Planning a visit to Spiti Valley in 2025? Get ready to be blown away, but you may want to de-techify yourself before heading north. You will soon witness the bars drop, your payment app get stuck, and the ATM you hoped could have cash is yet another failed attempt.

To avoid the stress of guessing your level of connectivity above 12,500 feet, you need to know how mobile networks, Wi-Fi, and ATM’s work up there. A little knowledge has the potential to turn a trip into a good experience as opposed to a tribal experience.

This guide has you covered. We will let you know how BSNL and Jio play out in Kaza, where to tap into village Wi-Fi, and where the ATMs actually dispense the goods.

Whether you are solo, working on a Spiti Valley trip, or traveling with friends, you will know what to expect.

Why Mobile Signal, Internet, And Atm’s Are Unreliable In Spiti Valley

Spiti is not your average mountain. You are ascending into a cold desert, at an elevation above 12,500 feet with tiny villages that are a long and wild drive to the rest of the world, and even a bigger leap to anything that resembles a city.

Remote location :  You literally are not going to take out a tower—we’re dealing with slides, snow, and rock and there are storms that are less than accommodating.

Forget 4G:You may get 2 or 3G a couple of times, but don’t even think of streaming, or relying on turn by turn maps on your phone. 

ATMs and the power dance: They work on borrowed power, so when the grid hiccups or a storm rolls through, cash goes on vacation.

When you know precisely where you can get a signal, or withdraw cash – the stress of travel in Spiti is much lessened.

Mobile Coverage in Spiti – Town by Town (2025)   

If you’re wondering what mobile signal will be available in Spiti, here’s what I found:

1. Kaza – Main Hub

BSNL is your sole champion here,  with 2G service. You can place calls and send texts, but don’t expect YouTube.

Jio: It will come and go with a 50% success rate. It is sporadic and erratic for conducting long chats.

Airtel and Vi:  Don’t stand a chance, full drop-out. 

Smart Move: Skip the WhatsApp calling, and just roll with old-school voice calls by BSNL. 

2. Tabo, Dhankar & Pin Valley

BSNL is your only weapon, and it may drop you without warning.

No Jio, Airtel, or Vi.

A few guesthouses have land lines in case of emergency.

In Pin Valley, it was basically like leaving your phone at home. 

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3. Langza, Hikkim & Komic   

Nada. No signal at all.   

In Hikkim, you can mail a postcard from the world’s highest post office—much faster than trying to send a text.   

4. Key Monastery & Kibber   

BSNL might pop up around Key monastery, but don’t count on it.   

Kibber? Forget it. No signal, guaranteed. Perfect for a real-life digital detox.   

5. Losar to Chandratal (Manali Route)   

Past Losar, no signal whatsoever.   

Chandratal, Kunzum La, and Batal are zoned completely offline.

Download offline maps and save your key contacts before you head out.

Wondering if Spiti Valley has decent Wi-Fi? Here’s the deal.

If you’re imagining streaming shows in the hotel-room style as you trek around Spiti, it’s time to readjust your expectations a bit. 

Wi-Fi is basically unicorn-level rare, and if you do find it, the speed probably won’t get you through anything but texts. 

Here’s the breakdown, village-by-village:  

Kaza  

A few hotels, homestays and cafes offer BSNL Wi-Fi that can tolerate the signal. If you’re lucky, it will be fast enough to send a WhatsApp text and maybe scroll through Instagram if you’re willing to wait. You can safely say bye-bye to video calls. 

You will mostly find it in the evenings just as the signal returns for a wee period.  

Tabo & Dhankar  

Some guesthouses offer a hotspot that prefers being offline. It only works on the best of circumstances, when the weather behaves and the electric supply stays on.  

Langza, Hikkim, Komic, Kibber, Key  

Silence. No signal. No Wi-Fi. Locals have landlines and satellite phones. 

Who knows, you may find a host willing to share their personal hotspot, but don’t bank on it.  

Chandratal Route  

Other than the Losar-Chandratal stretch, it’s entire blackout. No Wi-Fi on offer, at all.  

So, download your offline maps, save your bookings on your phone, and write your emergency contacts down before.

If you’re working remotely, just know Spiti isn’t going to play nice with your data plan. Download every file and backup you can in Manali or Shimla, then treat your trip like a digital detox. Spiti’s magic is better when your face isn’t lit up by your phone.  

Are There ATMs in Spiti Valley? Cash Is Still King

Thinking of getting your lunch with a swipe? Not here. You need cash, because out of Kaza, you are relying on luck, and that usually goes fast! 

Kaza Is Your Only Chance

Kaza has two ATMs: one from SBI and the other from UCO. Either machine manages to make sure you’re not feeling lucky; either they run out of money, or just go dark every summer when the rush of tourists comes.

