If you are trying to plan a Spiti trip and the whole thing hinges on whether Kunzum Pass will be open in June, you are asking the right question at the right time.
But here is the honest part most blogs skip. In June, the real question is not just “is the pass open.” It is “how open, for whom, and which part of June.”
We run this route every summer. And every June, we get the same panic calls from travellers whose plan is already booked. This guide is the article we wish they had read first.
Quick Answer
Kunzum Pass in June is usually one of the main opening months, but the first week of June can still be unpredictable. Mid to late June is the safer June window if you want a smoother crossing.
Road open does not always mean sedan friendly. In early June, the surface can still be broken, icy in patches, and only safely driven by a high clearance SUV.
Also, Kunzum opening and Chandratal readiness are not the same thing. The pass can be crossable while the Chandratal diversion road is still not fully through or the camps are not yet operational.
Bottom line. If your dates are flexible, aim for after June 15. If you are locked to early June, go with a 4×4, keep buffer days, and do not plan Chandratal on day one.
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Is Kunzum Pass Open in June?
Historically yes. Kunzum Pass is the entrance to Spiti Valley from the Lahaul side, and June is the month when BRO usually finishes clearing the heavy winter snow on this stretch.
But the word “usually” is doing a lot of work in that sentence. Official district guidance says the Keylong to Kaza section, which includes Kunzum, stays closed roughly from October or November to June or July.
That gives you a window, not a date. The exact year changes depending on snowfall.
A couple of real examples help here. In 2023, tourist and local movement via Kunzum was officially allowed from June 1, with timed passage between 8 am and 2 pm and a mandatory crossing out by 5 pm.
In 2025, the Manali side reopening was announced on May 30, but only for 4×4 vehicles. Sedans and low clearance cars were not cleared to attempt it.
For 2026, as of this spring, the official Lahaul-Spiti road status page listed Keylong to Kaza as closed on March 20, 2026. Local reporting that month said reopening efforts had begun, not that the road was through.
So if you are landing in Spiti in June 2026, do not assume. Check the official Lahaul-Spiti district road status page the day before you leave. Call a local operator. Then check again on departure morning.
What we tell our travellers is that in this region, yesterday’s status is not today’s truth. Pre booking tight dates based on last season is the single most common planning mistake we see.
Early June vs Late June: Which Part of June Is Better?
This is the nuance that separates a good trip from a stressful one. June is not one month in Spiti. It is three very different weeks.
First Week of June (June 1 to June 7)
This is the coin toss window. The pass may be officially open, but the road is usually fresh from clearance, which means soft patches, loose gravel, and snow walls on either side that can melt and drip onto the surface.
Water crossings on the Manali side, especially near Pagal Nala and Batal, often run at their messiest during this week because midday snowmelt hits peak flow.
Sedans should skip this week entirely. Even an Innova or Scorpio needs a confident driver. A 4×4 with an experienced local is ideal.
If your dates fall in the first week and you absolutely have to go, enter from the Shimla side. That way you reach Kunzum from Kaza only if conditions hold, and if they do not, you still get a full Spiti trip out of it.
Second Week of June (June 8 to June 15)
Things settle down. By now, most of the fresh damage has been patched, water crossings calm a little, and the road feels more driveable.
Camps near Chandratal start coming online in this window, though not all of them. You might find some tents pitched and some operators still driving up supplies.
This is also when the first proper wave of bikers arrives. If you are planning a Manali to Kaza motorcycle run, the second week of June is usually the earliest sensible start.
Late June (June 16 to June 30)
This is when Kunzum is at its most forgiving. Road surface has seen two weeks of traffic and a few patch jobs. Campsites around Chandratal are up and running. The whole route feels less like a gamble.
Late June is what we recommend to families, first time visitors, and anyone who wants to actually enjoy Spiti instead of fighting the road the entire way. Temperatures are warmer during the day, nights are still cold but bearable, and crowds have not hit July peak yet.
In our experience running trips every season, late June consistently delivers the best June experience. We push hesitant travellers toward the June 20 onward window whenever their leaves allow.
What Is the Weather Like at Kunzum Pass in June?
Kunzum Pass sits at 4,551 metres, which is 14,931 feet. At that altitude, “summer” does not mean what it means in Delhi or Chandigarh.
