Shimla to Kaza Taxi via Kinnaur

Shimla to Kaza through Kinnaur is about 420 km, usually driven over 2 days with a night in Kinnaur. It is the road into Spiti that stays open most of the year, and it climbs gradually, which helps you acclimatise. We send an SUV with a local driver.

Distance: ~420 km
Drive time: 2 days
Season: Most of the year
Vehicle: SUV

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Drivers who cross Kunzum and Sach Pass every season
Fixed fare quoted on WhatsApp
Pick-ups from all Himalayan Brothers hotels

Distances are approximate. Fares include fuel and driver. Tolls, parking and state entry taxes are shown separately in your quote.

On the way

Day 1
Rampur
Along the Sutlej into Kinnaur, with lunch at Rampur.
Night halt
Sangla or Kalpa
A night in Kinnaur. Kalpa has views of Kinner Kailash.
Day 2
Nako
A lake village in upper Kinnaur, and a good place to stretch your legs.
Police check
Sumdo
Foreign nationals show their Inner Line Permit here.
3,050 m
Tabo
Tabo Monastery, founded in 996 CE.
~3,650 m
Kaza
Spiti’s main town. Our hotel, Spiti Villa, is near Key Monastery.

Which car for this road

All vehicles

Our pick
SUV
Ertiga, Innova or similar
6–7 seats · 3–4 bags. Families and longer hill drives.
High-clearance SUV
Innova Crysta, Scorpio or similar
6 seats · 4 bags. Spiti, Kunzum and Sach Pass. Needed for high passes.
Tempo Traveller
12 to 17 seats
12–17 seats · Roof carrier. Groups, school trips and family events.

Good to know

Spiti Valley travel guide

Permits
Indian citizens need only photo ID. Foreign nationals need an Inner Line Permit for the Kinnaur stretch; we apply for it as part of your booking.
Altitude
Rest on the day you reach Kaza, drink plenty of water and tell us about any health conditions.
Road closures
Short closures for landslides or heavy snow happen. We keep buffer time in the plan.

Shimla → Kaza via Kinnaur: FAQ

How long does Shimla to Kaza take?

About 420 km, usually 2 days with a night halt in Kinnaur, at Sangla or Kalpa. Some guests add a third day to see Chitkul and Nako slowly.

Is the Shimla–Kaza road open in winter?

Mostly, yes. It is the road into Spiti that stays open most of the year, with short closures for landslides or heavy snow. From November to May it is the only way in.

Do foreigners need a permit for Shimla to Kaza?

Yes. Foreign nationals need an Inner Line Permit for the Kinnaur stretch near the border, checked at Sumdo. Indian citizens need only a valid photo ID.

Read our cancellation policy before you confirm.

Last reviewed 26 October 2026 by the Himalayan Brothers travel desk