Sitting 2,000 kms away in Kolkata, imagining barren moonscapes, ancient monasteries and snow capped passes? You’re in good company. For travellers from East India, Spiti Valley offers a dreamlike escape to the Himalayas that is as surreal as it is soulful. And yes, it can be done—if not very satisfying—by planning your high altitude trip from Kolkata.
This guide will take you through everything you need—best time of year to visit, how to get there, route options, itineraries, cost of the trip, tips for high altitude, and why you might want to consider a package with Spiti Valley Packages.
Why Spiti Valley Is Worth the Journey from Kolkata
Although the Himalayas don’t loom large from the plains of Bengal, Spiti valley offers an adventure that is hard to match in East India.
- Barren, dramatic landscapes that could easily be mistaken for Mars
- Remote, Buddhist monasteries built into mountain cliffs
- A village life that feels frozen in time and untouched by mass tourism
- Star gazing that feels truly out of this world—zero light pollution
- Less crowded than Ladakh (particularly, post-monsoon)
For solo travellers, couples, bikers, or photographers—Spiti is the rugged escape that Kolkata never had
Best Time to Visit Spiti Valley from Kolkata
Understanding Spiti’s harsh climate is crucial for your planning.
May to June – Summer Opens the Gates
- Manali–Kaza road reopens
- Lahaul-Spiti landscapes are at their greenest
- Snow remains at high passes like Kunzum
Great for first-time visitors.
July to August – Monsoon Shadows
- Risk of landslides on Shimla–Kaza road
- Lush terrain, but unpredictable road closures
Can be risky unless you’re an experienced traveller.
September to October – Photographer’s Paradise
- Clear blue skies, golden valleys
- Minimal crowds, crisp weather
- Ideal for couples, bikers, and offbeat seekers
Highly recommended window for Kolkata travelers.
November to March – Frozen Frontier
- Only Shimla–Kaza route remains open
- Sub-zero temperatures, snow-laden villages
- Requires high resilience and proper gear
Only for the truly adventurous or winter photographers.
How to Reach Spiti Valley from Kolkata
There’s no direct train or flight to Spiti, but a combination of travel modes works efficiently.
Recommended Route
Kolkata → Delhi (train/flight)
Delhi → Manali (Volvo or cab)
Manali → Spiti Circuit (Kaza → Tabo → Kalpa → Shimla)
Shimla → Delhi → Back to Kolkata
This forms the full Spiti circuit, giving you access to both Manali and Shimla sides.
Travel Options from Kolkata
- By Train: Sealdah–Delhi Rajdhani or Duronto Express (17–19 hrs)
- By Flight: Kolkata to Delhi or Chandigarh (2.5–3 hrs)
- By Bus: Overnight Volvo from Delhi to Manali (~12–14 hrs)
- By Cab: From Manali, opt for a private cab or Tempo Traveller with Spiti Valley Packages
Distance & Duration
- Kolkata to Spiti distance: ~2,100–2,300 km
- Ideal trip length: 9–12 days
9N/10D Spiti Valley Itinerary from Kolkata
Here’s a well-thought-out itinerary covering all the points of interest with plenty of downtime in-between itineraries.
Day 1: Kolkata to Delhi → Overnight Volvo Bus to Manali
Fly to Delhi or take the train, either way by evening you will be boarding the Volvo Bus to Manali which departs daily.
Day 2: Arrival in Manali → Rest
Acclimatize yourself and go light sightseeing – Hidimba Temple, Vashisht and Mall Road.
Day 3: Manali to Chandratal Lake via Atal Tunnel
Passed Solang Valley, crossed Kunzum Pass and camped near Chandratal Lake.
Day 4: Chandratal to Kaza
Drive through Losar, Hikkim (world’s highest post office), Komic and Langza.
Day 5: Explore Kaza
Key Monastery, Kibber Village, tasty local cafes and views.
Day 6: Kaza to Dhankar + Tabo
Dhankar Monastery is perched above a cliff, then you drive to the Tabo Monastery which is the oldest Monastery said to be established in 996 AD.
Day 7: Tabo to Kalpa (via Nako)
Nako Lake is an important stop on the way to Kalpa and you will enjoy some of the best Kinnaur Kailash views, without a doubt.
Day 8: Kalpa to Shimla (with a detour to Sangla)
Drive to Shimla through scenic and winding mountain roads.
Day 9: Shimla exploration + Volvo back to Delhi
Visit Mall Road and Kufri before boarding your overnight bus back to Delhi.
Day 10: Return to Kolkata
Final leg of journey by boarding flight/train from Delhi to Kolkata.
Want this plan customized?
Let Spiti Valley Packages design your perfect route with hotels, transport, and local guides.
Trip Cost for Spiti from Kolkata
Approximate Budget (per person):
- Train/Flight + Volvo: ₹5,000–7,000
- Tour package (cab, hotel, permits): ₹20,000–35,000
- Food + Entry + Extras: ₹3,000–5,000
- Total: ₹28,000–50,000 approx.
Tour Type Comparison:
- Group Tours: Economical, meet fellow travellers
- Private Cab Tour: Flexible, great for couples and families
- Backpacking: Lower cost, but limited comfort
- Bike Trip from Manali: Adventurous but physically demanding
Tip: Post-monsoon (Sept–Oct) offers the best weather with fewer tourists and fair rates.
Travel Tips for Spiti from Kolkata
- Acclimate properly. You are going to travel from sea level to over 14,000ft (~4200m). If you get altitude sickness, you may want to consider the Shimla route to help acclimate.
- Pack light. You will need thermals, windcheaters, woollens, sunscreen, lip balm, power banks and a medical kit.
- Network coverage is sparse. Only BSNL works in some Spiti villages.
- Fuel: There’s no petrol pump between Manali and Kaza so you should fuel up before you leave.
- Cash: You’ll find a limited number of ATM’s once you pass Kaza.
- Permits: Foreigners need permits. Indian citizens do not.
FAQs – Kolkata to Spiti Valley Travel
How many days are enough for Spiti from Kolkata?
9–12 days is a perfect time to comfortably do the full circuit.
Which route is better; Manali or Shimla?
Manali–Kaza is more dramatic but requires more effort. Shimla–Kaza is open longer and is better for acclimatization.
Is October a good time to travel to Spiti?
Yes, You’ll get post-monsoon clarity, golden scenery and empty roads.
Is it safe to travel from Kolkata to Spiti on a bike?
Yes, as long as you begin from Manali or Delhi. Be prepared for altitude and rough terrain.
What is the cheapest way to get to Spiti from Kolkata?
Take the train to Delhi and join a group tour Or shared cab from Manali using Spiti Valley Packages.
Why Book Your Trip with Spiti Valley Packages
For a good reason, thousands of travellers from East India have chosen to travel with us:
- Local operators with rich experience in the Spiti terrain
- Professionally trained drivers and listed accommodations and stays
- Tailored itineraries for Kolkata-based travel with reasonable pricing
- 24/7 travel support, emergency support, and transparent booking processes
- Trusted by 10,000+ travellers | 4.9+ google reviews
Final Thoughts
Spiti Valley is more than a cold desert, it can also be a bucket-list experience. And if it requires a little distance, then so be it! With proper planning, time, and a local team supporting you, even a location far away can become another memorable chapter in your travel experience.
Ready to escape the ordinary?
📞 Call/WhatsApp us now → 7018537498
🌐 Visit SpitiValleyPackages.com
🧭 Let Spiti Valley Packages plan your perfect trip from Kolkata.
Also read: Chandratal in September – Weather, Camping & Complete Travel Guide (2025)