Some trips are about reaching your destination, but Manali to Kaza is a whole different experience to cherish for a lifetime! It’s not your usual drive, it’s a wild one!
The journey of Manali to Kaza road trip stretches around 200 Kilometers, this route takes you to towards Spiti Valley passing through the high-altitude passes like Rohtang La and Kunzum La! Crossing the water streams, witnessing the dramatic views and traveling along the narrow passages is what you get in your Manali to Kaza trip.
The Manali to Kaza road is open only a few months a year (usually June to October), and while it’s not always smooth sailing but absolutely worth it for the experience. You must plan your Spiti tour package after knowing the road conditions in Spiti, travel tips, route details and much more from this guide.
Manali to Kaza Route: Highlights
Manali to Kaza road trip can be done typically in 2 days, and the best time to embark the Spiti bike adventure is during mid June to mid October.
- Manali to Kaza distance: 200 Kilometers
- Time required: 9-12 hours
- Best time to travel: Mid-June to early October
- Manali to Kaza route: Manali - Atal Tunnel - Kunzum Pass - Losar - Kaza
Also check out: 8 Days Spiti Circuiting Bike Trip
Itinerary for Manali to Kaza
Here is a whole guide for the best itinerary for Manali to Kaza route.
DAY 1: Reach Manali
- Reach Manali by morning and check-in to the hotel.
- After having breakfast and some leisure, feel free to explore the local area.
- You can come back to the hotel by evening.
DAY 2: Manali to Kaza (Via Atal Tunnel)
- Start your journey early morning.
- You can go through the Atal tunnel.
- Then, at 14,931 ft you cross another high altitude pass and the gateway to the Spiti Valley - Kunzum La.
- Then, on the way you also visit the highest suspension bridge in Asia - The Chicham Bridge.
DAY 3: Visit Key Monastery, Hikkim, Komic and Langza
- You can visit the Key Monastery - the world famous center for learning and experiencing spirituality in Spiti.
- Also, visit some of the highest regions of the worls - Komic, then Hikkim and Langza.
- Stay back at Kaza for overnight.
DAY 4: Start your Journey from Kaza to Chandra Taal lake via Losar & Kunzum La
- Start coming back towards Manali.
- Make one last stop to witness the most amazing Chandratal lake.
- Later you can check into the campsite near the lake to have a stargazing experience in Spiti.
DAY 5: Start your Journey back to Manali.
- Start your way back on the Manali to Kaza road.
- Passing through some more stunning landscapes and reach Manali by afternoon.
DAY 6: Reach Delhi by Morning.
Manali to Kaza Road Status
1. Manali - Atal Tunnel
- Travel time: 1.5 - 2 hours
- The Atal Tunnel bypasses Rohtang Pass entirely, saving time and providing a smooth, all-weather route.
2. Atal Tunnel - Kunzum Pass - Losar
- This section of the road is well-maintained, with some bumpy stretches near Batal and Kunzum Pass, but overall smoother than the older Manali-Gramphu road.
- Batal - Kunzum Pass: After Batal, the climb gets steeper and more rugged, but the route remains manageable for SUVs or 4x4s.
- Kunzum Pass - Losar: The descent towards Losar is steep but manageable. The road is rough gravel for most of the stretch, but it gradually improves as you approach Losar.
3. Losar - Kaza
- This stretch is more comfortable, and the road is mostly bumpy but not as tough as the stretch before Kunzum Pass.
So, here is what you should know about Manali to Kaza road status before coming on your Manali to Kaza route.
- Manali - Atal Tunnel: Paved, smooth, and well-maintained
- Atal Tunnel - Batal: Gravel and rocky, sometimes rough.
- Batal - Kunzum Pass: Steep, rocky, narrow, off-road conditions
- Kunzum Pass - Losar - Kaza: Gravel with some steep descents, overall moderate difficulty
Vehicle Options for Manali to Kaza Route
Here are some reccomendations for covering the Manali to Kaza road trip.
1. SUVs and 4x4 Vehicles
SUVs and 4x4 vehicles have the required ground clearance, durability, and stability to handle these terrains comfortably.
Recommended Models:
- Toyota Fortuner, Mahindra Thar, Jeep Compass, Tata Safari, Land Rover Defender
2. Bikes
If you're someone who loves adventure and the freedom of the open road, riding a best motorcycle from Manali to Kaza could be the ultimate experience.
Recommended Models:
- Royal Enfield Himalayan, Bajaj Dominar 400 and KTM Duke 390
If you plan to travel during the summer months and the Manali to Kaza road conditions are clear (without snow or heavy rainfall), a high-performance sedan might be feasible, especially for those looking for more comfort
Recommended Models:
- Skoda Octavia, Honda city, Toyota Corolla and Hyundai Elantra
Travel Tips for Manali to Kaza Road Trip
- You should spend a night in Losar to adjust to the higher altitudes.
- Travel between June to October for optimal Manali to Kaza road conditions.
- Bring warm clothes, rain gear and sunscreen with you.
- Opt for SUVs or Motorbikes for your adventure.
- Fuel up in Manali because you would not be able to find more of petrol pumps throughout your Manali to Kaza route.
- You should get the Rohtang Pass and Inner Line Permit if needed.
- Prepare for no mobile signal; use offline maps.
- Also, carry enough cash with you as you won’t find more of ATMs in your Manali to Kaza trip.
