The Spiti Circuit is one of the most popular winter adventure trips in India, attracting hundreds of trekkers, nature enthusiasts, and adventurers. Its unparalleled beauty is a sight to behold all year round but it becomes especially worth a visit just before the harsh, snowy winters conquer the rugged Spiti terrain. If you’re planning such a winter Spiti circuit route, being aware of the route, the travel time, and must-see spots is essential. So here’s a helpful guide for those willing to explore the Spiti Circuit Route.
Winter Spiti Circuit Route: Overview, Best Time, Must-See Spots, And Tips
Winter Spiti Circuit Route Overview
The Winter Spiti Circuit Route consists of two main routes, each with their own distinct route challenges and advantages. The two are as follows:
- Shimla – Kinnaur – Spiti – Manali (Recommended for better acclimatization)
- Manali – Spiti – Kinnaur – Shimla (Shorter but more difficult)
The Shimla – Kinnaur – Spiti – Manali has a gradual elevation, allowing for better acclimatization. So chances of you facing Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) are fairly low, given you ascend with precaution.
The Manali – Spiti – Kinnaur – Shimla is comparatively shorter as it takes riders directly from Manali to Spiti via the Kunzum Pass. However, the altitude gain is steeper here, increasing chances of you facing AMS or other similar acclimatization-related crises.
The total distance of the Spiti Circuit ranges roughly between 650 to 750 km, depending on the stopovers you choose. However, the journey is incredibly beautiful, promising views of lush green valleys, snow-capped mountains, and barren deserts that stretch out for miles.
Best Time To Visit Spiti Circuits
Best Season: May to June
May and June are considered to be the best months to explore the Spiti Circuits. This is because the weather is pleasant and the ice begins melting, clearing out roads and highways.
Risky Season: July to August/September
Monsoon, though not as harsh as it is in the low-lying plains and coastal areas, is abundant here. So there are chances of heavy rainfall and landslides that can disrupt your travel plans.
Shoulder Season: September/October to early November
The shoulder season for visiting Spiti and the Spiti Circuit promises clear skies, autumnal atmosphere, and pleasant weather. This is a great season for photography enthusiasts as the landscapes are mostly lush-green and the skies are clear.
Worst Season: December to April
Spiti experiences extreme snowfall starting December and it lasts till April. During this time, the weather is often quite harsh and the constant snowfall makes travel difficult and even risky.
Must-See Spots In The Spiti Circuit
Key Monastery: It is the largest and the most iconic monastery in Spiti. This historical monastery serves as a major spiritual center and offers majestic views of the Spiti River Valley.
Dhankar Monastery: Perched atop a steep cliff, the Dhankar Monastery is an important place of spiritual enlightenment. Dhankar, where the monastery is, was once the capital of Spiti, and the monastery lies at the confluence of the Spiti and Pin Rivers.
Chandratal Lake: This high-altitude lake is famous for its crescent moon shape and crystal clear waters. The lake has immense significance in local folklore and is a must-visit attraction in Spiti for its natural beauty.
Hikkim: The village of Hikkim is best known for housing the world’s highest post office at a height of 4,000 meters! Many tourists specifically visit this village to make their way to the post office and send postcards to their loved ones!
Langza: This underrated village is famous for its marine fossils, earning the nickname ‘Fossil Village’. With just a few houses and a giant Buddha statue overlooking the village, it is a great place to unwind and dive into the local culture.
Nako: Nako Village is yet another quaint and charming village in the Spiti Valley. Surrounded by snow-capped peaks, it is most notably known for the Nako Lake and traditional monasteries.
Tabo Monastery: Often known as the ‘Ajanta of the Himalayas’, Tabo Monastery dates back to over 1,000 years. As one of the oldest monasteries in India, it is well-known for its ancient murals, sculptures, and an unparalleled spiritual atmosphere.
Also Read: How to Prepare for a Spiti Valley Bike Trip – Gear, Routes & Tips
Things To Keep In Mind When Exploring The Spiti Circuit
- Indian nationals do not need an Inner Line Permit, except for Rohtang Pass.
- Foreigners need to have an ILP for Kaza and other surrounding areas like Reckong Peo.
- Keep your official identity documents, driver’s license, insurance, PUC, and other documents handy.
- While there are petrol pumps in Manali, Kaza, and Reckong Peo, we advise you to carry extra fuel if you’re traveling to Chandratal or Pin Valley.
- BSNL and MTNL has the best coverage in most regions in Spiti, whereas Airtel and Jio have decent coverage. However, in many remote parts of Spiti, expect negligible coverage.
- To avoid inconvenience, download offline maps through Google Maps and Maps.me
- Take rest days, especially in Kaza and Kalpa, to avoid exhaustion and better acclimatize your body.
- If you feel any symptoms of AMS, immediately descend to a lower altitude and consult a doctor if available.
- Carry energy bars, instant noodles, dry fruits as emergency food supplies and avoid alcohol and excessive caffeine at higher altitudes.
- Keep cash handy, as ATMs are sparse and the network is quite poor to make digital payments.
Summing Up
The Spiti Circuit is a breathtaking marvel, connecting the Spiti Valley to Shimla and Manali. While the circuit looks difficult, proper planning and co-ordination can definitely make your experience pleasant and more memorable. We recommend going on a group trip or a guided tour through this circuit, especially if it’s your first time. So what are you waiting for? If you find your calling in the mountains and valleys, there’s no better place to visit than the Spiti Valley!
