Kaza, Spiti Valley: How To Reach, Best Time & Tips

INR ₹

Kaza Overview

Nestled in one corner of the beautiful Indian state of Himachal Pradesh, Kaza happens to be a tranquil and serene destination in Spiti Valley. Packed with majestic snow-covered mountains, bubbling rivers, picturesque landscape, and shimmering streams, this dreamy place is no less than a paradise on earth.

The entire town of Kaza is categorized into 2 parts – New Kaza and Old Kaza. While the former accommodates the king’s palace, the latter is home to government offices. The presence of historical wonders, monasteries, and gompas adds a sense of magic to this charming town. At present day, the Himalayan town of Kaza features an exotic amalgam of ancient culture and modernity that is sure to leave every traveler totally awestruck and spellbound.

The pristine locales and mountainous terrain of Kaza lure tourists who are interested in experiencing spirituality as well as adventurous activities. The place even forms a base camp from where travelers can venture to experience activities such as mountaineering and trekking. Some well-known trails that start from the town of Kaza include Pin-Bhaba, Parang-La, and Pin-Parvati. In addition to trying adventure sports and visiting various Buddhist shrines, tourists flocking here also like to take a walk to the small villages nearby Kaza town, which offers an exciting and unique experience.

One can access Kaza from Lahaul Valley and Kinnaur Valley. While the latter route stays open all year round, the former route only opens during the summer season. Winter season in this destination comes with extremely low temperatures that make the weather of the town immensely cold. During this time, the locals prefer staying indoors and only venture out in case of absolute urgency. They always keep food supplies stocked up for this time of the year and utilize the whole time indoors by producing handicrafts.

The town of Kaza is blessed with a plethora of decent accommodation facilities and food outlets, helping tourists in having a comfortable vacation. All the elements put together, make tourism flourish in this small Himalayan destination.

How To Reach

By Road

The town of Kaza is connected conveniently to all the major parts of the country by roadways. Regular government buses frequent to and from Kaza. Two daily buses run from Shimla to Kaza with one leaving at dawn and the other leaving at dusk. Two HRTC daily buses are also available from Manali to Kaza and both of them generally leave early in the morning.

By Air

Unfortunately, there isn’t any direct flight service to the city. The nearest airport to Kaza is Bhuntar airport located at a distance of around 250 kilometers from the town. Once you land at this airport, you can take a bus to reach Kaza.

By Rail

No direct train is available to Kaza from other parts of the country. The closest railway station to the town is at a distance of 365 kilometers, in Joginder Nagar. After reaching here, you can catch a bus to arrive at Kaza.

Best Time To Visit

The best time to visit the Himalayan town of Kaza is between the months of June and October. During this time Manali, as well as Shimla routes, remain open for travelers to reach Kaza conveniently. In addition, the Kunzum Pass also remains open during these months.

Tourists also prefer visiting the cold desert of Kaza during the winter months of November to February. During this time travelers can take the Shimla route to reach the town as this route remains open throughout the year.

Other Essential Information

Distance from Spiti: Kaza is located at a short distance of around 5.5 kilometers from Spiti Valley and it hardly takes 10-15 minutes to reach the place from here.

Distance from Manali: Kaza is situated at an approximate distance of about 202 kilometers from Manali and it generally takes around 6 hours to reach the Kaza from Manali.

Distance from Shimla: Kaza lies at an approximate distance of about 407 kilometers from Shimla and it generally takes around 12 hours to reach the Kaza from Shimla.

Mobile Connectivity: One can only get a cellular network of BSNL in Kaza, which usually remains very weak.

Places to Eat in Kaza

1. Sol Café

Located in the Kaza Main Market, Sol Café happens to be a popular vegetarian and vegan-friendly food joint in town. Boasting a nice and cozy ambiance, this café welcomes both tourists and locals for breakfast, brunch, and evening snacks. Specializing in handmade chocolates, ice-cream, chocolate cakes, and umpteen varieties of sandwiches, Sol Café is an ideal destination for a perfect hangout.

2. The Himalayan Café

Lying in the Main Market of Kaza town, The Himalayan Café is a well-known place to eat in the state. Specializing in Chinese and Asian cuisine, the café is known for its delicious local delicacies and quick service. Welcoming people for breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner, this place also allows guests to read books and indulge in various fun activities.

3. Taste of Spiti

Specializing in Italian, Tibetan, and Indian cuisines, Taste of Spiti invites locals as well as tourists for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. This food joint is a famous place to relish the local delicacies of the Spiti Valley and Himachal Pradesh as a whole. The most preferred delicacies to try at Taste of Spiti include sandwiches, Himalayan burgers, and Spitian pasta.