Don’t blink, or the power or the mobile network may disappear, rendering the machines into big, useless hunks of metal.

No Cash Machines, No Cash, No Problem

Forget the villages: Tabo, Dhankar, Hikkim, Langza, Kibber, Key, Losar — nothing. Even if you are getting near to the Chandratal area? Still nada.

Where to Stock Up

If you are coming from Manali on one of the popular Manali trip packages, uplift from any working machine that you see. If you are coming from Kinnaur, stop at Rampur or Reckong Peo—it’s your last chance before a lot of emptiness.

Straight From Locals and Repeat Guests

Best tip? Carry ₹10,000 to ₹15,000 per person if you are here for 6–8 days. Forget the cards; just bring cash.

Break your cash down into smaller notes: ₹100, ₹200, and ₹500. This makes it much easier to pay for everything, especially at the smaller shops and homestays.

Planning to pick up your lunch with a Zomato or Swiggy like you usually do? Not here. You need cash, because outside  

You can forget about your cards and UPI apps once you leave Kaza. Seriously, it won’t work.  

Take all the cash you want or think you’ll need before you go to Spiti. Because once you leave Kaza behind, you cannot count on your phone to help you with purchases. It’s very simple; Spiti works best with cash, a smile, and a lot of trust.  

Must-Know Tips to Stay Digitally and Financially Ready in Spiti Valley  

Spiti is beautiful because it is isolated from the world – which is awesome until you realise there is no signal, wifi is an option where you cannot tell if it’s even going to work, and cash is sometimes a gamble. Do these things to avoid a headache.  

1. Grab a BSNL SIM (Best to choose Postpaid)  

• BSNL is the only carrier that gives you o.k. signal when you need it, especially Kaza and Tabo.  

• Postpaid is always better for tourists; they just work better.  

• Get it activated before you drive to Rampur or Rohtang, as the signal only starts after those towns.

2. Download Stuff to Use Offline  

• Get Google Maps and download the areas you’ll be in.  

• Save things like hotel bookings, copies of your ID, and any permits you need.  

• I like Maps.me for offline navigation too.  

• Don’t forget to save emergency numbers and travel tips as PDFs, just in case.  

3. Let People Know Before You Go Dark  

• Before you lose signal for 3 to 6 days, tell your family or friends when to expect silence.  

• Setting up an auto-reply on email or a WhatsApp status helps, so they don’t freak out when your read receipts go cold.

• At the little STD booths in Kaza you can get a signal for check-ins if you need to.   

4. Bring Enough Cash – Skip the ATMs  

• Pack ₹10,000 to ₹15,000 in cash for each person for the trip.  

• Split the money into small notes since many shops can’t break big ones.  

• After Kaza, ATMs stop working, so don’t count on them.  

5. UPI & Cards – Mostly Useless   

• UPI might work in Kaza if the Wi-Fi cooperates.  

• Everywhere else—homestays, cafés, little shops—wants cash only.  

• Stick a power bank in your bag too. The last thing you want is a dead phone when you need it.  

6. Power Backup & Charging  

• A power bank with at least 10,000 mAh is a must.  

• A solar charger is a lifesaver when the power goes out for hours in the middle of nowhere.  

• In shared homestays, the number of plug sockets is often tiny, so charge your stuff when you can.  

Step 7: Emergency Communication Options in Spiti Valley (2025)  

Loose signal in Spiti and need to contact someone? Here’s what to do to stay safe if the towers are down.

1.Using Landlines in Kaza

Kaza has a working BSNL landline system. Some guesthouses and shops will help you use a line if needed. There are only a handful of STD booths anymore, reflecting the fact that everyone has cell phones, so don’t expect to find one. Your best bet to use the phone would be to ask a guesthouse, café, or the local admin office to use theirs. 

2. Local Homestays Usually Have BSNL Lines 

Most homestays in Kaza, Tabo, and Dhankar still have BSNL landlines. If you need to call`, just ask, and your host will call for you or help you reach emergency services. People in Spiti are friendly and do go out of their way to help a traveller in trouble.

3. Bring a Big Power Bank 

Even with a landline, you will want to keep your phone charged. Blackouts are frequent in villages like Langza and Losar, so pack a 10,000 to 20,000 mAh power bank. Just make sure it’s charged before you leave, especially if you need your phone for maps or e-tickets.

4. Consider Using Solar Chargers: Longer Trips 

If you are backpacking or camping near Chandratal and/or in the Pin Valley, you will likely be without any power points. Portable solar chargers are a good option if you need to power your phone or light your torch. It will charge all day with the sun around, and gives you the option to charge up when there isn’t a power point around.      

