Set amidst the towering peaks of the Indian Himalayas, Spiti Valley, also known as the middle land, is nothing less than a dream destination for adventure enthusiasts and nature lovers. With its rugged mountains, ancient monasteries and shimmering rivers, this high-altitude desert destination feels as if it has stepped right off of a postcard. Picture traversing scenic passes, sipping butter tea in small villages, and soaking in the paradise of scenery that feels like you’ve just entered an alternate universe. Is it any wonder then that Spiti has emerged as a popular haunt for travellers in search of unspoilt land and culture? Spiti Valley is calling if you are lookin out for solitude, thrill or just an escape from mundane!
Getting There: Your Journey Begins
So we talk about reaching the Spiti Valley which is apparently not that easy but! Half the adventure is on the way, and the roads leading up to this Himalayan holiday home are filled with heart-stopping views. Now, let’s look at the travel options from some top Indian cities:
From Delhi
By Road: The popular way to reach Manali is travelling by bus from Delhi/en route or in your own vehicle. The distance is about 550 km which takes 12-14 hours to drive. The breathtaking drive through the mountains is guaranteed to leave you speechless! Once you reach Kaza, the capital of Spiti Valley, you can rent a taxi or a local bus from Manali. This 200 km route can be completed in 8-10 hours, depending on road conditions.
By Air: Another option is to take a flight to Kullu from Delhi (approx 1.5 hrs) and then drive to reach to Kaza (approx 6-8 hrs). Flights are easy to book via MakeMyTrip or ClearTrip.
From Mumbai
By Air: The quickest way to get to Spiti from Mumbai is to take a flight to Delhi and from there follow the same route to Kaza. This would take around 16-18 hours in total as road plus flight time.
From Hyderabad
By Air: Fly to Delhi and then travel to Spiti Valley as mentioned above. Alternatively if you prefer not to drive you can take a connecting flight to Kullu.
From Bangalore
Air: Fly to Delhi, after which the same routes are taken to Kaza. For those seeking some pre-stretching in the mode of adventure, you can take a train from Delhi to Ambala and drive further to Spiti.
From Chennai and Trivandrum
By Air: You can reach Delhi and from there you can take the above-mentioned road or air routes.
From Kolkata
Flew: Go or fly to Delhi and go by road to Spiti or take (a) connecting (flight) to Kullu. Depending what options you take, the total travel time is another 16-20 hours.
From Bhubaneswar
By Air: You will arrive in Delhi by air. Continue to Spiti: Travel to Spiti from Delhi using your preferred method.
Best Routes and Tips
No matter your departure city, the most adventurous spirit is out on the road. One of the most beautiful ones is the Manali-Kaza route, which has the most stunning Himalayan scenery, lush greens, and serene villages. Do not forget to visit Kunzum Pass if you want to can take a moment to look at the breathtaking scenery.
If you are up for an adventure, then drive yourself to Spiti. Vast stretches of open road as far as the eye can see, cutting through majestic mountain passes and winding roads are an experience that very few could resist. Just be sure to verify your vehicle’s state and bring necessary supplies.
Make the Most of Your Trip: Tips
- Acclimatization: Spiti is a high altitude place, so take extra care during the initial few days. Be sure to drink lots of fluids and refrain from vigorous activity at first.
- Pack something and pack smart: The weather is unpredictable, so pack layers of clothing. Bring sunscreen, sunglasses, and a good camera to take pictures of the amazing views!
- Local Cuisine: Local flavors — like thukpa and momos — at the little eateries. Talk to the locals; their stories are as rich as the food they prepare.
- Plan Your Itinerary: While it’s good to be spontaneous, having a rough itinerary would keep you from missing must-visit places like Key Monastery, Kibber Village, and Chandratal Lake.
- The Other Side — Stay in Touch: Despite being out there, some parts of Spiti may offer mobile connectivity. But it’s wise to let someone know about your travel plans, particularly if you’re going to less traveled places.
- How to Go: Since Spiti is attracting tourists, plan your trip in advance. Check out platforms like EaseMyTrip and ClearTrip for good deals on flights and accommodation.
- Get Inspired: Look at articles from sites such as Trip Advisor, Thrillophilia, etc to get an idea of things to expect.
So, hit the roads, pack your bags and set out on this amazing trip to Spiti Valley! You’ll discover something new in each journey, and every moment around this enchanted land will be unforgettable! Prepare to set out on an adventure that will be stunning, exhilarating, and unforgettable in its closeness to the spirit of nature!
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