Which cellular network works in Spiti valley.

BSNL works in all regions of Spiti valley and Kinnaur. Reliance Jio is expanding its network in Spiti valley. It is expected to get functional by the summer of 2021.

What to pack for Spiti valley?

In summers, the maximum temperature crosses the 20 degrees Celcius mark in Spiti valley. During sunny daytime, you’ll feel comfortable just by wearing a t-shirt and trousers. It is always good to get wrapped in layers of clothes as the weather can change anytime in the Himalayas. Even if the sun starts shining again, you can always get rid of the outer layers of clothing. Here is the packing list (summers) for Spiti valley: T-shirts. A windcheater/ rain jacket. Jeans/trousers. Light woolen. A cap/hat. Sunglasses. A pair of hiking shoes. 3/4 pairs of regular socks. A water purifier and filtration bottle (avoid plastic bottle). Personal hygiene essentials. Sunscreen sunblock cream. Spiti valley packing list (for winters): A pair of good quality waterproof trekking boots. Three pairs of cotton socks. Two pairs of waterproof hiking pants. One pair of shorts Two pairs of fleece jumpers. Two pairs of thermal tops and bottoms One down jacket. Headgear (1 beanie/skull cap, 1 buff, and 1 trekking cap). A pair of thick gloves Personal hygiene essentials(alcohol-based gel hand sanitizer, soap, towels, toilet papers, baby wipes, etc.). UV-block sunglasses. First aid kit. A water purifier and filtration bottle.

What is Spiti valley famous for?

Spiti valley is acclaimed for its distinctive Moon-esque landscapes and interesting landforms. 5 entities that define the Spiti valley are: Chandratal — .the lake of moon. Buddhist monasteries of Ki, Kaza, Kungri, and Tabo. Snow leopards of Kibber — the grey ghost of the Himalayas. Fascinating Tibetan culture and customs. Fossils — dating back to the Triassic period (252-201 million years ago) — of Langza village.

How to reach Spiti valley from Shimla?

Shimla to Narkanda-Rampur Bushahr-Powari-Pooh-Dubling village drive is on NH5. Dubling village to Nako-Tabo-Kaza drive is on NH505. Kaza is the headquarter of Spiti valley. During winters, Shimla-Narkanda-Rampur road gets closed for a day or two whenever there is a long spell of snowfall. In such events, take the Shimla-Suni-Rampur Bushahr route along the Satluj river. This route stays open for all 365 days of the year.

How to reach Spiti valley from Manali (via Atal tunnel)?

The road from Manali follows the Solang Valley-Atal tunnel-Gramphu-Batal-Kunzum Pass-Losar-Kaza route. The distance from Manali to Kaza is 183 km and it takes about 4-5 hours to reach Kaza. Manali-Kaza is a shorter route than the Shimla-Kaza route.

How to reach Spiti valley from Delhi?

You need to follow Ambala-Zirakpur Expressway on National Highway(NH) 44 and Zirakpur to Shimla (111 km) on NH5 in Himachal Pradesh. Shimla to Narkanda-Rampur Bushahr-Powari-Pooh-Dubling village drive is on NH5. Dubling village to Nako-Tabo-Kaza drive is on NH505. Kaza is the headquarter of Spiti valley.

Is Spiti Valley Circuit doable In October?

Yes. The circuit is doable in October, though, the weather gets highly erratic -- after September -- in high altitude regions of Kinnaur, Spiti valley and Lahaul valley.

Is The Spiti Valley Circuit Doable In March?

No. The Manali-Spiti route gets closed when thick layers of snow blankets the Kunzum pass in November/December. The traffic movement resumes only after March month.

When Does Road To Spiti Valley Open?

Though the Manali to Spiti valley route gets closed — most often after November/early December till March — during winters, the Shimla-Narkanda-Rampur-Nako-Kaza road stays open even during wintertime. During long spells of snowfall, Shimla-Kaza road may get closed for a day or two. BRO team from Project Deepak and local administration employs dozers, snow cutters, and excavators to clear the snow and reopen the route after a spell of snow the route. Ping us to get the latest road and connectivity updates.

How experienced is my trekking guide for Auden’s Col trek?

Our guides are certified and have been trekking the Himalayas for decades(all are local guides). They are well equipped and well versed with the terrain, the route, the people, the Himalayan wildlife and its culture. We were featured in the National Geographic Traveler magazine for the 3 passes expedition(i.e. Patangini - Auden’s Col - Mayali pass) of June 2017.

