Conquer the legendary Spiti Valley highway — over Rohtang Pass & Kunzum Pass
All vehicles are AC, GPS-enabled, well-maintained and suited for high-altitude mountain terrain
Everything you need to know about the high-altitude road journey from Manali to Kaza via Spiti Valley
We believe in complete transparency — here's exactly what your booking covers
All fuel costs for the complete one-way journey from Manali to Kaza are included.
✅ IncludedProfessional, police-verified driver experienced on the challenging Spiti Valley mountain circuit.
✅ IncludedWorking AC in all vehicles. Note: AC may be turned off at very high altitudes to protect the engine.
✅ IncludedReal-time GPS tracking on all vehicles for your safety throughout the mountain journey.
✅ IncludedAll vehicles carry valid commercial insurance and fitness certificates suitable for mountain terrain.
✅ IncludedOur team assists with the Rohtang Pass e-permit process. Permit fee (~₹500) is paid extra by passenger.
❌ Fee ExtraToll charges and parking at tourist stops along the route are paid extra by the passenger.
❌ ExtraBasic first aid kit carried by driver on all high-altitude Spiti Valley routes for emergencies.
✅ IncludedEverything you need to know before booking your Manali to Kaza taxi
The Manali to Kaza road journey is one of the most spectacular and challenging drives in the entire Himalayan region. Crossing two of the highest motorable passes in the world — Rohtang Pass (3,978 m) and Kunzum Pass (4,590 m) — the route traverses some of the most dramatic and remote landscapes on Earth, from the lush green Kullu Valley through the barren, lunar-like terrain of the Lahaul and Spiti districts. Hire Himachal Cab's Manali to Kaza taxi service is operated by drivers who know every bend on this extraordinary mountain highway, with well-maintained SUVs and Innova Crystas built for this terrain.
The road distance from Manali to Kaza is approximately 200 km but the journey takes 7 to 9 hours due to the challenging mountain terrain, high-altitude passes, unpaved sections, and the mandatory permit stop at Rohtang. The route is open only from approximately June to October each year — Rohtang and Kunzum passes remain snowbound and closed for the rest of the year.
Hire Himachal Cab is a Himachal Pradesh-based cab service with deep local expertise on the Spiti Valley corridor. Our drivers are fully experienced on the Manali–Rohtang–Kunzum–Kaza route and carry first aid kits as standard on all Spiti trips. We assist with the Rohtang Pass e-permit process and can arrange stops at Chandra Tal Lake or Gramphu for those who wish to explore. Book by calling +91-6230261947 or WhatsApp for instant confirmation.
From Manali, the route heads north on NH3 climbing steeply to Rohtang Pass (~51 km from Manali). At Rohtang, vehicles must present the e-permit for onward travel. From Rohtang, the road descends into the Lahaul Valley — a dramatically different high-altitude cold desert landscape — following the Chandra River. At Gramphu, a fork leads left toward the Chandra Tal Lake trek. Continuing straight, the road passes Batal (a popular overnight camping halt) before the final steep ascent to Kunzum Pass at 4,590 m — the gateway into Spiti Valley. From Kunzum, the route descends dramatically into the Spiti Valley, passing through the villages of Losar and Rangrik before arriving in Kaza.
Chandra Tal (Moon Lake) is one of the highest and most beautiful lakes in the Himalayas, located at 4,300 m and roughly 14 km from the main Manali–Kaza highway, accessible via a rough track from Batal. The pristine crescent-shaped lake with its turquoise waters and surrounding snow peaks is a breathtaking spectacle. A Chandra Tal detour adds approximately 2–3 hours to the journey. Inform our team at booking and we will plan the stop accordingly. Note: vehicles cannot drive all the way to the lake — the last ~1.5 km is on foot.
A Rohtang Pass e-permit is mandatory for all vehicles (Indian and foreign-registered) crossing Rohtang Pass beyond Marhi. The permit is issued by the Himachal Pradesh government online (himachalpolice.gov.in or the official portal). Only a limited number of vehicles are permitted per day. Permits should be booked 1–2 days in advance. Our team assists with the permit process — contact us when booking. The permit fee (~₹500 for non-commercial vehicles) is paid by the passenger.
