buddhist monasteries in the region and offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.
8. Tabo Monastery
Tabo Monastery is a 1000-year-old monastery located in the Spiti Valley. It is known for its well-preserved murals and frescoes and is considered to be one of the most important Buddhist monasteries in the region.
9. Chandratal Lake
Chandratal Lake is a high-altitude lake located in the Spiti Valley. It is known for its stunning turquoise waters and its backdrop of snow-capped mountains.
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