June days at the pass usually feel pleasant when the sun is out. Expect daytime temperatures in the 5°C to 15°C range, depending on time of day and cloud cover. When the sun hits, you can honestly stand around in a t shirt and fleece.
Nights are a different story. They drop close to 0°C or below, especially in the first half of June. Wind chill adds a brutal edge. A calm 2°C night feels normal. A windy 2°C night feels like minus 8.
Nearby June averages back this up. Kaza typically sees daytime highs around 12°C with lows near 1°C. Dhar Spiti, which is closer to the pass altitude, sees highs around 9°C and lows around minus 2°C.
So your packing strategy must cover both ends. Thermal inner layers, a heavy fleece or down jacket, a windproof outer shell, warm gloves, a cap that covers the ears, and warm socks. Sunscreen too. UV at this altitude is no joke even on cool days.
Most tourists get this wrong. They pack like they are going to Manali in June and end up shivering through Kunzum in a hoodie. One down jacket weighs almost nothing packed and saves the whole trip.
What Are the Road Conditions in June?
There are two sides to Kunzum Pass and they are not the same.
The Kaza Side
Coming up from Losar toward Kunzum, the road is generally more stable in June. BRO clears this side first because they work outward from the Kaza direction.
By mid June, the Kaza to Kunzum stretch is usually paved in most sections with a few broken patches. A sturdy sedan can manage in late June if the driver is careful. Early June still needs a higher clearance vehicle.
The climb from Losar is steady. No major water crossings, relatively predictable surface.
The Manali Side
This is where June gets rough. From the Atal Tunnel exit at Sissu, you continue through Koksar and onto the stretch that goes via Gramphu and Batal.
The road between Gramphu and Batal is honestly one of the worst regular road stretches in the Indian Himalayas in early season. Broken tarmac, loose gravel, boulder sections, and three or four water crossings that can get deep during midday snowmelt.
A sedan here is a terrible idea in June. We have seen too many cars scraping their underbellies near Pagal Nala. Even SUVs with low ground clearance struggle.
What you want is a proper SUV like a Bolero, Thar, Scorpio, or a 4×4. And you want to be doing this stretch before noon, while water levels are low. By 3 pm, the streams swell with melt.
Our drivers always cross Pagal Nala and the Batal section before 11 am in June. That one timing tip saves more trips than any fancy gear.
Which Route Is Smarter in June: Manali Side or Shimla Side?
This is where most travellers make their first real planning decision. And if you are going in June, the Shimla side wins more often than not.
Why Shimla to Kaza Works Better in June
The Shimla to Kinnaur to Kaza route is near all weather. It does not depend on any high altitude pass being cleared. You drive through Narkanda, Sarahan, Sangla or Kalpa, Nako, Tabo, and then Kaza.
By the time you reach Kaza, you have gained altitude slowly over three or four days. Your body has had time to adjust. That matters more than people realise.
The Manali route, on the other hand, dumps you at 3,900 metres within a day. You cross the Atal Tunnel and suddenly you are in Lahaul with no acclimatisation buffer. Add the Kunzum climb on day two and you are asking for altitude sickness.
The Smart June Loop
What we recommend to most travellers is this. Enter from Shimla, spend your Spiti days in Kaza and its villages, then exit via Kunzum and Manali in the second half of your trip.
By then, Kunzum has settled further, your body has acclimatised, and you get to experience the full Manali to Kaza highway without the early season panic.
If you want a full itinerary built around this logic, our Spiti Valley tour packages are designed with exactly this flow in mind.
For travellers who want to spend more time in Kinnaur before entering Spiti, our Kinnaur tour packages cover the Sangla and Kalpa stretches that make the gradual climb comfortable.
When the Manali Side Makes Sense
If your dates are late June or later and you are experienced with mountain roads, the Manali side is fine. It is shorter, faster, and lets you start from Delhi via Kiratpur and Manali without adding extra travel days.
Just do not make it your default for early June.
Can You Visit Chandratal in June Through Kunzum Pass?
Yes, but with caveats. And the caveats matter.
Chandratal sits 21 km from Kunzum Pass, reached via a narrow diversion road that branches off near Batal. The key thing to understand is that Kunzum opening and Chandratal access are linked but not identical.
