10 Days in Spiti: How to Travel to the Cold Dessert?
Spiti is also known as the “Middle Land,” as it lies between Tibet and India! It is the most beautiful hill station I have visited, yet. The picturesque landscapes seem like something out of a painting. With monasteries adorning this valley and mountains stretching up to as far as the eye can see, Spiti is a place every Indian would like to visit, once in their lifetime and for good reason! Located in Himachal Pradesh, Spiti Valley is a cold desert mountain valley that offers surreal views and raw Himalayan beauty. Below you will find how you can explore Spiti in 10 days, along with routes, bus timings, itinerary, cost-cutting tips, and stay options. Also, if you are planning to explore Kinnaur along with Spiti, read my detailed guide – Kinnaur Travel Guide Spiti looks stunning throughout the year, and each season offers a completely different experience. Ideally, you’d want to visit it more than once to truly witness its changing moods, from spring to deep winter. If you’re drawn to greenery, blooming wildflowers, and clear skies, the best time to visit is between June and August. The valley comes alive with bursts of colour, and the roads are mostly open, making it easier to explore. On the other hand, if you’re after the raw, rugged beauty of “Winter Spiti”, the months from December to March are perfect. Expect snow-covered villages, frozen rivers, and the chance to experience Spiti’s remote charm at its most untouched. Be prepared, though — winters in Spiti are harsh, with temperatures often dropping below -20°C, limited homestay availability, and only the Shimla-Reckong Peo-Kaza route remains open (the Manali route stays closed). Note: Women get a 25% discount on local public transport in Himachal Pradesh To reach Spiti Valley from Delhi, you must reach Kinnaur district in Himachal. I took an overnight HRTC or Himachal Road Transport Corporation bus from Delhi to Chandigarh. It gave me a chance to explore the little corners of Chandigarh until I boarded my bus to Reckong Peo. From Chandigarh, you can get a deluxe bus that leaves in the evening at 5:50 PM, 6 PM, and 7 PM. Alternatively, you can also take a bus directly from Delhi at 8 PM to Reckong Peo. The price of the direct bus to Reckong Peo is about INR 1000 and takes almost 19 hours to reach. Once you reach Reckong Peo, there are many things you can do, even in a day. Planning to explore Reckong Peo? Read our guide here – Kinnaur Travel Guide Also Read – Chitkul Travel Guide Local Buses There are two buses that leave from Reckong Peo to Nako – 7:00 AM and 1:00 PM. The best would be to take the 7:00 AM bus, as you will have more time to explore Nako when you arrive and experience the golden hour (sunset). Also, make sure to buy the tickets as early as possible (preferably the previous day or whenever the counter opens). This is because the travellers who are travelling from Shimla buy tickets while coming from Shimla. And, if you do not buy the tickets in advance, you will be able to board the bus nonetheless, but you will be deprived of a seat for the entire journey of 4 hours. It takes about four to five hours to reach Nako from Reckong Peo and costs approximately INR 160 per person. The bus stops only once in between for breakfast for around 20 minutes. There will be many dhabas and restaurants to choose from, and all of them serve decent food. Shared Cabs/Taxis If you would prefer to take a taxi, you can opt for a shared taxi, which would be either a Bolero or a Sumo or a similar vehicle, leaving for Nako every morning. It will cost you more than a bus and yet, is a cheaper option, ranging from ₹300 – ₹500 per person. With fewer stops than a bus, the taxi will reach Nako faster. You can board one directly from the Reckong Peo taxi stand, early in the morning. Other Options The other option would be to book a private cab, which will cost you around ₹3000 – ₹3,500 or rent a self-drive car or a motorcycle, if you would like to ride by yourself. However, make sure that you are confident enough to drive in these terrains as they are quite prone to landslides. I stayed at Hotel Zambala, as it gave me a wonderful view of the lake from my room. They have the option to have a bonfire at night, where you can sit beside the lake and enjoy the warmth. Nako is a part of Kinnaur district; however, since the village lies in a sensitive restricted region that lies along the Tibet border, it is one of the lesser-explored places. Also, only BSNL works here, and I would suggest you download offline maps along with the necessary information, as internet connectivity is quite unreliable. Bonus: Hidden Gems I did not explore these places due to a lack of time, but if you have some, do explore these least-explored places: Local buses There are two buses which leave from Nako, each with its own perks. It will take approximately 2 to 2.5 hours through the beautiful valley of Spiti, where you can see the steep valley below along with the gorgeous Spiti River running amidst it. The fare is about INR 80 per person. The bus stops once in between for lunch for around 20 minutes, where you can drink tea and chill for a while. Also, the BSNL signal is available at this place. Other Options: The other options are to hitchhike, take a shared cab/taxi or hire a private cab. A private cab would, of course, cost you the most but give you more flexibility. Alternatively, you can also rent a self-driving car or a motorcycle. I stayed in a common room of the monastery. Not only is it cheap, but very serene and peaceful, too. The bathrooms aren’t