How Much Does a Spiti Valley Trip Cost? A Complete Breakdown
Planning a road trip to Spiti valley might seem very easy with Instagram and YouTube showing you so much of the high altitude desert. When it comes to the one big question which is how much does a Spiti valley trip cost ? This is where most people either drop their research and cancel their plan or make it happen by embarking on a journey of a life time to the Middle Kingdom.
Tucked away in the remote folds of the Himalayas, Spiti Valley is more than just a travel destination—it’s a spiritual shift, an adventure into the stark, surreal beauty of India’s cold desert. But before the wanderlust kicks in too deep, one practical question inevitably comes up:
Spiti Valley Trip Cost
How much does a Spiti Valley Trip Cost?
The actual Spiti valley trip cost, depends on 4 factors
- how you want to travel
- Duration of trip
- Number of people in your group
- Places you stay at
Whether you’re a minimalist backpacker, a mid-range comfort seeker, or an explorer hiring private cabs, Spiti accommodates all types of travelers—just not luxury tourism. Below is a full breakdown of the Spiti Valley Trip Cost, including routes, transport, accommodation, food, permits, and other expenses.
1. Route Matters: Manali vs. Shimla Entry
Spiti Valley Trip Cost depends on which route you take with it being accessible by two main routes:
1. Shimla – Reckong Peo – Nako – Kaza (Year-round except deep winter)
- Better for gradual acclimatization
- Longer, scenic, and less risky route
2. Manali – Atal Tunnel – Kunzum Pass – Kaza (Open only June to October)
- Shorter but steeper ascent
- Road conditions rough, especially post-Rohtang
Recommendation: Enter via Shimla and exit via Manali for a full circuit if time and weather permit.
2. Estimated Spiti Valley Trip Cost Overview (7–10 Day Trip)
| Expense Category | Budget (INR) | Mid-Range (INR) |
| Transport (round trip) | ₹8,000–₹12,500 | ₹15,000–₹20,000 |
| Accommodation (per night) | ₹800–₹1300 | ₹1,500–₹2,000 |
| Food (per day) | ₹200–₹400 | ₹500–₹800 |
| Permits & Entry Fees | ₹100–₹300 | ₹100–₹300 |
| Local Transport/Tours | ₹1,000–₹3,000 total | ₹3,000–₹7,000 total |
| Miscellaneous | ₹1,000 | ₹1,500–₹2,000 |
🧾 Total Estimated Cost (7–10 Days):
- Backpacker Budget: ₹18,000–₹23,000
- Comfort Traveler: ₹25,000–₹35,000
3. Transport Costs
A. Public Transport (Budget Option)
- Delhi to Shimla: ₹1000–₹1700 (Volvo Bus)
- Shimla to Reckong Peo/Kaza: ₹500–₹800 (HRTC Bus)
- Kaza to Villages: ₹30–₹200 per leg (local/shared jeeps)
- Return via Manali: ₹1200–₹2,000
Total Public Transport Round Trip: ₹8,000–₹13,500
B. Private Cab (For Group Travel)
- ₹4,000–₹6,000 per day (divided by 4–6 people)
- Full Circuit (8–10 Days): ₹30,000–₹40,000 total
Tip: If you’re not solo, hiring a private vehicle and splitting costs can be economical and time-efficient.
4. Accommodation: Spiti Valley Trip Cost
Budget Travelers
- Dorms/Hostels: ₹300–₹500 per night (in Kaza, Tabo)
- Homestays in Villages: ₹1000–₹1600 with food
Mid-Range Travelers
- Guesthouses: ₹1,000–₹1,800 per night
- Better Homestays: ₹1,200–₹2,000 (includes meals)
Homestays are the most authentic and sustainable option. Plus, nothing beats yak butter tea at 13,000 ft.
5. Food Costs
Local cuisine is simple but hearty.
