IDEAL TIME TO VISIT SPITI: The months from mid May to October are the ideal time to visit Spiti.

GETTING TO SPITI:There are 2 routes to get to Spiti:

1. Delhi-Shimla-Rekong Peo-Kaza (approx. 790 kms):

2. Delhi-Manali-Kaza (approx. 763 kms):

Delhi-Manali (550 kms.): Buses ply regularly (mornings & evenings daily) between Delhi and Manali (approx. 14 hrs). Flights are also available to Bhuntar (approx. 1 hr), from where buses and taxis are available to Manali (approx. 2 hrs.)

Manali- Kaza(213 kms.): From Manali 2 buses ply daily and start early in the morning. This route is open only in the summer months (June to October), and it is hence advisable to confirm the status of the road before starting this journey. The other option is to hire a taxi, either individually or on a share basis (approx. 9 hrs).

PERMITS: For foreign nationals coming via Rekong Peo permits are required which can be made at the DC Office (District Collectorate) at Shimla or Rekong Peo, as a part of the stretch between Rekong Peo and Kaza falls in the Inner Line of the international border with China. Passport details are also required to be entered at various locations while entering Spiti. Permits are usually made for a group of 4 or more. For individual travelers, the best bet is to approach a travel agent for getting the permit.
For foreign nationals coming via Manali, permits are not required although passport details are noted at the entry point in Spiti. For those interested in going to Kinnaur, permits can be obtained in Kaza form the ADC office.

FITNESS LEVELS:
As the Spiti Valley is located between an altitude of 3300 mts to 5000 mts, it is advisable that travelers with pre existing problems of the heart, lungs or anemia should consult their doctor before this trip. High Altitude Pulmonary Edema is a major threat for those having serious lung and breathing problems.
For those interested in trekking, levels of physical fitness should be good.

THINGS TO BRING:
The travelers should bring with them clothing consisting of layers which can be added or removed as the temperature varies considerably from day to night. One should carry a warm windproof jacket, sweater, comfortable trekking shoes, sun screen lotion, sun glasses, a salve for the lips, a hat, scarf, tissue papers, flashlights, can opener, personal medicines, water bottle, etc. For those visiting Spiti from October to May it is advisable to carry ample warm clothing including warm under clothing, gloves, woolen cap and socks, feather jackets, etc. It is recommended not to over exert oneself during the trip and to drink plenty of fluids.

ROAD CONDITIONS WITHIN SPITI:The roads in Spiti are weather beaten and the most advisable mode of transportation while traveling in these parts is by jeep. 

WEATHER: The weather in Spiti varies from extreme cold in the winters to bright and sunny in the summer. Spiti witnesses approximately 250 days of sunshine in a year. The table below gives a month wise description of the prevailing weather conditions in Spiti.
 

MEDICAL FACILITIES:Kaza (headquarters of Spiti) has a well equipped modern hospital. Primary health care centres are also available at various locations in the Spiti valley.
Spiti also has its own traditional system of medicine known as the Amchi system. Traditional doctors called Amchis are available in practically every village of Spiti.

COMMUNICATION FACILITIES:

• Phone – STD,ISD and FAX facilities are available at Kaza and Tabo.
• Internet – is available at Kaza and Tabo, though the speed is usually slow.
• Postage – Spiti has a good network of postal services.