Spiti Valley Winter Trek Tour
9 Days
30 Km
15,049 FT
12+
Moderate
The Spiti Valley Winter Trek is a thrilling experience that takes you into the cold desert of Himachal Pradesh during its most extreme and mesmerizing season. This trek offers a rare opportunity to witness frozen rivers, snow-covered monasteries, and rugged mountain landscapes under a thick blanket of snow. With temperatures dropping as low as -20°C, it is one of India's most challenging yet rewarding winter treks. Trekkers can explore ancient monasteries like Key, Tabo, and Dhankar, interact with Spitian villagers, and even spot elusive wildlife like the snow leopard and blue sheep.
Why This Trek?
- Frozen Himalayan Beauty: Experience snow-covered landscapes, frozen rivers, and icy waterfalls.
- Offbeat & Less Crowded: Unlike summer, winter in Spiti offers serene, untouched beauty with fewer tourists.
- Cultural Immersion: Witness the hardy lifestyle of Spitian villagers, stay in local homestays, and explore ancient monasteries.
- Wildlife Spotting: A chance to see rare species like the snow leopard, ibex, and Himalayan wolf in their natural habitat.
- A True Winter Challenge: For adventure seekers, the trek tests endurance and resilience in sub-zero conditions.
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Spiti Valley Winter Trek Tour
Complete Trek Information
The best time for the Spiti Valley Winter Trek is December to March when the region is completely covered in snow. This is the time to experience frozen lakes, winter festivals, and the unique lifestyle of Spiti’s people. However, trekkers should be well-prepared for extreme cold, limited accessibility, and high-altitude challenges. The trek is not possible during heavy snowfall or road blockages, so checking weather conditions before planning is essential.
By Flight
The nearest airport to Shimla is Jubbarhatti Airport (SLV), about 22 km from the city.
However, there are limited flights to this airport.
The better option is to fly to Chandigarh Airport (IXC), which is 113 km from Shimla, and then take a taxi or bus to reach Shimla (about 3–4 hours drive).
By Bus
Shimla is well connected by road to major cities like Delhi, Chandigarh, and Manali.
From Delhi:
Several HRTC, Volvo, and private buses operate from ISBT Kashmiri Gate to Shimla.
The journey takes around 8–9 hours.
From Chandigarh:
Buses are available from ISBT Sector 43 and take 4–5 hours to reach Shimla.
By Train
The nearest major railway station is Kalka Railway Station (KLK), 96 km from Shimla.
From Kalka, you can take the famous Kalka-Shimla Toy Train, a UNESCO World Heritage narrow-gauge railway. The train ride takes around 5–6 hours and offers breathtaking views.
Alternatively, taxis and buses are available from Kalka to Shimla, taking around 3 hours.
Pack smart, trek safe!
Ensure you're prepared for every adventure with this essential checklist of gear and supplies. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned trekker, the right equipment makes all the difference. Download checklist's pdf here
Basic Gear
| Backpack with Rain Cover | (40 - 50 ltr) Comfortable Shoulder Straps |
| Day pack with Rain Cover | 20 - 30 ltr (If off-load opted) |
| Walking stick | Advisable (At least one) |
| Water Bottle / Hydration pack | 2 Bottles(1 liter each), Hydration Pack 1 (Pack) + Bottle |
| Small size tiffin/lunch box | 1 Nos |
| Snacks | Energy bars, dry fruits, electral/ors |
| Personal Medical Kit | Consult your doctor |
Clothing
| T-Shirt (Synthetic quick dry) | 1 Full & 1 Half sleeves |
| Fleece T-shirt | 1 Nos |
| Wind stopper / Fleece jacket | 1 Nos |
| Windproof Jacket | 1 Nos |
| Down feather / Hollow jacket | 1 Nos |
| Thermal inner (Upper and Lower) | 1 Nos |
| Trek Pant (Synthetic quick dry) | 1 Nos |
| Wind stopper / Fleece Pant | Not required |
| Waterproof gloves | Not required |
| Fleece / woollen gloves | 1 Pair |
| Poncho / waterproof Jacket and pant | 1 Nos |
Head Gears
| Head torch | 1 Nos. (Avoid Hand torch) |
| Sun cap | 1 Nos. (One that covers the neck as well) |
| Woolen cap | 1 Nos. |
| Balaclava | Not required |
| Buff / Neck-gaiters | 1 Nos |
| Sunglasses | UV with dark side cover, People who wear spectacles - (A)- Use contact lenses | (B)- Photo chromatic glasses |
Foot Gears
| Trekking shoes | 1 Pair (Waterproof, high ankle with good grip) |
| Floaters / flip-flops | 1 Pair |
| Cotton socks | 6 pairs |
| Woollen socks | 1 pairs |
| Gaiters | 1 Pair (provides when required) |
| Micro spikes | 1 Pair (provides when required) |
Personal Utilities
| Sunscreen cream | 1 Nos |
| Moisturiser | 1 Nos |
| Chap-stick / Lip balm | 1 Nos |
| Toothbrush and toothpaste | 1 Nos |
| Toilet paper & Wipes | 1 Nos |
| Soap / hand sanitizers | 1 Nos |
| Antibacterial powder | 1 Nos |
| Quick dry towel | 1 Nos |
At Scoutripper, we understand that plans can change. You can reschedule your booking up to 24 hours before your experience begins. Changes are subject to availability and any applicable price adjustments. Rest easy knowing your adventure is flexible!
