Best Time To Visit Spiti Valley

July 25, 2024

Spit is not your classic hilly region, literally translating to the 'middle land'; it is one of the most adventurous places you can visit in India. The high-altitude desert of Spiti Valley, with surreal mountain landscapes, dates back hundreds of years. 

Best Time to Visit in Spiti Valley

As the popularity of travelling to this area increases day by day, travellers are searching the internet for the best time to visit Spiti Valley. The mesmerising views of the mighty Himalayas and its Buddhist influence make it one of the ideal places to escape from bustling city life. Located in one of the remotest areas of India, this place is an isolated gem that can only be explored by the ones who dare to drift from the usual tourist trails.  

To witness the drastic climate change of this region, you can book the domestic tour packages at some specific times of the year. But how would you know a suitable time to navigate Spiti's motorable roads? 

Fear not! Grab your notebook and a warm cup of coffee, and join us as we provide you with a handy guide on the best time to visit Lahaul Spiti Valley. 

Climate in Spiti 

Spiti Valley is a hidden gem encrusted in the frosty mountains of the Himalayas; due to its unique location, it witnesses drastic climate changes. As one cannot visit this area around the year, Spiti Valley tour packages from reputed trip planners recommend that you plan your vacation following this table. 

Summer Season in Spiti 

The summer season in Spiti Valley starts in April and continues till June. In May, this region experiences the onslaught of tourist season as the route via Manali opens. Considered the best season to visit Spiti Valley, the temperature rises above 0° c, which makes travelling to this area possible. 

Around the second week of June, the Kunzum Pass also opens, and as you move along the road from Manali to Kaza, you will notice a rapid temperature change. As mentioned in the table above, the temperature in Spiti Valley in June rises to 10° C, and this is the ideal time to plan your visit to Hikkim, Komic, Demul and more. 

The Spiti Valley weather in June is the most pleasant, so the hotels also have full facilities. Thus, this is undoubtedly the best month to visit Spiti Valley. 

Monsoon Season in Spiti

Once the rainy season sets in July, travelling becomes quite difficult. If you are looking for the best time to visit Spiti Valley, we recommend avoiding the monsoons. Not only do the roads become muddy, but the heavy showers also hinder travellers from visiting the major sightseeing attractions in this town. Due to landslides and the waterfalls being in full flow, sometimes travellers get stuck here for days. 

Having said that, as Spiti Valley falls under the trans-Himalayan region, it is generally a rainshadow area. Although the area generally experiences frequent drizzles, Spiti Valley weather during monsoon season can be unpredictable. Thus, if you are travelling, you must have enough buffer days. 

Winter Season in Spiti 

The winter season in Spiti starts in October and ends in March. During the winters, the area around these parts transforms into a snow-covered wonderland. Considered one of the best places to visit in October in India, the orange autumn colours of Spiti offer a stark contrast with the turquoise water bodies. 

The Spiti Valley in October offers a wide range of activities like camping or trekking that you can participate in. 

The Spiti Valley in November offers a tranquil experience as the landscape is covered with a thick blanket of snow. This is the best time to visit Spiti Valley if you want to partake in snow sports. 

The temperature in Spiti Valley in December ranges from -7°/ -19°, and if you are travelling around these parts, it is essential to pack your luggage accordingly. 

As the temperature in Lahaul Spiti falls below freezing point, be ready for some extreme adventures and delays, too!

Best Time To Visit Spiti Valley According to Seasons

If you are looking for the best time to visit Spiti Valley, check out this section for a detailed overview. Here, we will discuss the best weather to visit Spiti Valley in detail so that you can easily plan your next vacation. 

1. Best Time to Visit Spiti Valley in Summer

Undoubtedly, summer is the best time for Spiti Valley sightseeing, for numerous reasons. The pleasant weather makes it appropriate to visit the place and engage in activities like biking, camping, river-rafting, and paragliding.You can also go for treks and bike trips. Here are some more details to keep in mind:   

  • How To Reach Spiti Valley in Summer

As the temperature rises and the snow melts, the link roads within this area start to open up. The motorable roads open up, including the road to Losar from Kaza and Pin Valley towards Mud. The road to Lhalung – Demul, or the roads to Langza – Hikkim – Komik circuits opens up. 

Kunzum Pass and the other roads towards Manali are open only in July, the best time to visit Spiti Valley. Due to the bearable climate, adventurists flock here from various parts of the country. 

