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The Sakya Tangyud monastery in Kaza, red and white under a blue sky

Kaza

Kaza is Spiti’s main town and the sub-divisional headquarters, at about 3,650 m on the Spiti river. It has the valley’s only petrol pump, its hospital, its ATMs and market, and the most reliable phone signal. Key Monastery is about 12–14 km away.

By Chhobyang Singhe · Checked by Divyansh Sood · Last checked

Getting there

Every road in Spiti runs through Kaza. From Shimla it is about 420 km through Kinnaur, a road that stays open most of the year. From Manali it is about 200 km over Kunzum Pass, open from about June to mid-October. See distances to Spiti and whether the roads are open now.

What Kaza has

  • Fuel. The only petrol pump in Spiti.
  • Money. ATMs that can be empty or offline. Carry cash anyway.
  • Signal. The most reliable phone signal in the valley; it gets patchy in the villages.
  • Health. A hospital, but serious care is a long day’s drive away.
  • Food and shops. The valley’s market, cafés and the bus stand for the villages.

Kaza’s own gompa, the Sakya Tangyud monastery, is on the edge of town.

Kaza or Key?

Most travellers sleep in Kaza. It is lower, at about 3,650 m, which helps on the first nights, and everything is on hand. Key village, about 12 km up the road at around 4,000 m, is quieter and closer to Key Monastery, Kibber and Chicham, with darker skies at night. If you come in slowly through Kinnaur, either works. Read about staying in Key village.

Best months for Kaza

Saffron: the easiest months. Best time to visit Spiti · Is Spiti open now?

What you’ll see

The road into Kaza after fresh snow
The road into Kaza after fresh snow
A tempo traveller parked in a Spiti village below snow peaks
A tempo traveller on the road through Spiti
Spiti Villa’s cottages in summer, along a gravel path below bare mountains

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.

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Nearby

Quick answers

How high is Kaza?

About 3,650 m (11,980 ft), on the Spiti river.

Is there a petrol pump in Kaza?

Yes, and it is the only one in Spiti. From Manali there is no fuel for about 200 km, so fill up before you leave.

Are there ATMs in Kaza?

Yes, but they can be empty or offline. Bring enough cash for the trip, and don’t rely on card machines outside Kaza.

Sources

  1. Kaza, Himachal Pradesh, Wikipedia
  2. How to reach Spiti Valley, Himalayan Brothers
  3. Spiti Valley in winter, Himalayan Brothers