Shimla to Spiti
Shimla to Kaza is about 420 km through Kinnaur, along the Sutlej past Rampur, Reckong Peo, Nako and Tabo. It is the road into Spiti that stays open most of the year, and it is best split over two or three days, which also helps your body adjust to the altitude.
The road, stop by stop
| From Kaza | Stop |
|---|---|
| ~355 km | Narkanda |
| ~295 km | Rampur |
| ~285 km | Sarahan (side road) |
| ~235 km | Sangla (side road) |
| ~210 km | Reckong Peo |
| ~145 km | Pooh |
| ~110 km | Nako (7 km side road) |
| ~80 km | Sumdo: enter Spiti |
| ~48 km | Tabo |
| 0 | Kaza |
Where to sleep
Two or three nights on the way: around Sarahan or Sangla, then Nako or Tabo, then Kaza or Key. Each night is a little higher than the last, which is the best way to acclimatise. Spiti Villa in Key is about 12 km beyond Kaza.
Permits and checks
Indian citizens need only a photo ID; police check posts note who comes in at Sumdo. Foreign nationals need a Protected Area Permit for the border stretch from Pooh to Sumdo. Every vehicle needs an e-Aagman pass for Lahaul and Spiti.
Before you go
The Kinnaur road is narrow and runs along drops; in the monsoon, rain sends stones and mud onto it. Never drive after dark, and keep a spare day. Check Is Spiti open? for the latest report.
Quick answers
How far is Kaza from Shimla?
About 420 km through Kinnaur. The district puts it at around 20 hours of driving, so split it over two or three days.
Is the Shimla to Kaza road open in winter?
Yes, most of the time. It is the only way into Spiti in winter, kept open by BRO, but snow, ice or a landslide can close it for a day or several.
Is there a bus from Shimla to Kaza?
Take the HRTC bus from Shimla to Reckong Peo, stay the night, then the early-morning bus from Reckong Peo to Kaza, which takes most of the day. Timings change; check at the bus stand the day before.
Sources
- Road distances from OpenStreetMap, routed with OSRM, checked 14 November 2026
- How to reach Spiti Valley, Himalayan Brothers
- Spiti Valley permits, Himalayan Brothers
From our door
Spiti Villa is on Kibber Village Road, just below Key Monastery and 12 km from Kaza: 32 rooms, a glass-walled restaurant, and oxygen on site if the altitude catches up with you. Open all year.