It is a dream of everybody to visit Spiti at least once in their lifetime but to make that visit really special one should come to know the best time to visit Spiti Valley. When planning to go on Spiti Valley trip package, ensure that you go at an opportune time when the roads are clear, when the skies are blue and the mountains are providing you with a warm and cozy welcome.
Driving or riding in this distant and high land is enchanted under the right conditions. Whether it is a dream to do some camping around Chandratal, or a bike trip to Spiti over the pass, it may be the right time that makes the difference between the adventure you will have or you will not.
Why Does Timing Truly Matter?
When visiting Spiti, it is not only a matter of the time of the year. Access and difficulty are some of the reasons why. The first thing to consider when using the roads to travel is whether the road and traffic are in good condition to make your journey comfortable which is true to all forms of transports including the bike, car, and even adventure sports such as river rafting, biking and skiing.
The guide will also dissect when to visit Spiti Valley and how a Spiti bike trip can be more suitable in each of the months in relation to the kind of traveller. No matter whether you are on your long desired hike, seeking simple and plain tranquility, or on a trek camping trip up the mountain, timing your visit will determine your entire experience.
What is the best visiting time of Spiti Valley?
These are the seasons which vary in a year in Spiti Valley, and what they respectively offer to the travellers.
You can use this as a guideline in planning the best trip and book your Spiti tour with Himachal Stay.
Spiti Valley in Summer Season (Between May & September)
The most good time to visit Spiti Valley is during summer till about May to September, which is generally regarded as the most good time to visit Spiti Valley.
These months are the only days now that weather is bearably warm to open up the roads including the challenging Manali-Kaza highway over Kunzum Pass. Temperatures of the day go between 10o C and 20o C which is comfortable to ride, hike and camp.
What is the main attractions in Spiti Valley?
The main attractions such as Key Monastery, Chandratal Lake, and Dhankar Monastery become accessible and all the local homestays are operational. The skies are also clear and therefore a feature of stargazing. The nights in Spiti during summer are the ones that would get perfect chance to observe a glow of a sky full of stars. Festivals and locality are vibrant giving you a complete cultural experience.
What are the top things to consider?:
- All the roads are open by June; there may be some snow at the onset of May.
- Even during summer the evenings are cool. Pack warm layers.
- It is high tourist season, and it will have a greater number of tourists, hence early booking of homestays.
Spiti Valley In Monsoon (August to October)
Spiti is in a rain-shadow region, and, therefore, it does not get heavy rains as the lower parts of Himalaya. However, the approach roads, particularly the Shimla ones, can be prone to landslides, and water crossing.
August has fewer tourists, greenery and a quiet and flawless location should you not wish so many tourists. The effect of rain could make the roads unstable and travellers should be flexible and check the local conditions.
The months of September and early October offer clear skies, clear views and serene atmosphere as the valley anticipates the arrival of the winter season. It is also a beautiful time especially to the photographers and nature lovers who love the clear skies and the soft light.
Autumn (September – Mid October)
This is a secret season; this is a season of stability in post-monsoon and bright clear weather and temperatures being at a low of around 5o C to 15o C the best of both worlds as far as photography is concerned.
The scenery is flaunting the autumn colours and the monasteries in the fine blue sky are particularly mysterious. Since the number of tourists to attend to will be reduced, you will enjoy the Spiti Valley experience in a less hectic atmosphere.
Stargazing time is also still good this time as the skies are clear and nights are less stormy. Homestays remain open but the demand dwindles hence this would be an opportune moment in the face of the budget traveller.
Spiti Valley in Winter (November to March)
In Spiti, winters can be harsh: they can drop to -20o C and the large amounts of snow can make several routes impassable. The Manali-Kaza road is usually shut and the Shimla-Kaza road can allow some road traffic, although at the expense.
Hotels are operating very few, homestays are few and there is no infrastructure. Others who are extra adventurous travellers visit during snow-treks or winter festivals but this is only among the very prepared.
Hence be prepared to carry the right winter gear that you need to survive, including thermal clothing, high altitude sleeping bags, and additional fuel or supplies.
What are the top tips to plan your trip right?
This is how you can coordinate your travel style on the right time of the year so that the best time to visit Spiti Valley is considered:
- First Time Visitors: Choose the months of July to early June since the weather is warm and the roads are open.
- Adventure Seekers: The best type of adventure during summer would be the Trekking, camping and high altitude drive.
- Photographers: The clear sky and golden landscapes are in at the end of the month of September/ at the start of October.
- Budget Travellers: The best month is August-October. The location will be of smaller crowds and will be homestay friendly.
- Hardcore Winter Lovers: You should not only go between late January to February, but with complete preparation.
Conclusion
In case, the bare mountain landscape, glowing monasteries and starry skies are your dream then, the best time to visit Spiti Valley actually depends on the type of adventure you desire.
Most travellers will love summer (May-September) the weather is pleasant, the roads are open and life is alive. Autumn (September-October) is enchanted in order to get fewer crowds and excellent photography to achieve peace. And, even as chilly as winter is, it bears the dauntless perquisites of snow in its enchanted land, And in cold, cold, dirty severity.
Decide well, think in advance and you deal with Spiti and you change your way of travelling forever.
FAQ’s
What is the best month to visit Spiti Valley?
The best would be June-early July through Manali or May- July through Shimla.
What is the time of the year Spiti Valley shuts down?
During winter, the Manali-Kaza highway is closed between 3 months in a year (November to March) during the winter.
How many days will be enough in the Spiti Valley?
This would be enough to see Kaza, Chandratal, and Key Monastery as well as the villages in between, 7-10 days.
Is Spiti colder than Ladakh?
Both Spiti and Ladakh are quite cold, and, however, in the winter season, it is sometimes colder in Spiti.