  • Places to visit in Spiti Valley during the Summer

Summer is the best time to go Spiti Valley, Key Monastery, Chandratal Lake, Pin Valley National Park, Kunzum Pass and more. Apart from this, you can take the trails to Dhankar Lake or Suraj Tal, which are paradises for nature lovers and trekkers. 

Besides sightseeing, you can enjoy thrilling activities like mountain biking, camping, paragliding, and river rafting. So, if you are looking for an adventurous and romantic destination, be sure to book the honeymoon packages in India that let you indulge in the beauty of Spiti Valley. 

2. Visit Spiti Valley in Monsoon

If you wish to enjoy the complete beauty and sceneries of Spiti Valley, then monsoon is definitely not the best time to travel to Spiti Valley. Let's know why, we will also discuss how to reach Spiti Valley during the monsoon, things to avoid, and places to go, just in case you need to visit the place during the rainy season. 

  • How To Reach Spiti Valley in Monsoon

Most people will say this is not the best time to visit Spiti Valley due to the tragic flash floods of June 2013 in Kinnaur, but with a little caution, you can travel even during this season. The Hindustan Tibet highway remains open and safe even during monsoon season. 

However, stay away from the Kinnaur Valley and the nearby roads to avoid massive landslides. In addition, if you visit this area in August, you may face many traffic jams due to the peak apple season and crop transportation. 

  • Places to visit in Spiti Valley during the Monsoon

Although it is not the best time to go Spiti Valley due to the condition of the roads, once you reach your destination, you will be safe. As it is in the rain shadow region, you can explore all the sightseeing places like Kaza, Chandra Tal,  Pin Valley National Park, Dhankar Lake, Tabo Monastery and more. It can be one of the best places to visit in India with Family, even in the rainy season, if you follow the sleep early, leave early rule. 

3. Best Time to Visit Spiti Valley in Winter

As we all know, Spiti is one of the best places to enjoy snowfall in February in India. To experience the sub-zero temperature and explore the best tourist places in Himachal Pradesh in their full glory, visit Spiti Valley. 

  • How To Reach Spiti Valley in Winter

Although this is not the best time to visit Spiti Valley, and you can face some hardships on the icy roads, your journey will be worth the trouble. The Kunzum Pass will be closed by November for the next 6 to 7 months, and the link roads to various destinations like Pin Valley or Giu Mummy will be closed due to snowfall. The Manali route is the only way to reach the most romantic places in the world during winter. 

  • Places to visit in Spiti Valley during the winter

Nestled in the Himalayas, Spiti tourism offers an unforgettable experience as one navigates through the thick blankets of snow in the winter. Replete with clear blue skies, pristine lakes and jagged mountains, the magical charm of this area doubles during the winters. 

As one of the best places to visit in India, you can visit the  Key Monastery, Chandratal Lake, Kunzum Pass, Tabo Monastery and more during the winter. 

The best time to visit Spiti Valley by car

Best Time to Visit Spiti Valley by Car

The best time to visit Spiti Valley by car is from March to June. The average temperature ranges from 14°C to 20°C, so this is the best time for activities like mountain biking, hiking or camping. 

Although it is one of the best places to visit in winter in India because of its mesmerising views, most roads become inaccessible due to heavy snowfall. 

Best time to visit Spiti Valley for snow

Spiti Valley for Snow

As one of the best snowfall places in India, if you visit these parts from October to February, you will experience the Valley covered in a blanket of white snow. You can spot rare wildlife like blue sheep, snow leopards and ibex basking in the snowy landscapes. With fewer tourists, you can experience the culture and lifestyle of this area more authentically. 

The frozen lakes and waterfalls in December and January offer a striking sight against the snowy landscapes and are an ideal background for pictures.  Moreover, the unique landscape of this cold desert during the winter is great for activities like snowboarding, skiing and photography, making it one of the best honeymoon places in India in December. Apart from this, you will also find heavily discounted rates on accommodations and hotels during winter. 

The best time to visit Spiti Valley on a bike

Best Time To Visit Spiti Valley on Bike

If you are looking for the best time to go to Spiti Valley on a bike, the best season is between March and June. This is the most exciting way to explore one of the finest honeymoon destinations in India in a low budget; however, be sure to obtain the necessary permits and look into the weather conditions before getting down on the roads. 

