This might sound like an outlandish idea to visit the Spiti Valley in the winter months but this part of Zanskar & Great Himalayas is a soulful retreat for a Himalayan lover. The beauty of winter in the Himalayas lies in no crowd, snow-covered terrains, no electricity, and no internet — absolute peace.

4 Reasons for Visiting Spiti in Winter

Less to no crowd: You can admire the pure scenery of the white desert mountainscape. Experience the sound of silence and the slow pace of mountain life in sync with snowflakes falling softly on the ground.

Experience the Spitian lifestyle: Learn how the people of Spiti survive and thrive in bone-chilling temperatures and hostile environments. Stay in Spitian homestays offer a taste of local cuisine and essential skills for surviving the mountains.

Travel on a shoestring budget: Accommodation and food will be cheaper than the peak season of July-September.

Whitescapes of Spiti Valley: Winter landscape of the Himalayan mountains is one of the best enlightening experiences one can have. Experiencing live snowfall for the first time should be #1 on your bucket list.

How To Reach Spiti Valley in Winters?

Chandigarh to Shimla: Drive on National Highway 5 ( Chandigarh - Kalka - Solan - Shimla) Distance 115km

Shimla to Narkanda: Around 2 hours drive. Distance 55km

Narkanda to Rampur Bushahr: 2 hours Drive. Distance 66kms on NH5

Rampur Bushahr to Powari: Distance 88 km on NH5( A road diverges from Powari to Reckong Peo & Kalpa)

Powari - Nako: Around 3 hours drive (100 km) via NH505

Nako - Tabo Monastery: Around 2 hours drive (63.0 km) via NH505

Tabo - Kaza: Around 1-hour drive: Distance 50km via NH505.

Winter drive to Spiti Valley

It gets really cold (-20°C to - 30°C) out there. Starting a diesel vehicle gets really taxing especially in the morning when the temperature is low. Sometimes you need to keep the engine running the whole night long. Make sure your fuel tank is full or at least more than half and carry a backup battery with you.

Resource: Winter Road Trip To Spiti Valley