When Kunzum opens, the main Manali to Kaza crossing becomes possible. But the side road to Chandratal is a separate clearance operation. It is narrower, rougher, and often one of the last stretches to become fully driveable.
Early June Chandratal Reality
In the first week of June, even if Kunzum is through, the Chandratal diversion might still have snow patches, broken shoulders, or water that has pooled up on the track. Campsites are usually not set up yet.
If you arrive on June 3 expecting to camp by the lake, you are likely to find an empty campsite area, no food stall, and a lake that may still be partially frozen at the edges. Some travellers love this raw version. Most find it stressful.
Mid to Late June
By June 15 onward, most camps are up. The diversion road has seen enough traffic to pack down. The lake is fully unfrozen and looking its early season best with snow still visible on the peaks around it.
This is the realistic window if Chandratal is a must for your June trip.
We have covered the full month by month breakdown in our Chandratal opening dates guide for 2026 if you want the deeper picture.
If you want this sorted with buffer days and a planned Chandratal overnight that matches actual road conditions, our Summer Spiti Circuit with Chandratal is the package we usually recommend for June travellers.
Do You Need Any Permit for Kunzum Pass or Chandratal in June?
This is where travellers get confused, because there are actually two different permit conversations happening.
Entering Spiti Valley
Indian citizens do not need any permit to enter Spiti Valley. You can drive through Kunzum, stay in Kaza, visit any monastery, no paperwork needed.
Foreign tourists entering through the Shimla to Kinnaur route need an Inner Line Permit (ILP) for the protected sections, specifically between Jangi and Sumdo. This is issued in Rekong Peo or Kaza and is straightforward to get.
The Chandratal e-Permit (2024 Onwards)
Separately, the official e-Aagman portal rule requires an e-permit per vehicle for the Atal Tunnel, Rohtang, Koksar, and Chandertal circuit. This applies to all vehicles regardless of nationality.
You apply online before travel. It is quick, free or low cost, and mandatory if you plan to do the Chandratal loop from the Manali side.
Most tourists miss this. They assume no permit needed because no one asks about it in Kaza or Manali, but checkposts on the Manali side do enforce it when active. Better to have it and not need it than the other way around.
What we tell our travellers is to apply for the e-Aagman permit two or three days before departure, save the PDF on your phone, and carry a printout as backup where network fails.
How Far Is Kunzum Pass from Manali, Kaza, and Chandratal?
Numbers first, then the honest bit about timing.
Kunzum Pass to Manali: 122 km. Looks like a four hour drive on paper. In June, realistically, it is seven to nine hours of actual driving time. Google Maps will lie to you here. The Gramphu to Batal stretch alone can eat three hours.
Kunzum Pass to Kaza: 79 km. This one is more honest. In June, expect three to four hours depending on stops and road patches.
Kunzum Pass to Chandratal: 21 km. On paper, a 30 minute diversion. In reality, allow one and a half to two hours each way because the diversion road is slow and the last stretch involves walking.
The Keylong to Kaza corridor as a whole is listed as around 185 km with a drive time of about 6 hours in good conditions. June conditions usually add two to three hours to that.
The takeaway here is simple. Do not plan back to back long drives in June. If you are crossing Kunzum from Manali, plan to overnight at Batal or in Kaza. Trying to do Manali to Kaza in one shot in early June is how people end up driving the last two hours in the dark, which is a bad idea on this road.
Is Kunzum Pass Safe for Families, Older Travellers, and First Timers in June?
Honest answer. Yes, but not every June week and not on every route.
For Families with Kids
Families with children above eight years old can do Kunzum in late June comfortably. First week of June is not the right fit for kids. The road is too rough and the altitude change too sharp.
Choose the Shimla side entry. Break the journey with stops in Kalpa or Nako to let the kids adjust. Keep Chandratal as a day visit rather than an overnight camp. Cold nights at 14,100 feet are hard on children.
For Older Travellers and First Timers
The real issue at Kunzum is altitude. At 14,931 feet, Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) is a real risk, especially if you have come from the plains in a hurry.
We have seen healthy 35 year olds get wrecked by AMS because they drove Manali to Kaza in one shot. Fitness does not protect you. Acclimatisation does.
