Route guide
A trans-Himalayan descent from Spiti to the plains: routes, buses and tips.
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At a glance
• Distance: 470–540 km
• Driving time: 16–22 hours
• Minimum 2 days (3 recommended)
Plan an overnight stop in Manali or Reckong Peo.
Route A · Summer only
Langza → Kaza → Losar → Kunzum Pass → Batal → Gramphu → Atal Tunnel → Manali → Mandi → Kiratpur Sahib → Chandigarh
~470 km · 16–18 hours over 2 days
Open roughly mid-June to mid-October.
Route B · All-weather
Langza → Kaza → Tabo → Nako → Reckong Peo → Karcham → Rampur → Shimla → Solan → Kalka → Chandigarh
~540 km · 20–22 hours over 2–3 days
Open most of the year, including winter.
By bus
• Taxi Langza to Kaza: ₹800–₹1,200
• HRTC Kaza to Manali or Shimla
• Volvo onward to Chandigarh: 6–8 hrs
Total budget: about ₹2,000–₹3,500 per person.
Costs
• Self-drive SUV: ₹6,000+ in fuel
• Private cab from Kaza: ₹15,000+
• Bhuntar–Chandigarh flight: ~45 min
Kaza has the last reliable fuel pump.
Before you go
• Acclimatise in Kaza for a day or two
• Cross glacial streams in the morning
• Use engine braking on descents
Download offline maps; coverage is patchy.
Plan your trip
Both routes, buses, costs, fuel, safety and FAQs.
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