Planning a Spiti Valley road trip from Delhi is one of the great adventures in India: a loop through apple country, the Sutlej gorge, ancient monasteries and cold-desert villages at 4,000 m and more. This guide is for American travellers and covers routes, timing, permits, vehicles, costs and safety.
Two routes into Spiti
| Route | Season | Distance to Kaza | Character |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shimla–Kinnaur–Kaza | Most of the year | about 420 km from Shimla | Gradual climb, better for acclimatisation; ILP needed for foreigners |
| Manali–Kunzum Pass–Kaza | Roughly June–October | about 200 km from Manali | Rough, high and dramatic; fast altitude gain |
Most travellers do a loop: in via Kinnaur and out via Manali, which helps acclimatisation.
Getting from the USA to the start
Air India has operated nonstop flights to Delhi from US gateways such as New York (JFK), Newark, Chicago, Washington Dulles and San Francisco, taking roughly 14–17 hours. Spend a night in Delhi, then drive or take the train to Shimla. Read our Delhi to Himachal Pradesh.
Suggested route
- Delhi – Shimla
- Shimla – Sarahan or Sangla
- Sangla – Kalpa (collect ILP at Reckong Peo)
- Kalpa – Nako – Tabo
- Tabo – Dhankar – Kaza
- Kaza: Key, Kibber, Chicham
- Kaza: Langza, Hikkim, Komic
- Kaza – Chandratal
- Chandratal – Manali
- Manali – Delhi
See our Spiti itinerary for the day-by-day plan.
Travel gear we trust
- Dash cams worth buying VerdictFox
Record mountain drives and keep a record of what happened on narrow roads. - Portable power stations for camping and road trips VerdictFox
Camps and remote homestays in Spiti and Lahaul often have only a few hours of electricity a day. - Motorcycle helmet buying guide for India BuyrSkip India
Renting a Royal Enfield in Manali? Bring or buy a properly certified helmet rather than the one in the rental shed.
Partner links: these go to our sister review sites, which may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Permits
Foreign nationals need an Inner Line Permit for the stretch between Jangi and Sumdo. Apply at the SDM office in Reckong Peo (or Kaza/Shimla), usually through a registered agency, with passport, visa and photos. It is typically valid for about 15 days. Rohtang Pass needs a vehicle permit on the Manali side, but the Atal Tunnel route avoids it.
Vehicles and drivers
Hire an SUV with an experienced mountain driver (about ₹4,500–6,500 (about US$47–68) per day). Self-driving is possible with an International Driving Permit, but the Manali–Kaza road includes river crossings and loose rock, and is best left to experienced drivers. Motorbike rentals from Manali are popular with experienced riders.
Acclimatisation and health
Kaza sits at 3,800 m and the villages around it reach 4,500 m. Spend nights at increasing altitudes, rest on the first day in Kaza, drink plenty of water and descend if symptoms persist.
Fuel, cash and connectivity
Fuel up in Reckong Peo, Kaza and Manali. ATMs are limited to Kaza and Reckong Peo; carry cash. Expect long stretches without mobile signal; BSNL and Jio work best.
Budget
| Travel style | Per person per day (INR) | In US dollars | Covers |
|---|---|---|---|
| Budget | ₹2,500–4,000 | US$26–42 | homestay, dal-rice meals, shared taxi or HRTC bus |
| Mid-range | ₹5,500–9,000 | US$58–95 | private room with attached bath, private taxi shared by two |
| Comfort | ₹10,000–16,000 | US$105–168 | best available hotel, private car and driver, guide |
Read our Spiti budget guide for full figures.
Our trekking gear picks
- Portable power stations for camping and road trips VerdictFox
Camps and remote homestays in Spiti and Lahaul often have only a few hours of electricity a day. - Best hiking and camping gear BuyrSkip
Trekking poles, headlamps, base layers and water bottles for Himalayan trails. - High-capacity power banks for long trips BuyrSkip
Power cuts and cold weather drain phones fast in the mountains; a 20,000 mAh bank under the 100 Wh airline limit is the sweet spot.
Partner links: these go to our sister review sites, which may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Road conditions
The Kinnaur section of the Hindustan–Tibet road is mostly paved but includes landslide-prone stretches such as the Malling nala. Beyond Kaza toward Losar and the Kunzum Pass, the road is rougher, with water crossings at places such as Chhatru and Batal. Start early each day, as streams swell with afternoon snowmelt.
Planning your trip from the USA
Air India has operated nonstop flights to Delhi from US gateways such as New York (JFK), Newark, Chicago, Washington Dulles and San Francisco, taking roughly 14–17 hours. Some of those routes have been cut or rerouted because of airspace restrictions, so check the current schedule before you plan around a nonstop. One-stop itineraries are often cheaper and just as practical: via the Gulf (Dubai, Doha or Abu Dhabi), via Europe (London, Frankfurt, Paris or Amsterdam) or via Istanbul. Door to door, expect 20–26 hours from the East Coast and 22–30 hours from the West Coast. Fares: round-trip economy fares to Delhi often range from about US$900 to US$1,600 depending on season and city, with October–December and May–June among the busiest periods. Read our guide to getting to Himachal from the USA for the full journey.
US citizens need an Indian visa, and most holidaymakers use the e-Tourist Visa, applied for online at least four days before travel; our India visa guide explains the process step by step. Most US health plans, including Medicare, offer little or no cover in India, so buy a policy with medical and evacuation cover (see our travel insurance guide). For cash, cards and UPI, see our money guide, and for staying online, our SIM and internet guide.
Responsible travel tips
Tourism is vital to Himachal’s economy, but it also strains water supplies, roads and waste systems in peak season. You can help by travelling outside the busiest weeks, choosing locally run stays, refusing single-use plastic, and carrying out everything you carry in on treks. Ask before photographing people, dress modestly in villages and at temples, and tip guides, drivers and porters fairly: their income is often seasonal.
Health and safety basics
Drink bottled, boiled or filtered water, eat freshly cooked food and carry a small medical kit with rehydration salts and motion-sickness tablets for winding roads. Above 3,000 m, gain height gradually and descend if headaches or nausea get worse. The emergency number throughout India is 112. The US State Department rates India at Level 2 (exercise increased caution) for the country as a whole, with stricter advice for some border areas, including Jammu and Kashmir.
Where to go once you are there
Once the practicalities are sorted, these guides will help you choose where to spend your time:
- Shimla guide: families will love it
- Manali guide: families will love it
- McLeodganj guide: culture lovers will love it
- Kasol guide: backpackers will love it
- Dalhousie guide: families will love it
- Spiti Valley guide: adventure travellers will love it
Frequently asked questions
How many days do I need for a Spiti road trip?
At least 9–10 days from Delhi; 12 is more comfortable.
Which is the best route?
Enter via Kinnaur and exit via Manali for better acclimatisation.
Do foreigners need a permit?
Yes, an Inner Line Permit for the Jangi–Sumdo stretch.
Can I drive myself?
Possible with experience and an International Driving Permit, but a local driver is safer.
When is the Manali route open?
Usually from June to October.