- Thali (Veg meals): ₹100–₹150
- Tibetan Food (Thukpa, Momos): ₹80–₹150
- Maggi & Tea: ₹30–₹50
- Café Meals (Kaza): ₹200–₹400
Backpacker Budget: ₹200–₹400 per day
Mid-Range Budget: ₹500–₹800 per day
6. Permits & Entry Fees
Most of Spiti does not require permits for Indian citizens. However a forest department fee of ₹150/pp is going to be applied from June 2025.
- Foreign nationals need Inner Line Permits (ILP) for areas like Nako, Tabo, Dhankar. Cost: ₹400–₹600
- Monastery entry fees: ₹20–₹50
7. Local Experiences & Add-Ons
Optional costs for deeper exploration:
- Camping at Chandratal: ₹1,000–₹1,500 (including tent & meals)
- Guided treks or hikes: ₹500–₹1,500 per day
- Bike Rentals (in Manali or Kaza): ₹1,200–₹1,500/day + fuel
- Photography Permits/Fees: Usually not required, but some spots may charge ₹50–₹100
Trip Duration & Cost Planning
| Trip Duration | Budget | Mid-Range |
| 5 Days | ₹16,000–₹19,000 | ₹18,000–₹21,000 |
| 7–8 Days | ₹19,000–₹25,000 | ₹24,000–₹28,000 |
| 10–12 Days | ₹20,000–₹24,000 | ₹29,000–₹35,000+ |
Tips to Save Money on a Spiti Trip
- Travel in a group to split cab costs
- Use public buses and shared taxis
- Stay in village homestays (meals often included)
- Avoid peak season (June–August) for cheaper stays
- Carry a refillable water bottle and water purifying tablets
- Avoid packaged snacks—eat local
Spiti Valley Trip Cost FAQ
What is the cheapest way to travel to Spiti Valley?
Use HRTC buses and shared cabs
Stay in homestays or dorms
Eat local food
Walk a lot
Is Spiti Valley more expensive than Leh Ladakh?
Generally, Spiti Valley is slightly cheaper than Ladakh due to:
Lower permit fees
More affordable local homestays
Fewer high-end tourism services
How much does it cost to rent a bike or taxi in Spiti valley ?
Bike (Kaza or Manali): ₹1,200–₹1,800 per day + fuel
Private cab (with driver): ₹4,000–₹5,000 per day (shared among group)
Is food expensive in Spiti Valley?
No. Local food is simple and budget-friendly:
Veg thali: ₹100–₹150
Momos/Thukpa: ₹80–₹120Café meals (Kaza): ₹200–₹400
How much cash should I carry?
ATMs are limited (mostly in Kaza), and cards are rarely accepted.
Carry ₹8,000–₹15,000 in cash, depending on your duration and travel style.
Break it into small denominations for local purchases.
Can I do a Spiti trip under ₹10,000?
Yes, but only if:
You travel by public buses/shared taxis
Stay in homestays or dorms
Limit extras like bike rentals and guided tours
Stick to 7 days or less
Can I do a solo Spiti valley trip on a budget?
Yes! Many solo travelers explore Spiti independently:
Use buses and stay in village homestays
Expect to spend ₹2,200–₹2,800 per day
Connect with fellow travelers to share transport
How can I reduce Spiti Valley trip costs even further?
Travel in a group (split cab/accommodation)
Camp (Chandratal camps: ₹1300–₹2,200)
Hitchhike (common and safe in Spiti)
Carry snacks, refillable bottle, and a water purifier
🧳 Final Word: Is Spiti Worth the Cost?
Absolutely. Whether you spend ₹10,000 or ₹30,000, what you get from Spiti far outweighs any monetary cost. You pay not just for landscapes, but for stillness, silence, and soul-searching in the purest form.
Spiti doesn’t sell luxury—it gifts perspective.
So budget well, travel light, and let the high Himalayas reshape how you value things—not in currency, but in clarity.
