# 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

## On the way

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

## Good to know

- **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.

## Frequently asked questions

**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.

## Trips on this road

- [Spiti Circuit: Shimla to Manali](https://www.himalayanbrothers.com/tours/spiti-circuit-shimla-to-manali): Spiti Valley, 7 nights · 8 days, road trip. Route: Sangla, Nako, Tabo, Kaza, Chandratal. Best: Jun – Sep. Kinnaur, Nako, Tabo, Kaza, Key and Chandratal in one loop, with buffer time for the passes.
- [Spiti from Kaza: Monasteries & Villages](https://www.himalayanbrothers.com/tours/spiti-from-kaza-monasteries-villages): Spiti Valley, 4 nights · 5 days, culture. Route: Key, Kibber, Langza, Komic, Dhankar. Best: Jun – Oct. Key, Kibber, Langza, Komic and Dhankar from our own hotel in Kaza.
- [Winter Spiti & Snow Leopard Trail](https://www.himalayanbrothers.com/tours/winter-spiti-snow-leopard-trail): Spiti Valley, 6 nights · 7 days, winter. Route: Kinnaur, Kaza, Kibber. Best: Winter, on request. Spiti in deep winter, through Kinnaur to Kaza and the snow leopard country around Kibber.

Fare: a fixed fare quoted on WhatsApp (+91 76500 90909) before you travel. Distances are approximate. Fares include fuel and driver. Tolls, parking and state entry taxes are shown separately in your quote.

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