Spiti Valley Winter Trip 2026 from Delhi & Shimla

Planning your trip

When do the Spiti winter trips depart?
Delhi to Delhi batches leave Delhi every Saturday night. Shimla to Shimla travellers join the same group in Shimla on Sunday morning. See Dates and Rates above for the current departures.

How cold does Spiti get in winter?
In October, days are cool and nights drop below freezing. From December to February, daytime temperatures stay around or below 0°C, and nights can fall to –20°C or lower. Pack for sub-zero weather on every departure.

Is the road to Spiti open in winter?
The Manali–Kaza road over Kunzum Pass closes after the first heavy snowfall, usually by November. This trip uses the Shimla–Kinnaur route, which stays open all year. It can still close for a day or two after heavy snow.

What's the difference between the Delhi and Shimla packages?
The Delhi to Delhi package (from ₹17,999) includes the overnight Volvo bus from Delhi to Shimla and back. The Shimla to Shimla package (from ₹15,999) is for travellers who make their own way to Shimla. You join the group there on Day 2 morning and leave on Day 8 evening.

Where and when does the trip start?
The Delhi bus leaves Kashmere Gate ISBT at about 10 PM on Saturday. Please report 45 minutes early. Shimla travellers join at [Shimla pickup point] at about 7 AM on Sunday.

I'm travelling from another city. When should I reach Delhi?
Reach Delhi by 4 PM on the departure day. On the last day, the bus gets back to Delhi early in the morning, so book onward flights or trains after 2 PM.

What's included

What does the package include?
6 nights in hotels and local homestays, 6 breakfasts and 6 dinners, a Tempo Traveller for the whole mountain route, inner line permits for Indian nationals, a trip leader, and an oxygen cylinder and first aid kit in the vehicle. The Delhi package also includes the Volvo bus both ways.

Is lunch included?
No. We stop at local dhabas and cafés for lunch each day, and you pay for your own meal. We recommend carrying some energy bars and dry snacks, since options are limited on long drive days.

Do I need a permit for Spiti?
Indian nationals need an inner line permit for parts of the route near the border. We arrange it, and it's included in the price. Foreign nationals need a Protected Area Permit, which costs ₹1,500 per person extra. Bring your passport, visa, a copy of each, and 2 passport-size photos.

Will I see Chandratal Lake on this trip?
No. The road to Chandratal is snowed in during winter, and the lake is usually closed from about November to May. This trip covers the Kinnaur and Spiti circuit instead.

Stays and daily life

Are the homestays warm in winter?
Homestays heat the main rooms with a bukhari (wood stove) and give you thick quilts. Firewood is scarce, so the stove runs for only a few hours in the evening. Bring warm layers for sleeping. A rechargeable hot water bag helps a lot.

Is there running water and a proper bathroom?
In the depth of winter, water pipes freeze, so most Spiti homestays use dry toilets and heat water in buckets. Hotels in Sarahan, Sangla and Kalpa usually have regular bathrooms. Carry wet wipes, tissues and toilet paper.

Will my phone work? Are there ATMs?
Mobile signal is patchy, and many villages have none at all. ATMs are rare in Spiti and often don't work, so carry enough cash for the whole trip.

Health and safety

Will I get altitude sickness?
The highest point on this trip is about 4,500 m, at Komic and Hikkim. The Shimla–Kinnaur route climbs slowly over several days, which helps your body adjust. Mild headaches or breathlessness are common. Drink plenty of water, avoid alcohol, and tell your trip leader if you feel unwell. We carry an oxygen cylinder and a pulse oximeter.

Can beginners join this trip?
Yes. This is a road trip, not a trek, with only short walks at each stop. You need a reasonable level of fitness and must be ready for extreme cold. If you have heart, lung or blood pressure problems, see your doctor before booking.

Is this trip safe for solo travellers?
Yes. Most of our guests travel solo, and you'll be with a group and a trip leader the whole time. [Ops: add your room-sharing rule, e.g. "Solo travellers share rooms with others of the same gender."]

Is there an age limit?
Travellers must be 18 or older. Under-18s can join only with a parent or guardian on the same trip.

Can I see a snow leopard?
Winter is the best season for sightings, because snow leopards come down to lower slopes near Kibber. Sightings are rare and never guaranteed. You're more likely to spot Himalayan ibex and blue sheep.

Changes and cancellations

What happens if snow blocks the road?
Your trip leader will plan the best safe alternative. If the Tempo Traveller can't go on, we'll arrange 4x4 vehicles at extra cost to travellers. Extra nights or meals caused by road closures are also paid by travellers.

What if the trip is cancelled because not enough people book?
You'll get a free date change or a full refund. We can't cover flight or train cancellation charges, so book refundable tickets where you can.

Can I cancel my booking?
Yes. Email highfive@treksandtrails.org. Charges depend on how many days before departure you cancel. See the Cancellation Policy on this page for details.