Updated for 2026 Season
Spiti Valley Handbook
The only guide you need. We've curated 150+ trending questions including the latest 2026 regulations, Sissu travel bans, and new permit policies.
Yes, tourism is suspended for 40 days due to local deity rituals. Hotels and homestays are closed.
Yes, the highway (NH-3) remains open for transit to Keylong/Jispa. You cannot stop for sightseeing in Sissu.
All activities including Zipline, ATV rides, and boating in Sissu Lake are suspended.
No. Bookings are paused. Look for stays in Keylong or Manali instead.
To honor the 'Dev Khel' (Deity Dance) and silence required for local rituals.
No, access to these spots is restricted to locals only.
You can drive through, but stopping for leisure/picnics is discouraged.
Only for medical emergencies or VIP movement, not for joyrides.
Koksar (North Portal) and Keylong (District HQ) remains fully open.
Strict 'Leave No Trace' policy. No camping near water bodies. No loud music.
Proposal for ₹200-500 environmental cess per vehicle at Sumdo/Losar checkpost.
Available at Spiti Ecosphere office, Taste of Spiti, and Sol Cafe.
Look for homestays in Mud Village that use solar cookers and traditional insulation.
Yes, strictly enforced. Plastic bottles/bags are confiscated at checkposts.
Join 'Healing Himalayas' or Ecosphere volunteers on weekends.
Kaza has a tentative charger at Kaza Ice Rink. Recharge at Reckong Peo is reliable.
Risky in winter due to battery drain. Summer is possible with planning.
Using dry toilets, saving water, and respecting local silence.
₹80,000 to ₹1,20,000 per person for a 7-day guided tour.
Yes, unless there is fresh heavy snowfall blocking the Kaza-Kibber road.
High (60-70%). It is mating season, so they move frequently.
We provide modified 4x4 Scorpios/Thars with snow chains.
Contact us. We partner with homestays using traditional 'Bukhari' heating.
Yes, walking on frozen river is possible with guides in Jan/Feb.
Expect -15°C day to -30°C night.
Check Kibber and Komic monastery schedules. Usually around Losar.
Open. This is the only all-weather access to Spiti.
Merino wool baselayers, -30°C rated down jacket, and insulated boots.
No. Just valid ID.
Apply on Himachal e-district portal. Physical verification at Peo is smoother.
Usually closed or half-day. Plan for weekdays.
Jio 5G is live in Kaza market! Starlink is not legal yet.
The Himalayan Cafe and Sol Cafe have reliable fiber connections.
Strictly banned in Chitkul, Gue, and Sumdo.
DSLR fee ₹50. No photos inside prayer hall.
Jibhi and Spiti Ecosphere offer volunteer programs.
Some hostels offer monthly stay packages (~₹15k/month).
September. You can join locals in harvesting 'Drilbu' berries.
Lahaul valley festival, usually mid-January.
Stay in a homestay during Feb to witness festivities.
Taste of Spiti serves authentic mutton mokthuk.
Available at Komic monastery and Langza homestays.
Homemade brew. Ask your host politely.
Do not make loud noise. Circumambulate clockwise.
Women in Kibber weaving cooperative offer demos.
Tabo has vast apple and apricot orchards offering fresh meals.
Expected early June due to low snow this year.
Approx ₹102/L (higher than plains due to transport).
Sumo service runs daily 7 AM from Peo bus stand.
Keep 2 extra days for landslides/snow blocks.
Closed. Roads are icy. Only locals ride.
Closed till June. Road blocked by snow at Batal.
New tunnel/bridge work in progress. Expect 30 min delays.
The Grand Dewachen and Spiti Village Resort are operational.
Nimu-Padum-Darcha road connects Zanskar to Lahaul, not Spiti directly.
Chemist shop near Kaza bus stand sells portable cans.
Yes, 24/7 doctors available.
Diamox (Acetazolamide) - consult doctor. Garlic soup helps too.
Safest region in India. Homestays are family-run.
Park facing sunrise. Use anti-freeze coolant. Pour hot water on filter.
Wear UV400 sunglasses even on cloudy days.
Govt heli-taxi operates from Stingri/Kaza occasionally.
Doctors advise against it due to lower oxygen saturation.
June to September for full circuit. Jan-Mar for winter.
9-10 days minimum for a comfortable trip.
Yes, via Shimla-Kinnaur route only.
₹25k-30k (Budget) to ₹60k+ (Luxury).
Highly recommended for comfort and safety.
Yes, if you are skilled in mountain driving.
HRTC to Reckong Peo, then connection to Kaza.
Approx ₹500 via agents.
Jio/Airtel in Kaza. BSNL elsewhere. No net in Chandratal.
Kaza has the only reliable ATM.
₹1200-1500 per person with meals.
Yes, widely available.
Hikkim.
Komic.
In Spiti river near Kaza (seasonal).
Himalayan 450 or XPulse 200.
₹1500/day approx.
Dry pit toilet.
No drones in military areas.
Designated campsites only. 2km from lake.