4. Hotel Deyzor

Hotel Deyzor is a popular name in the Spiti Valley when it comes to a decent place to try good food. Offering a widespread vegetarian-friendly menu, this food joint invites people mainly for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Known for its excellent hospitality and wonderful décor, Hotel Deyzor is the most ideal stop for delectable food in Kaza.

5. Tara Travelers Café

Located in Pin Valley, Tara Traveler Café specializes in Chinese, Asian, Tibetan, and Indian cuisines. Known for its budget-friendly menu, this food outlet gets a heavy influx of locals and tourists for breakfast, brunch, lunch, dinner, and drinks. Tara Travelers Café boasts a clean atmosphere, mesmerizing valley view, and of course good food.

Places to Stay in Kaza

1. Winter White Guest House

Situated amidst the mesmerizing surroundings of the town of Kaza, Winter White Guest House provides everything that a traveler is likely to seek. The guest house flaunts well ventilated and comfortable rooms, amazing views, an in-inhouse restaurant, free wi-fi, 24*7 cold & hot water, and unmatched hospitality. This kids-friendly accommodation facility also welcomes pets.

Cost: Rooms at Winter White Guest House generally start from INR 2,800 per night.

2. Nyingma House

Featuring a cozy in-house restaurant and free wi-fi, Nyingma House provides an amazingly comfortable accommodation facility in the Himalayan town of Kaza. Some of the attractive amenities of this hotel include a free parking facility, rental bicycles, and rental ski equipment to enjoy skiing.

Cost: Nyingma House has spacious and well-equipped family rooms starting from INR 1800 per night.

3. Wanderer’s Nest

Wanderer’s Nest is one of the most preferred places to accommodate during a trip to Kaza town. This accommodation facility boasts all the basic amenities including a decent in-house restaurant, a spectacular garden, a breezy terrace, and a shared lounge.

Cost: A stay at Wanderer’s Stay generally starts from INR 600 per night.

4. Spiti Sojourn

Spiti Sojourn has gained a lot of popularity among tourists in recent years for its outstanding hospitality and comfortable rooms. This well-equipped homestay features a shared lounge and an in-house restaurant serving lip-smacking English, Irish, and Continental delicacies. Spiti Sojourn welcomes families, friends, and couples for a pleasant and memorable stay during their vacation in Kaza.

Cost: A stay at this homestay usually starts from INR 1,000 per night.

5. Moustache Hostel Kaza

Moustache Hostel Kaza is one of the highly recommended and budget-friendly accommodation options in the town of Kaza. Packed with all the facilities to allow guests to enjoy a riverside stroll, experience stargazing, and indulge in bonfire and leisure activities, this accommodation facility assures travelers an unforgettable stay.

Cost: A stay at Moustache Hotel Kaza generally starts from as low as INR 765 per night.

Tips for Visiting Kaza

1. There is no internet connectivity in Kaza. If you want a cellular network, you have to use a BSNL SIM only.

2. Consider carrying warm clothes along with you as the climate of Kaza is generally very cold.

3. As getting an ATM at Kaza can be very difficult, it is always advisable to carry enough cash.

4. As food and water are not available everywhere in Kaza, you may consider carrying some snacks and sufficient drinking water.

5. Never miss out on relishing the local dishes like chicken, pork, and mutton momos, Tibetan bread, and thukpa.

6. If you are taking your personal vehicle to Kaza, you must have sufficient petrol in stock. It is also advisable to carry RC, vehicle insurance, and pollution certificate.

Kaza Ticketing Option

9 days & 8 nights

4.8

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Manali to Spiti | FREE Langza Excursion

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Tourism Board Alliances

Kaza FAQs

Do We Require A Permit to Enter KAZA?

While a permit is mandatory for the foreign nationals to visit the town of Kaza, Indians need to apply only for Rohtang Pass permit.

Is it safe for females who are traveling solo?

Yes, going on a solo trip to the Himalayan town of Kaza is absolutely safe for young women. The place has a good number of very decent hotels, homestays, and lodges that offer comfortable and safe accommodation facilities to tourists. Furthermore, the locals of the place are very accommodating and are always ready to help female travelers whenever and wherever safety comes into the picture.

What sort of clothes should I have for the trip?

The sort of clothes you need to carry for your trip depends on the season during which you are planning to head to Kaza. If you are planning to go on a trip to the town of Kaza during the summer months of March to May, consider carrying light woolen attires.

However, if you are going to the place during the winter months of October to February, you need to carry proper winter clothes to protect yourself from extremely chilly temperatures. Although tourism is limited during the rainy months of July to September, yet some travelers do pay a visit to Kaza at this time. If you are traveling to the town during the monsoons, you should consider packing some light woolen and waterproof garments for your Kaza trip.

What all documents I must carry for a Kaza Trip?

