Kunzum Pass
Kunzum Pass is a stunning mountain pass in the Himalayan Kunzum Range. Kunzum Pass, at an elevation of 4,590 meters, serves as the gateway to Spiti Valley from both Lahaul and Kullu. The fifteen hairpin curves along the way are one of the most exhilarating features of Kunzum.
To reach the pass, drive 20 kilometers from Rohtang Pass and turn right at Gramphoo. While passing through it, you may see the breathtaking Bara-Sigri glacier, which is one of the world’s longest glaciers. On one side, there is Spiti Valley, while on the other, there are various peaks of the Chandra-Bhaga range. Kunzum mountain is also the source of the Spiti River.
The Kunzum Pass is one of India’s highest motorable passes, acting as a connecting route between the Lahaul and Spiti valleys. It is located 122 kilometers from Manali town and leads to Kaza town. Kunzum Pass is a photographer’s paradise! Beautiful glaciers, snow-capped peaks, and the valley beyond provide excellent photographic opportunities.
It is also one of the most traveled mountain passes, with bikers and adventure seekers flocking to experience the excitement of the turns. The pass also contains a shrine dedicated to Goddess Kunzum Devi, a deity who guards the route and protects travelers from bad forces. Visitors on their way to Kunzum Pass stop at the temple to seek blessings.
How To Reach
To go to Kunzum Pass, one may take HRTC buses or rent a private taxi from Manali. The drive takes six to seven hours from Manali to Kunzum Pass. Bhuntar is the closest airport to Kunzum Pass located 50 km from Manali and 170 km from Kunzum Pass. In addition to the pass, one can go to Manali from the airport via buses or autos. The narrow gauge Joginder Nagar railway station, which is 50 km away, is the closest train station to Kunzum Pass. From there, one can book taxis to Kunzum Pass.
Best Time To Visit
The second week of June through September is the ideal time to visit Kunzum Pass, with the exception of August, when it is closed due to the monsoon and winter seasons. Heavy snowfall during the winter months of October through April causes the Kunzum Pass to sometimes remain closed.
Despite being open during August’s rainy season, one shouldn’t schedule a visit because of the possibility of landslides and slick roads.
Nearby Places to Visit
Bara Shigri Glacier:
Bara Shigri, the biggest glacier in Himachal Pradesh, is located in the Chandra Valley. It is a 3 km by 25 km long glacier that is located on the central slope of the Himalayan hills.
Baralacha La:
This pass, which is 75 kilometers from Keylong, is a popular stop along the Manali-Leh road. The pass connects the Zanskar Valley and Pir Panjal, two of India’s most famous mountain ranges.
Losar
Situated at an elevation of 4,085 meters above sea level, Losar hamlet in Spiti Valley lies close to the Indo-Chinese border. Situated at the farthest point of the Spiti Valley, which shares many physical similarities with Ladakh, is its location. Losar is home to beautiful mountains, breathtaking views, and stunning rivers that attract visitors with their unmatched beauty.
Popular Kunzum Pass Tour Packages
- 9N/10D
Starting from INR From ₹ 23,550/
- Shimla, Kalpa, Kaza, Manali
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- 9N/10D
Starting from INR From ₹ 19,899/
- Manali, Kaza, Tabo, Kullu
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- 8N/9D
Starting from INR From ₹,18,299/
- Delhi, Shimla, Sangla, Kalpa, Tabo, Kaza, Manali
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- 7N/8D
Starting from INR From ₹,22,799/
- Shimla, Sarahan, Kalpa, Kaza, Manali
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- 7N/8D
Starting from INR From ₹,17,800/
- Shimla, kalpa, Tabo, Kaza, Manali
Request A Personalized Package
- 7N/8D
Starting from INR From ₹,18,800/
- Shimla, Kalpa, Kaza, Manali
Request A Personalized Package
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Kunzum Pass?
Kunzum Pass (Tibetan: Kunzum La, elevation 4,551 m/14,931 ft) is a high mountain pass located in the eastern Kunzum Range of the Himalayas. It connects the Lahaul and Spiti valleys. It is located on the route between Gramphoo in Lahaul and Kaza.
Is it safe to drive from Manali to Spiti Valley?
The Border Road Organization repairs the road from September to October, and it improves significantly; yet, it remains prone to dry-rock landslides and stones. From Rohtang to Batal and Losar, the road improves with a few cracks and water crossings.
Which is better: Shimla or Manali to Spiti?
We advocate traveling to Spiti via Shimla-Kinnaur for a multitude of reasons, all of which are fantastic! This path provides access to the Spiti Valley virtually year-round, particularly during the early summer and winter months, as opposed to the Manali-Kaza route, which is only accessible from June to October.
What's the distinction between Spiti and Spiti Valley?
The word “Spiti” translates as “the middle land,” referring to the region between Tibet and India. Spiti consists primarily of the valley of the Spiti River and the valleys of other rivers that flow into it. The Pin valley and the Lingti valley are two of Spiti’s most significant side valleys.
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