What we always recommend is this. Spend at least one night in Manali at 2,050 metres. Then ideally one night in Sissu or Keylong around 3,000 metres. Then cross Kunzum the next day. That stepwise climb makes a real difference.
The Honest Warning
Kunzum is not Rohtang. There is no food stall at the top. No medical help. No mobile network in most places. If someone falls sick up there, you descend. That is the only option.
Do not plan Kunzum as a casual day trip from Manali if this is your first time above 12,000 feet. Too many things can go wrong and too little is available to help you.
Is There Food, Network, Fuel, or Stay Near Kunzum Pass?
Short answer, not really. Not at the pass itself.
The pass top has a small temple and prayer flags. That is it. No dhaba, no chai stall, no washroom. You stop, take your photos, touch the temple, and move on.
Where to Stock Up
Coming from Manali, your last proper stops for food and fuel are Keylong and Sissu. Past Sissu, you have small dhabas at Koksar and a couple of very basic tea stalls at Batal. Batal is where most travellers grab chai and maggi before the final climb.
Coming from Kaza side, Losar is your last proper stop. There is a small cluster of dhabas and homestays, a petrol pump, and basic supplies.
Fuel Planning
Fill your tank in Manali or Kaza. There is no fuel between. The petrol pumps at Kaza and Manali are your two anchors. Keylong has fuel too but running into it on empty is risky because stations can close early.
Network
Near zero at the pass itself. BSNL has patchy coverage in some spots on the Kaza side and near Losar. Jio and Airtel go blank well before you reach the top.
Download offline maps. Tell someone your plan. Inform your home contact you will be off grid for 4 to 6 hours.
Stay
There is no hotel at Kunzum. Your stay options are Batal (very basic tent dhabas or Chacha Chachi’s dhaba rooms), Losar (proper homestays and small guest houses), or further afield in Kaza or Keylong.
In our experience, Losar is the most comfortable halt if you are doing a multi day crossing. It splits the drive nicely and has decent food.
The local insider tip we always share is this. The rajma chawal at the dhabas in Losar is genuinely good. Hot, fresh, and cooked on a wood fire most mornings. It is the best meal you will get on this entire stretch in June.
Sample June Itinerary Ideas
Three realistic shapes, depending on your dates and style.
The Shimla Entry Manali Exit Loop (8 to 9 Days, Best for Most Travellers)
This is the one we recommend to families, first timers, and anyone travelling in early or mid June when Kunzum is still settling.
Start from Shimla, stay the first night in Narkanda or Sarahan. Drive to Kalpa the next day and spend a night there at 2,960 metres. Continue to Nako and Tabo, halting in either for a night. Reach Kaza on day five and spend two full days exploring Key, Kibber, Langza, and Hikkim.
On the return, drive from Kaza to Losar, cross Kunzum, and overnight at a Chandratal camp if the diversion is through. Final day, drive from Chandratal area to Manali via Batal and the Atal Tunnel.
This flow acclimatises you perfectly and saves the Kunzum crossing for the second half of the trip, when road conditions are at their best for that year.
The Late June Manali to Kaza Direct Plan (6 to 7 Days)
For late June travellers who are short on days and comfortable with a faster pace.
Day one, Delhi or Chandigarh to Manali. Rest day two in Manali or push to Sissu for a night at 3,100 metres. Day three, Sissu to Batal, stop overnight. Day four, Batal to Chandratal for morning visit, then across Kunzum to Kaza. Two days in Kaza exploring villages. Return via the same route or exit to Manali.
This plan works only if Kunzum and the Chandratal diversion are confirmed fully open and you have a proper SUV.
The Short Chandratal Plus Kunzum Plan (4 to 5 Days, Higher Risk)
For travellers determined to see Chandratal and Kunzum in a short window.
Manali to Sissu day one. Sissu to Chandratal camp day two, crossing early and reaching by afternoon. Day three, visit the lake at sunrise and drive across Kunzum to Losar or Kaza. Day four, explore Kaza briefly. Day five, return to Manali via Kunzum and Atal Tunnel.
Honest warning. This plan compresses a lot and leaves zero buffer. A single landslide, a rough road day, or any altitude issue and the whole plan collapses. Only do this if you are experienced and flexible.