Most travellers visiting Spiti Valley plan a circuit: Manali to Kaza via Rohtang (as above), then Kaza to Shimla via Nako, Tabo, Spiti Valley and Kinnaur, returning to Delhi from Shimla. Hire Himachal Cab can serve the complete Spiti circuit as a single booking — Manali to Kaza (₹4,500), Kaza to Shimla (₹5,200), and Shimla to Delhi (₹3,400). Ask for a full circuit quote when booking for the best rates.
The Manali–Kaza highway via Rohtang and Kunzum is open from approximately mid-June to mid-October. The best months are July, August, and September when the passes are reliably open and the weather is most stable. July and August also coincide with the monsoon season in most of India, but Spiti — being in the rain shadow of the Himalayas — sees very little rainfall. Early June and late October carry the risk of sudden snowfall and pass closure. Always confirm current road status before travel by contacting us at +91-6230261947.
Call +91-6230261947 or WhatsApp with your Manali hotel or pickup address, travel date and time, number of passengers, vehicle preference, and any planned stops (Chandra Tal / Rohtang). We confirm instantly and share driver details before departure. We also assist with Rohtang Pass permit booking. For complete Spiti circuit bookings, contact us for customised packages.
Essential advice for a safe and memorable Spiti Valley road trip
This is non-negotiable. Rohtang Pass can get congested by 9 AM and road conditions in the afternoon can deteriorate. An early departure ensures you cross both passes before afternoon weather changes. Ask your driver to be at your hotel by 5 AM.
Rohtang Pass permits are limited to a fixed number of vehicles per day and must be booked online in advance. Don't rely on getting a same-day permit. Our team assists with this process — contact us when booking so we can arrange it for your travel date.
If you've just arrived in Manali from the plains, spend at least one night acclimatising before tackling this high-altitude route. Altitude sickness is a real risk above 3,500 m. Carry Diamox if your doctor recommends it, stay hydrated, and avoid alcohol the night before.
The Moon Lake near Batal is one of the most beautiful high-altitude lakes in the Himalayas. The detour adds 2–3 hours but is absolutely worth it. The last 1.5 km requires walking. Tell us at booking time if you'd like this stop included.
There are no reliable ATMs between Manali and Kaza, and mobile network coverage is very limited throughout Lahaul and Spiti. Carry sufficient cash for tolls, meals, permits, and emergencies. Kaza has a few ATMs but they frequently run out of cash in peak season.
Even in July and August, temperatures at Rohtang Pass (3,978 m) and Kunzum Pass (4,590 m) can drop to 5–10°C with wind chill. Carry a heavy jacket, gloves, and warm socks regardless of the weather in Manali when you depart. Pack these in your day bag, not in the boot.
Make the most of your Spiti Valley visit — our drivers know all the hidden gems
12th-century Tibetan Buddhist monastery perched at 4,166 m — the crown jewel of Spiti Valley.
Stunning crescent-shaped lake at 4,300 m — one of the highest and most beautiful lakes in the Himalayas.
At 4,590 m, the dramatic gateway into Spiti — with a famous temple and panoramic views of the Chandra valley.
Over 1,000 years old — the "Ajanta of the Himalayas" with extraordinary ancient murals and scriptures.
Dramatically perched cliff-top fort and emerald lake above the Spiti-Pin river confluence.
Ancient high-altitude villages with giant Buddha statues, fossil hunting, and stargazing opportunities.
Common questions about Manali to Kaza cab booking with Hire Himachal Cab
Real reviews from verified customers who travelled Manali to Kaza with us
"Booked the complete Spiti circuit — Manali to Kaza via Rohtang. Our driver knew every turn on this incredible route and organised the Rohtang permit process completely. He stopped at Chandra Tal for us and even pointed out the best viewpoints along Spiti Valley. Extraordinary journey. Highly recommend Hire Himachal Cab!"
"Solo backpacker, first time in Spiti. The driver arrived at my Manali hotel at 5:30 AM sharp, the Innova Crysta was spotless and fully fuelled. He explained the permit situation, handled Rohtang smoothly, and we reached Kaza by 3 PM. Felt completely safe throughout this challenging mountain route. Will book again for Kaza to Shimla leg."
"Group of 6 from Pune — booked an Innova Crysta for the Manali to Kaza leg. The driver was superb on the challenging Rohtang and Kunzum stretch. Stopped at Kunzum for the temple puja. Fare was exactly as quoted — no surprises. For Spiti Valley, Hire Himachal Cab is the right choice."
Explore more intercity routes covered by Hire Himachal Cab