The clear skies and pleasant weather make it an ideal experience for couples. The high mountain passes are usually accessible around this time, allowing you to explore one of the most enchanting honeymoon destinations in Himachal Pradesh

Best time to go stargazing in Spiti Valley

Best Time to Go Stargazing in Spiti Valley

Kibber and Chandratal Lake are popular places in Spiti Valley for stargazing. Although the visibility of the stars in Spiti Valley varies throughout the year, the best time to experience this phenomenon is in May. During the summer months between May and July, clear skies provide stunning views of the star-studded sky. If you are lucky enough and visit around the best time to visit Spiti Valley, you can even spot the Milky Way from Spiti. 

Best Places to Visit in Spiti Valley

Exploring Spiti Valley is like stepping into another world, filled with breathtaking landscapes and unique experiences. One of the best tourist places to visit in Himachal Pradesh, Spiti Valley offers a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. Key attractions include the ancient Key Monastery, perched dramatically on a hilltop, and the stunning Chandratal Lake, known for its crystal-clear waters and mesmerizing reflections. Don't miss the quaint villages of Kaza and Tabo, where you can immerse yourself in the rich cultural heritage and warm hospitality of the locals. For adventure enthusiasts, the valley provides excellent trekking routes and opportunities for mountain biking. With its picturesque scenery and tranquil atmosphere, Spiti Valley is undoubtedly one of the top places to visit in Spiti Valley and a must-see destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike.

Best Things to do in Spiti Valley

Renowned as the little Tibet, there are several things to do in Spiti Valley. Be it the mesmerising sightseeing destinations or the adventurous activities, this gem in Himachal has something for every type of holiday you have ever had on your mind. 

From exploring the offbeat destinations in Himachal Pradesh, like Chicham Village or La Darcha grounds, you can learn about the culture of this place as you live through the mountains. If you are still looking for the best time to go Spiti Valley, then read on to the next section. 

Spiti also has some of the top wildlife sanctuaries in Himachal Pradesh, like the Kibber Wildlife Sanctuary or the Pin Valley National Park, where you can admire the flora and fauna of this region. During the warmer months, the beauty of these places increases in folds as the forests and valleys come alive with numerous wildflowers. 

Most of the mountain passes become accessible during this time of the year so that you can explore the entire Valley. Apart from this, Spiti can also be the perfect getaway for adventure seekers as it is one of the best places for river rafting in India. With other adrenaline-rushing activities like mountain biking or skiing, you can feel the thrill while basking in the tranquillity of the mountains. 

How to reach Spiti Valley

Referred to as the cold desert, the Spiti to Manali route is only open during the summer and the monsoon seasons. Even after knowing the ideal time to visit Spiti Valley, most travellers are concerned about how to reach Spiti. Due to the lack of railway stations and airports, this area cannot be directly accessed via trains or flights. 

The nearest airport is in Kullu, around 260 km away, and the nearest railway station is Joginder Nagar railway station, which is 360 km away from Spiti. Once you reach these places, you have to hire a cab to reach the Valley. Thus, reaching Spiti takes more than 7 to 10 hours, and one has to cover a long road journey. 

Travelling to this region is one of the most adventurous and convenient options for people travelling from nearby cities. The summer season is a good time to visit Spiti Valley by car as the roads remain clear, and landslides are not dangerous. People travelling from Punjab, Delhi, Chandigarh, or Uttarakhand can take various routes, like the one from Shimla or Srinagar via Kargil or Manali via Rohtang Pass. 

Here is a list of nearby cities with their respective distances from Spiti: 

  • Distance between Manali and Spiti Valley: 196 kilometres (approx.)
  • Distance from Shimla to Spiti Valley: 416 kilometres (approx.)
  • Distance from Delhi to Spiti Valley: 737 kilometres (approx.)
  • Distance from Chandigarh to Spiti Valley: 503 kilometres (approx.)

To avoid the hassle of planning your vacation alone, you can get assistance from the best travel planners in India. With their comprehensive and meticulously crafted Himachal Pradesh tour packages, you can explore Spiti Valley like never before.

Why choose Trip Planners India? 

If you are looking to visit Spiti, then undoubtedly, the best time to visit this area is in summer. However, if you are not able to plan your vacation in the summer, then it can be risky to visit this area alone at other times of the year. With the assistance of the best tour planners in India, you can visit Spiti Valley at any time you like. At Trip Planners India, we have partnered up with various local guides who know the place like the back of their palm. We can arrange for permits and passes and see that you have a smooth trip. So book a package with us today and embark on the vacation you need.

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