Here are the essential documents every tourist traveling to Kaza is expected to carry:

-Permit for Rohtang Pass

-Car/bike RC

-Vehicle insurance and pollution documents

-Government identity proof (Aadhar Card, Pan Card, Driving License)

-3 passport-size photographs

-A copy of the passport

-Your detailed itinerary

Which are the best places to experience the local cuisine in Kaza?

When in the town of Kaza, you can relish the local delicacies of the place at:

-Park View Restaurant

-Sol Café

-Sachin Kunga Restaurant

-The Himalayan Café

-Hotel Deyzor

-Taste of Spiti

-Café Zomsa

How is Kaza for Honeymoon couples?

Kaza is an amazing destination for honeymooning. The newlyweds will love to hold hands and venture into this incredibly beautiful hilly town lying on the Spiti Valley. The couples can either enjoy a laid back holiday or try out many adventure activities like trekking. The serenity in the environment coupled with the uncluttered natural scenic beauty of the place can offer the honeymooners a unique place to romance and experience a totally different flavor of life. They can indulge in hours of photography and can take home a plethora of unforgettable moments of love.

In addition, the availability of good accommodation facilities in and around the town of Kaza makes the place an even more preferable destination for honeymoon tours.

What is the height of Kaza?

The Himalayan town of Kaza is located at a height of around 12,500 feet above sea level.

Are there ATM’s in Kaza? Can I swipe my card at hotels?

Yes, fortunately enough, there are a few ATMs in the town of Kaza. That being said, however, as the place is considered to be a remote area even today, you cannot be really sure about cash availability in the ATMs. Hence, it is always advisable to carry a good amount of cash on your trip to Kaza. There are a good number of decent hotels and homestays in and around Kaza town that probably allow card payment for accommodation and food. However, payment failures may occur at times due to poor internet connectivity.

Is Manali to Kaza route open?

No. Manali to Kaza route remains closed from November to May as it gets blocked with snow and becomes totally inaccessible during this time. The 202 kilometers long route from Manali to Kaza generally opens up in the month of June after the snow gets cleared.

Is Kunzum Pass open now?

Kunzum pass remains closed for tourists during the winter season due to heavy snowfall, which blocks the road and makes it difficult to traverse through the route. In general, Kunzum Pass opens up for tourists by the 2nd week of the month of June.

Kaza Reviews

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Apratim Dev

Reviewed: 03 Jul 2022

4.0/5

Booked:Manali to Spiti | FREE Langza Excursion

Driver was good and knew all the places quite well. Car provided was Mahindra Xylo which was pretty suitable for off roading. Coming to the stays, Mountain Green Villa at Manali was ok, but could have been better. Norboling Guest House at Kaza was excellent. The host there was so kind and generous a... Read More

(3+)View All

Adhrit Kaul

Reviewed: 09 Jan 2020

5.0/5

Booked:Chandigarh To Spiti Bike Expedition | Royal Enfield Special

What an amazing tour it was, completely adventurous and thrilling. Undoubtedly, Spiti is one of the best places to visit in India and the "bike trip" here is specially recommended. The accommodation was really clean and the staff is also very helpful, everything was really well managed, all our need... Read More

Heema Ganaka

Reviewed: 09 Jan 2020

5.0/5

Booked:Manali to Spiti | FREE Langza Excursion

What a Fantastic trip it was!!! One of the best bonfire I ever witnessed at the riverside in my life. The stay at the hotel of Kaza was quite good and the most comfortable one. the snowy experience was an absolute full of fun and blast. this tour I can surely recommend it to my friends and everyone.

Rajan Ahuja

Reviewed: 09 Jan 2020

5.0/5

Booked:Chandigarh To Spiti Bike Expedition | Royal Enfield Special

In love with Spiti, the place is so beautiful that I never wanted to come back from there. It was one of the best trips of my life and I really wanted to visit it at least once again in my lifetime. The tour was very nicely managed and operated, everything went really smooth. Thank you Thrillophilia... Read More

Aagam Panicker

Reviewed: 02 Jan 2020

5.0/5

Booked:Chandigarh To Spiti Bike Expedition | Royal Enfield Special

Spiti was always in my bucket list when I got to know about this amazing tour of 9 days I had booked this for me and my friends. We were a group of 5 people and we all really had a great time there. All the things promised were provided to us. The guide was amazing and he was full of enthusiasm, the... Read More

Suma Kaniyar

Reviewed: 04 Jan 2020

5.0/5

Booked:Chandigarh To Spiti Bike Expedition | Royal Enfield Special

Started the tour from Chandigarh and ended at Chandigarh. What an unforgettable experience it was. It was one of the most amazing rides of my life. I was solo with a group of 2-3 people and during our journey to Spiti I have seen many trails covered with snow and also I had experienced Stargazing a... Read More