Imagine celebrating Christmas and New Year amid snow-capped Himalayan mountains, peaceful villages, and starlit skies. This is what a winter trip to Spiti Valley has in store – an extraordinary white festival season unlike anywhere else in India.
The winter experience in Spiti is incredibly different from the busy summer months, the valley is calm, untouched, beautifully scenic and has everything for adventurous travellers seeking something different.
We are a locally-run Spiti expert company who will manage safe and comfortable winter departures. Our tours are small-group and emphasise local stays, expert drivers, and reliable winter-grade vehicles.
In this guide, we’ll share everything you need to save you time and plan your dream winter trip:
- Best routes
- Weather & snow
- Safe itineraries for winter
- Costs and booking advice
- Suggested packing checklist
- Local experiences and safety
What’s Special about Visiting Spiti in December & January?
A true winter wonderland : It’s going to be an absolute winter wonderland! We’re talking snow covering the mountain peaks, the monasteries, and the entire village.
Festive vibe : spend the Christmas & New Year celebrations in the presence of beautiful stars.
There will be fewer tourists — which you can later take a quiet, unintended connection with the valley.
You can expect clear skies — that are an astrophotographer’s dream and will present some breathtaking moonlit landscapes.
Additionally, the weather demands great planning — that’s where you’ll want a trusted local operator to assist you and guide you during winter (like us). Our drivers and heating arrangements are reassuring and provide plenty of backups!
Is Spiti Open in December & New Year?
Yes, Spiti is open!
However, you can only access Spiti via the Shimla–Kinnaur–Spiti route (the route and roads are open most winters).
The route from Manali to Kaza closes during winter due to snow on Rohtang and Kunzum Pass.
Helpful things to note:
- Always plan for one buffer day if the weather gets crazy!
- Call before heading out via the district administration or the PWD road conditions and status.
- Travel with an experienced snow driver during winter.
- Winter in Spiti is only safe with gear and support.
Weather, Temperatures & Snow Conditions
- Spiti experiences an extremely cold winter as a high-altitude cold desert.
- Daytime temperatures are generally between -5°C and -10°C in December and January.
- Nighttime temperatures will fall below -15°C to -25°C, and even lower with strong cold waves.
- Snowfall is common during winter, particularly around Kaza, Kibber, Langza and higher villages where the landscapes are beautifully magical.
- Roads may become slippery or blocked from ice and fresh snow.
- The winds can lower the temperature, thus proper layering is essential to keep warm.
- The water in stays may freeze at night, so you will most likely be provided with hot water in a bucket.
- During colder weather, it is always prudent to have flexibility in travel plans because trips may take longer in winter due to road blocks or mudslides that may occur due to weather.
- Vehicles should be ready for winter travel so heating is good and snow chains are in the vehicle.
- Because the air is generally dry and the oxygen level is lower, it is important to stay hydrated and acclimatise at a distance that is comfortable for you.
Which Route to Take & How to Reach
Recommended Route for Winter
Shimla → Narkanda → Kalpa → Nako → Tabo → Kaza
✔️ All-weather route
✔️ Lower altitude first → better acclimatization
✔️ Regular fuel and ATMs until Kaza
❌ Not for Winter
Manali → Rohtang/Kunzum → Kaza
Closure for heavy snow from Nov to April.
Travel Tips:
- Best starting points are Delhi/Chandigarh
- Best vehicles SUV or 4×4 with experienced Himalayan drivers
- ATMs: amount is limited in Kaza, so carry cash
- Mobile Network: BSNL works best
Permits: Indian nationals do not need permits on the Shimla route.
Ideal Trip Lengths + Sample Itineraries for Winter
Choose your trip based on your holiday time.