For readers who want a comfortable base in Manali before or after the Kunzum crossing, our Manali tour packages cover stays, transport, and acclimatisation friendly plans.
Final Verdict: Should You Plan Kunzum Pass in June?
Here is the straight answer, by week.
First Week of June
Go only if you are experienced, flexible, and have a 4×4. Avoid if it is your first Himalayan road trip. Chandratal camping is not reliable this week. If you are determined, enter from Shimla side to give yourself a fallback.
Mid June
Reasonable choice. Most roads are workable, some camps are up, weather is stable. Keep one buffer day. A high clearance SUV is still the smart pick.
Late June
The sweet spot for June travel. Kunzum is steady, Chandratal camps are running, weather is the warmest it gets in Spiti summer. This is the version of June we push most of our travellers toward.
The thing most travellers get wrong about Kunzum Pass in June is treating it as a single monthly window. It is not. June 1 and June 25 are two very different trips.
Plan the right week, carry the right gear, build buffer days, and Kunzum becomes one of the most rewarding drives in the country. Skip the planning, show up on June 3 with a sedan and a fixed itinerary, and you will spend the trip fighting the road instead of enjoying it.
Check our Spiti tour packages, browse our popular tours, or contact us and we will put together a plan that actually works for June.
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FAQs
Is Kunzum Pass open in June every year?
Usually yes, but the exact date varies every year based on snowfall and BRO clearance. In some years it opens late May, in others not until mid June. Always verify with the official Lahaul-Spiti road status page before finalising dates.
Is first week of June too early for Kunzum Pass?
For most travellers yes. The road is usually fresh from clearance, water crossings are messy, and camps around Chandratal are often not yet set up. Experienced travellers with 4×4 vehicles can manage, first timers should wait till mid June.
What is the weather at Kunzum Pass in June?
Expect daytime temperatures of 5°C to 15°C and nights near 0°C or just below. Sunny days feel pleasant, but wind chill and altitude make it colder than the numbers suggest. Pack thermal layers, a heavy fleece, and a windproof jacket.
Is there snow at Kunzum Pass in June?
Yes, especially in the first half of June. You will see snow walls on either side of the road, patches on the pass top, and snow on surrounding peaks throughout the month. Late June has less snow on the road itself.
Can a sedan go to Kunzum Pass in June?
Not recommended, especially in early June. The Gramphu to Batal stretch on the Manali side is too rough for low clearance vehicles. Late June with a careful driver is possible on the Kaza side but still risky. A proper SUV is strongly preferred.
How far is Kunzum Pass from Manali?
Kunzum Pass is 122 km from Manali via the Atal Tunnel, Gramphu, and Batal. In June, the drive takes seven to nine hours due to rough road conditions. Do not trust Google Maps timing for this stretch.
How far is Kunzum Pass from Kaza?
Kunzum Pass is 79 km from Kaza via Losar. The drive typically takes three to four hours in June. This side is generally more stable than the Manali approach.
Do I need a permit for Kunzum Pass?
Indian citizens do not need a permit to cross Kunzum Pass or enter Spiti Valley. Foreign tourists entering through Shimla and Kinnaur need an Inner Line Permit for protected sections.
Do I need the Chandratal e-permit if I am crossing this route?
Yes, if you are doing the Atal Tunnel, Rohtang, Koksar, and Chandertal circuit from the Manali side. The e-Aagman portal issues a per vehicle e-permit that is mandatory. Apply online before travel.
Is Chandratal open in June when Kunzum opens?
Not always at the same time. Kunzum opening gives you the main crossing, but the Chandratal diversion road and the camps there can lag by a week or two. Mid to late June is the reliable window for a full Chandratal experience.
Is there network or food at Kunzum Pass?
No dependable network and no food at the pass top itself. Stock up at Sissu, Keylong, or Losar. BSNL has patchy coverage at some points, but do not rely on it.
Which route is better in June: Shimla side or Manali side?
The Shimla to Kaza side is near all weather and better for acclimatisation. The Manali to Kaza route depends on Kunzum clearance and is rougher in early June. Most June travellers enter from Shimla and exit via Manali once Kunzum settles.
Also read: Kunzum Pass in July 2026: Is It Open, Safe, and Worth It?