Spanning 410km and curving along a national park thriving with biodiversity, a road trip from Shimla to the Spiti Valley (pronounced “piti”) is one of the most enchanting and gorgeous journeys you can undertake. Extending at least 3,000m above sea level the Spiti Valley is home to plentiful trekking routes, ancient monasteries, clear lakes and an utterly spellbinding windswept landscape. The name means “middle land” and its rugged terrain draws adventurers from far and wide.
The Hindustan-Tibet Highway or NH 5 is the main road visitors will drive on from Shimla to the Spiti Valley via Kinnaur. It remains open throughout the year except when landslides and rockfalls occur during the monsoon. If you’re planning the trip of a lifetime then follow our tips for an enjoyable, smooth and safe experience.
Unless you want a winter adventure where the going will get really tough, the best time to visit the Spiti Valley is from June to October. April to May is the start of the tourist season so you will beat the crowds if you commence your road trip then but keep in mind that hotels will be slow to receive bookings and the same goes for roadside food stalls and restaurants. Hence, make sure you embark on the trip only if you are ready to make do with basic facilities.
If you’re taking your own vehicle then a 4X4 SUV will make it easier for you to manoeuvre the uneven terrain and broken roads. Plus, it’s bound to be a more comfortable ride due to its spaciousness. Keep a spare tyre ready and learn the best handling techniques in case of water crossings and rocky roads.
A local taxi from Shimla is another viable option for a road trip as the driver would know how to navigate the terrain and tap into their colleagues’ knowledge or assistance in case the car gets stuck or breaks down irretrievably.
Choose a motorcycle after considering its roadworthiness, whether you will be riding pillion and how much baggage you will be carrying.
A bus may not be the first transport option to come to mind for a road trip but do not discount it, particularly if you’re travelling on a budget or with a big group. A bus allows you to take in the landscape without having to keep your eyes on the road at all times. For those travelling from faraway regions of the country a bus is the most economical way to explore Spiti. Check the Himachal Road Transport Corporation’s website or inquire at the local bus stands for costs and bookings.
Get to know the route prior to driving it and do your research on those who have undertaken the journey before. This also means knowing the distances between petrol stations, the location of ATMs, hospitals, mechanics workshops and places where you can stay the night. It’s best to carry some cash on you in case ATMs are non-functional.
A first aid kit with medication to alleviate acute mountain sickness (AMS) and other necessary pills or tablets; proper clothing including thermals, windproof jackets, waterproof hiking boots or snow shoes; toilet paper; snacks, instant meal packets, tea bags, plates and cutlery; and an emergency vehicle kit with a tyre inflator, towing rope and jumper cables are just a few of the must-haves you should carry.
BSNL/MTNL has the widest phone network in the Spiti Valley so purchase a temporary prepaid or postpaid SIM card if you wish. Jio and Airtel work in certain regions such as Kinnaur but the overall remoteness of the area means the network is patchy. Data and Wi-Fi is mostly confined to the 2G network. If you are afraid of losing phone reception then get a satellite phone and inform your friends and family about your whereabouts. Remember that people travelled to Spiti before landlines were the norm so try to enjoy your trip without your phone as much as possible.
