Kaza to Manali via Kunzum and Chandratal: Road and Open Dates

# Kaza to Manali via Kunzum and Chandratal: Road and Open Dates

Kaza to Manali is less a single drive than a progression through three different roads. You start on decent tarmac in Spiti, cross the Kunzum Pass at about 4,551 m, and then spend the middle of the day on one of the roughest stretches of any Himalayan highway before the road smooths out again at the Atal Tunnel. This guide explains what each section is like, how to fit in Chandratal, and when the route is realistically open. It matters now: today is 28 October 2026, which is the tail end of the season.

The route at a glance

Published distances for Kaza to Manali differ by source, roughly 183 to 200 km. Driving time is generally given as 7 to 9 hours on a clean run and up to 10 to 12 hours when the road is wet or you are cautious. Both numbers are honest; the difference is almost entirely the Batal to Gramphu section.

The sequence, west to east, is Kaza, Losar, Kunzum Pass, Batal, Chhatru, Gramphu, Koksar, then through the Atal Tunnel to Manali. The Kunzum Pass, on NH 505, is roughly 79 km from Kaza and about 122 km from Manali by the figures used in the pass's own reference page.

Section by section

Kaza to Losar (about 55 to 60 km). The road runs along the Spiti river and is generally in decent condition. Losar is the last proper village before the climb, and the last place for a simple meal and tea. Fill your fuel tank in Kaza before leaving and treat fuel on the road ahead as unavailable.

Losar to Kunzum Pass. The road climbs steadily and the air thins. Kunzum is the high point of the journey, at about 4,551 m, and it links the Spiti and Lahaul valleys. There is a small shrine to Kunzum Mata, where drivers commonly stop before moving on. Expect strong wind and sub-zero temperatures even in autumn. Do not linger long if you feel unwell.

Kunzum to Batal. The Lahaul side of the pass descends in a series of sharp hairpins, around 15 by the common count. Batal is a seasonal settlement with a couple of tented dhabas offering basic meals. From here a side road leads to Chandratal.

Batal to Chhatru to Gramphu. This is the hardest part. Guides describe loose gravel, water channels from melting snow, and sections that are rough or very rough depending on the day. A high-clearance vehicle is strongly recommended, and a regular hatchback is not a good idea. Allow generous time here rather than trying to hold a speed. The road improves noticeably after Chhatru.

Gramphu to Manali. At Gramphu the Spiti road joins the road to Keylong and Manali. From here you can either go via Koksar and the Atal Tunnel, which is about 9 km long and shortens the Manali to Keylong distance to about 71 km, or take the older high road over Rohtang. The tunnel opened in October 2020 and saves several hours compared with the old route via Gramphu and Rohtang. Rohtang Pass has needed a vehicle permit in the past, so confirm what applies if you plan to cross it.

Adding Chandratal

Chandratal sits at roughly 4,300 m, about 14 km from Batal on a narrow, unpaved road; sources give figures between 12 and 15 km. It is a detour of roughly 28 to 30 km round trip, but because of the surface, it eats 2 to 3 hours or more. Do it only if you have a start before 7 am and a guaranteed buffer. The better plan is to sleep at Chhatru or Batal, or at an approved campsite near the lake, and do the lake in the morning.

Camping on the lake shore is not allowed and sources mention a buffer of 2 to 3 km, with camps clustered a few kilometres short of the water. Rules and permit systems for Lahaul and Spiti have changed in recent years, and one online registration system (e-Aagman) has been mentioned in past reports. Confirm current requirements with the district administration or through the official Himachal portal before you travel. Whatever the rules, take your rubbish with you and stay on the marked path.

When the road is open

The Manali to Kaza road closes for the winter. References commonly give the pass as open from about June or July to October or November, and the road is closed for roughly seven months in winter. The exact dates depend on snowfall and when the Border Roads Organisation clears the route. Late May and early June openings are possible in a light-snow year, but they are not guaranteed.

Late October is risky. The road can be open one day and shut the next after a snowfall, and there is little traffic to help you if you are stranded. If you are in Kaza now and thinking of driving to Manali, check the status that same morning. If you are planning for 2027, treat mid-June to September as the safe window, and September and early October as good if the first snow holds off. The alternative from Spiti is the year-round route via Tabo, Kinnaur and Shimla, which is long but usually passable.

Altitude and safety

Coming from Kaza (about 3,650 m), you are already acclimatised, so the pass itself is not the issue. Travellers in the other direction, starting from Manali at about 2,000 m and going to Chandratal at 4,300 m in a single day, are the ones who get headaches and nausea. If you feel dizzy, confused or short of breath, turn back to lower ground. Carry water, snacks, a power bank and a paper map. Mobile coverage is patchy at best between Losar and the Atal Tunnel, so assume none and tell someone your plan.

Practical tips

1. Start early. Aim to leave Kaza by 6.30 to 7 am because water crossings on the Lahaul side can rise as the day warms.

2. Do not rely on a hatchback. A high-clearance SUV and a driver who has done this stretch recently will matter more than any pre-trip planning.

3. Carry cash and food. The tent dhabas at Batal and Chhatru are seasonal and may be shut this late in the year.

4. Check status at Kaza the evening before. Local drivers and the police checkpost know current conditions better than any website.

5. Keep a buffer day at either end. One snowfall or one vehicle stuck at a crossing can turn a one-day drive into two.

FAQ

How long does Kaza to Manali take? Roughly 7 to 9 hours of actual driving in good conditions, or 10 to 12 hours if the road is wet or you are being careful. Add time for Chandratal.

Can I do Chandratal in the same day as Kaza to Manali? Technically, yes, but it is a very long day. Staying a night at Chhatru, Batal or near the lake makes much more sense.

Is the road open in November? Usually not reliably. The Manali to Kaza road typically closes for the winter once heavy snow arrives, and the dates vary every year. Confirm that day.

Do I need a permit? Indian citizens do not generally need an Inner Line Permit, but there are police registration points, and Rohtang or Lahaul registration rules may apply. Check current requirements before you start.

If you would like this stretch planned around the season, with the right vehicle and a local driver, HimachalWale can help you build it.