Best Time to Visit Spiti Valley – A Complete Seasonal Guide
Why Spiti Valley?
Spiti Valley, nestled at an average altitude of 12,500 feet in Himachal Pradesh, is one of the coldest inhabited regions in India. Known as "Little Tibet," it offers surreal landscapes, ancient monasteries, and a culture untouched by time.
Summer (June – September)
Summer is the most popular season to visit Spiti. Both the Shimla–Spiti and Manali–Spiti routes are open. Temperatures range from 10°C to 25°C during the day. The valley bursts with green barley fields contrasting against barren brown mountains.
Best for: First-time visitors, photography, monastery visits, road trips.
Key highlights:
Autumn (October – November)
The crowds thin, and Spiti takes on golden hues. Temperatures drop to -5°C at night. The Manali route closes by mid-October, so plan via Shimla–Kinnaur–Kaza.
Best for: Experienced travellers, astrophotography, solitude seekers.
Winter (December – March)
Spiti becomes a frozen wonderland. Temperatures can plummet to -30°C. Only the Shimla route remains open (weather permitting). Snow festivals and the Spiti Snow Leopard Trail attract hardy adventurers.
Best for: Snow leopard tracking, winter photography, extreme adventure.
Spring (April – May)
Snow begins melting. Roads reopen gradually. The landscape is stark but beautiful with patches of wildflowers appearing by late May.
Best for: Budget travellers, early-season trekking.
What to Pack
Getting There
The most scenic route is from Shimla via Kinnaur, passing through Narkanda, Sarahan, Sangla, Chitkul, Kalpa, Nako, Tabo, and finally Kaza. This 2-day drive covers approximately 412 km of some of India's most dramatic mountain roads.
Plan Your Spiti Trip
Ready to explore Spiti? Browse our curated Himalayan adventures and let local experts guide your journey.