6-Day Winter Spiti: Christmas Special
Day 1: Arrive Shimla/Narkanda,
Day 2: Drive to Kalpa – Kinnaur Kailash views
Day 3: Kalpa → Tabo (visit monastery)
Day 4: Tabo → Kaza – acclimatization walk,
Day 5: Key Monastery & Kibber Village
Day 6: return journey, Kaza → Kalpa / Narkanda
7-Day Winter Spiti: New Year Celebration Tour
Day 1: Chandigarh → Narkanda,
Day 2: Narkanda → Kalpa
Day 3: Kalpa → Tabo
Day 4: Tabo → Kaza
Day 5: Langza, Hikkim, Komic (highest post office)
Day 6: New Year Celebration at Kaza 🎉
Day 7: Departure
8-Day Winter Spiti: For Premium Experiences
With more cultural and village-life experiences.
📌 Do you want us to do all the planning?
➡️ Book our Small-Group Winter Spiti Xmas/ New Year Packages.
Accommodations, Meals & Comfort in Winter
What you will experience:
- Warm, heated homestays/guesthouses
- Running water may freeze – hot water will be provided in buckets
- Limited access to electricity during snowfalls
How we provide comfort:
- Heaters will be in all sleeping rooms.
- Plan for alternative stay should a snow storm block the road.
- Healthful hot meals served every day.
Traveling in wintertime is difficult – comfort is important!
Packing List & Smart Tips for Travelling in Winter
Clothing you must pack
- Thermal base layers (2-3 sets)
- Heavy down jacket (full lenght)
- Wool socks & waterproof gloves
- Boots (either snow boots or trekking boots)
- Wool cap + scarf + balaclava
- Sunglasses & snow goggles
Gadgets
- Power banks (2)
- Extra camera batteries (they drain a lot while cold)
Health/Safety
- Stay hydrated – prevents AMS
- Rest upon arrival – do not run/exert yourself
- Carry personal meds + a first-aid kit
Smart Behavior
Get an early start – it is safer to travel during daylight.
Do not take long showers (water freezes!)
Experiences You Can Have (and Not Have)
Safe & Amazing to Do in Winter
- Key & Tabo Monastery
- Drive through snow to Langza–Hikkim–Komic
- Village life and experience the homestay
- Stargazing & take photos of the snow
Not Advisable to Do
- Chandratal Lake (road is closed)
- High passes such as Kunzum are dangerous
- Adventure sports (like rafting)
We include only experiences that are known to be safe in winter and are approved by local people.
Cost, Booking & the Importance of Early Reservation
Christmas & New Year periods are peak demand weeks, but Spiti has limited winter accommodation.
Indicative Cost
For group departures: ₹—₹ per person (twin sharing)
For private SUV transport: will depend on the group size & itinerary
Why bother booking early?
- There will be fewer stays open
- Holiday demand / rush
- It will improve your vehicle selection and room selection
Take action now to secure your Winter Spiti 2025–26 spot!
Responsible & High-Altitude Travel
Spiti is a fragile cold-desert biosphere.
Please:
- Bring back any plastic waste
- Be respectful of monasteries and local customs
- Avoid loud music and disturbing wildlife
We support local families through homestays and tourism for the whole community
FAQs
Will Spiti be open for Christmas & New Year?
Yes. Via Shimla–Kinnaur route. There will be no Manali route at this time.
How cold does Kaza get in December?
Temperatures at night will drop to -15°C to -20° C or colder! Heavy woollens are a must.
Which route (to Spiti) is safe to travel in the winter?
Safe will always be the Shimla–Kinnaur–Spiti route, as it is at a lower altitude and maintained.
Will homestays be open in December–January?
Yes; we will have winter-ready accommodations open, with heating and hot meals.
Do I need a 4×4?
Recommended. You will have better traction on icy roads and you will still need skilled local drivers.
Can I go with small kids?
High elevation + extreme cold weather → check with a doctor first. Your caution is advised.
When do the roads open back up?
Manali route opens by late May or June (weather permitting).
Your Trip At A Glance + What Happens Next
A winter trip to Spiti is not just a vacation; it’s transformational. You will be celebrating festivals in silence amongst the Himalayas, seeing people live in one of the harshest climates in the world, and come back with memories you will never forget.
We are winter experts – local connection and insight, fantastic, safe drivers, a safety-first approach, small premium groups, and unparalleled comfort even in -20°C.
Also read: How to Plan a Winter Spiti Trip in November 2025: Safety, Routes & Tips