If you’re planning a trip to Spiti, there are a few ways to get there depending on your starting point and the time of year. During the summer tourist season, visitors typically take a circular route by entering via one side and exiting via the other. In the winter, the Manali route is closed due to heavy snowfall in the high passes, making it difficult to access Spiti. However, the Shimla route remains open, though it can still be challenging during the winter months.
To reach Spiti by air, the nearest major airport depends on which route you take. If you’re taking the Shimla route, the nearest major airport is Shimla. If you’re taking the Manali route, the nearest major airport is Bhuntar (Kullu-Malani). From either airport, you can take a bus or hire a car to get to Spiti.
To reach Spiti by train, the nearest major rail station is Kalka in the plains, but you can also take the mountain railway (toy train) to Shimla and then look for a bus or cab. If you’re going via Manali, the nearest major station would be Chandigarh.
If you prefer to travel by road, you can take buses from Manali or Shimla to Kaza. However, the Shimla to Kaza route is quite long, so it’s better to stop somewhere in Kinnaur en route. The most affordable way to explore Spiti is with HRTC buses, but keep in mind that buses are limited and may not always run on time. You can also find local buses to many smaller villages from Kaza.