At Scoutripper, we value flexibility but also adhere to clear cancellation guidelines:
- Full Refund: Cancel at least 6 full days before the experience starts.
- 50% Refund: Cancel between 2 and 6 full days before the start time.
- No Refund: Cancellations made less than 2 full days before the experience start time will not be refunded.
Additionally:
- Changes are not accepted less than 2 full days before the experience begins.
- Cut-off times are based on the local time of the experience.
- Some experiences require a minimum number of participants. If the minimum isn’t met, you’ll receive a full refund or the option to reschedule.
Enjoy peace of mind with our clear and transparent policies!
Mobile Network & Internet:
- Limited network connectivity in Spiti Valley during winter.
- BSNL & Jio work best in Kaza, but the signal is weak and unreliable.
- No network beyond Kaza; expect complete disconnection during the trek.
- Wi-Fi is available in a few homestays in Kaza, but it’s slow due to extreme weather.
ATMs & Cash Availability:
- Last ATMs: Shimla, Rampur, and Reckong Peo.
- Kaza has an SBI ATM, but it often runs out of cash in winter.
- Carry at least Rs 5,000–7,000 in cash for expenses, as digital payments may not work.
Electricity & Charging Points:
- Last reliable charging points: Hotels and homestays in Kaza.
- Frequent power cuts due to harsh weather; carry a high-capacity power bank.
- No electricity on the trek, so charge all devices before leaving Kaza.
FAQs about
Spiti Valley Winter Trek Tour
The Spiti Valley Winter Trek is located in Himachal Pradesh, India, in the Trans-Himalayan region. It passes through remote villages like Kaza, Kibber, Hikkim, Langza, and Dhankar, offering stunning views of snow-covered landscapes and ancient monasteries.
This trek is moderate to difficult due to harsh winter conditions, sub-zero temperatures, and high-altitude terrain. Trekkers must be physically fit and mentally prepared for extreme cold and snow-covered paths.
The best time to experience Spiti in winter is from December to February. During these months, the valley is covered in snow, temperatures drop below -20°C, and the landscapes become surreal. However, road access can be challenging due to heavy snowfall.
The trek usually lasts 7-10 days, depending on the itinerary. It involves trekking through remote villages, visiting frozen rivers and monasteries, and spotting wildlife like the elusive Snow Leopard.
Yes, Indian and foreign nationals require an Inner Line Permit (ILP) to visit certain restricted areas in Spiti, especially near the Indo-Tibetan border. Permits can be obtained in Reckong Peo or Kaza.
During winter, trekkers stay in homestays with local families in villages like Kibber and Komic. These homestays provide warm blankets, traditional Spitian food (thukpa, momos, dal-rice), and butter tea to help fight the cold.
Kaza – The largest town in Spiti, known for its monasteries and markets. Kibber & Chicham – Famous for snow leopard spotting. Hikkim – Home to the world’s highest post office. Langza – A picturesque village with a giant Buddha statue. Dhankar Monastery – A stunning monastery perched on a cliff.
Thermal layers, down jackets, gloves, woolen socks, and snow boots. Sunglasses, sunscreen, and moisturizer to protect from high-altitude sunburn. Energy bars, dry fruits, and a thermos for warm drinks. Basic medical kit with altitude sickness medicine.
Via Manali: The Manali-Kaza route is closed in winter due to heavy snow on Rohtang Pass. Via Shimla: The Shimla-Kaza route remains open, but roads can be challenging. The journey takes two days, with an overnight stop at Reckong Peo or Kalpa.
Absolutely! It is one of the most breathtaking and offbeat winter adventures in India. The frozen landscapes, warm hospitality of locals, Buddhist monasteries, and the chance to see rare wildlife like the Snow Leopard make it an unforgettable experience.
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