5. Kaza Has Limited Medical and Police Services  

Kaza Civil Hospital is the main place for medical support in Spiti. They can handle small injuries and altitude sickness, but that’s about it. If you incur anything serious, you will need to get moving.     

The Kaza police station is there for the purposes of reporting an accident, lost items, or emergencies and hello?    

It is always a good idea to have printed versions of your ID, your plan for travelling throughout the Spiti Valley, where you are going to sleep, and other emergency numbers.      

Keep in mind: don’t rely on your mobile phone to stay connected. Have everything in offline mode and inform your family beforehand so that when they try to reach you, they may be unsuccessful.

Emergency Communication Options in Spiti Valley (2025)

So, your phone is dead, you lost signal, and you need help? Here’s what to do when you’re really far from Tashi and there’s zero bars.  

1. Use the Landline in Kaza  

Kaza currently has a BSNL landline that works when the power is on. There are a few guesthouses and small shops that will allow you to make a call if you explain your issue.    

That’s assuming you can find an STD booth; they mostly disappeared anyway when we all got mobiles. Your best bet is to ask the front desk at your hotel, a cafe or the local Government Office and they should be able to place a call for you.

2. Many Local Homestays Still Use BSNL Landlines

In Kaza, Tabo, Dhankar and other locations, you’ll notice that many homestays still operate with a BSNL landline. If you need to make a call and your mobile won’t work, just ask the host. 

They’ll be happy to dial out for you or help you connect to the closest hospital or ambulance. Everybody in Spiti is super friendly and keen to help someone traveling when in a fix. 

3. Bring Big Power Banks

Now, forget about perfectly reliable power. Places like Langza or Losar see blackouts pretty regularly.  Basically, lugging around a power bank that has at least 10,000 to 20,000mAh domestically is advised.  

If you depend on your phone for maps, tickets or just keeping in touch with your friends back home, a decent power bank is a must! 

4. Solar Chargers Are Smart for Long Treks

If you’re on a multiday trek or camping relatively close to Chandratal or in Pin Valley, you might not see a power socket for days. 

A foldable solar charger can keep your phone, lights, and maybe a small speaker on a thrumming chirp. All you need to do is put it in the sun for a couple of hours and you’ll be back online

5. Basic Services in Kaza

The Kaza Civil Hospital is the largest health facility in Spiti. It can treat small cuts, altitude sickness, and some bumps, but it’s not a full hospital. The police station also appears in Kaza, so if you lose a bag, or are in trouble, it will be your first stop. 

Always print out your ID, travel plan and where you will be staying, and also a list of emergency contact numbers. It takes a little time, but it might make a big difference.

Alerts: If you are on your way to Spiti, do not rely on your mobile signal to be there when you need it. Save everything offline and let your family know they might not see you on their screens for a while.

Summary:  

Spiti is not a destination for digital nomads or anyone with a swipe card. It’s a destination for adventurers who are prepared to travel offline.

Carry cash, use paper maps, and leave your phone on airplane mode most of the time.  

FAQ’s 

1. Does Jio work in Kaza or Spiti Valley?   

Jio might work for a few seconds in Kaza, but you wouldn’t want to count on it for calls or data. BSNL is the only network that shows up – it flickers on and off but is more or less the one you can use.  

2. Can I use Google Maps in Spiti without the internet?   

You can, provided you download the maps first. Grab offline maps in Google Maps or download Maps.me while you’re still in Manali, Shimla, or Kaza, where the connection might let you.  

3. Are there ATMs in Spiti Valley?   

Kaza has two ATMs, and that’s it. They mostly don’t work or are out of cash, thanks to power or network tantrums. Bring cash from Shimla, Manali, or Reckong Peo and assume the ATMs don’t exist.  

4. Is UPI (GPay, PhonePe) accepted in Spiti?   

A few cafés or hotels in Kaza might take it – if the signal is up that day. Everywhere else, you’re out of luck. Stick to cash, it’s the only sure bet.

5. Is there Wi-Fi in Langza, Hikkim, or Kibber?  

Nope. These little villages are so far off the map that there’s no network and no Wi-Fi. You’ll be totally unplugged, which is perfect if you want a break from screens, but not if you’re trying to work online.

6. Can I make emergency calls if I don’t have a phone signal?  

Yep! Just tell your hotel or homestay in towns like Kaza or Tabo, and they’ll let you use their BSNL landline, which usually works. Lots of locals are also happy to help you get connected if you really need to.

7. What is the best SIM card to carry for Spiti in 2025?  

BSNL is your best bet. Get a prepaid or postpaid BSNL SIM card before you come to Spiti and make sure it’s activated at least a day or two in advance so you don’t get stuck.

Also read: How to Plan a Couple’s Spiti Valley Trip from Pune – Romantic & Scenic Ideas