Blog Archives | Raacho Trekkers

Parang-La Pass Trek Log

Zanskar peaks towering over the Tso Moriri lake

On my return to Mud village of Spiti valley (from the Pin-Parvati trek), I was surprised to find Simon, a traveller from the UK (Birmingham), still staying at Mud. He was there for the past 10 days. The next day, on 4th Aug, after an early breakfast, I caught the 7 AM bus (along with… Continue reading Parang-La Pass Trek Log

Manirang Pass Trek Log

Manirang Pass Trek Itinerary Day 1: Mud Village to Mane. Mane village to Manirang base camp 2nd of August Took a bus from Mud village to Mane village. Trekked to Manirang Base camp near Mor Nala (a stream or rivulet). Coordinates (lat 31.97792N, long 78.31715E). Day 2: Manirang base camp to advance base camp 3rd… Continue reading Manirang Pass Trek Log

Crossing the Himalayas: From Leh To Kathmandu

The 28-year-old French adventurer Eliott Schonfeld, winner of the GEO Adventure contest, crossed the Himalayan chains on foot and on horseback from August to December 2017. After four and a half months of trudging in trans-Himalaya, he gradually got rid of the modern comforts & paraphernalia. The aim was to replace the products of modern… Continue reading Crossing the Himalayas: From Leh To Kathmandu

Exploration Of Peaks in Kinnaur & Spiti Valley of Indian Himalaya

We went to Kinnaur and Spiti region in the summer of 2014 to explore the untrodden virgin peaks. Our expedition team consists of five members, Akira Taniguchi, Masahiro Fukumoto, Masayasu Murakami, Etsuko Kobayashi, and Kimikazu Sakamoto (Leader). We are so much interested in the Spiti area, being impressed with the book “Spiti – Adventure in… Continue reading Exploration Of Peaks in Kinnaur & Spiti Valley of Indian Himalaya

Kedartal Lake – A Trekker’s Dream

Kedartal, as the name indicates its Lord Shiva’s lake. The legend says Shiva created this lake as a contribution to River Bhagirathi. The lake is believed to be the origin of Kedar Ganga, a tributary to Bhagirathi which joins the river at Gangotri. But, in that landscape, you happen to see Kedar Ganga originating from… Continue reading Kedartal Lake – A Trekker’s Dream

My solo trip to Spiti Valley in Winter

Better late than never. After multiple attempts to convince my parents, I finally completed my FIRST ever solo trip to Spiti valley in frigid winters. Like every first thing, it was special. So, I chose a special destination for this, SPITI Valley. Yes, the most beautiful, serene, and one of the most exotic places in… Continue reading My solo trip to Spiti Valley in Winter

How Lamkhaga Pass Trek Made Chitkul Worth Visiting?

On top of the Lamkhaga pass

The Lamkhaga pass trekking is an amazing but exhausting experience. We trekked through beautiful villages, farm terraces, river streams, forests, and suspension bridges. Jaw-dropping views compensated for the boulder-strewn terrain & strenuous climb. 8 to 12 hours of trekking on average every day. Lamkhaga Pass The route to the Lamkhaga Pass is exceptionally scenic with… Continue reading How Lamkhaga Pass Trek Made Chitkul Worth Visiting?

Why Auden’s Col Trek Should Be On #1 Expedition Trek List?

This picture was taken while crossing the infamous Khatling Glacier after (safely) descending from Auden's Col. We got a clear window of couple of days to safely negotiate glacier in relatively good weather.

Last 25 days I have been to the most exotic yet most secluded corners of Indian Himalayas. I have hiked and climbed one of the most challenging and dangerous regions during this expedition. I was extremely lucky to witness some incredible landscapes and was lucky to see it’s fascinating yet unique wildlife. Auden’s Col Expedition… Continue reading Why Auden’s Col Trek Should Be On #1 Expedition Trek List?

Snow Leopard Photography Tour : Spiti Valley’s Kibber WLS

The Trinity | Snow Leopards resting in a cave | Kibber wildlife sanctuary

It may feel bizarre to drive to Kinnaur and Spiti valley during wintertime, but for a die-hard solitude seeker — with a goal to unplug and get off-grid, spot endangered Snow leopards & other rare wildlife in Kibber wildlife sanctuary and learn how the people of Spiti valley survive in freezing sub-zero temperatures — the… Continue reading Snow Leopard Photography Tour : Spiti Valley’s Kibber WLS

Smitten by Sangla village of Kinnaur

Sangla – A blend of culture and natural beauty

Smitten by Sangla Visiting Kinnaur and spending some time with the locals was high on my bucket list for a long time. Finally, I got a chance to check out the Chitkul village in Sangla valley before our Lamkhaga Pass trek in May 2017, thanks to the impeccable planning of Gautam Baliga ji. On the… Continue reading Smitten by Sangla village of Kinnaur